Vibration generator that moves a vibrator by means of a magnetic field generated by coils, and a mounting bracket for use in the vibration generator mounted on the vibrator.

Abstract

Vibration generator comprehensive: a frame (20); a vibrator (80); a holder (50) which holds the vibrator (80) so as to be deflectable with respect to the frame (20), wherein the holder (50) includes a retaining element (55) holding the vibrator (80), a fastening element (51) attached to the frame (20), and an arm (53) connecting the retaining element (55) and the fastening element, and wherein the arm (53) and the retaining element (55) are made of an elastic material, a claw (22, 23) is provided on a side surface of the frame (20), the claw (22, 23) is formed from a part of the side surface of the frame (20), and the fastening element (51) and the claw (22, 23) interlock.

Description

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-8961, filed with the Japan Patent Office on January 22, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a vibration generator, particularly to a vibration generator that moves a vibrator by means of current flow through a coil to generate vibration. State of the art

[0003] As a vibration generator that moves a vibrator to generate vibrations, various types of vibration generators are used. These have an arrangement in which a vibrator including a magnetic weight is supported by a chassis with a leaf spring in between. This vibration generator includes a coil arranged beneath the magnet and opposite it. The vibrator moves under the deformation of the spring and in conjunction with the generation of a magnetic field induced by an electric current flowing through the coil.

[0004] Document 1 discloses a vibration generator having an arrangement in which a vibrating element containing the magnet is held by a plate spring. In the vibration generator, a plate-shaped coil is arranged opposite the magnet of the vibrating element. One end of the plate spring is fixed to the chassis with a screw. The other end of the plate spring is fixed to a weight of the vibrating element by caulking.

[0005] Document 2 discloses a vibration generator in which the magnet is attached to a movable block and the coil is wound around a rod-shaped yoke body arranged along the magnet. In the vibration generator, a spring member supporting the movable block, a peripheral member of the frame, and the like are integrally molded using synthetic resin. [Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication JP 2003- 24 871 A [Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication JP 2010- 94 567 A

[0006] US 2012 / 0 313 459 A1 describes a vibration generator in which a vibrator is connected to a housing via spring elements, whereby the spring elements enclose individual, laterally protruding parts of the vibrator.

[0007] US 2012 / 0 104 875 A1 discloses a vibration generator comprising a vibrator with downwardly projecting regions which are connected via side surfaces to spring elements and via the latter to a housing.

[0008] US 2011 / 0 101 797 A1 describes a vibration motor comprising a base, a vibrator, and a leaf spring with an elastic part, wherein the leaf spring is connected to a coupling part on the base or the vibrator. Furthermore, US 2003 / 0 169 895 A1 discloses an electromechanical acoustic converter comprising a suspension supporting a movable part and a frame supporting a diaphragm and the suspension.

[0009] The vibration generator disclosed in Document 1 supports the vibrator with a leaf spring fixed to the chassis. Therefore, the mounting arrangement of a fastener for fixing the leaf spring to the chassis is complicated. Specifically, in the vibration generator disclosed in Document 1, the leaf spring is fixed to the chassis with a screw. Therefore, the assembly steps of the vibration generator are complicated, the number of parts increases, and the manufacturing cost of the vibration generator increases.

[0010] This problem is becoming more and more important as the demand for a smaller and thinner vibration generator increases. Therefore, when a vibration generator is smaller, the components of the vibration generator are also smaller, which is why another fastening method such as spot welding is necessary instead of screws or clamps. This complicates the fastening arrangement of a fastener for connecting components together. For example, if spot welding is performed on the fastener that attaches the leaf spring to the chassis, the fastener should be welded in multiple places in order to achieve high reliability of the vibration generator, which increases time and labor. This is because the areas where spot welding is performed are relatively sensitive to impact loads.

[0011] Furthermore, the vibration generator must be resistant to failure and have high operational reliability. In this vibration generator, to generate strong vibrations with high efficiency and at the same time, a thinner design is desirable, with the gap between the coil and the vibrator, which contains the magnet, as thin as possible. However, if the gap is made narrower, there is the problem that the vibrator easily comes into contact with the coil or the like when the vibrator oscillates up and down.

[0012] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a vibrator-mounted bracket and a vibration generator which can be easily assembled, can be manufactured at low cost, and have high operational reliability. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a vibration generator having the features of claim 1 and a vibration generator having the features of claim 2. Exemplary embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0014] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, according to one example, a vibrator-mounted bracket is provided, which is mounted on a chassis of a vibration generator designed to generate vibrations by moving the vibrator, wherein the vibrator includes a plate-shaped magnet arranged parallel to a horizontal surface and a yoke arranged on the magnet, wherein the vibrator-mounted bracket comprises: a vibrator retaining member that holds the vibrator, a fixing member that is fixed to the chassis, and an arm that connects the vibrator retaining member and the fixing member and holds the vibrator retaining member in such a way that the vibrator retaining member is deflectable with respect to the fixing member, wherein the yoke includes a projecting portion that projects downwards,the protruding portion is embedded in the vibrator retaining element, and the arm is connected to a portion of the vibrator retaining element in which the protruding portion is arranged.

[0015] According to a further example, a vibration generator is provided which includes a chassis, the bracket attached to a vibrator as described above, wherein the bracket attached to the vibrator holds the vibrator in a manner that the vibrator is deflectable with respect to the chassis, and a coil for generating a magnetic field for changing the position and / or attitude of the vibrator with respect to the chassis, wherein the bracket attached to the vibrator is connected to the chassis in a state in which the arm changes from its normal state to an extended state.

[0016] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a vibration generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional view along a line AA in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a bracket. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional drawing of a frame along a line BB in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the frame along a line CC in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional drawing of a yoke along a line BB in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a development view showing a substrate and a bottom plate according to a modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration of a vibration generator according to a second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional drawing of the vibration generator according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a bottom view showing a frame according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional drawing along a line KK in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a bracket of the vibration generator attached to a vibrator. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 12. Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective cross-sectional drawing showing a mounting arrangement by which a yoke is attached to the bracket. Fig. 15 is an explanatory view explaining the structure of the bracket of the vibration generator according to the second embodiment. Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a bracket of the vibration generator attached to a vibrator according to a first modification of the second embodiment. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the bracket attached to the vibrator. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a frame for a vibration generator according to a second modification of the second embodiment. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a frame for a vibration generator according to a third modification of the second embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, a vibration generator will be described with reference to the drawings showing a bracket attached to a vibrator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The vibration generator has a configuration in which a vibrator holding a magnet is supported by a chassis in such a way that it can be displaced relative to the chassis. A coil is arranged near the vibrator. The vibration generator generates a magnetic field to change the position and / or posture of the vibrator relative to the chassis. The vibration generator is a so-called linear vibration generator, which generates a vibrating force by causing the vibrator to move back and forth according to the magnetization of the coil. [First embodiment]

[0019] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a vibration generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional view along a line AA in Fig. 1.

[0020] In Fig. 1, a bracket 50 and the like, which are actually hidden behind an upper surface of a frame 20, are partially shown in the form of a solid line so that the arrangement of the components in the vibration generator 1 can be more easily understood.

