Piezoelectric linear motor and electronic device

By designing an electronic device including a piezoelectric linear motor and multiple elastically connected support legs, the problems of slow and low tactile feedback response speed in the prior art are solved, and a stronger tactile feedback effect and faster response speed are achieved.

JP7672490B2Active Publication Date: 2025-05-07エーエーシーマイクロテックチャンヂョウカンパニーリミテッド
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023531031
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-11-02
Filing Date
2022-11-16
Publication Date
2025-05-07
Estimated Expiration
2042-11-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the tactile feedback response speed of the electronic device is slow, the feedback intensity is low, and the detection is difficult.

Method used

A piezoelectric linear motor consisting of voltage-driven is designed, which consists of a piezoelectric element and an elastic structure fixed on both sides of the piezoelectric element. The elastic structure is fixed to the piezoelectric element through a plurality of elastic connection support legs, which have different opening angles to enhance the deformation ability of the elastic structure.

Benefits of technology

By converting the length change of the piezoelectric element into a larger movement of the elastic structure, a stronger tactile feedback effect is achieved, and the response speed and deformation ability of the elastic structure are improved, reducing the manufacturing difficulty and thickness.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a piezoelectric linear motor and an electronic device. [Solution] The piezoelectric linear motor includes a piezoelectric actuator and an elastic structure fixed to both opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator in a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to a plane in which the piezoelectric actuator extends and contracts, the elastic structure includes at least two sets of elastic connecting parts, each set of elastic connecting parts includes two connecting support legs respectively fixed to both opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, each connecting support leg extends toward the outside of the piezoelectric actuator, and the connecting support legs located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction extend away from each other, and have an opening angle between each connecting support leg and the plane in which the piezoelectric actuator is located. By making each connecting support leg independent of each other, it has higher flexibility, so that the elastic structure has stronger deformation ability, which can improve the response speed of the tactile feedback of electronic devices and is advantageous to reducing the thickness of the piezoelectric linear motor at the same time.
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of haptic feedback, and in particular to piezoelectric linear motors and electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, haptic feedback can be achieved by utilizing the inverse piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric materials. Specifically, a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric material, causing the piezoelectric material to deform, and the deformation is transmitted to a person's finger to achieve haptic feedback.

[0003] In the related art, an electronic device with a haptic feedback function includes a piezoelectric actuator made of a piezoelectric material and an elastic structure fixed to the piezoelectric actuator, the elastic structure includes two elastic pieces installed on both upper and lower surfaces of the piezoelectric actuator, both ends of the elastic pieces are fixed to both ends of the piezoelectric actuator respectively, and there is a movable space between the middle part of the elastic pieces and the piezoelectric actuator, and the elastic pieces can move when driven by the piezoelectric actuator to generate haptic feedback. However, since the structural installation of the elastic pieces themselves is not flexible, the elastic force they possess is small, and the deformation ability of the elastic structure is low, so the response speed of the haptic feedback of the electronic device is slow and the feedback strength is low, making it difficult to detect.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a new piezoelectric linear motor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a piezoelectric linear motor and an electronic device, which can solve the technical problems of the related art, that is, the slow response speed of the tactile feedback of the electronic device and the low strength of the tactile feedback. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A piezoelectric linear motor comprising: a piezoelectric actuator; and an elastic structure fixed to opposing sides of the piezoelectric actuator in a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to a plane in which the piezoelectric actuator extends and contracts when a voltage is applied, the piezoelectric actuator being used to drive movement of the elastic structure along the first direction, the elastic structure including at least two sets of elastic connection portions fixed to an end of the piezoelectric actuator along its extension and contraction direction, each set of the elastic connection portions including two connection support legs respectively fixed to opposing sides of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, each of the connection support legs extending toward the outside of the piezoelectric actuator, and the connection support legs located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction extending away from each other, with an opening angle between each of the connection support legs and the plane in which the piezoelectric actuator is located.

[0007] Preferably, the opening angle between said connecting legs and the plane in which said piezoelectric actuator lies is less than 45°.

[0008] Preferably, each set of elastic connection portions further includes a connection assembly fixed to the piezoelectric actuator, the connection support legs being fixed to the piezoelectric actuator via the connection assembly, each connection support leg including a cantilever portion fixed to the connection assembly and a first connection portion fixed to one end of the cantilever portion away from the connection assembly, and having the opening angle between the cantilever portion and a plane in which the piezoelectric actuator is located.

[0009] Preferably, the connection assembly includes at least a first fixing portion that connects the cantilever portion of each of the connection support legs and the piezoelectric actuator, the first fixing portion having a flat plate shape, and the first fixing portions connected to the same set of elastic connection portions are fixed to opposing both sides of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction.

