Vibration actuator and contact type input device

Abstract

To enable easy assembly and reduce its height.SOLUTION: A vibration actuator includes: a core; a coil disposed around the core; and a substrate disposed on the core and integrally including a wiring part connected to the coil, and an insulation part which is disposed at the inner side of the coil and insulates the coil from the core.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration actuator and a touch-type input device equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a configuration is known in which a vibration actuator is used to impart vibrations to the pads of an operator's fingers when they come into contact with a display screen displayed on a touch panel, which is a sensing panel, in order to provide a touch operation sensation (the sensation of operating by touch) (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile terminal device in which a vibration actuator is attached to the back surface of a touch panel via a vibration transmission unit. The vibration actuator of this device is arranged in a housing fixed to the vibration transmission unit, with a mover reciprocating along a guide shaft arranged perpendicular to the touch panel. The vibration actuator imparts vibration to the finger pad that touches the touch panel via the vibration transmission unit, although there is a possibility of generating a collision sound when the mover hits the housing in response to an operation on the touch panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-070729 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in the vibration actuator of Patent Document 1, a mover is moved back and forth along a guide shaft that is arranged perpendicular to the display surface of the touch panel, so the device itself has a length perpendicular to the display surface, in other words, a thickness.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a vibration actuator that can be made thinner and lower in height as a device itself.

[0007] Furthermore, the drive circuit of the vibration actuator in Patent Document 1 has a magnet and two yokes sandwiching the magnet as the mover, and a bobbin surrounding the mover and two coils wound around the bobbin as the stator, so it takes time to assemble them. Therefore, there is a demand to reduce the number of parts and improve assembly.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a vibration actuator and a contact-type input device that are easy to assemble and can be made low-profile. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The vibration actuator of the present invention comprises: A core, A coil disposed around the core; a substrate that is disposed on the core and integrally includes a wiring portion that is connected to the coil and an insulating portion that is disposed inside the coil and insulates the coil from the core; The configuration has the following.

[0010] In addition, in the above configuration, the vibration actuator may be configured to include an electromagnet having the coil arranged in the center of the core and the substrate, a plate having a magnetic body arranged opposite both ends of the core, and an elastic support portion supporting the core on both sides of the coil and connected to the plate, in which the magnetic force generated by passing current through the coil via the substrate displaces one of the coil or the plate so that it approaches the other and vibrates.

[0011] The contact-type input device of the present invention is a contact-type input device in which a vibration actuator of the above-mentioned configuration is arranged on the back side of an operation surface, and current is passed through the coil in response to a user's contact action on the operation surface, and one of the coil or the plate is displaced and vibrates so as to approach the other, thereby presenting a tactile sensation to the user. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, assembly is easy and a low height can be achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vibration actuator. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are a front view and a rear view of the vibration actuator. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are right and left side views of the vibration actuator. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the coil has been removed from the core body of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the core body. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the substrate. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a left side view of the core body in the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the substrate and the coil in the core body of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a method of assembling the movable portion. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control unit of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device having a vibration actuator. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an external perspective view of a vibration actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the vibration actuator. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator. [Figure 21] 21A and 21B are a front view and a rear view of the vibration actuator. [Figure 22] 22A and 22B are right and left side views of the vibration actuator. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a vibration actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which the coil has been removed from the core body of the vibration actuator according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the core body. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a plan view of the vibration actuator of the first modification. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator of the first modification. [Figure 28] 28A and 28B are a front view and a rear view of the vibration actuator of the first modification. [Figure 29] 29A and 29B are right and left side views of the vibration actuator of the first modification. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a plan view of a vibration actuator according to the second modification. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator of the second modification. [Diagram 32]32A and 32B are a front view and a rear view of the vibration actuator of the second modification. [Diagram 33] 33A and 33B are right and left side views of a vibration actuator of Modified Example 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] In this embodiment, an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used for the explanation. The drawings described later also use the common orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z). In the following, the vibration actuator 10 is used in, for example, a contact-type input device, and the width, depth, and height of this contact-type input device correspond to the lengths in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The width, depth, and height of the vibration actuator 10 also correspond to the lengths in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. Note that, in the explanation of each part constituting the vibration actuator 10, the surface on the "flat side" (or "upper side") is the "front side" (or "upper surface"), and the surface on the "rear side" (or "lower side") is the "rear side" (or "lower surface").

[0016] (Embodiment 1) <Overall Configuration of Vibration Actuator 10> Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a plan view of the vibration actuator, and Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator. Figs. 4A and 4B are front and rear views of the vibration actuator, and Figs. 5A and 5B are right and left side views of the vibration actuator. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 2, and Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] The vibration actuator 10 is preferably used in a vibration presentation device (such as a track pad) that is a contact-type input device serving as an operating device serving as a vibration presentation section (operation surface) that an operator touches to perform an operation.

[0018] By vibrating the operating device, the vibration actuator 10 can impart a tactile operating sensation (also called a "tactile sensation" or "force sensation") to the operator who touches and operates the operating device depending on the purpose and usage situation of the operating device.

[0019] The vibration actuator 10 is a thin vibration actuator in the form of a flat plate or a thin plate. If the Z direction is the thickness (plate thickness) direction of the plate, the vibration actuator 10 is disposed facing the back side of the operating device in the thickness direction and vibrates the operating device.

[0020] The vibration actuator 10 shown in Figures 1 to 8 is formed in a thin plate shape, and has a movable part 20, a base part (hereinafter also referred to as a "base plate") 30, and a plate-shaped elastic part 40 as an elastic support part (elastic body) that supports the movable part 20 so that it can move freely relative to the base part 30.

[0021] Although the elastic support portion is the plate-shaped elastic portion 40, it is not limited to a plate shape as long as it supports the movable portion 20 movably relative to the base portion 30.

