Electronic apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus capable of utilizing vibration of a vibration generator.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus 1001 comprises a casing 1010, a contact member 1020 mounted in the casing 1010, and a vibration generator 1. The vibration generator 1 is fixed on the contact member 1020 or the casing 1010. There is a clearance between a surface of the vibration generator 1 facing the casing 1010 and a surface of the casing 1010 facing the vibration generator 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device having a vibration generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some electronic devices are equipped with a vibration generating device that generates vibrations.

[0003] Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a structure in which a vibration actuator is attached to a touch panel of an information terminal processing device via a vibration transmission section that reduces the frequency of vibration and transmits the vibration to the touch panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-70729 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In such electronic devices, it is necessary to attach a vibration generator to the electronic device so that the vibration force generated by the vibration generator can be transmitted to components of the electronic device.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and has an object to provide an electronic device that can utilize vibrations generated by a vibration generator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device comprises a housing, a touch panel attached to the housing, a base attached to the housing, a plate displaceable relative to the base, a plurality of elastic members supporting the plate relative to the base, and a coil inside the plurality of elastic members, wherein the base, the plate, and the plurality of elastic members between the base and the plate form a vibration generating device and are disposed inside the housing, the coil is on the plate side relative to the base, there is a magnetic gap between the plate supported by the plurality of elastic members and the base, and the plate is connected to the touch panel.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, an electronic device comprises a housing, a touch panel attached to the housing, a base, a plate, a plurality of elastic members fixed to the base and the plate, and a coil inside the plurality of elastic members, wherein the base, the plate, and the plurality of elastic members between the base and the plate form a vibration generating device and are disposed inside the housing, the coil is on the plate side relative to the base, there is a magnetic gap between the plate supported by the plurality of elastic members and the base, and the base is connected to the touch panel.

[0009] Preferably, the rotor includes a magnetic circuit formed by a coil, a base, and a plate.

[0010] Preferably, the plate and base are separated by the thickness of the resilient member.

[0011] Preferably, the coil is driven by repeatedly switching between a state in which a current flows through the coil and a state in which a current does not flow through the coil.

[0012] Preferably, the plate is displaced towards and away from the base.

[0013] Preferably, the plate is displaced in a direction in which it vibrates relative to the base.

[0014] Preferably, the elastic members are made of resin.

[0015] Preferably, a force sensor is provided.

[0016] According to these inventions, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of utilizing vibrations of a vibration generator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vibration generating device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the vibration generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vibration generating device. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2 of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a third modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a structure for attaching a vibration generating device to an electronic device. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the vibration generator when a current flows through the coil. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the mounting structure for the vibration generator. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the mounting structure for the vibration generator. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a second modified example of the mounting structure for the vibration generator. [Figure 19] 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the electronic device. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a vibration generator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a vibration generator according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 25] 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a vibration generator according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 29] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the structure of a vibration generator according to a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a vibration generator according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment. [Diagram 31] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the structure of a vibration generator according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an electronic device including a vibration generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0019] The coordinates shown in the following figures are intended to indicate the posture of the vibration generator. The X-axis direction of the coordinates is sometimes called the left-right direction (the positive direction on the X-axis when viewed from the origin is the rightward direction), the Y-axis direction is sometimes called the front-back direction (the positive direction on the Y-axis when viewed from the origin is the backward direction), and the Z-axis direction (direction perpendicular to the XY plane) is sometimes called the up-down direction (the positive direction on the Z-axis when viewed from the origin is the upward direction). The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis is sometimes called horizontal. Note that the terms left-right, front-back, up-down, horizontal, etc. used here are merely used to explain the structure and operation, and have no relation whatsoever to the posture or use of the vibration generator or electronic device in the situation in which it is used.

[0020] [First embodiment]

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] 1, the electronic device 1001 includes a housing 1010, a contact member 1020, and a vibration generator 1. The electronic device 1001 is, for example, a so-called smartphone.

[0023] The contact member 1020 is attached to the housing 1010. The contact member 1020 is, for example, a touch panel.

[0024] The vibration generator 1 generates a vibration force to be transmitted to the electronic device 1001. In this embodiment, the vibration generator 1 is connected or fixed to the contact member 1020 directly or via another member. Note that the vibration generator 1 is not limited to being connected or fixed to the contact member 1020 directly or via another member, and may be connected or fixed to the housing 1010 directly or via another member.

[0025] [Structure of vibration generating device 1]

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vibration generator 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the vibration generator 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration generator 1. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the vibration generator 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2 in FIG. 5.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, the vibration generator 1 is formed into a thin plate shape overall. The vibration generator 1 has a flat shape. The vibration generator 1 is small, for example, with external dimensions in the left-right and front-rear directions of about several tens of millimeters and an external diameter dimension in the up-down direction of about a few millimeters. The vibration generator 1 is roughly disk-shaped, with an external diameter of about 20 millimeters and a thickness of about 3 mm, excluding the portion where the hole 11 is provided.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the vibration generator 1 has a base 10, a plate 30, a coil 40, and an elastic member 51.

[0029] The base 10 is made of a magnetic material. The base 10 is made of, for example, a metal. The base 10 is made of, for example, iron. The base 10 is formed, for example, by molding a steel plate or the like by pressing or the like. The base 10 may be formed by machining such as cutting.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the base 10 has a flange portion 15 and a recessed portion 14 recessed below the flange portion 15. The recessed portion 14 has, for example, a circular shape in a plan view. In other words, the base 10 has a thin columnar portion (a cylindrical portion having a bottom surface) that opens upward. The columnar portion is, for example, cylindrical. The upper end of the columnar portion is a flange portion 15 that opens in the outer circumferential direction like a flange. In this embodiment, the flange portion 15 is wider in the left-right direction than other portions, and a hole portion 11 is formed in the wider portion. As shown in FIG. 5, the hole portion 11 is arranged on both the left and right sides of the recessed portion 14, and can be used when attaching the vibration generator 1 to an electronic device 1001 or the like.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 6, the recess 14 has a bottom 14a and a side wall 14b. As shown in Fig. 4, a front part of the side wall 14b is removed. In other words, a part of the side wall 14b is recessed as if it were cut out.

[0032] A terminal plate 19 extending forward from the bottom 14a is provided in the cut-out portion of the side wall 14b. The terminal plate 19 is a protrusion that protrudes outward from the side wall 14b. The terminal plate 19 is provided with terminals 19a and 19b for supplying electricity to the coil 40. The terminals 19a and 19b are formed on, for example, a flexible substrate and are bonded to the terminal plate 19. Note that the terminal plate 19 may not be provided, and a portion of the side wall 14b or the bottom 14a may be removed, and a path for supplying electricity to the coil 40 from below or to the side of the base 10 may be provided through the removed portion.

