Vibration unit and vibration generator

Abstract

Task: An elastic element is provided for a comprehensive vibrator with high durability. Means of solving the problem: The vibration unit (5) is attachable to a housing (20, 30) of a vibration generator (1). The vibration unit (5) comprises a vibrator (80) having a magnet (60) and a return (70) arranged on or at the magnet, and an elastic element (50). The elastic element (50) comprises a vibrator mounting element (55) that is attached to the vibrator (80), a housing mounting element (51) that is attached to the housing (20, 30), and an arm (53) that connects the vibrator mounting element (55) and the housing mounting element (51) and supports the vibrator mounting element (55). The return section 70 comprises a flat section (71) arranged on or at the magnet (60) and a holder (75) which is bent from the flat section (71) towards a frame (20), and wherein the vibrator mounting element (55) is held and encompassed by the holder (75).

Description

Technical area:

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration unit and a vibration generator, particularly to a vibration unit used for a vibration generator that moves the vibrator through a current-carrying coil to generate vibrations, and to a vibration generator. State of the art:

[0002] As a vibration generator, which moves a vibrator to generate vibrations, various types of vibration generators are used. These have an arrangement in which a vibrator with a magnet is mounted in a chassis via a spring. This vibration generator is equipped with a coil arranged underneath the magnet, opposite the magnet. When energized, the coil causes the vibrator to move, deforming the spring.

[0003] JP 2014-140 785 A discloses a vibration generator with a holder for holding a vibrator, wherein the holder is integrally formed via an elastic body with an arm portion as a spring part. In this vibration generator, a slot is provided on a component formed from the elastic body, into which the projection of a back yoke is inserted, thereby connecting the two components.

[0004] JP 2011-205870 A addresses the problem of how to provide a vibration motor that can prevent a magnetic flux generated by a magnet from escaping out of a yoke. The document describes a vibration motor in which one and the other of a pair of side pieces of a first yoke and one and the other of a pair of side pieces of a second yoke are arranged so that they overlap one another when viewed from the side. A magnet is arranged further inward than the side piece of the first yoke and the side piece of the second yoke.

[0005] JP 2002-153818 A addresses the problem of providing a vibration generator in which a movable element does not detach from a fixed element, even when a strong shock is applied to the generator. The generator is equipped with a movable element on which a permanent magnet is mounted, a fixed element having end faces opposite the end faces of the element through prescribed gaps in the direction of vibration of the element and forming a magnetic path between the element by flowing current through a mounted coil to magnetize it, and elastic support elements that support the element in a freely vibrating manner by having one end mounted on the element side and the other end mounted on the element side.The opposite surfaces of the elements are designed as inclined surfaces with respect to the direction of vibration of the element, so that the magnetic force attracts the entire movable element to the side of the element.

[0006] Further prior art is known from US 2010 / 0 327 673 A1. Object of the invention:

[0007] The arrangement disclosed in JP 2014-140 785 A, in which the projection of the return element is inserted into the slot of a component formed from an elastic body, thereby connecting the two components, has the disadvantage that the connection between the two components fatigues due to the repeated vibrations of the vibrator. If the fatigue of the connection progresses further, the fastening state between the two components is changed, so that - the characteristics of the vibration generator change, - the component formed from the elastic body breaks and - the vibration generator is damaged.

[0008] These disadvantages also occur in the case that the return path and the component formed from the elastic body are formed as one piece.

[0009] The present invention aims to solve these problems by providing an elastic element vibration unit and a vibration generator having high durability.

[0010] The invention is defined in the claims. Means of solving the task:

[0011] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention comprises a vibration unit that is attached to a housing of a vibration generator. The vibration unit comprises a vibrator having a magnet and a return spring arranged on or at the magnet, as well as an elastic element. The elastic element comprises a vibrator mounting element that is attached to the vibrator, a housing mounting element that is attached to the housing, and an arm that connects the vibrator mounting element and the housing mounting element and supports the vibrator mounting element so that it can be deflected relative to the housing mounting element at least in the horizontal direction. The return spring has a flat portion that is arranged on or at the magnet and a holder that is bent from the flat portion toward a frame, and wherein the vibrator mounting element is held and encompassed by the holder.

