Vibration actuator and vibration presentation device

Abstract

To make it possible to achieve a low profile, prevent deformation of an elastic body and stably vibrate.SOLUTION: A vibration actuator comprises: a tabular magnetic material; a plate-shaped electromagnet which is so located as to face the tabular magnetic material and in which a coil is located at a central part of a core; a frame-shaped elastic body surrounding the tabular magnetic material that supports the tabular magnetic material on both sides of the coil and is connected to the tabular magnetic material; and a housing cover which coats the elastic body in a vibration direction, and accommodates the same together with the electromagnet. One of the electromagnet and the tabular magnetic material displaces and vibrates so as to approach the other in the cover by magnetic force generated by electric conduction to the coil.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration actuator and a vibration presentation device including 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 vibration presentation device that applies vibrations in response to operations on a touch panel. In this vibration presentation device, a voice coil motor that generates vibrations and a support that is compressed by a predetermined force are arranged between a vibration panel, which is a vibration unit that presents vibrations, and a housing that supports the vibration panel. In addition, a damper that applies a damping action to the vibration of the vibration unit, and a spring that applies a compressive force to the support and the damper are each interposed in parallel between the vibration panel and the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-163854 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, in the structure for providing a tactile sensation to the finger pad of an operator touching a touch panel as described above, there has been a demand for miniaturization and for the expression of vibrations that provide a tactile sensation according to the purpose and usage of the operating device. This has led to a demand for devices that can stably generate strong feedback as tactile feedback that provides a tactile sensation while also being thin.

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, a spring (coil spring) with its extension direction arranged vertically between the diaphragm panel and the housing, and a damper and support part arranged in parallel to the spring, made it difficult to make the device smaller and thinner.

[0007] Moreover, in the vibration presentation device of Patent Document 1, a spring is disposed at a corner between a rectangular vibration panel and a rectangular housing, and is disposed in an exposed state to the outside. In such a structure in which the spring that supports the movable part so that it can move freely is arranged in an exposed state to the outside, there is a risk that the spring will deform due to external impacts such as a collision with an external component or a dropped device during assembly work or installation into a product, causing the stable operation to become unstable.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a vibration actuator and a vibration presentation device that can be made low-profile and prevent deformation of an elastic body to achieve stable vibration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The vibration actuator of the present invention comprises: A plate-shaped magnetic material; a plate-shaped electromagnet arranged opposite the plate-shaped magnetic body and having a coil arranged in the center of a core; a frame-shaped elastic body surrounding the plate-shaped magnetic body, the elastic body supporting the electromagnet on both sides of the coil and connected to the plate-shaped magnetic body; a housing cover that covers the elastic body in a vibration direction and accommodates the elastic body together with the electromagnet; Equipped with A configuration is adopted in which, due to a magnetic force generated by energizing the coil, one of the electromagnet or the plate-shaped magnetic body is displaced and vibrates so as to approach the other within the housing cover.

[0010] The vibration presentation device of the present invention is a vibration presentation device in which a vibration actuator having the above-mentioned configuration is disposed on a back surface of an operation surface, The configuration employs a configuration in which current is passed through the coil in response to a user's touch action on the operation surface, and one of the electromagnet or the plate-shaped magnetic body is displaced so as to approach the other, thereby presenting vibration. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the height, and it is possible to prevent deformation of the elastic body and to achieve stable vibration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [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 an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator with the housing cover removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the actuator body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the actuator body. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator body of the vibration actuator. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a core body in the actuator body. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of a control unit of the vibration actuator. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a vibration actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention with a housing cover removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the vibration actuator. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator body of the vibration actuator. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a core body in the actuator main body. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a vibration actuator according to a third embodiment of the present invention with a housing cover removed. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the vibration actuator. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator body. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device having a vibration actuator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] In this embodiment, an explanation will be given using a Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z). The same Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is also used in the figures described below. In the following, the width, depth, and height of the vibration actuator 1 will be explained as lengths in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. For convenience, the surface on the "flat side" (or "upper side") of each component that makes up the vibration actuator 1 will be explained as the "front surface" (or "upper surface"), and the surface on the "rear side" (or "lower side") as the "rear surface" (or "lower surface").

[0015] (Embodiment 1) <Overall configuration of vibration actuator 1> Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator with its housing cover removed. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the actuator body, and Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the actuator body. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator body of the vibration actuator, and Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a core body in the actuator body. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 1.

[0016] The vibration actuator 1 is a vibrating body having a housing 10 formed in the shape of a thin flat plate. The vibration actuator 1 has an outer surface surrounded by orthogonal planes, so any of the outer surfaces can be attached to the vibration target in surface contact, and it can be attached reliably and easily to the front and back surfaces that have a large area. This allows vibration to be applied appropriately to the vibration target.