[0010] Preferably, the cantilever portion and the first fixed portion, and the first connecting portion and the cantilever portion are connected to each other so as to have a bending transition, or to have a smooth transition.

[0011] Preferably, the thickness of the connection portion between the cantilever portion and the first fixed portion and the thickness of the connection portion between the first connection portion and the cantilever portion are both smaller than the thickness of the cantilever portion.

[0012] Preferably, the first fixed portions of the connection support legs connected to the same set of elastic connection parts are connected together, or the connection assembly further includes a second fixed portion fixed to the outer wall of the piezoelectric actuator, and the first fixed portions of the connection support legs of the same set of elastic connection parts are connected via the second fixed portion.

[0013] Preferably, the connection assemblies connected to the same set of elastic connection portions further include a third fixed portion extending along the first direction from one of the first fixed portions and fixed to an outer wall of the piezoelectric actuator, and the cantilever portions of the connection support legs located on one side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction are both fixed to the piezoelectric actuator via the first fixed portion, and the cantilever portions of the connection support legs located on the other side are connected to the third fixed portion.

[0014] Preferably, the connection support legs located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction are integrally connected to each other.

[0015] Preferably, the connection assembly further includes a second connection portion connecting the first fixed portion located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction, and the second connection portion is installed at a distance from the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction.

[0016] Preferably, the piezoelectric linear motor further includes two pressure members fixed to the piezoelectric actuator and positioned on opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator in its extension / contraction direction, the connection assembly being connected to the pressure members and the cantilever portion, and the two pressure members can collectively generate a biasing force that presses the piezoelectric actuator along the extension / contraction direction of the piezoelectric actuator.

[0017] Preferably, the elastic structure further includes a reinforcing member connecting the connection support legs located on the same side along the first direction of the piezoelectric actuator, and the reinforcing member is either integrally molded with the connection support legs located on the same side as the piezoelectric actuator or connected to the connection support legs via a fixing member.

[0018] Preferably, the reinforcing member includes a flat portion parallel to a plane in which the piezoelectric actuator is located, and a bent portion extending from the flat portion by bending along both ends perpendicular to the first direction and connected to the first connection portion, and the fixing member is installed between the bent portion and the first connection portion, or the bent portion and the first connection portion are integrally molded.

[0019] An electronic device comprising a first base body, a second base body, and at least one piezoelectric linear motor described in any one of the above claims connected to the first base body and the second base body, wherein the piezoelectric linear motor is used to drive the first base body and / or the second base body to move along the first direction when a voltage is applied. Effect of the Invention

[0020] The piezoelectric linear motor includes a piezoelectric actuator and an elastic structure fixed to both opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator in a first direction, the elastic structure includes at least two sets of elastic connecting parts fixed to the end of the piezoelectric actuator along its extension direction, each set of elastic connecting parts includes two connection support legs fixed to both opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, each connection support leg extends toward the outside of the piezoelectric actuator, and the connection support legs located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction extend away from each other, and have an opening angle between each connection support leg and a plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located. The piezoelectric actuator is used to expand and contract when a voltage is applied and drive the movement of the elastic structure along the first direction, thereby converting a small change in length in the extension direction of the piezoelectric actuator into a large movement displacement of the elastic structure perpendicular to the extension direction of the piezoelectric actuator, thereby generating a large tactile feedback intensity that is easily sensed. In addition, each connecting support leg is independent of each other and has higher flexibility, so that the elastic structure has stronger deformation ability and can improve the response speed of the tactile feedback of the electronic device. Moreover, the installation of the above structure is also advantageous to reduce the thickness of the piezoelectric linear motor, and reduces the difficulty of manufacturing the piezoelectric linear motor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a piezoelectric linear motor according to an embodiment of the present invention when in use; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a first possible embodiment of a drive structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a second possible embodiment of the driving structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a front view of a third possible form of the drive structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a fourth possible embodiment of the driving structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 11 is a front view of a fifth possible form of the drive structure of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a sixth possible embodiment of the driving structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a seventh possible embodiment of the driving structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an eighth possible embodiment of the driving structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a ninth possible embodiment of the driving structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a tenth possible embodiment of the driving structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front view of an eleventh possible form of the drive structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing two piezoelectric linear motors according to an embodiment of the present invention stacked together for use; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings and embodiments.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 16, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, which includes a first base body 10, a second base body 20, and at least one piezoelectric linear motor 30 connected to the first base body 10 and the second base body 20, and the piezoelectric linear motor 30 is used to drive the first base body 10 and / or the second base body 20 to move along a first direction (a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first base body 10) when a voltage is applied. Here, the electronic device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a touch pen, an in-vehicle device, etc. The first base body 10 may be a member having a mass such as a mass block / battery / screen / button, and the second base body 20 may be a base or other fixed member. The piezoelectric linear motor 30 is used to generate haptic feedback by driving the first base body 10 and / or the second base body 20 to move along the first direction when a voltage is applied. For example, the electronic device may be a mobile phone, the first base body 10 may be a screen of the mobile phone, and the second base body 20 may be a housing of the mobile phone. When a user clicks on the screen of the mobile phone, the piezoelectric linear motor 30 drives the screen to move along a first direction to generate haptic feedback, thereby notifying the user that the click operation has been successfully performed.