[0033] In this embodiment, a recess 17 and a groove 18 are formed on the upper surface of the bottom 14a. The depth from the upper surface of the bottom 14a to the recess 17 and the groove 18 is shallower than the vertical depth of the recess 14 (the distance from the upper surface of the flange 15 to the upper surface of the bottom 14a). The recess 17 is formed in the approximate center of the recess 14. The recess 17 is formed in a shape that matches the shape of the protrusion 20 described later. For example, the recess 17 is circular in a plan view. The groove 18 is formed from the approximate center of the recess 14 to the vicinity of the terminal board 19. The groove 18 extends in the front-rear direction from the recess 17 to the terminal board 19 so that the front-rear direction is the longitudinal direction.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the base 10 is provided with a protrusion 20. The protrusion 20 is disposed in the center of the base 10. The protrusion 20 has, for example, a columnar shape. In this embodiment, the protrusion 20 has a cylindrical shape. The position of the upper end of the protrusion 20 in the vertical direction is substantially the same as the upper surface of the flange portion 15. The position of the upper end of the protrusion 20 in the vertical direction may be higher or lower than the upper surface of the flange portion 35a.

[0035] In this embodiment, the protrusion 20 is formed separately from the main body of the base 10, which is formed of, for example, a steel plate or the like, and is attached to the main body of the base 10. The protrusion 20 is attached to the main body of the base 10 so as to be fitted into the recess 17. The protrusion 20 is attached to the recess 17, for example, by bonding or welding. The protrusion 20 is formed of a magnetic material, like the main body of the base 10. The protrusion 20 is made of, for example, a metal. The protrusion 20 is made of, for example, iron. The protrusion 20 functions as a core (iron core) of an electromagnet using the coil 40.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the coil 40 has an annular, flat shape. The coil 40 is a thin coil whose dimension in the winding axis direction is smaller than the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the winding axis direction. The coil 40 is an annular, flat coil as a whole, formed by winding a conductor wire, for example. The coil 40 may be formed by slicing a wound metal foil, or may be formed by stacking sheet coils. The outer shape of the coil 40 may be a circle or a polygon such as a square when viewed from above.

[0037] The coil 40 is wound in a ring shape so as to surround the protrusion 20. That is, the coil 40 is housed inside the recess 14. That is, the coil 40 is disposed between the outer periphery of the protrusion 20 and the inner periphery of the side wall portion 14b. The coil 40 is formed so that the upper surface of the coil 40 is not located above the upper surface of the flange portion 15, and is attached to the base 10. The coil 40, which has been wound in advance into a doughnut-shaped plate shape, may be fitted into the recess 14 and attached to the base 10, or the coil 40 may be formed on the base 10 by directly winding a conductor around the base 10 so as to surround the protrusion 20.

[0038] A gap is provided between the inner surface of the side wall portion 14b, which is the outer periphery of the base 10, and the outer peripheral side surface 41 of the coil 40. In addition, a gap is provided between the outer peripheral side surface of the protrusion 20 and the inner surface 42 of the coil 40. This ensures that the base 10 and the coil 40 are insulated from each other and in contact with each other.

[0039] Coil 40 is, for example, a conductor wire of φ0.15 wound about 100 to 200 turns (e.g., 150 turns). The specifications of coil 40 are not limited to this and can be appropriately selected depending on the size and application of vibration generator 1.

[0040] An end (winding end) 43a of the outer conductor of the coil 40 is drawn from inside the recess 14 to the outside of the base 10 through the portion where the side wall portion 14b has been removed. An end (winding end) 43b of the inner conductor of the coil 40 is drawn to the outside of the base 10 through the underside of the coil 40 from the portion where the side wall portion 14b has been removed.

[0041] In this embodiment, the winding end 43b is pulled out from the inside of the coil 40 to the terminal plate 19 side through the groove 18. This prevents the conductor wire leading to the winding end 43b from being pinched between the lower surface of the coil 40 and the upper surface of the bottom 14a, which can prevent the conductor wire from being subjected to a load or insulation from being damaged. Note that in order to ensure insulation between the coil 40 and the base 10, a cylindrical insulating member may be inserted through which the conductor wire of the coil 40 passes.

[0042] The winding ends 43a, 43b drawn out to the outside of the base 10 through the portion where the side wall portion 14b has been removed are connected to the terminals 19a, 19b, respectively, by soldering or the like. By connecting an external conductor to the terminals 19a, 19b, electricity can be passed through the conductor to the coil 40. The terminals 19a, 19b are arranged on the terminal plate 19, so that an external conductor can be easily connected to the terminals 19a, 19b.

[0043] In this embodiment, the plate 30 is a circular plate parallel to a horizontal plane. The plate 30 is made of a magnetic material. The plate 30 is made of, for example, a metal. The plate 30 is made of, for example, iron. The plate 30 is formed, for example, by molding a steel plate or the like by pressing or the like. The plate 30 may be formed by processing such as cutting.

[0044] The plate 30 is disposed above the base 10 so as to face the base 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the plate 30 has an outer diameter dimension that is substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension of the peripheral edge of the flange portion 15 except for the portion where the hole portion 11 is provided. The plate 30 is formed so as to cover the flange portion 15 except for the portion where the hole portion 11 is provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the lower surface of the portion near the outer periphery of the plate 30 faces the upper surface of the flange portion 15. In other words, the flange portion 15 is provided in a portion outside the outer periphery of the coil 40 of the base 10 and faces the surface of the plate 30.

[0045] 7, the plate 30 is disposed with a small gap relative to the base 10 so as to form a magnetic circuit. An elastic member 51 is disposed between the plate 30 and the base 10. Due to the elastic member 51 being disposed, a certain gap is provided between the plate 30 and the base 10 when no current is applied to the coil 40. In other words, the plate 30 is located higher above the flange portion 15 of the base 10 by the thickness of the elastic member 51.

[0046] The elastic member 51 is, for example, a resin member having a restoring force and is deformable. The elastic member 51 supports the plate 30 against the base 10. The elastic member 51 is provided between the plate 30 and the base 10. In this embodiment, the elastic member 51 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the flange portion 15 and the plate 30. That is, the elastic member 51 is disposed between the outer periphery of the base 10 located outside the coil 40 and the outer periphery of the plate 30 located outside the coil 40.

[0047] The elastic member 51 is fixed to the flange portion 15 by, for example, bonding with an adhesive. The method of arranging the elastic member 51 is not limited to bonding. The elastic member 51 may be fixed to the plate 30, or may be fixed to both the flange portion 15 and the plate 30 by bonding or the like. The elastic member 51 does not have to be fixed to either the flange portion 15 or the plate 30.

[0048] As the elastic member 51, four members (elastic members 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d; hereinafter, each of these may be referred to as an elastic member 51) are provided. The four elastic members 51 are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction. The four elastic members are arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the elastic member 51a is arranged at the left rear of the protrusion 20. The elastic member 51b is arranged at the right rear of the protrusion 20. The elastic member 51c is arranged at the right front of the protrusion 20. The elastic member 51d is arranged at the left front of the protrusion 20. When focusing on a certain elastic member 51, the elastic members 51 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are roughly arranged at positions rotated 90 degrees around the protrusion 20.