[0012] The mount comprises a first part and a side surface, and a second part, the second part being bent from the end portion of the side surface toward the interior of the vibrator. The magnet is arranged on the first part. One of the first part and the second part has a first opening, and the other of the first part has a second opening. The vibrator mounting element comprises a first projection that engages the first opening and a second projection that engages the second opening.

[0013] The first projection is preferably arranged closer to the side end of the holder than the second projection.

[0014] The first opening preferably has a shape which extends wider outwards of the return than the shape whose dimension is the same as that of the first projection, wherein for mounting the vibrator mounting element on the vibrator in the state in which the first projection engages in the first opening, the vibrator mounting element is rotatable.

[0015] The elastic component is preferably an elastic molded part which is designed such that the housing mounting element, the arm and the vibrator mounting element are connected to one another.

[0016] The vibrator mounting element preferably has two locations to which one said arm is connected and to each of the two arms a said housing mounting element is connected.

[0017] Preferably, two said elastic elements are provided, one said holder is arranged at each of two locations of the return path, ie at one side section and the other side section opposite thereto, and one said vibrator mounting element of the two elastic elements is mounted on each of the two holders.

[0018] It is further preferred to provide a weight on the outer periphery of the magnet. The vibrator mounting element is clamped between the side portion of the weight and a part of the bracket.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a vibration generator comprises a housing, the above-mentioned vibration unit, wherein the vibrator is attached to the housing and held deflectable with respect to the housing, and a coil through which current can flow to change a position and / or an attitude of the vibrator with respect to the housing. Effects of the invention:

[0020] According to the present invention, the vibrator mounting member is attached to the back plate bracket in the state where the projections engage the openings. Therefore, a vibration unit and a vibration generator with high durability can be provided. Brief explanation of the drawings: Fig. 1: an oblique view of a vibration generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2: a top view of the vibration generator, Fig. 3: a sectional view along a line AA in Fig. 2, Fig. 4: an oblique view of a vibration unit, Fig. 5: a bottom view of the vibration unit, Fig. 6: a bottom view of a conclusion, Fig. 7: a sectional view along a line AA in Fig. 6, Fig. 8: an oblique view to explain the assembly process of the elastic elements on the return, Fig. 9: a sectional view to explain the assembly process of the elastic components on the return, Fig. 10: an oblique view to explain the assembly process of the elastic elements. Fig. 11: a sectional view for explaining the assembly process of the elastic elements, and Fig. 12: a sectional view showing an example of a return path of the vibration generator according to a variant of the present embodiment. Embodiment of the invention:

[0021] In the following, a vibration generator using a vibration unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0022] The vibration generator comprises an arrangement in which a vibrator, which holds a magnet, is mounted on a housing and can be deflected relative to the housing. A coil is arranged near the vibrator. The current flowing through the coil changes the position and / or orientation of the vibrator relative to the housing in the magnet's magnetic field. The vibration generator is a so-called linear vibration generator, which generates a vibrating force by moving the vibrator back and forth in response to the current flowing through the coil. Example(s):

[0023] Fig. 1 is an oblique view of a vibration generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a top view of the vibration generator 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along a line AA in Fig. 2.

[0024] In Fig. 1 is a (in Fig. 3) base plate 30 is not shown. In Fig. 2, a vibration unit 5 is shown with a dashed double-dot line so that the component arrangement of the vibration unit 5 in the vibration generator 1 is easier to understand.

[0025] With regard to the vibration generator 1, the following description refers to the X-axis direction of a coordinate system in Fig. 1 as the transverse direction (the positive direction of the X-axis is to the right of the coordinate origin), the Y-axis direction as the forward or backward direction (the positive direction of the Y-axis is to the rear of the origin) and the Z-axis direction (direction perpendicular to the XY plane in Fig. 2) is called direction (the positive direction of the Z-axis is upwards from the origin).

[0026] As in Fig. 1, the vibration generator 1 essentially comprises a substrate 10, a frame 20, a (in Fig. 3) base plate 30, a coil 40 and a vibration unit 5. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the vibration unit 5 comprises two elastic members 50 (50a, 50b) and a vibrator 80. The two elastic members 50 comprise a total of four housing mounting elements 51 (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d), a total of four arms 53 (53a, 53b, 53c, 53d), and a total of two vibrator mounting elements 55 (55a, 55b). The vibrator 80 is attached to the two vibrator mounting elements 55. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the vibrator 80 is formed from a magnet 60, a return path 70, and a weight 81. The mass part, which contains the magnet 60 and the weight 81, is attached to the return path 70.

