Planar vibration motor for portable devices and portable devices equipped therewith

Abstract

A planar vibration motor for portable devices and portable devices equipped with the motor. The planar vibration motor is optimized for portable devices such as toothbrushes and razors. The motor features an armature having a body and shaft, and a stator assembly having two stators separated by a stator support. This arrangement allows for unrestricted movement of the armature within a parallel magnetic field. Elastic links connect the armature to the stator assembly, promoting frictionless vibration perpendicular to the magnetic field. A toothbrush featuring the planar vibration motor provides a planar brushing motion. A razor equipped with this motor can be more compact and operate more quietly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric motor used in a portable device.

Background Art

[0002] Portable devices such as electric toothbrushes, electric shavers, and various reciprocating cutting tools usually incorporate an electric motor for driving an implement. For operations on specific human body surfaces such as teeth and skin, these implements are more effectively driven by a planar vibration motor than other types of power such as rotary or swivel motors. Although devices equipped with a planar vibration motor have certain usefulness, they are often troubled by difficulties in lateral movement arrangement, operation control, and force control, especially in various consumer and industrial applications.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present application relates to an electric motor. In some embodiments, the present application includes a planar vibration motor that can be used in a portable device and a portable device equipped with the planar vibration motor. In some examples, the portable device may be a toothbrush or a shaver.

[0004] In one embodiment, an armature is provided that includes a body and a shaft attached to the body. Further, a stator assembly is provided that includes a first stator, a second stator, and a stator support, and the first stator and the second stator are separated by the stator support that defines a space for unrestricted movement of the armature body within a parallel magnetic field generated between the stators. The armature is connected to the stator assembly (a) directly or (b) indirectly via a third component fixed to the stator assembly, and one or more elastic links are provided that facilitate frictionless vibration of the armature on a plane substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field direction.

[0005] In further embodiments, the armature includes one or more bearings that help facilitate the frictionless vibration by limiting the inclination of the armature with respect to a plane perpendicular to the magnetic field direction. One or more elastic links may be attached to the stator assembly via one or more stator supports. The bearings may be of the rotary type, positioned coaxially or perpendicularly to the shaft, or linear bearings, positioned parallel to the plane of motion of the armature. In some embodiments, the armature includes a coil, and the stator assembly includes one or more permanent magnets, and the first and second stators are coupled such that the magnetic field lines are parallel when they intersect the coil. Additionally or alternatively, the armature may include one or more permanent magnets, and the stator assembly may include a coil, which allows the magnetic field lines to remain parallel to each other as they cross the coil.

[0006] Some embodiments include a sensor that detects the tilt of the armature relative to a plane perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field, triggered by an external force on the shaft. This motor can be incorporated into various portable devices within a handle housing.

[0007] One application involves a toothbrush incorporating a planar vibration motor, a motor driver, and a detachably engaged brush tip that provides planar motion to the brush tip. The toothbrush may also include a driver with bearings that limit the tilting of the armature due to external forces on the brush tip, and a position sensor that monitors the tilting of the armature relative to the stator assembly.

[0008] In another application, the razor may include a planar vibrating motor and a cooperatively engaging cutting implement. The razor may also include a blade cartridge comprising a statically toothed blade and a dynamically toothed blade that detachably engages with the motor via an adaptive joint. Optionally, the dynamic or statically toothed blades may be coated with PVD, and adaptive magnets within the cartridge may enhance the engagement between the blades.

[0009] A control method according to some embodiments includes the steps of monitoring the tilt of the armature, activating the motor when the tilt exceeds a preset threshold, and deactivating the motor when the tilt falls below another preset threshold. The two preset thresholds may be the same. The method may also include the step of adjusting the motor output in steps in relation to the elapsed time since the threshold was reached, or based on the tilt measurement.

[0010] The configuration of this invention can advantageously enable adaptable, efficient, and controlled motor operation suitable for a wide range of applications, while offering advantages achievable with planar vibration motors, including quieter operation, improved comfort, increased performance efficiency, and a simpler structural design.

[0011] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which illustrates the principle of the invention.

[0012] A better understanding of the present invention will be obtained by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar numbers refer to the same parts throughout the view. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a planar vibration motor according to the present invention, highlighting selected cross-sectional components to illustrate the internal structure in detail. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a planar vibration motor, showing in detail the arrangement and assembly of its components. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a planar vibration motor in which the elastic link is directly fixed to the stator assembly, illustrating a specific mounting method. [Figure 4] This figure shows the inclination of the armature relative to the stator in the planar vibration motor shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a planar vibration motor with design variations. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the planar vibration motor, illustrating in detail the differences in component design and assembly from the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 5 shows a planar vibration motor in which elastic links and bearings constrain the armature to facilitate its frictionless planar motion. [Figure 8] This is a partial broken side view of an exemplary embodiment of a toothbrush incorporating a planar vibration motor, illustrating how the motor is integrated into the toothbrush design. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a toothbrush, showing in detail the internal components and their assembly. [Figure 10] This is a partially broken side view of an exemplary embodiment of a razor incorporating a planar vibration motor. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is an exploded view of a razor, showing in detail how the components are assembled and how they work within the razor. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is an exploded view of a planar vibration motor incorporated into a razor. [Figure 13] This is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a planar vibration motor with design variations. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is an exploded view of the planar vibration motor, illustrating in detail the differences in component design and assembly from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" may include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including", and "having" indicate the inclusion of the described features or components and do not exclude others. The order of the described method steps and processes does not imply a required order unless specifically specified, and alternative or additional steps may be incorporated.

[0015] References to an element being "connected", "engaged", or "coupled" to another element may include direct connection or the presence of intervening elements. That is, it is within the scope of this disclosure for each of these terms to include both direct connection and indirect connection including intervening elements. When the term "directly" is prefixed to any of these terms, it means there are no intervening elements. The term "and / or" covers one or more combinations of the associated listed items.

[0016] Numerical descriptors such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are used for identification and distinction and do not imply a particular order. Spatial terms such as "inner", "outer", "left", "right", etc. are used to describe the position relative to other components as shown in the drawings, but may vary depending on the different orientations of the device in use.

[0017] The term "about" allows for a variance of ±10% from the described value and acknowledges a reasonable level of accuracy within the art.

