Actuator

Abstract

To reduce the size of an actuator and to improve the thrust of a magnetic mechanism.SOLUTION: An actuator 1 includes: a movable body 3 having a support shaft 30; a support body 2 having a cylindrical case 20 surrounding the outer periphery side of the movable body 3; a connecting body 10; and a magnetic drive mechanism 6 that moves the movable body 3 relative to the support body 2 in an axial direction of the support shaft 30. The connecting body 10 includes a cylindrical first connecting body 11 surrounding a first end portion 30 L1 of the support shaft 30 and a cylindrical second connecting body 12 surrounding a second end portion 30L2 of the support shaft 30. The inner peripheral surface of the first connecting body 11 and the inner peripheral surface of the second connecting body 12 are connected to the movable body 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting body 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting body 12 are connected to the support body 2. The support body 2 is provided with a guide portion 9 that slidably supports the support shaft 30 in the axial direction and regulates the radial movement of the support shaft 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator that moves a movable body relatively to a support body. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an actuator including a connector connected to a movable body and a support, and a magnetic drive mechanism that moves the movable body relative to the support. In the actuator of Patent Document 1, the support includes a cylindrical case, a cover member that closes both ends of the case, and a coil holder that is disposed inside the case. The movable body includes a support shaft that is disposed at the radial center of the case, and a yoke and magnet that are fixed to the support shaft. The magnetic drive mechanism includes a magnet and a coil wound around a coil holder that is disposed on the outer periphery of the magnet.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the connectors include annular first and second connectors arranged at positions surrounding both ends of the support shaft. The first and second connectors are connected at their outer peripheral surfaces to an outer frame member provided inside the case, and connected at their inner peripheral surfaces to an inner frame member fixed to the end of the support shaft. This allows the movable body to be supported inside the case so as to be movable in the axial direction. The first and second connectors are gel-like members such as silicone gel. When the movable body vibrates in the axial direction of the support shaft, the gel-like member deforms in the shear direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-065839 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the structure of Patent Document 1, the radial movement of the movable body is not restricted except at the location where the connecting body is disposed. Therefore, when a radially expandable elastic body or a viscoelastic body is used as the connecting body, the movable body moves in the radial direction due to the expansion and contraction of the connecting body. Therefore, in order to prevent the movable body from moving in the radial direction and colliding with the support, a radial gap must be secured between the movable body and the support. However, if the gap between the movable body and the support is increased, the outer shape of the actuator becomes larger. In addition, if the gap between the movable body and the support is increased, the gap between the magnet and the coil of the magnetic drive mechanism becomes larger, and the thrust of the magnetic drive mechanism decreases.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to reduce the size of an actuator and to improve the thrust of a magnetic drive mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the actuator of the present invention has a movable body having a spindle, a support having a cylindrical case surrounding the outer periphery of the movable body, a connecting body connected to the support and the movable body and having at least one of elasticity and viscoelasticity, a magnet arranged on one side of the movable body and the support, and a coil arranged on the other side of the movable body and the support facing the magnet in the radial direction, and a magnetic drive mechanism for moving the movable body relatively to the support in the axial direction of the spindle, wherein the connecting body has a first connecting body surrounding a first end which is an end on one side of the spindle in the axial direction, and a second connecting body surrounding a second end which is an end on the other side of the spindle in the axial direction, and the support is provided with a guide portion that holds the spindle slidably in the axial direction and restricts radial movement of the spindle.

[0008] According to the present invention, when the movable body vibrates in the axial direction of the support shaft around the support shaft, the radial movement of the support shaft is restricted by the guide portion provided on the support body. In this way, when restricting the radial movement of the movable body, the member (support shaft) arranged at the center of the movable body and serving as the reference for assembly is directly held by the guide portion, so that the linear movement of the movable body in the axial direction can be performed with the highest accuracy. As a result, it is not necessary to ensure a large radial gap between the support body and the movable body in order to avoid collision between the support body and the movable body, so the outer shape of the actuator can be made small. In addition, since the radial gap between the magnet and the coil can be narrowed, the magnetic gap can be made small, and the thrust of the magnetic drive mechanism can be improved.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the guide portion is provided at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the axial direction. In this way, tilting of the support shaft can be restricted. Therefore, the radial gap between the support body and the movable body can be narrowed, and the outer shape of the actuator can be made smaller. In addition, the radial gap between the magnet and the coil can be narrowed, and the magnetic gap can be reduced, and the thrust of the magnetic drive mechanism can be improved.

[0010] In the present invention, the support includes a first cover member that closes one end of the case in the axial direction, and a second cover member that closes the other end of the case in the axial direction, and the guide portion preferably includes at least one of a cylindrical first guide portion provided on the first cover member and slidably holding the first end in the axial direction, and a cylindrical second guide portion provided on the second cover member and slidably holding the second end in the axial direction. In this way, the guide portion can be integrated with the cover member, so that even if a guide portion is provided, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and an increase in the number of assembly steps can be suppressed. In addition, when the cover member is attached to the case, both ends of the support shaft can be inserted into the cylindrical guide portion, making it easy to assemble the actuator.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the movable body comprises a first inner frame member having a first cylindrical portion surrounding the first end and joined to the inner peripheral surface of the first connecting body, and a first annular protrusion provided at an end of the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion on the other side in the axial direction, and a second inner frame member having a second cylindrical portion surrounding the second end and joined to the inner peripheral surface of the second connecting body, and a second annular protrusion provided at an end of the inner peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion on one side in the axial direction, and that the support shaft has the first end pressed into the inside of the first annular protrusion, a tip of the first end protruding from the first annular protrusion to one side in the axial direction is held by the first guide portion inside the first cylindrical portion, and the second end is pressed into the inside of the second annular protrusion, and a tip of the second end protruding from the second annular protrusion to the other side in the axial direction is held by the second guide portion inside the second cylindrical portion. In this way, by locating the tip portion of the guide portion on the inner periphery of the connecting body and the inner frame member, the axial dimension of the actuator can be prevented from increasing even if a guide portion is provided on the cover member.

