Vibration device and vibration system

Abstract

To apply a horn technique to a vibration device within a permitted range with consideration given to a similarity / difference between a horn and the vibration device.SOLUTION: A feature employed even for a horn such as a housing, a coil, a stator core, and a moving core is adopted. During energization of the coil, the housing, the coil, the stator core, the moving core, and a leaf spring member form a magnetic circuit. This feature is adopted for the horn. The vibration device can share the feature with the horn, is mace of one elastic material, and includes a leaf spring member that presses the moving core to be separated from the stator core. The leaf spring member corresponds to a diaphragm of the horn. A specific frequency of the vibration device caused by vibrations of the leaf spring member and the moving core is 10-200 hertz. This specific frequency is desired one for vibrating a part to be vibrated by the vibration device. By applying the horn technique, the specific frequency suitable for the vibration device is achieved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vibration device and a vibration system. A vibration system using the vibration device of the present disclosure is useful for, for example, a haptic device for alerting a vehicle occupant. [Background technology]

[0002] A vibrating device that uses a leaf spring and a coil to vibrate a moving core is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. A vehicle horn is also known, as in Patent Document 2. Furthermore, a vibrating device that uses a solenoid is also disclosed in Patent Document 3. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-33864 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-248183 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2023-188870 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The vibration device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a larger number of parts and a lower vibration intensity than the horn disclosed in Patent Document 2. The present disclosure aims to make it possible to apply horn technology to the design and manufacture of vibration devices used in haptic devices, etc. For example, the present disclosure aims to provide a vibration device that allows the housing used for the horn to be shared with the housing used for the vibration device, or that allows the vibration device to be manufactured on the same manufacturing line as the horn.

[0005] However, a horn is not a vibration device but an alarm, and its purpose is to generate an alarm sound. On the other hand, vibration devices used in haptic devices and the like do not need to generate sound, and in fact are often required not to generate sound. Furthermore, a horn needs to vibrate at a frequency required for an alarm sound, and the vibration frequency of a horn does not match the vibration frequency required for vibration devices used in haptic devices and the like. The vibration device shown in Patent Document 3 employs a configuration similar to that of a horn, but is not designed to vibrate at a natural frequency suitable for the vibration device.

[0006] In view of the above, the present disclosure aims to apply horn technology to vibration devices to the greatest extent possible, while taking into consideration the differences and similarities between horns and vibration devices. In particular, when applying horn technology to a vibration device, the present disclosure aims to make the vibration device vibrate at a natural frequency desired for the vibration device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The vibration device of the present disclosure includes a housing made of a magnetic material, which has a disk-shaped bottom and a cylindrical side portion integrally continuing from the bottom, with the end of the side portion being open, a ring-shaped coil disposed at the bottom of the housing and magnetized when energized, a stator core made of a magnetic material disposed on the inner periphery of the coil at the bottom of the housing, and a moving core made of a magnetic material disposed inside the housing facing the stator core. When energized, a magnetic circuit is formed between the stator core and the moving core. The above configuration is also employed in a horn. The vibration device of the present disclosure has a configuration that can share the same configuration as a horn.

[0008] The vibration device of the present disclosure has an outer circumferential portion fixed to the open end of the side of the housing, an inner circumferential portion fixed to the moving core, and a connecting portion connecting the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion, and also has a leaf spring member formed from a single piece of elastic material that biases the moving core in a direction away from the stator core. The leaf spring member has a configuration corresponding to the diaphragm of a horn.

[0009] The leaf spring member of the vibration device of the present disclosure allows the moving core to vibrate when the coil is energized. Furthermore, the vibration device of the present disclosure has a natural frequency of 10 to 200 Hz, resulting from the vibration of the leaf spring member and the moving core. This natural frequency of 10 to 200 Hz is a desirable frequency for a vibration device to vibrate a vibrated part. Horn technology is applied to achieve a desirable natural frequency for a vibration device.

[0010] In another disclosure of the present disclosure, the leaf spring member of the vibration device has multiple connecting portions with gaps formed between the connecting portions. This reduces the rigidity of the leaf spring member and reduces the natural frequency compared to a flat plate without gaps. This is a desirable configuration for achieving the natural frequency of the vibration device described above between 10 Hz and 200 Hz.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the multiple connecting portions of the leaf spring member of the vibration device are bent between the outer periphery and the inner periphery, improving their rigidity compared to connecting portions without bent portions. This results in a different natural frequency than a flat plate without bent portions. This configuration is also desirable for setting the natural frequency of the vibration device to between 10 Hz and 200 Hz.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer periphery of the leaf spring member of the vibrating device has a bent annular wall portion facing away from the housing. This configuration also makes the natural frequency different from that of a leaf spring member without a wall portion. This configuration is desirable for setting the natural frequency of the vibrating device to between 10 Hz and 200 Hz.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a vibration system using a vibration device. The vibration system includes a control device that switches between energizing and de-energizing the coil. The vibration device can be used together with the control device to more appropriately control vibration. This is useful as a system for controlling vibrations in a haptic device or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a vibration device of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vibration device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a housing and a coil of the vibration device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of vibration devices. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other examples of the arrangement of vibration devices. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a potential circuit of the vibration device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating the on / off states of a switch of the vibration device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating an assembly process for the vibration device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a horn serving as a comparative example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a vibration device of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram illustrating a vibration state (strong) of the vibration device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram illustrating a vibration state (weak) of the vibration device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a vibrating device showing another embodiment of a flat spring member. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a vibrating device showing still another embodiment of a flat spring member. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a vibrating device showing still another embodiment of a flat spring member. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a vibrating device showing still another embodiment of a flat spring member. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another horn serving as a comparative example. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the transfer function of a resonant member. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing measurement results of a desirable natural frequency. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The vibration device 100 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. The vibration device 100 is used in a haptic device, and as shown in Fig. 4, a plurality of vibration devices 100 are arranged on a seat surface 201 or a back surface 202 of a seat 200 of an automobile, for example. As shown in Fig. 5, the vibration device 100 is also arranged on a seat 203 of a so-called saddle-ride vehicle such as a motorcycle, snowmobile, or buggy. In the case of a seat of a saddle-ride vehicle, a single vibration device 100 may be arranged inside the seat 203.