[0021] With respect to the vibration generator 1, in the following description, a direction of the X-axis of a coordinate system in Fig. 1 is sometimes referred to as a transverse direction (a positive direction of an X-axis is a direction to the right as seen from the origin of the coordinates), and a Y-axis direction is referred to as "forward or backward" (a positive direction of a Y-axis is backward as seen from the origin). Sometimes a Z-axis direction (direction perpendicular to an XY plane in Fig. 1) in Fig. 2 is called the vertical direction (a positive direction of a Z-axis is upwards, as seen from the origin). [Overall arrangement of the vibration generator 1]

[0022] As in Fig. 1, the vibration generator 1 includes, as main components, a double-sided substrate (e.g., a substrate) 10, a frame (e.g., a chassis) 20, a base plate 30, a coil 40, and a bracket 50. In the present embodiment, the bracket 50 includes four column bodies (an example of a fixing member) 51 (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d), four arms 53 (53a, 53b, 53c, 53d), and a vibrator retaining member (hereinafter, simply referred to as a retaining member) 55. A vibrator 80 composed of a magnet 60 and a yoke 70 is held by the retaining member 55.

[0023] The vibration generator 1 is essentially molded into a thin, rectangular solid body whose overall vertical dimension is relatively small. The vibration generator 1 is a small object, with external dimensions of, for example, only approximately 10 to 20 millimeters in the transverse direction and in the front and rear directions. The vibration generator 1 has a box-shaped outer shape, with the side surfaces on the left, right, front, and rear sides, as well as an upper surface, formed by the frame 20, and a bottom surface covered with the double-sided laminated substrate 10.

[0024] According to the present embodiment, frame 20 and yoke 70 are made of magnetically soft material, for example iron.

[0025] The double-sided substrate 10 is a printed circuit board with conductive traces on both surfaces. Two terminals 11 and 12 are arranged in a central region of the upper surface of the double-sided substrate 10. The terminals 11 and 12 are electrically connected to the conductive traces (not shown) provided on the underside of the double-sided substrate 10. The ends of the winding wire of the coil 40 are connected to the terminals 11 and 12 by soldering, thereby electrically connecting the coil 40 to the conductive traces on the underside of the double-sided substrate 10. The method for connecting the ends of the winding wire of the coil 40 is not limited to soldering; the coil 40 can also be connected to the terminals 11 and 12 by a process such as resistance welding or laser welding.

[0026] The bottom plate 30 is a rectangular plate so that the bottom plate 30 can cover almost the entire upper surface of the double-sided substrate 10. The bottom plate 30 and the double-sided substrate 10 are fixed to each other, for example, by an adhesive film, an adhesive, or the like. In other words, the double-sided substrate 10 is connected to the bottom plate 30 so that it lies on the bottom plate 30. The bottom plate 30 is provided with an opening 31 in a central region so that two terminals 11 and 12 are exposed from above. Four connecting elements 33 (33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d) are formed on four sides of the bottom plate 30. Each connecting element 33 is formed in a region of the upper surface of the double-sided substrate 10 of the bottom plate 30 and has an L-shaped section.Each connecting element 33 is shaped such that an outer surface of the connecting element 33 contacts an inner surface of a side portion of the frame 20. The base plate 30 is positioned at a greater distance from the vibrator 80 than from the coil 40. That is, the base plate 30 covers the vibrator 80, coil 40, and the like, as well as the frame 20.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the base plate 30 is made of a non-magnetic material, such as non-magnetic stainless steel. The base plate 30 is not limited to a metallic object, but may be made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0028] The frame 20 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open area at the bottom. The frame 20 is formed by a reduction process on an iron plate. Viewed from above, the corners (areas between the sides) of the frame 20 are connected to each other via an intermediate R-shaped area. As shown in Fig. 2, the frame 20 is arranged to cover the upper surface of the double-sided substrate 10 from above the double-sided substrate 10. The frame 20 is attached to the bottom plate 30 such that an inner surface on each of its side walls contacts a side surface of each connecting element 33 of the bottom plate 30, each side wall being glued or welded to the respective connecting element 33. In other words, the bottom plate 30 is attached to the frame 20. The frame 20 can be attached to the bottom plate 30 by fitting it into the connecting elements 33 or in some other way.

[0029] Since the vibration generator 1 is arranged in a manner surrounded by the frame 20, it is very unlikely that the vibration generator 1 can be influenced by an external magnetic field, etc. On the other hand, the magnetic flux of the vibration generator 1 can hardly leak out, and therefore the magnetic flux can hardly influence external devices, circuits, and the like.

[0030] Since the vibration generator 1 is enclosed in a box-like manner by the frame 20 and the base plate 30, the vibration generator 1 itself has a high degree of rigidity. This allows the vibration generator 1 to generate vibrations reliably. The vibration generator 1 is easy to handle during assembly, ie, when the vibration generator 1 is connected to an external device or the like.

[0031] The coil 40 is a plate-shaped air-core coil formed, for example, by winding an electric wire. The coil 40 has an elliptical shape overall. Thus, the coil 40 is a thin coil in which a size in the direction of a winding axis is smaller than in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the winding axis. The coil 40 can be manufactured by slicing a metal foil wound article or by laminating sheet coils. The coil 40 can have a round shape or a polygonal shape, such as a square, when viewed from above.

[0032] As in Fig. 2, the coil 40 is arranged on the upper surface of the base plate 30 in such a position that the winding axis is oriented vertically. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the coil 40 is arranged in a central portion of the vibration generator 1, viewed from above, so as to oppose the vibrator 80 in a manner described below. The coil 40 and the base plate 30 are electrically insulated from each other. Two winding ends of the coil 40 are wired to protrude from the inside of the coil 40 through the opening 31, reach the upper surface side of the double-sided substrate 10, and are connected to the terminals 11 and 12.

[0033] The bracket 50, magnet 60, and yoke 70 are integrally joined by overmolding. Thus, the bracket 50 and the vibrator 80 are overmolding. In the first embodiment, the column body 51, arm 53, and retaining member 55 are integrally molded using an elastic material (e.g., a synthetic resin). For example, heat-resistant fluororubber or silicone rubber can be used as the elastic material. The bracket 50 is made of such a rubber, thereby improving the heat resistance of the vibration generator 1. The elastic material is not limited to rubber; various materials can be used as the elastic material. [Arrangement of bracket 50 and vibrator 80]

[0034] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the bracket 50.

[0035] The Fig. The holder 50 shown in Fig. 3 is in a state in which the magnet 60 and yoke 70 are not attached to the retaining element 55. That is, although the holder 50 is connected to the vibrator 80, which in the present embodiment includes the magnet 60 and the yoke 70, the vibrator 80 is not shown here, but only the holder 50, consisting of an elastic body which is in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0036] Each column body 51 has a cylindrical shape, with the height being in the vertical direction. The height of the respective column bodies 51 is slightly smaller than the size of the interior space of the frame 20 in the vertical direction.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, four column bodies 51 are arranged at four corners of the bracket 50, viewed from above. Each column body 51 is arranged in the R-shaped region of the side surface of the frame 20.

[0038] As shown in the pictures Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the vibrator 80 has a plate shape parallel to the horizontal plane (an XY plane in Fig. 1). The vibrator 80 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in which, viewed from above, each side is parallel to the front-rear direction or the transverse direction.

[0039] As in Fig. 1, the vibrator 80 is arranged in the middle area of ​​the holder 50, viewed from above, in the middle area of ​​the vibration generator 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the vibrator 80 is arranged substantially parallel to the coil 40, while the surface of the vibrator 80 is opposite to the surface of the coil 40.