[0024] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the piezoelectric linear motor 30 provided in the present invention will be described. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the piezoelectric linear motor 30 includes a piezoelectric actuator 301 and an elastic structure 302 fixed to both opposing sides of the piezoelectric actuator 301 in a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to a plane in which the extension and contraction direction of the piezoelectric actuator 301 is located, the piezoelectric actuator 301 expands and contracts when a voltage is applied and is used to drive and move the elastic structure 302 along the first direction, the elastic structure 302 includes at least two sets of elastic connection parts 2 fixed to the end of the piezoelectric actuator 301 along its extension and contraction direction, each set of elastic connection parts 2 includes two connection support legs 21 respectively fixed to both opposing sides of the piezoelectric actuator 301 in the first direction, each connection support leg 21 extending toward the outside of the piezoelectric actuator 301, and the connection support legs 21 located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 along the first direction extending away from each other, with an opening angle θ between each connection support leg 21 and the plane in which the piezoelectric actuator 301 is located.

[0025] The above structure converts a small change in length in the extension direction of the piezoelectric actuator into a large movement displacement of the elastic structure 302 perpendicular to the extension direction of the piezoelectric actuator, thereby generating a large haptic feedback intensity that is easily detected, and is also advantageous in reducing the thickness of the piezoelectric linear motor. In addition, each connecting support leg 21 is independent of each other and has higher flexibility, so that the elastic structure 302 has a stronger deformation ability and can improve the response speed of the haptic feedback of the electronic device.

[0026] When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 301, the piezoelectric actuator 301 expands or contracts along its extending surface direction, causing the connection support leg 21 to move in a first direction relative to the piezoelectric actuator 301, and the lateral expansion / contraction displacement of the piezoelectric actuator 301 can be converted into vertical displacement of the elastic structure 302, thereby driving the second base body 20 to move in the first direction and generating haptic feedback. For ease of explanation, the expansion / contraction direction of the piezoelectric actuator 301 is defined as the X1 direction, the first direction is defined as the X2 direction, and the X2 direction is perpendicular to the X1 direction.

[0027] 2, furthermore, the opening angle θ between the connection support leg 21 and the plane on which the piezoelectric actuator 301 is located is smaller than 45°. Specifically, the opening angle θ may be 15°, 20°, 30°, 40°, etc. Since the opening angle θ is smaller than 45°, the connection support leg 21 can amplify the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator 301 along the X1 direction, thereby improving the problem that the response displacement of the piezoelectric actuator 301 is small or the applied voltage is large. Here, the principle by which the connection support leg 21 performs the amplification function satisfies the following formula:

[0028]

number

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 to 16, each set of elastic connection portions 2 further includes a connection assembly 22 fixed to the piezoelectric actuator 301, and the connection support legs 21 are fixed to the piezoelectric actuator 301 via the connection assembly 22, and each connection support leg 21 includes a cantilever portion 212 fixed to the connection assembly 22 and a first connection portion 211 fixed to one end of the cantilever portion 212 away from the connection assembly 22, and has the aforementioned opening angle θ between the cantilever portion 212 and the plane on which the piezoelectric actuator 301 is located. Specifically, the two sets of elastic connection parts 2 are respectively installed at the left and right ends in the extension / contraction direction X1 of the piezoelectric actuator 301, and each set of elastic connection parts 2 is composed of two connection support legs 21 and a connection assembly 22, and the two connection support legs 21 of the same set of elastic connection parts 2 are respectively installed on both the upper and lower sides along the first direction X2 of the piezoelectric actuator 301, which is advantageous in realizing that the four connection support legs 21 are installed independently of each other. Here, the first connection part 211 located on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 is used for fixed connection to the second base body 20, and the first connection part 211 located on the lower side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 is used for fixed connection to the first base body 10, thereby realizing the mounting of the piezoelectric linear motor 30 in an electronic device.