[0018] The information and references included in this section are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the claims. This description does not cover all possible embodiments as that would be impractical. Instead, it includes acceptable changes, deletions, and substitutions as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0019] Unless otherwise specified, each drawing and its elements are consistently referred to throughout the description. This disclosure, together with the accompanying drawings, provides a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments and conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0020] The information, data, or specifications included in this section, including the references cited herein and their descriptions or discussions, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting the subject matter defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a planar vibration motor 02 according to the present invention. This motor 02 can generate planar vibration motion via a shaft 112.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, a detailed exemplary embodiment of the planar vibration motor 02 of FIG. 1 includes a stator assembly 100 including a first stator 102, a second stator 104, an armature 106, a position sensor 180, vertically arranged elastic links 108a / 108b, three sets of stator supports 110a / 110b, 134a / 134b, 136a / 136b, and a shaft 112 having anti-rotation surfaces 112a and anti-slip notches 112b. The stator supports 110a / 110b, 134a / 134b, 136a / 136b can be a support structure configured to separate the first stator 102 and the second stator 104 against the magnetic attraction therebetween. These supports form a positioning mechanism that together fixes the first stator 102 and the second stator 104 against the magnetic force therebetween, together with positioning cuts 138a / 138b and 140a / 140b, and pairs of first and second middle cuts 130a / 130b, 132a / 132b. In some embodiments, methods such as welding or adhesive bonding may be used to enhance the security of the first stator 102 and the second stator 104.

[0023] The first stator 102 and the second stator 104 are substantially flat, elongated, and spaced apart so as to extend parallel to each other. The first stator 102 may include a first stator back 114 with a sensor mounting hole 114a to which a position sensor 180 is attached, and a first magnet pair 118a / 118b. The second stator 104 may include a second stator back 116 and a second magnet pair 120a / 120b. Both magnet pairs may be made of any suitable material, such as NdFeB, and are elongated, flat, and magnetized in opposite directions perpendicular to the stator backs 114 and 116. The orientation of the magnets is shown in Figure 2. The magnets are spaced apart laterally and may be securely attached to their respective stator backs with adhesive (such as glue or mechanical fasteners).

[0024] In some embodiments, the stator backs 114 and 116 are cold-formed metal sheets incorporating first and second middle cuts 130a / 130b and 132a / 132b pairs, stator supports 134a / 134b and 136a / 136b, and positioning cuts 138a / 138b and 140a / 140b.

[0025] The armature 106 includes an armature coil 122, a coil holder 124 to which the shaft 112 is extended or fixed, and a bearing 126. The sensor trigger 178 is fixed to the coil holder 124, for example, on the side of the coil holder 124 facing the position sensor 180. Both the armature coil 122 and the coil holder 124 may be substantially elongated, flat, and of similar thickness. The armature coil 122, for example an air-core coil, includes two relatively long sides 128a / 128b, such long sides 128a / 128b being parallel to the shaft 112. The elastic links 108a / 108b may be curved, slender metal objects that can be manufactured by stamping or other cold forming methods. The stator supports 110a / 110b can be made of metal or plastic. The shaft 112, made of metal or non-metallic material, is secured to the coil holder 124 by fasteners (mechanical or otherwise), insert molding, or injection molding. The armature coil 122 may be made of self-adhesive magnetic wire with a rectangular cross-section. The coil holder 124, made of metal such as aluminum, or non-metallic material such as plastic or carbon fiber, may be formed by plastic injection molding to securely and firmly mount the armature coil 122.

[0026] The elasticity of the elastic links 108a / 108b may depend on the material and structure. The elastic links 108a / 108b can be made from metallic materials such as stainless steel or copper alloys, or non-metallic materials such as polymers (PU, POM) or rubber, and may be reinforced with fibers. Regarding structural factors, both the curvature and deflection of the slender object can affect the elasticity. The elasticity of the elastic links 108a / 108b may be determined by factors such as the holding force on the armature 106, the vibration amplitude, and the operating frequency. The elasticity of the elastic links 108a / 108b can consistently drive the armature 106 toward its central plane and may assist the vibration of the armature 106, particularly resonant vibrations.

[0027] One exemplary embodiment involves integrating an armature coil 122, a shaft 112 with bearings 126, and both elastic links 108a / 108b and stator supports 110a / 110b as inserts into a coil holder 124 via plastic injection molding. Here, the elastic links 108a / 108b can be pre-fixed to the stator supports 110a / 110b by mechanical connection or plastic injection molding. The rigid support 110a features a first set of adaptive ends 142a / 142b, and the rigid support 110b has a second set 144a / 144b, each geometrically fitted with a middle cut 132a / 132b.

[0028] When the rigid support 110a is pinned to the middle cuts 130a / 132a, the rigid support 110b is pinned to the middle cuts 130b / 132b, and the stator supports 134a / 134b and 136a / 136b are pinned to the second positioning cut pair 140a / 140b and the first positioning cut pair 138a / 138b, respectively, the first stator 102 and the second stator 104 are positioned symmetrically around the armature 106. At the same time, one of the first magnet pairs 118a, one of the second magnet pairs 120a, and one long side 128a of the armature coil 122 are substantially aligned in the layer direction, and one of the first magnet pairs 118b, one of the second magnet pairs 120b, and another long side 128b of the armature coil 122 are also substantially aligned in the layer direction.

[0029] The first stator 102 and the second stator 104 are coupled to create a specific magnetic field interaction with the armature 106. Magnetic field lines from magnet 118a to magnet 120a cross one long side 128a of the armature coil 122 in one direction, while magnetic field lines from magnet 118b to magnet 120b cross the other long side 128b of the armature coil 122 in opposite directions. This arrangement may be advantageous for generating the desired electromagnetic force that facilitates the planar motion of the armature 106.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first stator 102 and the second stator 104 are designed to be identical or substantially identical and can be positioned symmetrically around the armature coil 122. This symmetry may be beneficial for balancing forces and ensuring smooth operation of the motor.

[0031] The elastic links 108a / 108b are components that connect the armature 106 to the stator assembly 100, for example, directly, or at least without using a third component, and / or indirectly via a third component as described with respect to Figure 13 below. The described connections may favorably facilitate, and even enable, the frictionless movement of the armature within a defined plane. These elastic links 108a / 108b may be made from metal sheets and mounted on the armature 106 such that their thickness is aligned parallel to the magnetic field. This orientation may favorably serve to maintain the structural integrity and responsiveness of the movement mechanism.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the elastic links 108a / 108b are directly fixed to the side walls 116a / 116b of the stator backs 114 / 116. Figure 3 shows these connections in more detail, indicating that the supports are fixed to the side walls via four rivets 176, providing a robust and reliable mechanical connection.