[0040] The magnet 60 is a permanent magnet and has a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, in the magnet 60, a bottom portion opposite the coil 40 is magnetized into two poles so that a north pole may be formed in the front portion and a south pole in the rear portion. The yoke 70 is a rectangular magnetic plate when viewed from above and is mounted to cover the upper surface of the magnet 60. The upper surface of the yoke 70 is arranged to face the inside of the upper surface of the frame 20. The yoke 70 has grip portions 71 and 72 partially protruding from its right and left sides, respectively. The yoke 70 and magnet 60 are joined together, for example, by spot welding or with an adhesive, thereby constituting a part of the vibrator 80. The vibrator 80 and the bracket 50 are joined together by insert molding at the stage where the yoke 70 and magnet 60 are joined.The upper surface of the yoke 70 is provided with the protruding portions 75a and 75b.

[0041] As in Fig. 3, the retaining element 55 has the shape of a square frame with a substantially rectangular opening 55a in which the vibrator 80 is arranged. Here, the retaining element 55 is provided with two bulged portions 55b and 55c that protrude to the right and left from both sides of the retaining element 55. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the yoke is arranged together with magnet 60 such that the gripping portions 71 and 72 are embedded in the bulged portions 55b and 55c, respectively. According to this arrangement, the vibrator 80 is difficult to detach from the retaining member 55.

[0042] Four arms 53 connect the corners of the retaining element 55 to the column bodies 51 closest to the respective corners. The respective arms 53 are designed in the shape of a beam and extend in a direction running to the right or left. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the width dimensions of the arms 53 (in the front and rear directions) are smaller than the dimensions in a longitudinal direction (in the up and down directions). Since each arm 53 is an elastic body, each arm 53 can be easily bent forward and backward. However, the relationship between the width dimension and the length dimension of each arm 53 is not limited to this. For each arm 53, the width dimension may be equal to the length dimension or larger than the length dimension.

[0043] Each of the four arms 53 is thus shaped to be more easily bent forward or backward, allowing the position of the vibrator 80 relative to the column body 51 to be changed primarily in a forward or backward direction. The vibrator 80 is held by the arms 53 in such a way that its position, which is essentially parallel to a horizontal surface, can be changed.

[0044] The four column bodies 51 of the bracket 50 are fixed to the frame 20, thereby connecting the bracket 50 to the frame 20. Therefore, the basic arrangement of the vibration generator 1 is designed such that the vibrator 80 is held by the bracket 50, which is integrally formed independently of the frame 20, and its position relative to the frame 20 can be changed.

[0045] In the vibration generator 1, the coil 40 generates the magnetic field that causes the vibrator 80 to move back and forth with respect to the frame 20. When an electric current flows through the coil 40, it is magnetized, and an upward or downward magnetic field is generated. Once the magnetic field is generated, the magnet 60 is influenced by this magnetic field, and an attractive or repulsive force is created. Depending on the direction of the magnetic field and the arrangement of the magnetic poles of the magnet 60, a force acts on the vibrator 80 to deflect the vibrator 80 forwards or backwards. This changes the position of the vibrator 80 either in the forward direction or the backward direction, causing each arm 53 to flexibly bend. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 40, the vibrator 80 executes linear movements corresponding to the alternating current, which, when viewed from above, move forwards or backwards with respect to the frame 20.take place at the rear. This generates vibration forces from vibration generator 1.

[0046] If the alternating current intensity decreases, the magnetic field weakens or disappears completely, and the vibrator 80 attempts to return to the central region of the vibration generator 1 (as seen from above) due to the restoring force of the arm 53. Since the arm 53 is an elastic body, the energy required by the arm 53 for this is relatively large. This immediately dampens the vibration.

[0047] Since the base plate 30 in this embodiment is made of non-magnetic materials, no magnetic attraction force of the magnet 60 is generated between the vibrator 80 and the base plate 30. The position of the vibrator 80 is changed smoothly and efficiently according to the magnetic field generated by the coil 40. Therefore, the vibration generator 1 can be made thinner and still function properly. [Mounting arrangement for attaching the bracket 50 to the frame 20]

[0048] In the first embodiment, the column body 51 is engaged with an engagement member 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d) provided on the frame 20, thereby fixing the column body 51 to the frame 20. Thus, the bracket 50 is constructed to be easily fixed to the frame 20.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the frame 20 along a line BB in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the frame 20 along a line CC in Fig. 4.

[0050] In the first embodiment, which is shown in Fig. 5, viewed from above, the corner regions of the frame 20 are provided with engagement elements 21. Each of the four engagement elements 21 includes two claws 22 and 23, namely a first claw 22 (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) and a second claw 23 (23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d).

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the side surface of the frame 20a is partially provided with U-shaped notches, and an inner part of the notches is pressed into the interior of the frame 20, thereby forming the respective claws 22 and 23 of the engaging member 21. The claws 22 and 23 and the frame 20 are integrally formed. Each of the claws 22 and 23 is formed in the manner described above to form a gap 25 (25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d) in the side surface of the frame 20.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the claws 22 and 23 are formed so that their shape corresponds to the shape of the column body 51. Since the column body 51 is column-shaped, the claws 22 and 23 are formed in a shape that corresponds to the peripheral surface of the column body 51. As shown in Fig. 5 as viewed from above, each engaging member 21 is formed such that at least a semicircle of the outer peripheral surface of the column body 51 disposed in the engaging member 21 is surrounded by the claws 22 and 23 and the R-shaped portion between the side surfaces of the frame 20.

[0053] When the bracket 50 is arranged in the frame 20, the four column bodies 51 are fitted into four engaging elements 21. Therefore, each column body 51 is held between the claws 22 and 23 of the engaging element 21. In other words, the lateral peripheral surface of each column body 51 is gripped by the claws 22 and 23 of the engaging element 21. The column body 51 and the engaging element 21 engage with each other to connect the column body 51 to the frame 20, thereby securing the bracket 50 to the frame 20.

[0054] The respective claws 22 and 23 are fixed to the corresponding column bodies 51 by a caulking method in a state where the column bodies 51 are fitted into the corresponding engaging members 21. As indicated by an arrow in Fig. 5, for example, a first claw 22d is pushed forward (lower side in Fig. 5) to be inserted, for example, into the engaging element 21d, and a second claw 23d is pushed to the right (right side in Fig. 5) to be inserted into the engaging element 21d. By caulking the claws 22 and 23, the claws 22 and 23 engage the corresponding column bodies 51, thereby allowing the column bodies 51 to be more firmly fixed to the frame 20.

[0055] A prior art vibration generator is supported using a leaf spring that is attached to the chassis. Unfortunately, in a vibration generator in which the leaf spring is attached to the chassis by a screw, the structure of the section where the leaf spring is attached to the chassis side becomes complicated. This increases the assembly man-hours of the vibration generator and also increases the number of components, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost of the vibration generator. With increasing demands for downsizing and low profile, this problem is becoming more and more prominent. As the downsizing of components progresses along with the downsizing of the vibration generator, it becomes necessary to use other fastening methods, such as spot welding, instead of clamping screws or caulking, which complicates the structure of the fastening section between the components.For example, if spot welding is used for the attachment area of ​​the leaf spring and chassis, the area where spot welding is performed becomes brittle to impact forces. Therefore, spot welding must be performed at multiple points to ensure the reliability of the vibration generator, and sometimes the manufacturing process can be very laborious. The problem with the method for connecting the spring element to the chassis does not originally arise in the prior art vibration generator in which the spring element and the frame are integrally molded. However, in this case, the material used for the chassis is limited to one that can be integrally molded with the spring element.