[0022] The vibration actuator 10 vibrates as the movable part 20 moves towards and away from the base part 30 in the Z direction, which is the plate thickness direction, specifically, toward the base part 30, and this vibration is imparted to a user operating an operating device to which the vibration actuator 10 itself is attached, as a sense of operation.

[0023] In the vibration actuator 10, the movable part 20, the base part 30 and the plate-shaped elastic part (elastic support part) 40 are all configured to have a flat shape, and are configured so as to minimize the space occupied in the thickness direction, which is the vibration direction, within the range in which the movable part 20 can move. The vibration actuator 10 can connect one of the movable part 20 and the base part 30 to a vibration presentation part that receives a pressing operation by a user.

[0024] <Movable part 20> 8, the movable part 20 has a core body 60 equipped with the coil 50, and a plate-shaped weight portion 70 as a weight portion. Although the movable part 20 has the core body 60, it may be configured without having the plate-shaped weight portion 70. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the coil has been removed from the core body of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the core body.

[0025] <Core Body 60> 8 to 10, the core body 60 has a coil 50, a core 62 around which the coil 50 is wrapped, a substrate 80 connected to the coil 50, and a protective film portion 68 that covers the outside of the coil 50. The core body 60 constitutes an electromagnet having the coil 50 and the core 62, and power is supplied to the coil 50 via the substrate 80. Note that the protective film portion 68 is omitted from the figures as appropriate.

[0026] Coil 50 is formed in a flat rectangular plate shape and is disposed so as to surround the center of flat rectangular plate-shaped core 62. Coil 50 is disposed on the outer periphery of the center of core 62 via insulating part 822 of substrate 80, and is provided so as not to come into direct contact with core 62.

[0027] The core (magnetic core) 62 is a rectangular plate-like magnetic body, and is surrounded by the coil 50. Both ends 621, 622 of the core 62 protrude from the coil 50 in the direction of the winding axis of the coil 50.

[0028] The core 62 is magnetized by energizing the coil 50 and functions as an electromagnet. Both ends 621, 622 become magnetic poles, generating a magnetic attraction force between the adjacent magnetic body, i.e., the base portion 30.

[0029] Specifically, when current is applied to the coil 50, both ends 621, 622 of the core 62, particularly the back surfaces of both ends 621, 622, become planar magnetic pole faces. The core 62 is preferably made of a soft magnetic material such as silicon steel plate, permalloy, ferrite, etc. The core 62 may also be made of electromagnetic stainless steel, sintered material, MIM (metal injection molding) material, laminated steel plate, electrolytic galvanized steel plate (SECC), etc.

[0030] The core 62 is long in the winding axis direction of the coil 50, and at both ends 6210, 6220 of the core 62, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, which is the winding axis direction, spring connection portions 631, 632, which are holes for joining to the plate-shaped elastic portion 40, are provided.

[0031] The core 62 has the coil 50 disposed in the center of the rectangular plate-shaped core body. The core body is wider than both ends 6210, 6220, and is disposed on the front side, with the substrate 80 disposed thereon partially covering the periphery of the core body.

[0032] <Substrate 80> FIG. 11 is a plan view of the substrate. The substrate 80 is disposed on the core 62 and integrally includes a wiring section 84 having wiring connected to the coil 50 , and an insulating section 822 that insulates the coil 50 from the core 62 .

[0033] The wiring portion 84 of the substrate 80 is provided on a flexible insulating sheet 82 in the substrate 80, so as to be continuous with an insulating portion 822. The wiring portion 84 is wired on a portion 821 of the insulating sheet 82, and has a land portion 85 for coil wiring and a land portion 86 for external connection.

[0034] The substrate 80 is, for example, a flexible substrate, and may be made up of multiple layers. For example, the insulating sheet 82 is made of a flexible material having insulating properties, such as polyimide, and wiring having a coil wiring land portion 85, an external connection land portion 86, etc. is provided on a part of the surface of the insulating sheet 82 to form a wiring portion 84.

[0035] The wiring portion 84 is disposed on the surface of the core 62 across the entire width of the core 62 . The insulating portion 822 is wider than the portion 821 where the wiring portion 84 is wired, and has a width in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the core 62 and a length sufficient to cover the outer periphery of the core 62 .

[0036] The insulating portion 822 is flexible and is disposed on the surface of the central portion of the core 62, and is disposed so as to wrap around the core 62 from the left and right ends to cover both side surfaces and the back surface.

[0037] The insulating portion 822 is, for example, in the form of a sheet that is continuous with a portion 821 of a single insulating sheet 82, and has a surface covering portion 823 that is placed on the surface of the core 62, and back surface covering portions 824, 825 that are continuous with both side portions of the surface covering portion 823.

[0038] The back surface covering portions 824, 825 are provided extending via a bendable portion 826 on both side portions of the front surface covering portion 823 that are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the direction adjacent to the wiring portion 84. The back surface covering portions 824, 825 cover the back surface of the core 62 from both side portions of the core 62 whose front surface is covered by the front surface covering portion 823. Note that the insulating portion 822 may not be entirely flexible, and may be configured such that only the corners of the core 62 are bendable, for example, as long as the insulating portion 822 can be wound around the core 62.

[0039] The bendable portion 826 covers the corners of the core 62 (see the edge portions 629 in FIG. 10). The insulating portion 822 is disposed so as to be wound around the outer periphery of the core 62, and the coil 50 is disposed on the outer surface side thereof.