[0017] For example, the vibration actuator 1 may be mounted on electronic devices such as portable game terminal devices or mobile devices such as smartphones. The vibration actuator 1 is mounted on each device such as a mobile device and vibrates when driven to notify the user of an incoming call or to provide a sense of operation or realism. The vibration actuator 1 may also be used in a vibration presentation device (e.g., a trackpad, etc.) that is a contact-type input device as a vibration presentation unit (operation surface) that an operator operates by touching. In this case, the vibration actuator 1 is attached to an operation device, for example, and vibrates the operation device, thereby providing a touch operation sense (also called a "tactile sensation" or "force sense") to an operator who operates the operation device by touching it according to the purpose and usage situation of the operation device.

[0018] The vibration actuator 1 may be referred to as being flat or thin plate-shaped. The vibration actuator 1 has a housing 10 formed in the shape of a thin flat plate, and an actuator body K formed in the shape of a thin plate that generates vibrations within the housing 10. The housing 10 mainly houses, surrounds and covers the movable part and elastic body of the actuator body K. The housing 10 of the vibration actuator 1 houses the actuator body K. The vibration actuator 1 is configured such that a movable part 20 (see FIG. 5) of an actuator body K within a housing 10 vibrates in the thickness direction, assuming that the Z direction is the thickness direction of a plate (plate thickness).

[0019] First, the actuator body K serving as a vibration generating section that generates vibrations in the vibration actuator 1 will be described, and the details of the housing 10 will be described later.

[0020] <Actuator body K> The actuator body K shown in Figures 2 to 8 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] The actuator body K vibrates as the movable part 20 moves toward 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 transmitted, via the housing 10, to the user operating the operating device to which the vibration actuator 1 itself is attached, as a sense of operation.

[0022] In the actuator main body K, the movable part 20, the base part 30 and the plate-shaped elastic part (elastic support part) 40 are all configured in a flat shape, and are configured so that the space occupied in the thickness direction, which is the vibration direction, is minimized within the range in which the movable part 20 can move. In addition, the actuator body K has the movable part 20 and the base part 30, of which the base part 30 is fixed to the housing base 11 of the housing .

[0023] <Movable part 20> 3 to 5, 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.

[0024] <Core body (electromagnet) 60> As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the core body 60 includes the coil 50, a core 62 around which the coil 50 is mounted, and a substrate 64 connected to the coil 50. The core body 60 constitutes an electromagnet having the coil 50 and a core 62 , and power is supplied to the coil 50 via a substrate 64 .

[0025] The coil 50 is disposed on the outer periphery of the central portion of the core 62 having a flat rectangular plate shape, surrounding the central portion via the insulating film portion 66. The coil 50 is disposed in a state in which the insulating film portion 66 makes it difficult for the coil 50 to come into direct contact with the core 62.

[0026] Core (magnetic core) 62 is a rectangular plate-like magnetic body, and is formed in a long strip shape in the winding axis direction of coil 50 disposed in the center. Core 62 has two ends 621, 622 protruding from coil 50 in the winding axis direction of coil 50.

[0027] The core 62 has a rectangular plate-shaped core body including a central portion where the coil 50 is disposed and both end portions 621, 622.

[0028] The core 62 is excited and magnetized by energizing the coil 50. Both ends 621, 622 become magnetic poles, generating a magnetic attraction force between the adjacent magnetic body, that is, the base portion 30 (more specifically, the opposing portion of 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 has end pieces 6210, 6220 that extend further from both end portions 621, 622 that sandwich the coil 50 in the longitudinal direction, which is the winding axis direction of the coil 50, and that constitute both ends of the core 62. The end pieces 6210, 6220 are plate-like bodies that are narrower than the core body. The end pieces 6210, 6220 are provided with spring connection parts 631, 632, and the spring connection parts 631, 632 each have a hole for joining to the plate-like elastic part 40.

[0031] The substrate 64 is disposed on the core 62, and is attached in an insulated state to the core 62 by attaching an insulating layer to the core 62 via adhesive or double-sided tape, etc. The substrate 64 connects the coil 50 to an external device via a wiring portion. The wiring portion has a coil wiring land portion connected to the coil wire at the end of the coil 50 via a fillet, and an external connection land portion connected to the external device.

[0032] The substrate 64 is, for example, a flexible substrate, and may be made up of multiple layers. For example, the insulating layer is made of a flexible material having insulating properties such as polyimide, and a coil wiring land portion and an external connection land portion are provided on the surface of the insulating layer.

[0033] <Plate-shaped weight portion 70> The plate-shaped weight portion 70 shown in Figures 3 to 5 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).