[0056] On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, the bracket 50 including the column body 51 is integrally molded, and the column body 51 is inserted into the engaging member 21, thereby fixing the bracket 50 to the frame 20. The bracket 50 can be easily fixed to the frame 20, and the number of components is minimized, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the vibration generator 1. Since both the bracket 50 and the frame 20 are integrally formed, the fixing portion of the bracket 50 and the frame 20 does not become brittle. Accordingly, the impact resistance of the vibration generator 1 can be improved. The bracket 50 does not need to be fixed to the frame 20 using other components such as a screw, thus realizing downsizing, low profile, and weight reduction of the vibration generator 1.

[0057] In the prior art arrangement in which the spring member supporting the vibrator and the chassis are integrally molded using synthetic resin, it is unfortunately necessary for the spring member and the chassis to be made of the same material from the standpoint of material selection. However, in the first embodiment, since the bracket 50 and the frame 20 are two separate parts, the number of components is reduced. Since the bracket 50 and the frame 20 have a simple structure that is easy to assemble, a suitable material can be selected for the frame 20. Accordingly, the frame 20 can be functionally designed without requiring an additional part that serves as a magnetic circuit or a magnetic shield.

[0058] In the bracket 50, the column body 51, arm 53, and vibrator retaining member 55 are integrally molded using an elastic material. Accordingly, the number of components is reduced, and the bracket 50 can be easily manufactured. In the first embodiment, the magnet 60 and yoke 70 are molded together with the bracket 50 by insert molding. Accordingly, the bracket 50 can be easily manufactured even though it includes the vibrator 80, and the manufacturing process for the vibration generator 1 can be simplified.

[0059] The engaging element 21 and the frame 20 are integrally formed such that the claws 22 and 23 are formed by partially cutting the side surface of the frame 20. Accordingly, the number of components can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost.

[0060] In the fastening arrangement for fastening the bracket 50 to the frame 20, the column body 51 is gripped by two claws 22 and 23. Therefore, while simplifying the structure of the vibration generator 1, the column body 51 is securely positioned in the frame 20, and the precision of fastening the bracket 50 to the frame 20 can be improved. Due to the structure in which the claws 22 and 23 clamp the column body 51, the bracket 50 is stably attached to the frame 20.

[0061] The fastening arrangement for fastening the vibrator 80 to the bracket 50, that is, the fastening arrangement for fastening the magnet 60 and the yoke 70 to the bracket 50, is not limited to an article manufactured by insert molding. For example, the magnet 60 and the yoke 70, which are joined by welding or the like, may be inserted into the bracket 50 and bonded thereto. Alternatively, the bracket 50 and the yoke 70 may be integrally molded, and then the magnet 60 may be attached to the yoke 70. [Construction of yoke 70]

[0062] The vibrator 80 moves due to the influence of the magnetic field generated by the coil arranged below the vibrator 80. The posture of the vibrator 80 is changed in an upward or downward direction, or tilted from a horizontal plane. (In this sense, the movement of the vibrator 80 is not strictly speaking performed in a plane. However, the amount of upward or downward displacement of the vibrator 80, or the amount of positional change, is relatively small. Therefore, the movement of the vibrator 80 may be referred to hereinafter as "lateral movement" in the macroscopic sense.) When an external force is applied to the vibration generator 1, the posture of the vibrator 80 can be changed up or down with respect to the frame 20. The vibration generator 1 has a thin structure, and a gap between the frame 20 and the upper surface of the vibrator 80 is relatively narrow.Therefore, when the position of the vibrator 80 is changed up or down with respect to the frame 20, or tilted relative to the frame 20 in this way, the upper surface of the vibrator 80 may come into contact with the inside of the upper surface of the frame 20.

[0063] If the position of the vibrator 80 according to the present embodiment is changed up or down or tilted relative to the frame 20, two protruding portions 75a and 75b in the upper surface of the yoke 70 may come into contact with the frame 20.

[0064] As in Fig. 1, the protruding portions 75a and 75b are arranged so as to protrude from the upper surface of the yoke 70 toward the inner side of the upper surface of the frame 20. The protruding portions 75a and 75b are arranged at two positions symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane (a plane parallel to a ZX plane) perpendicular to a forward or backward direction as the moving direction of the vibrator 80, the plane passing through the center of the vibrator 80. The protruding portions 75a and 75b are arranged at two positions on a plane parallel to a YZ plane and passing through the center of the vibrator 80. Thus, in the present embodiment, the protruding portion 75a is arranged in a rear side at a central portion in the right / left direction within the upper surface of the vibrator 80.The protruding portion 75b is arranged in a front side at a central portion in the right / left direction within the upper surface of the vibrator 80, that is, in a symmetrical position to the protruding portion 75a.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional drawing of the yoke 70 along a line BB in Fig. 1.

[0066] As in Fig. 6, the respective protruding portions 75a and 75b in the present embodiment have a curved surface shape which is curved upwards (right side in Fig. 6). In other words, each of the protruding portions 75a and 75b has a curved surface that is curved toward the inside of the upper surface of the frame 20. The surface shape of each of the protruding portions 75a and 75b is, for example, substantially a spherical shape (i.e., approximately the shape of a circular arc in the Fig. 6). The respective protruding portions 75a and 75b are formed by pressing or metal working (steel) so that they are pressed upward and protrude from the plate-shaped yoke 70. That is, the respective protruding portions 75a and 75b are formed integrally with other portions of the yoke 70. The respective protruding portions 75a and 75b are not limited to this structure. For example, the respective protruding portions 75a and 75b may be provided in a manner that parts separated from the body of the yoke 70 are fixed to the upper surface of the yoke 70. The respective protruding portions 75a and 75b may be formed by applying liquid elements (e.g., epoxy resin, molten metal, etc.) to the surface of the yoke 70, which are then cured or solidified.

[0067] Since the upper surface of the yoke 70 in the present embodiment is provided with the protruding portions 75a and 75b, when the vibrator 80 approaches the frame 20, the protruding portions 75a and 75b first come into contact with the frame 20. Since the area that comes into contact with the frame 20 is limited to the protruding portions 75a and 75b, the area that comes into contact with the frame 20 is also limited. Therefore, if only the protruding portions 75a and 75b of the vibrator 80 come into contact with the frame 20, a frictional force acting on the vibrator 80 is reduced, and thereby its influence on the operation of the vibrator 80 is also reduced. The vibration generator 1, which is functional, can be made thinner. Since the frictional force acting on the vibrator 80 can be reduced, the energy consumption of the vibration generator 1 can also be reduced.Malfunctions of the vibrator 80 due to contact of the vibrator 80 with the frame 20 can be prevented and the vibrator 80 can be operated smoothly.

[0068] The protruding portions 75a and 75b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the moving direction (vibration direction) of the vibrator 80. Therefore, when the vibrator 80 comes into contact with the frame 20 during vibration of the vibrator 80, the protruding portions 75a and 75b will definitely contact the frame 20, while other portions of the vibrator 80 will hardly come into contact with the frame 20. This can reliably reduce the influence on the operation of the vibrator 80 caused by an event in which the vibrator 80 comes into contact with the frame 20.