[0040] The insulating section 822 functions as a protective film on the inside of the coil, and prevents a short circuit between the coil 50 and the core 62. The insulating section 822 is provided with a hole 831 for positioning when the substrate 80 is attached to the core 62. The substrate 80 is fixed to the core 62 by adhesion or by using double-sided tape or the like. The insulating section 822 is also fixed to the exterior coil 50 via an adhesive or the like.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a left side view of a core body in a vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the substrate and coil in the core body of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0042] 12 and 13 , in the core body 60, the wiring portion 84 of the substrate 80 has a thickness t on the core 62, and the insulating portion 822 is disposed adjacent to the wiring portion 84. That is, the wiring portion 84 has a thickness greater than the insulating portion 822 on the core 62, and is disposed adjacent to the insulating portion 822 on the core 62.

[0043] When the coil 50, which has been wound in a cylindrical shape beforehand, is wrapped around the insulating portion 822, or when a coil wire is wound around the insulating portion 822 to provide a cylindrical coil 50, the coil 50 is positioned on the insulating portion 822. At this time, the coil 50 is provided at a position adjacent to the wiring portion 84, and the coil 50 abuts against a part of the wiring portion 84, so that the wiring portion 84 functions as a positioning device for the coil 50. As a result, in the substrate 80, the wiring portion 84 can suitably wrap the coil 50 around the core 62 via the insulating portion 822.

[0044] In addition, since the corners (see edge portions 629 in FIG. 10) of the rectangular plate-shaped core 62 are covered with the insulating portion 822, when the coil 50 is wrapped around the core 62 via the insulating portion 822, the coil 50 can be wrapped around the core 62 suitably without being damaged by the edge portions 629 of the core 62.

[0045] The core body 60 has a substrate (e.g., FPC) 80 at the center of the core 62, which combines an insulating function for the core 62 inside the coil 50 and a wiring function for the coil 50. This makes it possible to easily assemble a vibration actuator that is thin and low-profile without requiring separate members with individual functions when assembling the core body 60, and in turn, when assembling the vibration actuator 10.

[0046] <Plate-shaped weight portion 70> The plate-shaped weight portion 70 shown in Figures 1 to 8 functions as a weight that promotes vibration, and is provided in accordance with the shape of the core 62, for example, its width (length in the X direction) and depth (length in the Y direction).

[0047] The plate-shaped weight portions 70 are fixed to the cores 62 located on both end sides of the coil 50. For example, the cores 62 are fixed to the plate-shaped elastic portion 40 via fastening members 55 at spring connection portions 631, 632 thereof.

[0048] The plate-shaped weight portion 70 is a frame-shaped member having an opening (opening 72) in the region of the coil 50, and has an opening 74 continuous with the opening 72 in the region of the wiring portion 84.

[0049] Since the plate-shaped weight portion 70 is fixed to the core body 60 with the thickness of the coil 50 and the wiring portion 84 relieved at the openings 72, 74, the vibration actuator 10 can be made low-profile while adjusting the vibration.

[0050] The weight of the plate-shaped weight portion 70 can be set arbitrarily, for example, by adjusting the length of the plate-shaped weight portion 70 in the Y direction, adjusting the length in the Z direction, adjusting the material, etc. In this way, the plate-shaped weight portion 70 can adjust the weight of the movable portion 20, and the natural frequency can be set by this adjustment. Note that, when the arrangement space for the thickness (Z direction) is limited, the plate-shaped weight portion 70 may be shaped so that the weight increases in the XY directions. When a vibration presentation unit (for example, a track pad main body, etc.) that receives a pressing operation by the user is attached to the movable portion 20 side, it is preferable that the vibration presentation unit is attached to the plate-shaped weight portion 70 via a fixing material such as an adhesive, a fastening member, or an adhesive.

[0051] <Base part 30> 1 to 8, the base portion 30 supports the movable portion 20 via the plate-shaped elastic portion 40 so as to be movable in the approaching and separating direction of the base portion 30, that is, in the Z direction in FIG. 1. The base portion 30 has opposing portions 321, 322 which are magnetic bodies arranged to face both ends 621, 622 of the core 62 with a gap (space) G therebetween in an opposing direction intersecting with the winding axis direction of the coil 50. The base portion 30 is a flat-shaped member having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction, and is, for example, plate-shaped, and forms the bottom surface of the vibration actuator 10. The base portion 30 may be referred to as a base plate.

[0052] The base portion 30 has a base main body portion 31 which is a magnetic body, and the base main body portion 31 is provided with magnetic opposing portions (magnetic bodies) 321, 322 which are arranged opposite both ends 621, 622 of the core 62, spring connection portions 341, 342, and a fixed portion 36.

[0053] The base main body 31 has an opening 38 in the center, and is formed into a square frame shape in a plan view by a pair of adjacent sides 311, 312. The opening 38 is a space into which the lower part of the coil 50 is inserted, and is formed into a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the coil 50, for example, a square shape.

[0054] In the base main body portion 31, opposing portions 321, 322 made of a magnetic material are provided on each of a pair of side portions (X side portions) 311 that are opposed to and spaced apart from each other, and spring connection portions 341, 342 are provided on each of another pair of side portions (Y side portions) 312 adjacent to the pair of side portions 311.

[0055] A pair of sides 311 and the other pair of sides 312 are each a planar body, and a notch is formed in the center of each of the four outer edges that form the outer periphery of the base main body portion 31 to ensure a deformation area of ​​a portion of the plate-shaped elastic portion 40.

[0056] The opposing portions (opposing surfaces) 321, 322 are part of the base portion 30 and are magnetic bodies arranged facing both ends 621, 622 of the core 62 with a gap G therebetween in an opposing direction intersecting the winding axis direction of the coil 50, for example, in the Z direction.

[0057] The opposing portions 321, 322 are attracted to the both ends 621, 622 by a magnetic attraction force generated between the both ends 621, 622 and the rear surfaces of the both ends 621, 622 of the core 62 when a current is passed through the coil 50. That is, the opposing portions 321, 322 attract the both ends 621, 622.

[0058] The facing portions 321 and 322 are formed, for example, in the center of each of the pair of side portions 311, and are disposed at positions sandwiching the opening 38 in the Y direction.