[0030] 3, in a first possible embodiment, the connection assembly 22 includes a first fixing part 221 connecting the cantilever part 212 of each connection support leg 21 and the piezoelectric actuator 301, the first fixing part 221 is flat, and the first fixing part 221 connected to the same set of elastic connection parts 2 is fixed to both sides of the piezoelectric actuator 301 facing each other in the first direction. Specifically, the first fixing part 221 and the piezoelectric actuator 301 are fixed by epoxy adhesive, and the first connection part 211, the cantilever part 212 and the first fixing part 221 located on the upper and lower sides of the piezoelectric actuator 301 may be connected together, that is, to form a metal sheet, and the material of the metal sheet may include titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, etc., and the metal sheet may be integrally molded by pressing, thereby reducing the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the elastic structure 302. The two first fixing portions 221 of the same set of elastic connection portions 2 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator 301 in the first direction, whereby the two connection support legs 21 of the same set of elastic connection portions 2 are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the piezoelectric actuator 301, making it easy to fix the first base body 10 and the second base body 20 to the corresponding connection support legs 21.

[0031] 2 and 15, depending on actual needs, the connection between cantilever portion 212 and first fixed portion 221, and the connection between first connecting portion 211 and cantilever portion 212 may be made to transition by bending, or may be made to transition smoothly. Preferably, the connection between cantilever portion 212 and first fixed portion 221, and the connection between first connecting portion 211 and cantilever portion 212 may be made to transition by bending, so that first connecting portion 211 is installed horizontally, which is advantageous for the connection between first connecting portion 211 and first base body 10, and the connection between first connecting portion 211 and second base body 20, on the premise of ensuring that there is an opening angle θ between cantilever portion 212 and the plane on which piezoelectric actuator 301 is located.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, in the second feasible embodiment, the thickness of the connection between cantilever portion 212 and first fixed portion 221 and the thickness of the connection between first connecting portion 211 and cantilever portion 212 are both smaller than the thickness of cantilever portion 212. Specifically, a thinning process can be performed at the bent portion between cantilever portion 212 and first fixed portion 221 and at the bent portion between first connecting portion 211 and cantilever portion 212, i.e., by removing a portion of material at the bent portion, the thickness of the bent portion becomes smaller than the thickness of cantilever portion 212. It should be understood that the bent portion of the metal sheet where first connecting portion 211, cantilever portion 212, and first fixed portion 221 are connected is a deformable region, and by performing a thinning process at the bent portion, the overall rigidity of the metal sheet can be reduced.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, in a third possible embodiment, the first fixed parts 221 of the connection support legs 21 connected to the same set of elastic connection parts 2 are connected together. Specifically, the two first fixed parts 221 of the same set of elastic connection parts 2 are connected to form a sleeve. The piezoelectric actuator 301 penetrates the sleeve, so that the sleeve can provide a bias along the thickness direction of the piezoelectric actuator 301, thereby improving the reliability of the piezoelectric actuator 301. It should be understood that, since the two first fixed parts 221 of the same set of elastic connection parts 2 are connected together, the two connection support legs 21 and the connection assembly 22 located on both the upper and lower sides of the piezoelectric actuator 301 can be combined and processed into a single structure, thereby reducing the number of necessary members, improving the reliability of the elastic connection part 2, and simplifying the assembly process.

[0034] 5, in a fourth possible embodiment, the connection assembly 22 further includes a second fixing part 222 fixed to the outer wall of the piezoelectric actuator 301, and the first fixing part 221 of the connection support leg 21 of the same set of elastic connection parts 2 is connected through the second fixing part 222. Specifically, the second fixing part 222 may be installed at the end of the piezoelectric actuator 301 along its extension / contraction direction, and the first fixing part 221 of the connection support leg 21 of the same set of elastic connection parts 2 is connected together through the second fixing part 222 and presents a U-shaped structure, that is, the connection assembly 22 may be integrally molded, and the connection assembly 22 in the same set of elastic connection parts 2, the connection support leg 21 on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301, and the connection support leg 21 on the lower side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 may also be integrally molded, so that the elastic connection part 2 may be integrally molded, which can simplify the processing and manufacturing process.

[0035] 6, in a fifth possible embodiment, the connection assembly 22 connected to the same set of elastic connection parts 2 further includes a third fixed part 223 extending from one first fixed part 221 along the first direction and fixed to the outer wall of the piezoelectric actuator 301, and the cantilever parts 212 of the connection support legs 21 located on one side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 along the first direction are both fixed to the piezoelectric actuator 301 via the first fixed part 221, and the cantilever parts 212 of the connection support legs 21 located on the other side are connected to the third fixed part 223. Specifically, the cantilever parts 212 on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are directly connected to the first fixed part 221, and the cantilever parts 212 on the lower side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are connected to the first fixed part 221 via the third fixed part 223. The first fixing part 221 located on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301, the first fixing part 221 located on the lower side of the piezoelectric actuator, and the third fixing part 223 jointly surround and fasten the end part of the piezoelectric actuator 301 along its extension and contraction direction, so that the connection assembly 22 and the piezoelectric actuator 301 are fastened in a surrounding manner, which can significantly improve the robustness and reliability of the connection compared to connection means using adhesives.