[0069] Since each of the protruding portions 75a and 75b has a spherical surface shape bulging toward the inner side of the upper surface of the frame 20, the respective protruding portions 75a and 75b and the frame 70 come into point contact with each other. Therefore, the frictional force acting on the vibrator 80 can be reliably reduced, and the vibrator 80 can therefore be operated reliably. [Modification of the first embodiment]

[0070] Instead of the double-sided substrate 10 and the base plate 30, the vibration generator 1 may have a substrate and a base plate that have a different structure than the double-sided substrate 10 and the base plate 30.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a development view showing a substrate 210 and a bottom plate 230 according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0072] Layer carrier 210 is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) that is arranged such that the base plate 230 is inserted into the layer carrier 210. In other words, the layer carrier 210 is arranged such that it partially covers both surfaces of the base plate 230. In Fig. 7, the layer carrier 210 is shown stretched in the form of a plane.

[0073] The base plate 230 has the shape of a flat plate. The base plate 230 is inserted from the underside of the frame 20 and fixed to the frame 20. Referring to Fig. 7, a recess 235 is arranged in a region (for example, a region of an edge region) located in an upper region of the edge regions of the base plate 230. Due to this arrangement, the inside and outside of the vibration generator 1 are connected to each other through the recess 235, with the base plate 230 being fixed to the frame 20.

[0074] The base plate 230 is made of a non-magnetic material, such as non-magnetic stainless steel. Since the vibration generator 1 is surrounded by the frame 20 and the base plate 230, which are made of metal, the vibration generator 1 is easier to handle and the durability of the vibration generator 1 is increased.

[0075] The substrate 210 has an upper surface portion 216 disposed along the upper surface of the bottom plate 230, and a lower surface portion 217 disposed along the lower surface of the bottom plate 230. A region between the upper surface portion 216 and the lower surface portion 217 serves as a folding portion 218. The upper surface portion 216 is positioned to be sandwiched between the coil 40 and the bottom plate 230. In the folding portion 218 located in the recess 235, the substrate 210 is folded such that the lower surface portion 217 of the substrate 210 extends along the lower surface of the bottom plate 230. The substrate 210 is secured to the bottom plate 230, for example, by adhesive bonding.

[0076] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the upper surface portion 216 of the substrate 210 is provided with two pads 211 and 212, and the lower surface portion 217 of the substrate 210 is provided with two pads 211a and 212a. The pads 211 and 211a are connected to each other via a conductive path so that they are at the same electrical potential, and the pads 212 and 212a are connected to each other via a conductive path so that they are at the same electrical potential. The winding ends of the coil 40 are connected to the pads 211 and 212 provided in the upper surface portion 216. The pads 211a and 212a provided in the lower surface portion 217 serve as electrodes when the vibration generator 201 is mounted on a circuit or the like.

[0077] By using the substrate 210, which is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), compared to the case where a double-sided substrate is used, the dimensions of the vibration generator 1 can be reduced in the up and down directions. Furthermore, the shape of the bottom plate 230 can be simplified.

[0078] Since the base plate 230 is provided with the recess 235, the layer carrier 210 does not protrude from the chassis, so that the layer carrier 210 can be safely protected.

[0079] Since the base plate 230 is made of a non-magnetic material, the operation of the vibrator 280 is not disturbed even if the gap between the vibrator 280 and the base plate 230 is narrow, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to provide a thin vibration generator 1 with high durability, with the thin vibration generator 1 covered on its underside with the base plate 230. [Second embodiment]

[0080] In a second embodiment, a fastening arrangement for fastening a bracket to a frame and a fastening arrangement for fastening a vibrator to the bracket, in particular a part associated with the yoke, are different from the first embodiment and its modification.

[0081] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the structure of a vibration generator 301 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional drawing of the vibration generator 301 according to the second embodiment.

[0082] In Fig. 8, a bracket 350 is hidden under an upper surface of a frame 520 and the like, as shown in Fig. 1 is partially shown with a solid line. Furthermore, Fig. 8, the illustration of a flexible printed circuit board is omitted. The structure of the part omitted from the illustration is essentially the same as that in the first embodiment and its modification.

[0083] The vibration generator 301 differs from the vibration generator 1 of the first embodiment or its modification in the following points. That is, the vibration generator 301 includes a bracket 350 instead of the bracket 50. The vibration generator 301 includes a frame 520 instead of the frame 20. The other structures of the vibration generator 301 are the same as those of the vibration generator 1. The base plate used is the Fig. 7 is used. A layer carrier 310 is used as the layer carrier, which, like layer carrier 210, is a flexible printed circuit board and has an upper surface portion 316 and a lower surface portion 317.

[0084] The holder 350 is a holder fixed to the vibrator, which holds a vibrator 380 and is fixed to a frame 520. The holder 350 is constructed such that a moving direction of the vibrator 380 is a left or right direction (X-axis direction in Fig. 8).

[0085] In the second embodiment, the fastening arrangement for fastening the bracket 350 to the frame 520 is constructed as described below. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the bracket 350 has four column bodies (an example of a fastening member) 351 (351a, 351b, 351c, and 351d). The column bodies 351 are arranged at positions corresponding to those of the column bodies 51 in the bracket 50. By fastening the column bodies 351 to the frame 520 as described below, the bracket 350 is supported by the frame 520.

[0086] The respective column bodies 351 of the bracket 350 are provided with openings 352 (352a, 352b, 352c, and 352d). Each opening 352 is shaped to penetrate the corresponding column body 351, that is, to extend from the upper surface to the lower surface. Each opening 352 has a cylindrical shape. Each opening 352 is shaped such that an up / down direction perpendicular to a right / left direction, that is, a moving direction of a vibrator, is the direction of depth. In other words, each opening 352 is shaped to extend along the up / down direction approximately perpendicular to a plate-like vibrator arranged substantially horizontally.

[0087] Fig. 10 is a bottom view showing a frame according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional drawing along a line KK in Fig. 10.

[0088] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the posts 521 (521a, 521b, 521c, and 521d) are arranged at the respective four corners of the frame 520, as viewed from below. Each of the four posts 521 is a cylindrical pin. The posts 521 are arranged at positions corresponding to the four openings 352 in the bracket 350. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, each post 521 is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is the upward or downward direction, ie, a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the vibrator. Each post 521 is attached to the frame 520 such that the upper ends of the posts 521 are pressed into press-fit holes 522 (522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d) formed in a cover plate (bottom in Fig. 11) of the frame body 520, and lower ends of the posts 521 protrude downward from the lower surface of the cover plate. Each post 521 protrudes from the cover plate of the frame body 520 by a length shorter than the up and down dimensions of the column body 351. Although each post 521 is made of a metallic material, the material is not limited thereto. For example, the individual posts 521 may be molded using synthetic resin.