[0034] 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 substrate 64. The plate-shaped weight portion 70 is fixed to the core 62 at a portion that sandwiches the coil 50 on the upper surface of the core 62. The plate-shaped weight portion 70 is fixed to the plate-shaped elastic portion 40 via a fastening member 55 at, for example, spring connection portions 631, 632 of the core 62, and is fixed so as to be suspended above the core 62.

[0035] Since the plate-shaped weight portion 70 is fixed to the core body 60 (specifically, the core 62) with the thickness of the coil 50 and the substrate 64 relieved at the openings 72, 74, the actuator body K can be made low-profile while adjusting vibration.

[0036] 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, if the arrangement space for the thickness (Z direction) is limited, the shape may be such that the weight increases in the XY directions.

[0037] <Base part 30> 2 to 5, 7 and 8, the base part 30 supports the movable part 20, which is driven as an electromagnet, via the plate-shaped elastic part 40 so as to be movable in the approaching and separating direction of the base part 30, that is, the Z direction in FIG. 1. The base part 30 is a magnetic body, and has opposing parts 321 and 322, which are magnetic bodies, arranged to face both ends 621 and 622 of the core 62 with a gap (gap) G therebetween in an opposing direction intersecting with the winding axis direction of the coil 50. The base part 30 is a flat plate having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction, and is arranged to sandwich the plate-shaped elastic part 40 together with the core body 60 in the thickness direction, forming the bottom surface of the actuator body K. The base part 30 may be called a base plate.

[0038] The base portion 30 has a plate-shaped base main body portion 31 which is a magnetic material, and the base main body portion 31 includes opposing portions (magnetic material) 321, 322 which are magnetic materials opposing both end portions 621, 622 of the core 62. The base main body portion 31 is provided with spring connection portions 341, 342 and a fixing portion 36. The base main body portion 31 is a magnetic material, and is preferably formed of, for example, iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), gadolinium (Gd), or the like.

[0039] 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 and a pair of adjacent sides 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The opposing portions (opposing surfaces) 321, 322 are part of the base portion 30, and are portions of the base main body portion 31 that face both ends 621, 622 of the core 62 with a gap G in an opposing direction that intersects the winding axis direction of the coil 50, for example, in the Z direction.

[0043] 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 in the opposing direction (Z direction).

[0044] The facing portions 321, 322 are formed in the center of each of a pair of sides 311 of the base main body portion 31 that sandwich the opening portion 38 in the Y direction.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The opposing portions 321, 322, together with the spring connecting portions 341, 342 and the fixed portion 36, form the base main body portion 31 and are formed from a metal material such as iron, cobalt, nickel, or the like (for example, iron).

[0047] 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.

[0048] The fixing portion 36 fastens the base portion 30 to the housing base 11 of the housing 10. The fixing portion 36 is, for example, a fastening hole, and is fastened to the housing base 11 using an adhesive, a fastening member such as a rivet, or welding, or the like. The fixing portions 36 are formed at the four corners of the base portion 30, and enable the base portion 30 to be securely fastened and fixed to the housing base 11.

[0049] <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).

[0050] 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 Figures 7 and 8).

[0051] The plate-shaped elastic portion 40 is a frame-shaped body surrounding the base portion 30 in a plan view, and has a frame-shaped elastic main body portion 46 that is disposed on the outer periphery of the base portion 30 and is deformable in the Z direction. The elastic main body 46 is provided with movable portion side fixing portions 421 and 422 and base portion side fixing portions 441 and 442 .

[0052] The elastic main body portion 46 has a pair of side portions 461 parallel to each other, and another pair of side portions 462 adjacent to the pair of side portions 461 and facing each other.

[0053] Movable part side fixing parts 421, 422 protruding inward are provided at the center of each of the pair of side parts 461, and the pair of side parts 461 are joined to spring connection parts 631, 632 of the movable part 20 via the movable part side fixing parts 421, 422. As a result, the plate-shaped elastic part 40 is in a state in which the core body 60, which is an electromagnet, is suspended by the pair of side parts 461. Meanwhile, the other pair of side parts 462 are provided with base part side fixing parts 441, 442 protruding inward, and the plate-shaped elastic part 40 is connected to the spring connection parts 341, 342 of the base part 30 via the base part side fixing parts 441, 442.

[0054] In the plate-shaped elastic portion 40, the elastic main body portion 46 is disposed on the same plane as the movable portion side fixing portions 421, 422 and the base portion side fixing portions 441, 442.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] When the boss portion 56 is press-fitted into the joining hole 47, the two are fixed by applying an adhesive or laser welding between them. A groove may be formed around the base of the boss portion 56 to function as an adhesive reservoir when an adhesive is used. The groove may also function as an escape for scraps and shavings that are generated when the boss portion 56 is press-fitted into the joining hole 47.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] <Case 10> The housing 10 covers the vibration generating portion of the actuator body K and houses the actuator body K, for example.

