Vibration Actuator

Abstract

To provide a vibration actuator that is downsized and stably generates different vibration output with various frequency bands.SOLUTION: A vibration actuator has an enclosure and a magnet part; has a first movable part arranged to be freely reciprocatable, in a vibration direction along an axial direction in the enclosure, through a first elastic support part jointed to both end parts separated in the axial direction of the magnet part, and a coil part arranged concentrically with the magnet part to surround the magnet part; and has a second movable part arranged to be freely reciprocatable, in the vibration direction in the closure and in an outer periphery of the first movable part, through a second elastic support part jointed to both end parts separated in the axial direction of the coil part, which moves the first movable part and the second movable part by distributing electricity to the coil part to generate vibrations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration actuator. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electronic devices with vibration functions are equipped with vibration actuators as vibration sources. By driving the vibration actuators and transmitting vibrations to the user, electronic devices can provide stimuli, notify users of incoming calls, and improve the sense of operation and realism. Electronic devices are primarily handheld electrical devices, including portable game consoles, controllers (gamepads) for stationary game consoles, mobile communication terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones, and personal digital assistants such as tablet PCs. Vibration actuators are also sometimes installed in wearable devices that are attached to clothing or the arm.

[0003] As a vibration actuator having a structure that can be miniaturized and mounted in a portable device, for example, an actuator having a linear reciprocating mechanism as shown in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0004] This actuator has a movable part with cores placed on the front and back of a magnet, a shaft inserted and fixed in the front and back direction of the magnet, and a fixed part with a coil and a yoke that houses the movable part. The coil is placed to surround the movable part, and leaf springs are installed between both ends of the shaft and the yoke to support the movable body so that it can move freely in the axial direction of the shaft. When electricity is applied to the coil, the movable part with the shaft moves back and forth in a linear manner, generating vibration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent No. 101944819 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Meanwhile, in conventional vibration actuators, there is a demand for miniaturization while generating various types of vibrations and providing various vibration expressions as tactile sensations.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to provide a vibration actuator that is compact and can stably generate different vibration outputs in various frequency bands. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the vibration actuator of the present invention is The housing and a first movable part having a magnet part and arranged to be reciprocatable in a vibration direction along the axial direction within the housing via first elastic support parts joined to both ends of the magnet part that are spaced apart in the axial direction; a second movable part having a coil part arranged coaxially with the magnet part so as to surround the magnet part, and arranged so as to be reciprocally movable in the vibration direction within the housing and on the outer periphery of the first movable part via second elastic support parts joined at both ends spaced apart in the axial direction of the coil part; and The first movable part and the second movable part are driven by energizing the coil part, thereby generating vibrations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to stably generate vibration outputs in various frequency bands while achieving miniaturization. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a main part of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]1 is a front view showing the configuration of a main part of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded view of a drive unit of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a first movable part of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first movable part of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view showing a second movable part of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second movable part of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a rear perspective view of a second movable part of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a magnetic circuit configuration of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating vibrations generated by the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing vibration characteristics of a first modified example of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of the main part of a vibration actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a main part of a vibration actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first movable part of a vibration actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second movable part of a vibration actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the main part of the vibration actuator shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a second modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first movable part of a second modification of the vibration actuator. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a second modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a third modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first movable part of a third modified example of the vibration actuator. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a third modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a fourth modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of a drive unit showing the configuration of the main parts of a fifth modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of a main part of a fifth modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] 10 is a diagram illustrating a joint portion between an elastic support portion and a movable portion in a fifth modified example of the vibration actuator. FIG. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the main parts of a sixth modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a drive unit of a sixth modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] FIG. 13 is a left side view of a second elastic support part of a sixth modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a second elastic support portion of a sixth modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [Overall configuration of vibration actuator] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the main parts of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a front view showing the main configuration of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the Z1 and Z2 directions are referred to as the "upper" and "lower" sides for ease of understanding, and these directions are collectively referred to as the "Z direction." The X1 and X2 directions are referred to as the "left" and "right" sides, and refer to one and the other of the vibration directions of the movable body in the vibration actuator, and these directions are collectively referred to as the "X direction." The Y1 and Y2 directions are referred to as the "front" and "rear" sides, and these directions are collectively referred to as the "Y direction."

[0014] The vibration actuator 1 is mounted as a vibration generating source in electrical devices, including electronic devices such as portable game terminals, to realize the vibration function of the electrical devices. Examples of such electrical devices include portable devices such as tablets and smartphones. The vibration actuator 1 is mounted in each device, such as a portable game terminal or a portable device, and vibrates to provide a desired tactile sensation, for example, to notify the user of an incoming call or to provide a sense of operation or realism. The vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment can generate stronger vibrations than vibration actuators with a single vibration system. Furthermore, the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment has a basic structure that can generate vibrations in a desired frequency band, for example, from low to high frequencies.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the vibration actuator 1 is a vibrating body having a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2.

[0016] 3 is a front view showing the structure of the main part of the vibration actuator, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, showing the configuration of the main part of the vibration actuator. 2 to 5, the vibration actuator 1 has a housing 2 and a drive unit 3 housed in the housing 2. The drive unit 3 has a first movable part 4, a second movable part 6, first elastic support parts 52, 54, and second elastic support parts 72, 74.

[0017] <Case 2> The housing 2 houses the vibration unit 3 and has a box-shaped housing main body 22 and a plate portion 24. The housing 2 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape to facilitate mounting on an electrical device via the flat outer surface, but is not limited to this and may also be formed in a cylindrical or prismatic shape.

[0018] Within the housing 2, the first movable part 4 is arranged so as to be movable in the vibration direction (corresponding to the X direction in this embodiment) via first elastic support parts 52, 54, and the second movable part 6 is arranged so as to be movable in the vibration direction via second elastic support parts 72, 74. The first movable part 4 and the first elastic support parts 52, 54 are included in a first vibration system, and the second movable part 6 and the second elastic support parts 72, 74 are included in a second vibration system.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the housing 2 accommodates the drive unit 3 by closing an opening 26 (see FIG. 2) of a cylindrical housing main body 22 with a bottom with a plate portion (lid portion) 24.

[0020] In the vibration actuator 1, the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 of the drive unit 3 are driven, so that the vibration actuator 1 itself functions as a vibrating body.

[0021] The vibration unit 3 has a first movable part 4 having a magnet part 40, first elastic support parts 52 and 54, a second movable part 6 having a coil part 61 arranged on the outer periphery of the magnet part 40, and second elastic support parts 72 and 74. The first movable part 4 is arranged inside the second movable part 6, for example, as shown in Fig. 5, and the second movable part 6 is movable on the outer periphery of the first movable part 4 in the vibration direction.

[0022] The first movable part 4 is arranged so as to be freely movable back and forth in the vibration direction within the housing 2 via first elastic support parts 52, 54 joined to both end parts 401, 402 of the magnet part 40 that are spaced apart in the axial direction extending along the vibration direction.

[0023] Meanwhile, the second movable part 6 is disposed within the housing 2 and on the outer periphery of the first movable part 4 via second elastic support parts 72, 74 joined at both ends 6301, 6302 spaced apart in the axial direction of the coil part 61, so as to be able to move back and forth in the vibration direction. The first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are supported symmetrically in the vibration direction by the first elastic support parts 52, 54 and the second elastic support parts 72, 74 on both sides of the vibration direction. This allows the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 to be positioned at the center of the vibration direction, rather than on one side, compared to a configuration in which the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are supported by an elastic support part on one side. Therefore, even if the amplitude of the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 is increased or the weight of the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 is increased, the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 can be supported so as to be able to move back and forth in the vibration direction.

[0024] In the drive unit 3, the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are arranged so as to be movable in the vibration direction, i.e., the X (X1, X2) direction, within the housing 2. The drive unit 3 drives the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 through cooperation of the energized coil part 61 (a pair of coils 612, 614) and the magnet part 40 (magnet 41, yokes 42, 43) to generate vibrations.

[0025] Specifically, the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are supported mechanically independently by the housing 2 via the first elastic support parts 52 and 54 and the second elastic support parts 72 and 74, respectively, and are not mechanically connected to each other. However, when current is applied to the coil part 61, the first movable part 4 having the magnet part 40 moves due to the mutual electromagnetic action between the coil part 61 and the magnet part 40, which are supported relatively, and the second movable part 6 having the coil part 61 also moves following this. In other words, although the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are not mechanically connected, when current is applied to the coil part 61, the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 move back and forth in the vibration direction.

[0026] Below, the configurations of the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 will be described in order. In the following description, when describing the relative positional relationship between the components of the first movable part 4 and the components of the second movable part 6, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are both in a position where the amplitude is zero in the vibration direction, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 11. The same applies to other embodiments and modified examples described later.

[0027] <First movable part 4> The first movable part 4 is held, for example, at both ends spaced apart in the X direction within the housing 2, suspended via first elastic support parts 52, 54 so as to be movable in the vibration direction (X direction).

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the first movable part 4 of the vibration actuator, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the first movable part 4 of the vibration actuator. The first movable portion 4 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 has a magnet portion 40, weight portions 44 and 45, sleeves 46 and 47 as spring stop portions, and spring fixing portions 48 and 49. The magnet section 40 is magnetized in the X direction, and both end faces that are separated in the vibration direction are magnetic pole faces with different polarities. The magnet section 40 has, for example, a magnet 41 and yokes 42 and 43 that are arranged on both ends of the magnet 41 (see front and back surfaces 4101 and 4102 in FIG. 11).

[0029] The magnet 41 is a solid columnar (including plate-shaped) magnetized in the axial direction (vibration direction) (see FIG. 11). That is, the magnetization direction of the magnet 41 corresponds to the axial direction and the vibration direction. In this embodiment, the magnet 41 is formed in a cylindrical (or disc-shaped) shape whose length (height) in the vibration direction is longer than its diameter (width). The magnet 41 is made of, for example, a neodymium sintered magnet. The magnet 41 is disposed in the center of the magnet section 40 in the vibration direction, and yokes 42 and 43 are fixed to both ends of the magnet 41.

[0030] The magnet section 40 is disposed inside the coil section 61 (a pair of coils 612, 614, details of which will be described later) of the second movable section 6, with a gap therebetween so as to face the central portion of the axial direction of the coil section 61 (a pair of coils 612, 614). Here, the "radial direction" also refers to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the coil section 61 (a pair of coils 612, 614). The magnet section 40 is disposed outside the magnet section 40 in the radial direction, so as to face the central position of the inner circumferential surface of the coil holding section 63 in the vibration direction.