[0036] 7 and 8, the elastic structure 302 further includes a reinforcing member 4 connecting the connection support legs 21 located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 along the first direction, and the reinforcing member 4 is either integrally formed with the connection support legs 21 located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 or connected to the connection support legs 21 via a fixing member 5. Specifically, the reinforcing member 4 may be a reinforcing sheet, and installing the reinforcing member 4 is advantageous for fixedly connecting the piezoelectric linear motor 30 to another structure. Both ends of the reinforcing member 4 located on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are fixed to two first connection parts 211 located on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 and belonging to different sets of elastic connection parts 2, respectively, and both ends of the reinforcing member 4 located on the lower side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are fixed to two first connection parts 211 located on the lower side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 and belonging to different sets of elastic connection parts 2, respectively, so that the reinforcing member 4 located on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301, the connection support leg 21 and the connection assembly 22 constitute the overall structure, which can reduce the number of parts, can realize restriction against lateral displacement, and can also directly provide the piezoelectric actuator 301 with the prestress required, making the operation of the piezoelectric actuator 301 in an appropriate state.

[0037] 7, in a sixth possible embodiment, the reinforcing member 4 includes a flat plate portion 41 parallel to the plane on which the piezoelectric actuator 301 is located, and a bent portion 42 extending from the flat plate portion 41 along both ends perpendicular to the first direction and connected to the first connecting portion, and the bent portion 42 is integrally molded with the first connecting portion. It should be understood that at this time, the two elastic connecting portions 2 of different sets located on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 and the reinforcing member 4 are integrally installed, and the two elastic connecting portions 2 of different sets located on the lower side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 and the reinforcing member 4 are integrally installed, which is advantageous to reduce the number of members and to realize restriction on displacement in the lateral direction.

[0038] 8, in a seventh type of feasible embodiment, the reinforcing member 4 includes a flat plate portion 41 parallel to the plane on which the piezoelectric actuator 301 is located, and a bent portion 42 extending from the flat plate portion 41 by bending it along both ends perpendicular to the first direction and connected to the first connecting portion, and the fixing member 5 is installed between the bent portion 42 and the first connecting portion 211. Specifically, the fixing member 5 may be a fixing block, and by installing the fixing member 5, the flat plate portion 41 can be bonded to the plate surface of the first connecting portion 211, and it is possible to avoid having a space between the flat plate portion 41 and the first connecting portion 211 where vibration may occur.

[0039] As shown in Figures 9, 11 and 13, the connection support legs 21 located on the same side along the first direction of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are integrally connected to each other, so that the entire elastic structure 302 fixed to the piezoelectric actuator 301 has a truncated cone shape.

[0040] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in an eighth possible form, the connection assembly 22 further includes a second connection portion 224 connecting a first fixed portion 221 located on the same side along the first direction of the piezoelectric actuator 301, and the second connection portion 224 is disposed at a distance from the piezoelectric actuator 301 along the first direction. Specifically, the piezoelectric actuator 301 may be circular, and the elastic structure 302 may be a cone shape having a certain height; specifically, the first connection portion 211, the cantilever portion 212 and the first fixed portion 221 located on the upper and lower sides of the piezoelectric actuator 301 can all be connected to form a tapered surface; and the two first connection portions 211 of the two elastic connection portions 2 of different sets located on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are connected, and the two first fixed portions 221 are connected via the second connection portion 224; the two first connection portions 211 of the two elastic connection portions 2 of different sets located on the lower side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are connected, and the two first fixed portions 221 are connected via the second connection portion 224, thereby designing a disk-shaped piezoelectric linear motor 30. The elastic connection part 2 is fixed to an end part close to the outer edge of the piezoelectric actuator 301, thereby making full use of the mechanical distortion of the piezoelectric actuator 301, and the piezoelectric actuator 301 is disposed at the apex position of the two cones. It should be understood that when the disk-shaped piezoelectric linear motor 30 includes the piezoelectric actuator 301 and the elastic structure 302, similar to the long-sized piezoelectric linear motor 30 (FIGS. 1 to 8), the operation mode and vibration effect of the disk-shaped piezoelectric linear motor 30 are consistent with those of the long-sized piezoelectric linear motor 30.