[0049] The four elastic members 51 are arranged at positions spaced apart from adjacent elastic members 51 in the circumferential direction. In other words, when the vibration generator 1 is viewed from the side, there are portions between the plate 30 and the base 10 where no elastic members 51 are present.

[0050] The elastic members 51 are capable of deforming toward the recesses 14 as the spaces S between the plate 30 and the base 10, the spaces S between two adjacent elastic members among the four elastic members 51 in the circumferential direction, and the spaces S inside the base 10. Thus, the spaces S accommodate a part of the deformed elastic members 51, and the provision of such spaces S allows the elastic members 51 to deform toward the recesses 14.

[0051] The number of elastic members 51 is not limited to four, and may be two or three. Furthermore, five or more may be provided. Furthermore, as described below, the elastic member 51 may be annular. The elastic member 51 is not limited to being disposed between the flange portion 15 and the plate 30, and may be disposed between the upper surface of the coil 40 and the plate 30, or between the upper surface of the protrusion 20 and the plate 30.

[0052] In this embodiment, the plate 30 and the base 10 form a magnetic circuit. The plate 30 is adjacent to the flange portion 15 at the outer periphery with a predetermined gap therebetween, and is adjacent to the protruding portion 20 at the center with a predetermined gap therebetween. Therefore, the plate 30 and the base 10 including the protruding portion 20 form a magnetic circuit. The plate 30 and the base 10 are separated by the thickness of the elastic member 51, and therefore a magnetic gap of the thickness is provided in the magnetic circuit. The smaller the magnetic gap, the better, since the amplitude of the plate 30 becomes large (from the viewpoint of increasing the magnetic efficiency of the magnetic circuit).

[0053] The vibration generator 1 is driven by repeatedly switching between a state in which a current flows through the coil 40 and a state in which a current does not flow through the coil 40. In other words, the electromagnet formed by the coil 40 and the base 10 is magnetized and then demagnetized repeatedly, whereby the vibration generator 1 can generate vibrations.

[0054] When a current flows through the coil 40, the base 10 is excited. As a result, the upper part of the base 10 and the flange part 15 become magnetic pole parts, and the plate 30 constituting the magnetic circuit is also magnetized. A relatively strong magnetic attraction force is generated between the upper part of the base 10 and the center part of the plate 30, and between the flange part 15 and the outer periphery of the plate 30, and the plate 30 is attracted to the base 10. As a result, the plate 30 is displaced downward with respect to the base 10 while compressing the elastic member 51, and the gap between the plate 30 and the base 10 becomes smaller. When the elastic member 51 is compressed from a state in which no current flows through the coil 40, it generates a restoring force and urges the plate 30 in a direction away from the base 10. Therefore, the maximum displacement of the plate 30 is up to a position where the magnetic attraction force and the restoring force of the elastic member 51 are balanced. Here, in this embodiment, the upper part of the base 10 becomes the convex part 20. The upper portion of the base 10 is not limited to the protruding portion 20, but may be a portion located closer to the plate 30 side than the bottom portion 14a of the base 10.

[0055] When the state where current flows through coil 40 changes to a state where no current flows through coil 40, the magnetization disappears, and the magnetic attraction force disappears. Then, the restoring force of elastic member 51, which has been compressed in accordance with the displacement of plate 30 relative to base 10, acts on plate 30, displacing plate 30 upward relative to base 10. As a result, the gap between plate 30 and base 10 becomes larger.

[0056] A state in which a current flows through the coil 40 and a state in which a current does not flow through the coil 40 are repeated, so that the plate 30 is repeatedly displaced in the up-down direction relative to the base 10. That is, the plate 30 is displaced in a direction toward or away from the base 10. This allows the vibration generator 1 to generate a vibration force. Here, the direction toward or away from the base 10 may be, for example, the direction in which the plate 30 vibrates relative to the base 10, or the thickness direction of the plate 30 and the base 10.

[0057] In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the plate 30 faces the flange portion 15 of the base 10. Therefore, in the outer portion of the coil 40, the magnetic flux passing through the magnetic circuit is less likely to leak (magnetic resistance is reduced), and a strong magnetic attraction force is generated. This improves the efficiency of the vibration generator 1. Also, the plate 30, which becomes the vibrating surface, can be expanded by the size of the flange portion 15. Therefore, vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the electronic device 1001, etc.

[0058] The elastic member 51 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the plate 30 and the base 10. Therefore, even when a current flows through the coil 40, the plate 30 and the base 10 do not come into contact with each other. This makes it possible to prevent abnormal noise caused by contact between the plate 30 and the base 10 when the vibration generator 1 is driven.

[0059] When the vibration generator 1 is viewed from the side, there is a portion between the plate 30 and the flange portion 15 where the elastic member 51 is not arranged. Therefore, when the plate 30 is displaced downward with respect to the base 10 and the elastic member 51 is compressed, the elastic member 51 can be deformed so as to expand not only in the radial direction but also in the circumferential direction. In addition, by changing the dimensions such as the thickness and width of the elastic member 51, the restoring force (also called elastic force) required for the vibration generator 1 can be obtained. Therefore, the amount of displacement of the plate 30 relative to the strength of the magnetic attraction force can be increased. In addition, the space where the coil 40 is provided and the outside of the vibration generator 1 are communicated through the portion between the plate 30 and the flange portion 15 where the elastic member 51 is not arranged. Therefore, the heat generated by the coil 40 can be effectively dissipated.

[0060] 3 and 4, a weight 30w may be disposed on the upper surface of the plate 30 of the vibration generator 1. When the weight 30w is disposed on the plate 30, the plate 30 is displaced together with the weight 30w, so that a stronger vibration force can be generated.

[0061] [Description of Modifications Regarding Elastic Members]

[0062] The elastic member used in the vibration generator is not limited to the above-mentioned elastic member 51, and various other shapes can be used. That is, the shape of the elastic member can be appropriately selected depending on various factors such as the size of the vibration generator, the magnitude of the magnetic attraction force generated by the coil, and the magnitude of the required vibration force.

[0063] The material of the elastic member may be appropriately selected depending on the factors described above. The elastic member may be a resin material such as rubber, synthetic resin, gel-like material, or sponge having various types of bubbles. The elastic member may be a metal member such as a metal leaf spring or coil spring. These are only examples, and various materials that are deformable and capable of supporting the plate 30 against the base 10 may be used as the elastic member.

[0064] The elastic member may be made of a material containing a magnetic material. In this way, the elastic member may be used as a member that constitutes a magnetic circuit together with the base and the plate. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of magnetic flux leakage in the magnetic circuit (reduce magnetic resistance) and improve the efficiency of the vibration generator 1.

[0065] For example, the elastic member may be in the following form.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a first modified example.