[0031] This radial "spacing" is the spacing between the cylindrical main body portion 632 of the coil holding portion 63, which is positioned radially inside the coil portion 61 in the coil holding portion 63, and the magnet portion 40 when the amplitude is at zero, and is a spacing that prevents them from coming into contact with each other even when driven.

[0032] The magnet 41 may have a shape other than a solid column, such as a cylindrical or plate-like shape, as long as it is disposed inside the coil portion 61 with its two magnetized surfaces facing in the direction of extension of the axis of the coil portion 61, i.e., the vibration direction. A solid shape can produce a stronger magnetic force than a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, when the first movable portion 4 and the second movable portion 6 are in a position of zero amplitude, it is desirable that the axial center of the magnet 41 coincides with the axial centers of the first movable portion 4 and the second movable portion 6.

[0033] The yokes 42 and 43 are made of magnetic material and are fixed to both end surfaces of the magnet 41. The yokes 42 and 43 are provided symmetrically around the magnet 41, sandwiching the magnet 41 at the center. The yokes 42 and 43 may be fixed to the magnet 41 by being attracted to the magnet 41, or may be fixed to the magnet 41 with, for example, a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive. In this embodiment, the magnet 41 is cylindrical, so the yokes 42 and 43 are formed in a disk shape with the same diameter as the magnet 41. The yokes 42 and 43, together with the magnet 41, the coil section 61 (a pair of coils 612 and 614) on the second movable section 6 side, and the outer yoke (described later), constitute the magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator 1.

[0034] The yokes 42 and 43 concentrate the magnetic flux of the magnet 41, allowing it to flow efficiently without leakage, and effectively distribute the magnetic flux flowing between the magnet 41 and the coil section 61 (the pair of coils 612 and 614). The yokes 42 and 43 are made of, for example, SECC (bonded steel plate) or the like.

[0035] In addition to functioning as part of the magnetic circuit, the yokes 42 and 43 may also function as a main body of the movable body together with the magnet 41, as a positioning function when fixing the weights 44 and 45, and as a weight. The yokes 42 and 43 fix the magnet portion 40 to the weights 44 and 45 and the sleeves 46 and 47.

[0036] <Weight 44, 45> Weights 44 and 45 are fixed to the outer surfaces of yokes 42 and 43 in the vibration direction, respectively. Weights 44 and 45 are arranged symmetrically in the vibration direction so as to sandwich magnet portion 40 in the vibration direction, increasing the vibration output of first movable portion 4. Weights 44 and 45 have outer circumferential surfaces with the same diameter as yokes 42 and 43, i.e., magnet portion 40, and are each formed in an annular shape. Central through-holes (openings) 441 and 451 of weights 44 and 45 are coaxial with magnet portion 40 and have the same diameter, although they may have different diameters. Sleeves (spring stop portions) 46 and 47 are inserted into and joined to through-holes (openings) 441 and 451.

[0037] The weights 44, 45 function as weights in the first movable part 4 and have the function of positioning and fixing the sleeves 46, 47 relative to the magnet 41. The weights 44, 45 may be fixed to the magnet 41 with, for example, a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive. The weights 44, 45 may be made of a non-magnetic material. This prevents the expansion of the magnetic circuit configuration of the vibration actuator 1, allowing the magnetic circuit to be made compact. Furthermore, because the weights 44, 45 are made of a non-magnetic material that does not affect the size of the magnetic circuit, the design freedom of the weights 44, 45 can be increased in order to obtain desired vibration characteristics for the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6.

[0038] The weights 44 and 45 are preferably made of a material with a high specific gravity, for example. The weights 44 and 45 are preferably made of a silicon steel plate (the specific gravity of the steel plate is, for example, 7.70 to 7.98 g / cm 3 ) and other materials with a higher specific gravity (for example, a specific gravity of 16 to 19 g / cm 3 The weights 44 and 45 are preferably made of a material having a higher specific gravity than the yokes 42 and 43, such as tungsten (specific gravity of, for example, 19.3 g / cm 3) or the like. This allows the mass of first movable part 4 to be increased relatively easily even when the external dimensions of first movable part 4 are set in the design or the like, and makes it possible to achieve the desired vibration output that is a vibration that is sufficiently felt by the user. The mass of weight parts 44, 45 may be changed in size depending on the desired vibration output of the first movable part.

[0039] The outer diameters of weights 44, 45 are the same as or smaller than the outer diameters of yokes 42, 43. If the diameter is smaller, first movable part 4 is less likely to come into contact with first elastic support parts 52, 54 when vibrating, compared to when the diameters are the same, and can therefore vibrate more favorably. This makes it possible to ensure high vibration output while miniaturizing vibration actuator 1.

[0040] <Sleeve (spring stopper) 46, 47> The sleeve connects the first movable part 4 (that is, the magnet part 40 and the weight parts 44, 45) to the first elastic support parts 52, .

[0041] The sleeves 46, 47 constitute the ends of the first movable part 4 on both sides in the vibration direction, that is, the ends positioned spaced apart from the magnet part 40 on both sides in the vibration direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the sleeves 46, 47 are cylindrical (or may be rod-shaped such as a cylindrical body) arranged along the central axis of the first movable part 4, and are interposed between the yokes 42, 43 and the first elastic support parts 52, 54.

[0043] The sleeves 46, 47 are arranged so that one end is inserted into the weights 44, 45, respectively, and protrude from the center of the surface on both end sides of the yokes 42, 43. The sleeves 46, 47 are fixed at one end to the weights 44, 45, respectively. The sleeves 46, 47 may also be fixed to the yokes 42, 43.

[0044] That is, the sleeves 46, 47 are arranged to protrude outward in the vibration direction of the second movable part 6, and constitute both end portions 401, 402 of the first movable part 4, respectively, and are joined to the first elastic support parts 52, 54. As a result, the both end portions 401, 402 of the first movable part 4 protrude outward in the vibration direction of the both end portions 6301, 6302 of the second movable part 6 from both axial sides of the magnet part 40, respectively.

[0045] The sleeves 46, 47 are joined to the first elastic support portions 52, 54 via spring fixing portions 48, 49 such as rivets.

[0046] In the vibration actuator 1, the sleeves 46, 47 are arranged to protrude outward in the vibration direction from the second elastic support portions 72, 74, and the first elastic support portions 52, 54 are positioned so that they are spaced apart in the vibration direction from the second elastic support portions 72, 74, i.e., so that they do not overlap, regardless of the amplitude position of the first elastic support portions 52, 54 and the second elastic support portions 72, 74.

[0047] The sleeves 46, 47 may be connected to the yokes 42, 43 and weights 44, 45 by, for example, combining adhesion using a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive, or by fixing using adhesion alone, or by combining welding, adhesion, and crimping. Although the sleeves 46, 47 abut against the yokes 42, 43 at one end, this is not necessary. Furthermore, if the sleeves 46, 47 are given the function of a weight, such as by disposing a weight inside the sleeves 46, 47, the vibration output of the vibration actuator 1 can be adjusted by adjusting the mass together with the weights 44, 45.

[0048] Furthermore, the sleeves 46, 47 and the first elastic support parts 52, 54 are fixed together using rivets as the spring fixing parts 48, 49, but they may also be fixed together using an adhesive.

[0049] The sleeves 46, 47 are joined to the inner peripheries of the first elastic support members 52, 54, and the first movable member 4 is able to freely move back and forth in the vibration direction relative to the outer peripheries of the first elastic support members 52, 54 due to deformation of the first elastic support members 52, 54. The sleeves 46, 47 are formed, for example, from a sintered copper material.

[0050] Furthermore, the sleeves 46, 47 are positioned outside the magnetic circuit including the magnet section 40, coil section 61, and outer yoke 65 in the first movable section 4. This does not particularly limit the space available for arranging the coil section 61, meaning that the distance between the magnetic circuit (magnet section 40) on the movable body side and the coil section 61 is not increased, and the efficiency of electromagnetic conversion is not reduced. This allows the weight of the first movable section 4 to be increased in an appropriate manner, achieving high vibration output.

[0051] <First elastic support portions 52, 54> As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the first elastic support portions 52, 54 support the first movable portion 4 so as to be reciprocatable relative to the housing 2 in the vibration direction.

[0052] The first elastic support parts 52, 54 sandwich the first movable part 4 in the vibration direction of the first movable part 4, and are installed between both the first movable part 4 and the peripheral wall part of the housing 2 so as to intersect with the vibration direction.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first elastic support members 52, 54 are attached parallel to each other across the axial peripheral wall portion 3 of the housing 2 and both end portions 401, 402 of the first movable portion 4, as shown in Figure 7.

[0054] The first elastic support portions 52, 54 are formed in a rectangular plate shape (e.g., square shape), and have a shape in which an annular inner peripheral portion 5a, which is the inner spring end, and a frame-shaped outer peripheral portion 5b, which is the outer spring end, are joined by a deformation arm 5c that is elastically deformable and has an arc-shaped shape in a planar view.

[0055] The deforming arm 5c connects the inner peripheral portion 5a and the outer peripheral portion 5b and is formed in a spiral shape to ensure a length for elastic deformation. The deformation of the deforming arm 5c causes the inner peripheral portion 5a and the outer peripheral portion 5b to be displaced relative to each other in the axial direction (vibration direction).

[0056] The first elastic support parts 52, 54 support the first movable part 4 movably in the axial direction (vibration direction) so as not to come into contact with the housing 2 and the second movable part 6 whether the second movable part 6 is moving or not.

[0057] The first elastic support portions 52, 54 may be configured with two or more spring materials (for example, leaf springs) for the first movable portion 4. These multiple leaf springs are attached along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction.

[0058] Furthermore, when the first movable part 4 is driven (vibrated) or receives an external impact, the first elastic support parts 52, 54 contact the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body part 632 (see FIG. 10) and do not contact the pair of coils 612, 614. Therefore, the coils 612, 614 are not damaged.

[0059] Furthermore, the first elastic support members 52 and 54 may be configured with any material as long as they elastically support the first movable member 4 so that it can reciprocate freely. In this embodiment, the first elastic support members 52 and 54 are the same members having the same configuration.

