Vibration generator, tactile display device and seating system

Abstract

A vibration generator, a tactile display device, and a seating system are provided, in which a vibrator vibrates in one direction along a surface on which vibration is to be generated, and the vibration can be generated in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the vibration is to be generated.The vibration generator comprises a housing; a vibrator housed within the housing and comprising a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; an elastic support configured to elastically support the vibrator; a drive element provided within the housing and comprising the electromagnetic coil capable of generating a force to magnetically attract the vibrator with the permanent magnet in a first direction, or the permanent magnet capable of generating the force to magnetically attract the vibrator with the electromagnetic coil in the first direction; and a weight provided within a part of the housing arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vibration generator, a tactile display device and a seating system. background

[0002] Previously, vibration motors comprised a housing, a substrate, a coil, a vibrator, a first elastic element, and a second elastic element. When the coil is energized in a state where the displacement of the vibrator is zero, the vibrator vibrates in a lateral direction (one of two orthogonal axes in a top view (X-direction)) due to the interaction between the magnetic field generated by the coil and the magnetic field generated by a magnet of the vibrator (see, for example, patent document 1). RELATED DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS Patent specification 1: Japanese published patent application no. 2018-118231 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0003] It should be noted that, for example, in the case where a vibration generator is arranged in a section of limited thickness to generate vibration on one surface of the section, a vibration generator in which the vibrator vibrates in a direction parallel to the surface of the section may be easier to arrange. The section with limited thickness could, for example, be a seat section or a backrest section of a seat.

[0004] In a vibration generator where a vibrator vibrates in a direction parallel to the surface of the relevant section, the vibration transmitted to the surface of that section is weak, and sufficient vibration intensity cannot be achieved. This problem becomes even more pronounced when the relevant section is flexible. For example, the flexible section might be a urethane film or a sponge located inside the seat or backrest section of the seat.

[0005] The present invention relates to a vibration generator, a tactile display device and a seating system in which a vibrator vibrates in a direction along a surface on which a vibration is to be generated, and the vibration can be generated in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which a vibration is to be generated. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS

[0006] A vibration generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a housing; a vibrator housed in the housing, comprising a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; an elastic support configured to elastically support the vibrator; a drive element provided in the housing, comprising the electromagnetic coil capable of generating a force to magnetically attract the vibrator with the permanent magnet in a first direction, or the permanent magnet capable of generating the force to magnetically attract the vibrator with the electromagnetic coil in the first direction; and a weight provided in a part of the housing arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0007] A tactile display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a housing; a vibrator housed in the housing and comprising a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; an elastic support configured to elastically support the vibrator; a drive element provided in the housing and comprising the electromagnetic coil capable of generating a force to magnetically attract the vibrator, which comprises the permanent magnet, in a first direction, or the permanent magnet capable of generating the force to magnetically attract the vibrator, which comprises the electromagnetic coil, in a first direction; a weight provided in a part of the housing arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction;and a control circuit configured to control the drive of the electromagnetic coil.

[0008] A seating system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a seat with a seat section and a backrest section; and a tactile display device, wherein the tactile display device comprises: a housing provided in a flexible part of the seat section or the backrest section of the seat; a vibrator housed in the housing and comprising a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; an elastic support configured to elastically support the vibrator; a drive element provided in the housing and comprising the electromagnetic coil capable of generating a force to magnetically attract the vibrator comprising the permanent magnet in a first direction, or the permanent magnet capable of generating the force to magnetically attract the vibrator comprising the electromagnetic coil in a first direction;a weight provided in a part of the housing that is arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a control circuit configured to control the drive of the electromagnetic coil. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A vibration generator, a tactile display device and a seating system are provided, in which a vibrator vibrates in one direction along a surface on which a vibration is to be generated, and is able to generate a vibration in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which a vibration is to be generated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal structure of a vehicle. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a tactile display device according to one embodiment. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram that shows a configuration example of the in Fig. 1 shows the seat depicted along a line AA. [ Fig. 4A] Fig. Figure 4A is a diagram showing a configuration example of an actuator according to the embodiment. [ Fig. 4B] Fig. Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating a torque for rotating the actuator according to the embodiment. [ Fig. 4C] Fig. Figure 4C is a diagram showing a configuration example of the actuator according to a modified example of the embodiment. [ Fig. 5A] Fig. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of simulation results. [ Fig. 5B] Fig. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of actual measurement results. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram that represents an example of a simulation model used to obtain simulation results of the sound pressure distribution. [ Fig. 7A] Fig. Figure 7A shows an example of simulation results. [ Fig. 7B] Fig. Figure 7B illustrates an example of simulation results. [ Fig. 7C] Fig. 7C illustrates an example of simulation results. [ Fig. 7D] Fig. 7D shows an example of simulation results. [ Fig. 8A] Fig. Figure 8A is a diagram illustrating a length L of a weight in an X direction and a depth d from a surface of a seat of the actuator according to the embodiment. [ Fig. 8B] Fig. Figure 8B is a diagram that schematically represents an example of a Z-direction component of a vibration when the depth d is large. [ Fig. 8C] Fig. 8C is a diagram that schematically represents an example of the Z-direction component of the vibration when the depth d is small. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes an embodiment to which the vibration generator, the tactile display device and the seating system of the present disclosure are applied. <Ausführungsform>

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration in the interior of a vehicle 10. A seat 11 is arranged in the interior of the vehicle 10. The seat 11 comprises a backrest section (seat back) 11A, a seat section (seat cushion) 11B, a headrest 11C, and a seat cover 11D. The backrest sections 11A, the seat section 11B, and the headrest 11C are covered with the seat cover 11D.