[0027] The vibration generator 1 as a whole is formed in a thin, essentially cuboid shape with relatively small vertical dimensions. The vibration generator 1 is a small object and has, for example, external dimensions of 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 housing in which the side surfaces on the left, right, front, and rear sides, as well as an upper surface, are formed from the frame 20, and the bottom surface is covered with the base plate 30.

[0028] According to the present embodiment, the frame 20 is made of a non-magnetic metal. The return path 70 is made of a soft magnetic material, such as iron. The frame 20 can also be made of synthetic resin or the like.

[0029] The substrate 10 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC). The flexible printed circuit board is clamped to the base plate 30 between the coil 40 and the base plate 30. Terminals are provided on the substrate 10, which are connected to the coil 40 or connect the substrate 10 to a power supply or the like. The area of ​​the substrate 10 where the terminals for connecting to the power supply or the like are located is directed outward from the housing (frame 20, base plate 30).

[0030] The base plate 30 according to the present embodiment is in the shape of a flat plate. The base plate 30 is inserted into a bottom portion of the frame 20 and fixed to the frame 20. The base plate 30 is formed 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 30, handling of the vibration generator 1 is facilitated and the durability of the vibration generator 1 is increased. The base plate 30 can also be formed of synthetic resin.

[0031] In a plan view, studs 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) are arranged at the respective four corners of the base plate 30. Each of the four studs 21 is a cylindrical pin. Each stud 21 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is upward or downward, that is, substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the vibrator 80. The length of the studs 21 is substantially the same as the inner height of the housing surrounded by the frame 20 and the base plate 30. Each stud 21 is formed of metal, such as iron, but the material is not limited thereto. The studs 21 can also be molded from, for example, synthetic resin. Furthermore, the studs 21 can also be attached to the side of the frame 20.

[0032] The frame 20 as a whole has a cuboid shape, the bottom part of which is open. The frame forms the housing. In a plan view, the corners (areas between the sides) of the frame 20 are connected to each other via a rounded area in between. As shown in Fig. 3, the frame 20 is arranged to cover the upper surface of the base plate 30 from above and is mounted on the base plate 30.

[0033] Coil 40 as a whole is an elliptical, plate-shaped air-core coil formed, for example, by winding an electric wire. That is, coil 40 is a thin coil in which the dimension along a winding axis is smaller than that perpendicular to the winding axis. Coil 40 can be formed by cutting a wound metal foil into slices or by stacking sheet coils. Coil 40 can have a round or polygonal shape, such as a square, in plan view.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the coil 40 is arranged on the upper surface of the substrate 10 so that the winding axis is vertically aligned. The coil 40 is arranged in a plan view in a central region of the vibration generator 1, opposite the vibrator 80. The coil 40 and the base plate 30 are electrically insulated from each other. Two winding ends of the coil 40 are connected to the terminals on the upper surface of the substrate 10.

[0035] Fig. 4 is an oblique view of the vibration unit 5. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the vibration unit 5.

[0036] As in Fig. 4, the vibration unit 50 has an arrangement in which the vibrator 80 holds the two elastic members 50 by holders 75 (75a, 75b) provided at the two right and left ends of the return path 70, respectively.

[0037] The vibrator 80 comprises the magnet 60, the return path 70, and the weight 81. The magnet 60 has a plate shape parallel to the horizontal plane. The weight 81 is formed to surround the sides of the magnet 60. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a mass part formed from the magnet 60 and the weight 81 is positioned and secured with the upper surface of the mass part to a flat section 71 of the return path 70. The flat section 71 is arranged on or at the magnet.

[0038] The mass part is held to the return path 70 by the magnet 60 adhering to the return path 70 through magnetic attraction. The weight 81 and the magnet 60 are attached to each other, for example, by welding or the like. The weight 81 can also be glued to the return path 70.

[0039] The elastic components 50 are each a molded part, for example, of an elastic body. As the elastic material, for example, plastic such as heat-resistant fluororubber or silicone rubber can be used. The elastic elements 50 are formed from such a rubber, whereby the heat resistance of the vibration generator 1 can be increased. The elastic element 50 is a one-piece molded component made of plastic. The elastic material is not limited to this; various materials, such as metals with a spring-like behavior, can be used as the elastic material. An example of a metallic material is phosphor bronze. The elastic element 50 is a one-piece molded component made of the metallic material.