[0012] In the present invention, the magnet assembly includes a first inner frame member joined to the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting body and fixed to the first end, a second inner frame member joined to the inner circumferential surface of the second connecting body and fixed to the second end, a first yoke abutting the magnet from one side in the axial direction, and a second yoke abutting the magnet from the other side in the axial direction, and the support shaft has a portion extending in the axial direction between the first inner frame member and the second inner frame member penetrating the first yoke, the magnet, and the second yoke, and the guide portion preferably holds at least one of a first exposed portion of the support shaft extending in the axial direction between the first inner frame member and the first yoke and a second exposed portion of the support shaft extending in the axial direction between the second inner frame member and the second yoke so as to be slidable in the axial direction. In this way, the magnet assembly can be moved by utilizing an axial gap between the yoke to which the magnet is fixed and the inner frame member to which the connecting body is connected. A guide portion that directly holds the support shaft can be provided.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that the support includes a coil holder disposed on the inner periphery of the case, the case is connected to the outer periphery of the first connecting body via the coil holder, the coil holder surrounds the outer periphery of the magnet, the first yoke, and the first exposed portion, and the guide portion includes a first guide portion protruding from the inner periphery of the coil holder to hold the first exposed portion slidably in the axial direction, and a second guide portion protruding from the inner periphery of the case to hold the second exposed portion slidably in the axial direction. In this way, the coil holder can be used to install a guide portion that directly holds the support shaft. In addition, the guide portion can be integrated with the coil holder and the case, which can reduce the number of parts and the number of assembly steps.

[0014] In the present invention, the first connector and the second connector are preferably gel-like materials. When a gel-like material is used as the connector, the radial movement of the movable body cannot be sufficiently restricted because the gel-like material is radially expandable and contractible. However, in this embodiment, the radial movement of the movable body can be restricted by the guide portion. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the actuator and improve the thrust of the magnetic drive mechanism while realizing vibration characteristics that utilize the characteristics of the gel-like material. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, when the movable body vibrates in the axial direction of the support shaft around the support shaft, the radial movement of the support shaft is restricted by the guide portion provided on the support body. In this way, when restricting the radial movement of the movable body, the member (support shaft) arranged at the center of the movable body and serving as the reference for assembly is directly held by the guide portion, so that the linear movement of the movable body in the axial direction can be performed with the highest accuracy. As a result, it is not necessary to ensure a large radial gap between the support body and the movable body in order to avoid collision between the support body and the movable body, so the outer shape of the actuator can be made small. In addition, since the radial gap between the magnet and the coil can be narrowed, the magnetic gap can be made small, and the thrust of the magnetic drive mechanism can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator shown in FIG. 1 (a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1). [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator shown in FIG. 1 (cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1). [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an actuator 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the actuator 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken at AA position in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken at BB position in FIG. 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken in a direction perpendicular to FIG. 3. In the following description, the direction in which the central axis L of the movable body 3 extends is defined as the axial direction, one side of the axial direction is defined as L1, and the other side of the axial direction is defined as L2.

[0018] (Overall composition) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the actuator 1 includes a support 2, a movable body 3, a connecting body 10 connected to the support 2 and the movable body 3, and a magnetic drive mechanism 6 for moving the movable body 3 relative to the support 2. The connecting body 10 has at least one of elasticity and viscoelasticity. The magnetic drive mechanism 6 includes a magnet 61 arranged on the movable body 3 and a coil 62 arranged on the support 2, and moves the movable body 3 in the axial direction relative to the support 2. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the movable body 3 is connected to the support 2 via a connector 10 at each of an end portion on one side L1 in the axial direction and an end portion on the other side L2 in the axial direction.

[0019] (Support) As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the support 2 has a cylindrical case 20, a first cover member 21 that closes an opening on one side L1 in the axial direction of the case 20, a second cover member 22 that closes an opening on the other side L2 in the axial direction of the case 20, and a coil holder 4 that is disposed between the first cover member 21 and the second cover member 22 on the inner periphery side of the case 20. In this embodiment, the case 20, the first cover member 21, the second cover member 22, and the coil holder 4 are made of resin. The support 2 also has a first outer frame member 51 that fits on the inner periphery side of the coil holder 4, and a second outer frame member 52 that fits on the inner periphery side of the case 20 at a position spaced from the first outer frame member 51 on the other side L2 in the axial direction.

[0020] (Connector) The connecting body 10 comprises a ring-shaped first connecting body 11 joined to the inner circumferential surface of the first outer frame member 51, and a ring-shaped second connecting body 12 joined to the inner circumferential surface of the second outer frame member 52. In this embodiment, as described below, the first connecting body 11 and the second connecting body 12 are gel-like members formed from a gel material, and are joined to the inner circumferential surfaces of the first outer frame member 51 and the second outer frame member 52 by the adhesiveness of the gel-like member itself.

[0021] (coil holder) 2 to 4, the coil holder 4 includes an annular first outer frame member fixing portion 41 and a body portion 42 protruding from the first outer frame member fixing portion 41 to the other side L2 in the axial direction, and a coil 62 is disposed around the body portion 42. Ends of a coil wire 63 drawn out from the coil 62 are wound around two terminal pins 64 protruding radially outward from the first outer frame member fixing portion 41 of the coil holder 4 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, when the actuator 1 is assembled, the terminal pins 64 protrude to the outside of the case 20 and are connected to the wiring board 7.

