Vibration transmission device, and warning notification device, audio device, and massage device equipped with the same

Abstract

To provide a vibration transmission device which can apply strong vibration instantaneously, and to provide a device including the vibration transmission device.SOLUTION: A vibration transmission device 100 includes: a vibration actuator 10 which drives a movable body 40, which is supported in a manner that enables elastic vibration relative to a fixed body, in one direction of a vibration direction of the movable body to vibrate the movable body; and housing parts 60, 70 which house the vibration actuator therein. The housing part has openings 62 which expose at least parts of the movable body so that the movable body contacts with an object to which vibration is applied. The vibration transmission device includes protruding parts 82 each of which passes through the opening and protrudes from the movable body to the outside of the housing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration transmission device that transmits vibrations to a user, and to a warning notification device, an audio device, and a massage device that include the same. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a device that transmits vibrations to a user seated in a seat using a vibration transmission device provided in the seat (see Patent Document 1). For example, in Patent Document 1, a vibration transmission device is provided in an in-vehicle seat, and when transmitting information such as a warning to a driver seated in the seat, vibrations are transmitted by the vibration transmission device. In the vibration transmission device in Patent Document 1, vibrations are generated using a motor with an eccentric weight attached to the rotating shaft (hereinafter referred to as a vibration motor). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6578290 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Vibration motors vibrate the vibration motor body by rotating an eccentric weight. In principle, it is difficult to generate vibrations strong enough to stimulate the user's tactile senses, muscles, etc., unless the eccentric weight is made heavier or the rotation speed is increased. Furthermore, vibration motors are often housed inside a case to prevent the intrusion of objects (e.g., dust) that hinder the rotation of the eccentric weight, making it difficult to directly transmit the vibrations generated by the vibration motor body. Therefore, the vibrations generated by the vibration motor are weak, and in some cases, the user may not even notice the vibrations. Furthermore, vibration motors require a sufficient number of rotations to generate the maximum vibration amount, and it takes time to reach that rotation speed, resulting in poor responsiveness and making it difficult to instantly transmit vibrations to the user. Thus, vibration transmission devices using vibration motors are difficult to generate strong vibrations and have poor responsiveness, so a vibration transmission device that can instantly transmit strong vibrations is desired.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vibration transmission device that can instantly apply strong vibrations, and an apparatus equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vibration transmission device according to the present invention comprises: The magnetic coil includes a plate-shaped fixed body on which a plate-shaped electromagnet is disposed, the plate-shaped electromagnet being made of a coil and a core around which the coil is wound, and a plate-shaped yoke made of a magnetic body disposed opposite the electromagnet in a direction intersecting with the winding axis of the coil, A movable body supported so as to be able to elastically vibrate relative to a fixed body and a vibration actuator that drives the movable body to vibrate in one of the vibration directions; a housing portion that houses the vibration actuator therein; Equipped with The housing has an opening that exposes at least a portion of the movable body so that the movable body comes into contact with an object to which vibration is to be applied.

[0007] The warning notification device according to the present invention comprises: The vibration transmission device is provided, The vibration transmission device applies vibration to the subject to notify the subject of a warning.

[0008] The audio device according to the present invention comprises: The vibration transmission device is provided, The vibration transmission device applies vibrations based on a sound source to the subject.

[0009] The massage device according to the present invention comprises: The vibration transmission device is provided, Vibrations are applied to the subject by the vibration transmission device to massage the subject. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, strong vibrations can be applied instantly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vibration transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 2] 2 is a side view showing a state in which a housing lid and a housing base are removed from the vibration transmission device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of the vibration transmission device shown in FIG. 1, as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of the vibration transmission device shown in FIG. 1, as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a further exploded perspective view of a portion of the vibration transmission device shown in FIG. 3, seen from diagonally above. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a further exploded perspective view of a portion of the vibration transmission device shown in FIG. 4, seen from diagonally below. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram illustrating a part of the inside of the vibration transmission device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification (modification 1) of the vibration transmission device shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification (modification 2) of the vibration transmission device shown in FIG. [Figure 10]1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification (modification 3) of the vibration transmission device shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic actuator included in the vibration transmission device shown in FIG. 1, seen obliquely from above. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator shown in FIG. 11, seen obliquely from below. [Figure 13] 12 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic actuator shown in FIG. 11 taken along the line AA. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a magnetic circuit configuration of the electromagnetic actuator shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 12A to 12C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the electromagnetic actuator shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example (configuration example 1) of a vibration transmission unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example (configuration example 2) of the vibration transmission unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example (Configuration Example 3) of the vibration transmission unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example (Configuration Example 4) of the vibration transmission unit. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example (Configuration Example 5) of the vibration transmission unit. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of how a vibration transmission unit is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] In this embodiment, a Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used for explanation. The same Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is also used in the figures described later. In the following, the width, depth, and height of the vibration transmission device 100 are lengths in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively, and the width, depth, and height of the electromagnetic actuator 10 are also lengths in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively. In addition, the positive side of the Z direction is the direction in which vibration is applied to the user (the part to which vibration is applied), and is referred to as the "upper side," and the negative side of the Z direction is the direction away from the user, and is referred to as the "lower side."

[0014] [Vibration transmission device 100] A vibration transmission device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the vibration transmission device 100. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the vibration transmission device 100 with the housing lid and housing base removed. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of the vibration transmission device 100, viewed from an obliquely upper side. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of the vibration transmission device 100, viewed from an obliquely lower side. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration transmission device 100 shown in FIG. 3, with a portion further exploded, viewed from an obliquely upper side. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration transmission device 100 shown in FIG. 4, with a portion further exploded, viewed from an obliquely lower side. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a portion of the interior of the vibration transmission device 100.

[0016] 1 to 7 has an electromagnetic actuator 10, which is an example of a vibration actuator, and is a device that applies and transmits vibrations generated by the electromagnetic actuator 10 in response to an input drive signal to a target (for example, a target person). The drive signal will be described later with reference to FIGS. 17 to 21.

[0017] The vibration transmission device 100 is provided, for example, in a seat 400 shown in Fig. 22 described below, and applies vibrations to a user (subject person) sitting on the seat 400. The seat 400 having the vibration transmission device 100 applies vibrations to the user, thereby functioning as a warning notification device that notifies the user of a warning, a massage device that massages the user, and also as an audio device that applies vibrations based on a sound source to the user.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the vibration transmission device 100 includes an electromagnetic actuator 10, a housing lid portion 60, a housing base portion 70, and a transmission portion 80.

[0019] The accommodating lid 60 and the accommodating base 70 are accommodating parts that accommodate the electromagnetic actuator 10 therein. As will be described below, the electromagnetic actuator 10 is fixed to the accommodating base 70, and the accommodating lid 60 is fixed to the accommodating base 70 so as to cover the electromagnetic actuator 10. In addition, the transmission part 80 is attached to the movable body 40 of the electromagnetic actuator 10 as will be described below, and is configured so that at least a part of a protrusion 82, which will be described later, passes through the opening 62 of the accommodating lid 60 and protrudes to the outside of the accommodating lid 60.

[0020] (Storage lid portion 60) The storage lid 60 is a covered cylindrical body that stores the electromagnetic actuator 10 between itself and the storage base 70, and is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape in a plan view seen from the Z direction. The positive side of the storage lid 60 in the Z direction is the facing surface 61 that is positioned toward the user. Openings 62 that penetrate the facing surface 61 are formed in the facing surface 61, and in this case, for example, a total of six openings 62 are formed in two rows of three, corresponding to the number of protrusions 82 of the transmission unit 80.