[0063] The housing 10 has a housing base 11 that constitutes the bottom, and a cover 12 that, together with the housing base 11, constitutes a hollow, thin housing.

[0064] A wiring lead-out hole 125 is provided in the housing cover 12, and a wiring board 68 connected to the actuator body K is led out through it. Also, by engaging the engagement side portion 116 of the housing base 11 with the cutout 126, a substantially sealed hollow portion is formed with only the wiring lead-out hole 125 open. The housing 10 may be made of a metal plate such as SUS, and if the housing 10 is made of a metal plate, the plate thickness can be made thin.

[0065] The housing cover 12 accommodates a top surface portion 122, a peripheral wall portion 124 hanging down from the periphery of the top surface portion 122, a base portion (plate-shaped magnetic body) 30, a plate-shaped elastic portion 40, and the movable portion 20.

[0066] The housing cover 12 accommodates the movable portion 20 and the plate-shaped elastic portion 40 in a freely movable state.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. The top surface portion 122 is disposed opposite the movable portion 20 (here, the plate-shaped weight portion 70) with a gap therebetween that serves as an operating space for the movable portion 20.

[0068] The top surface portion 122 has a function (hard stop function) of restricting the movement of the movable part 20 so that the movable part 20 does not move excessively in a direction away from the bottom surface portion, the base part 30, for example, when the movable part 20 receives an external impact or the like and does not move excessively in a direction away from the bottom surface portion, the base part 30 (see Figure 9). That is, in the housing cover 12, the top surface 122 serves as a movement restricting surface for the movable part 20 and is positioned outside the movement range during normal operation when the movable part 20 is close to the base part (plate-shaped magnetic material) 30, and inside the maximum movement range of the movable part 20 due to impact.

[0069] This ensures reliability in the movement of the vibration actuator 1 itself. Excessive movement of the movable part 20 towards the base part 30 is restricted by the core 62 of the movable part 20 abutting against the base part 30.

[0070] In this way, since the actuator body K is entirely covered by the housing 10, the rigidity of the vibration actuator 1 itself can be ensured. Furthermore, since the movable part 20 and the plate-shaped elastic part 40 are not exposed but are completely covered by the housing 10, the characteristics during movement are stable and stable vibrations can be generated. Furthermore, no load is applied during operation, handling, etc.

[0071] <Magnetic circuit of vibration actuator 1> 10 is a diagram illustrating a drive circuit for the vibration actuator, and is a cross-sectional view of the vibration actuator shown in FIG.

[0072] 10, 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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 return to its original position (the position in the non-driven stationary state which is the 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.

[0077] This vibration is repeated as the biasing force attenuates, and is attenuated as it oscillates freely. Alternatively, the coil 50 may be energized and released repeatedly to cause the movable part 20 to reciprocate in the Z direction to generate vibration. In this manner, in the actuator body K, the movable part 20 is supported in a state in which it is suspended by the plate-like 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 freely vibrates.

[0078] In this manner, the actuator body K moves the movable part 20 toward the base part 30 by a 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 an elastic force (biasing force) generated in the plate-shaped elastic part 40, providing a tactile sensation to the user.

[0079] In the actuator body K, a plate-shaped coil 50 is wound around a thin plate-shaped core 62. 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 the opening 38 of the thin plate-shaped base part 30.

[0080] The actuator body K 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 constitute the laminated height of the actuator body K, this is the case 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.

[0081] The actuator body K does not have a magnet, and is configured as a thin plate to vibrate, and is low-profile, which allows for space-saving installation. In other words, the configuration of the vibration actuator 1 having the actuator body K 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 being arranged opposite each other in the Z direction. The vibration actuator 1 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.

[0082] <Driving principle of vibration actuator 1 (actuator body K)> The driving principle of the vibration actuator 1 will be briefly described below. The vibration actuator 1 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 the operational feel of a track pad as the vibration presentation device 500 shown in FIG. 25, and may be driven by inputting a current pulse (which may be single or multiple) via a control unit (not shown).

[0083] The movable portion 20 of the actuator body K reciprocates based on the formulas (1) and (2).

[0084]

number

[0085]

number

[0086] That is, the mass m [Kg] of the actuator body K, 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).

[0087] In this way, the vibration in the actuator body K is determined by the mass m of the movable part 20 and the spring constant Ksp of the metal spring (leaf spring in this embodiment) serving as the plate-shaped elastic part 40. Furthermore, the vibration generated by the actuator body K can be set by the input voltage (pulse) and, if there is a vibration damping part, the degree of damping of the vibration damping part.