[0040] In the elastic components 50, the housing mounting elements 51, the arms 53, and the vibrator mounting element 55 are integrally connected to each other. The elastic element 50 is a molded synthetic resin part formed integrally using an elastic material. That is, the 51, the arms 53, and the vibrator mounting element 55 each form a part of the elastic element 50. Specifically, the right elastic element 50a includes the housing mounting elements 51a, 51b, the vibrator mounting elements 55a, and the arms 53a, 53b. The left elastic element 50b includes the housing mounting elements 51c, 51d, the vibrator mounting element 55b, and the arms 53c, 53d.

[0041] The housing mounting elements 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d are parts of the elastic member 50, which is connected to the frame, with the frame 20 serving as a housing. The arms 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d are parts of the elastic member 50. The elastic member 50 vibratably supports the vibrator 80 along a side of the frame 20 facing the vibrator. The arms 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d support the vibrator 80 at least horizontally with respect to the frame 20. The vibrator mounting elements 55a, 55b are parts of the elastic member 50, which is connected to the vibrator 80.

[0042] The two housing mounting members 51a, 51b are connected to the vibrator mounting member 55a via the two arms 53a, 53b. The two housing mounting members 51c, 51d are connected to the vibrator mounting member 55b via the two arms 53c, 53d. Each arm 53 is formed so that its longitudinal direction is forward or backward. That is, the arms 53a, 53b are respectively arranged between the vibrator mounting member 55a, which holds the right end of the vibrator 80, and the housing mounting members 51a, 51b. On the other hand, the arms 53c, 53d are respectively arranged between the vibrator mounting member 55b, which holds the left end of the vibrator 80, and the housing mounting members 51c, 51d. Each arm 53 is connected to the vibrator mounting elements 55a, 55b with its region facing the vibrator 80. In Fig. 5, the arms 53 and the housing mounting members 51 are arranged in pairs upwards and downwards from the vibrator mounting members 55a, 55b, respectively.

[0043] The vibration unit 5 is arranged on the base plate 30 such that the studs 21 are inserted into the housing mounting elements 51. Specifically, the housing mounting elements 51 are assigned to the respective studs 21. Openings 52 (52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) are provided on the respective housing mounting elements 51. The openings 52 have, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the housing mounting elements 51 are attached to the base plate 30 such that the protrusions 21 engage the openings 52. When the vibration unit 50 is mounted to the base plate 30, the housings 51 are configured such that a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the housing mounting elements 51 extends along the inner peripheral surface of the frame 20 and is in contact with the inner peripheral surface. This securely holds the housing fasteners 51 so that their position or attitude relative to the frame 20 and the base surface 30 does not change.

[0045] The primary direction of movement of the vibrator 80 is horizontal, particularly to the right or left. This means that each arm 53 is shaped so that it can be easily bent to the right or left, and supports the vibrator mounting element 55, which can be deflected at least horizontally, relative to the housing mounting elements 51.

[0046] Two branched portions are provided on each arm 53, which converge toward the vibrator mounting element 55 in a V-shape when viewed from above. Therefore, the stress concentration occurring on the arms 53 upon deformation can be dampened, thus extending the service life of the vibration generator 1. However, the shape of the arms 53 is not limited to this example.

[0047] According to the present embodiment, in the vibration unit 5, in the normal state (e.g., in which the vibration unit 5 is not fixed to the frame 20), a distance between the case mounting members 51a and 51b is smaller than that between the center axes of the bosses 21a and 21b. Further, in the normal state, a distance between the case mounting members 51c and 51d is smaller than that between the center axes of the bosses 21c and 21d. Therefore, when the vibration unit 5 is fixed to the frame 20, each arm 53 is slightly extended in the longitudinal direction from its normal state. That is, when the vibration unit 5 is mounted to the frame 20, each arm 53 is elastically deformed and extended from its normal state. The degree of extension is, for example, For example, the distance between the housing mounting elements 51 is approximately 1.2 to 1.5 times the distance in the normal state, although the degree of expansion is not limited to these values.The distance between the housing mounting elements 51a and 51d or between the housing mounting elements 51b and 51c can also be designed so that it is smaller than that between the center axes of the associated knobs 21.