[0021] 4, an impact absorbing portion 63 (restricting portion in the present invention) that faces a movable panel 81 of a transmission portion 80 (described later) is provided on an inner surface 61a, which is the inner surface (electromagnetic actuator 10 side) of the opposing surface 61. The impact absorbing portion 63 is formed, for example, from a damper made of elastomer. When the movable panel 81 abuts against the impact absorbing portion 63, movement (protrusion) of the movable panel 81 in the positive Z direction during vibration is suppressed, and the impact from the movable panel 81 is also absorbed.

[0022] 4, the storage lid 60 has an insert nut 65 provided on the bottom 64 that contacts the storage base 70. Here, as an example, an insert nut 65 is disposed on each of the four corners 64a of the bottom 64. The storage lid 60 is fixed to the storage base 70 by threading a screw 77 (described later) into the insert nut 65.

[0023] (Housing base 70) The housing base 70 has a flat fixing plate 71 to which the electromagnetic actuator 10 and the housing lid 60 are fixed. On an inner surface 71a, which is the inner surface (electromagnetic actuator 10 side) of the fixing plate 71, protrusions 72 that face impact absorbing parts 86, which will be described later, are provided to protrude in the positive Z direction. Here, as an example, the protrusions 72 are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the X direction at two locations on the inner surface 71a so that two protrusions 72 correspond to the four impact absorbing parts 86 arranged at the four corners of the movable panel 81.

[0024] Furthermore, insertion portions 73 into which support columns 11 (described later) are inserted are provided on the inner surface 71a of the fixed plate 71. Here, as an example, the insertion portions 73 are arranged at four locations on the inner surface 71a and formed in a cylindrical shape so as to correspond to the columnar support columns 11 arranged at the four corners of the fixed body 30 (described later).

[0025] Furthermore, a recess 74 is provided on the inner surface 71a of the fixed plate 71 as a space for accommodating the core assembly 20, which will be described later. Here, as an example, the recess 74 is arranged in one location in the center of the inner surface 71a and is formed in a rectangular shape so as to correspond to the rectangular core assembly 20 arranged in the center of the fixed body 30. By providing such a recess 74, the length of the vibration transmission device 100 in the Z direction can be shortened (the thickness can be reduced), thereby making it possible to reduce the height and thickness.

[0026] Furthermore, a through hole 75 is provided inside the recess 74, through which a wire connected to the electromagnetic actuator 10 passes. Furthermore, a rib 76 is provided around the periphery of the recess 74. By providing the rib 76 around the periphery of the recess 74 recessed from the inner surface 71a of the fixing plate 71, the strength of the fixing plate 71 is improved.

[0027] Although the reference numerals are omitted, the fixing plate 71 is formed with insertion holes for inserting screws 77 and 78, which are fastening members. The screws 77 are inserted into the insertion holes of the fixing plate 71 and are threaded into the insert nuts 65 to fix the accommodating lid 60 to the accommodating base 70. The screws 78 are inserted into the insertion holes of the fixing plate 71 and are threaded into the support struts 11 to fix the fixed body 30 of the electromagnetic actuator 10 to the accommodating base 70.

[0028] (Transmission unit 80) The transmission part 80 is a part that transmits vibrations of the electromagnetic actuator 10 housed inside the housing part (housing cover part 60 and housing base part 70) to the outside.

[0029] The transmission unit 80 has a flat movable panel 81 to which the protrusion 82 is fixed. It is desirable that the movable panel 81 be flat in order to reduce the height and thickness of the vibration transmission device 100, but the shape, material, configuration, etc. of the movable panel 81 may be any as long as the protrusion 82 can be fixed thereto and the panel can be attached to the movable body 40 described below.

[0030] Protrusions 82 are attached to an upper surface 81a, which is the surface on the positive side in the Z direction of the movable panel 81, by screws 83, which are fastening members. Here, as an example, the protrusions 82 are attached to the upper surface 81a so that at least a portion of the protrusions 82 passes through the opening 62 of the storage lid 60 and protrudes to the outside of the storage lid 60. Also, here, as an example, a total of six protrusions 82, consisting of two rows of three protrusions, are attached to the upper surface 81a.

[0031] When installing the vibration transmission device 100, the protrusion 82 is positioned so that it comes into direct contact with the user or so that it comes into indirect contact via a separate member (a material that transmits vibrations, such as cushioning or fabric). Furthermore, it is desirable that the protrusion 82 make point contact or near-point contact with the user, without applying excessive force, so that it can strongly transmit vibrations to the user (so that the force being applied is concentrated). Therefore, the protrusion 82 is configured so that its diameter tapers toward its tip (the positive side in the Z direction). By positioning and configuring the protrusion 82 as described above, even if the user's sitting position, posture, etc., when seated on the seat 400 (described below) changes, the protrusion 82 can reliably contact the user's target stimulation area, thereby reliably transmitting vibrations to the user.

[0032] The tip 82a of the protrusion 82 on the user side (positive side in the Z direction) may be made of the same material as the protrusion 82, or may be made of a different material depending on the intended use. For example, the material making up the tip 82a may be different for the warning notification device, massage device, and audio device described above, so that the strength of the vibration transmitted to the user is appropriate.

[0033] For example, in the case of a warning notification device, a strong vibration is preferable for the purpose of warning, while in the case of a massage device or audio device, a vibration of an appropriate strength that is neither too strong nor too weak is preferable. Metal or the like may be used as the material for the protrusion 82 and the tip 82a, but a lightweight material with selectable hardness, such as plastic or rubber, can also be used.

[0034] In this way, the shape, material, configuration, etc. of the protrusion 82 are changed as appropriate depending on the strength of the vibration transmitted to the user.

[0035] A lower surface 81b of the movable panel 81, which is the surface on the negative side in the Z direction, is attached to the movable body 40 of the electromagnetic actuator 10 by screws 84, which are fastening members, via spacers 85. Here, as shown in FIG. 11 , which will be described later, surface portion fixing holes 42 are formed in the four corners of the surface portion fixing portion 44 of the movable body 40, and the screws 84 are inserted through the surface portion fixing holes 42 and the spacers 85 and screwed into screw holes (reference numerals omitted) in the movable panel 81. By fixing the movable panel 81 to the movable body 40 in this manner, the movable panel 81 and the protruding portion 82 vibrate integrally with the movable body 40. In this embodiment, the movable body 40, the movable panel 81, and the protruding portion 82 correspond to the movable body in the present invention.

[0036] Impact absorbing portions 86 (restricting portions in the present invention) are provided on the lower surface 81b of the movable panel 81. Here, as an example, the impact absorbing portions 86 are arranged at the four corners of the lower surface 81b. Specifically, two impact absorbing portions 86 are arranged along the X direction at one end side in the Y direction of the lower surface 81b (for example, the left end side in FIG. 4), and two impact absorbing portions 86 are arranged along the X direction at the other end side in the Y direction (for example, the right end side in FIG. 4).

[0037] The impact absorbing portion 86 is formed of, for example, a damper made of elastomer. When the impact absorbing portion 86 abuts against the protruding portion 72, it suppresses movement (pushing) of the movable panel 81 to the negative Z-direction during vibration, and also absorbs the impact from the movable panel 81.