[0022] 3 and 4, a first recess 43 recessed toward the other side L2 in the axial direction is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first outer frame member fixing portion 41. The first outer frame member 51 is press-fitted into the first recess 43, thereby fixing the first connecting body 11 to the support body 2 via the first outer frame member 51. An annular step 511 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first outer frame member 51 abuts in the axial direction against a first step 44 provided at the end of the first recess 43 on the other side L2 in the axial direction.

[0023] (case) The case 20 includes a cylindrical case body 24 and an annular second outer frame member fixing portion 25 disposed on the inner circumferential side of the case body 24. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the second outer frame member fixing portion 25 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the coil holder 4 on the other side L2 in the axial direction. The second outer frame member fixing portion 25 is molded integrally with the case body 24 and protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the case body 24 to the inner circumferential side.

[0024] 3 and 4, a second recess 46 recessed toward one side L1 in the axial direction is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second outer frame member fixing portion 25. The second outer frame member 52 is press-fitted into the second recess 46, thereby fixing the second connecting body 12 to the support body 2 via the second outer frame member 52. An annular step 521 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second outer frame member 52 abuts in the axial direction against a second step 45 provided at the end of the second recess 46 on one side L1 in the axial direction.

[0025] 1 and 4, a plurality of grooves 29 extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the case body 24 into which the coil holder 4 is fitted. As shown in FIG. 2, the coil holder 4 is The coil holder 4 has a plurality of protrusions 49 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the first outer frame member fixing portion 41. When assembling the support body 2, each protrusion 49 of the coil holder 4 is fitted into each groove portion 29 of the case body 24 from one side L1 in the axial direction. As a result, the coil holder 4 is press-fitted into the case body 24 and fixed.

[0026] (Cover material) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first cover member 21 and the second cover member 22 each include a cover portion 26 that is circular when viewed from the axial direction, and a plurality of locking portions 27 that are equally spaced in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the cover portion 26. In this embodiment, the first cover member 21 and the second cover member 22 each include three locking portions 27. The locking portions 27 are claw portions that extend at an angle in a direction that expands from the cover portion 26 toward the outer periphery. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the locking portions 27 are elastically deformed in the radial direction and are pushed into the inner periphery of the case body 24 together with the cover portion 26.

[0027] Case 20 is provided with restricting portions 28 that restrict locking portions 27 of first cover member 21 and second cover member 22 from coming off from the inside of case 20. As shown in Fig. 3, restricting portions 28 are convex portions that protrude from the end of case body 24 toward the inner periphery and abut against the tips of locking portions 27 in the axial direction. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, restricting portions 28 are arranged at equal intervals in three locations on each of the ends of one side L1 and the other side L2 in the axial direction of case body 24.

[0028] (wiring board) 2, the case 20 has a notch 65 formed by cutting an edge on one side L1 in the axial direction toward the other side L2 in the axial direction, and a board fixing part 69 formed on the other side L2 of the notch 65. As shown in FIG. 1, the wiring board 7 is fixed to the board fixing part 69. The board fixing part 69 is provided with a lead wire holding part 80 that holds the lead wire 8 for supplying power to the coil 62.

[0029] The first outer frame member fixing portion 41 of the coil holder 4 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the cutout portion 65. As shown in Fig. 2, a coil wire 63 drawn from the coil 62 is wound around the base of two terminal pins 64 protruding from the first outer frame member fixing portion 41. The two terminal pins 64 protrude to the outer circumferential side of the case 20 from a gap between a cover 66 extending from a part of the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential edge of the first lid member 21 to the other side L2 in the axial direction and the cutout portion 65 of the case 20, and are passed through two holes 71 (see Fig. 2) provided in the wiring board 7, and are electrically connected to lands provided on the edges of the holes 71.

[0030] (movable body) As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, the movable body 3 has a support shaft 30 that extends in the axial direction at the center in the radial direction of the support 2. The support shaft 30 is a metal round bar. A magnet 61 and a yoke 35 are fixed to the support shaft 30. The support shaft 30 penetrates the magnet 61 and the yoke 35. A first inner frame member 36 made of metal is fixed to a first end 30L1, which is an end of one side L1 in the axial direction of the support shaft 30. A second inner frame member 37 made of metal is fixed to a second end 30L2, which is an end of the other side L2 in the axial direction of the support shaft 30. The magnet 61 and the yoke 35 are held in the center of the axial direction of the support shaft 30 by the first inner frame member 36 and the second inner frame member 37.

[0031] The first inner frame member 36 has a cylindrical first tube portion 360 surrounding the first end portion 30L1 of the support shaft 30, and a first annular protrusion 361 protruding from an end portion of the first tube portion 360 on the other axial side L2. The support shaft 30 is press-fitted into the first annular protrusion 361, and the first end portion 30L1 protrudes from the first annular protrusion 361 to the inside of the first tube portion 360. The second inner frame member 37 has the same shape as the first inner frame member 36, and is disposed in the opposite direction in the axial direction. The second inner frame member 37 has a cylindrical second tube portion 370 surrounding the second end portion 30L2 of the support shaft 30, and a first annular protrusion 361 protruding from an end portion of the second tube portion 370 on one axial side L1. The support shaft 30 is press-fitted into the second annular protrusion 371, and the second end portion 30L2 protrudes from the second annular protrusion 371 to the inside of the second cylindrical portion 370.