[0059] Since the opposing portions 321, 322 are surfaces that entirely face the rear surfaces of the end portions 621, 622, magnetic flux can flow efficiently between the opposing portions 321, 322 and the rear surfaces of the end portions 621, 622.

[0060] The facing parts 321, 322 are preferably made of a ferromagnetic material, such as iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), gadolinium (Gd), etc., as part of the base main body 31. The facing parts 321, 322, together with the spring connecting parts 341, 342 and the fixing part 36, are made of a metal material (such as iron), such as iron, cobalt, nickel, etc., as the base main body 31.

[0061] Ends 621, 622 are disposed above (in the Z direction) opposing portions 321, 322, spaced apart from each other and facing each other, and are symmetrical about the center in the X direction. Moreover, except for the position of wiring portion 84 of substrate 80, the substrate is formed symmetrically in the front-back direction about the center in the Y direction. The spring connection parts 341 and 342 are disposed so as to sandwich the opening 38 in the X direction, and are joined to the base part side fixing parts 441 and 442 of the plate-shaped elastic part 40 on the front surface side of the base part 30.

[0062] The fixing portion 36 is, for example, a fastening hole that fastens the base portion 30 to an operating device (vibration presentation portion) that an operator touches and operates, or a housing (arrangement portion) in which the operating device is arranged, via a fastening member. The fixing portion 36 is formed at the four corners of the base portion 30, and can reliably fasten and fix the base portion 30 to a fixing object. Although the fixing portion 36 is formed at the four corners, any number of the fixing portions 36 may be provided as long as the base portion 30 can be fixed to the fixing object. One of the fastening holes as the fixing portion 36 may be an elongated hole (see the fixing portion 36a shown in Figs. 2 and 8). The fixing portion 36 is arranged at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 36, and a fastening member such as a screw is inserted into the fixing portion 36 to fasten it to the position, thereby fixing the vibration actuator 10 to the position. At that time, after passing a fastening member through the fixing portion 36 (particularly the fixing portion diagonal to the elongated hole) other than the fixing portion 36a which is an elongated hole, it can be fastened with the fastening member through the elongated hole. This makes it possible to absorb any slight errors that may occur when fixing the vibration actuator 10 in a predetermined position, and to fix it appropriately. Also, one of the corners of the plate part 30 on which the fixing part 36 is arranged may be formed as a chamfered corner 301 (e.g., a C-face) (see FIG. 2). This makes it possible to visually confirm the orientation of the vibration actuator 10 during assembly, and allows assembly work, including wiring, to be carried out appropriately.

[0063] <Plate-shaped elastic portion 40> The plate-shaped elastic part 40 is specifically a leaf spring that elastically deforms, and supports the movable part 20 movably in the thickness direction (Z direction) relative to the base part 30. The plate-shaped elastic part 40 is formed in a thin plate frame shape having a predetermined thickness (thickness in the Z direction), and is arranged in a layer between the base part 30 and the movable part 20 in the thickness direction (Z direction).

[0064] The plate-shaped elastic portion 40 is connected to each of the movable portion 20 (specifically, the core body 60) and the base portion 30, and joins the plate-shaped movable portion 20 (core body 60) and the plate-shaped base portion 30 with a separation therebetween across their thicknesses, i.e., with a gap G (see Figure 7) provided.

[0065] Further, the plate-shaped elastic part 40 has a pair of parallel sides 461 constituting a frame-shaped body surrounding the base part 30, and another pair of opposing sides 462 adjacent to the pair of sides 461. Each of the pair of sides 461 is joined to spring connection parts 631, 632 of the movable part 20 via movable part side fixed parts 421, 422. On the other hand, the other pair of sides 462 is connected to spring connection parts 341, 342 of the base part 30 via base part side fixed parts 441, 442.

[0066] The plate-shaped elastic part 40 has an elastic main body part 46 including an elastically deformable arm that connects the movable part side fixing parts 421, 422 and the base part side fixing parts 441, 442. The arm part is formed, for example, in an L-shape, so as to have a frame shape that surrounds the base part 30 in a plan view, and is freely deformable in the Z direction on the outer periphery side of the base part 30.

[0067] In addition, in the elastic main body portion 46, the movable part side fixed portions 421, 422 and one side portion of an L-shaped arm that is linearly connected to the movable part side fixed portions 421, 422 form a pair of parallel sides 461, and the other pair of sides 462 adjacent to this pair of sides 461 have base part side fixed portions 441, 442 formed to protrude inward.

[0068] In the plate-shaped elastic part 40, the elastic main body part 46 includes movable part side fixed parts 421, 422 and is connected to base part side fixed parts 441, 442, and the elastic main body part 46, the movable part side fixed parts 421, 422 and the base part side fixed parts 441, 442 are arranged on the same plane.

[0069] The plate-shaped elastic portion 40 supports the movable portion 20 (specifically, the core body 60) in a symmetrical and balanced manner in directions (X direction and Y direction) perpendicular to the direction facing the base portion 30 (vibration direction) and in the perpendicular directions (X direction and Y direction).

[0070] The movable part side fixing parts 421, 422 are planar and are provided at the center of a pair of sides of the elastic main body 46 that are located outside the base part 30 in a plan view. The surfaces of the movable part side fixing parts 421, 422 are fixed in surface contact with the rear surfaces of the spring connection parts 631, 632 of the core 62. The movable part side fixing parts 421, 422 are provided symmetrically in each direction with respect to the center in the X direction or the center in the Y direction. The base part side fixing parts 441, 442 are planar and are fixed in a stacked state to the spring connection parts 341, 342 of the base part 30.