[0089] The bracket 350 is attached to the frame 520 such that the posts 521a, 521b, 521c, and 521d are inserted into the respective openings 352 from above. After the bracket is placed in the frame 520, the bottom plate 230 is attached to the bottom of the bracket 350. In this way, the bracket 350 is prevented from being pulled out and detaching from the posts 521, and the bracket 350 remains attached to the frame 520. The bracket 350 is attached to the frame 520 in a state where the magnet and the like are already mounted.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the bracket 350 is attached to the frame 520 such that the column bodies 351 are inserted into the posts 521 in this way. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, it is unnecessary to provide a recess for holding the column bodies 351 in a side surface of the frame 520. Since it is not necessary to provide openings in the frame 520, the vibration generator 501 is surrounded by the frame 520 and the base plate 230, thus having a hermetically sealed structure. This prevents foreign matter such as dirt and dust from entering the vibration generator 501, and the reliability of the vibration generator 501 can be increased. Furthermore, a caulking process, etc., for the column body 351, which is relatively complicated, is unnecessary, and the bracket 350 can be easily attached to the frame 520 by inserting the posts 521 into the openings 352.

[0091] In the state where the bracket 350 is attached to the frame 520, an outer peripheral surface of each column body 351 is in contact with and arranged along an inner peripheral surface of the frame 520. That is, each column body 351 is formed in the shape extending along portions of the inner peripheral surface of the frame 520 consisting of a rounded surface portion and flat surface portions on both sides of the rounded surface portion. Therefore, the column bodies 351 are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the frame 520 over a relatively large area. As a result, the column bodies 351 are securely fixed so that their position or posture with respect to the frame 520 cannot change.

[0092] The bracket 350 includes the vibrator 380 and the arms 353 (353a, 353b, 353c, and 353d) that connect the vibrator 380 to the respective column bodies 351, with the column bodies 351 being arranged in positions corresponding to those of the respective posts 521, as described above. In the bracket 350, these parts are integrally molded using synthetic resin.

[0093] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a bracket of the vibration generator 301 attached to the vibrator. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 12.

[0094] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, vibrator 380 includes magnet 60, a yoke 370, and a weight 381. Weight 381 is shaped to surround the sides of magnet 60. Yoke 370 is attached to the upper surfaces of magnet 60 and weight 381. Yoke 370 has openings 371a and 371b formed on the left and right sides of the yoke. Projections 381a and 381b, which are formed to protrude from the upper surface of weight 381, are inserted into openings 371a and 371b.

[0095] Each arm 353 is formed so that a forward or backward direction becomes a longitudinal direction. That is, the arms 353a and 353b are arranged between the respective column bodies 351a and 351b and the right end portion of the vibrator 380. On the other hand, arms 353c and 353d are arranged between the column bodies 351c and 351d and the left end portion of the vibrator 380. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the right and left side portions of the weight 381 are held in place by retaining members 355a and 355b made of synthetic resin. The retaining members 355a and 355b are shaped so that side portions of the weight 381 can be clamped between the front and rear portions of the respective retaining members 355a and 355b. Each arm 353 is connected to retaining members 355a and 355b on the side of the vibrator 380.

[0096] In the second embodiment, the left and right ends of the yoke 370 are provided with downwardly projecting protrusions 372a and 372b. Lateral edge portions of the yoke 370 are bent downwardly by approximately 90°, thereby forming the respective protrusions 372a and 372b. Recessed portions 357a and 357b, which are recessed into the upper surfaces of the retaining members 355a and 355a, are formed in the respective retaining members 355a and 355b. The recessed portions 357a and 357b are formed at positions corresponding to the protrusions 372a and 372b.

[0097] The bracket 350 and the vibrator 380 are joined together when the bracket 350 is molded. Thus, in the second embodiment, the column body 351, the arm 353, and the retaining member 355 are molded with the yoke 370 using a synthetic resin. This allows the bracket 350 and the vibrator 380 to be molded in a state where the protruding portions 372a and 372b are firmly embedded in the recessed areas 357a and 357b. The yoke 370 can be attached to the bracket 350, which has been previously molded, by a method such as bonding.

[0098] Fig. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional drawing showing a mounting arrangement by which a yoke 370 is attached to the bracket 350.

[0099] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, almost the entire area of ​​the protruding portions 372a and 372b, except for the boundary areas where they are bent, is buried in the recessed areas 357a and 357b. In other words, the retaining elements 355a and 355b are shaped to almost completely enclose the protruding portions 372a and 372b.

[0100] Fig. 15 is an explanatory view showing the structure of the bracket 350 of the vibration generator 301 according to the second embodiment.

[0101] In Fig. 15, an arm 353c is shown enlarged in a bottom view of the vibration generator 301.

[0102] In the bracket 350, in the normal state (for example, the state in which the bracket 350 is not attached to the frame 520), a distance between the column body 351a and the column body 351b is smaller than a distance between the central axes of the posts 521a and 521b. Furthermore, in the normal state, a distance between the column body 351c and the column body 351d is smaller than a distance between the central axes of the posts 521c and 521d. As indicated by an arrow Q in Fig. 15, each arm 353 is slightly extended in the longitudinal direction compared to the normal state when the bracket 350 is attached to the frame 520. Namely, each arm 353 changes into a state in which it is elastically deformed so as to be extended compared to the normal state in which the bracket 350 is not attached to the frame 520.

[0103] Since in the bracket 350 to which the vibrator 380 is attached, each arm 353 is fixed to the frame 520 in the state where each arm 353 is stretched from the normal state, the bracket 350 experiences tension due to the restoring force of the four arms 353. A spring force F generated by each arm 353 is a value obtained by multiplying a displacement x by a spring constant k of the arm 353. Since the vectors of the restoring forces are different, the vibration generator 301 is stable because the vibration generator 301 is pulled by the arms 353 and is in a state where there is no free space. Therefore, if a magnetic attraction force acts on the vibrator 380, vibrations can be generated immediately by the vibration generator 301 in response to the deflection of the vibrator 380, and the response behavior for vibration generation can thereby be improved.

[0104] In this case, assuming that the protruding portions 372a and 372b were not formed in the yoke, but the yoke were placed only on the retaining members 355a and 355b, when the bracket 350 is attached to the frame 520, the arm 353 would be stretched, and the position of the vibrator 380 might shift toward the coil side (lower side). This problem occurs due to a difference in the amount of extension of the respective retaining members 355a and 355b between an upper portion (side to which the yoke 370 is connected) and a lower portion (side to which the yoke 370 is not connected) of the respective retaining members 355a and 355b to which the arms 353 are connected.

[0105] On the other hand, in the second embodiment, as described above, the protruding portions 372a and 372b are arranged to be embedded in the retaining members 355a and 355b, and each arm 353 is connected to these portions. By bending the end of the yoke 370 and fixing the outer end of the yoke 370 with rubber, the fixing state at the upper portion and the fixing state at the lower portion of the respective retaining members 355a and 355b are the same. In this way, when the fixing state at the upper portion and the fixing state at the lower portion of the respective retaining members 355a and 355b are approximately the same, their elongation rates also become approximately equal. Accordingly, the upper and lower positions of the vibrator 380 do not change even when the arms 353 are pulled apart for fixing to the frame 520.For this reason, the vibrator 380 and the coil 340 are unlikely to come into contact with each other. Therefore, the gap between the vibrator 380 and the coil 340 and the dimension of the vibration generator 301 in the up and down directions can be reduced while still safely ensuring the mobility of the vibrator 380. Since the gap between the vibrator 380 and the coil 340 can be reduced, the force acting between the vibrator 380 and the coil 340 can be increased, thereby generating strong vibrations.