[0032] 2, the magnet 61 is circular when viewed from the axial direction. An axial hole 610 through which the support shaft 30 passes is provided in the radial center of the magnet 61, and the magnet 61 is fixed to approximately the axial center of the support shaft 30. The yoke 35 includes a first yoke 31 that abuts against the magnet 61 from one side L1 in the axial direction, and a second yoke 32 that abuts against the magnet 61 from the other side L2 in the axial direction.

[0033] The first yoke 31 has a shaft hole 310 at its center, through which the support shaft 30 passes. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first yoke 31 is a magnetic plate whose outer diameter is slightly larger than that of the magnet 61, and the outer circumferential surface of the first yoke 31 protrudes radially outward beyond the outer circumferential surface of the magnet 61. The first yoke 31 is fixed to an end face of one side L1 of the magnet 61 by a method such as adhesion.

[0034] The second yoke 32 is composed of three magnetic members, namely, a disk-shaped first magnetic member 33, a cup-shaped second magnetic member 34, and a disk-shaped third magnetic member 38 (see FIG. 2). It is possible to omit one or both of the first magnetic member 33 and the third magnetic member 38. The first magnetic member 33 is provided with an axial hole 330 through which the support shaft 30 passes, and is fixed to an end face of the other side L2 of the magnet 61. The second magnetic member 34 includes a disk portion 341 provided with an axial hole 340 through which the support shaft 30 passes, a bent portion 342 provided on the outer edge of the disk portion 341, and a cylindrical portion 343 extending from the bent portion 342 to one side L1 in the axial direction. The first magnetic member 33 has an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the magnet 61 and smaller than that of the disk portion 341.

[0035] The third magnetic member 38 is provided with an axial hole 380 through which the support shaft 30 passes, and is fixed to the disk portion 341 of the second magnetic member 34 from the other axial side L2. Of the multiple magnetic members constituting the second yoke 32, the third magnetic member 38 functions as a weight adjustment member that adjusts the weight of the movable body 3. The third magnetic member 38 includes a weight adjustment portion 39. In this embodiment, the weight adjustment portion 39 is a circular through hole. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, four weight adjustment portions 39 are arranged in the circumferential direction at angular intervals of 90 degrees. The four weight adjustment portions 39 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction with the center of gravity of the movable body 3 as the center.

[0036] When manufacturing the movable body 3, the support shaft 30 is inserted through the shaft holes 310, 610, 330, 340, 380 of the members constituting the magnet 61 and the yoke 35. In this state, the first inner frame member 36 and the second inner frame member 37 are fixed to the support shaft 30 on both sides of the axial direction of the magnet 61 and the yoke 35. As a result, the first inner frame member 36 supports the magnet 61 and the yoke 35 from one side L1 in the axial direction, and the second inner frame member 37 supports the magnet 61 and the yoke 35 from the other side L2 in the axial direction. Thus, the magnet 61 and the yoke 35 are fixed to the support shaft 30.

[0037] 3 and 4, the body 42 of the coil holder 4 is inserted into a radial gap between the cylindrical portion 343 of the second magnetic member 34 in the second yoke 32, and the first yoke 31 and magnet 61. Therefore, the coil 62 wound around the body 42 is disposed between the cylindrical portion 343 and the outer circumferential surface of the magnet 61, and between the cylindrical portion 343 and the outer circumferential surface of the first yoke 31.

[0038] (Guide part) The support body 2 includes a guide portion 9 that holds the support shaft 30 extending in the axial edge direction at the radial center of the movable body 3 so as to be slidable in the axial direction and restricts radial movement of the support shaft 30. In this embodiment, the guide portion 9 includes a first guide portion 91 that holds the first end portion 30L1 of the support shaft 30 and a second guide portion 92 that holds the second end portion 30L2 of the support shaft 30.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first cover member 21 includes a first guide portion 91 that protrudes from the center of the radial direction of the cover portion 26 toward the other side L2 in the axial direction. The first guide portion 91 is cylindrical and opens toward the other side L2 in the axial direction. The second cover member 22 includes a second guide portion 92 that protrudes from the center of the radial direction of the cover portion 26 toward one side L1 in the axial direction. The second guide portion 92 is cylindrical and opens toward one side L1 in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first end portion 30L1 of the support shaft 30, which is the end portion of the one side L1 in the axial direction, fits into the first guide portion 91, and the second end portion 30L2, which is the end portion of the other side L2 in the axial direction, fits into the second guide portion 92.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the tip of the first guide portion 91 is disposed inside the first tube portion 360 of the first inner frame member 36. The tip of the first end portion 30L1 of the shaft 30 protrudes from the first annular protrusion 361 to the inside of the first tube portion 360 and is inserted inside the first guide portion 91. The tip of the first end portion 30L1 is held by the first guide portion 91 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. Similarly, the tip of the second guide portion 92 is disposed inside the second tube portion 370 of the second inner frame member 37. The tip of the second end portion 30L2 of the shaft 30 protrudes from the second annular protrusion 371 to the inside of the second tube portion 370 and is inserted inside the second guide portion 92. The tip of the second end portion 30L2 is held by the second guide portion 92 so as to be slidable in the axial direction.