[0067] In Fig. 8, the upper part shows an annular elastic member 50A. The lower part shows four elastic members 51A (51Aa, 51Ab, 51Ac, 51Ad), each of which is shaped to form a part of the annular elastic member 50A. The four elastic members 51A may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, similar to the above-mentioned elastic member 51. The elastic members 50A, 51A are sheet-shaped resin members having a restoring force.

[0068] A space S capable of accommodating a part of the elastic member 50A is provided inside the annular elastic member 50A.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a second modified example.

[0070] 9, the upper part shows an annular elastic member 50B. The lower part shows four elastic members 51B (51Ba, 51Bb, 51Bc, 51Bd), each shaped to form a part of the annular elastic member 50B. The four elastic members 51B may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, similar to the above-mentioned elastic member 51. The elastic members 50B, 51B are resin members having a circular cross section and a restoring force.

[0071] A space S capable of accommodating a portion of the elastic members 50B and 51B is provided inside the annularly configured elastic member 50B and the annularly arranged elastic members 51B. In addition, a space S is provided between two adjacent elastic members 51B among the four elastic members 51B.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a third modified example.

[0073] In FIG. 10, the upper part shows two elastic members 50C (50Ca, 50Cb), each of which is slightly shorter than a semicircular arc shape. The lower part shows four elastic members 51C (51Ca, 51Cb, 51Cc, 51Cd), each of which is shaped to form a part of an annular elastic member. The four elastic members 51C may be arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction, similar to the above-mentioned elastic member 51. The elastic members 50C, 51C are cylindrical pipe-shaped resin members having a restoring force. By making them cylindrical, the amount of displacement of the plate 30 relative to the base 10 can be made larger than that of the elastic members 50B, 51B.

[0074] A space S capable of accommodating a portion of the elastic members 50C, 51C is provided inside the annular elastic members 50C, 51C. A space S is provided between two elastic members 50C and between adjacent two of the four elastic members 51C.

[0075] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a fourth modified example.

[0076] 11 shows four elastic members 51D (51Da, 51Db, 51Dc, and 51Dd). The four elastic members 51D may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, similar to the above-described elastic member 51. Each of the elastic members 51D is a resin member having a spherical restoring force.

[0077] A space S capable of accommodating a portion of the elastic member 51D is provided inside the four elastic members 51D arranged in a circle. In addition, a space S is provided between two adjacent elastic members 51D among the four elastic members 51D.

[0078] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a fifth modified example.

[0079] In FIG. 12, the upper part shows an annular elastic member 50E. The lower part shows four elastic members 51E (51Ea, 51Eb, 51Ec, 51Ed) each shaped to form a part of the annular elastic member 50E. The four elastic members 51E may be arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction, similar to the above-mentioned elastic member 51. The elastic members 50E, 51E are sheet-shaped resin members having a restoring force. The surfaces of the elastic members 50E, 51E are uneven. Specifically, a large number of small protrusions 55E are provided on the surfaces of the elastic members 50E, 51E. The unevenness caused by the provision of such protrusions 55E changes the way in which the elastic members 50E, 51E deform when compressed from the case where there is no unevenness. Therefore, the vibration generated by the vibration generator 1 can be changed.

[0080] A space S capable of accommodating a portion of the elastic members 50E and 51E is provided inside the annularly configured elastic member 50E and the annularly arranged elastic members 51E. In addition, a space S is provided between two adjacent elastic members 51E among the four elastic members 51E.

[0081] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a sixth modified example.

[0082] In Fig. 13, the upper part shows an annular elastic member 50F. The elastic member 50F is a resin member having a restoring force. The elastic member 50F has a sheet-like annular portion 55F formed in an annular shape and a plurality of protruding portions 56F protruding upward from the annular portion 55F. Each of the protruding portions 56F has a rib shape extending in the radial direction of the elastic member 50F.

[0083] A space S capable of accommodating a portion of the elastic member 50F is provided inside the annular elastic member 50F. Also, a space S is provided between two adjacent protrusions 56F among the multiple protrusions 56F.

[0084] The elastic member 50F is used, for example, in a state where the upper part of the protrusion 56F contacts the plate 30. When the plate 30 is displaced downward, each of the protrusions 56F is compressed in the vertical direction. The protrusions 56F are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and there is a space in which the protrusions 56F can deform in the circumferential direction, so that each of the protrusions 56F is easily compressed in the vertical direction. Therefore, while using the integrally formed elastic member 50F, it is possible to increase the amount of displacement of the plate 30 relative to the strength of the magnetic attractive force, as in the case of using multiple elastic members, and also to dissipate the heat generated by the coil 40.

[0085] In addition, whether to use an annular elastic member or to arrange multiple elastic members at intervals in the circumferential direction may be appropriately selected depending on the application of the vibration generator 1. As described above, when multiple elastic members are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, the amount of displacement of the plate 30 relative to the strength of the magnetic attraction force can be increased, and the heat generated by the coil 40 can be dissipated. On the other hand, when an annular elastic member is used, the gap between the plate 30 and the flange portion 15 can be eliminated between the inside and outside of the elastic member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem such as a foreign object entering the inner area of ​​the elastic member and hindering the displacement of the plate 30.

[0086] [Explanation of the mounting structure of the vibration generator 1]

[0087] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a structure for attaching the vibration generator 1 to an electronic device 1001. As shown in FIG.

[0088] In Fig. 14, the detailed structure is shown in a simplified manner for the purpose of explanation. In Fig. 14, the coil 40 is shown in a state where no current flows through it.

[0089] In electronic device 1001, force sensor 1040 (an example of a third elastic member) is disposed between contact member 1020 and housing 1010. That is, contact member 1020 is fixed to housing 1010 via force sensor 1040. When a force is applied to contact member 1020 to press contact member 1020 against housing 1010, force sensor 1040 detects the force. Force sensor 1040 is formed of an elastic member having elasticity. Note that instead of force sensor 1040 or together with force sensor 1040, an elastic member such as a leaf spring, a coil spring, rubber, or synthetic resin may be disposed between contact member 1020 and housing 1010.

[0090] The vibration generator 1 is fixed to the contact member 1020 with the upper surface of the plate 30 facing the lower surface of the contact member 1020. The base 10 is fixed to the contact member 1020 by, for example, a screw 1090 inserted from the lower side of the flange portion 15 upward so as to penetrate the hole portion 11 and the spacer 1091, with a spacer 1091 sandwiched between the upper surface of the flange portion 15 and the contact member 1020.

[0091] A gap is provided between the lower surface of the base 10 of the vibration generator 1 facing the housing 1010 and the upper surface of the bottom surface of the housing 1010 facing the vibration generator 1.