[0071] The base part side fixing parts 441, 442 and the spring connecting parts 341, 342 may be fixed using fastening members such as screws or screws, adhesives, etc., but may also be fixed by joining both parts via recesses and protrusions that are provided on both parts and have shapes that allow them to fit together. For example, the spring connecting parts 341, 342 are provided with convex bosses (projections) 56 that protrude toward the base part side fixing parts 441, 442, and the base part side fixing parts 441, 442 are provided with joint holes 47 at positions corresponding to the bosses 56. The joint holes 47 may be elongated holes into which the bosses 56 are partially fitted. The bosses 56 are disposed inside the joint holes 47, which function to position the base part side fixing parts 441, 442 relative to the base part 30 and fix the bosses 56 that are pressed in.

[0072] When the boss portion 56 is fixed into the joining hole 47 by press-fitting, the two are fixed by applying an adhesive or laser welding between them. A groove is formed around the base of the boss portion 56, and the groove functions as an adhesive reservoir when an adhesive is used. The groove also functions as an escape for scraps and shavings that are generated when the boss portion 56 is pressed into the joining hole 47. The groove is formed as an escape portion for the R-shaped base of the boss portion 56 when machining the boss portion 56 into the base portion 30.

[0073] Since the plate-like elastic part 40 is a rectangular frame (here, a thin plate frame), it is possible to reduce the number of parts and make the whole thinner, and further, it can be manufactured without bending parts, etc. Furthermore, since it is a frame, it can be arranged so as not to interfere with other parts by arranging them inside the frame.

[0074] In addition, the plate-shaped elastic portion 40 has a spring constant K sp By setting these parameters, the amount of displacement and natural frequency of the movable part 20 can be determined. Furthermore, when the movable part 20 is driven, that is, when electricity is passed through the coil 50, a displacement occurs, which creates a mechanical tactile sensation.

[0075] The plate-shaped elastic part 40 has an arm of the elastic main body part 46 to ensure elasticity, and the arm shape may be any shape as long as it connects the movable part side fixing parts 421, 422 and the base part side fixing parts 441, 442 so as to be displaceable in the Z direction. Furthermore, the elastic main body part 46 may have any shape as long as it is formed so as to deform in a well-balanced manner so as to move the core body 60 in the Z direction (vibration application direction) while the core body 60 is positioned on the XY plane.

[0076] The plate-shaped elastic part 40 deforms between the upper surface of the core 62 or the coil 50 and the bottom surface of the base part 30. In this manner, the plate-shaped elastic part 40 is formed in a rectangular frame shape, and movable part side fixed parts 421, 422 and base part side fixed parts 441, 442 are disposed in the center of each side part constituting the rectangular frame. The movable part side fixed parts 421, 422 are displaced relative to the base part side fixed parts 441, 442 when the core body 60 is driven.

[0077] The core body 60 is supported on both sides of the elastic main body 46 by L-shaped arms connecting the movable part side fixing parts 421, 422 and the base part side fixing parts 441, 442. This enables stress dispersion during elastic deformation, and allows the core body 60 to move in the vibration direction (Z direction) without inclining with respect to the base part 30, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the vibration state.

[0078] <Magnetic Circuit of Vibration Actuator 10> Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating the drive circuit of the vibration actuator. Note that Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration actuator 10 shown in Fig. 7, and the magnetic circuit has a magnetic flux flow M in parts not shown that is similar to that in the parts shown.

[0079] 14, the core 62 is excited to generate a magnetic field, and both ends 621, 622 of the core 62 become magnetic poles. For example, if one end 621 of the core 62 becomes an N pole and the other end 622 becomes an S pole, a magnetic circuit indicated by a magnetic flux flow M is formed between the core 62 and the opposing parts 321, 322 of the base part 30.

[0080] The magnetic flux flow M in this magnetic circuit flows from one end 621 to the opposing portion 321, from the opposing portion 321 to the opposing portion 322, from the opposing portion 322 to the other end 622 of the core 62, passes through the core 62 and is emitted again from the one end 621.

[0081] As a result, due to the principle of an electromagnetic solenoid, both ends 621, 622 of the core 62 generate a magnetic attraction force KR. That is, in the electromagnet, a magnetic attraction force KR is generated in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the coil 50, and both ends 621, 622 are attracted to both of the opposing parts 321, 322 of the base part 30.

[0082] Since the base part 30 is fixed to a housing or the like via the fixing part 36, both end parts 621, 622 are attracted to and adsorbed to the opposing parts 321, 322. In other words, the plate-shaped elastic part 40 is deformed, and the movable part 20 is attracted to the base part 30. The movable part 20 moves closer to the position where the base part 30 is fixed (in the -Z direction).

[0083] Next, when the current supply to the coil 50 is stopped, the magnetic field disappears, the magnetic attraction force KR of the movable part 20 disappears, and the biasing force of the plate-shaped elastic part 40 deformed toward the base part 30 is released. That is, a spring reaction force (force in the -KR direction) is generated as the plate-shaped elastic part 40. As a result, the reaction force (-KR) of the plate-shaped elastic part 40 moves the movable part 20 to its original position (a position in a non-driven stationary state that is a reference position as shown in FIG. 7) (moves in the positive Z direction opposite to the attraction direction of the magnetic attraction force KR). At this time, the reaction force (-KR) causes the movable part 20 to move to a position displaced away from the base part 30 from the stationary position in the stationary state, generating strong vibration.

[0084] This vibration is repeated as the biasing force attenuates, and is attenuated as it vibrates freely. Alternatively, the coil 50 may be energized and deenergized repeatedly to cause the movable part 20 to reciprocate in the Z direction to generate vibration. In this manner, in the vibration actuator 10, the movable part 20 is supported in a state in which it is suspended by the plate-shaped elastic part 40 relative to the base part 30. When energized, the movable part 20 functions as an electromagnet, and is mechanically displaced by the magnetic attraction force generated between the movable part 20 and the opposing parts 321 and 322, which are magnetic bodies, and then vibrates freely.