[0041] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the ninth possible embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator 301 may be rectangular, and the elastic structure 302 may be a cone shape having a certain height. Specifically, the first connection portion 211, the cantilever portion 212 and the first fixed portion 221 located on the upper and lower sides of the piezoelectric actuator 301 can be connected to form a tapered surface, and the first connection portions 211 of the different sets of elastic connection portions 2 located on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are connected, the cantilever portion 212 are connected and the first fixed portion 221 are connected together, so that the whole has a truncated cone shape; the first connection portions 211 of the different sets of elastic connection portions 2 located on the lower side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are connected, the cantilever portion 212 are connected and the first fixed portion 221 are connected together, so that the whole has a truncated cone shape, thereby designing a disk-shaped piezoelectric linear motor 30. The elastic connection part 2 is fixed to an end part close to the outer edge of the piezoelectric actuator 301, thereby making full use of the mechanical distortion of the piezoelectric actuator 301, and the piezoelectric actuator 301 is disposed at the cone apex position of the two cones. It should be understood that when the disk-shaped piezoelectric linear motor 30 includes the piezoelectric actuator 301 and the elastic structure 302 like the long-sized piezoelectric linear motor 30 (FIGS. 1 to 8), the operation mode and vibration effect of the disk-shaped piezoelectric linear motor 30 are the same as those of the long-sized piezoelectric linear motor 30.

[0042] 13 and 14, in the tenth possible embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator 301 and the elastic structure 302 may both be square, specifically, the first connection parts 211 of the different sets of elastic connection parts 2 located on the upper side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are connected, the cantilever parts 212 are connected, and the first fixed parts 221 are connected integrally, so that the whole has a truncated cone shape, and the first connection parts 211 of the different sets of elastic connection parts 2 located on the lower side of the piezoelectric actuator 301 are connected, the cantilever parts 212 are connected, and the first fixed parts 221 are connected integrally, so that the whole has a truncated cone shape, thereby designing a square piezoelectric linear motor 30. It should be understood that when the square piezoelectric linear motor 30 has the piezoelectric actuator 301 and the elastic structure 302 like the long piezoelectric linear motor 30 (FIGS. 1 to 8), the operation mode and vibration effect of the disk-shaped piezoelectric linear motor 30 are consistent with the long piezoelectric linear motor 30.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 15, in an eleventh type of feasible form, the piezoelectric linear motor 30 further includes two pressing members 3 fixed to the piezoelectric actuator 301 and located on both sides of the piezoelectric actuator 301 along its extension / contraction direction X1, and the connection assembly 22 is connected to the first fixed portion 221 of the cantilever portion 212, and the two pressing members 3 can collectively form a biasing force that presses the piezoelectric actuator 301 along the extension / contraction direction of the piezoelectric actuator 301. Specifically, the pressure member 3 may be an L-shaped block, and the L-shaped block located at the left end of the piezoelectric actuator 301 is installed upright, and the L-shaped block located at the right end of the piezoelectric actuator 301 is installed upside down, thereby compressing the elastic structure 302, and the two pressure members 3 located at the left and right ends of the piezoelectric actuator 301 provide a left and right compression force to the piezoelectric layer in the piezoelectric actuator 301, and the piezoelectric layer is made of a piezoelectric material, thereby improving the reliability and voltage operating range of the piezoelectric material, where the piezoelectric layer has the characteristics of being resistant to pressure and weak to tension, and at the same time has an operating voltage range of a certain breakdown electric field strength.

[0044] The piezoelectric actuator 301 includes a sintered member formed by stacking a plurality of piezoelectric layers and a plurality of internal electrodes, and two external electrodes 1 fixed to both ends of the sintered member. The piezoelectric layer is generally a single-layer or multi-layer lead zirconate titanate ceramic (PZT ceramic), and internal electrodes of different polarities are alternately arranged and electrically connected to the corresponding external electrodes 1. When a voltage is applied to the two external electrodes 1, an electric field can be generated along the polarization direction, and the piezoelectric actuator 301 is deformed by the inverse piezoelectric effect, expanding and contracting along the X1 direction.