[0016] The vibration device 100 is used to transmit information to occupants about forgetting to fasten their seat belts or hazard prediction by vibration. The vibration information from the vibration device 100 is information that can be directly transmitted to occupants. Furthermore, since it is information different from ordinary signal information such as visual or auditory information, it is a particularly useful means of transmitting information as hazard prediction information. For example, the vibration device 100 vibrates when a sensor (not shown) detects the possibility of a collision. In an example where multiple vibration devices 100 are arranged, such as in an automobile seat 200, it is possible to notify occupants of a dangerous direction by selecting a specific vibration device 100 to vibrate.

[0017] The vibration device 100 is attached to an automobile seat 200 or a saddle-ride vehicle seat 203 by being held by a non-rigid part of the seat 200, 203, such as a frame. That is, a storage space 205 is formed in a flexible part, such as the seat surface 201, of the seat 200, 203, and the vibration device 100 is fitted into this storage space 205 to hold the device. In this way, the vibration device 100 is simply placed and is not fixed. This allows the vibration of the vibration device 100 to be transmitted to the flexible vibrated part, and the function as a haptic device is effectively exhibited.

[0018] However, the combination of the vibration plate and the vibrated part is not limited to being held in the storage space 205. For example, it is also possible to fasten it to the frame of the seats 200 and 203 with screws or the like. However, even in the case of screw fastening, the holding must be such that the vibration of the vibration device 100 is permitted. In this disclosure, a fixing method that inhibits the vibration of the vibration device 100 is called a rigid connection, but the vibration device 100 is not held in place by a rigid connection. In other words, when the vibration device 100 is fastened to the frame of the vehicle body with screws, it is positioned non-rigidly and placed so as to be pressed down by the seats 200 and 203.

[0019] Reference numeral 120 denotes a housing made of an iron material, which has a multi-stage cylindrical shape with a bottom, including a small cylindrical portion 121 and a large cylindrical portion 125. The diameter of the large cylindrical portion 125 is approximately 70 mm. Reference numeral 122 denotes the bottom of the small diameter portion, and 126 denotes the bottom of the large diameter portion. Reference numeral 130 denotes a bobbin made of an insulating resin material, which is disposed in the small cylindrical portion 121 of the housing 120. The bobbin 130 is wound with multiple turns of enamel-coated copper wire to form a coil 140. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the bobbin 130 with the leaf spring member 180 removed from FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, a disk-shaped flange portion 131 is integrally formed on the bobbin 130. Furthermore, a first arm portion 132 and a second arm portion 133 extend outward from the flange portion 131, and are fixed to the bottom portion 126 of the large diameter portion of the housing 120 by these first arm portion 132 and second arm portion 133.

[0020] The first arm 132 and the second arm 133 are provided with a first current-carrying terminal 1321 and a second current-carrying terminal 1331, respectively, one of which is electrically connected to a positive terminal 141 (shown in FIG. 2) and the other of which is electrically connected to the housing 120. The positive terminal 141 is electrically connected to the copper wire constituting the coil 140 via the second current-carrying terminal 1331. The negative terminal of the copper wire constituting the coil 140 is electrically connected to the housing 120 via the first current-carrying terminal 1321 and is grounded to the vehicle via the housing 120. However, the negative terminal of the coil 140 may be electrically connected to the negative terminal of the in-vehicle battery 210 (shown in FIG. 6) via an electric wire rather than being grounded.

[0021] A stator core 150 made of iron material is disposed on the inner periphery of bobbin 130. Stator core 150 is exposed from a hole 123 formed in bottom 122 of the small diameter portion of housing 120. More specifically, stator core 150 is fixed to the inner periphery of hole 123. As a fixing method, stator core 150 may be fitted into hole 123 and fixed by caulking, or stator core 150 may be screwed into hole 123. A threaded portion 151 is formed on the outer periphery of stator core 150, and a nut 152 is screwed onto it.

[0022] The moving core 160 is disposed with a magnetic gap interposed between it and the stator core 150. The size of the magnetic gap varies depending on the degree of vibration required of the vibration device 100. This is also true for a horn, so the magnetic gap of the vibration device 100 may be larger than that of the horn, but the opposite may also be true. The moving core 160 is also made of iron. The moving core 160 has a cylindrical shape with a flange 162.