[0060] The inner circumferential portion 5a has a connection hole 5d disposed at the center of the first elastic support portions 52, 54. Both end portions 401, 402 (sleeves 46, 47) of the first movable portion 4 that are separated in the vibration direction are fitted into and connected to this connection hole 5d. The inner circumferential portion 5a is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the sleeves 46, 47, and is clamped and fixed between the both end portions 401, 402 and the spring fixing portions 48, 49.

[0061] On the other hand, the outer peripheral portion 5b is fixed to the peripheral wall portion of the housing 2 around the X-axis in the vibration direction, in a state where it is disposed perpendicular to the vibration direction. The outer peripheral portion 5b is adhered to the housing 2 with, for example, an adhesive or the like.

[0062] The spring material of the first elastic support members 52, 54 may be formed from any elastically deformable material, including stainless steel, phosphor bronze, and the like, through sheet metal processing. In this embodiment, the first elastic support members 52, 54 are thin, flat, rectangular leaf springs with internal spirals formed from phosphor bronze, which has high workability, corrosion resistance, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. Furthermore, if the first elastic support members 52, 54 are formed from a non-magnetic material such as phosphor bronze, they do not disrupt the flow of magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. The first elastic support members 52, 54 may be formed from resin, as long as they support the first movable member 4 so that it can vibrate. Furthermore, because the first elastic support members 52, 54 are flat, they can achieve improved positional accuracy, i.e., improved processing accuracy, compared to conical springs.

[0063] In this embodiment, the multiple first elastic support members 52, 54 are joined to the first movable member 4 and the housing 2 with their spirals oriented in the same direction. Therefore, even if the movement of the first movable member 4 increases and the first movable member 4 moves in a translational direction (here, a direction along a plane perpendicular to the vibration direction, i.e., a radial direction) while rotating slightly, the first elastic support members 52, 54 rotate in the same direction at both ends of the first movable member 4. That is, unlike when the spirals at both ends of the first movable member 4 are oriented in opposite directions, the first elastic support members 52, 54 do not rotate in different directions and interfere with each other's rotation. The first elastic support members 52, 54 move smoothly along the vibration direction, i.e., can deform smoothly. This results in a larger amplitude for the first elastic support members 52, 54, which move in a buckling or pulling direction relative to each other, thereby increasing the vibration output. Depending on the desired vibration range of the first movable portion 4, the spiral directions of the plurality of first elastic support portions 52, 54 may be designed to be opposite to each other.

[0064] <Second movable part 6> The second movable part 6 is, for example, arranged on the outer periphery of the first movable part 4 within the housing 2, and is held movably in the vibration direction (X direction) while being suspended by second elastic support parts 72, 74 joined at both ends 6301, 6302 that are spaced apart in the vibration direction (X direction).

[0065] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the second movable part 6 of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the second movable part 6 of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the rear side of the second movable part 6 of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0066] The second movable portion 6 has a coil portion 61 , a coil holding portion 63 , and an outer yoke 65 .

[0067] <Coil part 61> In the vibration actuator 1, the coil section 61, with the axial direction of the coil section 61 as the vibration direction, constitutes a magnetic circuit used to generate a driving source together with the magnet section 41.

[0068] The coil portion 61 is arranged coaxially with the magnet portion 41 so as to surround the magnet portion 41. When current is applied to the coil portion 61, it drives the first movable portion 4 and the second movable portion 6 to move them in the vibration direction and generate vibration. The coil portion 61, together with the magnet portion 41, constitutes a voice coil motor. In this embodiment, the coil section 61 is a pair of coils 612, 614, but one or three or more coils may be used as long as they form a similarly driven magnetic circuit, and it is desirable that the coils be arranged symmetrically in the vibration direction.

[0069] The pair of coils 612, 614 are arranged in positions symmetrical in the vibration direction with respect to the magnet 41 as the center with respect to the first movable part 4 having the magnet 41, yokes 42, 43, etc. It is preferable that the center position of the length of the coils 612, 614 in the vibration direction, that is, the center position of the length between the left end of coil 612 and the right end of coil 614, is the same position (including approximately the same position) as the center position of the length of the magnet part 40 of the first movable part 4 in the vibration direction.

[0070] In this embodiment, the pair of coils 612, 614 are formed by winding a single coil wire in opposite directions, and when energized, current flows in opposite directions in the coils 612, 614, respectively.

[0071] The ends of the pair of coils 612 and 614, that is, the ends of the windings of the coils that make up the pair of coils 612 and 614, are wound and connected to the terminal winding portion in the center of the coil holding portion 63.

[0072] The coil portion 61 (the pair of coils 612, 614) is connected to a power supply unit via a terminal connection unit. For example, each end of the coil portion 61 (the pair of coils 612, 614) is connected to an AC supply unit via the terminal connection unit, and AC power (AC voltage) is supplied from the AC supply unit to the coil portion 61 (the pair of coils 612, 614). This allows the coil portion 61 (the pair of coils 612, 614) to generate a thrust between the coil portion 61 (the pair of coils 612, 614) and the magnet 41 that allows them to move toward and away from each other in their axial directions.

[0073] The coil winding connecting the pair of coils 612, 614 is disposed in the groove of the coil holding portion 63. In the present embodiment, the coil portion 61 (the pair of coils 612, 614) is configured with a single winding, but this is not limiting and the coil portion 61 may be configured with a pair of separate coils. In this configuration, if the separate coils are configured with windings wound in the same direction, currents in different directions are supplied to each coil during operation.

[0074] It is preferable that the coil axes of the pair of coils 612 and 614 are arranged coaxially with the axis of the coil holding portion 63 or the axis of the magnet 41 .

[0075] In the vibration actuator 1, the pair of coils 612, 614 may be air-core coils, or may be formed into a cylindrical shape by winding a coil wire around the coil holding portion 63. This allows the coils 612, 614 to be assembled without using self-bonding wire, thereby reducing the cost of the coils (pair of coils 612, 614) themselves, and ultimately the cost of the entire vibration actuator.

[0076] <Coil holding portion 63> The coil holding part 63 holds the coil part 61 so as to surround the magnet part 40, and is a cylindrical body held within the housing 2 on the outer circumferential side of the first movable part 4 as the second movable part 6 so as to be movable in the vibration direction. The coil holding part 63 may be called, for example, a coil bobbin.

[0077] The coil holding portion 63 is preferably made of a non-magnetic material, such as a resin such as phenol resin or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The coil holding portion 63 is preferably made of a material containing phenol resin, such as highly flame-retardant bakelite.

[0078] The coil holding portion 63 is made of a material containing phenolic resin, which results in a structure with enhanced flame retardancy. This improves safety during operation even if the coil holding portion 63 generates heat together with the pair of coils 612, 614 due to Joule heat when a current flows through the coils it holds (the pair of coils 612, 614). Furthermore, increased dimensional accuracy and improved positional accuracy of the coils (the pair of coils 612, 614) reduce variations in vibration characteristics.

[0079] 9, the coil holding portion 63 is cylindrical, has a cylindrical main body 632 that forms a recessed portion on the outer surface, and around which the coil is wound. The coil holding portion 63 has a central flange 634 at the center in the vibration direction that sandwiches the cylindrical main body 632, and has end flanges 636, 638 at both ends in the vibration direction.

[0080] Cylindrical main body 632 has a recess formed on the outer circumferential surface between central flange 634 and both end flanges 636, 638 so as to be open in the radial direction. Central flange 634 is provided with groove 639 extending in the vibration direction (X direction) and connecting cylindrical main body 632.

[0081] A pair of coils 612, 614 are respectively arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body 632. The cylindrical main body 632 is located between the magnet section 40 and the coil section 61 in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction, i.e., in the radial direction. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body 632 can guide the first movable section 4 so that it can move back and forth along the inner peripheral surface. The cylindrical main body 632 functions as a protective wall that protects the first movable section 4 from colliding with the coil section 61 when the first movable section 4 and the second movable section 6 are driven, and prevents contact between the magnet section 40 and the coil section 61.

[0082] The thickness of the cylindrical main body 632 is such that it has a strength that does not affect the pair of coils 612, 614 that it holds even when the moving first movable part 4 comes into contact with it. Terminal binding portions 67 are provided to protrude radially from the central flange portion 634. The terminal binding portions 67 face outward from an opening 656 of the outer yoke 65, facilitating connection to external devices.

[0083] The terminal binding portion 67 is a conductive member having a rod-like body for binding the coil windings. The terminal binding portion 67 is provided by press-fitting the base end portion into the outer periphery of the central flange portion of the coil holding portion 63. The end windings of the coil windings are bound to the terminal binding portion 67 and securely connected via solder or the like.

[0084] The diameter of a portion 672 of the central flange portion 634 excluding the terminal binding portion 67, i.e., the diameter of the outer periphery of the central flange portion, is smaller than the maximum diameter of the outer periphery of the other flange portions (end flange portions) 636, 638. In addition, the end flange portions 636, 638 are formed with guides 6362, 6382 that protrude in the circumferential direction.

[0085] Outer yoke 65 covering coils 612 and 614 is disposed between guides 6362 and 6382. Outer yoke 65 has claws that engage with notches provided in guides 6362 and 6382. By engaging the claws with the notches of guides 6362 and 6382, outer yoke 65 is disposed at the desired position, that is, the center in the vibration direction, on the outer circumferential surface of coil holding portion 63.

[0086] By attaching outer yoke 65 to coil holding portion 63, outer yoke 65 covers the cylindrical main body in which coils 612 and 614 are arranged, with the outer surface of outer yoke 65 positioned flush with guides 6362 and 6382 of end flange portions 636 and 638. Note that the winding directions of the coil windings of the pair of coils 612 and 614 are reversed so that they are opposite to each other via the coil windings passing through groove portion 639 (see FIG. 9).

[0087] <Outer yoke 65> The outer yoke 65 is a cylindrical magnetic body that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the coil holding portion 63 and is positioned so as to cover the pair of coils from the outside in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the outer yoke 65 is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining multiple divided bodies 652, 654. These divided bodies 652, 654 make it easier to assemble the vibration actuator 1 than if they were one body, thereby improving assembly performance.

[0088] As described above, the outer yoke 65, together with the coil portion 61, constitutes the magnetic circuit on the second movable portion 6 side, and also constitutes the magnetic circuit on the first movable portion 4 side, that is, the magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator, together with the magnet 41 and the yokes 42 and 43. The outer yoke 65 prevents leakage of magnetic flux from the magnetic circuit to the outside of the vibration actuator 1.