[0012] In the present embodiment, an example of a target (hereinafter also referred to as "target") to which a tactile display device 100 is attached is a seat 11, and the seat 11 is the driver's seat, which is described below. Therefore, in the following description, the user of the seat 11 is a driver. However, the seat 11 can be any seat provided in the vehicle 10, for example, a front passenger seat or a rear seat. The seat 11 can also be provided in an object other than the vehicle 10. The target is not limited to the seat 11 but can also be used while in contact with at least a part of the user's body, and the vibration of the target generated by the tactile display device 100 can be transmitted to at least a part of the body. The target object can, for example, be a wearable device (e.g., a bracelet, a belt, a suit, etc.).), a device to assist a person with a hearing or visual impairment, or a device such as a power assist suit for work assistance. The following description provides an example where the destination is Seat 11, but the content described for Seat 11 applies equally if the destination is something other than Seat 11.

[0013] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a seating system 200 of the present embodiment. The seating system 200 comprises the seat 11 and the tactile display device 100. The tactile display device 100 comprises an actuator 110 and a controller 120. The actuator 110 is an example of a vibration generator. Fig. Actuator 110 is represented by a dashed line.

[0014] The tactile display device 100 is a device for displaying tactile sensations to a user sitting on the seat 11 by controlling and vibrating the actuator 110 provided in the seat 11. By displaying the tactile sensations, information about the vehicle 10 is communicated to the user, for example.

[0015] For example, seat section 11B includes an actuator 110. For example, the actuator 110 is arranged within a cushioning element provided on the reverse side of the seat cover fabric 11D of seat section 11B. The location of the actuator 110, its surroundings, and the like are described below with reference to Fig. 3 described.

[0016] The Controller 120, for example, is located on the back of the dashboard. The following description refers to Fig. 2 in addition to Fig. 1.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the tactile display device 100. Fig. Figure 2 shows, in addition to the tactile display device 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 12. The ECU 12 is an ECU for controlling a navigation system of the vehicle 10. Although the ECU 12 described below is the ECU for controlling the navigation system, the ECU 12 can also be a different ECU than the ECU for controlling the navigation system. The ECU 12 can include a controller 120.

[0018] Actuator 110 is connected to controller 120 via a communication cable 110A, and controller 120 is connected to ECU 12 via a communication cable 12A. Controller 120 controls the drive of actuator 110.

[0019] The 110A and 12A communication cables are compliant with standards such as the Controller Area Network (CAN). Communication between the 120 controller and the 110 actuator or the 12 ECU is not limited to wired communication via the 110A and 12A communication cables, but can also be partially or completely wireless.

[0020] The controller 120 comprises a control circuit 121 and a memory 122. The controller 120 is implemented by means of a computer, which includes a central processing unit (CPU), main memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), an input / output interface, an internal bus, and the like. The control circuit 121 is a functional block that represents the function(s) of the program executed by the controller 120. The memory 122 functionally represents the memory of the controller 120.

[0021] When an event is reported by the ECU 12, the control circuit 121 reads the vibration pattern corresponding to the event type from memory 122 and outputs a control signal of the read vibration pattern to the actuator 110. Thus, the actuator 110 is controlled by means of the vibration pattern corresponding to the type of event generated. Memory 122 stores programs, data, and the like, which are used by the control circuit 121 to drive the actuator 110. Memory 122 stores data that displays the vibration pattern corresponding to the event type (see Fig. 10, which is described below). <Umgebung, in welcher der Aktuator 110 angeordnet ist>

[0022] The following description is made with reference to Fig. 3 in addition to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram that shows a configuration example of the in Fig. The depicted seat 11 is shown along line AA. Fig. 3 is a frame 11F of seat 11 shown under section 11B.

[0023] The following defines and describes an XYZ coordinate system. An X-axis is an example of a first axis, a Y-axis is an example of a second axis, and a Z-axis is an example of a third axis. Directions parallel to the X-axis (X-direction), the Y-axis (Y-direction), and the Z-axis (Z-direction) are orthogonal to each other. In the following, the Z-direction is a vertical direction, a +Z-direction is referred to as an upward direction, and a -Z-direction is referred to as a downward direction. A planar view refers to a view as seen on an XY plane. The XY plane is parallel to the horizontal plane. In the following, the length, thickness, and other dimensions of each part may be exaggerated to make the structure easier to understand.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the actuator 110 is provided within a cushioning element 11E, which is arranged on the back of the seat fabric 11D of the seat section 11B. The cushioning element 11E is an example of the flexible section and comprises urethane foam or the like.

[0025] Here, for example, the actuator 110 is arranged within the upholstery element 11E of the seat section 11B, but the actuator 110 can also be arranged within the upholstery element 11E, which is located on the back of the seat fabric 11D of the backrest section 11A.

[0026] The actuator 110 is positioned below a surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B and is located essentially at the midpoint of the thickness of the upholstery element 11E in the Z-direction. That is, the actuator 110 is embedded at the midpoint of the thickness of the upholstery element 11E of the seat section 11B. When the user sits on the seat section 11B, both the upper and lower sections of the actuator 110 of the upholstery element 11E are deformed in such a way that the user is not aware that a hard object is located inside the upholstery element 11E.

[0027] The position of the actuator 110 in the upholstery element 11E in a top view corresponds approximately to the center of the seat section 11B in a top view. For example, the surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane when the user is not sitting on the seat 11.

[0028] The actuator 110 is controlled by means of a controller 120 (see Fig. 2) The output drive signal is activated and generates vibrations. The seat 11, as the target, vibrates by means of the actuator 110.