[0041] (Method of Manufacturing Connector) The first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are made of a viscoelastic body. For example, the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 can be made of various rubber materials such as a gel-like material made of silicone gel, natural rubber, diene rubber (e.g., styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, etc.), non-diene rubber (e.g., butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, etc.), thermoplastic elastomer, and modified materials thereof. The connector 10 may also be a composite member that combines a gel-like material, rubber, or a modified material thereof with an elastic body such as a spring.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first connecting body 11 and the second connecting body 12 are made of silicone gel with a penetration of 90 degrees to 110 degrees. The first connecting body 11 and the second connecting body 12 are manufactured by a method (casting) in which a gel material is filled in a mold and hardened. For example, when molding the first connecting body 11, the first outer frame member 51 and the first inner frame member 36 are coaxially positioned by a jig to form an annular gap between the first outer frame member 51 and the first cylindrical portion 360 of the first inner frame member 36, and the gel material is filled in this gap and thermally hardened. As a result, the first connecting body 11 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the first outer frame member 51 and the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 360 of the first inner frame member 36 by the adhesiveness of the gel material itself.

[0043] Note that, before filling with the gel material, the bonding strength with the gel-like material can be increased by applying a bonding promoter such as a primer to the inner peripheral surface of the first outer frame member 51 and the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 360 of the first inner frame member 36. Similarly, the second connecting body 12 is formed by forming an annular gap between the second outer frame member 52 and the second cylindrical portion 370 of the second inner frame member 37, filling this gap with gel material, and thermally curing it. Therefore, when assembling the actuator 1, the support body 2 and the movable body 3 can be connected without performing a process of adhering the gel-like material.

[0044] (Actuator operation) In the actuator 1, when current is applied to the coil 62, the magnetic drive mechanism 6 generates a driving force that drives the movable body 3 in the axial direction. When current is cut off to the coil 62, the movable body 3 returns to the origin position by the return force of the connector 10. Therefore, by intermittently applying current to the coil 62, the movable body 3 vibrates in the axial direction. At this time, by adjusting the AC waveform applied to the coil 62, the acceleration at which the movable body 3 moves to one side L1 in the axial direction and the vibration of the movable body 3 can be adjusted. The acceleration at which the actuator 1 moves to the other axial side L2 can be made different from that of the actuator 1. Therefore, a person holding a device to which the actuator 1 is attached as a haptic device can feel vibration that has directionality in the axial direction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the connecting body 10 is disposed at a position where the support body 2 and the movable body 3 face each other in the radial direction, and the movable body 3 vibrates in an axial direction intersecting the radial direction. When the movable body 3 vibrates in the axial direction relative to the support body 2, the first connecting body 11 and the second connecting body 12 deform in the shear direction following the vibration of the movable body 3. A gel-like material such as silicone gel has linear or nonlinear expansion and contraction characteristics depending on the expansion and contraction direction. When a gel-like material deforms in the shear direction, it has a deformation characteristic in which the linear component is larger than the nonlinear component. Therefore, when the movable body 3 vibrates in the axial direction relative to the support body 2, the first connecting body 11 and the second connecting body 12 deform within a range with high linearity, so that vibration characteristics with good linearity can be obtained.

[0046] The actuator 1 can be used as a haptic device that gives a haptic sensation to a user by vibration in the axial direction of the movable body 3. The actuator 1 can be incorporated into, for example, an operating member or an operating panel of a game machine. Alternatively, the actuator 1 can be used in applications where sliding noise is less of a problem, taking into consideration that sliding noise is generated when the support shaft 30 slides against the guide portion 9 when the movable body 3 vibrates. For example, the actuator 1 can be used in various in-vehicle devices including steering wheels and chairs of automobiles, and health appliances such as massagers.

[0047] (Main effects of this form) As described above, the actuator 1 of this embodiment includes the movable body 3 including the support shaft 30, the support 2 including the cylindrical case 20 surrounding the outer periphery of the movable body 3, the connecting body 10 connected to the support 2 and the movable body 3 and having at least one of elasticity and viscoelasticity, and the magnetic drive mechanism 6 including the magnet 61 arranged on the movable body 3 and the coil 62 arranged on the support 2 facing the magnet 61 in the radial direction, and moving the movable body 3 relative to the support 2 in the axial direction of the support shaft 30. The connecting body 10 includes a first connecting body 11 surrounding a first end 30L1 which is an end on one side L1 in the axial direction of the support shaft 30, and a second connecting body 12 surrounding a second end 30L2 which is an end on the other side L2 in the axial direction of the support shaft 30. The support 2 is provided with a guide portion 9 which holds the support shaft 30 slidably in the axial direction and restricts the radial movement of the support shaft 30.

[0048] According to this embodiment, when the movable body 3 vibrates in the axial direction of the support shaft 30 around the support shaft 30, the radial movement of the support shaft 30 is restricted by the guide portion 9 provided on the support body 2. Therefore, in restricting the radial movement of the movable body 3, the member (support shaft 30) that is arranged at the center of the movable body 3 and serves as the reference for assembly is directly held by the guide portion 9, so that the linear movement of the movable body 3 in the axial direction can be performed with the highest accuracy. As a result, it is not necessary to ensure a large radial gap between the support body 2 and the movable body 3 in order to avoid a collision between the support body 2 and the movable body 3. For example, even if the radial gap D1 (see Figs. 3 and 4) between the cylindrical portion 343 of the second yoke 32 and the inner peripheral surface of the case 20 and the radial gap D2 (see Figs. 3 and 4) between the outer peripheral surface of the first yoke 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 42 of the coil holder 4 are made smaller than when the guide portion 9 is not provided, the collision can be avoided. Therefore, the outer shape of the actuator 1 can be made smaller. Furthermore, since the radial gap between the magnet 61 and the coil 62 can be narrowed, the magnetic gap can be reduced, and the thrust of the magnetic drive mechanism 6 can be improved.