[0033] A position sensor 180 is used to sense the tilt of the armature 106 relative to the stator back 114 / 116. This sensor can be a Hall sensor, a capacitive sensor, or an inductive sensor, depending on the specific requirements of the application. The choice of sensor type affects the design of the sensor trigger 178, which can be made from materials such as magnets, metals, or plastics, each suitable for different types of sensors and trigger mechanisms.

[0034] The assembly process for the plane vibration motor 02 outlined in Figure 1 can be achieved through the following detailed steps:

[0035] Step 1: Stator Installation Secure the first magnet pair 118a / 118b to the first stator back 114. Attach the second magnet pair 120a / 120b to the second stator back 116. This can be done simultaneously with, or before, the attachment of the first magnet pair 118a / 118b to the first stator back 114. These fixing steps may advantageously allow for proper positioning of the magnetic components to create the magnetic field necessary for motor operation.

[0036] Step 2: Armature Installation After the stator is installed, the bearing 126 is installed on the shaft 112. The elastic links 108a / 108b are secured to the stator support 110a / 110b by insert molding or mechanical fasteners. The assembly of the armature 106 is completed by combining the shaft 112 with the bearing 126, the armature coil 122, and the elastic links 108a / 108b with the coil holder 124 through a plastic injection molding process. During this process, the sensor trigger 178 can be attached to or extruded from the coil holder 124, depending on the design requirements.

[0037] Step 3: Assembly of the Planar Vibration Motor After the armature is installed, the armature 106 is placed on the first stator 102. In this configuration, the stator supports 110a / 110b can fit the first middle cut pair 130a / 130b. The first adaptable end set 142a / 142b of the stator supports can fit the first middle cut pair 130a / 130b. The second stator 104 is placed on top of the armature 106, and the second stator back 116 is fixed to both the first stator back 114 and the stator supports 110a / 110b. In this configuration, the stator supports 134a / 134b can fit the second positioning cut pair 140a / 140b, and the stator supports 136a / 136b can fit the first positioning cut pair 138a / 138b. The second set of adaptive ends 144a / 144b of the stator support 110a / 110b fits into the second pair of middle cuts 132a / 132b to prevent lateral movement of the stator support 110a / 110b. A position sensor 180 is mounted on the first stator back 114 above the sensor mounting hole 114a. This sensor may be functionally coupled with a sensor trigger 178 to enable detection and control of the armature tilt.

[0038] Steps 1-3 described above are presented sequentially, and the substeps are also presented sequentially, but the method is within the scope of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art will understand that the steps can be performed in any reasonable order to achieve the desired planar vibration motor 02.

[0039] The operation process of the plane vibration motor 02 described involves several mechanisms and components that interact to generate the desired motion. An example of the operation of the plane vibration motor 02 is as follows:

[0040] 1. Energizing the Armature Coil: When the armature coil 122 is energized, current flows along its long sides 128a / 128b. Considering the arrangement of magnets in the stators (first stator 102 and second stator 104), these currents intersect the magnetic field lines. According to the Lorentz law, a force (lateral force) perpendicular to the direction of the current and magnetic field is exerted on the armature 106. This force causes the shaft 112 to move within the constraints imposed by the elastic links 108a / 108b.

[0041] 2. Shaft Vibration The armature 106 is vibrated by applying a bidirectional current pulse or a bipolar PWM (pulse width modulation) drive signal. This vibration occurs on a plane defined by elastic links 108a / 108b, which are designed to allow such movement while controlling the motion path.

[0042] 3. Tilt and Motion Control: The armature 106 can tilt relative to a reference plane perpendicular to the magnetic field due to the flexibility of the elastic links 108a / 108b. This tilt is shown in Figure 4. The bearing 126 helps facilitate this frictionless planar motion (100% frictionless or nearly 100% frictionless planar motion and / or vibration, etc.) and limits excessive tilt of the armature 106. In some applications, such as electric shavers, the bearing may be omitted if tilt control is not critical or if the bearing is undesirable. In this case, such embodiments utilize the elastic links 108a / 108b to provide the necessary motion control. In other applications, such as electric toothbrushes, where controlling the amplitude of tilt is critical, or in any application, the bearing 126 may be included. The bearing 126 limits the tilt by potentially contacting either the first stator back 114 or the second stator back 116, depending on the direction and degree of tilt.

[0043] Furthermore, the process may include monitoring and measuring changes in tilt, activating power to the motor when the tilt exceeds a preset value, and deactivating power to the motor when the tilt falls below the preset value. This may include, in particular, gradually increasing the motor output over time when the tilt exceeds the preset value, and gradually decreasing the power until it stops when the tilt falls below the preset value. Monitoring and measuring changes in tilt may be performed in real time or near real time to iteratively change the power when a change in tilt occurs or a preset threshold is reached.

[0044] In the current configuration, bearing 126 is a rotating ball bearing designed to limit tilt and facilitate frictionless planar motion. It may be positioned between two parallel surfaces provided directly or indirectly by an equivalent structure fixed to the stator back 114 / 116 or stator assembly 100. The outer diameter of bearing 126 may be smaller than the distance between these surfaces. As shown in Figure 4, bearing 126 may be constrained by the surface of the stator back 114 at contact point 182.

[0045] The rotating bearing 126 is particularly advantageous because other bearings, such as linear bearings, significantly limit tilt while facilitating the frictionless planar motion of the armature 106, making it difficult to measure lateral forces using the position sensor 180. Thus, the described configuration can advantageously facilitate the frictionless planar motion of the armature while enabling the measurement of changes in tilt using the position sensor 180.

[0046] 4. Sensing and Control Mechanism: The position sensor 180 is used to measure or detect the force applied to the shaft 112 by measuring the tilt of the armature relative to a plane perpendicular to the stator assembly or the magnetic field direction, due to the external force applied to the shaft 112. This sensor can generate a signal that reflects these parameters. In many applications, continuous monitoring of tilt or force is unnecessary or not utilized. Instead, a pulse or step signal from the position sensor 180 is sufficient. For example, a capacitive sensor may output a high-level or low-level voltage signal when the tilt exceeds a preset threshold. The motor 02 can be programmed to start when it detects the leading edge of a pulse or step signal and stop after a preset time or when it detects another signal.