[0089] The outer yoke 65 can increase the thrust constant in the magnetic circuit and improve the electromagnetic conversion efficiency. The outer yoke 65 functions as a magnetic spring together with the magnet 41 by utilizing the magnetic attractive force of the magnet 41. The outer yoke 65 can reduce stress when the first elastic support members 52, 54 and the second elastic support members 72, 74 are made into mechanical springs, and can improve the durability of the first elastic support members 52, 54 and the second elastic support members 72, 74.

[0090] The outer yoke 65 has a divided body main body 655 and an opening 656 provided in the divided body main body 655 in the vibration direction and in the circumferential direction.

[0091] The divided body main body 655 is formed in an arc shape and is made of, for example, SECC (electro-galvanized steel sheet), which has excellent weldability and corrosion resistance.

[0092] Divided body main body 655 is flexible. Openings 656 are provided in divided body main body 655 at the center in the vibration direction and at the center in the circumferential direction.

[0093] Opening 656 is formed corresponding to the position of terminal binding portion 67 on the coil holding portion 63 side. Divided body main body 655 is divided in the circumferential direction by parallel sides spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and is formed in a rectangular shape in the vibration direction by upper and lower sides that are spaced apart in the vibration direction and are formed symmetrically to each other.

[0094] The terminal binding portion 67 is inserted through the opening 656. The opening is positioned at the same height as the center of the length of the outer yoke 65 in the vibration direction so that the protrusion on which the terminal binding portion is provided fits inside the central flange portion 634 located on the inside. The shielding effect of the outer yoke 65 can reduce magnetic flux leakage to the outside of the vibration actuator.

[0095] The divided bodies 652, 654 that make up the outer yoke 65 each have the same structure, and as shown in FIG. 10, an opening is also arranged on the back side of the coil holding part 63 when the outer yoke 65 is attached to the coil holding part 63. In this way, the same parts can be used, which reduces the manufacturing costs of the parts. Furthermore, the outer yoke 65 that surrounds the second movable part 6 has openings at positions symmetrical about the axis extending in the vibration direction, which allows the magnetic circuit configuration and the structure that allows the magnetic flux to flow to be symmetrical.

[0096] <Second elastic support portions 72, 74> As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the second elastic support portions 72, 74 support the second movable portion 6 so that it can move back and forth relative to the housing 2 in the vibration direction.

[0097] The second elastic support members 72, 74 sandwich the second movable member 6 in the vibration direction (X direction) of the second movable member 6, and are installed between both the second movable member 6 and the peripheral wall of the housing 2 so as to intersect with the vibration direction.

[0098] In this embodiment, the second elastic support members 72, 74 are attached parallel to each other across both ends (both ends 6301, 6302 spaced apart in the vibration direction of the coil holding member 63) of the second movable member 6 and the housing 2 (housing main body 22), as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 9.

[0099] The second elastic support portions 72, 74 are formed in a rectangular plate shape (e.g., a square shape) and have a shape in which an annular inner peripheral portion 7a, which is the inner spring end, and a frame-shaped outer fixed portion 7b, which is the outer spring end, are joined by an arm portion 7c, which is arc-shaped in a planar view and elastically deforms.

[0100] The second elastic support parts 72, 74 support the second movable part 6 so that it can move freely in the axial direction (vibration direction, X direction) without coming into contact with the housing 2 and the first movable part 4, regardless of whether the first movable part 4 is moving or not.

[0101] The second elastic support portions 72, 74 may be configured with two or more spring materials (such as leaf springs) for the second movable portion 6. These multiple leaf springs are attached along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction.

[0102] Furthermore, the second elastic support members 72 and 74 may be configured with any material as long as they elastically support the second movable member 6 so that it can move back and forth. In this embodiment, the second elastic support members 72 and 74 are the same members having the same configuration.

[0103] The inner circumferential portion 7a is joined to both end portions 6301, 6302 of the second movable portion 6. The inner circumferential portion 7a may be fixed to the both end portions 6301, 6302 by adhesive, or may be joined by fitting the both end portions 6301, 6302 externally or by caulking. The inner circumferential portion 7a has a through hole 7d disposed at the center of the second elastic support portions 72, 74. The first movable portion 4 (specifically, both ends of the first movable portion 4) is inserted into this through hole 7d so as to be movable in the vibration direction.

[0104] On the other hand, the outer peripheral portion 7b is fixed to the peripheral wall portion of the housing 2 around the X-axis in the vibration direction, in a state where it is disposed perpendicular to the vibration direction. The outer peripheral portion 7 is adhered to the housing 2 with, for example, an adhesive or the like.

[0105] The arm portion 7c is formed in a spiral shape so as to curve and extend along the inner circumferential portion 7a between the inner circumferential portion 7a and the outer circumferential portion 7b in order to ensure a length for elastic deformation. The deformation of the arm portion 7c causes the inner circumferential portion 7a and the outer circumferential portion 7b to be displaced relative to each other in the axial direction (vibration direction, X direction).

[0106] The spring material of the second elastic support members 72, 74 may be formed from any elastically deformable material, including stainless steel plate, phosphor bronze, and the like, by sheet metal processing. The second elastic support members 72, 74 may be thin, flat, rectangular leaf springs with an internal spiral formed from a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel plate or phosphor bronze. They may also be formed from a non-magnetic material such as phosphor bronze, which has high workability, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. This prevents any disruption to the flow of magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. The second elastic support members 72, 74 may be formed from resin as long as they support the second movable member 6 in a vibratory manner. Furthermore, because the second elastic support members 72, 74 are flat, they can achieve improved positional accuracy, i.e., improved processing accuracy, compared to conical springs.

[0107] In this embodiment, the multiple second elastic support members 72, 74 are joined to the second movable member 6 and the housing 2 with their spirals oriented in the same direction. Therefore, even if the movement amount of the second movable member 6 increases and the second movable member 6 moves in a translational direction (here, a direction on a plane perpendicular to the vibration direction) while rotating slightly, the second elastic support members 72, 74 rotate in the same direction as the first elastic support members 52, 54 and move smoothly along the vibration direction, that is, they can deform smoothly. As a result, the second elastic support members 72, 74 have a larger amplitude and move in a buckling or pulling direction relative to each other, thereby increasing the vibration output. Depending on the desired vibration range of the second movable portion 6, the spiral directions of the plurality of second elastic support portions 72, 74 may be designed to be opposite to each other.

[0108] <Principle operation of vibration actuator 1> The basic operation of the magnetic circuit configuration of the vibration actuator 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the magnetic circuit configuration of the vibration actuator.

[0109] The operation of the vibration actuator 1 will be described using as an example a case in which the magnet 41 is magnetized so that the front surface 4101 on one side of the magnetization direction (in this embodiment, the left side in Figure 11) is the north pole and the back surface 4102 on the other side of the magnetization direction (in this embodiment, the right side in Figure 11) is the south pole.

[0110] In the vibration actuator 1, the first movable part 4 is considered to correspond to the mass part in a vibration model of a spring-mass system, and when current is applied to the coils 612, 614, the second movable part 6 moves together with the first movable part 4.

[0111] In the vibration actuator 1, when the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are both at positions where the amplitude is zero in the vibration direction, the magnet 41 is disposed in the center of the housing 2. In addition, the pair of coils 612, 614 are disposed on the outer periphery of the yokes 42, 43 so as to surround the yokes 42, 43 and receive magnetic flux from the yokes 42, 43 that sandwich the magnet 41 in the first movable part 4.

[0112] In the vibration actuator 1, a magnetic flux flow mf is formed, which emerges from the surface 4101 side of the magnet 41, is radiated from the yoke 42 to the coil 612 side, passes through the outer yoke 65, and enters the magnet 41 from the yoke 43 via the coil 614.

[0113] When electricity is applied as shown in FIG. 11, the magnetic field of magnet 41 interacts with the current flowing through the coils (pair of coils 612, 614), generating a Lorentz force in the -f direction in the pair of coils 612, 614 according to Fleming's left-hand rule.

[0114] The Lorentz force in the -f direction is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of the current flowing through the coils (a pair of coils 612, 614). The coils (a pair of coils 612, 614) are movably provided as the second movable part 6 by the second elastic support parts 72, 74, and therefore a thrust force is generated in the second movable part 6, which tends to move the second movable part 6 in the -f direction, i.e., the X2 direction. Furthermore, as a result of the Lorentz force in the -f direction being generated in the coils (a pair of coils 612, 614), in accordance with the law of action and reaction, a force opposite to the Lorentz force in the -f direction is generated as a thrust force in the F direction on the first movable part 4 having the magnet 41, and the first movable part 4 having the magnet 41 tends to move in the F direction, i.e., the X1 direction.

[0115] Furthermore, when the current flow direction of the pair of coils 612, 614 is switched to the opposite direction and current is passed through the pair of coils 612, 614, a Lorentz force is generated in the f direction, which is opposite to the -f direction. Due to the generation of this Lorentz force in the f direction, a thrust force that tries to move the second movable part 6 in the f direction, i.e., the X1 direction, is generated in the first movable part 4, in accordance with the law of action and reaction of the Lorentz force in the f direction, a force opposite to the Lorentz force in the f direction is generated as a thrust force in the -F direction.

[0116] The first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 move back and forth in the vibration direction in response to the thrust force generated therein, that is, vibrate, thereby causing the vibration actuator 1 itself to vibrate. The movements (for example, amplitude and phase) of the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 in the vibrations generated in the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are determined by the input frequency.

[0117] In other words, the amplitude and phase of the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are determined by the input frequency, and various vibrations can be generated and expressed in the vibration actuator 1 by the movement (amplitude, phase) of the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 in the mutual vibration direction.

[0118] When the vibration actuator 1 is not vibrating and no current is flowing, a magnetic attractive force acts between the magnet 41 and the outer yoke 65, causing them to function as magnetic springs. The magnetic attractive force generated between the magnet 41 and the outer yoke 65 (652, 654) and the restoring forces of the first elastic support members 52, 54 and the second elastic support members 72, 74 that attempt to return to their original shapes cause the first movable member 4 and the second movable member 6 to return to their original positions. Vibration is generated by repeating this process.