[0085] In this way, the vibration actuator 10 moves the movable part 20 towards the base part 30 by the magnetic attraction force generated between the core 62 and the opposing parts (magnetic bodies) 321, 322 by energizing the coil 50. This movement of the movable part 20 generates vibrations of the movable part 20 due to the elastic force (biasing force) generated in the plate-shaped elastic part 40, providing a tactile sensation to the user.

[0086] In the vibration actuator 10, the coil 50 is plate-shaped, and is wound around a thin plate-shaped core 62 via a sheet-shaped insulating part 822 of a substrate 80 that is connected to the coil 50. Furthermore, the core 62 is supported by the plate-shaped elastic part 40 so as to be freely movable in the Z direction relative to the base part 30, with the coil 50 inserted through an opening 38 of the thin plate-shaped base part 30.

[0087] The vibration actuator 10 can be composed of only the height of the laminated thin-plate core 62, the plate-shaped weight portion 70 or the coil 50, the plate-shaped elastic portion 40, and the base portion 30. When the plate-shaped weight portion 70 is included in the elements that make up the laminated height in the vibration actuator 10, this is when the upper surface of the portion of the coil 50 on the core 62 is lower than the upper surface of the plate-shaped weight portion 70. On the other hand, when the coil 50 is included in the elements that make up the laminated height in the vibration actuator 10, this is when the upper surface of the coil 50 is higher than the upper surface of the plate-shaped weight portion 70, or when the vibration actuator 10 does not have a plate-shaped weight portion 70.

[0088] The vibration actuator 10 does not have a magnet, is configured as a thin plate, and vibrates, and is low-profile, which allows for space-saving installation. In other words, the configuration of the vibration actuator 10 is thinner than a configuration in which members that generate magnetism and drive a movable part in the Z direction are stacked in the Z direction, such as a coil and a magnet that are arranged facing each other in the Z direction. The vibration actuator 10 can be made thinner and smaller, and can provide a suitable tactile sensation corresponding to the user's pressing operation on the vibration presentation unit.

[0089] In this way, in the vibration actuator 10 which has been made thinner and smaller, the coil 50 can be arranged in an insulated state to the core 62 by using the substrate 80 which is attached to the core 62 to supply power to the coil 50, without using a separate insulating material to insulate the coil 50 from the core 62.

[0090] <Driving principle of vibration actuator 10> The driving principle of the vibration actuator 10 will be briefly described below. The vibration actuator 10 can also be driven by generating a resonance phenomenon using pulses based on the following equation of motion and circuit equation. Note that the operation is not limited to resonance driving, and may be, for example, a motion that expresses an operational feel on a track pad as the vibration presentation device 100 shown in FIG. 17, and may be driven by inputting a current pulse (which may be single or multiple) via a control unit (not shown).

[0091] The movable part 20 in the vibration actuator 10 performs a reciprocating motion based on equations (1) and (2).

[0092]

number

[0093]

number

[0094] That is, the mass m [Kg], the displacement x(t) [m], and the thrust constant K f [N / A], current i(t) [A], spring constant K sp [N / m], damping coefficient D [N / (m / s)], etc. can be changed as appropriate within the range that satisfies formula (1). In addition, voltage e(t) [V], resistance R [Ω], inductance L [H], back electromotive force constant K e [V / (rad / s)] can be changed as appropriate within the range that satisfies formula (2).

[0095] In this way, the vibration in the vibration actuator 10 is determined by the mass m of the movable part 20 and the spring constant Ksp of the metal spring (a leaf spring in this embodiment) serving as the plate-shaped elastic part 40. Furthermore, the vibration generated by the vibration actuator 10 can be set by the input voltage (pulse) and, if a vibration damping part is provided, the degree of damping of the vibration damping part.

[0096] <Assembly of the core body 60> FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a method of assembling the movable portion. The core body 60 is assembled using, for example, a jig 500 shown in FIG. Jig 500 includes base 510 and support columns 521-524 on main body plate 501. Base 510 has a mounting surface 512 on which core 62 is mounted, and support columns 521, 522 are arranged such that when inserted into spring connecting portions 631, 632, the center of core 62 is positioned on mounting surface 512. Support columns 523, 524 are arranged to correspond to positioning holes 831 in substrate 80. As a result, by inserting the support parts 521, 522 into the spring connection parts 631, 632 of the core 62, the center part of the core 62 is placed on the placement surface 512 and positioned. In this state, the substrate 80 is brought close to the core 62 from above, and the support parts 523, 524 are inserted into the positioning holes 831. As a result, the substrate 80 can be attached to the core 62 in an accurate position by placing the front surface covering part 823 on the center part of the core 62 in a perpendicular state and fixing it with double-sided tape or the like, and turning the back surface covering part to the back side of the core 62 to cover the back surface of the core 62.

[0097] <Drive circuit for vibration actuator 10> FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control unit of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment.

[0098] The drive circuit shown in Fig. 16 is included in the control unit of the vibration actuator 10. The drive circuit has a switching element 12 as a current pulse supply unit configured by a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor), a signal generation unit 14 as a voltage pulse application unit, resistors R1, R2, and SBDs (Schottky Barrier Diodes). This drive circuit is an example of a specific configuration of an actuator driver.

[0099] A signal generating unit 14, which is connected to a power supply voltage Vcc, is also connected to the gate of the switching element 12. The switching element 12 is a discharge changeover switch. The switching element 12 is connected to a vibration actuator 10 (shown as [Actuator] in FIG. 15), and in particular to a signal generating unit 14 of the vibration actuator 10. A voltage is applied to the vibration actuator 10 from a power supply unit Vact. Thus, the switching element 12 is turned on and off by gate voltage control by the signal generating unit 14, and when the switching element 12 is turned on, a current flows, and in the vibration actuator 10, electricity is applied to a coil 50 that functions as a vibration generating unit.