[0023] A disk-shaped leaf spring member 180 is disposed on the surface of moving core 160 opposite stator core 150. Leaf spring member 180 is made of stainless steel, a magnetic material, and its outer circumferential portion 181 is wound around and fixed to open end 127 of large cylindrical portion 125 of housing 120. Outer circumferential portion 181 is drawn into a cup shape. Therefore, an annular wall portion 1812 is bent from wound portion 1811 toward the opposite side of housing 120. An inner circumferential portion 182 of leaf spring member 180 is crimped to assembly protrusion 163 formed on the end of moving core 160. Leaf spring member 180 biases moving core 160 in a direction away from stator core 150.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the flat spring component 180 has four connecting portions 183 that connect the inner peripheral portion 182 and the outer peripheral portion 181, and these connecting portions 183 are formed radially from a center point. More specifically, the connecting portions 183 connect the wall portion 1812 of the outer peripheral portion 181 to the inner peripheral portion 182. Four gaps 184 are formed between the four connecting portions 183. In other words, the formation of the four gaps 184 divides the connecting portions 183 into four portions. In this example, the flat spring component 180 has a point-symmetric shape about the central axis. As a result, even if the connecting portions 183 elastically deform, the deformation does not cause any component in the direction that rotates the flat spring component 180. The leaf spring member 180 serves to guide the moving core 160 as it reciprocates within the housing 120, but since no rotational movement component occurs in the leaf spring member 180, the moving core 160 can always reciprocate along its axis. In other words, tilting or rolling of the moving core 160 is effectively suppressed. Because the reciprocating movement of the moving core 160 is the source of vibration for the exciter 100, this stabilizes the behavior of the exciter 100.

[0025] Providing gap 184 can reduce the rigidity of leaf spring member 180, which is made of a single plate member. As will be described later, horn 10 also has diaphragm 18, which is made of a single plate member, but diaphragm 18 of horn 10 is set to have a natural frequency of vibration of 350 to 500 Hz. Providing gap 184 can reduce the natural frequency even if the same material as diaphragm 18 of horn 10 is used.

[0026] 1 between the outer peripheral portion 181 and the inner peripheral portion 182 to form a bent portion 1831. By forming the connecting portion 183 in a shape that forms the bent portion 1831 rather than a flat plate, the rigidity of the flat spring component 180 is increased. The bent portion 1831 compensates for the loss of stiffness caused by the void portion 184. Note that the bent portion 1831 is formed by drawing, similar to the formation of the wall portion 1812. Furthermore, the formation of the wall portion 1812 also makes the natural frequency of the flat spring component 180 different from that of a flat plate that does not have the wall portion 1812.

[0027] Next, the operation of a vibration system 300 incorporating the vibration device 100 configured as described above will be described. In the vibration system 300, power is supplied to the coil 140 of the vibration device 100 from an on-board battery 210. This power supply is controlled by a control device 220 shown in FIG. 6. In other words, the vibration system 300 is a system that controls the energization of the vibration device 100 to cause it to vibrate. Note that the vibration system 300 only needs to be able to control the energization of the vibration device 100, and a transformer such as an inverter can also be used instead of the on-board battery 210. Furthermore, when a generator such as an alternator that charges the on-board battery 210 is used, power is supplied from the generator when the generator is generating power.

[0028] The control device 220 does not necessarily have to be a device dedicated to the vibration device 100. For example, it is also possible for the control device 220 to have some of the functions of an engine ECU. When an engine ECU is used, the control device 220 is placed in the engine compartment of an automobile or below the seat 203 of a saddle-ride vehicle. In the example of FIG. 6, the control device 220 itself controls the power supply from the on-board battery 210, but in many examples, the power supply from the on-board battery 210 to the vibration device 100 is switched by a switching element such as a relay or semiconductor switch. In that case, the control device 220 sends a control signal to the switching element.

[0029] The control device 220 supplies a square wave of, for example, 50 to 100 Hz with duty ratio control. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, when one turn is 20 milliseconds, the control device 220 applies current for 6 milliseconds and then de-energizes for 14 milliseconds, resulting in a 30% current conduction. This vibration mode 221 with 30% current conduction continues for 100 milliseconds. Thereafter, a non-vibration mode 222 in which the coil 140 is de-energized continues for 100 milliseconds.

[0030] 7, the vibration mode 221 and the non-vibration mode 222 are alternately switched. When the vibration device 100 is used as a haptic device, the vibration mode 221 and the non-vibration mode 222 are alternately switched based on a signal from a sensor or the like during a period when it is necessary to alert the occupant.

[0031] The example in FIG. 7 is an example of vibration of the vibration device 100. The control device 220 can set the magnitude and pattern of vibration of the vibration device 100 with a large degree of freedom. In FIG. 7, the duty ratio is set to 30 percent, but 30 percent is just an example. The duty ratio can be set smaller or larger. Furthermore, when performing duty ratio control, the length of one turn is not limited to 20 milliseconds. The time period for one turn can also be set to less than 20 milliseconds.

[0032] Furthermore, the vibration pattern may be changed by changing the lengths of the vibration mode 221 and the non-vibration mode 222, or only the vibration mode 221 may be continued. The vibration mode is not limited to the example in Fig. 7, and multiple types of vibration patterns may be provided and repeated. Furthermore, multiple types of vibration patterns may be generated randomly.