[0092] The plate 30 can come into contact with and be separated from the contact member 1020 in a direction toward or away from the base 10, i.e., in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the plate 30 is in contact with the lower surface of the contact member 1020 when no current flows through the coil 40. When the plate 30 is in contact with the contact member 1020 in this manner, the elastic member 51 is contracted more than in its natural state (when no force is applied to move the plate 30 toward or away from the base 10). In other words, the elastic member 51 supporting the plate 30 in contact with the contact member 1020 is deformed. That is, the vibration generator 1 is fixed to the contact member 1020 in a state in which the plate 30 is in contact with the contact member 1020 and is slightly pressed against the base 10. When the vibration generating device 1 is fixed to the contact member 1020 and the plate 30 is in contact with the contact member 1020, the elastic member 51 urges the plate 30 toward the contact member 1020 in a direction away from the base 10, and the plate 30 acts on the contact member 1020.

[0093] FIG. 15 shows the electromagnetic exciter 1 with a current flowing through the coil 40. As shown in FIG.

[0094] When a current flows through the coil 40, the plate 30 is displaced and approaches the base 10. At this time, the position of the base 10 does not change. That is, at this time, the plate 30 is separated (away) from the contact member 1020 as shown in FIG.

[0095] Thereafter, when the current flowing through the coil 40 is stopped, the magnetic attraction force disappears. Then, the plate 30 is urged upward by the restoring force of the elastic member 51, and the plate 30 is displaced toward the contact member 1020. When the plate 30 is displaced until it comes into contact with the contact member 1020, the plate 30 stops in the state of contact with the contact member 1020, and returns to the state shown in FIG.

[0096] In this way, by repeatedly passing a current through coil 40 and stopping the current, the state shown in Fig. 14 and the state shown in Fig. 15 are repeatedly generated. When plate 30 repeatedly moves back and forth, vibrations are generated due to the reaction force that contact member 1020 exerts on plate 30, and the vibrations are transmitted to contact member 1020. Contact member 1020 is connected to housing 1010 via force sensor 1040, which is an elastic member, so contact member 1020 is allowed to be slightly displaced relative to housing 1010. By transmitting the vibrations to housing 1010 as well, the user using electronic device 1001 can feel the vibrations.

[0097] When the current flowing through the coil 40 is stopped and the plate 30 comes into contact with the contact member 1020, the plate 30 can be swiftly struck against the contact member 1020. Since an impact can be generated in the contact member 1020, the user can feel a relatively unique sensation, such as a clicking sensation.

[0098] It should be noted that the mounting structure of the vibration generator 1 is not limited to this. The vibration generator 1 can be used in various electronic devices in addition to the electronic device 1001.

[0099] For example, the vibration generator 1 may be attached to the housing side of the electronic device, rather than to the contact member side.

[0100] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the mounting structure for the vibration generator 1. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the first modified example of the mounting structure for the vibration generator 1.

[0101] 16 and 17, electronic device 1201 is, for example, a so-called smartphone, and includes a contact member 1020, a housing 1210, a force sensor 1040, and a vibration generator 1. Unlike electronic device 1001 described above, electronic device 1201 has vibration generator 1 attached to the housing 1210 side, not to the contact member 1020 side.

[0102] 17, an attachment section 1212 having a recess 1214 in the center for attaching the vibration generator 1 is formed on the inside of the housing 1010. The attachment section 1212 protrudes higher than the recess 1214 so as to support the flange section 15 of the vibration generator 1. The vibration generator 1 is attached to the attachment section 1212 by inserting a screw 1090 through the hole 11 from above in a state in which the portion of the flange section 15 where the hole 11 is provided is placed on the attachment section 1212.

[0103] In this modification, the dimension from the upper surface of the attachment portion 1212 to the upper surface of the recess 1214 is slightly larger than the dimension from the lower surface of the flange portion 15 of the vibration generator 1 to the lower surface of the recess 14. Therefore, a gap is provided between the surface of the vibration generator 1 facing the housing 1210 (here, the lower surface of the recess 14) and the surface of the housing 1210 facing the vibration generator 1 (here, the upper surface of the recess 1214).

[0104] The plate 30 of the vibration generator 1 is sandwiched between the contact members 1020 with an elastic member 1205 (second elastic member) sandwiched therebetween. That is, the elastic member 1205 is provided between the plate 30 and the contact member 1020. The elastic member 1205 is connected or fixed to the plate 30 and the contact member 1020 directly or via another member such as an adhesive. The elastic member 1205 is a member having cushioning properties. The elastic member 1205 is, for example, a resin member such as rubber or synthetic resin. By providing the elastic member 1205, vibrations generated in the vibration generator 1 are slightly damped by the elastic member 1205 and transmitted to the contact member 1020. Furthermore, when assembling the housing 1210, the force sensor 1040, and the contact member 1020, the dimensional tolerance between the housing 1210 and the contact member 1020 becomes relatively large, but the elastic member 1205 can tolerate this tolerance and apply the force associated with the displacement of the plate 30 to the contact member 1020.

[0105] If necessary, the elastic member 1205 may not be provided, and the plate 30 may be connected or fixed to the contact member 1020 directly or via another member such as an adhesive.

[0106] Fig. 18 is a plan view showing a second modified example of the mounting structure for a vibration generator, and Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 18.

[0107] 18 and 19, the electronic device 1601 is, for example, a so-called tablet-type electronic computer, and includes a contact member 1620, a housing 1610, an elastic member 1640, and a vibration generator 1. The contact member 1620 is a touch panel. The elastic member 1640 is, for example, an elastic member such as rubber or synthetic resin, and is disposed between the contact member 1620 and the housing 1610. The elastic member 1640 is, for example, disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the contact member 1620.

[0108] As shown in Fig. 18, in electronic device 1601, vibration generator 1 is fixed to the outer periphery of contact member 1620. That is, vibration generator 1 is connected to contact member 1620 such that plate 30 contacts part of the outer periphery of contact member 1620. As shown in Fig. 19, a gap is provided between the surface of base 10 of vibration generator 1 and the inner surface of housing 1620. In Fig. 19, the internal structure of vibration generator 1 is not shown.

[0109] In this way, even if the vibration generator 1 is fixed to the outer periphery of the contact member 1620, the vibration generated by the vibration generator 1 can be transmitted to the contact member 1620, and the vibration generator 1 can be utilized.

[0110] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the electronic device.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 20, the electronic device 1401 is, for example, a steering wheel of an automobile. The electronic device 1401 has a contact member 1420 on each of three spoke parts 1407 that connect a hub 1405 and a handlebar 1403. Each contact member 1420 is, for example, an operation input part having a plurality of operation switches for selecting and adjusting various functions of an automobile. The vibration generator 1 is attached to the back of each contact member 1420. By using the vibration generator 1, when the operation switch of each contact member 1420 is operated, a vibration corresponding to the operation is generated, and feedback about the operation can be given to the user.

[0112] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the vibration generator 1 has a thin structure including the base 10, the coil 40, the plate 30, and the elastic member 51. Therefore, the vibration generator 1 having a relatively large vibration surface can be made smaller. In the vibration generator 1, the base 10 and the plate 30 form a magnetic circuit, so that large vibrations can be generated efficiently. The base 10 is provided with a flange portion 15, and the plate 30 is provided facing the flange portion 15. This makes it difficult for magnetic flux to leak between the flange portion 15, which serves as a magnetic pole portion, and the plate 30 (reducing magnetic resistance), so that larger vibrations can be generated.