[0047] This operating process highlights the unique design and functionality of the Planar Vibration Motor 02, enabling precise control of movement and force application in a variety of consumer and industrial applications. The integration of sensors and flexible supports allows for adaptable, efficient, and controlled motor operation suitable for a wide range of applications.

[0048] In a particular embodiment of the planar vibration motor 02, the second stator 104 may omit the second magnet pair 120a / 120b.

[0049] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a planar vibration motor 02 capable of providing planar vibration motion via a shaft 112. This embodiment, shown in detail in Figures 6 and 7, includes a shaft 112 featuring a first stator 102, a second stator 104, an armature 106, vertically positioned elastic links 109a / 109b, stator supports 110a / 110b, 134a / 134b, 136a / 136b, and engaging balls 112c, with a bearing 126 attached to the tail of the armature.

[0050] The first stator 102 features a first stator back 114 with a pair of first middle cuts 130a / 130b and a first coil 150 with a pair of first long sides 154a / 154b parallel to the axis of the shaft 112. Similarly, the second stator 104 features a second stator back 116 with a pair of second middle cuts 132a / 132b and a second coil 152 with a pair of second long sides 156a / 156b parallel to the axis of the shaft 112. Both the first stator back 114 and the second stator back 116 are flat, elongated, and can be made of a soft magnetic material such as a metal sheet of low-carbon steel or ferritic stainless steel. The first coil 150 and the second coil 152 are also flat, elongated, and are securely mounted to their respective stator backs. In some embodiments, the first stator 102 and the second stator 104 are identical or substantially identical in dimensions and function, and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central plane of the armature 106.

[0051] The armature 106 includes a pair of armature magnets 146a / 146b, a magnet holder 148, and a shaft 112 fixed to the magnet holder. The armature magnets 146a / 146b, made from Nd-Fe-B or a similar material, are permanent magnets. The magnet holder 148, which can be made by injection molding from metal or plastic, holds the armature magnets. Both the magnets and the holder are elongated, flat objects of similar thickness.

[0052] The armature magnets 146a / 146b are attached to the magnet holder 148 using any one or a combination of various methods, such as adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or as inserts in the plastic injection molding of the magnet holder. Furthermore, each armature magnet (146a or 146b) may include two identical laminates held together by magnetic force and attached to the magnet holder. As shown in Figure 6, the magnetic poles of the armature magnets 146a / 146b are oriented in opposite directions.

[0053] The shaft 112, featuring the engaging ball 112c, is made of metal and is fixed to or extends directly from the magnet holder. The elastic links 109a / 109b may be U-shaped metal pieces stamped from a metal sheet. The stator supports 110a / 110b are made of metal or plastic, as described in Figure 1. As in the embodiment of Figure 1, the stator supports 110a / 110b may correspond to the stator supports and the elastic links 109a / 109b may correspond to the elastic links. In some examples, the elastic links 109a / 109b may have a lower hardness (measured on Shore hardness or other scales) than the stator supports 110a / 110b.

[0054] In the described assembly, the stator support advantageously allows for the maintenance of structural integrity and arrangement of components within the planar vibration motor. For example, the following configuration may be applied:

[0055] The rigid support 110a can be placed within the middle cut 130a of the first stator and the middle cut 132a of the second stator. The rigid support 110b can similarly be pinned within the middle cut 130b of the first stator and the middle cut 132b of the second stator.

[0056] This arrangement helps to favorably stabilize and fix the positioning of the stator relative to the armature. Furthermore, the stator supports 134a / 134b are pinned to a second pair of positioning cuts 140a / 140b, respectively, and the stator supports 136a / 136b are pinned to a first pair of positioning cuts 138a / 138b, respectively.

[0057] This precise arrangement of the support members advantageously ensures that the first stator 102 and the second stator 104 are symmetrically positioned around the armature 106, which can contribute to the balanced operation of the motor.

[0058] Furthermore, the arrangement of the coils and magnets may enable more optimal magnetic interaction, for example, by: one long side of the first coil (154a) and one long side of the second coil (156a) being aligned centrally with the armature magnet 146b; similarly, the other long side of the first coil (154b) and the other long side of the second coil (156b) being aligned centrally with the armature magnet 146a.

[0059] This central overlap of the coil and magnet allows for efficient generation and transmission of magnetic force, facilitating the intended oscillating motion of the armature within the motor structure. This arrangement can ensure that the motor operates efficiently and with its intended mechanical precision.

[0060] As a variation from the embodiment shown in Figure 1, two vertically positioned elastic links 109a and 109b are located at the front of the armature 106. These supports may be beneficial in maintaining the position of the armature and facilitating its frictionless planar motion. A bearing 126 is mounted at the rear of the armature 106 to further assist this motion.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, the U-shaped elastic links 109a / 109b are attached to the magnet holder 148 at one end and to the first stator back 114 at the other end. The connection to the magnet holder 148 can be achieved by methods such as injection molding or the use of mechanical fasteners, and the attachment to the first stator back 114 can be secured by spot welding.

[0062] The assembly process for the plane vibration motor 02 shown in Figure 5 includes the following steps:

[0063] Step 1: Stator Assembly Using adhesive, securely attach the first coil 150 to the first stator back 114 and the second coil 152 to the second stator back 116. This completes the assembly of the first stator 102 and the second stator 104.

[0064] Step 2: Armature Construction The armature 106 is constructed primarily by plastic injection molding. Before the injection process, the elastic links 109a / 109b and shaft 112 are inserted into the mold. The armature magnets 146a / 146b are secured to the magnet holder 148 using adhesive. The bearing 126 is attached to the magnet holder 148 by fasteners, welding, or as an insert during the injection molding process. The shaft 112, including the engaging ball 112c, may also be formed as an extrusion from the magnet holder 148 during molding.

[0065] Step 3: Assembling the Planar Vibration Motor Place the assembled armature 106 onto the first stator 102. Secure the free ends of the elastic links 109a / 109b to the first stator back 114 using spot welding. Install the stator supports 110a / 110b onto the corresponding pairs of first middle cuts 130a / 130b. Place the second stator 104 on top of the armature 106 and ensure that all stator supports 110a / 110b, 134a / 134b, and 136a / 136b fit onto their respective middle cuts 132a / 132b, positioning cuts 138a / 138b, and 140a / 140b.

[0066] Steps 1-3 described above are presented sequentially, and the substeps are also presented sequentially, but the method is within the scope of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art will understand that the steps can be performed in any reasonable order to achieve the desired planar vibration motor 02.