[0049] In this embodiment, the guide portions 9 are provided at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the axial direction. Specifically, a first guide portion 91 and a second guide portion 92 are provided at both ends of the support shaft 30. This makes it possible to prevent the support shaft 30 from tilting. This makes it possible to narrow the radial gap between the support body 2 and the movable body 3, thereby making it possible to reduce the external size of the actuator 1. In addition, it is possible to narrow the radial gap between the magnet 61 and the coil 62, thereby making it possible to reduce the magnetic gap. As a result, the thrust of the magnetic drive mechanism 6 can be improved.

[0050] In this embodiment, the support 2 includes a first cover member 21 that closes an end of the case 20 on one side L1 in the axial direction, and a second cover member 22 that closes an end of the case 20 on the other side L2 in the axial direction. The guide portion 9 includes a cylindrical first guide portion 91 that is provided on the first cover member 21 and holds the first end 30L1 slidably in the axial direction, and a cylindrical second guide portion 92 that is provided on the second cover member 22 and holds the second end 30L2 slidably in the axial direction. In this way, by integrating the first guide portion 91 with the first cover member 21 and integrating the second guide portion 92 with the second cover member 22, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and an increase in the number of assembly steps can be suppressed. Furthermore, when attaching the first cover member 21 and the second cover member 22 to the case 20, both ends of the spindle 30 can be inserted into the cylindrical first guide portion 91 and the second guide portion 92, facilitating the work of holding the spindle 30 in the guide portion 9. Therefore, the assembly work of the actuator 1 is easy.

[0051] In this embodiment, the movable body 3 includes a first inner frame member 36 including a first cylindrical portion 360 surrounding the first end portion 30L1 and joined to the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting body 11, and a first annular protrusion 361 provided at an end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 360 on the other axial side L2, and a second inner frame member 37 including a second cylindrical portion 370 surrounding the second end portion 30L2 and joined to the inner circumferential surface of the second connecting body 12, and a second annular protrusion 371 provided at an end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 370 on one axial side L1. The first end portion 30L1 of the support shaft 30 is press-fitted into the first annular protrusion 361, and the tip of the first end portion 30L1 protruding from the first annular protrusion 361 to the one axial side L1 is held by the first guide portion 91 inside the first cylindrical portion 360. The second end 30L2 of the support shaft 30 is pressed into the inside of the second annular protrusion 371, and the tip of the second end 30L2 protruding from the second annular protrusion 371 to the other axial side L2 is held by the second guide portion 92 inside the second tubular portion 370.

[0052] In this manner, in this embodiment, the tip portion of the first guide portion 91 is inserted into the inner periphery of the first connecting body 11 and the first inner frame member 36, and the first connecting body 11 and the first guide portion 91 are arranged so as to overlap when viewed from the radial direction. The second connecting body 12 and the second guide portion 92 are similarly arranged. As a result, it is not necessary to extend the support shaft 30 to one axial side L1 of the first connecting body 11 and the other axial side L2 of the second connecting body 12, so that even if the guide portions 9 are provided on the first cover member 21 and the second cover member 22, it is possible to prevent the axial dimension of the actuator 1 from becoming large.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first connecting body 11 and the second connecting body 12 are gel-like materials. When a gel-like material is used as the connecting body 10, it is possible for the gel-like material to expand and contract in the radial direction, and therefore the radial movement of the movable body 3 cannot be sufficiently restricted. However, in this embodiment, the radial movement of the movable body 3 can be restricted by the guide portion 9. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the actuator 1 and improve the thrust of the magnetic drive mechanism 6 while realizing vibration characteristics that utilize the properties of the gel-like material.

[0054] (Embodiment 2) 5 is a perspective view of an actuator 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The actuator 1A of the second embodiment includes a support 2A, a movable body 3A, a connecting body 10 connected to the support 2A and the movable body 3A, and a magnetic driving mechanism 6. Configurations different from the first embodiment will be described below, and configurations that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] Support body 2A includes case 20, first cover member 21A, second cover member 22A, and coil holder 4. First cover member 21A is configured in the same manner as first cover member 21 of embodiment 1, except that first guide portion 91 is not provided. Second cover member 22A is configured in the same manner as second cover member 22 of embodiment 1, except that second guide portion 92 is not provided.

[0056] Support body 2A includes, as guide portion 9A for restricting radial movement of support shaft 30 provided in movable body 3, plate-shaped first guide portion 91A fixed to the inner circumferential surface of body portion 42 of coil holder 4 and plate-shaped second guide portion 92A fixed to the inner circumferential surface of case 20. Here, first guide portion 91A may be formed integrally with coil holder 4, or may be a separate part fixed to the inner circumferential surface of body portion 42 of coil holder 4 as shown in FIG. 5. Similarly, second guide portion 92A may be formed integrally with case 20, or may be a separate part fixed to the inner circumferential surface of case 20 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0057] The movable body 3A is configured in the same manner as the movable body 3 of the first embodiment, except that the axial lengths of the first inner frame member 36A and the second inner frame member 37A fixed to both ends of the support shaft 30 are shorter than those of the first inner frame member 36 and the second inner frame member 37 of the first embodiment. The first inner frame member 36A includes a first cylindrical portion 360A and a first annular protrusion 361. The second inner frame member 37A includes a second cylindrical portion 370A and a second annular protrusion 371. The first inner frame member 36A and the first yoke 31 are spaced apart in the axial direction, and the second inner frame member 37A and the second yoke 32 are spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0058] 5, the support shaft 30 includes a first exposed portion 30S1 extending in the axial direction between the first inner frame member 36A and the first yoke 31, and a second exposed portion 30S2 extending in the axial direction between the second inner frame member 37A and the second yoke 32. The first exposed portion 30S1 of the support shaft 30 is passed through a through hole 910 of the first guide portion 91A and is held by the first guide portion 91A so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The second exposed portion 30S2 of the support shaft 30 is passed through a through hole 920 of the second guide portion 92A and is held by the second guide portion 92A so as to be slidable in the axial direction.