[0113] A plurality of elastic members 51 having the same vertical dimensions (thickness) are disposed between the plate 30 and the base 10. Therefore, the plate 30 can be displaced while maintaining a horizontal position.

[0114] [Second embodiment]

[0115] The basic configuration of the vibration generator in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore the description will not be repeated here. Configurations that are substantially similar in shape or function to those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted. In the second embodiment, the manner in which the elastic members are arranged, the configuration of the base, etc. are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0116] Fig. 21 is a plan view of a vibration generator 101 according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of Fig. 21.

[0117] 21, the plate 30 is omitted in order to explain the internal structure of the electromagnetic exciter 101. That is, components that are hidden by the plate 30 in the original plan view of the electromagnetic exciter 101 are shown by solid lines in FIG.

[0118] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the vibration generator 101 has a base 110, a plate 30, a coil 40, and elastic members 151 (151a, 151b, 151c, 151d, 151m).

[0119] In the second embodiment, a center protrusion 120 and an outer protrusion 125 are attached to the base 110. The center protrusion 120 is disposed in a depression 17 in the center of the recess 14 of the base 110, similar to the protrusion 20 of the first embodiment. The outer protrusion 125 is an annular member. The outer protrusion 125 is formed and disposed outside the outer periphery of the coil 40 so as to surround the outer periphery of the coil 40. A ring-shaped depression 117b to which the outer protrusion 125 is fixed is formed in the bottom 14a of the recess 14 of the base 110. The center protrusion 120 and the outer protrusion 125 are formed of a magnetic material, similar to the protrusion 20. For example, the center protrusion 120 and the outer protrusion 125 are made of iron. When a current flows through the coil 40, the base 110 is excited, and the upper part of the center protrusion 120 and the upper part of the outer protrusion 125 become magnetic pole parts.

[0120] The center protrusion 120 and the outer protrusion 125 are formed so that their respective upper surfaces are at the same height as the upper surface of the base 110. The plate 30 is disposed so that the outer periphery of the plate 30 faces the upper surface of the outer protrusion 125. Note that the base 110 does not have the wide flange portion 15 disposed to surround the outer periphery of the recess 14 as in the first embodiment, and only the portions on both the left and right sides of the recess 14 where the hole 11 is provided are expanded in a flange shape.

[0121] A recess 120a is formed in the center of the upper surface of the center protrusion 120, in which an elastic member 151m (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as center elastic member 151m) is disposed. In addition, four recesses 126 are formed in the outer protrusion 125, in which elastic members 151a, 151b, 151d, 151d (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as outer elastic member 151) are disposed. In the second embodiment, the outer elastic members 151 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction, similar to the elastic members 51 in the first embodiment. The depths of the recesses 120a, 126 are, for example, uniform, but are not limited thereto, and the depth of the recess 120a and the depth of the recess 126 may be different.

[0122] In the base 110, between the recess 17 in which the center protrusion 120 is disposed and the recess 117b in which the outer protrusion 125 is disposed, a coil arrangement section 116 that is slightly raised upward is provided. The coil 40 is disposed above the coil arrangement section 116. This allows the vibration generator 1 to be configured with a vibration surface of a constant size while reducing the volume of the coil 40 as necessary. In addition, in the magnetic circuit formed by the base 110 and the plate 30, it is possible to prevent saturation of the magnetic flux at the bottom 14a. In addition, the coil arrangement section 116 may be provided to adjust the upper surface of the coil 40 and the upper surface of the center protrusion 120 to the same height.

[0123] An insulating film (resin film) 145 is disposed on the upper surface of the coil 40. An insulating film (resin film) 146 is disposed on the lower surface of the coil 40 between the coil placement section 116. The insulating films (resin films) 145, 146 are, for example, insulating resin members. This makes it possible to reliably ensure insulation between the coil 40 and the base 110, and between the coil 40 and the plate 30.

[0124] In the second embodiment, the base 110 has a center convex portion 120 and an outer convex portion 125, and the plate 30 is disposed so that the outer periphery of the plate 30 faces the upper surface of the outer convex portion 125. Thus, a magnetic circuit is formed by the plate 30, the center convex portion 120 of the base 110, the outer convex portion 125, and the bottom portion 14a. Thus, the vibration generator 101 can function in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The vibration generator 101 in the second embodiment can be used in various electronic devices in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

[0125] Since a relatively wide outer protrusion 125 can be used, the diameter of the plate 30 can be increased accordingly, thereby increasing the vibration surface and improving the efficiency of the vibration generator 101.

[0126] In addition, since the recesses 120a and 126 are formed in the center protrusion 120 and the outer protrusion 125, the distance between the plate 30 and the upper surface of the base 110 can be reduced, and the vertical height of the elastic member 151 can be increased. When the plate 30 is displaced toward the base 110 to compress the elastic member 151, the degree to which the force generated by the elastic member 151 against the plate 30 increases increases as the amount of displacement of the plate 30 increases, but this degree decreases as the vertical length of the elastic member 151 in the natural state increases. Therefore, when a current flows through the coil 40, the magnitude of the magnetic attraction force acting between the plate 30 and the base 110 can be increased, and the elastic member 151 can be easily compressed.

[0127] The center elastic member 151m is deformed and compressed while expanding in the radial direction as the plate 30 is displaced downward relative to the base 110. Therefore, the plate 30 is stably supported at the center of the plate 30, so that the plate 30 is less likely to displace in the horizontal direction when the plate 30 repeatedly displaces up and down. Therefore, vibration can be generated stably.

[0128] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the second embodiment.

[0129] As shown in Fig. 23, the vibration generator 201 has a base 210, a plate 30, a coil 40, and elastic members 151b and 151d. The vibration generator 201 differs from the vibration generator 1 according to the second embodiment described above mainly in that it does not have a center elastic member 151m and does not have a coil arrangement section 116. Note that Fig. 23 shows a cross section passing through elastic members 151b and 151d out of the multiple elastic members 151.

[0130] The base 210 has a protrusion 20, an outer protrusion 125, and a spacer 228. The protrusion 20 is disposed in the recess 17 of the bottom 14a of the recess 14. The outer protrusion 125 is disposed in an annular recess 117b formed in the bottom 14a. The spacer 228 is disposed on the bottom 14a between the protrusion 20 and the outer protrusion 125. The spacer 228 has a ring shape having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer protrusion 125 and an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer shape of the protrusion 20. The spacer 228 is made of a magnetic material, similar to the protrusion 20 and the outer protrusion 125. For example, the spacer 228 is made of iron. By forming the spacer 228 from a magnetic material, the magnetic efficiency of the magnetic circuit is improved, and the amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration generator 1 can be increased. The coil 40 and the insulating films 145, 146 are disposed on the spacer 228. Spacer 228 may be made of a non-magnetic material such as resin, etc. Spacer 228 may be made of an insulating material so that insulation of coil 40 can be ensured more reliably.