[0029] The tactile display device 100 vibrates the actuator 110 to transmit vibrations to the user sitting on the seat 11, thus providing a tactile sensation. Although the following describes the configuration in which the actuator 110 is located in the seat section 11B, the same applies if the actuator 110 is located in the upholstery element 11E of the backrest section 11A. <Vibrationsrichtung des Vibrators im Aktuator 110>

[0030] To generate a vibration of a specific intensity on the surface of an object, it is generally advantageous to set the vibrator in motion perpendicular to the surface. However, since the thickness of the cushioning element 11E of the seat section 11B of the seat 11 is limited in the Z-direction, it is difficult to set the vibrator in motion within the cushioning element 11E in the Z-direction. This is because it is difficult for the vibrator to achieve a sufficient vibration stroke in the Z-direction.

[0031] Under this constraint, the actuator 110, for example, vibrates the vibrator in the X-direction. That is, by vibrating the vibrator in the X-direction, the vibrator of the actuator 110 generates a vibration on the surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B, which is essentially parallel to the XY plane.

[0032] Since the actuator 110 is also embedded in the upholstery element 11E, which has a low vibration transmission efficiency, it is necessary to develop a way to transmit vibrations of a certain intensity to the surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B.

[0033] From this perspective, the actuator 110 can generate vibrations including a Z-direction component while in a configuration where the vibrator vibrates in the X-direction. More precisely, the actuator 110 achieves vibrations including the Z-direction component by generating vibrations in the X-direction through the vibration of the vibrator, which are accompanied by a rotation of the entire actuator 110, similar to a cradle. The details of the configuration and operation of the actuator 110 are described below. <details zur konfiguration und zum betrieb des aktuators 110>

[0034] Fig. Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the actuator 110. The actuator 110 comprises the housing 111, a vibrator 112, a spring 113, an electromagnetic coil 114, and a weight 115. The spring 113 is an example of the elastic support that elastically supports the vibrator 112. The electromagnetic coil 114 is an example of the drive component. Fig. 4A shows the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 when the vibrator 112 of the vibrator 112 is stopped. <Gehäuse 111>

[0035] The housing 111, for example, is a box-shaped element with a hollow interior and serves as a housing for the actuator 110. The housing 111 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped, comprising six walls and having six outer surfaces. The housing 111 can be made of, for example, a resin, a metal, or the like, but preferably of a metallic material to ensure the strength described below. The housing 111 is a thin, plate-like housing with a small thickness in the Z-direction, since the thickness of the cushioning element 11E of the seat section 11B is limited in the Z-direction. Although the housing 111 is described as an example of a thin rectangular parallelepiped, the housing 111 can be thin only in one thickness direction (Z-direction) of the cushioning element 11E, and the overall shape need not necessarily be a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0036] Furthermore, the housing 111 becomes a vibration-generating component when the actuator 110 oscillates, by absorbing the vibration generated by the vibrator 112. The housing 111 is located within the cushion element 11E of the seat section 11B, and when the user sits on the seat section 11B, a load is applied in the Z-direction. Therefore, it is sufficient that the housing 111 can function as a vibration-generating component of the actuator 110 and has sufficient strength to withstand the load. <Vibrator 112>

[0037] The vibrator 112 is arranged within a thin, plate-like housing 111 with a small thickness in the Z-direction and vibrates in the X-direction. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the length of the actuator 110 in the X-direction parallel to a vibration direction of the vibrator 112 is longer in a top view than the length in the Y-direction perpendicular to the vibration direction of the vibrator 112 in a top view, since greater vibrations are generated.

[0038] For this reason, the vibrator 112 includes a permanent magnet with a longitudinal direction that runs in the vibration direction (X-direction). The X-direction in which the vibrator 112 vibrates is an example of the first direction. At both ends of the vibrator 112 in the X-direction, an end section of the spring 113 is attached, with the spring 113 being located on each of the ±X-direction sides of the vibrator 112. The vibrator 112 vibrates to move back and forth in the X-direction by driving the electromagnetic coils 114, which are located on each of the ±X-direction sides of the vibrator 112. The actuator 110, which includes the vibrator 112 described above, is a linear actuator, wherein the vibrator 112 vibrates in the X-direction and can be either resonant or non-resonant.

[0039] Here, the vibrator 112 is explained as an example, in which the longitudinal direction is the vibration direction (X-direction), but the vibrator 112 does not necessarily have to have a shape in which the longitudinal direction is the vibration direction (X-direction). For example, the vibrator 112 could have a square shape in a top view and have the longitudinal direction in the Y-direction and a transverse direction in the X-direction.

[0040] As an example, an actuator 110 in a movable magnet configuration is used here, in which the vibrator 112 is a permanent magnet and the electromagnetic coils 114 are attached to the housing 111. The movable magnet actuator 110 has the advantage that a stronger vibration can be achieved than with the movable coil type. However, the actuator 110 can also have a movable coil configuration in which the vibrator 112 is an electromagnetic coil. This configuration, along with the electromagnetic coil 114, is described below.

[0041] Here, an example configuration of the actuator 110 is described in which the electromagnetic coils 114 are located on each of the ±X-direction sides of the vibrator 112. However, the actuator 110 can be configured such that the vibrator 112 vibrates in the X-direction by having the electromagnetic coils located, for example, on the bottom, top, or side surfaces when the vibrator 112 is stopped.

[0042] Although the following description, subject to the limitations outlined above, describes a configuration that causes the actuator 110 to vibrate the vibrator 1112 in the X-direction, the actuator 110 can also be configured to cause the vibrator 112 to vibrate in the Y-direction. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the vibrator 112 is the Y-direction. <Feder 113>

[0043] The spring 113 is provided on each of the ±X-direction sides of the vibrator 112. One end of each spring 113 is attached to the X-direction end of the vibrator 112, and the other end of the spring 113 is attached to an inner wall of the housing 111. The spring 113 is an elastic element that is elastic and stretchable in the X-direction. The spring 113 can elastically support the vibrator 112 against the housing 111 in a state in which the vibrator 112 can vibrate in the X-direction. The spring 113 can be, for example, a coil spring or a leaf spring. <Elektromagnetische Spule 114>

[0044] The electromagnetic coil 114 is wound in a YZ-plane view, and the spring 113 passes through the center of the electromagnetic coil 114. The spring 113 is attached to the inner wall of the housing 112 while passing through the center of the electromagnetic coil 114.