[0106] Since the second embodiment has other features similar to those in the first embodiment, similar effects to those described above can also be achieved. [Modification of the second embodiment]

[0107] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a bracket of the vibration generator attached to the vibrator according to a first modification of the second embodiment. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the bracket attached to the vibrator.

[0108] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 16, the present modification uses a vibrator 1380 and a bracket 1350 that are thick and rather large in an upward and downward direction, respectively. In the present modification, the bracket 1350 is divided into four parts, each of which includes a column body 1351 (1351a to 1351d), an arm 1353 consisting of two supports (1353a to 1353d), and a retaining member 1355 (1355a to 1355d). The four retaining members 1355 retain a weight 1381, with one end portion of the weight 1381 being sandwiched between two adjacent retaining members 1355. For example, regarding the retaining member 1355a, here the weight 1381 is held such that the weight 1381 is inserted between the retaining member 1355a and the retaining member 1355b and between the retaining member 1335c and the retaining member 1355d.

[0109] The magnet 60 is arranged in a central region of the weight 1381. In the present modification, a yoke 1370 is also arranged on the magnet 60. End regions of the yoke 1370 are bent downward and form the protruding portions 1372 (1372a to 1372d), which end regions correspond to the respective retaining elements 1355. Recessed regions 1357 (1357a to 1357d) are formed in the respective retaining elements 1355 so that the protruding portions 1372 can be embedded therein. As shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 17, the yoke 1370 is attached to the bracket 1350 in the state where each protruding portion 1372 is disposed in each retaining member 1355 such that almost the entire area of ​​the respective protruding portions 1372 is embedded in the corresponding recessed portions 1357. In other words, the retaining members 1355 are shaped to enclose the respective protruding portions 1372. Further, the bracket 1350 is integrally formed to enclose the respective protruding portions 1372, whereby each protruding portion 1372 is more securely held by the respective retaining member 1355.

[0110] This bracket 1350 is attached to a chassis of the vibration generator when the arm 1353 has transitioned from its normal state to the extended state. In this case, the vibrator 1380 in the present modification also does not move up or down due to the extension of the arms 1353, since the arms 1353 are in contact with the retaining elements 1355 into which the projecting portions 1372 are recessed. Therefore, the effects described above can also be achieved here.

[0111] In the second embodiment, the fastening arrangement for attaching the post to the frame is not limited to the press-fit structure described above. The posts can be attached to the frame by welding, bonding, a fastening method using a screw, or the like. Each post can be provided with a connecting flange that connects to the frame body.

[0112] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a frame 620 for a vibration generator according to a second modification of the second embodiment.

[0113] Fig. 18 shows a section similar to that shown in Fig. 11 shown section.

[0114] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the basic arrangement of the frame 620 is the same as that of the frame 520 described above. The frame 620 differs from the frame 520 in that the frame 620 includes the post 621 (an example of the protruding portions) (621a and 621d) instead of the posts 521, as well as the step portions 623 (623a and 623d). The step portions 623 are located in portions in the upper surface of the body (lower side portion in Fig. 18), in which the posts 621 are arranged, and are one step lower than the other areas. In Fig. 18, only two posts 621 and two step areas 623 are shown. However, the same number as in frame 520, i.e. four posts 621 and four step areas 623, can be present.

[0115] As in Fig. 18, an upper end portion of the post 621 is provided with a flange-like head portion 622 (622a and 622d) having a larger diameter than the remaining portion of the post 621. The head portion 622 is designed such that the height in an upward or downward direction is smaller than the height of the step from the upper surface of the frame 520 to the upper surface of the step portion 623.

[0116] Each post 621 is attached to the frame 620 such that each post 621 is inserted from the upper side to the lower side into an opening (not shown) formed in each step portion 623, and the head portion 622 is held in place by the step portion 623. Each post 621 is attached to the frame 620 such that the periphery of the head portion 622 is welded to the step portion 623. The presence of the head portion 622 allows the dimension of each post 621 projecting downward to be controlled with high precision, thereby easily manufacturing the vibration generator with a precise structure.

[0117] In this way, the strength of the fastening of the post 621 to the frame 620 can be improved by fastening the post 621 to the frame 620 by welding. Therefore, the durability of the fastening structure of the post 621 can be increased with respect to vibration, etc. Since the frame 620 is provided with the step portion 623, the welded part can be prevented from protruding downward from the upper surface of the frame 620.

[0118] Alternatively, the frame 620 need not be provided with the step portion 623. Furthermore, the post 621 need not be provided with the head portion 622.

[0119] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a frame 525 for a vibration generator according to a third modification of the second embodiment.

[0120] Fig. 19 is a view showing an area similar to that shown in Fig. 11 shown area.

[0121] As in Fig. 19, the arrangement of the frame 525 is basically the same as that of the frame 520 described above. The frame 525 differs from the frame 520 in that the frame 525 includes the posts 526 (526a and 526d) provided with the connecting flanges 527 (527a and 527d). In Fig. 19, only the posts 526a and 526d and the connecting flanges 527a and 527d are shown with respect to the posts 526 and connecting flanges 527. However, the posts 526 and connecting flanges 527 may be present four times, as in frame 520.

[0122] Connecting flange 527 is formed at a position slightly lower than an upper end portion of post 526, for example, by an amount corresponding to the thickness of frame body 525. Connecting flange 527 has a diameter slightly larger than the rest of post 526.

[0123] Since the posts 526 are provided with the connecting flanges 527, the posts 526 are secured by pressing the posts 526 into the press-fit holes 522, with the connecting flanges 527 moving away from the inside of the frame 525 until they come into contact with a cover plate of the frame 525. A distance from the upper plate of the frame 525 to a lower end portion of the post 526 is easily maintained, and the vibration generator can be easily assembled with high precision.

[0124] In the second embodiment, the opening provided in the column body of the bracket may be a closed-end opening. In this case, it can be designed so that the length of the post formed in the frame can be reduced. As a result, if each opening is a cylinder-like closed-end opening, the bracket can be easily demolded. That is, the resin easily encloses the entire surface of the column body at the time of molding the bracket. Thus, drainage of the surrounding resin can be prevented, and the bracket can be easily demolded. In particular, this effect can be further assured by providing an opening that allows the resin to flow out through it at a location near each column body. [Miscellaneous]

[0125] The vibration generator can be designed by appropriately combining the characteristic features of each embodiment and / or its modifications described above. For example, in the vibration generator according to the second embodiment, a double-sided substrate, such as the glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin substrate used in the first embodiment, can be used instead of the flexible printed circuit board. By using a double-sided substrate in this way, the manufacturing cost of the vibration generator can be reduced.

[0126] In the second embodiment described above, the recess of the bottom plate may be provided with a rounded portion. For example, the rounded portion may be located in an edge region formed when the recess is formed. Therefore, even though the substrate made of a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) is bent in the region of the recess, it is unlikely that a specific stress will act on the substrate, thereby further preventing breakage of the substrate or the like.

[0127] The frame is not limited to iron, but can be made of other materials. For example, it can be a resin body molded separately from the bracket. The frame does not need to have a top and bottom surface and can surround the perimeter of the bracket when viewed from above. The frame can be rectangular when viewed from above.

[0128] The circuit board may not be required. The base plate does not have to completely cover the frame base, but can be located in a section of the frame base.