[0131] In the vibration generator 201, a magnetic circuit is also formed by the plate 30, the convex portion 20 of the base 210, the outer convex portion 125, and the bottom portion 14a. Therefore, the vibration generator 201 can function in the same manner as in the second embodiment. Although the vibration generator 201 does not have a center elastic member 151m, the vibration generator 201 can function by providing other elastic members 151. The center elastic member 151m may be provided so that the plate 30 can be displaced in the vertical direction more stably.

[0132] [Third embodiment]

[0133] Fig. 24 is a plan view of a vibration generator 401 according to the third embodiment, and Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in Fig. 24.

[0134] 24 and 25, the vibration generator 401 has a base 410, a plate 430, a coil 40, and an elastic member 151 (151a, 151b, 151c, 151d, 151m). The coil 40 and the insulating films 145 and 146 arranged above and below the coil 40, and the elastic member 151 are similar to those in the second embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0135] In the third embodiment, the base 410 has a core 420 and a bottom plate 411 .

[0136] The core 420 is a magnetic material. The core 420 is made of, for example, iron. The core 420 has, for example, a cylindrical shape as a whole. The core 420 has a groove 428 recessed downward from the upper surface. This provides a center convex portion 421 and an outer convex portion 425 that protrude upward when viewed from the groove 428. That is, the center convex portion 421 and the outer convex portion 425 are configured from a single member.

[0137] The coil 40 is disposed inside the groove 428 together with the insulating films 145, 146. In the vibration generator 401, the center convex portion 421 and the outer convex portion 425 play the same role as the center convex portion 120 and the outer convex portion 125 in the second embodiment. That is, as a current flows through the coil 40, the core 420 is excited, and the upper portion of the center convex portion 421 and the upper portion of the outer convex portion 425 each become a magnetic pole.

[0138] The bottom plate 411 is, for example, a plate-like member that is roughly square in plan view. The portion where the core 420 is disposed is a recess 414 recessed from the periphery. The core 420 is disposed in the recess 414. A protruding portion 419 where a terminal (not shown) is disposed is formed in the front of the bottom plate 411. For example, a through hole or a notch portion (not shown) that penetrates between the outer surface of the core 420 and a part of the lower surface or side surface of the groove portion 428 of the core 420 is provided, and the conductor wire of the coil 40 is led to the protruding portion 419 through the through hole or the notch portion.

[0139] The bottom plate 411 may be made of a magnetic material such as iron, or may be made of other materials such as resin. By making the bottom plate 411 of a magnetic material, the magnetic efficiency of the magnetic circuit is improved, and the amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration generator 1 can be increased. The bottom plate 411 may also be, for example, a circuit board. The bottom plate 411 does not necessarily have to be provided with the recess 414 or the protrusion 419.

[0140] The elastic member 151 is disposed on the upper surface of the center convex portion 421 and the upper surface of the outer convex portion 425. A disk-shaped plate 430 is disposed on the elastic member 151. A magnetic circuit is thereby formed by the plate 430 and the core 420 having the center convex portion 421 and the outer convex portion 425. The thickness of the core 420 in the vertical direction at the portion where the groove portion 428 is provided is ensured to be relatively large. Therefore, magnetic flux saturation is unlikely to occur in the magnetic circuit.

[0141] At the corners of the bottom plate 411, rod-shaped support parts 461 are provided, which are arranged so that the vertical direction is the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, a protruding part 462 that protrudes upward is provided on the upper surface of the plate 430. An annular rubber member 465 is hung between the support part 461 and the protruding part 462. This forms a holding structure 460 that holds the plate 430 against the base 410. The holding structures 460 are provided, for example, at the right front part, right rear part, left front part, and left rear part of the vibration generator 401. This prevents the plate 430 from falling off, and allows the vibration generator 401 to be used for various purposes and in various positions.

[0142] In the third embodiment as well, a magnetic circuit is formed by plate 430 and core 420 having center convex portion 421 and outer convex portion 425. Therefore, vibration generator 401 can function similarly to the first embodiment described above. Vibration generator 401 in the third embodiment can be used in various electronic devices, similarly to that described in the first embodiment.

[0143] [Fourth embodiment]

[0144] The basic configuration of the vibration generator in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore the description will not be repeated here. Configurations that are substantially similar in shape or function to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0145] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator 601 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0146] As shown in Fig. 26, the vibration generator 601 has a base 10, a plate 630, a coil 40, and elastic members 51 (51a, 51b). As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, a plurality of elastic members 51 are arranged in a line in the circumferential direction on the flange portion 15. A protrusion 635 is provided on the surface of the plate 630 facing the base 10. The protrusion 635 is arranged so as to face the convex portion 620 of the base 10. The vertical height of the convex portion 620 is reduced by the amount that the protrusion 635 protrudes downward.

[0147] In the fourth embodiment, a magnetic circuit is also formed by the protruding portion 635 and the outer periphery of the plate 630, and the convex portion 620, the bottom portion 14a, and the flange portion 15 of the base 10. Therefore, the vibration generator 601 can function in the same manner as in the above-mentioned first embodiment. The protruding portion 635 of the plate 630 also serves as a weight. That is, the plate 630 is provided with the protruding portion 635 as a weight, and the plate 630 is relatively heavy, so that a larger vibration force can be generated.

[0148] The weight may be disposed on a surface other than the lower surface of the plate 630. Furthermore, a weight configured as a separate member from the plate 630 may be attached to the plate 630.

[0149] 26 is flush with the upper surface of the base portion 15. Increasing the thickness of the coil 40 in this manner can increase the magnetic attraction force. However, this is not limiting, and the upper surface of the coil 40 may be flush with the upper surface of the protrusion 620.

[0150] [Fifth embodiment]

[0151] The basic configuration of the vibration generator in the fifth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore the description will not be repeated here. Configurations that are substantially similar in shape or function to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0152] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator 701 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 27, the vibration generator 701 has a base 710, a plate 730, a coil 40, and elastic members 751 (751a, 751b).

[0154] Plate 730 has a structure in which outer peripheral end 732 is bent. That is, outer peripheral end 732 is bent from top surface portion 731 toward coil 40. Outer peripheral end 732 is bent downward from top surface portion 731, which is a horizontal portion.

[0155] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral end 732 of the plate 730 is located inside the outer peripheral end of the base 710. Specifically, the outer peripheral end 732 is located inside the outer peripheral end of the recess 14 of the base 710, i.e., the side wall portion 14b. The plate 730 is attached to the base 710 side so that the outer peripheral end 732 fits into the recess 14 of the base 710. The outer peripheral end 732 fits between the outer peripheral side surface of the coil 40 and the side wall portion 14b of the base 710. An elastic member 751 is disposed between the lower end of the outer peripheral end 732 and the upper surface of the bottom portion 14a of the recess 14 of the base 710. The elastic member 751 supports the plate 730 against the base 710, similar to the elastic member 51 in the first embodiment.