[0045] The electromagnetic coil 114 is connected to the controller 120 via a cable or similar connection. The electromagnetic coil 114 generates a magnetic field, controlled by the control circuit 121, which magnetically attracts the vibrator 112, containing a permanent magnet, in the X-direction. When the control circuit 121 periodically changes the polarity of the current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 114, a magnetic attraction is exerted between the vibrator 112, containing the permanent magnet, and the electromagnetic coil 114, causing the vibrator 112 to vibrate in the X-direction.

[0046] If the actuator 110 is of the movable coil type, the vibrator 112 is the electromagnetic coil, and the permanent magnet is attached to the housing 111 in place of the electromagnetic coil 114. In this case, the permanent magnet attached to the housing 111 in place of the electromagnetic coil 114 is an example of the drive element.

[0047] That is, if the actuator 110 is of the movable magnet type, the drive element is the electromagnetic coil 114, which is provided on a housing side 111, and can magnetically attract the vibrator 112 in the longitudinal direction and generate a magnetic attraction force with the vibrator 112, which comprises the permanent magnet. If the actuator 110 is of the movable coil type, the drive element is the permanent magnet, which is provided on the housing side 111, and which can magnetically attract the vibrator 112 in the longitudinal direction and generate a magnetic attraction force with the vibrator 112, which comprises the electromagnetic coil. <Gewicht 115>

[0048] For example, the weight 115 is located on the rear (inner) side of the upper surface wall of the housing 111. Therefore, the weight 115 is positioned, for example, above the vibrator 112. In this case, the vertical direction (Z-direction) is an example of the second direction, which intersects the vibration direction of the vibrator 112 (X-direction and an example of the first direction). The rear side of the upper side wall of the housing 111, where the weight 115 is located, is an example of the part of the housing 111 that is on a second directional side.

[0049] It should be noted that the second direction is not limited to the vertical direction (Z-direction), but can also be the transverse direction (Y-direction) of the vibrator 112. The weight 115 can be located on the lower side wall or on the rear (inner surface) of the side wall of the housing 111. The weight 115 can be located on the upper side wall, the lower side wall, or the outer surface of the side wall of the housing 111. In this way, the weight 115 is located on a surface of the wall of the housing 111.

[0050] When the weight 115 is attached to the housing 111, the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 is displaced from the center of the actuator 110 and from the center of gravity of the vibrator 112. The deviation of the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 from the center of the actuator 110 means that the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 is eccentric.

[0051] The weight 115 is positioned such that, by means of the eccentricity of the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110, the entire actuator 110 vibrates with a cradle-like rotation when the vibrator 112 vibrates in the X direction. The center of gravity CG is the center of gravity of the entire actuator 110 when the vibrator 112 is stopped.

[0052] Since the actuator 110 is located within the cushioning element 11E, the cushioning element 11E deforms around the actuator 110 when the vibrator 112 begins to vibrate in the X direction. Therefore, the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 is located in the Fig. The position shown in 4A is that when the vibrator 112 is stopped, but when the vibrator 112 starts to vibrate, the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 is moved from the position shown in Figure 4A. Fig. The position shown in 4A has been shifted. Even when the vibrator 112 vibrates, the center of gravity (CG) of the actuator 110 is eccentric.

[0053] When the vibrator 112 begins to vibrate from a state in which it is stopped, the axis that passes through the center of gravity CG in the Y direction, at which in Fig. The actuator 110 begins to vibrate at the position shown in 4A, towards the axis where the torque is generated. While the center of gravity (CG) then shifts from the position shown in Fig. When the actuator 110 is moved to the position shown in 4A, it vibrates repeatedly while absorbing the torque in a state where the center of gravity (CG) is eccentric. Fig. 4A indicates the direction of the vibration, including the torque, by means of a bidirectional arrow.

[0054] Such a vibration includes a component in the Z-direction. That is, even if the padding element 11E is limited in thickness in the Z-direction and the vibrator 112 cannot oscillate in the Z-direction, the actuator 110 can generate a vibration that includes the component in the Z-direction perpendicular to the surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B. The actuator 110 generally oscillates and vibrates in the X-direction, while also vibrating in the Z-direction.

[0055] Although the center of gravity (CG) of the actuator 110 can also be made eccentric by shifting the center of gravity of the vibrator 112 away from the center of the housing 111, the center of gravity (CG) of the actuator 110 can be shifted even further from the center of the actuator 110 by attaching the weight 115 to the housing 111. That is, by using the weight 115, the torque can be significantly increased, and sufficient vibration intensity can be achieved to transmit a vibration to the user sitting on the seat section 11B. By attaching the weight 115 to the housing 111, the torque can thus be generated at a level that is usable for the tactile display device 100.

[0056] Furthermore, the heavier the weight 115 is, the greater the degree of eccentricity with respect to the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 when it is stopped, and the greater the Z-direction component of the vibration. Therefore, it is advantageous if the weight 115 is heavier than the vibrator 112; that is, the heavier the weight 115, the greater the Z-component of the vibration.

[0057] For example, the weight 115 is provided on a surface of the wall of the housing 111, which is oriented in the direction of the thickness (Z-direction) of the cushioning element 11E (flexible section). The Z-direction component of the eccentricity with respect to the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 can be increased. As a result, the Z-component of the vibration of the actuator 110 increases, and the tactile sensation can be represented by a stronger vibration.

[0058] When the vibration is stopped, the center of gravity (CG) of weight 115 can also be shifted horizontally so that it is located away from the end of seat section 11B, which includes the cushion element 11E, and away from the center of gravity (CG) of vibrator 112. In such a configuration, the vibration of the Z-direction component is biased towards the center of seat section 11B in the top view, and the propagation of the vibration towards the center of seat section 11B in the top view increases, so that the vibration is easily transmitted to an occupant.