[0048] In this way, the vibration unit 5 is fixed to the frame 20 in the state where each arm 53 is stretched from its normal state, so that a tension generated due to the restoring force of the four arms 53 acts in the vibration unit 5. Since the vectors of the restoring forces are different, the vibration generator 1 is stabilized in a backlash-free state. Therefore, when currents flow through the coil 40, the vibration generator 1 can immediately generate vibrations due to the deflection of the vibrator 80, thereby increasing the responsiveness for vibration generation. In other words, the coil 40 is configured such that changes in a position and / or posture of the vibrator with respect to the housing (frame 20 and base plate 30) can be effected by current flow.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the conclusion 70. Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along a line AA in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an oblique view for explaining the mounting structure of the elastic elements 50 to the return 70.

[0050] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the back plate 70 has the brackets 75 (75a, 75b) that are bent from the flat portion 71 on which the mass part (weight 81 and magnet 60) is arranged. The brackets 75 extend from the flat portion 71 toward the frame 20, i.e., the brackets 75 are the parts that are partially bent from the flat portion 71 and extend toward the frame 20. Each bracket 75 has a shape that is bent downward from the flat portion 71, forming a side surface of the back plate 70 in which the mass part is arranged. Specifically, each bracket 75 includes a part formed from the flat portion 71 on which the mass part is arranged (an example of the first part; hereinafter referred to simply as the flat portion 71), side portions 76, and folded portions (an example of the second part) 77.The side sections 76 are bent downwards approximately at right angles at the right and left ends of the flat section 71 and form the right and left side surfaces of the return path 70. The folded sections 77 are bent inwards approximately at right angles at the lower ends of the side sections 76 of the return path 70 and are bent from the lower end of the side sections 76 towards the interior of the vibrator (80). In other words, the folded sections 77 are bent at the ends of the sections that are bent downwards from the flat section 71 towards the side on which the mass part is arranged. The flat section 71, the side sections 76 and the folded sections 77 are designed such that the vibrator mounting elements 55 of the elastic element 50 are held clamped from above and below such that the vibrator mounting elements 55 can be clamped from three sides, i.e.by the top surface, the outer side surfaces, and the bottom surface. In other words, the flat portion 71, the side surface 76, and the folded portion 77 enclose parts of the vibrator mounting element 55. For example, the parts encompass the outer peripheral sides of the vibrator mounting element 55.

[0051] A first opening 78 and a second opening 79 are formed on each of the brackets 75. The first opening 78 is formed on the folded portion 77, and the second opening 79 is formed on the flat portion 71. The two openings 78, 79 are formed symmetrically on the brackets 75a, 75b. This means that the brackets 75a, 75b are symmetrically shaped.

[0052] According to the present embodiment, the first opening 78 is arranged at an outer position than the position of the second opening 79 so that, as explained later, the positions of the openings 78, 79 correspond to the positions of the projections 58, 59 of the vibrator mounting members 55, respectively.

[0053] According to the present embodiment, the first opening 78 has a shape that extends wider toward the outside of the return path 70 than the shape (the smallest shape that the first projection 58 can engage) whose dimension is equal to that of the first projection 58. The projection 58, as explained later, is formed in the vibrator mounting member 55. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the first opening 78 has a shape in which a part of the side portion 76 is recessed. In other words, the first opening 78 extends from the folded portion 77 to the side portion 76.

[0054] As in Fig. 8, in the vibrator mounting member 55 of each elastic member 50, the first protrusion 58 engaging with the first opening 78 and the second protrusion 59 engaging with the second opening 79 are formed. The first protrusion 58 is formed to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the vibrator mounting member 55. The second protrusion 59 is formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the vibrator mounting member 55. The first protrusion 58 is located at an outer position (closer to the side end of the bracket 75) of the vibration unit 5 than the position of the second protrusion 59. Specifically, according to the present embodiment, the first protrusion 58 is positioned closer to the outer side surface of the vibrator mounting member 55, and the second protrusion 59 is positioned closer to the inner side surface of the vibrator mounting member 55, respectively.

[0055] The forward or rearward dimension of the first projection 58 is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than that of the first opening 78. The forward or rearward dimension of the second projection 59 and the right or left dimension is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than that of the second opening 79 and the right or left dimension.

[0056] The vibrator mounting element 55 is attached to the bracket 75 such that the projections 58, 59 engage in the openings 78, 79, respectively.