[0119] The vibration actuator 1 is driven by an AC wave input from a power supply unit to the coil unit 61 (a pair of coils 612, 614). In other words, the direction of current flow in the coil unit 61 (a pair of coils 612, 614) switches periodically, and thrusts in the left-right direction of the housing 2, that is, thrusts in the F, f directions (X1 direction) and thrusts in the -F, -f directions (X2 direction) act alternately on the first movable unit 4 and the second movable unit 6. As a result, the first movable unit 4 and the second movable unit 6 move and vibrate appropriately in their respective vibration directions according to the power supplied.

[0120] Below are equations of motion and circuit equations that show the driving principle of the vibration actuator 1. The vibration actuator 1 is driven based on the equations of motion shown in the following equations (1) and (2) and the circuit equation shown in the following equation (3).

[0121]

number

[0122]

number

[0123] That is, the mass m1 [kg] of the first movable part of the vibration actuator 1, the mass m2 [kg] of the second movable part, the displacement x1(t) [m] of the first movable part, the displacement x2(t) [m] of the second movable part, the thrust constant K f[N / A], current i(t) [A], spring constant K1 [N / m] of the first elastic support part, spring constant K2 [N / m] of the second elastic support part, damping coefficient D1 [N / (m / s)] of the first vibration system, damping coefficient D2 [N / (m / s)] of the second vibration system, etc. can be changed as appropriate within the range that satisfies equations (1) and (2). In addition, voltage e(t) [V], resistance R [Ω], inductance L [H], back electromotive force constant K e [V / (rad / s)] can be changed as appropriate within the range that satisfies formula (3). The vibration actuator 1 satisfies formulas (1) to (3) and is driven by the resonance phenomenon. Vibration is generated by passing an AC wave through the coil that corresponds to the resonance frequency determined by the mass of the movable body and the spring constant of the elastic support part.

[0124] <Vibration characteristics of vibration actuator 1> FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the vibrations generated by the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows examples of acceleration characteristics when only the first movable part 4 is vibrated (shown as "first resonance" in FIG. 12) and when both the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are vibrated (shown as "second resonance" in FIG. 12). "Second resonance" is the vibration characteristic of the vibration actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. "First resonance" is the vibration characteristic of a vibration actuator according to a comparative example in which the second movable part 6 is fixed so as not to vibrate and only the first movable part 4 is vibrated. Note that FIG. 12 also shows the displacements (i.e., the maximum value of the displacement due to vibration (maximum amplitude)) of the coil side (i.e., the second movable part 6) and the magnet side (i.e., the first movable part 4) in "second resonance."

[0125] 12, in the vibration actuator 1, the first movable part 4 (i.e., the first vibration system) supported by the first elastic support parts 52, 54 and the second movable part 6 (i.e., the second vibration system) supported by the second elastic support parts 72, 74 have resonance points at different frequencies. The first movable part 4 has a lower resonance frequency than the second movable part 6, and is configured to move at a lower frequency.

[0126] When the coils 612, 614 are energized, vibrations of different movements are generated in the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6, and a resultant acceleration obtained from the accelerations of these vibrations is output to the outside from the vibration actuator 1. In a vibration actuator 1 in which the two movable parts have different resonance frequencies, the acceleration characteristics include two peaks, as shown by the "2 resonance" curve in Figure 12. Specifically, the two peaks are a resonance point (first resonance frequency) P1 and a resonance point (second resonance frequency) P2.

[0127] At an input frequency lower than the resonance point P1, the first movable part 4 vibrates greatly and is displaced, but the second movable part 6 vibrates little or only slightly and is displaced.

[0128] At the resonance point P1, the phase of the first movable part 4 changes from the input frequency lower than the resonance point P1, and the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 vibrate in the same phase.

[0129] In the frequency band between resonance point P1 and resonance point P2, the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 vibrate in the same phase. In this frequency band, the displacement of the first movable part 4 decreases compared to the displacement at resonance point P1 but remains at a certain level, and the displacement of the second movable part 6 remains constant with almost no decrease compared to the displacement at resonance point P1.

[0130] In this way, in the vibration actuator 1, between the vibration peaks (between P1 and P2), both the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 vibrate in phase and maintain a certain level of displacement. This allows the vibration actuator 1 to generate stronger vibrations (i.e., a higher G value shown on the left axis in FIG. 12) than the vibration actuator of the comparative example.

[0131] The vibration actuator 1 can generate vibrations at a frequency during which the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are driven in phase, and can generate a predetermined strong vibration at that frequency compared to a configuration having one movable part (comparative example). In particular, in this embodiment, a strong low-frequency vibration is applied, making it possible to express a tactile sensation with depth.

[0132] Furthermore, at resonance point P2, the phase of the second movable part 6 changes from an input frequency lower than resonance point P2, causing the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 to vibrate in opposite phases. As a result, the output acceleration (G value) is smaller than that at resonance point P1, but multiple peaks not obtained in the comparative example can be obtained. Note that in the vibration characteristic graph shown in FIG. 12, the acceleration at resonance point P2 is smaller than that at resonance point P1, but this is not limited to this. The magnitude relationship between resonance points P1 and P2 can be adjusted by the resonance frequency and the weights of the first and second movable parts. For example, the acceleration at resonance point P2 can be made larger than that at resonance point P1 depending on the magnitude of the acceleration.

[0133] When the input frequency exceeds the resonance point P2, the displacement of the second movable part 6 in the vibration actuator 1 decreases. At this time, the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 vibrate in opposite phases, just as at the resonance point P2. That is, as shown in Fig. 12, when the input frequency exceeds the resonance point P2, the second movable part 6 and the first movable part 4 are in opposite phases and both have small displacements, so the decrease in acceleration (G value) becomes greater, and as the frequency increases, the acceleration (G value) becomes smaller compared to the comparative example.

[0134] As a result, when the coil is energized at a frequency higher than the resonance point P2, it generates a vibration that is different from the vibration of the vibration actuator that is generated when the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 vibrate in phase, making it possible to present different vibrations to the user, etc. By varying the input frequency, it is possible to output both higher and lower accelerations compared to the comparative example, so by driving at a desired frequency as appropriate, it is possible to add variation to the intensity of the vibration.

[0135] <Variation 1> Fig. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the main components of a modified example of vibration actuator 1. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the vibration characteristics of vibration actuator 10 of modified example 1 shown in Fig. 13, showing the characteristics with and without magnetic fluid in vibration actuator 1. Note that the characteristics with magnetic fluid require an input voltage that is higher (for example, 2.4 times higher) than the characteristics without magnetic fluid.

[0136] For example, a modified vibration actuator 10 shown in Figure 13 has a configuration in which magnetic fluid JR is interposed between the first movable part 4 and the second movable part in the vibration actuator 1, i.e., within the second movable part 6.

[0137] When the magnetic fluid JR is injected between the magnet part 40 and the coil part 61, that is, between the inner surface of the second movable part 6 and the first movable part 4, it is held between the first movable part 4 and the second movable part due to its magnetic properties.

[0138] The vibration actuator 10 has a magnetic fluid JR between the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6, which makes it difficult for the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 to move in the vibration direction, thereby attenuating the amplitude of the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6.

[0139] As a result, the amplitude peaks at the time of resonance of the first movable part 4 and the second movable part 6 are attenuated, the peaks of the acceleration G value at the time of resonance are suppressed, and the overall vibration characteristics, i.e., the overall acceleration during vibration, are reduced. Waveform V2 shown in Figure 13 shows the vibration characteristics before the reduction. Furthermore, when the peaks of the acceleration G value are suppressed, the other accelerations increase relatively. By inputting a high voltage so as to obtain a peak in acceleration similar to that shown in waveform V1, it is possible to realize a vibration actuator 1 that generates various vibrations by passing current through the coil over a wide frequency band with smooth acceleration between peaks, as shown in waveform V2.

[0140] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 15 is a front view showing the main configuration of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, and Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the main configuration of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a first movable part of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a second movable part of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the vibration actuator shown in Fig. 15.

[0141] The vibration actuator 1A of embodiment 2 is similar in configuration to the vibration actuator 1 except for the number of first elastic support members 52A, 54A that support the first movable member 4A. Therefore, only the configuration that differs from the vibration actuator 1 will be described, and similar configurations will be given the same reference numerals and names and will not be described again, while configurations that have approximately the same functions will be described with the letter A.

[0142] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the vibration actuator 1A is a vibrating body having a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2A and a drive unit 3A housed within the housing 2A. The drive unit 3A differs from the drive unit 3 in that a plurality of first elastic support parts (two in this embodiment) that support the first movable part 4A are provided on one side.

[0143] The housing 2A houses the vibration unit 3A, and has a box-shaped housing main body 22A that opens at an opening 26A, and a plate portion 24A that closes the opening 26A, and has the same function as the housing 2. The housing 2A is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape to facilitate mounting on an electrical device via the flat outer surface, but is not limited to this, and may also be formed in a cylindrical or rectangular prism shape.

[0144] In the vibration actuator 1A, the first movable part 4A and the second movable part 6A of the drive unit are driven, so that the vibration actuator 1A itself functions as a vibrating body.

[0145] The vibration unit 3A has a first movable part 4A having a magnet part 40, first elastic support parts 52A and 54A, a second movable part 6A having a coil part 61 arranged on the outer periphery of the magnet part 40, and second elastic support parts 72A and 74A.

[0146] In the drive unit 3A, the first movable part 4A and the second movable part 6A are supported within the housing 2A by the first elastic support parts 52A, 54A and the second elastic support parts 72A, 74A so that they can move freely in the vibration direction, i.e., the X (X1, X2) direction, respectively.

[0147] Since the second movable portion 6A has the same configuration as the second movable portion 6, the same components are given the same names and symbols and the description thereof is omitted, and the first movable portion 4A will be described.

[0148] The drive unit 3A drives the first movable part 4A and the second movable part 6A by cooperation of the energized coil part 61 (pair of coils 612, 614) and the magnet part 40 (magnet 41, yokes 42, 43), thereby generating vibrations.

[0149] The first movable part 4A is held, for example, at both ends spaced apart in the X direction within the housing 2A, suspended via first elastic support parts 52A and 54A so as to be movable in the vibration direction (X direction).

[0150] As shown in FIG. 17, the first movable portion 4A is supported at both ends in the vibration direction by a plurality of first elastic support portions 52A, 54A so as to be movable in the vibration direction, compared to the first movable portion 4.