[0059] Although that in Fig. If the weight 115 shown in Figure 4A is a separate body from the housing 111, the weight 115 can be part of the housing 111 and be formed by folding a portion of the wall of the housing 111. For example, if the housing 111 is formed by folding a sheet of metal, the upper wall of the housing 111 can be extended and folded to form the weight 115, as shown in Figure 4A. Fig. 4A is shown. The weight 115 can easily be formed by folding.

[0060] The part of the housing 111 described above can be made of a material with a higher specific gravity than other parts of the housing 111. Weight 115 can easily be made using a material with a higher specific gravity, and weight 115 can be made thinner. <Drehmoment zum Drehen des Aktuators 110>

[0061] Fig. Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating the torque required to rotate the actuator 110. It describes the torque T exerted on the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 when the vibration of the vibrator 112 is stopped. Fig. 4B shows the center of gravity CG1 of weight 115 and the center of gravity CG2 of vibrator 112.

[0062] Let the mass of weight 115 be m1 and the mass of vibrator 112 be m2. Let l1 be the distance between the center of mass CG of actuator 110 and the center of mass CG1 of weight 115, and let l2 be the distance between the center of mass CG of actuator 110 and the center of mass CG2 of vibrator 112. Let F be the force generated at center of mass CG2 when vibrator 112 vibrates. Fig. Figure 4B shows, as an example, a state in which the vibrator 112 vibrates in the +X direction.

[0063] The torque T required to rotate the actuator 110 is T = F × l2. That is, the longer the distance l2 between the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 and the center of gravity CG2 of the vibrator 112, the greater the torque T becomes.

[0064] Furthermore, m1 × l1 = m2 × l2. The position of the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 is a position where the distance l between the vibrator 112 and the weight 115 is distributed by the mass m1 of the weight 115 and the mass m2 of the vibrator 112. To increase the torque T, it is necessary to increase the distance l2, and for this purpose, the mass m1 of the weight 115 is increased. <Modifiziertes Beispiel für das Gewicht 115>

[0065] Fig. Figure 4C is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the actuator 110M according to a modified example of the embodiment. In the diagram shown in Fig. In the actuator 110M shown in 4C, the weight 115 is provided on the outer surface of the upper wall of the housing 111.

[0066] In actuator 110M, for example, the length of the weight 115 in the X-direction is longer than the length of the housing 111 in the X-direction. Since the weight 115 is longer than the housing 111 in the X-direction in which the vibrator 112 vibrates, the eccentricity of the center of gravity CG of actuator 110 increases when the vibration is stopped, and thus the Z-direction component of the vibration becomes larger. By placing the weight 115 outside the housing 111, its length in the X-direction can be made longer than the length of the housing 111 in the X-direction.

[0067] Furthermore, in a top view, the area of ​​the weight 115 is larger than the area of ​​the housing 111, for example. By making the area of ​​the weight 115 larger than the area of ​​the housing 111, the area in which the vibration propagates to the cushioning element 11E increases when the vibrator 112 vibrates, and the vibration propagated to the surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B becomes stronger. By placing the weight 115 outside the housing 111, the area of ​​the weight 115 can be made larger than the area of ​​the housing 111 in a top view.

[0068] In a plan view, for example, the area of ​​weight 115 is larger than the area of ​​housing 111, and weight 115 is designed to encompass housing 111 in this plan view. When weight 115 encompasses housing 111 in a plan view, the outer edge of weight 115 is positioned outside the outer edge of housing 111 in this plan view. When weight 115 encompasses housing 111 in a plan view, the balance of actuator 110 is improved in this plan view, allowing the Z-direction component of the eccentricity of the center of gravity (CG) of actuator 110 to be increased.By making the area of ​​the weight 115 larger than the area of ​​the housing 111 and increasing the Z-component at the eccentricity of the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110, the area in which the vibration propagates to the cushioning element 11E is therefore increased when the vibrator 112 vibrates, and the Z-component of the vibration which propagates to the surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B is increased.

[0069] Additionally, the weight 115 can be provided via a support on the housing 111. The support is an element positioned between the housing 111 and the weight 115, fixing the weight 115 to the housing 111 while keeping it separate from the housing 111. A spacer, for example, can be used as such a support. For example, in the Fig. In the actuator 110M shown in Figure 4C, the distance between the weight 115 and the vibrator 112 can be increased by placing a spacer between the housing 111 and the weight 115. This allows the center of torque generation to be shifted away from the vibrator 112, even if the weight of the weight 115 and the weight of the vibrator 112 are equal, thus generating a large cradle vibration. <simulationsergebnis>

[0070] Fig. Figure 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of simulation results. The acceleration of the vibration of actuator 110, obtained by changing the vibration frequency of vibrator 112, was calculated by simulation.

[0071] Here, the frequency characteristics with respect to the acceleration of the vibration of actuator 110 were calculated for (1) actuator 110, which was weight 115 in the form of an iron plate, and (2) actuator 110, which was weight 115 in the form of ABS resin. The frequency characteristics with respect to the vibration acceleration were calculated for (3) a comparison actuator without weight 115 and (4) a comparison actuator without weight 115, where the vibrator oscillates in the Z-direction.

[0072] Although the actuator used in (4) did not include the weight 115 for comparison, the vibration acceleration increased from 50 Hz and reached its maximum at 200 Hz because the vibrator oscillated in the Z direction. A peak acceleration value was about twice that of (1), which was the highest among (1) to (3).

[0073] Since the comparison actuator used in (3) had a configuration in which the weight 115 was omitted from the actuator 110, the center of gravity of the actuator approximately coincides with the center of gravity of the vibrator 112. Since no significant torque was achieved, the vibration acceleration was minimal.