[0067] This structured approach allows for the precise and efficient assembly of the motor, potentially promoting optimal performance and reliability.

[0068] The operation process of the plane vibration motor 02, shown in detail in Figure 5, is outlined as follows:

[0069] Operation of the Planar Vibration Motor 02:

[0070] Energizing the coils: The first coil 150 and the second coil 152 are energized using bipolar pulse voltage or pulse width modulation (PWM). This creates magnetic fields passing through the first and second coils in opposite directions.

[0071] Vibration mechanism: When both coils are energized simultaneously with a bipolar pulse voltage, the resulting electromagnetic force causes the armature 106 to vibrate along the plane defined by the elastic links 109a / 109b and bearing 126.

[0072] Frequency and Amplitude Control: The motor can operate at a specific resonant frequency to achieve higher amplitude vibrations, or at a non-resonant frequency for lower amplitudes. The resonant frequency can be adjusted by changing the total mass of the armature 106 or by modifying the stiffness of the elastic links 109a / 109b.

[0073] This method allows for precise control of the motor's vibrational motion and can be tailored to specific applications requiring variable amplitude and frequency.

[0074] Figure 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a toothbrush 04 according to this application. This toothbrush features a brush handle 158 and a detachable brush tip 160 connected to the shaft 112 of a planar vibration motor 02 housed within the brush handle 158. The brush tip 160 is capable of performing planar vibration motion. The included planar vibration motor 02 may be configured as shown in Figure 1, as shown in Figure 5, or any combination thereof.

[0075] The toothbrush 04, shown in detail in Figure 9, includes several components: a brush handle 158, which is used to house the planar vibration motor 02, and includes a handle housing 162, a motor driver 164, a battery 166, and a retaining frame 168.

[0076] Seals: The front seal 172 and rear seal 174 can advantageously ensure watertightness. The front seal 172, characterized by a seal housing end 172a and a seal shaft end 172b, is adapted to the handle housing 162 and shaft 112, respectively, ensuring a watertight connection. The rear seal 174 typically functions as an O-ring.

[0077] Internal space 170: Defined by the handle housing 162 along with the front and rear seals, this space houses the battery 166, motor driver 164, and plane vibration motor 02. The motor shaft 112 extends outside the internal space 170 through the front seal 172.

[0078] This configuration advantageously allows the toothbrush to be both functional and watertight, making it suitable for everyday use while enabling the brush tip 160 to perform an effective planar oscillating motion for improved cleaning performance.

[0079] The handle housing 162 is a hollow object with a fully open bottom 162a and a partially open top 162b, and can be made of plastic, metal, or ceramic. The front seal 172 and rear seal 174 can be made of rubber or flexible plastic. The retaining frame 168 includes a motor chamber 190 and a battery chamber 192 for housing the planar vibration motor 02 and the battery 166, respectively. The retaining frame 168 can be made by plastic injection molding. Both the handle housing 162 and the retaining frame 168 are substantially cylindrical and dimensionally compatible with each other so that the retaining frame 168 can be inserted into the internal space 170 and secured to the handle housing 162 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism or mechanical fasteners such as laser or ultrasonic welding.

[0080] A description of the planar vibration motor 02 of the toothbrush 04 can be found in the exemplary embodiment of the planar vibration motor 02 in Figure 1. The brush tip 160 includes a head body 184 and a bundle of bristles 186 securely attached to the head body 184. The brush tip 160 may be made of plastic made by injection molding, but other suitable materials may be used. The head body 184 includes a shaft receiver 188 that geometrically fits an anti-rotation surface 112a and an anti-slip notch 112b, thereby preventing the brush tip 160 from rotating freely and allowing it to be easily removed from the shaft 112.

[0081] The motor driver 164 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 194, a microcontroller unit (MCU) 196, a sensor chip 198, and a position sensor 180. The position sensor 180 may be a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, or a Hall sensor. In this exemplary embodiment, the position sensor 180 is a capacitive sensor and includes a movable pad 200, a static pad 202, and an insulating layer 201. Both the movable pad 200 and the static pad 202 are conductive, and the insulating layer 201 is incorporated into the capacitor. The movable pad 200 is made of a deformable material such as a metal sheet material. Either (or both) of the movable pad 200 or the static pad 202 can be grounded. If the force applied to the tuft of hairs 186 is sufficiently large, the sensor trigger 178 can deform the movable pad 200, thereby changing the capacitance of the position sensor 180. The change in capacitance is detected by the sensor chip 198, which signals to the MCU 196 with respect to its internal algorithm. The signal may indicate that the force applied to the bristles 186 or the inclination of the shaft 112 relative to the axis of the brush handle 158 exceeds a threshold E.

[0082] The assembly of the exemplary embodiment of toothbrush 04 in Figure 8 can be described as follows.

[0083] Step 1: Place the planar vibration motor 02 in the motor chamber 190 and the battery 166 in the battery chamber 192. Next, secure the motor driver 164 to the retaining frame 168. Then, place the front seal 172 and the rear seal 174 on the retaining frame 168.

[0084] Step 2: The assembled retaining frame 168 is inserted into the internal space 170 through the fully open bottom 162a, which is stopped by the partially open top 162b, with the seal housing end 172a remaining inside the handle housing 162 and the seal shaft end 172b reaching outside the internal space 170 through the partially open top 162b. The assembled retaining frame 168 can be securely held by the handle housing 162 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, welding, or adhesive.

[0085] Step 3: The brush tip 160 is attached to the shaft 112 by pressing it onto the brush handle 158, thereby completing the assembly of the embodiment of the toothbrush 04. Although steps 1 to 3 above are described sequentially, and the substeps are also described sequentially, the method is within the scope of the disclosure, and those skilled in the art will understand that the steps can be performed in any reasonable order to achieve the desired planar vibration motor 02.

[0086] The operation process of the exemplary embodiment of toothbrush 04 described above can be described as follows.