[0100] The control unit may have an arithmetic processing device including a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire vibration presentation device in which the vibration actuator 10 is implemented, a main storage device including a random access memory (RAM) that operates as a working area for the arithmetic processing device, and an auxiliary storage device including a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk that stores the operation program of the arithmetic processing device. The configuration including the arithmetic processing device, the main storage device, and the auxiliary storage device is, for example, an example of a specific configuration of a microcomputer. The arithmetic processing device reads out various control programs and various data associated with the programs (hereinafter, the various control programs and the various data are collectively referred to as "programs, etc.") from the auxiliary storage device and stores them in the main storage device, and executes the control programs while using the data, etc. to realize various functions of the vibration presentation device. For example, the data may include pulse waveform data of various patterns that express a plurality of different vibration attenuation periods, a plurality of different vibration intensities, etc. The various control programs may include a program that reads out pulse waveform data for generating an actuator drive signal that generates a vibration corresponding to the input information when information indicating a touch operation by an operator is input, and generates an actuator drive signal according to the read pulse waveform data.

[0101] The auxiliary storage device may be a storage medium that is detachable from the vibration presentation device. The control unit may be configured to be capable of communicating with the outside, so that a program or the like is downloaded from the outside to the control unit (main storage device or auxiliary storage device) via a communication network. The above-mentioned main storage device and auxiliary storage device are examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0102] <Vibration presentation device 100> Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device having a vibration actuator. For convenience, in Fig. 17, the planar track pad body that an operator operates by pressing with his / her finger is shown in a see-through manner.

[0103] The vibration presentation device 100 is, for example, a track pad serving as a pointing device used in place of a mouse in a notebook computer or the like. The track pad as the vibration presentation device 100 is placed in a rectangular opening provided in the housing of a notebook computer or the like. The track pad has a plate-shaped pad body 110 that is traced with a finger as a touch operation, a vibration actuator 10 placed on the back surface of the pad body 110, and a frame portion 130 that surrounds the vibration actuator 10.

[0104] In the track pad, the vibration actuator 10 applies vibrations that provide a tactile sensation when the user touches the pad body 110, such as by tracing or tapping the pad body 110 with a finger. Specifically, in the vibration actuator 10, electricity is applied to the coil 50 in response to the user's touching operation on the pad body 110, which is the operation surface, and the coil 50 is displaced to approach the base part 30 and vibrates, providing the user with a tactile sensation. For example, the pad body 110 is fixed to the movable part 20 of the vibration actuator 10 on the back side of its central part with double-sided tape or the like. The vibration actuator 10 is fixed to the bottom part of the frame part 130 via the base part 30. In addition, the outer periphery of the pad body 110 is movably attached to the frame body 130 via a buffer member.

[0105] In the vibration actuator 10, the base portion 30 and the plate-shaped elastic portion 40, and the plate-shaped elastic portion 40 and the movable portion 20 are joined together using a fastening member such as an adhesive or welding. Screws may also be used as fastening members.

[0106] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 18 is an external perspective view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, Fig. 19 is a plan view of the same vibration actuator, and Fig. 20 is a bottom view of the same vibration actuator. Also, Figs. 21A and 21B are front and rear views of the same vibration actuator, Figs. 22A and 22B are right and left side views of the same vibration actuator, and Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Also, Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which the coil has been removed from the core body of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, and Fig. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the core body.

[0107] A vibration actuator 10A according to embodiment 2 shown in Figures 18 to 25 differs from a vibration actuator 10 corresponding to embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1 only in the configuration of a substrate 80A in a core body 60A, with the remaining configuration being similar. In the following, in vibration actuator 10A of embodiment 2, parts that are similar to vibration actuator 10 of embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0108] In the vibration actuator 10A, the substrate 80A, which is a flexible substrate of the core body 60A, has an insulating function for insulating the core 62 from the coil 50, as well as a heat dissipating (heat absorbing) function. That is, in the core body 60A of the movable part 20A, the substrate 80A has a heat dissipation section 90 in addition to the wiring section 84 and the insulating section 822A on the insulating sheet 82A.

[0109] Heat dissipation section 90 is disposed on insulating section 822A and dissipates heat generated by coil 50. Heat dissipation section 90 is a film-like body or a plate-like body made of a thermally conductive member, and is made of copper foil disposed over the entire surface of surface covering section 823A of insulating section 822A.

[0110] No coverlay is provided on this copper foil, and one end of the copper foil extends from the portion of the core 62 surrounded by the coil 50 and is exposed to the outside. This copper foil functions as a heat sink. In the core body 60A, the heat dissipation section 90 made of copper foil is disposed between the coil 50 and the surface covering section 823A of the insulating sheet 82A on the core 62.

[0111] Surface covering portion 823A is formed larger on one end 6220 side than the area covered by coil 50, and heat dissipation portion 90 is disposed over the entire surface of surface covering portion 823A. Heat dissipation portion 90 is disposed so as to have a protruding portion (extending portion) 902 that protrudes outward from coil 50 between insulating sheet 82A (or core 62) and coil 50 on the opposite side to wiring portion 84 (one end 6220 side).

[0112] This protrusion 902 functions as a heat sink, so that even if the coil 50 generates heat when the vibration actuator 10A is driven, the heat can be efficiently dissipated from the inside of the coil 50 to the outside of the coil 50, allowing the vibration actuator 10A to be driven appropriately.

[0113] <Other Modifications> The following other modified examples are formed by partially changing or adding to the configuration of the vibration actuator 10 described above, and when they have the same functions as the above-mentioned components, the same names and symbols are used and the explanations are omitted. Also, hereinafter, the above-mentioned components are referred to by different names for convenience.