[0088] <Drive circuit for vibration actuator 1> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control unit of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment.

[0089] The drive circuit shown in Fig. 11 is included in the control unit of the vibration actuator 1. The drive circuit has a switching element 2 as a current pulse supply unit configured by a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor), a signal generation unit 4 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.

[0090] A signal generating unit 4, which is connected to a power supply voltage Vcc, is also connected to the gate of a switching element 2. The switching element 2 is a discharge changeover switch. The switching element 2 is connected to a vibration actuator 1 (shown as [Actuator] in FIG. 11), and in particular to a signal generating unit 4 of the vibration actuator 1. A voltage is applied to the vibration actuator 1 from a power supply unit Vact. Thus, the switching element 2 is turned on and off by gate voltage control by the signal generating unit 4, and when the switching element 2 is turned on, a current flows, and in the vibration actuator 1, a coil 50 that functions as part of a vibration generating unit is energized.

[0091] 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 1 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 portion 30 is 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.

[0094] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention with the housing cover removed, Fig. 13 is a plan view of the vibration actuator, and Fig. 14 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator. Note that Fig. 13 is a plan view showing the top surface 122 of the housing cover 12A in a see-through state for the sake of convenience. Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator body of the vibration actuator, and Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a core body in the actuator body. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 13, and Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Fig. 13.

[0095] This vibration actuator 1A has the same basic configuration as the vibration actuator 1 corresponding to the embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 1, and the same components are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, components having a similar configuration but different functions will be explained with the same name and reference numeral plus A or a different reference numeral.

[0096] In the vibration actuator 1 of the above embodiment 1, a thin vibration actuator has been described in which the thin, plate-like actuator body K is entirely covered by the housing 10. However, as in the vibration actuator 1A shown in Figures 12 to 18, the functions of the actuator body KA may also be shared by part of the housing 10A.

[0097] The vibration actuator 1A shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 comprises a housing cover 12A, a housing base 11A, and an actuator body KA.

[0098] The housing base 11A has a function of forming the housing 10A, and also a function of the base portion 30 of the actuator body KA.

[0099] In the vibration actuator 1A, a hollow housing 10A having a hollow flat plate shape is formed by a housing cover 12A and a housing base 11A. The housing cover 12A and the housing base 11A accommodate the actuator body KA therein with the movable part 20A movable.

[0100] The actuator body KA is configured without the base portion 30, as compared with the actuator body K. As shown in Fig. 15, the actuator body KA has a core body 60A constituting an electromagnet having a core 62 and a coil 50, a frame-shaped plate-like elastic portion 40, and a weight portion 70A.

[0101] The actuator body KA is provided on the housing base 11A via a plate-shaped elastic portion 40 so as to be movable in the vibration direction (thickness Z direction).

[0102] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a core body in the actuator main body.

[0103] The core body 60A shown in Figure 16 has a coil 50 arranged on the outer periphery of the central part of a core 62, which is a rectangular plate-shaped magnetic body, and has two ends 621, 622 protruding from the coil 50 in the axial direction of the coil 50. When current is passed through the coil 62, the core 62 is excited, and the two ends 621, 622 become magnetic poles.

[0104] The core body 60A is connected in a suspended state via both end pieces 6210, 6220 of the core body 60A so as to be located inside the plate-shaped elastic part 40A on the side opposite to the housing base 11A.

[0105] The core body 60A is disposed on the housing base 11A at a distance from the surface of the housing base 11A, and is movably connected to the housing base 11A via a plate-shaped elastic portion 40A.

[0106] On the upper surface of the core body 60A, the plate-shaped elastic portion 40 and the weight portion 70A are arranged in layers relative to the core body 60A.

[0107] The weight portion 70A is formed in a rectangular plate shape having an opening 72A in the center, and the plate-shaped elastic portion 40 is disposed on the outer periphery thereof.

[0108] The housing base 11A supports the core body 60A and the weight portion 70A via a frame-shaped plate-like elastic portion 40 so that they are movable relative to the housing base 11A in the Z direction, which is the vibration direction. That is, as shown in Figures 12 to 15, the housing base 11A is made of a magnetic material and supports the movable part 20, which operates as an electromagnet, so that it can move freely in the direction of approaching and receding from the housing base 11A (the Z direction in Figures 12 to 15, 17 and 18) via the plate-shaped elastic part 40 of the actuator body KA arranged on its surface.

[0109] The housing base 11A is made of a magnetic material and has a frame-shaped base main body 110 having a central opening 118. The housing base 11A is made of a magnetic material and is preferably formed of, for example, iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), gadolinium (Gd), or the like.