[0033] When current is applied to coil 140, coil 140 is excited and a magnetic circuit is created around coil 140. In this example, the magnetic circuit is formed by housing 120, stator core 150, moving core 160, and leaf spring member 180. In this magnetic circuit, a magnetic gap is formed between moving core 160 and stator core 150, so moving core 160 is attracted to stator core 150.

[0034] At this time, the movement of moving core 160 is restricted by leaf spring member 180. When moving core 160 moves toward stator core 150, leaf spring member 180 elastically deforms, and the elastic force associated with this elastic deformation urges moving core 160 in a direction to pull it back from stator core 150. In this example, even if moving core 160 displaces toward stator core 150, the moving core 160 and stator core 150 do not collide. Specifically, the attractive force of moving core 160 is controlled by adjusting the excitation force of coil 140. More specifically, the time that attractive force is applied is controlled by adjusting the time that current is applied to coil 140 through duty ratio control.

[0035] When the vibration device 100 is used as a haptic device, vibrations with a natural frequency of about 10 to 200 hertz (hereinafter referred to as "10 to 200 hertz") are vibrations that are easily detected by passengers. In addition, square waves of about 10 to 200 hertz correspond to a low-pitched sound, so for example, if the vibration device 100 is attached to a car seat 200 and vibrates in conjunction with a speaker, it is possible to generate vibrations in the seat 200 that correspond to low-pitched sounds. However, simultaneous use with a speaker is just one example of usage, and as a haptic device, its main usage is to attract the attention of passengers.

[0036] However, this frequency of 10 to 200 Hz is not controlled by the control device 220. In other words, the natural frequency of the vibration device 100 is different from the frequency of the control signal from the control device. First, the natural frequency of the vibration device 100 will be explained. The natural frequency of the vibration device 100 originates from the attractive force generated in the magnetic gap between the moving core 160 and the stator core 150 when current is applied to the coil 140, and the spring force of the leaf spring member 180 that resists this attractive force. Because the outer periphery 181 of the leaf spring member 180 is fastened to the housing 120 by winding and fastening, the rigidity determined by the material, thickness, shape, etc. of the housing 120 also affects the natural frequency. Furthermore, because the housing 120 is not rigidly connected but is supported by the vibrated portions of the seats 200 and 203, the manner in which this support is provided also affects the natural frequency. Ultimately, the vibration of the vibration device 100 when it is held on the vibrated part becomes the natural frequency, and this natural frequency is transmitted to the occupant as vibration. The vibration transmitted to the occupant is more easily perceived by the occupant when the natural frequency is in the range of 10 to 200 Hz. In terms of the degree of perception by the occupant, a natural frequency of 50 to 150 Hz, even within the range of 10 to 200 Hz, is more easily perceived by the occupant as an alarm signal. The most desirable frequency for an alarm signal is 80 to 100 Hz.

[0037] Figure 19 shows the measurement results of the passenger's level of perception and the natural frequency. In the results of the sensitivity evaluation, A indicates vibration that can be perceived very clearly as a signal on the passenger's back or thighs. B indicates a state in which the passenger is able to perceive the vibration as a signal, although it is less perceptible than A. C indicates a state in which the passenger is able to perceive the vibration as a signal. D indicates a state in which the passenger is unable to perceive the vibration as a signal.

[0038] Next, the control signal from the control device 220 is a square wave of 50 to 100 Hz in this example in order to control the duty ratio. As mentioned above, in the case of 50 Hz, if the duty ratio is 30%, the current is applied for 6 milliseconds and not applied for 14 milliseconds. This does not vibrate the moving core 160 for 6 milliseconds and 14 milliseconds, but rather controls the amount of current applied to the coil 140. In the above example, the vibration mode 221 lasts for 100 milliseconds, and the non-vibration mode 222 lasts for 100 milliseconds.

[0039] After entering vibration mode 221, vibration device 100 starts vibrating at the natural frequency described above, which in this example is 10 to 200 Hz. This vibration at the natural frequency of vibration device 100 continues throughout vibration mode 221, and continues even after entering non-vibration mode 222 until the vibration of vibration device 100 is attenuated and disappears.

[0040] As a more specific example, consider a case where a 100 Hz square wave is in vibration mode 221 with a duty ratio of 100 percent for 10 milliseconds, followed by a non-vibration mode 222 with a duty ratio of 0 percent for 990 milliseconds. In this case, coil 140 is excited only once per second, causing vibration device 100 to vibrate. The vibration of vibration device 100 at this time is the natural frequency. The vibration of vibration device 100 starts with a large vibration and gradually damps. Both the large vibration at the start of vibration and the damped small vibration are the natural frequency of vibration of vibration device 100.

[0041] In this example, moving core 160 is attracted to stator core 150 only once per second, and thereafter vibrates at the natural frequency of leaf spring member 180. As described above, leaf spring member 180 has gap 184, and adjusting the shape of gap 184 to adjust the elastic coefficient of leaf spring member 180 allows vibration device 100 to vibrate at 10 to 200 Hz. The natural frequency of vibration device 100 can also be adjusted by providing bent portion 1831 in connecting portion 183 or by providing wall portion 1812 on outer circumferential portion 181.