[0151] The first movable portion 4A has a magnet portion 40, weight portions 44, 45, sleeves 462, 472 and auxiliary sleeves 464, 474 as spring stop portions 46A, 47A, and spring fixing portions 48, 49.

[0152] First movable part 4A differs from first movable part 4 in that it has spring stop parts 46A and 47A instead of sleeves 46 and 47. Note that magnet part 40, weight parts 44 and 45, and spring fixing parts 48 and 49 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0153] Spring stop portions 46A and 47A connect first movable portion 4A, that is, magnet portion 40 and weight portions 44 and 45, to a plurality of leaf springs, such as first elastic support portions 52A and 54A, on both sides in the vibration direction (X1 and X2 directions). First movable portion 4A is supported by housing 2A via these leaf springs so as to be movable in the vibration direction.

[0154] The sleeves 462, 472 are located at both ends of the first movable part 4A in the vibration direction, that is, spaced apart from the magnet part 40 on both sides in the vibration direction, and together with the auxiliary sleeves 464, 474, form both ends of the first movable part 4A.

[0155] The sleeves 462, 472 are cylindrical (or may be rod-shaped such as a columnar body) and are arranged along the central axis of the first movable part 4A.

[0156] Sleeves 462, 472 are arranged so that one end is inserted into weights 44, 45, respectively, and protrude from the center of the surface on both end sides of yokes 42, 43. Sleeves 462, 472 are fixed at one end to weights 44, 45, respectively. Sleeves 46, 47 may also be fixed to yokes 42, 43.

[0157] The sleeves 462, 472 are fixed at the other end, i.e., the end on the side away from the magnet portion 40 of the first movable portion 4A in the vibration direction, to the first one of the plurality of first elastic support portions 52A, 54A. The sleeves 462, 472 are joined to the first one of the plurality of first elastic support portions 52A, 54A via spring fixing portions 48, 49 such as rivets, for example.

[0158] Auxiliary sleeves 464 and 474 are arranged continuously with the sleeves 462 and 472, respectively, via the first of the plurality of first elastic support portions 52A and 54A.

[0159] The auxiliary sleeves 464, 474 function as spacers that separate the multiple first elastic support members 52A, 54A, which are joined at both ends that are spaced apart in the vibration direction of the first movable member 4A. By using the auxiliary sleeves 464, 474 to space the multiple first elastic support members 52A, 54A, it is possible to appropriately ensure an elastic deformation area for each of the multiple first elastic support members 52A, 54A. By adjusting the number of the multiple first elastic support members 52A, 54A in this way, it is possible to appropriately change the movement state of the first movable member 4A in the same direction, i.e., the vibration.

[0160] The auxiliary sleeves 464, 474 are joined to the second of the plurality of first elastic support portions 52A, 54A. The auxiliary sleeves 464, 474 are arranged alternately together with the sleeves 462, 472 and the plurality of first elastic support portions 52A, 54A, and are joined and fixed integrally by fitting the spring fixing portions 48, 49 into these from both sides in the vibration direction.

[0161] In vibration actuator 1A, spring stop portions 46A, 47A are arranged so as to protrude outward in the vibration direction from second elastic support portions 72A, 74A. The protruding portions are positioned so that first elastic support portions 52A, 54A are spaced apart from second elastic support portions 72A, 74A in the vibration direction, i.e., so that the first elastic support portions 52A, 54A do not overlap with the second elastic support portions 72A, 74A.

[0162] The sleeves 462, 472 and the auxiliary sleeves 464, 474 may be appropriately connected to the yokes 42, 43, the weights 44, 45, and the spring fixing parts 48, 49. For example, they may be connected by using a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive in combination, by fixing by adhesive alone, or by combining welding, adhesive, and crimping.

[0163] Furthermore, although one end of sleeves 462, 472 abuts against yokes 42, 43, this is not necessary. Furthermore, if sleeves 462, 472 are given the function of a weight, for example by disposing a weight inside sleeves 462, 472, the vibration output of vibration actuator 1A can be adjusted by adjusting the mass together with weight portions 44, 45.

[0164] Furthermore, the sleeves 462, 472, the auxiliary sleeves 464, 474, and the first elastic support portions 52A, 54A are fixed together using rivets as the spring fixing portions 48, 49, but they may also be fixed together using an adhesive.

[0165] The sleeves 462, 472 are joined to the inner peripheries of the first elastic support members 52A, 54A, and allow the first movable member 4A to freely move back and forth in the vibration direction relative to the outer peripheries of the first elastic support members 52A, 54A by deformation of the first elastic support members 52A, 54A. The sleeves 46, 47, together with the auxiliary sleeves 464, 474, are made of, for example, a sintered copper material.

[0166] Furthermore, sleeves 462, 472 are disposed at positions outside the magnetic circuit including magnet section 40, coil section 61, and outer yoke 65 in first movable section 4A. This does not particularly limit the space available for arranging coil section 61, meaning that the distance between the magnetic circuit (magnet section 40) on the movable body side and coil section 61 is not increased, and the efficiency of electromagnetic conversion is not reduced. This allows the weight of first movable section 4A to be increased in an appropriate manner, achieving high vibration output.

[0167] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the first elastic support portions 52A and 54A support the first movable portion 4A so that it can move back and forth in the vibration direction relative to the housing 2A.

[0168] The first elastic support members 52A, 54A are arranged in multiples to sandwich the first movable part 4A in the vibration direction of the first movable part 4A and to span both the first movable part 4A and the peripheral wall part of the housing 2A so as to intersect with the vibration direction.

[0169] The first elastic support members 52A, 54A may be configured in the same manner as the first elastic support members 52, 54, except for the number of sheets joined on one side of the vibration direction of the first movable member 4A.

[0170] The multiple first elastic support parts 52A, 54A are attached parallel to each other across both end parts of the first movable part 4A and the inner circumferential surfaces that face both end parts and are arranged around the axis of the housing 2A.

[0171] The plurality of first elastic support portions 52A, 54A support both end portions of the first movable portion 4A at a plurality of positions in the axial direction.

[0172] The plurality of first elastic support portions 52A, 54A can distribute the load of supporting the first movable portion 4A to each of the plurality of first elastic support portions 52A, 54A at both ends of the first movable portion 4A.

[0173] In the vibration system formed by the first elastic support member together with the first movable member 4A, the first movable member 4A is configured to be driven at a lower frequency than the second movable member 6A of the vibration system formed by the second elastic support member together with the second movable member 6A.

[0174] To support the first movable part 4A, which vibrates at a low frequency and has a large amplitude, it is supported by a soft (small spring constant) elastic support part that easily deforms even with a correspondingly small load, but there is a high possibility that the first movable part 4A will be supported in an inclined state.

[0175] In the vibration actuator 1A, a plurality of first elastic support members 52A, 54A are provided at both ends of the first movable part 4A. As a result, soft elastic support members (springs) are applied to each of the plurality of first elastic support members 52A, 54A, and the first movable part 4A, which has a large amplitude, is supported at multiple points. This allows the first movable part 4A to be supported so that its axis in the vibration direction does not shift, that is, so that the first movable part 4A is not easily tilted and can move freely in the vibration direction.

[0176] The first elastic support portions 52A and 54A are plate springs configured in the same manner as the first elastic support portions 52 and 54. In this embodiment, the first elastic support portions 52A and 54A are configured by the same members having the same configuration.

[0177] The first elastic support portions 52A, 54A are each formed in a rectangular plate shape (e.g., square shape), and have a shape in which an annular inner peripheral portion 5a, which is the inner spring end, and a frame-shaped outer peripheral portion 5b, which is the outer spring end, are joined by a deformation arm 5c that is elastically deformable and has an arc-shaped shape in a planar view.

[0178] The deforming arm 5c connects the inner peripheral portion 5a and the outer peripheral portion 5b and is formed in a spiral shape to ensure a length for elastic deformation. The deformation of the deforming arm 5c causes the inner peripheral portion 5a and the outer peripheral portion 5b to be displaced relative to each other in the axial direction.

[0179] The first elastic support portions 52A and 54A support the first movable portion 4A so that it is movable in the axial direction (vibration direction) without coming into contact with the housing 2A and the second movable portion 6A.

[0180] The first elastic support members 52A, 54A may be arranged in parallel at both ends of the first movable portion 4A such that the connection positions between the deforming arms 5c and the outer periphery 5b do not overlap. For example, the first elastic support members 52A may be arranged so that the connection positions between the first deforming arm 5c and the outer periphery 5b are connected in the Y1-Y2 direction, and the connection positions between the second deforming arm 5c and the outer periphery 5b are connected in the Z1-Z2 direction. In other words, the first elastic support members 52A are arranged so that the spiral directions are different.

[0181] Specifically, for example, two deforming arms 5c are arranged on each of the first elastic support members 52A and 54A, and together they form a double spring. Note that the first elastic support members 52 and 54, as well as the other first elastic support members 52B, 52C, 52E, 52F, 54B, 54C, 54E, and 54F described below, may be formed in the same manner as the first elastic support members 52A and 54A. These first elastic support members 52A and 54A may be arranged on both sides of the first movable member 4A in a complementary positional relationship with the orientation of the deforming arms 5c changed by 90 degrees, so as to support the first movable member 4A from all four sides via the deforming arms 5c.

[0182] As a result, the first movable part 4A is supported by the first elastic support parts 52A and 54A so that it can move freely and evenly around its entire circumference relative to the housing 2A that surrounds the first movable part 4A, and even when driven with a low frequency and large amplitude, it can move back and forth in the vibration direction suitably without tilting.

[0183] When the first movable part 4A is driven or receives an external impact, the first elastic support parts 52A and 54A contact the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body 632 (see FIG. 19) and do not contact the pair of coils 612 and 614. Therefore, the coils 612 and 614 are not damaged.

[0184] The inner peripheral portion 5a is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the sleeves 462, 472. The inner peripheral portion 5a has a connection hole 5d disposed in the center of the first elastic support portions 52A, 54A, and the shafts of the spring fixing portions 48, 49 are inserted into this connection hole 5d.

[0185] As a result, for example, the inner circumferential portions 5a of the plurality of first elastic support portions 52A, 52A on one side of the first movable portion 4A are connected to each other while being sandwiched between the end portion of the sleeve 462, the auxiliary sleeves 464, 474, and the heads of the spring fixing portions 48, 49. Therefore, the plurality of first elastic support portions 52A, 52A are firmly fixed to the first movable portion 4A.