[0059] (Main Effects of the Second Embodiment) As described above, the actuator 1A of the second embodiment includes the first inner frame member 36A joined to the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting body 11 and fixed to the first end 30L1, the second inner frame member 37A joined to the inner circumferential surface of the second connecting body 12 and fixed to the second end 30L2, the first yoke 31 abutting on the magnet 61 from one side L1 in the axial direction, and the second yoke 32 abutting on the magnet 61 from the other side L2 in the axial direction. The portion of the support shaft 30 extending in the axial direction between the first inner frame member 36A and the second inner frame member 37A penetrates the first yoke 31, the magnet 61, and the second yoke 32. The guide portion 9A holds a first exposed portion 30S1 of the support shaft 30 extending axially between the first inner frame member 36A and the first yoke 31, and a second exposed portion 30S2 of the support shaft 30 extending axially between the second inner frame member 37A and the second yoke 32, so that they can slide in the axial direction.

[0060] In this way, in the second embodiment, the guide section 9A that directly holds the spindle 30 can be installed by utilizing the axial gap between the yoke 35 to which the magnet 61 is fixed and the inner frame members (first inner frame member 36A, second inner frame member 37A) to which the connecting body 10 is connected. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the radial movement of the spindle 30 can be directly restricted, so that the axial linear movement of the movable body 3A can be performed with the highest accuracy. This allows the outer shape of the actuator 1 to be made smaller. In addition, the magnetic gap can be made smaller, and the thrust of the magnetic drive mechanism 6 can be improved.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the support 2A includes a coil holder 4 disposed on the inner circumferential side of the case 20, and the case 20 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the first connector 11 via the coil holder 4. The body 42 of the coil holder 4 surrounds the outer circumferential side of the magnet 61, the first yoke 31, and the first exposed portion 30S1. The guide portion 9 includes a first guide portion 91A that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the coil holder 4 and holds the first exposed portion 30S1 slidably in the axial direction, and a second guide portion 92A that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the case 20 and holds the second exposed portion 30S2 slidably in the axial direction. Thus, in the second embodiment, the coil holder 4 is used to set the first guide portion 91A that directly holds the support shaft 30. Note that the first guide portion 91A is provided on the coil holder 4. It is also possible to integrate the second guide portion 92A into the case 20, and in this case, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the number of assembly steps.

[0062] In the second embodiment, one of the first guide portion 91A and the second guide portion 92A may be omitted. Alternatively, the first and second embodiments may be combined. For example, a configuration including one or both of the first guide portion 91 and the second guide portion 92 of the first embodiment, and one or both of the first guide portion 91A and the second guide portion 92A of the second embodiment may be adopted as the guide portion.

[0063] (Other embodiments) The present invention can employ the following embodiments. (1) a movable body having a support shaft; A support body including a cylindrical case surrounding an outer periphery of the movable body; a connecting body connected to the support body and the movable body and having at least one of elasticity and viscoelasticity; a magnetic drive mechanism including a magnet disposed on one of the movable body and the support body, and a coil disposed on the other of the movable body and the support body and facing the magnet in a radial direction, for moving the movable body relatively to the support body in the axial direction of the support shaft; The connector is a first connector surrounding a first end portion of the support shaft, the first end portion being an end portion on one side in the axial direction; a second connection body surrounding a second end portion of the support shaft, the second end portion being the other end portion of the support shaft in the axial direction; The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the support body is provided with a guide portion that holds the support shaft slidably in the axial direction and restricts radial movement of the support shaft.

[0064] (2) The actuator according to (1) above, wherein the guide portion is provided at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0065] (3) The support body includes a first cover member that closes one end of the case in the axial direction and a second cover member that closes the other end of the case in the axial direction, The actuator of (1) or (2) above, characterized in that the guide portion includes at least one of a cylindrical first guide portion provided on the first cover member and holding the first end slidably in the axial direction, and a cylindrical second guide portion provided on the second cover member and holding the second end slidably in the axial direction.

[0066] (4) The movable body is a first inner frame member including a first cylindrical portion surrounding the first end portion and joined to an inner circumferential surface of the first connecting body, and a first annular protrusion provided at an end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion on the other side in the axial direction; a second inner frame member including a second cylindrical portion surrounding the second end portion and joined to an inner circumferential surface of the second connecting body, and a second annular protrusion provided at one end of the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion in the axial direction, The support shaft is the first end portion is press-fitted into the inside of the first annular protrusion, and a tip end of the first end portion protruding from the first annular protrusion to one side in the axial direction is held by the first guide portion inside the first cylindrical portion, The actuator of (3) above, characterized in that the second end is pressed into the inside of the second annular protrusion, and a tip of the second end protruding from the second annular protrusion to the other side in the axial direction is held by the second guide portion inside the second cylindrical portion.

[0067] (5) The movable body is joined to an inner circumferential surface of the first connection body and fixed to the first end portion. a first inner frame member joined to an inner circumferential surface of the second connecting body and fixed to the second end portion; a first yoke abutting the magnet from one side in the axial direction; and a second yoke abutting the magnet from the other side in the axial direction, The support shaft is a portion extending in the axial direction between the first inner frame member and the second inner frame member penetrates the first yoke, the magnet, and the second yoke, The actuator of (1) or (2) above, characterized in that the guide portion holds at least one of a first exposed portion of the spindle extending in the axial direction between the first inner frame member and the first yoke, and a second exposed portion of the spindle extending in the axial direction between the second inner frame member and the second yoke, so that the first exposed portion can slide in the axial direction.