[0042] 6, reference numeral 225 denotes a magnetic sensor that detects the excitation of coil 140. Magnetic sensor 225 is made up of, for example, a Hall element, and feeds back the excitation of coil 140 to control device 220. Control device 220 is also provided with switch 226, which can be turned off as needed to stop operation of vibration device 100. However, magnetic sensor 225 and switch 226 may be eliminated as needed.

[0043] The vibration device 100 of the present disclosure can share a common configuration with an automobile horn 10. As a comparative example, a horn 10 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 17, in which the horn housing 12, horn coil 14, and horn stator core 15 are the same as the housing 120, coil 140, and stator core 150 of the present disclosure. That is, the vibration device 100 of the present disclosure shares components with the horn 10, such as the housing 120, coil 140, and stator core 150. Note that FIG. 9 shows a flat horn equipped with a flat resonance board 19, while FIG. 17 shows a trumpet horn equipped with a spiral resonance section 20. In both types of horns 10, the horn housing 12, horn coil 14, horn stator core 15, and horn moving core 16 are the same.

[0044] Due to the difference in the magnetic gap, the amplitude of the moving core 160 of the vibration device 100 in this example is larger than the amplitude of the horn moving core 16. However, the size of the magnetic gap of the vibration device 100 is not always larger than that of the horn 10. The size of the magnetic gap is set depending on the usage required of the vibration device 100 and the horn 10. Note that in an example in which the magnetic gap size of the vibration device 100 is larger than that of the horn 10, the weight of the moving core 160 of the vibration device 100 may be made heavier than the weight of the horn moving core 16. This makes it possible to increase the vibration component required for the vibration device 100.

[0045] On the other hand, there are the following differences between the vibration device 100 of the present disclosure and the horn 10. The vibration device 100 of the present disclosure is stored in a storage section 205 of the seat 200, 203. That is, the vibration device 100 is placed in a flexible part such as the seat 200 and vibrates the part to be vibrated. In contrast, the horn 10 has a mounting stay 11 fixed to the horn housing 12. The mounting stay 11 is then attached to a rigid part of the vehicle. For example, it is fixed (rigidly connected) to the frame of the vehicle at the front of the vehicle.

[0046] The major difference between vibration device 100 and horn 10 is leaf spring member 180. Horn 10 does not use leaf spring member 180, but uses a disk-shaped diaphragm 18. Horn 10 generates an alarm sound by using diaphragm 18. On the other hand, vibration device 100, which requires quietness, is designed to make it difficult for sound to be generated even when leaf spring member 180 vibrates. For example, by adjusting the size and shape of gap 184, the rigidity of leaf spring member 180 can be adjusted to prevent vibrations like an alarm sound. In this way, leaf spring member 180 is a component corresponding to diaphragm 18, but the leaf spring member 180 suppresses sound while diaphragm 18 is a sound-generating component, so the sound-generating functions are different.

[0047] As described above, horn 10 has diaphragm 18 made of a single plate member. In contrast, vibration device 100 is also formed from a single plate member, but leaf spring member 180 has a void 184 formed therein, reducing its rigidity. Therefore, while the natural frequency of diaphragm 18 in horn 10 is 350 to 500 Hz, the natural frequency of leaf spring member 180 in vibration device 100 is set lower. This allows vibration of vibration device 100 to be 10 to 200 Hz. Shapes corresponding to wall portion 1812 and bent portion 1831 of vibration device 100 are also used in horn 10 shown in Figures 9 and 17. By devising this shape, vibration device 100 achieves a natural frequency of 10 to 200 Hz. Meanwhile, horn 10 uses a similar shape to increase the natural frequency to 350 Hz or higher.

[0048] In horn 10, excitation and de-excitation of horn coil 14 causes horn moving core 16 to collide with horn stator core 15, generating an alarm sound. In contrast, in vibration device 100, moving core 160 does not collide with stator core 150. One of the reasons for increasing the air gap between moving core 160 and stator core 150 described above is to prevent this collision.

[0049] In the above example, the moving core 160 is heavier than the horn moving core 16 and has a larger amplitude. Furthermore, collision with the stator core 150 is also avoided. The shape of the gap 184 is determined so that such behavior can be achieved. Also, as described above, the shape of the gap 184 is such that the leaf spring member 180 is symmetrical with respect to a point, preventing the moving core 160 from tilting.

[0050] Furthermore, whereas the horn 10 includes a flat resonator 19 and a spiral resonator 20 that vibrate together with the diaphragm 18, the vibration device 100 of the present disclosure does not include a resonator. This is because the vibration device 100 is not required to generate sound, but rather to be quiet. The horn 10 uses the resonator 19 to generate harmonic resonance. Harmonic resonance, as shown in FIG. 18 , refers to the phenomenon in which a resonant component resonates with a vibration component that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency f0, thereby increasing the sound pressure level. This harmonic resonance is related to the resonator function of the flat resonator 19 and the spiral resonator 20. In contrast, the vibration device 100 does not include a flat resonator 19 or a spiral resonator 20, and therefore vibrates only at the natural frequency of the leaf spring member 180. In other words, the vibration device 100 does not actively utilize harmonic resonance. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the absence of harmonic resonance means that harmonic resonance is not actively utilized.