[0087] When the brush tip 160 presses against the tooth with the bristle bundle 186, the sensor trigger 178 moves away from the moving pad 200. As a result, the capacitance of the position sensor 180 suddenly increases, sending a continuous signal (e.g., a high-level voltage) to the MCU 196, which activates the planar vibration motor 02. Next, the tip of the bristle bundle 186 moves along the surface of the tooth, driven by the planar power, cleaning the tooth. The position sensor then stops transmitting a signal, sending a low-level voltage to the MCU 196, which deactivates the planar vibration motor 02. However, for a better user experience, when the MCU 196 receives a signal from the position sensor 180, the start and stop may not occur immediately; the start or stop may be delayed, or it may be an incremental or decrementing scheme of power (e.g., PWM) controlled with respect to the control procedure.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiment of toothbrush 04 shown in Figures 8 and 9, the toothbrush features switchless operation and is designed to allow planar movement of the brush tip. This design not only advantageously improves user convenience but also contributes to the device's inherent water resistance, making it very suitable for the humid environment of oral hygiene routines.

[0089] Further benefits of the toothbrush described herein are as follows:

[0090] 1. Switchless Operation: The toothbrush 04 operates without a conventional mechanical power switch. Instead, it utilizes a position sensor 180 integrated with the control logic of the (MCU) 196. This setup allows the toothbrush to be activated or deactivated based on specific positional cues, such as when the brush tip 160 touches or leaves a tooth.

[0091] 2. Planar motion of the brush tip: The planar vibration motor 02 allows the brush tip 160 to move in a plane, providing effective cleaning through a back-and-forth motion that differs from the typical rotational motion found in many electric toothbrushes.

[0092] 3. Waterproof design: Because there is no mechanical switch, there is no third leak passage other than the two sealed ends of the handle housing 162. Furthermore, the switchless design makes it easier to use metal materials to make the handle housing 162.

[0093] 4. Additional functions comprised of the MCU and sensors: Force detection: The system can detect the amount of force applied during brushing. This is useful for supplying brushing force as needed. Irritation reduction: The transition from one side of the mouth to the other during brushing can cause irritation to the teeth. Combination with position sensor 180 and MCU 196 control logic allows for reducing irritation by adjusting power during the transition.

[0094] 5. Alternatives to Switchless Operation: While one of the described designs is switchless, an alternative method using tactile switches is also possible. This can be implemented for users who prefer physical interaction to turn the device on / off, and may offer advantages to such users.

[0095] Exemplary embodiments of the planar vibration motor 02 shown in Figures 5 and 6 can also function as a substitute for the motor in the toothbrush 04.

[0096] Figure 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a razor 06 according to the present invention. This razor 06 includes a planar vibration motor 02 and a blade cartridge 204 detachably connected to the motor via a shaft 112 featuring an engaging ball 112c. The included planar vibration motor 02 may be the configuration in Figure 1, the configuration in Figure 5, or any combination thereof.

[0097] Referring to Figure 11, the detailed structure of the razor 06 in Figure 10 is shown. The razor includes a planar vibration motor 02, a trimmer housing 206, a control unit 208, a trimmer battery 210, and a holder 212.

[0098] The trimmer housing 206 features a housing body 214, a switch button 216, an upper cap 218 with a rotation guide surface 220 and retaining slots 222, and a housing seal 224. The housing body 214 is an elongated, thin-walled object having an upper opening 230 and a switch opening 232. The upper cap 218 may be hollow. Both the housing body 214 and the upper cap 218 can be manufactured from metal or plastic using injection molding technology. The switch button 216, which can be made from rubber or soft plastic, is fitted tightly across the switch opening 232 to ensure a waterproof seal. The housing seal 224 consists of a body seal 226 and a shaft seal 228, both of which may be made from rubber or soft plastic.

[0099] The holder 212 is a thin-walled part that can also be manufactured by plastic injection molding and is designed to fit snugly within the hollow space of the housing body 214. It houses the planar vibration motor 02 in the motor chamber 234, mounts the control unit 208 to the front wall 236, and secures the trimmer battery 210 to the opposite side of the front wall.

[0100] The blade cartridge 204 includes a statically toothed blade 238 having two rows of static teeth 240 arranged symmetrically on each edge, and a dynamically toothed blade 242 featuring two rows of dynamic teeth 244 arranged symmetrically on each edge.

[0101] Additional components may include a mounting magnet 246, a mounting piece 248, a cartridge holder 250, a joint adapter 258, and a static blade fixture 260. The cartridge holder 250 comprises two identical cartridge legs 252, each having a sliding surface 254 and an elastic member 256.

[0102] The static and dynamic toothed blades 238, 242 may be thin, planar objects having two long, parallel sides, with teeth on at least one side. The static blade can be firmly mounted to the blade cartridge 204, while the dynamic blade 238 may be constrained on the static blade 242, allowing for free movement parallel to the longer side. Both blades 238, 242 have teeth that are aligned one by one, and may be similar in number, shape, and position. The teeth of both the static and dynamic toothed blades 238, 242 can take on a variety of shapes, including spikes, triangles, or squares.

[0103] The system may include a static toothed blade 238, a dynamic toothed blade 242, a mounting piece 248, a spherical adapter 262 made from a U-shaped metal piece, and a static blade fixture 260, which may be constructed from a metal sheet by cold forming. The cartridge leg 252 may be made from a metal sheet and finished together with the static blade fixture 260, or it may be made from plastic and fixed to the static blade fixture 260, thereby forming the cartridge holder 250. The mounting magnet 246 may be fixed to the static toothed blade 238 by welding or riveting and fixed by the static blade fixture 260. The mounting piece 248, made from a soft magnetic material such as SUS430, is also attached to the dynamic toothed blade 242 by welding or riveting. The joint adapter 258 is similarly fixed to the mounting piece 248.

[0104] The dynamically toothed blade 242 is connected to the blade cartridge 204 by magnetic force between the mounting magnet 246 and the mounting piece 248, allowing the dynamic teeth 244 to slide freely in close alignment on the static teeth 240. To reduce friction during sliding, a PVD coating may be applied to either or both of the static toothed blade 238 and the dynamically toothed blade 242.

[0105] Both the sliding surface 254 of the cartridge leg 252 and the rotating guide surface 220 of the upper cap 218 are cylindrical and share the same characteristic of being concentric with the spherical adapter 262. The spherical adapter 262 itself features a pair of spherical crowns that are ideally centered and aligned with both the rotating guide surface 220 and the sliding surface 254.

[0106] As shown in Figure 12, the planar vibration motor 02 of the razor 06 includes a stator assembly 100 comprising a first stator 102 having a first stator back 114 and a first coil 150, and a second stator 104 having a second stator back 116 and a second coil 152. The armature 106 features armature magnets 146a / 146b fixed to a magnet holder 148, and has two opposing armature magnets and a shaft 112 including engaging balls 112c. In particular, the bearing 126 is omitted in this exemplary embodiment, as is the case with the planar vibration motor 02 shown in Figure 5. The elastic links 108a / 108b are as shown in the embodiments from Figure 1.