[0057] Fig. 9 is a sectional view for explaining the assembly process of the elastic elements 50 to the return 70. Fig. 10 is an oblique view for explaining the assembly process of the elastic elements 50. Fig. 11 is a sectional view for explaining the assembly process of the elastic members 50.

[0058] The illustrations in Fig. 9 and Fig. 11 each show the same cut as in Fig. 2 shown.

[0059] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the vibrator mounting element 55 of each elastic member 50 is inserted into the inside of the bracket 75 in the state where it is tilted so that the lower side faces laterally (step S11). The vibrator mounting element 55 is pressed in such a way that its first projection 58 engages the first opening 78. The elastic member 50 is elastically deformed accordingly.

[0060] Subsequently, in the state in which the first projection 58 is engaged in the first opening 78, the vibrator mounting member 55 is rotated so that, as shown in Fig. 9 with an arrow, the upper part of the vibrator mounting member 55 is displaced upward (step S11 to step S12). In this case, the elastic member 50 is elastically deformed accordingly. As explained above, the first opening 78 is extended from the folded portion 77 to the side portion 76 of the bracket 75, whereby the vibrator mounting member 55 can be rotated by inserting the first projection 58 into the first opening 78. This step can therefore be easily performed. For example, the first projection 58, in the state in which it engages the first opening 78, is displaced from the outside to the inside of the return path 70.

[0061] The vibrator mounting member 55 is rotated so that its upper part is displaced upward so that the second projection 59 engages the second opening 79 (step S13). This achieves the state that the first projection 58 is engaged in the first opening 78 and the second projection 59 is engaged in the second opening 79, respectively. In this state, the elastic deformation of the vibrator mounting member 55 has substantially returned to its normal state (it is also possible that the part in contact with the inner surface of the bracket 75 is slightly elastically deformed to its normal state). The vibrator mounting member 55 is therefore held clamped by the bracket 75 from above and below. With the two projections 58, 59 engaging the two openings 78, 79, the vibrator mounting member 55 is fixed to the bracket 75, whereby the elastic member 50 is positioned forward and backward of the return path 70, respectively.

[0062] In the state where the vibrator mounting member 55 is held by the bracket 75, the weight 81 and the magnet 60 are placed on the flat portion 71 as shown in Fig. 10 is shown.

[0063] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 11, in the state attached to the bracket 75, the distance D1 between the inner side surfaces of the vibrator mounting members 55a and 55b is slightly smaller than the width D2 between the right and left ends of the weight 81 (step S14). Therefore, when the weight 81 and the magnet 60 are placed on the flat portion 71, the right and left side ends of the weight 81 are brought into contact with the inner side surfaces of the respective vibrator mounting members 55, with each vibrator mounting member 55 being pressed against the side portion 76. Therefore, the vibrator mounting member 55 is clamped and positioned between the side of the weight 81 and the inner surface of the side portion 76 of the bracket 75.

[0064] As explained above, the elastic elements 50 of the vibration unit 5 are engaged in the holder 75 formed in the return path 70 and connected to the return path 70. Therefore, when the vibrator 80 vibrates, the deformed parts of the elastic elements 50 do not move, so that local fatigue of the elastic elements 50 is difficult to occur. Therefore, the durability of the vibration unit 5 and the vibration generator 1 can be increased.

[0065] The elastic elements 50 can be easily mounted on the return element 70 by the projections 58, 59 engaging in the openings 78, 79, thus enabling positioning. Since the first projection 58 is offset outwardly relative to the second projection 59, easier assembly of the vibration unit 5 is enabled. In particular, the first projection 58 is positioned closer to the outer side surface of the vibrator mounting element 55, and the second projection 59 is positioned closer to the inner side surface of the vibrator mounting element 55, so that the elastic deformation required for the projections 58, 59 to engage the openings 78, 79 is reduced, thus facilitating assembly.