[0110] The base main body 110 is a flat plate having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction, and is formed into a square frame shape in plan view surrounding the opening 118 on all four sides. The base main body 110 has planar opposing portions (magnetic bodies) 111, 112 which are magnetic bodies facing both ends 621, 622 of the core 62. In the base main body 110, a pair of side portions 113, 114 which are arranged so as to be perpendicular to the opposing portions 111, 112 are each provided with a supporting protrusion 115. The notch portion 117 allows a fastening member to be inserted through in order to join the core body 60A facing the base main body 110 to the movable part side fixed portions 421, 422.

[0111] The opposing portions 111, 112 are disposed opposite both ends 621, 622 of the core 62 of the actuator body KA with a gap (space) G therebetween in an opposing direction intersecting the winding axis direction of the coil 50. The opposing portions 111, 112 are formed in the center of each of a pair of sides of the base body portion 110 that sandwich an opening 118 in the Y direction. The opening 118 is a space into which the lower part of the coil 50 is inserted, and is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the moving coil 50, for example, a horizontally long rectangle.

[0112] The support protrusions 115 are connected to the base portion side fixing portions 441, 442 of the plate-shaped elastic portion 40, and are provided protruding at a length that leaves a predetermined interval from the surface of the base main body portion 110. The predetermined interval defines the movable range of the lower surface side of the core body 60A suspended relative to the plate-shaped elastic portion 40.

[0113] The support protrusions 115 have the same function as the spring connection portion of embodiment 1. Between the support protrusions 115, the core body 60A is disposed so as to be movable in the vibration direction.

[0114] When current is passed through the coil 50, the opposing portions 111, 112 are attracted to the opposite ends 621, 622 by a magnetic attraction force generated between the opposing portions 111, 112 and the rear surfaces of the opposite ends 621, 622 of the core 62. That is, the opposing portions 111, 112 attract the opposite ends 621, 622 in the opposing direction (Z direction).

[0115] The opposing parts 111, 112 are surfaces that entirely face the rear surfaces of both end parts 621, 622, and therefore allow efficient flow of magnetic flux between the rear surfaces of both end parts 621, 622. The opposing parts 111, 112 are preferably formed of a metal material (e.g., iron) such as iron, cobalt, nickel, etc. as the base main body part 110.

[0116] This configuration is covered with a housing cover 12A to form a housing 10A that houses the actuator body KA with the movable portion 20A in a freely movable state.

[0117] The functions of the housing 10A and the functions of the housing cover 12A, such as a hard stop function for the movable part 20A, are similar to those of the housing 10 and the housing cover 12, respectively.

[0118] As described above, in the vibration actuator 1A, the base main body 110 forming the bottom of the housing 10A is changed to a magnetic material, and the core body 60A, which is a coil core, is disposed opposite to it. The support protrusions 115 ensure the amplitude of the movable part 20A and the thickness of the core 62. The attachment order of the core body 60A and the plate-shaped elastic part 40 to the housing base 11A is changed so that the plate-shaped elastic part 40 does not interfere with the housing 10 when an impact is applied, etc.

[0119] This allows the overall thickness to be reduced by the thickness of the base portion, making it possible to achieve a thinner design, compared to a configuration in which a housing is simply added.

[0120] (Embodiment 3) Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 3 of the present invention with the housing cover removed, Fig. 20 is a plan view of the vibration actuator, and Fig. 21 is a bottom view of the vibration actuator. For convenience, Fig. 20 is a plan view showing the top surface 122 of the housing cover 12B. Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator body, Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 20, and Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Fig. 20.

[0121] This vibration actuator 1B has the same basic configuration as the vibration actuator 1 corresponding to the embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 1, and the same components are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, components having a similar configuration but different functions will be explained with the same name and reference numeral followed by B or a different reference numeral.

[0122] In the vibration actuator 1 of the first embodiment described above, a thin vibration actuator has been described in which the thin, plate-like actuator body K is entirely covered by the housing 10. However, as in a vibration actuator 1B shown in Figures 19 to 24, the functions of the actuator body KB may be shared by part of the housing 10B, and a core body 60B, which is a coil core, may be fixed to move a plate-like magnetic body 80.

[0123] The vibration actuator 1B comprises a housing cover 12B, a housing base 11B, and an actuator body KB.

[0124] In the actuator body KB, the weight portion 70B and the plate-shaped magnetic body 80 form a movable portion 20B, and the core body 60B is fixed to the housing base 11 and functions as a fixed portion.

[0125] The housing base 11B closes an opening that opens below the housing cover 12B that houses the actuator body KB, and has a core body 60B fixed thereto.

[0126] The housing base 11B is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame having an opening 118B for a coil and an opening 119 for a board in the center.