[0107] The control unit 208 includes a control unit PCB 268, a control MCU 266, and tactile switches 264 arranged around the switch button 216.

[0108] The assembly process of the exemplary embodiment of the razor 06 from Figure 10 is outlined below.

[0109] Step 1: Secure the planar vibration motor 02 to the motor chamber 234 of the holder 212.

[0110] Step 2: Install the control unit 208 and the trimmer battery 210 on opposite sides of the front wall 236 and rear wall 236 of the holder 212, respectively.

[0111] Step 3: Attach the housing seal 224 to the front of the planar vibration motor 02, ensuring that the shaft 112 passes through the shaft seal 228, which waterproofs the shaft.

[0112] Step 4: Insert the holder 212, with all its mounted components, into the housing body 214 through the upper opening 230 until it is fully seated.

[0113] Step 5: Place the upper cap 218 on the housing body 214 to securely enclose the trimmer housing 206, ensuring a waterproof seal and forming the trimmer handle.

[0114] Step 6: Attach the blade cartridge 204 to the trimmer handle. This includes: engaging the engaging ball 112c with the spherical adapter 262 so that the joint adapter 258 can apply an elastic force to grip the engaging ball 112c, allowing it to geometrically fit within the spherical adapter 262 and move freely; aligning the rotation guide surface 220 with the sliding surface 254 to ensure it can rotate freely around the engaging ball 112c; inserting the elastic member 256 into the retaining slot 222 to use the elastic force between the elastic member 256 and the retaining slot 222 to restrict the free rotation of the blade cartridge 204 around the engaging ball 112c. Optionally, both the rotation guide surface 220 and the sliding surface 254 are spherical surfaces that fit together and are concentric with the engaging ball 112c, allowing the blade cartridge 204 to rotate with two degrees of freedom.

[0115] Steps 1-6 described above are sequential, and the substeps are also sequential, but as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the methods within the scope of this disclosure can be performed in any reasonable order to achieve the desired planar vibrating motor 02. The operating procedure of the razor 06 from the described configuration includes a simple yet effective mechanism for hair cutting, driven by the interaction between various components of the apparatus.

[0116] The following are some operational steps and advantages of the described configuration:

[0117] Activation: The user presses switch button 216. This action triggers haptic switch 264, which in turn sends a signal to control MCU 266.

[0118] 2. Motor Operation: Upon receiving a signal from the tactile switch 264, the control MCU 266 starts the planar vibration motor 02. This motor may be advantageous in converting electrical energy into mechanical vibration.

[0119] 3. Vibration transmission: The shaft 112, including the engaging ball 112c, begins to vibrate. This vibration can be advantageous in directly affecting the movement of the attached components.

[0120] 4. Blade motion: The vibrations of the shaft 112 and the engaging ball 112c are transmitted to the dynamic toothed blade 242 through the joint adapter 258. This causes the dynamic toothed blade 242 to vibrate relative to the static toothed blade 238.

[0121] 5. Cutting action: As the dynamic toothed blade 242 vibrates, it moves back and forth relative to the static toothed blade 238. This relative movement between the two sets of teeth (dynamic and static) shears and effectively cuts the hair that enters the teeth.

[0122] The detailed description provided is intended to ensure clarity and understanding of the operating mechanism without imposing unnecessary limitations on the scope of the invention. The intent is to allow modifications and adaptations by those skilled in the art, recognizing that such modifications may arise from the basic principles described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention outlined in the appended claims.

[0123] Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments presented, but is open to modifications that fall within the intended scope of the claims, encouraging innovation and adaptation to meet a variety of needs.

[0124] Figures 13 and 14 show exemplary embodiments of a planar vibration motor 02 capable of providing planar vibration motion via a shaft 112. As detailed in Figure 14, this embodiment includes a shaft 112 having a first stator 102, a second stator 104, an armature 106, elastic links 108, stator supports 110c / 110d, and a coaxially arranged bearing 126, a vertical bearing 126a attached to the tail of the armature, two locking pins 272a and a third component 272 having two link passages 272b fixed to the second stator 106. The embodied planar vibration motor 02 is designed to withstand a lateral load F.

[0125] The first stator 102 may include a first stator back 114 and a first pair of magnets 118a / 118b fixed parallel to the first stator back 114 in opposite polarity directions. Similarly, the second stator 104 comprises a second stator back 116 and a second pair of magnets 120a / 120b fixed to it in the same manner. Both stator backs are flat, elongated, and made of a magnetically soft material. Stator supports 110c / 110d may extend from the stator backs 114 / 116 by bending a metal plate. Pin slots 280a / 280b on the stator backs 114 / 116 fit into the stator supports 110c / 110d, aligning the stator and magnets in parallel. These structures maintain a balance of magnetic forces between the stators 102 / 104 and generate a parallel magnetic field. The stator assembly 100 described herein can be cross-referenced with the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0126] The armature 106 comprises an armature coil 122 and a coil holder 124 to which a shaft 112 is extended or fixed. Both the armature coil 122 and the coil holder 124 are elongated, flat, and of similar thickness. The armature coil 122 is, for example, an air-core coil. The coil holder 124 comprises a bearing housing 286 having a housing cap 278 for housing a vertical bearing 126a, a bearing shaft 274, and a bearing stop 276. The bearing shaft 274 passes through the coil holder 124 and the vertical bearing 126a and can be fixed to the stator back 114 / 116 via shaft holes 282a / 282b. These components allow the armature 106 to rotate freely around the bearing shaft 274. The coil holder 124 is typically made of plastic by plastic injection molding to ensure secure mounting of the armature coil 122 and shaft 112.

[0127] The elastic link 108 is a pre-formed, belt-like component having two suspension lugs 284, and is typically made of a material such as metal sheet, rubber, plastic, carbon fiber, or other fiber-reinforced material. It is attached to the third component 272 by inserting the suspension lugs 284 into locking pins 272a through link passages 272b. When bearing 126 is subjected to force, the elastic link 108 deforms to restrict the bearing's movement from the vibration plane perpendicular to the magnetic field.