[0038] In this way, the impact absorbing portion 86 and the above-described impact absorbing portion 63 are configured to limit the movable range of the movable panel 81. For example, if the vibration transmission device 100 is accidentally dropped while attached, if the movable range of the movable panel 81 is not limited, the elastic portion 50 (described below) of the electromagnetic actuator 10 may be plastically deformed and damaged by the impact of the fall. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the impact is mitigated while limiting the movable range of the movable panel 81, so that the elastic portion 50 can be prevented from being plastically deformed and damaged.

[0039] Furthermore, if the impact from the movable panel 81 becomes too strong and the housing lid 60 or the housing base 70 receives the impact directly, there is a possibility that the housing lid 60 or the housing base 70 may crack and be damaged. In contrast, in this embodiment, the impact from the movable panel 81 is received and absorbed by the impact absorbing parts 63 and 86, so that damage to the housing lid 60 or the housing base 70 can be prevented.

[0040] The configuration of the electromagnetic actuator 10 and the vibration of the movable body 40 will be described later, but the vibration direction of the movable body 40 is the Z direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the surface of the opposing surface 61 that faces the user. Because the vibration direction of the movable body 40 is the direction perpendicular to the surface of the opposing surface 61, the movable panel 81, i.e., the protruding portion 82, can be driven with stronger vibrations and stronger vibrations can be transmitted to the user than in a direction other than the direction perpendicular to the surface. Therefore, by placing the vibration transmission device 100 so that the protruding portion 82 comes into contact with a part of the user's body and driving the electromagnetic actuator 10 to vibrate the movable body 40, vibrations can be reliably transmitted to the user via the protruding portion 82.

[0041] Furthermore, when the electromagnetic actuator 10 is continuously driven, there is a possibility that the coil 22 (described below) constituting the electromagnetic actuator 10 will generate heat. Even if the coil 22 generates heat, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator 10 is housed inside the housing (housing lid 60 and housing base 70), so that, for example, the user or an object to which the vibration is transmitted will not come into contact with the coil 22. Therefore, the impact on the user, etc. can be suppressed, and safety can be ensured.

[0042] <Modification 1 of the vibration transmission device 100> In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the vibration transmission device 100 has impact absorbing portions (impact absorbing portion 63 and impact absorbing portion 86) on both the positive and negative sides of the movable panel 81 in the Z direction, but may be configured without one or both of the impact absorbing portions. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the vibration transmission device 100 may be configured without both the impact absorbing portion 63 and the impact absorbing portion 86. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9 described below, the vibration transmission device 100 may be configured with the impact absorbing portion 86 but without the impact absorbing portion 63.

[0043] 8, the inner surface 61a (limiting portion in the present invention) of the opposing surface 61 suppresses movement (protrusion) of the movable panel 81 toward the positive side in the Z direction during vibration. Also, the protruding portion 72 (limiting portion in the present invention) of the fixed plate 71 suppresses movement (pushing) of the movable panel 81 toward the negative side in the Z direction during vibration. In this case, by adjusting the thickness of the opposing surface 61 and the height of the protruding portion 72, the inner surface 61a and the protruding portion 72 can suppress movement of the movable panel 81 in the Z direction.

[0044] 9, the inner surface 61a of the opposing surface 61 and a flange portion 66 (limiting portion in the present invention) described below come into contact with the protruding portion 82 having a flange portion 82b described below, thereby restricting movement (protruding) of the movable panel 81 toward the positive side in the Z direction during vibration. With regard to movement (pushing) of the movable panel 81 toward the negative side in the Z direction during vibration, the impact absorbing portion 86 restricts the movement and also absorbs the impact from the movable panel 81, similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 7. In this case, by adjusting the thickness of the opposing surface 61 and the flange portion 66, the inner surface 61a and the flange portion 66 can restrict movement of the movable panel 81 toward the positive side in the Z direction.

[0045] <Modification 2 of the vibration transmission device 100> In this embodiment, there is a gap between the protrusion 82 of the transmission part 80 (movable panel 81) and the opening 62 of the storage lid part 60, but a labyrinth structure may be provided in this gap part. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, a flange part 66 that protrudes to the negative side in the Z direction is formed at the edge part of the opening 62, and a flange part 82b that protrudes to the positive side in the Z direction is formed opposite the outer peripheral surface of the flange part 66 and is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the flange part 66.

[0046] Here, flange portion 82b is provided on the outer periphery of the lower part of protrusion 82, but a flange portion may be provided on movable panel 81. Also, here, a single labyrinth structure is formed by flange portion 66 and flange portion 82b, but a double or more labyrinth structure may be formed by providing a plurality of flange portions similar to flange portion 66 and flange portion 82b.

[0047] 9, by forming the flange portion 66 and the flange portion 82b, a labyrinth structure is formed between the flange portion 66 and the flange portion 82b. This labyrinth structure can prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the inside of the housing lid portion 60 through the opening 62. This can stabilize the operation of the electromagnetic actuator 10.

[0048] <Modification 3 of the vibration transmission device 100> As shown in Figure 9, a labyrinth structure may be provided between the opening 62 and the protrusion 82, or as shown in Figure 10, a stretchable protective cover 67 may be provided to cover the housing lid 60 from the outside, including the opening 62. Covering the housing lid 60 with the protective cover 67 can prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the inside of the housing lid 60 through the opening 62. This stabilizes the operation of the electromagnetic actuator 10. Furthermore, because the protective cover 67 is stretchable, it can transmit the vibration of the protrusion 82 to the user without impeding it.

[0049] (Electromagnetic Actuator 10) The electromagnetic actuator 10 included in the vibration transmission device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0050] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator 10 provided in the vibration transmission device 100, seen from diagonally above. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator 10, seen from diagonally below. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic actuator 10 shown in Fig. 11, taken along line A-A. Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator 10.

[0051] The electromagnetic actuator 10 functions as a vibration generating source for a movable panel 81 having a protrusion 82 (see Figures 2 to 7), and transmits vibrations corresponding to the input drive signal to a user of the vibration transmission device 100 (for example, a user seated on the seat 400 described below).

[0052] The electromagnetic actuator 10 has a fixed body 30 and a movable body 40 to which a movable panel 81 is fixed and which is supported relative to the fixed body 30 via an elastic portion 50 so as to be capable of elastic vibration. The electromagnetic actuator 10 drives the movable body 40 in one direction, and moves the movable body 40 in the direction opposite to the one direction by the biasing force of the elastic portion 50 which generates a biasing force, thereby causing the movable body 40 to move back and forth in a straight line.

[0053] Here, driving in one direction means that the movable body 40, which is supported on the fixed body 30 via the elastic portion 50 so as to be movable in the vibration direction, is driven in one direction of the vibration direction by exciting the coil 22, which will be described later. When the movable body 40 is driven in one direction of the vibration direction in this manner, the biasing force of the elastic portion 50 causes the movable body 40 to move in the opposite direction after the driving. By repeatedly driving in this manner, the movable body 40 is vibrated. The vibration of the movable body 40 generated in this manner has an extremely fast response from when a drive signal is input to the coil 22 until vibration is generated, and is extremely effective, for example, in cases where it is desired to immediately issue a warning to a user by transmitting vibration.