[0127] In the housing base 11B, the coil 50 is placed in the opening 118B, and the substrate 64B is placed in the opening 119 for the substrate, and the core 62 is fixed to the housing base 11B. For example, the core body 60B is fixed to the housing base 11B by the backsides of the planar end portions 621, 622 protruding on both sides of the coil 50.

[0128] As a result, the housing base 11B suspends the core body 60B at both ends sandwiching the coil 50. A notch 117B is formed on the rear surface (outer surface) of the housing base 11B, which may function as a counterbore for screwing, or may accommodate wiring connected to the coil 50.

[0129] The core body 60B on the housing base 11B has movable part side fixed parts 421, 422 provided on a pair of side parts 461 of the frame-shaped plate-like elastic part 40 joined to the upper surfaces of both end pieces 6210, 6220. At this time, the core body 60B is arranged so as to span inside the plate-like elastic part 40, and the plate-like elastic part 40 is freely displaceable in the Z direction and the -Z direction at parts in the width direction (i.e., the X direction and the -X direction) from the part connecting the core body 60B.

[0130] The plate-shaped elastic portion 40 has a plate-shaped magnetic body 80 attached to the upper surface of the base portion side fixing portions 441, 442, and this plate-shaped magnetic body 80 has a weight portion 70B attached to it, which is disposed on the layer on which the elastic support portion 40 is attached.

[0131] The plate-shaped magnetic body 80 is a rectangular plate-shaped frame having an opening 82 in the center, and the upper part of the coil 50 is disposed within the opening 82. The plate-shaped magnetic body 80 is opposed entirely to the upper surfaces of the end parts 621, 622 of the core body 60B at the opposed surface parts 821, 822. When a current is applied to the coil 50, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the opposed surface parts 821, 822 and the end parts 621, 622.

[0132] The plate-shaped magnetic body 80 is disposed facing the top surface portion 122 at a predetermined distance within the housing 10B, and is movable in the Z direction. The plate-shaped magnetic body 80 moves in the -Z direction when electricity is applied to the coil 50, and moves in the Z direction due to the biasing force of the elastic support portion 40. Note that the plate-shaped magnetic body 80 may be the same as the plate-shaped magnetic body (magnetic plate) used as the base portion 30.

[0133] The weight portion 70B is formed and arranged in a shape corresponding to a position avoiding the core body 60B inside the frame-shaped plate-like elastic body 40 in the region between the housing base 11B and the plate-like magnetic body 80, that is, in the layer in which the plate-like elastic body 40 is arranged. The weight portion 70B is arranged so as to fill the space between the plate-like elastic body 40 and the core body 60B and to be able to vibrate.

[0134] In this way, in the vibration actuator 1B of embodiment 3, the core body 60B is attached to the housing base 11B as part of the housing 10B, and in the area where the plate-shaped elastic portion 40 is arranged together with the core body 60B, the weight portion 70B is arranged inside the plate-shaped elastic portion 40 in a position to avoid the core body 60B.

[0135] The top surface portion 122 of the housing cover 12B has a hard stop function, similar to that of the housing covers 12 and 12A. Even if the movable part 20B moves due to an external impact or the like, the top surface portion 122 of the housing cover 12B abuts against the movable part 20B, thereby restricting the movable part 20 from moving excessively. That is, similar to the top surface portion 122 of the housing covers 12 and 12A, even if the movable part 20B moves outside the movement range during normal operation, the top surface portion 122 does not move excessively but restricts the movement within the maximum movement range, thereby preventing deformation of the plate-like elastic part 40. In this way, in each embodiment, it is possible to realize a thin, flat plate-like vibration actuator that is resistant to external impacts and can be driven stably by suppressing an increase in the thickness as a vibration actuator as much as possible.

[0136] <Vibration presentation device 500> Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a vibration presentation device having a vibration actuator. For convenience, the planar track pad body that an operator presses with his / her finger is shown in a see-through manner in Fig. 25. Note that, in Fig. 25, the explanation is given using a vibration actuator 1, but instead of the vibration actuator 1, vibration actuators 1A and 1B may be used.

[0137] The vibration presentation device 500 is, for example, a track pad serving as a pointing device used in place of a mouse in a notebook computer or the like.

[0138] The track pad as the vibration presentation device 500 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 510 that is traced with a finger as a touch operation, and a vibration actuator 1 that is placed on the back surface of the pad body 510.

[0139] In the track pad, the vibration actuator 1 applies vibrations that provide a tactile sensation when the user performs a touch operation such as tracing or tapping the pad main body 510 with a finger. Specifically, in the vibration actuator 1, electricity is applied to the coil 50 in response to the user's touch operation on the pad main body 510, which is the operation surface, and the coil 50 vibrates the movable part 20 to provide a tactile sensation to the user. For example, the vibration actuator 1 is attached to the back side of the central part of the pad main body 510 using double-sided tape, or a fastening member such as a screw, a screw, an adhesive, or welding.