[0045] In one embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator 301 expands and contracts along the thickness direction with a length of 10 mm or less, and expands and contracts along the length direction with a length of 100 mm or less. The thickness of the piezoelectric actuator 301 can be appropriately selected according to the application scene and the number of layers of PZT ceramic. When a voltage is applied to the external electrodes, the piezoelectric actuator 301 deforms and expands and contracts along the X1 direction (perpendicular to the electric field direction of the internal electrodes, inverse piezoelectric effect in the d31 direction). According to actual needs, a piezoelectric actuator 301 poled along the thickness direction of multiple layers of PZT ceramic (the expansion and contraction direction of the piezoelectric actuator 301 is in the same dimension as the applied electric field direction, inverse piezoelectric effect in the d33 direction) can also be adopted, and in this case, a biasing force needs to be applied to the piezoelectric layer to prevent the piezoelectric actuator 301 from breaking down.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 16, in one embodiment, multiple piezoelectric linear motors 30 may be installed in an electronic device, and multiple piezoelectric linear motors 30 may be stacked and used, thereby increasing the strength of the piezoelectric linear motor to generate a greater haptic feedback strength. When two piezoelectric linear motors 30 are stacked, the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator 301 can be amplified to the maximum, and the overall amplification factor is the sum of the amplification factors of both. At this time, a connection structure is essential to connect the fulcrums at both ends and limit the lateral movement. For example, the two connection blocks 6 in Fig. 16 and the connection rod 7 connected to the two connection blocks 6 convert the lateral movement into vertical movement.

[0047] The above is merely an embodiment of the present invention, and those skilled in the art may make modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A piezoelectric linear motor, The piezoelectric linear motor includes a piezoelectric actuator and an elastic structure fixed to both opposing sides of the piezoelectric actuator in a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to a plane in which the extension and contraction directions of the piezoelectric actuator lie; the piezoelectric actuator is adapted to expand and contract when a voltage is applied thereto and to drive movement of the elastic structure along the first direction; The elastic structure includes at least two pairs of elastic connecting portions fixed to ends of the piezoelectric actuator along the direction of expansion and contraction thereof; Each set of the elastic connection parts includes two connection support legs fixed to opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, each of the connection support legs extends toward an outside of the piezoelectric actuator, and each of the connection support legs located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction extends in a direction away from each other; an opening angle between each of the connection legs and a plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located; Each set of the resilient connections further includes a connection assembly secured to the piezoelectric actuator, the connection legs being secured to the piezoelectric actuator via the connection assemblies; Each of the connection legs includes a cantilever portion secured to the connection assembly and a first connection portion secured to an end of the cantilever portion remote from the connection assembly; the cantilever portion has an opening angle with respect to a plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located, The connection assembly includes at least a first fixing portion that connects the cantilever portion of each of the connection support legs and the piezoelectric actuator, the first fixing portion having a flat plate shape, and the first fixing portion connected to the same set of the elastic connection portions is fixed to both opposing surfaces of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, The first fixed parts of the connection legs connected to the elastic connection parts of the same pair are integrally connected, or The piezoelectric linear motor, characterized in that the connection assembly further includes a second fixed portion fixed to an outer wall of the piezoelectric actuator, and the first fixed portions of the connection support legs of the same set of elastic connection portions are connected via the second fixed portion.

2. A piezoelectric linear motor, The piezoelectric linear motor includes a piezoelectric actuator and an elastic structure fixed to both opposing sides of the piezoelectric actuator in a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to a plane in which the extension and contraction directions of the piezoelectric actuator lie; the piezoelectric actuator is adapted to expand and contract when a voltage is applied thereto and to drive movement of the elastic structure along the first direction; The elastic structure includes at least two pairs of elastic connecting portions fixed to ends of the piezoelectric actuator along the direction of expansion and contraction thereof; Each set of the elastic connection parts includes two connection support legs fixed to opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, each of the connection support legs extends toward an outside of the piezoelectric actuator, and each of the connection support legs located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction extends in a direction away from each other; an opening angle between each of the connection legs and a plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located; Each set of the resilient connections further includes a connection assembly secured to the piezoelectric actuator, the connection legs being secured to the piezoelectric actuator via the connection assemblies; Each of the connection legs includes a cantilever portion secured to the connection assembly and a first connection portion secured to an end of the cantilever portion remote from the connection assembly; the cantilever portion has an opening angle with respect to a plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located, The connection assembly includes at least a first fixing portion that connects the cantilever portion of each of the connection support legs and the piezoelectric actuator, the first fixing portion having a flat plate shape, and the first fixing portion connected to the same set of the elastic connection portions is fixed to both opposing surfaces of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, A piezoelectric linear motor, characterized in that the connection assemblies connected to the same set of elastic connection portions further include a third fixed portion extending along the first direction from one of the first fixed portions and fixed to an outer wall of the piezoelectric actuator, and the cantilever portions of the connection support legs located on one side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction are both fixed to the piezoelectric actuator via the first fixed portion, and the cantilever portions of the connection support legs located on the other side are connected to the third fixed portion.