[0068] (6) The support includes a coil holder disposed on an inner circumferential side of the case, and the case is connected to an outer circumferential surface of the first connector via the coil holder; the coil holder surrounds an outer circumferential side of the magnet, the first yoke, and the first exposed portion, The actuator of (5) above, characterized in that the guide portion includes a first guide portion protruding from an inner surface of the coil holder and holding the first exposed portion slidably in the axial direction, and a second guide portion protruding from an inner surface of the case and holding the second exposed portion slidably in the axial direction.

[0069] (7) The actuator according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the first connector and the second connector are made of a gel-like material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1, 1A... actuator, 2, 2A... support, 3, 3A... movable body, 4... coil holder, 6... magnetic drive mechanism, 7... wiring board, 8... lead wire, 9, 9A... guide portion, 10... connection body, 11... first connection body, 12... second connection body, 20... case, 21, 21A... first cover member, 22, 22A... second cover member, 24... case main body, 25... second outer frame member fixing portion, 26... cover portion, 27... locking portion, 2 8...regulating portion, 29...groove portion, 30...support shaft, 30L1...first end portion, 30L2...second end portion, 30S1...first exposed portion, 30S2...second exposed portion, 31...first yoke, 32...second yoke, 33...first magnetic member, 34...second magnetic member, 35...yoke, 36, 36A...first inner frame member, 37, 37A...second inner frame member, 38...third magnetic member, 39...weight adjustment portion, 41...first outer frame member fixing portion, 42...body portion, 43...first recess, 44...first step portion, 45...second step portion, 46...second recess, 49...projection portion, 51...first outer frame member, 52...second outer frame member, 61...magnet, 62...coil, 63...coil wire, 64...terminal pin, 65...notch portion, 66...cover, 69...board fixing portion, 71...hole, 80...lead wire holding portion, 91, 91A...first guide portion, 92, 92A...second guide portion, 310, 33 0, 340, 380...shaft hole, 341...disk portion, 342...bent portion, 343...cylindrical portion, 360, 360A...first tubular portion, 361...first annular protrusion, 370, 370A...second tubular portion, 371...second annular protrusion, 511...annular step portion, 521...annular step portion, 610...shaft hole, 910...through hole, 920...through hole, D1, D2...gap, L...center axis, L1...one side in the axial direction, L2...other side in the axial direction

Claims

1. A movable body having a support shaft; A support body including a cylindrical case surrounding an outer periphery of the movable body; a connecting body connected to the support body and the movable body and having at least one of elasticity and viscoelasticity; a magnetic drive mechanism including a magnet disposed on one of the movable body and the support body, and a coil disposed on the other of the movable body and the support body and facing the magnet in a radial direction, for moving the movable body relatively to the support body in the axial direction of the support shaft; The connector is a first connector surrounding a first end portion of the support shaft, the first end portion being an end portion on one side in the axial direction; a second connection body surrounding a second end portion of the support shaft, the second end portion being the other end portion of the support shaft in the axial direction; The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the support body is provided with a guide portion that holds the support shaft slidably in the axial direction and restricts radial movement of the support shaft.

2. The actuator according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is provided at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the axial direction.

3. the support body includes a first cover member that closes one end of the case in the axial direction, and a second cover member that closes the other end of the case in the axial direction, 2. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion includes at least one of a cylindrical first guide portion provided on the first cover member and holding the first end slidably in the axial direction, and a cylindrical second guide portion provided on the second cover member and holding the second end slidably in the axial direction.

4. The movable body is a first inner frame member including a first cylindrical portion surrounding the first end portion and joined to an inner circumferential surface of the first connecting body, and a first annular protrusion provided at an end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion on the other side in the axial direction; a second inner frame member including a second cylindrical portion surrounding the second end portion and joined to an inner circumferential surface of the second connecting body, and a second annular protrusion provided at one end of the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion in the axial direction, The support shaft is the first end portion is press-fitted into the inside of the first annular protrusion, and a tip end of the first end portion protruding from the first annular protrusion to one side in the axial direction is held by the first guide portion inside the first cylindrical portion, The actuator according to claim 3, characterized in that the second end is pressed into the inside of the second annular protrusion, and a tip of the second end protruding from the second annular protrusion to the other side in the axial direction is held by the second guide portion inside the second cylindrical portion.

5. the movable body includes a first inner frame member joined to an inner circumferential surface of the first connecting body and fixed to the first end, a second inner frame member joined to an inner circumferential surface of the second connecting body and fixed to the second end, a first yoke abutting the magnet from one side in the axial direction, and a second yoke abutting the magnet from the other side in the axial direction, The support shaft is a portion extending in the axial direction between the first inner frame member and the second inner frame member penetrates the first yoke, the magnet, and the second yoke, The guide portion slidably holds at least one of a first exposed portion of the support shaft extending in the axial direction between the first inner frame member and the first yoke and a second exposed portion of the support shaft extending in the axial direction between the second inner frame member and the second yoke in the axial direction.

2. The actuator according to claim 1 .

6. the support body includes a coil holder disposed on an inner circumferential side of the case, the case being connected to an outer circumferential surface of the first connector via the coil holder, the coil holder surrounds an outer circumferential side of the magnet, the first yoke, and the first exposed portion, The actuator according to claim 5, characterized in that the guide portion includes a first guide portion protruding from an inner surface of the coil holder and holding the first exposed portion slidably in the axial direction, and a second guide portion protruding from an inner surface of the case and holding the second exposed portion slidably in the axial direction.

7. 2. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector are made of a gel material.

Images