[0128] At the same time, it can apply a lateral force toward the center plane of the armature, assisting in smooth or frictionless vibration. The third component 272, which may be metal or non-metal, is fixed to the second stator back 116 using methods such as mechanical fastening, welding, or adhesive bonding. Thus, in some configurations, the elastic link 108 connects the armature 106 to the stator assembly, which includes the first stator 102 and the second stator 104, via the third component 272, while in other configurations, for example in some embodiments previously disclosed, the elastic link 108 connects the armature 106 directly to the stator assembly (without the third component 272 at all, or via a path that does not pass through the third component 272).

[0129] The assembly process for the planar vibration motor 02 shown in Figure 13 can be achieved by the following steps: Step 1: Stator Installation The first magnet pair 118a / 118b is fixed to the first stator back 114. Attach the second magnet pair 120a / 120b to the second stator back 116. Step 2: Attach the third part 272 to the second stator back 116. Step 3: Armature mounting Attach bearing 126 to shaft 112. The shaft 112, along with the bearing 126 and the armature coil 122, is joined to the coil holder 124 through a plastic injection molding process. The mounting of the armature 106 is completed by placing the vertical bearing 126a together with the bearing shaft 274, bearing stop 276, and housing cap 278 in the coil holder 124. Step 3: Assembling the Planar Vibration Motor After the armature is mounted, the armature 106 is positioned on the second stator 104. In this configuration, the bearing shaft 274 fits into the shaft hole 282b. The elastic link 108, along with the bearing 126 which is constrained by the elastic link 108, is fixed to the third component 272. The first stator back 114 is fixed to the second stator back 116 by placing the first stator 102 on the armature 106 and fitting the stator supports 110c / 110d into the pin slots 280a / 280b, respectively. The first stator 102 and the second stator 104 can be fixed to each other by the magnetic force between them and the stator supports 110c / 110d.

[0130] Steps 1-3 above are presented sequentially, and the substeps also follow that order. However, it should be noted that these steps can be performed in any logical order to achieve the desired function of the plane vibration motor 02 by those skilled in the art.

[0131] The operating procedure of the plane vibration motor 02 is closely similar to that of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, except for the part relating to the position sensor 180. An example illustrating the operation of the plane vibration motor 02 is shown below: 1. Applying current to the armature coil: When the armature coil 122 is energized, current flows along its longer side 128a / 128b. Considering the arrangement of magnets in the stators (first stator 102 and second stator 104), these currents intersect with the magnetic field lines. According to the Lorentz law, a force (lateral force) perpendicular to the direction of the current and magnetic field acts on the armature 106. This force moves the shaft 112 within the limits set by the elastic link 108. 2. Shaft vibration By utilizing a bidirectional current pulse or a bipolar pulse-width modulation (PWM) drive signal, the armature 106 is induced to oscillate. This oscillation occurs in a plane that is mostly perpendicular to the parallel magnetic field, and the elasticity of the elastic link 108 helps to enhance the oscillation, particularly at the resonant frequency. The movement of the shaft 112 in this scenario involves a planar scan around the bearing shaft 274 within a specific sector region. In scenarios where the elastic link is extremely flexible, the bearing 126 will follow an elliptical orbit accompanied by slight tilt vibrations along with the plane vibrations. As long as the shaft 112 is securely attached to the elastic link 108 in the appropriate position by welding or other means, the plane vibrations can function even without the bearing 126. This setup allows for effective vibration generation, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of the plane vibration motor design. 3. Startup and shutdown control: To control the start and stop of the plane vibration motor 02, a position sensor can be incorporated as needed, following an approach similar to that seen in the embodiment of Figure 1.

Claims

1. A planar vibration motor, An armature comprising a main body and a shaft attached to the main body, A stator assembly comprising a first stator, a second stator, and a stator support, wherein the first stator and the second stator are separated by the stator support, which defines space for the unrestricted movement of the armature body in a parallel magnetic field generated between the first stator and the second stator, One or more elastic links are configured to connect the armature to the stator assembly (a) directly or (b) indirectly via a third component, and to facilitate frictionless vibration of the armature in a plane substantially perpendicular to the parallel magnetic field. A planar vibration motor equipped with the following features.

2. A planar vibration motor according to claim 1, wherein the armature further comprises one or more bearings that promote frictionless vibration by limiting the inclination of the armature with respect to the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field direction.

3. A planar vibration motor according to claim 1, wherein the elastic link is connected to the stator assembly via one or more of the stator supports.

4. A planar vibration motor according to claim 1, wherein the armature further comprises coils, the stator assembly comprises one or more permanent magnets, and the first stator and the second stator are coupled such that the magnetic field lines are aligned so that they are parallel to each other when the magnetic field lines intersect with the coils.

5. A planar vibration motor according to claim 1, wherein the armature further comprises one or more permanent magnets, the stator assembly further comprises one or more coils, and the stator and the armature are arranged to be parallel to each other when magnetic field lines cross the coils.

6. A planar vibration motor according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to measure the inclination of the armature with respect to the plane of motion due to an external force applied to the shaft.

7. It is a toothbrush, A planar vibration motor according to claim 1, Motor driver and A brush tip detachably engaged with the aforementioned planar vibration motor, A toothbrush comprising a planar vibration motor configured to provide planar motion to the brush tip.

8. A toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein the armature includes a bearing that limits the tilt of the armature with respect to the plane of motion due to an external force applied to the brush tip.

9. A toothbrush according to claim 7, further comprising a driver incorporating a position sensor for measuring the inclination of the armature relative to the stator assembly.

10. It's a razor, A planar vibration motor according to claim 1, A cutting tool that engages cooperatively with the aforementioned planar vibration motor, comprising a blade cartridge having a statically toothed blade and a dynamically toothed blade that is detachably engaged with the planar vibration motor, A razor equipped with [a specific feature].

11. A method for controlling a portable device, comprising a plane vibration motor equipped with an armature having a sensor and shaft designed to measure tilt due to an external force, The steps include monitoring and measuring the change in the aforementioned inclination, The steps include supplying power to the plane vibration motor when the tilt exceeds a preset value, The steps include: cutting off power to the plane vibration motor when the tilt falls below the preset value; A control method including

12. A control method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of gradually increasing the motor power over time when the inclination exceeds the preset value, and gradually decreasing the power until stopping when the inclination falls below the preset value.

13. A control method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of adjusting the power supplied to the planar vibration motor according to the preset value.

14. A control method according to claim 11, wherein the monitoring and measurement of the change in inclination are performed in real time.

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