[0051] Although the vibration device 100 does not include a flat resonance board 19 or a spiral resonance member 20, it is possible to provide a cover 190 to protect the leaf spring member 180. The cover 190 will be described later in another embodiment shown in Fig. 10. The embodiment in Fig. 1 does not use a cover 190 because the placement position of the vibration device 100 is taken into consideration to prevent the leaf spring member 180 from coming into direct contact with the vibrated part.

[0052] As described above, in vibration device 100, the excitation and de-excitation of coil 140 is controlled by control device 220, which is disposed externally to vibration device 100. A control device can also be used in horn 10. However, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 9 , fixed contact 22 is attached to horn housing 12, and the movable contact is attached to horn moving core 16. When horn moving core 16 moves due to energization, the movable contact separates from fixed contact 22. When de-energized due to the separation, the movable contact is pressed against fixed contact 22 by spring force. Then, when the movable contact and fixed contact 22 come into contact, the movable contact is again energized. By repeating this operation, energization and de-energization of horn coil 14 are repeated, causing horn 10 to sound. When used in horn 10, first arm 132 described above is used to attach the movable contact.

[0053] The vibration device 100 of the present disclosure uses common parts with the horn 10, and therefore can share a manufacturing line with the horn 10. Next, a method for assembling the vibration device 100 will be described with reference to the method for assembling the horn 10, using Figure 8. The housing assembly process S100 assembles the housing 120, stator core 150, and coil 140. This housing assembly process S100 is the same for both the vibration device 100 and the horn 10.

[0054] Next, a sealing process S103 ensures insulation of the coil 140. This sealing process S103 can also be shared between the vibration device 100 and the horn 10. Next, a moving core assembly process S104 is carried out. The moving core 160 is fixed to the inner periphery 182 of the leaf spring member 180. In the case of the horn 10, the horn moving core 16 and the resonator board 19 are fixed to the inner periphery of the diaphragm 18. The moving core assembly process S104 can be carried out on a common production line.

[0055] Next, an outer periphery assembly process S105 is performed in which outer periphery 181 of leaf spring component 180 is fixed to housing 120. This outer periphery assembly process S105 can also be performed on a common manufacturing line for horn 10 and vibration device 100. Next, nuts 152 are screwed onto threaded portions 151 formed on the outer periphery of stator core 150. This screwing process is used to fix stator core 150 to bottom portion 122 of the small diameter portion of housing 120 in assembly process S106. In the case of horn 10, mounting stay 11 is fixed with stop screws 15. The vibration device 100 and horn 10 can also be performed on a common manufacturing line.

[0056] Next, a printing step S107 is performed, followed by an electrical inspection step S108. Then, a performance inspection step S109 is performed. Since these steps are common, it is possible to share the steps on the manufacturing line.

[0057] Next, another embodiment of the vibration device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In this example, the housing 120 is cylindrical, with no distinction between a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion. The outer diameter of the housing 120 is also reduced. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the stator core 150 is integrally formed with the bottom of the housing 120. Furthermore, the bobbin 130 and the housing 120 are fixed together by adhesive rather than by rivets. However, rivets may also be used, and press fitting or secondary molding may also be used.

[0058] The embodiment in FIG. 10 also shows a cover 190. The cover 190 may be made of metal or resin. If it is made of metal, it is fastened to the open end 127 of the housing 120 together with the leaf spring member 180 by wrapping. Even if it is made of metal, the cover 190 does not form a magnetic circuit, so it does not need to be made of a magnetic material. If it is made of resin, the cover 190 is fastened to the open end 127 of the housing 120 by adhesive. Using the cover 190 can prevent the leaf spring member 180 from contacting the seat surface 201, etc., when the vibration device 100 is incorporated into a seat 200 as a haptic device. This ensures the reciprocating movement of the leaf spring member 180 and the moving core 160, stabilizing the behavior of the vibration device 100.

[0059] It is also possible to change the amplitude of the moving core 160 by changing the voltage applied to the coil 140. In FIG. 11, the amplitude is emphasized, but the amplitude of the moving core 160 is increased by applying a large voltage. Conversely, if the voltage applied to the coil 140 is reduced, the amplitude of the moving core 160 can also be reduced, as shown in FIG. 12. Therefore, adjusting the voltage applied to the coil 140 is not limited to the embodiment in FIG. 10, but is also possible in the above-described embodiments. The voltage applied to the coil 140 is controlled by the control device 220.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, there are four connecting portions 183, but the number of connecting portions 183 can be set as appropriate. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the number and shape of connecting portions 183 may be changed. In the example of FIG. 13, there are three connecting portions 183, and the gap portions 184 are fan-shaped. In the examples of FIGS. 14 and 15, there are five connecting portions 183. In FIG. 14, the gap portions 184 are oval, and in FIG. 15, the gap portions 184 are trapezoidal. Furthermore, in FIG. 16, there are ten connecting portions 183, and the gap portions 184 are trapezoidal.

[0061] 13 to 16 are all plan views, but the basic cross-sectional shape is the same as that of FIG. 1. That is, a wall portion 1812 is formed on the outer periphery 181 of the flat spring component 180, and a bent portion 1831 is formed on the connecting portion 183. However, the rigidity of the flat spring component 180 also changes depending on the shapes of the connecting portion 183 and the void portion 184. Therefore, the shapes of the wall portion 1812 and the bent portion 1831 are each finely adjusted so that the desired natural frequency of the vibration device 100 can be obtained.