[0186] On the other hand, the outer peripheral portion 5b is fixed to the peripheral wall portion of the housing 2A around the X-axis in the vibration direction, in a state where it is disposed perpendicular to the vibration direction. The outer peripheral portion 5b is adhered to the housing 2A with, for example, an adhesive or the like.

[0187] As with the first elastic support members 52 and , the leaf springs serving as the first elastic support members 52A and A may be made of any material as described above, as long as the material is elastically deformable.

[0188] The vibration actuator 1A configured in this manner can achieve the same functions and effects as the vibration actuator 1.

[0189] When the first movable part 4A is vibrated at a low frequency, even if the first movable part 4A is configured to move so as to achieve maximum displacement in the vibration direction, it can be held stably by increasing the number of support points using multiple first elastic support parts 52A, 54A which are soft and easily elastically deformed.

[0190] Furthermore, the vibration actuator 1A can exert the same effects as the vibration actuator 1, but more stably and accurately than the vibration actuator 1.

[0191] In each of the above-described embodiments, each component can be modified as appropriate depending on the number of magnets in magnet section 40, the number of coils in coil section 61, the arrangement of the coils and magnets, and the configuration and number of first elastic support sections 52, 52A, 54, 54A. Some of these modifications are described below as Modifications 2 to 6. Modifications 2 to 6 have the same basic configuration as Embodiments 1 and 2, respectively, and therefore have the same functions and effects.

[0192] When vibration actuators 1, 1A generate vibrations, if the frequency is high, the amplitude will be small, so the first elastic support members that support the first movable members 4, 4A so that they can move back and forth can be held in a small number, for example, just one each. In vibration actuator 1A, the first movable member 4A is supported at each end by a plurality of first elastic support members 52A, 54A, two each, so that even low-frequency vibrations can be favorably supported and expressed.

[0193] (Variation 2) Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing a second modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a first movable part of the second modified example of the vibration actuator, and Fig. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the main parts of the second modified example of the vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] Vibration actuator 1B of modification 2 differs from vibration actuator 1 in the shapes of magnet section 40B and coil section 61B, but the other components have similar functions, although their shapes may differ. Therefore, only the components that are different from vibration actuator 1 will be described, and similar components will be given the same reference numerals and names and will not be described again, while components that have approximately the same functions will be described with the letter B.

[0195] The vibration actuator 1B is a vibrating body having a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2B and a drive unit 3B housed within the housing 2B. Drive unit 3B differs from drive unit 3 in the number of magnets in first movable portion 4B and the number of coils in second movable portion 6B.

[0196] As shown in Figures 20 to 22, the vibration unit 3B has a first movable part 4B having a magnet part 40B, first elastic support parts 52B and 54B, a second movable part 6B having a coil part 61B, and second elastic support parts 72B and 74B.

[0197] The first elastic support members 52B and 54B support the first movable member 4B at both ends spaced apart in the vibration direction (X direction) so that it can move back and forth. The second elastic support members 72B and 74B support the second movable member 6B, which is disposed on the outer periphery of the magnet member 40B, at both ends spaced apart in the vibration direction (X direction) so that it can move back and forth on the outer periphery side of the magnet member 40B. The drive unit 3B drives the first movable member 4B and the second movable member 6B in cooperation with the energized coil member 61B and magnet member 40B to generate vibrations.

[0198] The first movable part 4B has a magnet part 40B, weight parts 44B and 45B, spring stop parts 46B and 47B, and spring fixing parts 48B and 49B. The second movable part 6B has a coil part 61B, a coil holding part 63B, and an outer yoke 65B including divided parts 652B and 654B.

[0199] In the magnet section 40B of the first movable part 4B, two magnets 412, 413 are arranged with the same magnetic poles facing in the vibration direction, and are integrally formed with a yoke 422 interposed between them. On the other hand, the coil section 61B of the second movable part 6B is composed of one coil arranged to surround the periphery of the yoke 422.

[0200] In the second movable portion 6B, an outer yoke 65B surrounding the periphery of the coil portion 61B is disposed between guides 6362B and 6382B of end flange portions 636B and 638B on the outer surface of coil holding portion 63B that holds coil portion 61B. Outer yoke 65B is composed of divided bodies 652B and 654B. This results in a magnetic circuit configuration that efficiently uses magnetic force, enabling miniaturization.

[0201] (Variation 3) Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing a third variation of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a first movable part of the third variation of the vibration actuator, and Fig. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the main parts of the third variation of the vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] Vibration actuator 1C of modification 3 differs from vibration actuator 1 in the shapes of magnet section 40C and coil section 61C, but the other components have similar functions, although their shapes may differ. Therefore, only the configurations that differ from vibration actuator 1 will be described, and similar configurations will be given the same reference numerals and names and will not be described again, while configurations that have approximately similar functions will be described with the letter C.

[0203] The vibration actuator 1C is a vibrating body having a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2C made up of a plate portion 24C and a box-shaped housing main body 22C, and a drive unit 3C housed within the housing 2C. Drive unit 3C differs from drive unit 3 in the number of magnets in first movable part 4C and the number of coils in second movable part 6C.

[0204] As shown in Figures 23 to 25, the vibration unit 3C has a first movable part 4C having a magnet part 40C, first elastic support parts 52C and 54C, a second movable part 6C having a coil part 61C, and second elastic support parts 72C and 74C.

[0205] The first elastic support members 52C and 54C support the first movable member 4C at both ends spaced apart in the vibration direction (X direction) so that it can move back and forth. The second elastic support members 72C and 74C support the second movable member 6C, which is disposed on the outer periphery of the magnet member 40C, at both ends spaced apart in the vibration direction (X direction) so that it can move back and forth on the outer periphery of the magnet member 40C. The drive unit 3C drives the first movable member 4C and the second movable member 6C in cooperation with the energized coil member 61C and magnet member 40C to generate vibrations.

[0206] The first movable part 4C has a magnet part 40C, weight parts 44C and 45C, spring stop parts 46C and 47C, and spring fixing parts 48C and 49C. The second movable part 6C has a coil part 61C, a coil holding part 63C, and an outer yoke 65C including divided parts 652C and 654C.

[0207] In magnet section 40C of first movable section 4C, two magnets 412, 413 are arranged with the same magnetic poles facing in the vibration direction, and yoke 422 is provided between them. Yokes 423, 424 are also provided integrally with magnets 412, 413 at their ends that are spaced apart in the vibration direction.

[0208] On the other hand, the coil portion 61C of the second movable portion 6C is made up of three coils 616, 617, 618 arranged so as to surround the peripheries of the yokes 422, 423, 424, respectively, and is appropriately disposed in the coil holding portion 63C. In the second movable portion 6C, the coil portion 61C is covered by an outer yoke 65C provided on the outer surface of the coil holding portion 63C. The outer yoke 65C is made up of divided bodies 652C and 654C.

[0209] In the third modification, a magnet section 40C is configured by butting together the same poles of two magnets 412, 413, and the number of coils 616, 617, 618 is increased accordingly. This allows for efficient generation of magnetic force in the magnetic circuit, thereby increasing the thrust when vibrating the first movable section 4C and the second movable section 6C.

[0210] (Variation 4) Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view showing a fourth modified example of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, Fig. 26 shows the second movable part with the divided body of the outer yoke removed.

[0211] Vibration actuator 1D of modification 4 is a modification in which all of the components related to the external shape of the drive unit 3C have been changed compared to vibration actuator 1. Therefore, the other components have the same functions except for their shapes, and therefore components with the same functions and names as those of actuator 1 will be described with the letter D.

[0212] The vibration actuator 1D is a vibrating body having a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2D made up of a plate portion 24D and a box-shaped housing main body 22D, and a drive unit 3D housed within the housing 2D. In the vibration actuator 1D, the drive unit 3D is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0213] As a result, when the drive unit 3D is housed inside the rectangular housing 2D, it can be placed without gaps on the outer periphery because the drive unit 3D corresponds to the shape of the housing 2D. In other words, by fitting the drive unit 3D to the housing 2D, the volume of the drive unit 3D is maximized, and the occupied space can be used as effectively as possible to increase the propulsive force.

[0214] (Variation 5) Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth variation of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 28 is a partially exploded perspective view of a drive unit showing the main configuration of the fifth variation of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 29 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the fifth variation of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 30 is a diagram illustrating the joint between the elastic support member and the movable member of the fifth variation of a vibration actuator.

[0215] The vibration actuator 1E of variant 5 differs from the vibration actuator 1 only in the configuration of the first elastic support members 52E, 54E and second elastic support members 72E, 74E, and the other components have substantially the same functions, although their shapes may differ. Therefore, only the configuration that differs from the vibration actuator 1 will be explained, and similar configurations will be given the same names and have the same reference numerals with an E added, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0216] The vibration actuator 1E is a vibrating body having a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2E made up of a plate portion 24E and a box-shaped housing main body 22E, and a drive unit 3E housed within the housing 2E.

[0217] Compared to drive unit 3, drive unit 3E has a single elastic support part that supports the first movable part 4E and the second movable part 6E so that they can move freely in the vibration direction, and each of the movable parts 4E, 6E is supported at both ends by a pair of elastic support parts 52E, 54E.

[0218] As shown in FIGS. 27 to 30, the vibration unit 3E has a first movable part 4E having a magnet part 40E, elastic support parts 52E and 54E, and a second movable part 6E having a coil part 61E.

[0219] The second movable part 6E is disposed inside the housing 2E on the outer peripheral side of the first movable part 4E. The first movable part 4E has a magnet part 40E, weight parts 44E and 45E, spring stop parts 46E and 47E, and spring fixing parts 48E and 49E. The second movable part 6E also has a coil part 61E, a coil holding part 63E, and an outer yoke 65E including divided parts 652E and 654E.

[0220] The elastic support members 52E and 54E are joined to both ends of the first movable member 4E and the second movable member 6E, respectively, which are spaced apart in the vibration directions (X1 and X2 directions), so that they can move back and forth freely within the housing 2E.

[0221] The elastic support portions 52E and 54E have the same shape, and each has an outer peripheral fixing portion 501 formed in a rectangular plate shape (e.g., a square shape), and the inner peripheral portion of the outer peripheral fixing portion 501 is formed so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction relative to the outer peripheral fixing portion 501.