[0074] Since the weight 115 of actuator 110 of (1) was a heavy iron plate, a vibration acceleration was achieved that corresponds to that of the comparison actuator used in (4) (vibrator oscillates in the Z direction), in a range of about 100 Hz to about 170 Hz.

[0075] Since the weight 115 of the actuator 110 of (2) was light, as it was made of ABS resin, the vibration acceleration was less than that of the comparison actuator 110 used in (1), but at about 170 Hz a vibration acceleration was achieved which was about twice that of the comparison actuator used in (3).

[0076] From the simulation results above, it was determined that the weight 115 is preferably heavier and that there is a frequency range in which a vibration acceleration can be achieved which corresponds to that of the comparison actuator used in (1) (the vibrator oscillates in the Z direction). <Tatsächliche Messergebnisse>

[0077] Fig. Figure 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of the actual measurement results. The acceleration of actuator 110, obtained by changing the vibration frequency of vibrator 112, was measured.

[0078] In this study, the frequency characteristics with respect to the vibration acceleration of actuator 110 were measured for (1A) actuator 110 using one iron plate as weight 115, (1B) actuator 110 using two iron plates as weight 115, and (1C) actuator 110 using three iron plates as weight 115. The frequency characteristics with respect to the vibration acceleration were also measured for (3) an actuator without weight 115 for comparison and (4) an actuator without weight 115 for comparison, with the vibrator oscillating in the Z-direction. A 3-axis accelerometer was used to measure the vibration acceleration.

[0079] Although the comparison actuator used in (4) did not include the weight 115, a large vibration acceleration was achieved because the vibrator oscillated in the Z-direction. The vibration acceleration increased from 50 Hz and reached its peak value at about 200 Hz. The peak acceleration was about twice that of (1B), which was the largest among (1A) to (1C) and (3).

[0080] Since the comparison actuator used in (3) had a configuration in which the weight 115 was omitted from the actuator 110, the center of gravity of the actuator approximately coincides with the center of gravity of the vibrator 112. Because only a small torque was achieved, the vibration acceleration was minimal.

[0081] The actuator 110 of (1A) includes an iron plate as a weight 115. At approximately 120 Hz to approximately 180 Hz, a greater vibration acceleration was achieved than with the comparison actuator used in (3) (without the weight 115). The peak value at approximately 175 Hz was about 1.5 times the peak value at approximately 220 Hz of (3).

[0082] The actuator 110 of (1B) comprises two iron plates as weight 115, so the iron plates weigh twice as much as the weight 115 of (1A). At approximately 120 Hz to approximately 160 Hz, the vibration acceleration was about twice that of the actuator 110 of (1A) and a vibration acceleration was achieved that corresponded to that of the actuator used in (4) for comparison (Z-direction vibration). The peak value of the vibration acceleration at approximately 160 Hz was greater than that of the actuator 110 of (1C) at approximately 140 Hz.

[0083] The actuator 110 of (1C) comprises three iron plates with a weight of 115, so that the iron plates weigh three times the weight 115 of (1A). At approximately 100 Hz to approximately 140 Hz, a vibration acceleration was achieved that corresponded to that of the reference actuator used in (4) (Z-direction vibration).

[0084] The results measured above confirmed that weight 115 was preferably heavier and that there was a frequency range in which the vibration acceleration corresponding to that of the reference actuator used in (1) (Z-direction vibration of the vibrator) could be achieved. These measurement results showed the same trend as those in Fig. Simulation results shown in 5A. <Simulationsergebnisse der Schalldruckverteilung>

[0085] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation model used to determine simulation results for sound pressure distribution. Fig. Figure 6 shows the position of actuator 110 and, with shaded circles, the positions of the two microphones 20A and 20B, whose sound pressures were measured. For example, actuator 110 was positioned at 0 m in the Z-direction, and its length in the X-direction was 60 mm.

[0086] Microphone 20A was located 0.5 m in the -X direction and 1 m in the +Z direction from actuator 110. Microphone 20B was located 0.5 m in the +X direction and 1 m in the +Z direction from actuator 110.

[0087] As in Fig. As shown in section 6, the room in which the simulation was carried out was 1 m in the +Z direction from actuator 110 and 1 m in the X direction between microphones 20A and 20B. In the simulation, the speed of sound was set to 343.24 m / second, which corresponds to the speed of sound at 1 atm and 20 °C.

[0088] In this simulation model, the frequencies of the drive signals for controlling the actuator 110 were determined (see Fig. 3) set to 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz and 400 Hz, and the sound pressure distribution of the sound generated by seat section 11B of seat 11 was calculated. As a result, the values ​​in the Fig. The sound pressure distributions shown in 7A to 7D are obtained. Fig. In section 6, seat section 11B of seat 11 has been omitted.

[0089] The Fig. These are diagrams that illustrate examples of the simulation results. Fig. The sound pressure distributions of the sound generated by seat section 11B of seat 11 when actuator 110 is driven are shown. In the Fig. 7A to 7D depict the sound pressure range from low to high in gradations from white to black. The [data] in the Fig. The sound pressure distributions shown in 7A to 7D are the distributions at the time when the amplitude of the sound pressure is maximized.

[0090] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, in the case of the 50 Hz drive signal (wavelength λ = approximately 6.8 m) the sound pressure level in a range of approximately 0.5 m from the actuator 110 was essentially quiet, i.e. inaudible to humans, and the sound pressure decreased even further with increasing distance.

[0091] The same trend was also confirmed in the case of the 100 Hz drive signal (wavelength λ = approximately 3.4 m), as in Fig. Figure 7B shows the 200 Hz drive signal (wavelength λ = approximately 1.7 m), as in Fig. 7C is shown, and in the case of the 400 Hz drive signal (wavelength λ = approximately 0.8 m), as in Fig. Illustrated in 7D.