[0062] 2 shows only the positive terminal 141, but the examples of FIGS. 13 to 16 show the connector 145. Positive and negative power sources are supplied to the connector 145 from the vehicle battery 210 or the like. The important point is not the number of connecting portions 183 or the shape of the gaps 184, but the fact that the connecting portions 183 are arranged point-symmetrically in a radial pattern from the center point. This prevents the moving core 160 from tilting when it moves back and forth.

[0063] In the embodiment of FIG. 13 , the area of ​​the gap 184 is large, and when the coil 140 is excited, the magnetic circuit may become saturated at the connecting portion 183. However, even in this case, the magnetic circuit is formed by passing through the gap 184. Therefore, using a magnetic material for the leaf spring member 180 is a desirable design for forming the magnetic circuit, but non-magnetic materials such as stainless steel or resin may also be used. In this case, magnetic flux will jump from the housing 120 to the moving core 160, reducing magnetic efficiency, but the vibration device 100 will still function.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the moving core 160 is prevented from contacting the stator core 150 by adjusting the air gap between the moving core 160 and the stator core 150, adjusting the voltage and application time of the coil 140, and adjusting the elastic coefficient of the leaf spring member 180. This is a desirable mode for quiet operation of the vibration device 100. However, it is also possible to design the vibration device 100 to allow the moving core 160 to contact the stator core 150 to some extent. In this case, it is desirable to form a coating on both or either of the moving core 160 and the stator core 150 that suppresses the collision noise between the moving core 160 and the stator core 150.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the gaps 184 are formed between the connecting portions 183 of the flat spring component 180. This is a desirable embodiment in terms of adjusting the rigidity of the flat spring component 180 and suppressing the generation of sound by the flat spring component 180. Furthermore, the shape of the gaps 184 can be devised to prevent the generation of rotational components during elastic deformation of the connecting portions 183, making this a desirable embodiment in that sense as well. However, the gaps 184 may be reduced in size or eliminated by devising the material, plate thickness, etc. of the flat spring component 180. Even in a configuration without the gaps 184, it is possible to vibrate the vibration device 100 at a natural frequency of 10 to 200 Hz. Furthermore, even in a configuration without the gaps 184, the generation of sound can be suppressed to some extent.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the shape of the leaf spring member 180 is devised so that the moving core 160 moves back and forth correctly along the axis when the leaf spring member 180 elastically deforms. This is a desirable embodiment because it can suppress tilting and rolling of the moving core 160. However, some tilting of the moving core 160 is permitted due to tolerances in the manufacturing process, etc. Therefore, in this disclosure, when it is said that the leaf spring member 180 does not generate a rotational component around the center point when the connecting portion 183 elastically deforms, this includes unavoidable rotation.

[0067] Note that the above is a preferred example of the present disclosure, and it is desirable that the vibration device 100 of the present disclosure share parts with the horn 10. However, for example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the vibration device 100 may be designed independently of the horn 10. In this case, there are no parts shared with the horn 10, but it is possible to use knowledge about the horn 10 when designing the vibration device 100. Therefore, the fact that the vibration device 100 of the present disclosure can be shared with the horn means that knowledge about either can be used in the design concept, not limited to the shape of specific parts.

[0068] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the manufacturing line for the vibration device 100 can be shared with the manufacturing line for the horn 10, thereby reducing production costs. This is a desirable example of the use of the present disclosure. However, depending on the destination, it is possible to produce only the vibration device 100. Even in a manufacturing line for only the vibration device 100, it is possible to utilize knowledge from the manufacturing line for the horn 10. To avoid any doubt, even if a dedicated manufacturing line for the vibration device 100 is set up, it is possible to adopt technologies that can also be used in the manufacturing line for the horn 10 for assembly, inspection, etc. Furthermore, the materials and sizes described in the above example are examples of the present disclosure and can be replaced with other materials, etc. For example, the housing 120, stator core 150, and moving core 160 may be made of any magnetic material other than iron.

[0069] Furthermore, a desirable application of the vibration device 100 of the present disclosure is as a haptic device for alerting occupants in automobiles and saddle-riding vehicles. In particular, haptic devices that can alert occupants without appealing to their visual sense will become increasingly important in vehicles. However, the application of the vibration device 100 is not necessarily limited to vehicles. It can be used as a device that generates vibrations in various vibrated parts.

[0070] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple clauses. Some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause referring to the preceding clause as an alternative. Furthermore, some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, referring to another multiple dependent clause. These multiple dependent clauses define multiple technical ideas.

[0071] (Technical thought 1) a housing made of a magnetic material having a disk-shaped bottom and a cylindrical side portion integrally continuing from the bottom, the end of the side portion being open; a ring-shaped coil disposed at the bottom of the housing and excited when energized; a stator core made of a magnetic material arranged on the inner periphery of the coil at the bottom of the housing; a moving core made of a magnetic material and arranged inside the housing to face the stator core; a leaf spring member that has an outer circumferential portion fixed to the open end of the side portion of the housing, an inner circumferential portion fixed to the moving core, and a connecting portion that connects the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion, the leaf spring member being formed from a single piece of elastic material and biasing the moving core in a direction that separates it from the stator core, When the coil is energized, a magnetic circuit is formed between the stator core and the moving core, the leaf spring member allows the moving core to vibrate when the coil is energized, The natural frequency of the vibration device caused by the vibration of the leaf spring member and the moving core is 10 Hz or more and 200 Hz or less. Vibration device.