[0222] Elastic support members 52E and 54E are formed so that their displacement is greatest toward the center. Elastic support members 52E and 54E are provided with first movable-part fixing member 502, to which first movable part 4E is joined at the center, and second movable-part fixing member 503, to which second movable part 6E is fixed, at a deformable portion on the outer periphery side thereof, connecting outer periphery fixing member 501 and the center.

[0223] Second movable part fixing part 503 is provided in elastic support parts 52E, 54E in an intermediate part between outer periphery fixing part 501 and the center part, that is, in an elastically deformable part interposed between outer periphery fixing part 501 and the center part (first movable part fixing part 502). Second movable part fixing part 503 is provided on the elastically deformable part of elastic support parts 52E, 54E, away from outer periphery fixing part 501 and the center part, and therefore can deform and displace in the vibration direction relative to both.

[0224] The first movable part fixing part 502 and the second movable part fixing part 503 are spaced apart so that they can be displaced in the direction of the central axes of the elastic support parts 52E and 54E, i.e., in the vibration direction. This space ensures an elastic deformation area for the elastic deformation part between the first movable part fixing part 502 and the second movable part fixing part 503. As a result, the first movable part 4E and the second movable part 6E are supported at both ends separated in the vibration direction by one elastic support part 52E and one elastic support part 54E so as to be movable in the vibration direction.

[0225] The elastic support members 52E and 54E may have the same basic configuration as the first elastic support members 52, 52A to 52C, 54, 54A to 54C or the second elastic support members 72, 72A to 72C, 74, 74A to 74C, etc. The drive unit 3E drives the first movable part 4E and the second movable part 6E in cooperation with the energized coil part 61E and magnet part 40E to generate vibrations.

[0226] In the fifth modification, both the first movable portion 4E and the second movable portion 6E are supported at both ends in the vibration direction by the same elastic support portions (leaf springs) 52E and 54E so as to be movable in the vibration direction, thereby enabling miniaturization.

[0227] In the vibration actuators 1 and 1A, the elastic support members are not limited to leaf springs, and may be configured in any manner.

[0228] (Variation 6) Fig. 31 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of a sixth variation of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 32 is a front perspective view of a drive unit of the sixth variation of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 33 is a left side view of a second elastic support part of the sixth variation of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 34 is a front perspective view of the second elastic support part of the sixth variation of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0229] The vibration actuator 1F shown in this modification 6 is the vibration actuator 1 of embodiment 1, with the second elastic support members 72F and 74F having different shapes. The other components have substantially the same functions as the vibration actuator 1, although their shapes may differ. Therefore, only the different configurations will be explained, and similar configurations will be given the same names and have the same reference numerals with the letter E added, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0230] The vibration actuator 1F is a vibrating body having a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2F made up of a plate portion 24F and a box-shaped housing main body 22F, and a drive unit 3F housed within the housing 2F.

[0231] Compared to drive unit 3, drive unit 3F has a configuration in which the first elastic support part and the second elastic support part that support the first movable part 4F and the second movable part 6F so that they can move freely in the vibration direction are unified, and each movable part 4F, 6F is supported at both ends by a pair of elastic support parts 52F, 54F.

[0232] The vibration unit 3F has a first movable part 4F having a magnet part 40F, first elastic support parts 52F and 54F, a second movable part 6F having a coil part 61F, and second elastic support parts 72F and 74E.

[0233] The second elastic support portions 72F, 74F are formed in the same shape and are similarly elastically deformable. As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the second elastic support portions 72F, 74F are formed in a rectangular shape.

[0234] The second elastic support members 72F and 74F are provided at their outer peripheries with outer fixed portions 7b that are fixed to the housing 2F. Furthermore, the second elastic support members 72F and 74F are provided at their centers with an annular inner periphery 7a to which the second movable member 6F is joined. The inner periphery 7a has openings 7d through which both ends of the first movable member 4F are inserted.

[0235] The inner peripheral portion 7a is connected to outer fixed portions 7b arranged at the four corners of the rectangular flat plate by arm portions 7c formed by bending and protruding in all directions.

[0236] The arm portions 7c are formed to be inclined in the thickness direction of the second elastic support portions 72F, 74F, i.e., in the vibration direction, and the second elastic support portions 72F, 74F are pre-biased in the vibration direction. The second elastic support portions 72F, 74F are configured so that the arm portions 7c extend in all directions from the inner circumferential portion 7a while bending, and the outer fixed portion 7b is positioned on a different plane from the inner circumferential portion 7a.

[0237] As a result, the second movable portion 6F, which is joined to the housing 2F by the second elastic support portions 72F and 74F, can apply a stronger biasing force in the vibration direction compared to a flat plate spring. This makes it possible to increase the amplitude of the movement of the movable part that is supported so as to be capable of reciprocating movement.

[0238] In the vibration actuators 1 to 1F, the magnet section 40 can be interchangeably replaced with any of the magnet sections 40A to 40F together with the coil sections 61, 61A to 61F.

[0239] The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0240] Furthermore, the vibration actuator according to the present invention may be mounted on a user contact portion of a mobile device other than a game controller or a mobile terminal (for example, a mobile information terminal such as a tablet PC, a mobile game terminal, etc.). That is, the vibration actuator 1 may be mounted on a user contact portion of a handheld electrical device such as a mobile terminal or an electric beauty appliance such as a facial massager. The vibration actuator 1 may be mounted on a user contact portion of a wearable terminal that is worn by the user. In the case of a handheld electrical device such as a game controller, the user contact portion is, for example, a handle portion that the user holds during use. In the case of a wearable electrical device such as a facial massager, the user contact portion is, for example, a pressure applying portion that applies pressure to the surface of the user's body. [Industrial Applicability]

[0241] The vibration actuator of the present invention is useful for being mounted in electronic devices such as game console terminals or mobile terminals, and electrical devices such as electric beauty and hairdressing appliances, as it is capable of stably generating different vibration outputs in a variety of frequency bands while being miniaturized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0242] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 10 Vibration Actuator 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F housing 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F drive unit 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F 1st moving part 5a, 7a inner circumference 5b Outer periphery 5c Transformable Arm 5d Connection hole 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6E, 6E, 6F 2nd moving part 7b Outside fixing part 7c Transforming arm part 7d opening 22, 22A, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F housing body 24, 24A, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F plate section 26, 26A opening 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F Magnet part 41, 41E, 41F, 412, 413 Magnets 42, 42E, 42F, 43, 43E, 43F, 422, 423, 424 York 44, 44B, 44C, 44E, 44F, 45, 45B, 45C, 45E, 45F Weight 441, 451 Through hole (opening) 46, 47, 462, 472 Sleeve (spring stopper) 46A, 46B, 46C, 46E, 46F, 47A, 47B, 47C, 47E, 47F Spring stopper 48, 48B, 48C, 48E, 49, 49B, 4C, 49E Spring fixing part 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52E, 52F, 54, 54A, 54B, 54C, 54E, 54F, first elastic support portion 61, 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 61E, 61F Coil section 63, 63B, 63C, 63E, 63F Coil holding part 65, 65B, 65C, 65E, 65F outer yoke 67 Terminal binding part 72, 72A, 72B, 72C, 72E, 72F, 74, 74A, 74B, 74C, 74E, 74F Second elastic support portion 464, 474 Auxiliary sleeve 501 Outer fixed part 502 1st movable part fixed part 503 2nd movable part fixed part 612, 612E, 612F, 614, 614E, 614F, 616, 617, 618 coils 632 Cylindrical main body 634 Central flange 636, 636B, 638B end flange 639 Groove 652, 652B, 652C, 652E, 654, 654B, 654C, 654E, 654F division body 655 Divided body main body 656 Opening 672 parts 4101 Surface 4102 Back side 6362, 6362B, 6382, 6382B Guide

Claims

1. The housing and a first movable part having a magnet part and arranged to be reciprocally movable in a vibration direction along the axial direction within the housing via first elastic support parts joined to both ends of the magnet part that are spaced apart in the axial direction; a second movable part having a coil part arranged coaxially with the magnet part so as to surround the magnet part, and arranged to be reciprocally movable in the vibration direction within the housing and on the outer periphery of the first movable part via second elastic support parts joined at both ends of the coil part spaced apart in the axial direction; and When the coil portion is energized, the first movable portion and the second movable portion are driven to generate vibrations. Vibration actuator.

2. The first movable part and the second movable part are driven and moved simultaneously. The vibration actuator according to claim 1 .

3. the two end portions of the first movable portion are inserted through the second elastic support portion, disposed at positions protruding outward in the vibration direction beyond the two end portions of the second movable portion, and joined to the first elastic support portion.

3. The vibration actuator according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first elastic support portion is made of a plurality of spring members attached to each of the end portions at intervals in the axial direction so as to allow the first movable portion to reciprocate in the axial direction. The vibration actuator according to claim 3.

5. the first elastic support portion and the second elastic support portion are the same elastic support portion, the same elastic support portion supports the first movable portion and the second movable portion so that they can reciprocate independently of each other by elastic deformation; 3. The vibration actuator according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a first resonance frequency of a first vibration system including the first movable part and the first elastic support part is lower than a second resonance frequency of a second vibration system including the second movable part and the second elastic support part; The vibration actuator according to claim 1 .

7. the first movable portion and the second movable portion reciprocate in the same phase in a band between the first resonance frequency and the second resonance frequency, The vibration actuator according to claim 6.

8. the magnet portion includes one magnet and a yoke provided on each of both end surfaces of the magnet in the axial direction, The coil portion includes a pair of coils arranged at positions surrounding the yokes, respectively. The vibration actuator according to claim 1 .

9. The magnet portion has two magnets arranged with the same magnetic poles facing each other, The coil unit includes one coil arranged at a position surrounding the butted portion of the two magnets. The vibration actuator according to claim 1 .

10. The first movable portion has weight portions fixed to both sides of the magnet portion in the axial direction. The vibration actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the weight portion is an annular body having an opening at the center, a pair of spring stop portions are provided, the spring stop portions being joined to the weight portion at the opening, protruding outward in the vibration direction of the second movable portion, and constituting each of the end portions and joined to the first elastic support portion; The vibration actuator according to claim 10.

12. the two end portions of the first movable portion are arranged to protrude outward in the vibration direction from both axial sides of the magnet portion to both end portions of the second movable portion, and include a pair of spring stop portions joined to the pair of first elastic support portions, The vibration actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. The second movable portion has an outer yoke surrounding the coil portion. The vibration actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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