[0066] The elastic elements 50 are positioned in the transverse direction by the mass part attached to the yoke 70. Therefore, the state in which the elastic elements 50 are securely held so that they do not fall out from the holders 75 is maintained, so that the reliability of the vibration unit 5 and the vibration generator 1 can be increased. Furthermore, the elastic elements 50 are held by the holders 75 in this way, whereby a relatively simple shape of the holders 75 in which the vibrator mounting member 55 is surrounded on only three sides is achieved. Therefore, the yoke 70 can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, it is not necessary to insert any component (a part of the holder, another component, or the like) between the vibrator mounting member 55 and the mass part.) to fix the vibrator mounting member 55 to the bracket 75, so that the dimension of the vibration generator 1 in the transverse direction and thus the vibration generator 1 can be reduced by ensuring the space for disposing the mass part.

[0067] The first opening 78 is formed to be extended outward and to recess a part of the side portion 76, so that, as explained above, the assembly of the vibration unit 5 can be easily performed and further the bending processing from the side portion 76 to the folding portion 77 can be easily realized.

[0068] The right and left elastic members 50a, 50b have the same shape. Therefore, the elastic members 50 can be manufactured at low cost. Explanation of variants of the design:

[0069] The shape of the return path holder is not limited to the above-mentioned shape. Furthermore, the side section 76 of the return path, for example, does not necessarily have to be flat, but can also be curved. The shape of the openings 78, 79 is also not limited to the above-mentioned shape.

[0070] It is also possible to provide a single opening or three or more openings into which the projections of the vibrator mounting element engage. This means that the number and shape of the projections and openings can be changed accordingly, so that when the projections are engaged in the openings, the vibrator mounting element is held by the bracket.

[0071] Fig. 12 is a sectional view of an example of the return path 370 of the vibration generator 1 according to a variant of the present embodiment.

[0072] The cut in Fig. 12 corresponds to the Fig. 7 shown section. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the inner ends of the folded portion 77b of the bracket 75 of the return path 370 are further bent upward. Thus, the folded portion 77b includes the upwardly bent portion, allowing the vibrator mounting elements 55 to be positioned transversely in the state where the vibrator mounting elements 55 are attached to the bracket 75. Therefore, it is not necessary to press the vibrator mounting elements 55 against the side portion 76 by the mass part, so that the shape and structure of the mass part can be adjusted accordingly. Miscellaneous:

[0073] The vibration generator can be designed using a suitable combination of the individual features of the above embodiment or its variants. For example, it is possible to replace the flexible circuit board with a double-sided substrate, such as a glass epoxy substrate. The double-sided substrate can be formed as part of the housing. By using this double-sided substrate, the manufacturing costs of the vibration generator can be reduced.

[0074] The frame does not need to be provided with an upper surface or a bottom surface and can only surround the circumference of the vibration unit 5 in the plan view.

[0075] The circuit board may not be required. The base plate does not have to completely cover the bottom surface of the frame, but can be positioned in a specific area of ​​the bottom surface of the frame. It is possible to arrange a plurality of coils or magnets. The position of the coils and the arrangement of the magnetic poles, etc., can be adjusted accordingly to ensure proper operation of the vibration generator.

[0076] The number of chassis mounting elements and arms can be two or more. As the structural element corresponding to the elastic element according to the above embodiment, not only a one-piece molded body but also a body in which multiple structural elements are assembled can be used.

[0077] The number of brackets holding the elastic element and the vibrator mounting element can be one or three or more.

[0078] The vibration unit can be arranged on the base plate.

[0079] The weight can be located in the center of the magnet or similar element. The weight can be located in a region of the magnet that does not significantly affect the force generation for moving the vibrator. This allows the vibration generator to be designed so that the vibrator can be downsized and generate a high vibration force. The weight may not be needed.

[0080] The vibration generator that can drive a vibrator can be configured by attaching the coil to the main substrate of a device that uses vibration or the like, and attaching the housing to which the vibration unit is attached to the main substrate on which the coil is already mounted. In other words, the vibration generator can also be configured by using the coil mounted on the substrate of another device. The vibration unit can be directly attached and used on the substrate of the other device corresponding to a housing.

[0081] The structure of the vibration unit is not limited to the above-mentioned vibrator for the vibration generator, but can be widely applied. That is, the vibration unit is designed such that a vibrator equipped with a magnet can be deflected by the arm relative to a part supported by the frame. This vibration unit can be used for a magnet-driven actuator, a device that correspondingly deflects the vibrator in a predetermined direction, and other various devices using the vibrator as a movable element. Even for a device other than the vibration generator, the vibration unit is designed in the above-mentioned manner, whereby the same effect as the above-mentioned effect can be achieved.