[0129] The number of protrusions provided on the yoke can be four, but can also be an odd number. The surface of the protrusion is neither limited to a spherical nor a curved surface. The above effects can be achieved if the protrusion is shaped so that a portion of a limited area of ​​the protrusion comes into contact with the inside of the frame.

[0130] The number of column bodies and the number of arms can be two or more. The column bodies do not have to be cylindrical, but can have a polygonal prism shape. The bracket does not have to consist of a single body, but can consist of a body in which numerous parts are assembled.

[0131] The mounting arrangement of the bracket to the frame is not limited to the arrangement in which two claws engage with the column body or the arrangement in which the respective post fits into the opening of the column body. In the mounting arrangement of the bracket to the frame, the fixed member having a different shape on the bracket side may engage with the engaging member formed in the frame. For example, a hollow-shaped engaging member is formed in the frame, and the protrusion on the bracket side may be inserted into the engaging member to fix the bracket to the frame.

[0132] The bracket is not limited to one formed by single-color injection molding. For example, the column body, retaining element, and arm can be integrally formed by two-color injection molding with different materials.

[0133] The mounting arrangement of the vibrator to the bracket, namely the mounting arrangement of the magnet and yoke to the bracket, is not limited to overmolding. For example, the magnet and yoke, which are joined by welding, can be mounted in an integrally molded bracket and then connected to the bracket using a process other than injection molding. Alternatively, the bracket and yoke can be integrally molded, and then the magnet can be attached to the yoke.

[0134] The fastening structure for fastening the vibrator to the bracket, that is, the fastening structure for fastening the magnet and yoke to the bracket, is not limited to an article manufactured by insert molding. For example, the fastening structure may be one achieved by inserting the magnet and yoke, which are joined together by welding or the like, into the integrally molded bracket by a method other than a bracket molding process, and then joining them together. Alternatively, the bracket and yoke may be molded together, and then the magnet may be attached to the yoke.

[0135] The weight can be placed in the center of the magnet, etc. The weight can be placed in a region of the magnet where the force generation for moving the vibrator is not significantly affected. This results in a vibration generator that enables miniaturization of the vibrator and can generate a large vibration force.

[0136] The vibration generator that can drive a vibrator can be formed by attaching the coil to the main substrate of a device that uses vibration, etc., and attaching the frame to which the bracket is attached to the main substrate on which a coil is already mounted. In other words, the vibration generator can be formed by using the coil mounted on the substrate of another device.

[0137] The structure of the above bracket is not limited to the bracket for the vibration generator described above, but can be used in a variety of ways. That is, the bracket is designed so that a movable member (a part serving as a vibrator in the above embodiment) provided with a magnet can be deflected by the arm relative to a part held by the frame. Such a bracket can be used for a magnet-driven actuator, a device that appropriately displaces a movable member in a predetermined direction, and other types of devices. If the bracket is designed to have the same arrangement, the same effect as that described above can be achieved in devices other than the vibration generator.For example, if the yoke part of the bracket is provided with the protruding area, it is possible to limit the area in which the movable element and the frame can come into contact with each other, thus allowing the device to operate properly.

[0138] The vibration generator is not limited to the small design described above. Even if the vibration generator is designed with the same arrangement but with larger dimensions, the effect described above can be achieved.

[0139] According to the above-described embodiment, the arm is connected to a portion of the vibrator retaining member where the projection is located, and the vibrator-mounted bracket is fixed to the chassis in a state where the arm is extended from its normal state. Therefore, a vibrator-mounted bracket and vibration generator can be provided that can be easily assembled and manufactured at a low manufacturing cost, and that have high reliability.

[0140] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are illustrative and not limiting in any way. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above descriptions, but by the claims, and includes all modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims.

[0141] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken as a limitation, the scope of the present invention being indicated by the appended claims. Reference symbol 1, 301 Vibration Generator 10, 210 layer carriers 11, 12 connection 20, 520, 525, 620 frames 21(21a-21d) engagement element 22(22a-22d), 23(23a-23d) claws 25(25a-25d) gap 30, 230 base plate 31 Opening 33(33a-33d) Connecting element 40, 340 coil 50, 350, 1350 bracket 51(51a-51d), 351(351a-351d), 1351(1351a-1351d) Column body 53(53a-53d), 353(353a-353d), 1353(1353a-1353d) Poor 55, 355(355a-355d), 1355(1355a-1355d) retaining element 55a Opening 55b,55c Arched area 60 Magnet 70, 370, 1370 yoke 71, 72 Grip area 75a,75b Protruding area 80, 380, 1380 vibrators 211, 211a Pad 212,212a Pad 216 Upper surface part of the layer carrier 217 Lower surface part of the substrate 218 Folding area 235 recess 316 upper surface section 317 lower surface section 352(352a-352d) Opening 357(357a,357b), 1357 (1357a-1357d) Retained area 371a,371b opening 372(372a,372b) Recessed area 381(381a, 381b), 1381 weight 521(521a-521d), 526(526a-526d), 621(621a-621d) posts 522(522a-522d) Press-in opening 527(527a-527d) connecting flange 622(622a-622d) Headboard 623(623a-623d) Step area 1372(1372a-1372d) protruding sections Q Extension of arms 353 in longitudinal direction

Claims

[1] Vibration generator comprising: a frame (20); a vibrator (80); a holder (50) which holds the vibrator (80) deflectably with respect to the frame (20), wherein the holder (50) includes a retaining element (55) holding the vibrator (80), a fastening element (51) fastened to the frame (20) and an arm (53) connecting the retaining element (55) and the fastening element, and wherein the arm (53) and the retaining element (55) are made of an elastic material, a claw (22, 23) is provided on a side surface of the frame (20), the claw (22, 23) is formed from a part of the side surface of the frame (20), and the fastening element (51) and the claw (22, 23) engage with each other. [2] Vibration generator comprising: a frame (20); a vibrator (80); a holder (50) which holds the vibrator (80) deflectably with respect to the frame (20), wherein the holder (50) includes a retaining element (55) holding the vibrator (80), a fastening element (51) fastened to the frame (20) and an elastic body (53) connecting the retaining element (55) and the fastening element, and wherein the elastic body (53) has the shape of a support, the retaining element (55) is made of an elastic material, a claw (22, 23) is provided on a side surface of the frame (20), the claw (22, 23) is formed from a part of the side surface of the frame (20), and the fastening element (51) and the claw (22, 23) engage with each other. [3] Vibration generator according to claim 1, wherein the holder (50) comprises a plurality of arms (53) containing the arm (53) and a plurality of fastening elements (51) containing the fastening element (51), wherein a plurality of claws (22, 23) containing the claw (22, 23) are provided on the side surface of the frame (20). [4] Vibration generator according to claim 2, wherein the holder (50) comprises a plurality of elastic bodies (53) containing the elastic body (53) and a plurality of fastening elements (51) containing the fastening element (51), wherein a plurality of claws (22, 23) containing the claw (22, 23) are provided on the side surface of the frame (20). [5] Vibration generator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the fixing member (51) is held between the two claws (22, 23) of the plurality of claws (22, 23). [6] Vibration generator according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein: the frame (20) has corner regions; the claw (22, 23) is formed in a corner region of the frame (20); the fastening element (51) is a column body; and a peripheral surface of the column body (51) is gripped by the claw (22, 23).

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