[0072] (Technical thought 2) The leaf spring member has a plurality of connecting portions and gaps formed between the connecting portions, thereby reducing its rigidity and reducing the natural frequency compared to a leaf spring member without gaps. A vibration device according to technical idea 1.

[0073] (Technical Thought 3) The plurality of connecting portions of the leaf spring member are bent between the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion, and have improved rigidity compared to connecting portions not having bent portions, and have a different natural frequency from connecting portions not having bent portions. A vibration device according to Technical Idea 2.

[0074] (Technical Thought 4) the plurality of connecting portions of the leaf spring member are symmetrical with respect to a center point, The leaf spring member does not generate a rotational component around a center point when the connecting portion is elastically deformed. A vibration device according to any one of technical concepts 2 and 3.

[0075] (Technical Thought 5) The outer periphery of the leaf spring member is formed with an annular wall portion bent toward the opposite side from the housing, and the natural frequency of the leaf spring member is different from that of a leaf spring member having no wall portion. A vibration device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 4.

[0076] (Technical Thought 6) a resonance member is not provided on the opposite side of the housing from the bottom portion across the leaf spring member; Only the natural frequency of the leaf spring member is used, and harmonic resonance does not exist. A vibration device according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 5.

[0077] (Technical Thought 7) The natural frequency of the vibration device caused by the vibration of the leaf spring member and the moving core is 50 Hz or more and 150 Hz or less. A vibration device according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 6.

[0078] (Technical Thought 8) The housing and the vibrated portion are not rigidly connected, and the housing is held so as to be vibrable relative to the vibrated portion. A vibration device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 7.

[0079] (Technical Thought 9) the vibrated portion on which the housing is disposed is a vehicle seat, and the seat is provided with a storage space for holding the vibration device; The housing is stored in the storage space of the seat. The vibration device according to Technical Idea 8, characterized in that:

[0080] (Technical Thought 10) The vibration device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 9, A control device is provided to switch between energizing and de-energizing the coil. Vibration system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 100 Vibration device 120 Housing 140 coils 150 stator core 160 Moving Core 180 Leaf spring components 183 Connecting part 184 Cavity 220 Control device

Claims

1. a housing made of a magnetic material having a disk-shaped bottom and a cylindrical side portion integrally continuing from the bottom, the end of the side portion being open; a ring-shaped coil disposed at the bottom of the housing and excited when energized; a stator core made of a magnetic material arranged on the inner periphery of the coil at the bottom of the housing; a moving core made of a magnetic material and arranged inside the housing to face the stator core; a leaf spring member that has an outer circumferential portion fixed to the open end of the side portion of the housing, an inner circumferential portion fixed to the moving core, and a connecting portion that connects the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion, the leaf spring member being formed from a single piece of elastic material and biasing the moving core in a direction that separates it from the stator core, When the coil is energized, a magnetic circuit is formed between the stator core and the moving core, the leaf spring member allows the moving core to vibrate when the coil is energized, A vibration device in which the natural frequency of the vibration device caused by vibration of the leaf spring member and the moving core is 10 hertz or more and 200 hertz or less.

2. The leaf spring member has a plurality of connecting portions and gaps formed between the connecting portions, thereby reducing its rigidity and reducing the natural frequency compared to a leaf spring member without gaps. The vibration device according to claim 1 .

3. The plurality of connecting portions of the leaf spring member are bent between the outer circumferential portion and the inner circumferential portion, and have improved rigidity compared to connecting portions not having bent portions, and have natural frequencies different from those of connecting portions not having bent portions. The vibration device according to claim 2 .

4. the plurality of connecting portions of the leaf spring member are symmetrical with respect to a center point, The leaf spring member does not generate a rotational component around a center point when the connecting portion is elastically deformed. The vibration device according to claim 2 .

5. The outer periphery of the leaf spring member is formed with an annular wall portion bent toward the opposite side from the housing, and the natural frequency of the leaf spring member is different from that of a leaf spring member having no wall portion. The vibration device according to claim 1 .

6. a resonance member is not provided on the opposite side of the housing from the bottom portion across the leaf spring member; Only the natural frequency of the leaf spring member is used, and harmonic resonance does not exist. The vibration device according to claim 1 .

7. The natural frequency of the vibration device caused by the vibration of the leaf spring member and the moving core is 50 Hz to 150 Hz. The vibration device according to claim 1 .

8. The housing and the vibrated portion are not rigidly connected, and the housing is held so as to be vibrable relative to the vibrated portion. The vibration device according to claim 1.

9. the vibrated portion on which the housing is disposed is a vehicle seat, and the seat is provided with a storage space for holding the vibration device; The housing is stored in the storage space of the seat. The vibration device according to claim 8.

10. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; A control device is provided to switch between energizing and de-energizing the coil. Vibration system.

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