[0054] As will be described in detail later, the fixed body 30 has a core assembly 20 formed by winding a coil 22 around a core 24, and a base portion 32. The movable body 40 has a yoke 41 which is a magnetic body. The elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) elastically support the movable body 40 relative to the fixed body 30 so that the movable body 40 can move in the vibration direction.

[0055] The electromagnetic actuator 10 drives the movable body 40, which is movably supported by the elastic portion 50, to move in one direction relative to the fixed body 30. The movement of the movable body 40 in the direction opposite to the one direction is performed by the biasing force of the elastic portion 50.

[0056] Specifically, the electromagnetic actuator 10 vibrates the yoke 41 of the movable body 40 by the core assembly 20. More specifically, the movable body 40 is vibrated by the attraction force of the energized coil 22 and the core 24 excited by the energized coil 22, and the biasing force of the elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2). In this embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator 10 is driven by the action of an electromagnet.

[0057] The electromagnetic actuator 10 is also configured in a flat shape with its thickness direction in the Z direction. The electromagnetic actuator 10 vibrates the movable body 40 relative to the fixed body 30 in the Z direction, i.e., with the thickness direction as the vibration direction. In this way, in the electromagnetic actuator 10, one of the front and rear members (the fixed body 30 and the movable body 40) that are arranged apart in the thickness direction of the electromagnetic actuator 10 itself approaches or moves away from the other in the Z direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator 10 moves the movable body 40 in one direction, the negative Z direction, by the attraction force of the core 24, and moves the movable body 40 in the positive Z direction by the biasing force of the elastic parts 50 (50-1, 50-2).

[0059] In the electromagnetic actuator 10 of this embodiment, the movable body 40 is elastically supported by multiple elastic parts 50 (50-1, 50-2) arranged along a direction perpendicular to the Z direction at positions point-symmetrical with respect to the movable center of the movable body 40.

[0060] <Fixed body 30> As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the fixed body 30 has a core assembly 20 having a coil 22 and a core 24, and a base portion 32.

[0061] The base portion 32 has the core assembly 20 fixed thereto and supports the movable body 40 via the elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) so that the movable body 40 can vibrate freely. The base portion 32 is a flat-shaped member and forms the bottom surface of the electromagnetic actuator 10. The base portion 32 has mounting portions 32a to which one end of the elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) is fixed, sandwiching the core assembly 20 therebetween. The mounting portions 32a are each disposed at the same distance from the core assembly 20. This distance is a distance that provides a deformation range for the elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2).

[0062] As shown in Fig. 14, the mounting portion 32a has fixing holes 321 for fixing the elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) and fixing holes 322 for fixing the base portion 32 to a fixing plate 71 (see Fig. 3, etc.) of the housing base 70. The fixing holes 322 are provided at both ends of the mounting portion 32a so as to sandwich the fixing hole 321, and as shown in Figs. 2 to 6, each is fixed to the fixing plate 71 via a cylindrical support column 11. This allows the base portion 32 to be stably fixed over the entire surface to the fixing plate 71 (see Fig. 3, etc.).

[0063] In this embodiment, the base portion 32 is formed by processing sheet metal, and is configured so that one side portion, which is the mounting portion 32a, and the other side portion are spaced apart in the width direction (X direction) with the bottom surface portion 32b sandwiched therebetween. A recessed portion having a bottom surface portion 32b that is lower in height than the mounting portions 32a is provided between the mounting portions 32a. The space within the recessed portion, i.e., on the surface side of the bottom surface portion 32b, is a space that ensures an elastic deformation area for the elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) and a movable area for the movable body 40 supported by the elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2).

[0064] The bottom surface portion 32b is rectangular, and an opening 36 is formed in the center thereof, and the core assembly 20 is positioned within this opening 36.

[0065] The core assembly 20 is fixed in a partially inserted state within the opening 36. Specifically, the divided body 26b of the lower bobbin 26 of the core assembly 20 and the lower portion of the coil 22 are inserted into the opening 36, and the core 24 is fixed so as to be positioned on the bottom surface portion 32b in side view.

[0066] This results in a shorter length in the Z direction (thinner thickness) compared to a configuration in which core assembly 20 is attached on bottom surface portion 32b. Also, a portion of core assembly 20, in this case a portion on the bottom surface side, is fixed in a state where it is fitted into opening 36, so core assembly 20 is firmly fixed in a state where it is unlikely to come off bottom surface portion 32b.

[0067] The opening 36 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the core assembly 20. In this embodiment, the opening 36 is formed in a square shape. This allows the core assembly 20 and the movable body 40 to be disposed in the center of the electromagnetic actuator 10, so that the entire electromagnetic actuator 10 has a substantially square shape in a plan view. The opening 36 may also have a rectangular shape (including a square shape).

[0068] The core assembly 20 vibrates the yoke 41 of the movable body 40 (linearly moves back and forth in the Z direction) in cooperation with the elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2).

[0069] In this embodiment, the core assembly 20 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, and magnetic pole portions 242, 244 are arranged on both sides of the rectangular plate that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X direction).

[0070] The magnetic pole portions 242, 244 are arranged close to each other across a gap G (see FIG. 13) in the Z direction so as to face the lower surfaces of the attracted surface portions 46, 47 of the movable body 40. The opposing surfaces (opposing surface portions) 20a, 20b of the magnetic pole portions 242, 244, which are the upper surfaces, face the lower surfaces of the attracted surface portions 46, 47 of the yoke 41 in the vibration direction of the movable body 40.

[0071] The core assembly 20 is configured by winding the coil 22 around the outer periphery of the core 24 via a bobbin 26. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the core assembly 20 is fixed to the base portion 32 with the winding axis of the coil 22 facing in a direction in which the spaced-apart mounting portions 32a of the base portion 32 face each other. In this embodiment, the core assembly 20 is disposed in the center of the base portion 32, specifically, in the center of the bottom surface portion 32b.

[0072] 13, the core assembly 20 is fixed to the bottom surface portion 32b so that the core 24 is positioned parallel to the bottom surface portion 32b and straddles the opening 36 on the bottom surface. The core assembly 20 is fixed with screws 29, which are fastening members, in a state in which the coil 22 and the portion wound around the coil 22 (core body 241) are positioned within the opening 36 of the base portion 32 (see FIGS. 12 to 14).

[0073] Specifically, core assembly 20 is fixed to bottom surface portion 32b by fastening screws 29 through fixing holes 28 and fastening holes 33 of bottom surface portion 32b with coil 22 placed in opening 36 (see FIG. 14). Core assembly 20 and bottom surface portion 32b are joined at two locations on the axis of coil 22 by screws 29, with coil 22 sandwiched between both sides of opening 36 and magnetic pole portions 242, 244 that are spaced apart in the X direction.

[0074] The coil 22 is a solenoid that is energized when the electromagnetic actuator 10 is driven and generates a magnetic field. The coil 22, together with the core 24 and the movable body 40, constitutes a magnetic circuit (magnetic path) that attracts and moves the movable body 40. When a drive signal is supplied to the coil 22 from drive control units 110A to 110E (see FIGS. 17 to 21) described later, power is supplied to the coil 22 and the electromagnetic actuator 10 is driven.

[0075] The core 24 has a core body 241 around which the coil 22 is wound, and magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 provided at both ends of the core body 241 and magnetized when the coil 22 is energized.