3. A piezoelectric linear motor, The piezoelectric linear motor includes a piezoelectric actuator and an elastic structure fixed to both opposing sides of the piezoelectric actuator in a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to a plane in which the extension and contraction directions of the piezoelectric actuator lie; the piezoelectric actuator is adapted to expand and contract when a voltage is applied thereto and to drive movement of the elastic structure along the first direction; The elastic structure includes at least two pairs of elastic connecting portions fixed to ends of the piezoelectric actuator along the direction of expansion and contraction thereof; Each set of the elastic connection parts includes two connection support legs fixed to opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, each of the connection support legs extends toward an outside of the piezoelectric actuator, and each of the connection support legs located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction extends in a direction away from each other; an opening angle between each of the connection legs and a plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located; Each set of the resilient connections further includes a connection assembly secured to the piezoelectric actuator, the connection legs being secured to the piezoelectric actuator via the connection assemblies; Each of the connection legs includes a cantilever portion secured to the connection assembly and a first connection portion secured to an end of the cantilever portion remote from the connection assembly; the cantilever portion has an opening angle with respect to a plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located, The connection assembly includes at least a first fixing portion that connects the cantilever portion of each of the connection support legs and the piezoelectric actuator, the first fixing portion having a flat plate shape, and the first fixing portion connected to the same set of the elastic connection portions is fixed to both opposing surfaces of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, A piezoelectric linear motor, characterized in that the connection support legs located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction are integrally connected to each other.

4. A piezoelectric linear motor, The piezoelectric linear motor includes a piezoelectric actuator and an elastic structure fixed to both opposing sides of the piezoelectric actuator in a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to a plane in which the extension and contraction directions of the piezoelectric actuator lie; the piezoelectric actuator is adapted to expand and contract when a voltage is applied thereto and to drive movement of the elastic structure along the first direction; The elastic structure includes at least two pairs of elastic connecting portions fixed to ends of the piezoelectric actuator along the direction of expansion and contraction thereof; Each set of the elastic connection parts includes two connection support legs fixed to opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, each of the connection support legs extends toward an outside of the piezoelectric actuator, and each of the connection support legs located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction extends in a direction away from each other; an opening angle between each of the connection legs and a plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located; Each set of the resilient connections further includes a connection assembly secured to the piezoelectric actuator, the connection legs being secured to the piezoelectric actuator via the connection assemblies; Each of the connection legs includes a cantilever portion secured to the connection assembly and a first connection portion secured to an end of the cantilever portion remote from the connection assembly; the cantilever portion has an opening angle with respect to a plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located, The connection assembly includes at least a first fixing portion that connects the cantilever portion of each of the connection support legs and the piezoelectric actuator, the first fixing portion having a flat plate shape, and the first fixing portion connected to the same set of the elastic connection portions is fixed to both opposing surfaces of the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction, The piezoelectric linear motor, characterized in that the elastic structure further includes a reinforcing member connecting the connection support legs located on the same side along the first direction of the piezoelectric actuator, and the reinforcing member is either integrally molded with the connection support legs located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator or connected to the connection support legs via a fixing member.

5. 5. The piezoelectric linear motor according to claim 1, wherein an opening angle between the connection support leg and a plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located is smaller than 45°.

6. A piezoelectric linear motor as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connections between the cantilever portion and the first fixed portion, and between the first connection portion and the cantilever portion are made to have a bent transition, or are made to have a smooth transition.

7. A piezoelectric linear motor as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the thickness of the connection portion between the cantilever portion and the first fixed portion, and the thickness of the connection portion between the first connection portion and the cantilever portion are both smaller than the thickness of the cantilever portion.

8. 4. The piezoelectric linear motor according to claim 3, wherein the connection assembly further includes a second connection portion that connects the first fixed portion located on the same side of the piezoelectric actuator along the first direction, and the second connection portion is installed at a distance from the piezoelectric actuator in the first direction.

9. The piezoelectric linear motor described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the piezoelectric linear motor further includes two pressure members fixed to the piezoelectric actuator and located on opposite sides of the piezoelectric actuator in its extension / contraction direction, the connection assembly is connected to the pressure members and the cantilever portion, and the two pressure members can collectively generate a biasing force that presses the piezoelectric actuator along the extension / contraction direction of the piezoelectric actuator.

10. The piezoelectric linear motor of claim 4, characterized in that the reinforcing member includes a flat portion parallel to the plane on which the piezoelectric actuator is located, and a bent portion extending from the flat portion by bending along both ends perpendicular to the first direction and connected to the first connection portion, and the fixing member is installed between the bent portion and the first connection portion, or the bent portion and the first connection portion are integrally molded.

11. An electronic device, The electronic device includes a first base body, a second base body, and at least one piezoelectric linear motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is connected to the first base body and the second base body; An electronic device characterized in that the piezoelectric linear motor is used to drive the first base body and / or the second base body to move along the first direction when a voltage is applied.

Citation Information

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