[0082] The vibration generator is not limited to the small design example cited above. It is also possible to design a larger vibration generator with the same basic structure. In this case, the same effect as the one described above can be achieved.

[0083] It should be understood that the above embodiment is exemplary in all respects, but not limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description, but by the claims, and includes all modifications equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims. List of reference symbols 1 vibration generator 5 Vibration unit 10 Substrat 20 frames (an example of the case) 30 Base plate (an example of the housing) 40 coil 50 (50a, 50b) Elastic element 51 (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d) Housing mounting element 53 (53a, 53b, 53c, 53d) Arm 55 (55a, 55b) vibrator mounting element 58 First lead 59 Second lead 60 Magnet 70 Conclusion 71 Flat section (an example of the first part) 75 bracket 76 page section 77, 77b Folding section (an example of the second part) 78 First opening 79 Second opening 80 vibrators 81 Weight

Claims

[1] Vibration unit (5) comprising an elastic element (50, 50a, 50b), wherein the vibration unit (5) can be attached to a housing (20, 30) of a vibration generator (1), comprising: - a vibrator (80) having a magnet (60) and a return path (70) arranged on or at the magnet, and - an elastic element (50, 50a, 50b), wherein the elastic element (50, 50a, 50b) has - a vibrator mounting element (55, 55a, 55b) attached to the vibrator, - a housing mounting element (51, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d) fixed to the housing (20, 30), and - an arm (53, 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d) which connects the vibrator mounting element (55, 55a, 55b) and the housing mounting element (51, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d) to one another and supports the vibrator mounting element (55, 55a, 55b) such that it can be deflected at least horizontally with respect to the housing mounting element (51, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d), wherein the return path (70) has a flat section (71) arranged on or on the magnet (60) and a holder (75, 75a, 75b) bent from the flat section (71) towards a frame (20), and wherein the vibrator mounting element (55, 55a, 55b) is held and encompassed by the holder (75, 75a, 75b), where - the holder (75, 75a, 75b) comprises a first part (71) and a side surface and a second part (77), the second part (77) being bent from the end portion of the side surface towards the interior of the vibrator (80), - the magnet is arranged on the first part (71), - one of the first part (71) and the second part (77) comprises a first opening (78) and the other a second opening (79), and the vibrator mounting member (55, 55a, 55b) comprises a first projection (58) engaging the first opening (78) and a second projection (59) engaging the second opening (79). [2] Vibration unit (5) according to claim 1, wherein the first projection (58) is arranged closer to the side end (76) of the bracket (75, 75a, 75b) than the second projection (59). [3] Vibration unit (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first opening (78) has a shape which extends wider outwards of the return path (70) than a shape whose dimension is the same as that of the first projection (58), wherein for mounting the vibrator mounting element (55, 55a, 55b) on the vibrator (80) in the state in which the first projection (58) engages in the first opening (78), the vibrator mounting element (55, 55a, 55b) is rotatable. [4] Vibration unit (5) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic member (50, 50a, 50b) is a molded part made of an elastic material, which is formed such that the housing mounting member (51, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d), the arm (53, 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d) and the vibrator mounting member (55, 55a, 55b) are connected to each other. [5] Vibration unit (5) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibrator mounting member (55, 55a, 55b) has two locations to which each said arm (53, 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d) is connected, and each said housing mounting member (51, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d) is connected to the two arms (53, 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d). [6] Vibration unit (5) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein - two said elastic elements (50, 50a, 50b) are provided, - one said holder (75, 75a, 75b) is arranged at two locations of the return path (70), ie at one side section (76) and the other side section (76) opposite thereto, and - a said vibrator mounting element (55, 55a, 55b) of the two elastic elements (50, 50a, 50b) is mounted on each of the two holders (75a, 75b). [7] Vibration unit (5) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein - a weight (81) is further provided on the outer circumference of the magnet (60) and - the vibrator mounting element (55, 55a, 55b) is clamped between the side portion (76) of the weight (81) and a part of the holder (75, 75a, 75b). [8] Vibration generator (1), comprising: - a housing (20, 30), - a vibration unit (5) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the vibrator (80) is mounted on the housing (20, 30) and holds the vibrator (80) deflectable with respect to the housing (20, 30), and - a coil (40) through which current can flow to change a position and / or an attitude of the vibrator with respect to the housing (20, 30).

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