[0156] In the fifth embodiment, the plate 730 and the base 710 form a magnetic circuit. Therefore, the vibration generator 701 can function in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Since the outer peripheral end 732 of the plate 730 is close to the bottom 14a and the side wall 14b of the base 710, magnetic flux leakage between the plate 730 and the base 710 is reduced (magnetic resistance is reduced). Therefore, the efficiency of the vibration generator 701 can be improved.

[0157] [Sixth embodiment]

[0158] Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing a vibration generator 801 according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 29 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the vibration generator 801 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0159] 28 and 29, the vibration generator 801 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The vibration generator 801 has a base 810, a plate 830, a coil 840, and elastic members 851 (851a, 851b).

[0160] The base 810 has a flange portion 815 with holes 11 formed on both the left and right sides, and a recess 814 recessed downward in the center between the flange portions 815. The recess 814 has a rectangular shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the front-rear direction. A core 820 is disposed in the recess 814. A coil 840 is disposed around the core 820. The core 820 and the coil 840 are formed, for example, in an oval shape (including a shape in which two semicircular arcs are connected by two line segments) that is longer in the left-right direction to match the shape of the recess 814.

[0161] The plate 830 has a top surface portion 831 which is a horizontal portion, and two bent portions 832 which are the right end portion and the left end portion and are bent from the top surface portion 831 in the direction of the coil 840. The bent portions 832 are located inside the outer peripheral end portion of the base 810. Specifically, the bent portions 832 are located inside the side wall portion 814a of the recessed portion 814 of the base 810. The plate 830 is attached to the base 810 side such that the lower end portion of the bent portion 832 enters the recessed portion 814 of the base 810. The lower end portion of the bent portion 832 enters between the outer peripheral side surface of the coil 840 and the side wall portion 814b of the base 810. An elastic member 851 is disposed between the lower end portion of the bent portion 832 and the upper surface of the recessed portion 814 of the base 810. The elastic member 851 supports the plate 830 against the base 810, similar to the elastic member 51 in the first embodiment.

[0162] In the sixth embodiment, a magnetic circuit is formed by the plate 830 and the base 810. Therefore, the vibration generator 801 can function in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Since the bent portion 832 of the plate 830 is close to the upper surface of the recess 814 of the base 810 and faces the side wall portion 814b, magnetic flux leakage between the plate 830 and the base 810 is reduced (magnetic resistance is reduced). Therefore, the efficiency of the vibration generator 801 can be improved.

[0163] Members such as the base 810 and the plate 830 of the vibration generator 801 can be easily manufactured by linear bending or the like.

[0164] Fig. 30 is a perspective view showing a vibration generator 901 according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 31 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the vibration generator 901 according to the modified example of the sixth embodiment.

[0165] 30 and 31, the vibration generator 901 has basically the same structure as the vibration generator 801 according to the sixth embodiment. In the vibration generator 901, a flat plate 930 is used instead of the plate 830. And, instead of the elastic member 851, elastic members 951 (951a, 951b) are arranged on the upper surface of the flange portion 815 of the base 810. The right and left sides of the plate 930 face the flange portion 815. The elastic member 951 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the right and left sides of the plate 930 and the flange portion 815.

[0166] In vibration generator 901, flange portion 815 of base 810 becomes a magnetic pole portion, and plate 930 and base 810 form a magnetic circuit. Therefore, vibration generator 901 can function in the same manner as vibration generator 801. Since both left and right side portions of plate 930 face flange portion 815, magnetic flux leakage between plate 930 and base 810 is reduced (magnetic resistance is reduced). Therefore, the efficiency of vibration generator 901 can be improved.

[0167] [others]

[0168] The individual features of the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications may be combined as appropriate to configure a vibration generator. For example, the external shape of the vibration generator 1 shown in Fig. 18 may be a disk shape as shown in Fig. 4, or a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in Fig. 28 described below. Furthermore, the vibration generator 1 shown in Fig. 18 may be changed to any one of the vibration generators 101, 201, 401, 601, 701, 801, and 901 of the second to sixth embodiments 6 as appropriate.

[0169] Examples of the other members include known members such as an adhesive, the elastic member described above, and a resin member.

[0170] The vibration generator is not limited to the thin or small type exemplified above, and a large vibration generator having the same basic configuration may be configured.

[0171] The vibration generating device can be used in various types of electronic devices, not limited to the above-mentioned types of electronic devices, such as personal computers and their peripheral devices, household electronic appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines, and electronic devices such as remote controllers for operating them, electronic devices used in transportation equipment, electronic devices used in buildings, etc.

[0172] The above-described embodiments should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1,101,201,401,601,701,801,901 Vibration Generator 10,110,210,410,710,810 Base 14,814 recesses 14a bottom 14b,814b Side wall part 15,815 Flange 20,820 Convex 30,630,730,830,930 Plates 40,840 coils 51, 50A, 51A, 50B, 51B, 50C, 51C, 51D, 50E, 51E, 50F, 151, 751, 851, 951 Elastic member 55E protrusion 56F Protrusion 116 Coil arrangement section 120,421 Center protrusion 120a Recess 125,425 Outer protrusion 126 Depression 145, 146 Insulating film (resin film) 151m Center elastic member 228 Spacer 411 Bottom plate 420 cores 635 Protrusion 732 Outer edge 832 Bend 1001,1201,1401,1601 Electronic equipment 1010,1210,1407,1610 Case 1020, 1420, 1620 Contact member 1040 Force Sensor 1205 Elastic member 1640 Elastic member

Claims

1. A housing and A touch panel attached to the housing; A base attached to the housing; a plate displaceable relative to the base; a plurality of elastic members supporting the plate relative to the base; a coil inside the plurality of elastic members; the base, the plate, and the plurality of elastic members between the base and the plate form a vibration generating device and are disposed inside the housing; the coil is on the plate side relative to the base; a magnetic gap is provided between the plate supported by the elastic members and the base; The plate is coupled to the touch panel. electronic equipment.

2. A housing and A touch panel attached to the housing; With the base, Plate and a plurality of elastic members fixed to the base and the plate; a coil inside the plurality of elastic members; the base, the plate, and the plurality of elastic members between the base and the plate form a vibration generating device and are disposed inside the housing; the coil is on the plate side relative to the base; a magnetic gap is provided between the plate supported by the elastic members and the base; The base is coupled to the touch panel. electronic equipment.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising a magnetic circuit formed by the coil, the base, and the plate.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the plate and the base are spaced apart by a thickness of the elastic member.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1 , which is driven by repeating a state in which a current flows through the coil and a state in which a current does not flow through the coil.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the plate is displaced toward and away from the base.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the plate is displaced in a direction in which the plate vibrates relative to the base.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic members are made of resin.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising a force sensor.

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