[0114] <Variation 1> Fig. 26 is a plan view of the vibration actuator of Modification 1, and Fig. 27 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator of Modification 1. Also, Figs. 28A and 28B are front and rear views of the vibration actuator of Modification 1, and Figs. 29A and 29B are right and left side views of the vibration actuator of Modification 1.

[0115] In the vibration actuator 10B of the first modification, in the configuration of the vibration actuator 10 (see Figs. 1 to 14), an external connection part 92 that relays connection with an external device is connected to the wiring part 84 of the substrate 80 from the flat side. The external connection part 92 is made of a flexible substrate, and is formed in an L-shape along part of the outer edge of the vibration actuator 10B, and is provided so as not to come into contact with the movable part 20, base part 30B, etc. at points other than the connection part. The external connection part 92 has a wiring part connection part 922 at one end, and an external connection terminal part 924 at the other end.

[0116] Furthermore, the base portion 30B is provided with a matrix of recesses 37. Since the base portion 30B has an uneven portion formed by the matrix of recesses 37, the adhesion area can be increased when the base portion 30B is fixed to a housing or the like, and the base portion 30B can be fixed more firmly. Note that, although the base portion 30B is configured to have a plurality of recesses 37 to increase the adhesion area, the present invention is not limited to this, and protrusions may be provided instead of the recesses 37 to increase the adhesion area when the base portion 30B is fixed to a fixing object such as a housing by adhesion.

[0117] <Variation 2> Fig. 30 is a plan view of the vibration actuator of Modification 2, and Fig. 31 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator of Modification 2. In addition, Figs. 32A and 32B are front and rear views of the vibration actuator of Modification 2, and Figs. 33A and 33B are right and left side views of the vibration actuator of Modification 2.

[0118] The vibration actuator 10C of the second modification has a configuration in which a fixing plate portion 94 is attached to the base portion 30B of the vibration actuator 10B of the first modification. The fixing plate portion 94 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having an opening portion 942 in the center, and has an extension portion 944 that extends outward along the base portion 30B.

[0119] The coil 50 has high electrical conductivity and is made of, for example, copper. The core 62 is made of a material with high magnetic permeability (a ferromagnetic material, simply referred to as a magnetic material), and is preferably made of SECC, silicon steel plate, SUS, or the like. The plate-shaped elastic portion 40 is preferably a non-magnetic material, and SUS, phosphor bronze, resin, rubber, or the like may be used as the non-magnetic material constituting the plate-shaped elastic portion and the elastic body. The base portions 30, 30A to 30B are preferably made of a material with high magnetic permeability, for example, SECC, silicon steel plate, SUS (ferromagnetic SUS), or the like. The plate-shaped weight portion 70 is formed of a material with high specific gravity, such as phosphor bronze, SUS, tungsten, or the like.

[0120] In this embodiment, vibration actuators 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C are used, but actuators 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C having the same configuration may be used.

[0121] The above describes the embodiment of the present invention. Note that the above description is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the description of the configuration of the above device and the shape of each part are examples, and it is clear that various modifications and additions to these examples are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0122] The vibration actuator and contact-type input device of the present invention have the advantages of being easy to assemble, being thin, and being able to vibrate suitably, and are useful as vibration presentation devices for contact-type input devices such as track pads and operation panels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 10, 10A, 10B Vibration Actuator 12 Switching elements 14 Signal Generator 20, 20A moving parts 30 Base part, 30A, 30B Base part 31 Base body 36 Fixed part 37 Recess 38 Opening 40 Plate-shaped elastic part (elastic support part) 46 Elastic body part 50 Coil 55 Fastening member 60, 60A core body 62 cores 68 Protective film part 70 Plate-shaped weight part 72, 74 Opening 80, 80A board 82, 82A Insulation sheet 84 Wiring section 85 Coil wiring land area 86 Land area for external connection 90 Heat radiation part 92 External connection part 94 Fixed plate part 100 Vibration presentation device 110 Pad body 130 Frame section 311 Side (X side) 312 Side (Y side) 321, 322 opposing parts 341, 342 Spring connection 421, 422 Fixed part on movable part side 441, 442 Base side fixing part 461, 462 Side 621 One end 622 Other end 629 Edge part 631, 632 Spring connection part 821 part 822, 822A Insulation 823 Surface coating part 824, 825 Back surface coating 826 Bendable part 831 holes 922 Wiring connection part 924 External connection terminal

Claims

1. A core, A coil disposed around the core; a substrate that is disposed on the core and integrally includes a wiring portion that is connected to the coil and an insulating portion that is disposed inside the coil and insulates the coil from the core; having Vibration actuator.

2. The core is a plate-like body, The insulating portion is in a sheet shape and is disposed inside the coil by winding the core so as to cover the periphery of the core.

2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1.

3. the wiring portion has a thickness greater than that of the insulating portion on the core and is provided adjacent to the insulating portion on the core, The coil is disposed on the insulating portion adjacent to the wiring portion.

2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1.

4. The insulating portion has a heat dissipation portion.

2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1.

5. The heat dissipation portion has a protrusion that protrudes outward from between the coil and the core.

5. The vibration actuator according to claim 4.

6. an electromagnet having the coil disposed at the center of the core and the substrate; Plates having magnetic bodies arranged at both ends of the core to face each other; elastic support parts supporting the core on both sides of the coil and connected to the plate; Equipped with A magnetic force is generated by energizing the coil via the substrate, and one of the coil and the plate is displaced and vibrates so as to approach the other.

2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1.

7. a frame-shaped weight portion attached to the core and having openings in the coil area and the wiring area; 2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1.

8. A contact-type input device in which the vibration actuator according to claim 6 is disposed on a rear surface of an operation surface, In response to a touch operation of the user on the operation surface, a current is applied to the coil, and one of the coil and the plate is displaced and vibrated so as to approach the other, thereby presenting a tactile sensation to the user. A contact input device.

Images