[0140] The housing bases 11, 11A, and 11B and the housing covers 12, 12A, and 12B may be joined in any manner as long as the plate-shaped elastic portion (elastic body) of the actuator body is always covered and housed regardless of whether it is movable or not. As in each embodiment, the housing cover may be fitted in such a way as to close the opening, or the housing cover may be joined by butting the edge of the opening against the housing base. If the housing cover is joined by butting the edge of the opening against the surface of the housing base, the shape of the housing base can be formed larger than the cover opening, and the housing base can be structured to extend from the housing, thereby increasing the freedom of design.

[0141] 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]

[0142] The vibration actuator and vibration presentation device of the present invention can be made low-profile and have the effect of preventing deformation of an elastic body and vibrating stably, and are useful, for example, as a vibration generator and for use in a vibration presentation device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1, 1A, 1B Vibration Actuator 2. Switching elements 4. Signal Generator 10, 10A, 10B housing 11, 11A, 11B Housing base 12, 12A, 12B Case cover 20, 20A, 20B moving parts 30 Base part (plate-shaped magnetic material) 31 Base body 36 Fixed part 38 Opening 40, 40A, 40B Plate-shaped elastic portion (elastic support portion) 46 Elastic body part 47 Junction hole 50 Coil 55 Fastening member 56 Boss part (projection part) 60, 60A, 60B Core body (electromagnet) 62 core (magnetic core) 64, 64B board 66 Insulating film part 68 Wiring Board 70 Plate-shaped weight part 70A, 70B weight section 72, 72A, 74 opening 80 Plate-shaped magnetic material 82 Opening 500 vibration presentation device 110 Base body 111, 112 opposing parts (magnetic material) 113, 114 Sides 115 Support protrusion 116 Engagement edge 117, 117B Notch 118, 118B opening 119 Circuit Board Opening 122 Top section 124 Peripheral wall section 125 Wiring lead-out hole 126 Notch K, KA, KB actuator body

Claims

1. A plate-shaped magnetic material; a plate-shaped electromagnet arranged opposite the plate-shaped magnetic body and having a coil arranged in the center of a core; a frame-shaped elastic body surrounding the plate-shaped magnetic body, the elastic body supporting the electromagnet on both sides of the coil and connected to the plate-shaped magnetic body; a housing cover that covers the elastic body in a vibration direction and accommodates the elastic body together with the electromagnet; Equipped with A magnetic force generated by energizing the coil causes one of the electromagnet and the plate-shaped magnetic body to move closer to the other within the housing cover and vibrate. Vibration actuator.

2. the housing cover has a movement restriction surface portion disposed outside a movement range during normal operation in which one of the electromagnet and the plate-shaped magnetic body is close to the other, and inside a maximum movement range of the one of the electromagnet and the plate-shaped magnetic body due to an impact; 2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1.

3. the housing cover accommodates the plate-shaped magnetic body, the electromagnet, and the elastic body, and is formed in a covered cylindrical shape having an opening on one side; a plate-shaped housing base that closes the opening of the housing cover and to which the plate-shaped magnetic body is fixed; 2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1.

4. The plate-shaped magnetic body has a support protrusion that protrudes therefrom and supports the elastic body at a predetermined distance from the surface of the plate-shaped magnetic body. The housing cover is formed in a covered cylindrical shape to accommodate the elastic body and the electromagnet, and is fixed to the plate-shaped magnetic body to close the opening, and accommodates the electromagnet so as to be movable in the vibration direction via the elastic body connected to the support protrusion.

2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1.

5. the electromagnet is disposed between the support protrusions and is connected to a rear surface of the elastic body together with the support protrusions; The electromagnet is provided with a plate-shaped weight portion facing the top surface of the cover at a position inside the elastic body and avoiding a connection point of the elastic body.

5. The vibration actuator according to claim 4.

6. the cover is formed in a cylindrical shape with a lid to accommodate the elastic body and the plate-shaped electromagnet, and is fixed to a plate-shaped bottom surface to form a hollow housing; The electromagnet is fixed to the bottom surface portion, the plate-shaped magnetic body is disposed within the cover and faces a top surface of the cover, Between the electromagnet and the plate-shaped magnetic body, there is provided a plate-shaped weight portion fixed to the plate-shaped magnetic body together with the elastic body.

2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1.

7. A vibration presentation device in which the vibration actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is disposed on a back surface of an operation surface, current is applied to the coil in response to a touch action of a user on the operation surface, and one of the electromagnet and the plate-shaped magnetic body is displaced so as to approach the other, thereby presenting a vibration; Vibration presentation device.

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