[0076] Core 24 may have any structure as long as it has a length such that both ends become magnetic pole portions 242, 244 when current is applied to coil 22. For example, core 24 may be formed in a straight (I-shaped) flat plate shape, but core 24 of this embodiment is formed in an H-shaped flat plate shape when viewed from above. Compared to an I-shaped core, an H-shaped core has a shape in which the gap side surfaces at both ends of core body 241 are longer and expanded in the front-to-rear direction (Y direction) than the width of the core body around which coil 22 is wound.

[0077] Therefore, with an H-shaped core, magnetic resistance can be reduced compared to an I-shaped core, improving the efficiency of the magnetic circuit. Also, in the magnetic pole portions 242, 244, the position of the coil 22 can be determined simply by fitting the bobbin 26 between the portions that protrude from the core body 241, and there is no need to provide a separate member for positioning the bobbin 26 relative to the core 24.

[0078] The core 24 has magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the coil 22 from both ends of a plate-shaped core body 241 around which the coil 22 is wound.

[0079] The core 24 is a magnetic material and is formed from, for example, silicon steel plate, permalloy, ferrite, etc. Alternatively, the core 24 may be made from electromagnetic stainless steel, sintered material, MIM (metal injection molding) material, laminated steel plate, electro-galvanized steel plate (SECC), etc.

[0080] The magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 are provided so as to protrude from both openings of the coil 22 in the Y direction.

[0081] The magnetic pole portions 242, 244 are excited by energizing the coil 22, and attract and move the yoke 41 of the movable body 40 that is moving away in the vibration direction (Z direction). Specifically, the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 attract the attracted surface portions 46, 47 of the movable body 40 that are arranged opposite to each other across the gap G, by the magnetic flux they generate.

[0082] The magnetic pole portions 242, 244 are plate-like bodies extending in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the core body 241 extending in the X direction. Because the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 are long in the Y direction, the areas of the opposing surfaces 20a, 20b that face the yoke 41 are larger than those of the configuration formed at both ends of the core body 241.

[0083] The magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 have fixing holes 28 formed in the center portions in the Y direction, and are fixed to the base portion 32 by screws 29 inserted into the fixing holes 28.

[0084] The bobbin 26 is disposed so as to surround the core body 241 of the core 24. The bobbin 26 is formed, for example, from a resin material. This ensures electrical insulation from other metal members (for example, the core 24), improving the reliability of the electrical circuit. Using a highly fluid resin as the resin material improves moldability, allowing the bobbin 26 to be made thin while maintaining its strength.

[0085] The bobbin 26 is formed into a cylindrical body that covers the periphery of the core body 241 by assembling the divided bodies 26a and 26b so as to sandwich the core body 241. The bobbin 26 is provided with flanges on both ends of the cylindrical body, and the coil 22 is positioned on the outer periphery of the core body 241.

[0086] <Movable body 40> Movable body 40 is disposed opposite core assembly 20 across a gap G in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction (Z direction). Movable body 40 is provided so as to be able to move back and forth in the vibration direction relative to core assembly 20.

[0087] The movable body 40 has a yoke 41 and includes movable body side fixed portions 54 of elastic portions 50-1 and 50-2 fixed to the yoke 41.

[0088] The movable body 40 is arranged in a suspended state (reference state position) approximately parallel and spaced apart from the bottom surface portion 32b via the elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) so as to be movable in the direction toward and away from the bottom surface portion 32b (Z direction).

[0089] The yoke 41 is a plate-like body made of a magnetic material such as electromagnetic stainless steel, a sintered material, an MIM (metal injection molding) material, a laminated steel plate, an electro-galvanized steel plate (SECC), etc. In this embodiment, the yoke 41 is formed by processing an SECC plate.

[0090] The yoke 41 is suspended from the core assembly 20 by elastic parts 50 (50-1, 50-2) fixed to each of the adsorbed surface parts 46, 47 spaced apart in the X direction, so as to face the core assembly 20 across a gap G (see Figure 13) in the vibration direction (Z direction).

[0091] The yoke 41 has a surface fixing portion 44 to which the movable panel 81 is attached, and attracted surface portions 46 and 47 that are arranged opposite the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 .

[0092] In this embodiment, the yoke 41 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame in which a surface fixing portion 44 and attached surface portions 46 and 47 surround an opening 48 in the center.

[0093] Opening 48 faces coil 22. In the present embodiment, opening 48 is located directly above coil 22, and the opening shape of opening 48 is formed in a shape that allows coil 22 of core assembly 20 to be inserted when yoke 41 moves toward bottom surface portion 32b. By configuring yoke 41 to have opening 48, the overall thickness of the electromagnetic actuator can be made thinner than when opening 48 is not provided.

[0094] Furthermore, since the core assembly 20 is positioned within the opening 48, the yoke 41 is not positioned near the coil 22, compared to the distance (gap G) between the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 of the core body 241 and the attracted surface portions 46, 47 of the yoke 41. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in conversion efficiency due to leakage magnetic flux from the coil 22, and achieve high output.

[0095] The surface portion fixing portion 44 has a fixing surface 44a that fixes the movable panel 81. The fixing surface 44a fixes the movable panel 81 at a position surrounding the core assembly 20 via screws 84, which are fastening members inserted into the surface portion fixing holes 42.

[0096] The attracted surface portions 46, 47 are attracted to the magnetized magnetic pole portions 242, 244 in the core assembly 20, and the elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) are fixed thereto.

[0097] The movable body side fixed portions 54 of the elastic portions 50-1 and 50-2 are respectively stacked and fixed to the attracted surface portions 46 and 47. The attracted surface portions 46 and 47 are provided with notches 49 that allow the heads of the screws 29 of the core assembly 20 to escape when they move toward the bottom surface portion 32b.

[0098] As a result, even if the movable body 40 moves toward the bottom surface portion 32b and the attracted surface portions 46, 47 approach the magnetic pole portions 242, 244, they will not come into contact with the screws 29 that fix the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 to the bottom surface portion 32b, and the movable range of the yoke 41 in the Z direction can be secured.

[0099] <Elastic portion 50> The elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) support the movable body 40 so that it can move freely relative to the fixed body 30. The elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) are elastically deformable and are configured in a plate shape. The elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) do not have to be plate-shaped, and may be elastic bodies of any shape or material, as long as they support the movable body 40, which is driven in one of the vibration directions relative to the fixed body 30.

[0100] The elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) support the upper surface of the movable body 40 so that they are parallel to each other, at the same height as the upper surface of the fixed body 30, or below the upper surface of the fixed body 30 (in this embodiment, the upper surface of the core assembly 20). The elastic portions 50-1, 50-2 have shapes symmetrical with respect to the center of the movable body 40, and in this embodiment, they are identically formed members.

[0101] The elastic portion 50 arranges the yoke 41 substantially parallel to the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 of the core 24 of the fixed body 30 so as to face each other across a gap G. The elastic portion 50 supports the lower surface of the movable body 40 at a position closer to the bottom surface portion 32b than the same level as the height level of the upper surface of the core assembly 20, so as to be movable in the vibration direction.

[0102] Here, as an example, the elastic portion 50 is a leaf spring having a fixed body side fixed portion 52, a movable body side fixed portion 54, and a serpentine-shaped elastic arm portion 56 connecting the fixed body side fixed portion 52 and the movable body side fixed portion 54.

[0103] The elastic part 50 has the fixed body side fixing part 52 attached to the surface of the mounting part 32a, and the movable body side fixing part 54 attached to the surface of the adsorbed surface parts 46, 47 of the yoke 41, and the movable body 40 is attached with the serpentine-shaped elastic arm part 56 parallel to the bottom surface part 32b.