[0092] The reason the sound was essentially silent at a level around the actuator 110 is that the vibrator 112 inside the actuator 110 vibrates in the X direction and the phases of the vibration generated on the +X side and the vibration generated on the -X side of the vibrator 112 are opposite to each other, which leads to a cancellation of the sound.

[0093] From the results of the Fig. 7A to 7D confirmed that even if the actuator 110 is provided within the seating section 11B, no sound is generated at a volume audible to humans and thus the sound is essentially noiseless. <Beziehung zwischen Länge L des Gewichts 115 in X-Richtung und Tiefe d>

[0094] Fig. Figure 8A is a diagram illustrating a length L of the weight 115 of the actuator 110 in the X direction and a depth d from the surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B. Fig. Figure 8B is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the Z-direction component of the vibration when the depth d is deep. Fig. 8C is a diagram that schematically represents an example of the Z-direction component of the vibration when the depth d is small.

[0095] The Z-component of the vibration generated at the end of the weight 115 in the +X direction and the Z-component of the vibration generated at the end of the weight 115 in the -X direction are considered to be out of phase, since the vibrator 112 oscillates in the X direction.

[0096] If the depth d is large, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8B, the Z-components of the vibration, which are generated at the end of the weight 115 in the +X direction and at the end in the -X direction, are synthesized within the cushioning element 11E, cancel each other out and are damped.

[0097] If the depth d is small, as in Fig. As shown in 8C, it is assumed that the components in the Z-direction of the vibration, which are generated at the end section in the +X direction and at the end section in the -X direction of the weight 115, are not synthesized within the cushioning element 11E and do not reach the surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B.

[0098] If d < L / 2, it is assumed that the Z-direction components of the vibration generated at the end section in the +X direction and at the end section in the -X direction of the weight 115 are not synthesized within the cushioning element 11E and that vibration cancellation can be suppressed. Therefore, it is advantageous to arrange the actuator 110 within the cushioning element 11E such that d < L / 2 applies to the length L of the weight 115 of the actuator 110 in the X direction and the depth d from the surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B. <Vorteilhafte Effekte>

[0099] A vibration generator (actuator 110) comprises the housing 111; the vibrator 112 housed in the housing 111, which includes a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; the spring (elastic support) 113, which is configured to elastically support the vibrator 112; a drive element provided in the housing 111, which includes the electromagnetic coil 114, which can generate a force to magnetically attract the vibrator 112, which includes the permanent magnet, in the first direction, or the permanent magnet, which can generate the force to magnetically attract the vibrator 112, which includes the electromagnetic coil, in the first direction; and the weight 115, which is provided in a part of the housing 111 on the side of the direction which intersects the first direction.The torque can be generated by a simple configuration in which the weight 115 is provided in a part of the housing 111 on the side of the direction which crosses the first direction, and which can generate a rocking vibration (arc-shaped vibration) which vibrates in two directions, namely in an up-down direction (vertical) and a left-right direction (horizontal).

[0100] Therefore, it is possible to provide a vibration generator that vibrates the vibrator in the direction along the surface on which vibrations are to be generated, and which is capable of generating vibrations in the direction perpendicular to the surface on which vibrations are to be generated.

[0101] Weight 115 can be heavier than vibrator 112. The eccentricity degree of the center of gravity CG of actuator 110 increases, and the Z-direction component of the vibration can be increased.

[0102] The weight 115 can be provided on a surface of the wall of the housing 111. By providing the weight 115 on a surface of the housing 111 that is away from the vibrator 112, the weight 115 can be easily attached away from the vibrator 112.

[0103] The weight 115 can be attached to the housing 111 via a support. By increasing the distance between the weight 115 and the vibrator 112, the degree of eccentricity with respect to the center of gravity of the actuator 110 increases, and the Z-component of the vibration can be increased by means of the greater torque. Furthermore, the Z-component of the vibration can be increased by the greater torque even if the weight of the weight 115 and the weight of the vibrator 112 are equal.

[0104] Furthermore, the housing 111 can comprise a metallic material and be part of the housing 111. Since the weight 115 and the housing 111 can be integrated, it is not necessary to provide the weight 115 separately from the housing 111, and a simple configuration can be achieved.

[0105] Furthermore, the weight 115 can be formed by folding a part of the housing 111. The weight 115 can easily be formed by folding a sheet of metal or the like.

[0106] Part of the housing 111 can be made of a material with a higher specific gravity than other parts of the housing 111. The weight 115 can be easily manufactured by forming it from the material with the higher specific gravity.

[0107] The tactile presentation device 100 comprises: the housing 111; the vibrator 112, which is housed in the housing 111 and comprises a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; the spring (elastic support) 113, which is configured to elastically support the vibrator 112; the drive element, which is provided in the housing 111 and comprises the electromagnetic coil 114, which can generate a force to magnetically attract the vibrator 112 with the permanent magnet in the first direction, or the permanent magnet, which can generate the force to magnetically attract the vibrator 112 with the electromagnetic coil in the first direction; the weight 115, which is provided in a part of the housing 111 on the side of the direction which intersects the first direction; and the control circuit 121, which is configured to control the drive of the electromagnetic coil.The torque can be generated by means of a simple configuration in which the weight 115 is provided in a part of the housing 111 on the side of the direction which crosses the first direction, and a cradling vibration (arc-shaped vibration) which vibrates in two directions, namely in an up-down direction (vertical) and a left-right direction (horizontal), can be generated.

[0108] Therefore, it is possible to provide a tactile device that causes the vibrator to vibrate in the direction along the surface on which the vibration is to be generated, and which is capable of generating a vibration in the direction perpendicular to the surface on which the vibration is to be generated.