[0104] The fixed body side fixing portion 52 is in surface contact with the attachment portion 32a and is fixed by a screw 57, and the movable body side fixing portion 54 is in surface contact with the attracted surface portions 46, 47 and is fixed by a screw 58.

[0105] The serpentine-shaped elastic arm portion 56 is an arm portion having a serpentine-shaped portion. By having the serpentine-shaped portion, the serpentine-shaped elastic arm portion 56 ensures a length that allows deformation required for vibration of the movable body 40 between the fixed body-side fixed portion 52 and the movable body-side fixed portion 54 and in a plane perpendicular to the vibration direction (a plane formed by the X direction and the Y direction).

[0106] In this embodiment, the serpentine elastic arm portion 56 extends in the opposing direction of the fixed body side fixed portion 52 and the movable body side fixed portion 54 and folds back, and the ends joined to the fixed body side fixed portion 52 and the movable body side fixed portion 54 are formed at positions offset in the Y direction. The serpentine elastic arm portion 56 is arranged at a position that is point-symmetric or line-symmetric with respect to the center of the movable body 40.

[0107] As a result, movable body 40 is supported on both sides by serpentine-shaped elastic arm portion 56 having a serpentine-shaped spring, which allows stress dispersion during elastic deformation. In other words, elastic portion 50 can move movable body 40 in the vibration direction (Z direction) without tilting relative to core assembly 20, thereby improving the reliability of the vibration state.

[0108] Each elastic part 50 has at least two or more serpentine-shaped elastic arm parts 56. This allows for better dispersion of stress during elastic deformation compared to when each part has only one serpentine-shaped elastic arm part 56, improving reliability, and providing better balance in support for the movable body 40, thereby improving stability.

[0109] The leaf spring serving as the elastic portion 50 may be either non-magnetic or magnetic. The movable body side fixed portion 54 of the elastic portion 50 is disposed in a position facing both ends (magnetic pole portions 242, 244) of the core 24 in the winding axis direction of the coil 22 or above them, and forms a magnetic path together with the core 24 when the coil 22 is energized.

[0110] When the elastic portion 50 is made of a magnetic material, the movable body side fixed portion 54 is fixed in a stacked state on the upper side of the attracted surface portions 46, 47. This allows the thickness H (see FIG. 13) of the attracted surface portions 46, 47 facing the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 of the core assembly to be increased as the thickness of the magnetic material. Because the thickness of the elastic portion 50 and the thickness of the yoke 41 are the same, the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the magnetic material facing the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 can be doubled. This allows the magnetic circuit to be expanded compared to when the leaf spring is non-magnetic, mitigating deterioration in characteristics due to magnetic saturation in the magnetic circuit and improving output.

[0111] The electromagnetic actuator 10 may be provided with a detector that detects the amount of pressure applied by the user to the movable body 40 via the movable panel 81 and the protrusion 82, and vibration may be generated based on the amount of pressure applied and the input drive signal. For example, a sensor that detects the distortion of the elastic portion 50 may be provided as the detector that detects the amount of pressure applied.

[0112] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic actuator 10. Note that FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator 10 cut along line AA in FIG. 11, and the magnetic circuit has a magnetic flux flow M in parts not shown that is similar to that in the parts shown. FIG. 16 is a diagram explaining the operation of the electromagnetic actuator 10, and is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the movement of the movable body 40 by the magnetic circuit. In detail, FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a state in which the movable body 40 is held at a position separated from the core assembly 20 by the elastic part 50, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a state in which the movable body 40 is attracted and moved toward the core assembly 20 by the magnetomotive force of the magnetic circuit.

[0113] Specifically, when current is applied to coil 22, core 24 is excited to generate a magnetic field, and both ends of core 24 become magnetic poles. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , in core 24, magnetic pole portion 242 becomes the north pole and magnetic pole portion 244 becomes the south pole. This forms a magnetic circuit indicated by magnetic flux flow M between core assembly 20 and yoke 41. Magnetic flux flow M in this magnetic circuit flows from magnetic pole portion 242 to the opposing attracted surface portion 46 of yoke 41, passes through surface portion fixing portion 44 of yoke 41, and then from attracted surface portion 47 to magnetic pole portion 244 opposing attracted surface portion 47.

[0114] When the elastic portion 50 is made of a magnetic material, the elastic portion 50 is also made of a magnetic material, and therefore the magnetic flux (indicated by magnetic flux flow M) that flows through the attracted surface portion 46 passes through the attracted surface portion 46 of the yoke 41 and the movable body side fixed portion 54 of the elastic portion 50-1. Then, the magnetic flux reaches the attracted surface portion 47 and both ends of the movable body side fixed portion 54 of the elastic portion 50-2 from both ends of the attracted surface portion 46 via the surface portion fixed portion 44.

[0115] As a result, due to the principle of an electromagnetic solenoid, the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 of the core assembly 20 generate an attractive force F that attracts the attracted surface portions 46, 47 of the yoke 41. As a result, the attracted surface portions 46, 47 of the yoke 41 are attracted by both the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 of the core assembly 20. In addition, the movable body 40 including the yoke 41 moves in the direction F against the biasing force of the elastic portion 50 (see FIGS. 16A and 16B).

[0116] Furthermore, when the current to the coil 22 is stopped, the magnetic field disappears, the attractive force F of the core assembly 20 on the movable body 40 disappears, and the biasing force of the elastic portion 50 causes the movable body 40 to move toward its original position (in the -F direction).

[0117] By repeating this, the electromagnetic actuator 10 causes the movable body 40 to move linearly back and forth in the Z direction, generating vibration in the vibration direction (Z direction).

[0118] By linearly moving the movable body 40 back and forth, the movable panel 81 and the protrusion 82 fixed to the movable body 40 are also displaced in the Z direction following the movable body 40.

[0119] In the electromagnetic actuator 10, a core assembly 20 having a core 24 around which a coil 22 is wound is fixed to a fixed body 30. The core assembly 20 is disposed within an opening 48 of a yoke 41 of a movable body 40 that is supported by an elastic portion 50 so as to be movable in the Z direction relative to the fixed body 30.

[0120] As a result, it is not necessary to provide components on the fixed body 30 and the movable body 40 that are stacked in the Z direction (for example, arranging the coil 22 and the yoke 41, which is a magnetic material, facing each other in the Z direction) in order to generate magnetism and drive the movable body 40 in the Z direction. This allows the thickness of the electromagnetic actuator 10 in the Z direction to be thin. Furthermore, vibrations can be imparted to the movable panel 81 and the protrusion 82 by linearly reciprocating the movable body 40 without using a magnet.

[0121] As described above, the electromagnetic actuator 10 has a simple support structure, which simplifies the design, saves space, and enables a thinner electromagnetic actuator 10. Furthermore, since no magnet is used, costs can be reduced compared to vibration devices (so-called actuators) that use magnets.

[0122] The electromagnetic actuator 10 described above is an example of a configuration that drives in one direction, and the electromagnetic actuator 10 may be configured in any way as long as it is configured to drive in one direction.

[0123] Furthermore, in the electromagnetic actuator 10, it is preferable that a plurality of elastic portions 50 are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the center of the movable body 40, but it is also possible to have one elastic portion 50 support the movable body 40 so that it can vibrate relative to the fixed body 30. In this case, one elastic portion 50 supports the movable body 40 relative to the fixed body 30 in a direction facing at least one of both end portions of the movable body 40.