[0109] The seating system 200 comprises the seat 11, which is provided with the seat section 11B and the backrest section 11A, and the tactile display device 100, wherein the tactile display device 100 comprises the housing 111, which is provided in the upholstery element 11E (flexible part) of the seat section 11B or the backrest section 11A of the seat 11; the vibrator 112, which is housed in the housing 111 and comprises a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; the spring (elastic support) 113, which is configured to elastically support the vibrator 112; the drive part provided in the housing 111 and comprising the electromagnetic coil 114, which can generate a force to magnetically attract the vibrator 112 with the permanent magnet in the first direction, or the permanent magnet which can generate the force to magnetically attract the vibrator 112 with the electromagnetic coil in the first direction;the weight 115, which is provided in a part of the housing 111 on the side of the direction which intersects the first direction; and the control circuit 121, which is configured to control the drive of the electromagnetic coil. The torque can be generated by means of a simple configuration in which the weight 115 is provided in a part of the housing 111 on the side of the direction which intersects the first direction, and a cradle vibration (arc-shaped vibration) which vibrates in two directions, namely in an up-down direction (vertical) and a left-right direction (horizontal).

[0110] Therefore, it is possible to provide a seating system that causes the vibrator to vibrate in the direction along the surface on which the vibration is to be generated, and which is capable of generating vibrations in the direction perpendicular to the surface on which the vibration is to be generated.

[0111] When the vibration is stopped, the center of gravity of weight 115 can also be shifted horizontally so that it is located away from the center of gravity of vibrator 112, away from the end of seat section 11B or backrest section 11A, which includes the upholstery element 11E (flexible part). The vibration of the Z-direction component is biased towards the center of seat section 11B in a top view, and the propagation of the vibration towards the center of seat section 11B increases in a top view, so that the vibration is easily transmitted to an occupant.

[0112] In a top view, the area of ​​the weight 115 can be larger than the area of ​​the housing 111. By making the area of ​​the weight 115 larger than the area of ​​the housing 111, when the vibrator 112 vibrates, the area in which the vibration propagates to the cushioning element 11E increases, and the vibration propagating to the surface 11B1 of the seat section 11B becomes stronger.

[0113] The weight 115 can be provided on a surface of the wall of the housing 111, which is arranged in the direction of the thickness of the padding element 11E (flexible section). The Z-component of the eccentricity of the center of gravity CG of the actuator 110 can be increased. This increases the Z-component of the vibration of the actuator 110, and the tactile perception can be represented with a stronger vibration.

[0114] Although the vibration generator, the tactile display device and the seating system of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments and can be modified and changed in various ways without deviating from the scope of the claims.

[0115] This international application claims priority over Japanese patent application No. 2023-062800, which was filed on April 7, 2023, and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 vehicles 11 seats (example of destination) 11A Backrest section 11B Seating Section 11B1 Surface 11E Upholstery element 100 Tactile Display Device 110 Actuator (Example of a vibration generator) 111 Housings 112 Vibrator 113 Spring (Example of elastic support) 114 Electromagnetic coil (example of drive component) 115 weight 120 controllers 121 Control circuit 122 storage 200 seating system QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2018-118231

[0002] JP 2023-062800

[0115] < / simulationsergebnis> < / details>

Claims

[1] A vibration generator which has: a case; a vibrator which is housed in the casing and includes a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; an elastic support configured to elastically support the vibrator; a drive element provided in the housing and comprising the electromagnetic coil capable of generating a force to magnetically attract the vibrator comprising the permanent magnet in a first direction, or the permanent magnet capable of generating the force to magnetically attract the vibrator comprising the electromagnetic coil in the first direction; and a weight which is provided in a part of the housing which is arranged in a second direction which intersects the first direction. [2] The vibration generator according to claim 1, wherein the weight is heavier than the vibrator. [3] The vibration generator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the weight is provided on a surface of a wall of the housing. [4] The vibration generator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the weight is provided via a support on the housing. [5] The vibration generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing comprises a metallic material and the weight is part of the housing. [6] The vibration generator according to claim 5, wherein the weight is formed by folding a part of the housing. [7] The vibration generator according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the part of the housing comprises a material with a higher specific gravity than other parts of the housing. [8] A tactile display device comprising: a case; a vibrator which is housed in the casing and includes a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; an elastic support configured to elastically support the vibrator; a drive element which is provided in the housing and includes the electromagnetic coil which is capable of generating a force to magnetically attract the vibrator which has the permanent magnet in a first direction, or the permanent magnet which is capable of generating the force to magnetically attract the vibrator which has the electromagnetic coil in a first direction; a weight which is provided in a part of the housing which is arranged in a second direction which intersects the first direction; and a control circuit configured to control the drive of the electromagnetic coil. [9] A seating system comprising: a seat comprising a seat section and a backrest section; and a tactile display device, wherein the tactile display device includes a housing which is provided in a flexible section of the seat section or the backrest section of the seat; a vibrator which is housed in the casing and which includes a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; an elastic support configured to elastically support the vibrator; a drive element which is provided in the housing and includes the electromagnetic coil which is capable of generating a force to magnetically attract the vibrator which includes the permanent magnet in a first direction, or the permanent magnet which is capable of generating the force to magnetically attract the vibrator which includes the electromagnetic coil in the first direction; a weight which is provided in a part of the housing which is arranged in a direction of a second direction which intersects the first direction; and a control circuit configured to control the drive of the electromagnetic coil. [10] The seating system according to claim 9, wherein when the vibration is stopped, a center of gravity of the weight shifts in a horizontal direction to be so far away from an end of the seat section or backrest section which includes the flexible section, from the center of gravity of the vibrator. [11] The seating system according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein in the top view an area of ​​the weight is larger than an area of ​​the housing. [12] The seating system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the weight is provided on a surface of a wall of the housing which is arranged in the direction of a thickness direction of a flexible section.

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