[0124] Furthermore, in the electromagnetic actuator 10, screws 57 and 58 are used to fix the base portion 32 and the elastic portion 50, and to fix the elastic portion 50 and the movable body 40. This allows the elastic portion 50, which needs to be firmly fixed to the fixed body 30 and the movable body 40 in order for the movable body 40 to be driven, to be mechanically and firmly fixed in a state that allows reworking.

[0125] It should be noted that rivets may be used instead of the screws 57, 58 used to fasten the base portion 32 to the elastic portion 50 and the elastic portion 50 to the movable body 40. A rivet consists of a head and a body portion without a thread portion, and is inserted into members with holes and the opposite end is crimped to cause plastic deformation, thereby joining the members with holes together. Crimping may be performed using, for example, a press machine or a dedicated tool.

[0126] (Driving principle of electromagnetic actuator 10) The driving principle of the electromagnetic actuator 10 will be briefly explained. The electromagnetic actuator 10 is driven by supplied pulses based on the following equation of motion (1) and circuit equation (2). In this embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator 10 is driven by inputting short pulses, but it may also be driven to generate any vibration without using short pulses.

[0127] The movable body 40 in the electromagnetic actuator 10 performs reciprocating motion based on the formulas (1) and (2).

[0128]

number

[0129]

number

[0130] Mass m [Kg], displacement x(t) [m], thrust constant K in the electromagnetic actuator 10 f [N / A], current i(t) [A], spring constant K sp [N / m], damping coefficient D [N / (m / s)], etc. can be changed as appropriate within the range that satisfies formula (1). In addition, voltage e(t) [V], resistance R [Ω], inductance L [H], back electromotive force constant K e [V / (rad / s)] can be changed as appropriate within a range that satisfies formula (2).

[0131] In this way, the electromagnetic actuator 10 is configured by the mass m of the movable body 40 and the spring constant K of the metal spring (elastic body, a leaf spring in this embodiment) serving as the elastic portion 50. sp is determined by.

[0132] <Configuration example 1 of vibration transmission unit> 17 is a diagram illustrating a vibration transmission unit 300 A. A drive control section 110 A shown in FIG.

[0133] The vibration transmission unit 300A includes a vibration transmission device 100 (electromagnetic actuator 10), a drive control unit 110A, and a signal generation unit 120A.

[0134] The drive control unit 110A has a switching element 111 configured by a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor), resistors R1 and R2, and SBDs (Schottky Barrier Diodes).

[0135] The signal generating unit 120A, which is connected to the power supply voltage Vcc, is connected to the gate of the switching element 111. The switching element 111 is a discharge changeover switch. The switching element 111 is connected to the electromagnetic actuator 10 and the SBD, and is also connected to the electromagnetic actuator 10 to which voltage is supplied from the power supply unit Vact.

[0136] With the above configuration, the signal generating unit 120A functions as a voltage pulse applying unit that applies a voltage pulse to the switching element 111. The switching element 111, to which a voltage pulse is applied from the signal generating unit 120A, functions as a current pulse supplying unit that supplies a current pulse to the electromagnetic actuator 10. This current pulse becomes a drive signal that drives the electromagnetic actuator 10. Therefore, in accordance with the voltage pulse generated by the signal generating unit 120A, the switching element 111 can generate a current pulse and supply it to the electromagnetic actuator 10.

[0137] The vibration transmission unit 300A may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like for controlling the drive of the electromagnetic actuator 10, although these are not shown.

[0138] In this case, the CPU reads out a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM and loads it into the RAM, and in cooperation with the loaded program, the drive control unit 110A and the signal generation unit 120A drive and control the electromagnetic actuator 10. For example, the CPU refers to various data such as signal patterns (e.g., signal patterns for generating current pulses to be supplied to the electromagnetic actuator 10) stored in the ROM or a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit may be configured, for example, with a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or the like.

[0139] The drive control unit 110A and the signal generation unit 120A generate voltage pulses and current pulses based on a signal pattern read out from a ROM or the like, and supply the generated current pulses to the electromagnetic actuator 10 (coil 22) to drive the movable body 40 in one of the vibration directions.

[0140] By supplying a current pulse to the coil 22, the movable body 40 is displaced in one direction in the vibration direction against the biasing force of the elastic part 50. While the current pulse is being supplied, the displacement of the movable body 40 in one direction in the vibration direction continues.

[0141] Then, by stopping the supply of the current pulse, that is, by turning off the input of the current pulse to the coil 22, the force that displaces the movable body 40 in one of the vibration directions (Z direction) is released. Turning off the input of the current pulse means the timing when the voltage that generates the current pulse is turned off. At the point when the voltage is turned off, the current pulse is not completely turned off but is in a damped state.

[0142] The movable body 40 is displaced by moving in the other direction of the vibration (positive Z direction) due to the biasing force of the elastic portion 50 accumulated at the maximum displaceable position in the retraction direction (negative Z direction). Strong vibrations are transmitted to the user via the movable body 40 that has moved to the positive Z direction.

[0143] In this way, drive control unit 110A supplies one or more current pulses to coil 22 based on the signal pattern, and adjusts the intensity and vibration pattern of the vibration transmitted to the user. For example, drive control unit 110A supplies a first current pulse (main drive pulse), and then uses a subsequent current pulse (sub-drive pulse) to adjust the vibration that remains and continues even after the supply of the first current pulse is stopped, thereby adjusting the intensity and vibration pattern of movable body 40.

[0144] For example, the secondary drive pulse can be a brake pulse for shortening the damping period of vibration after the vibration caused by the main drive pulse, or an additional damping pulse for continuing the damping period of vibration after the vibration caused by the main drive pulse, and the like, which can be used to adjust the vibration intensity and vibration pattern.

[0145] In this configuration example, for example, if a signal pattern suitable for issuing a warning is stored in a ROM or the like, when a warning is required for the user, a strong vibration can be transmitted to the user, thereby ensuring that the warning is transmitted to the user. Also, if a signal pattern suitable for a massage, specifically a signal pattern suitable for the target area of ​​the massage, is stored in a ROM or the like, a signal pattern suitable for the target area can be selected to perform a massage suited to the user's symptoms.

[0146] <Configuration example 2 of vibration transmission unit> 18 is a diagram illustrating a vibration transmission unit 300 B. A drive control section 110 B shown in FIG.

[0147] 18 includes a vibration transmission device 100 (electromagnetic actuator 10), a signal input section 120B, and a drive control section 110B interposed between the signal input section 120B and the electromagnetic actuator 10. An AC signal, for example, an AC signal from an audio sound source, is input to the signal input section 120B.

[0148] The drive control section 110B has a half-wave rectifier circuit including a rectifier diode 112 inserted between the signal input section 120B and the electromagnetic actuator 10 in the forward direction.

[0149] Therefore, the drive control unit 110B, which functions as a half-wave rectifier circuit, half-wave rectifies the input AC signal and inputs it as a drive signal to the electromagnetic actuator 10. As described above, the electromagnetic actuator 10 vibrates the movable body 40, which is supported by the elastic portion 50 so that it can elastically vibrate, by driving the movable body 40 in one direction. Therefore, by inputting a half-wave rectified drive signal to the electromagnetic actuator 10, the drive control unit 110B can cause the electromagnetic actuator 10 to generate vibrations that are synchronized with the frequency (period) of the input AC signal.

[0150] In this way, vibration synchronized with the frequency of the input AC signal can be generated at low cost by using the rectifier diode 112. In the half-wave rectifier circuit shown in Fig. 18, the rectifier diode 112 is inserted in the forward direction from the signal input section 120B to the electromagnetic actuator 10, so that the above-mentioned effects can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0151] <Configuration example 3 of vibration transmission unit> 19 is a diagram illustrating a vibration transmission unit 300 C. A drive control section 110 C shown in FIG.

[0152] The vibration transmission unit 300C shown in FIG. 19 includes a vibration transmission device 100 (electromagnetic actuator 10), a signal input section 120B, and a drive control section 110C interposed between the signal input section 120B and the electromagnetic actuator 10.

[0153] The drive control unit 110C has a half-wave rectifying protection circuit including a rectifying diode 112 and a freewheeling diode 113. In the drive control unit 110C, the rectifying diode 112 is inserted in the forward direction between the signal input unit 120B and the electromagnetic actuator 10. In addition, in the drive control unit 110C, a freewheeling diode 113 is inserted between the terminals of the electromagnetic actuator 10 in parallel with the electromagnetic actuator 10.

[0154] Therefore, the drive control unit 110C, which functions as a half-wave rectification protection circuit, half-wave rectifies the input AC signal and inputs it as a drive signal to the electromagnetic actuator 10. This allows the drive control unit 110C to generate vibrations in the electromagnetic actuator 10 that are synchronized with the frequency of the input AC signal.

[0155] Furthermore, the freewheel diode 113 functions as a protection circuit for the rectifier diode 112. Therefore, even if a back electromotive force is generated within the electromagnetic actuator 10, a high voltage is not applied to the rectifier diode, and the rectifier diode can be protected from damage due to the application of a high voltage.

[0156] <Configuration example 4 of vibration transmission unit> 20 is a diagram illustrating a vibration transmission unit 300D. A drive control section 110D shown in FIG.

[0157] The vibration transmission unit 300D shown in FIG. 20 includes a vibration transmission device 100 (electromagnetic actuator 10), a signal input section 120B, and a drive control section 110D interposed between the signal input section 120B and the electromagnetic actuator 10.

[0158] The drive control unit 110D has a half-wave rectifying protection circuit including a rectifying diode 112, a freewheeling diode 113, and a resistor 114. In the drive control unit 110D, the rectifying diode 112 is inserted in the forward direction between the signal input unit 120B and the electromagnetic actuator 10. In addition, in the drive control unit 110C, the resistor 114 is connected to the freewheeling diode 113 between the terminals of the electromagnetic actuator 10, and is inserted in parallel with the electromagnetic actuator 10.

[0159] Therefore, the drive control unit 110D, which functions as a half-wave rectification protection circuit, half-wave rectifies the input AC signal and inputs it as a drive signal to the electromagnetic actuator 10. In this way, the drive control unit 110D can generate vibrations synchronized with the frequency of the input AC signal in the electromagnetic actuator 10. In addition, the freewheel diode 113 and resistor 114 function as a protection circuit for the rectifier diode 112.

[0160] Unlike a protection circuit that protects the rectifier diode 112 only with the freewheel diode 113, the drive control unit 110D can prevent the current from flowing smoothly using the resistor 114. This makes it possible to generate sharp vibrations and prevent deterioration in the reproducibility of vibrations for AC signals. Furthermore, even when a current flows constantly, the resistor 114 can prevent the temperature of the device from rising due to Joule heat.

[0161] Furthermore, by increasing the resistance value of resistor 114, the rise of the drive current of the electromagnetic actuator 10 becomes steeper, and the electromagnetic actuator 10 can generate sharp vibrations in response to the input of an AC signal from, for example, an audio sound source.

[0162] <Configuration example 5 of vibration transmission unit> 21 is a diagram illustrating a vibration transmission unit 300 E. A drive control section 110 E shown in FIG.

[0163] The vibration transmission unit 300E shown in FIG. 21 includes a vibration transmission device 100 (electromagnetic actuator 10), a signal input section 120B, and a drive control section 110E interposed between the signal input section 120B and the electromagnetic actuator 10.

[0164] The drive control section 110E has rectifier diodes 112 and 115, a resistor 114, and an operational amplifier 116 as an amplifier section (operational amplifier).

[0165] In the drive control unit 110E, an operational amplifier 116 and a rectifier diode 112 connected to the output side of the operational amplifier 116 are inserted in the forward direction between the signal input unit 120B and the electromagnetic actuator 10. In addition, in the drive control unit 110E, a resistor 114 is inserted in parallel with the electromagnetic actuator 10 between the terminals of the electromagnetic actuator 10. Furthermore, another rectifier diode 115 is connected between the operational amplifier 116 and the rectifier diode 112 and is inserted in parallel with the electromagnetic actuator 10. In this way, the drive control unit 110E is configured by an operational amplifier circuit having the operational amplifier 116.

[0166] The drive control unit 110E uses an operational amplifier 116, which can function as a so-called ideal diode, and can prevent the forward voltage drop that occurs in a configuration using a rectifier diode 112. In other words, even if the input AC signal has a minute voltage component, it can reproduce this, that is, generate a drive signal corresponding to the minute voltage component, and supply it to the electromagnetic actuator 10. In this way, the drive control unit 110E can generate vibrations in the electromagnetic actuator 10 that are synchronized with the frequency of the input AC signal.

[0167] The vibration transmission units 300A to 300E described above can be driven efficiently to increase output even in small products. In other words, by using the electromagnetic actuator 10, strong vibrations can be instantly transmitted to the user while achieving low cost and a slim design.

[0168] Furthermore, in the vibration transmission units 300B to 300E shown in the above configuration examples 2 to 5, vibrations synchronized with an input AC signal (for example, an AC signal from an audio sound source) can be transmitted to the user using the above-mentioned protrusion 82.

[0169] Furthermore, in the above configuration examples 2 to 5, the drive signals output from the drive control units 110B to 110E may be amplified in accordance with the input AC signals and input to the electromagnetic actuator 10. In this case, for example, an amplifier circuit is disposed between the drive control units 110B to 110E and the electromagnetic actuator 10.

[0170] Furthermore, in the above configuration examples 2 to 5, the drive control units 110B to 110E may be implemented integrally with the electromagnetic actuator 10. If the drive control units 110B to 110E are separate from the electromagnetic actuator 10, the circuit design of the drive control units 110B to 110E is burdensome and requires a dedicated circuit configuration. In contrast, if the drive control units 110B to 110E are implemented integrally with the electromagnetic actuator 10, the circuit design and dedicated circuit configuration of the drive control units 110B to 110E as external circuits are not required. In other words, if there is a circuit that inputs a signal to the signal input unit 120B (e.g., a sound source circuit that inputs audio), no separate circuit is required. Therefore, for example, an AC signal from an audio sound source can be input directly to the signal input unit 120B, improving usability.

[0171] [Example of vibration transmission unit implementation] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of mounting a vibration transmission unit. Fig. 22 shows an example in which vibration transmission devices 100-1 and 100-2 configured similarly to the vibration transmission device 100 are mounted on a sheet 400 using the vibration transmission unit 300B shown in Fig. 18. Note that the vibration transmission unit is not limited to the vibration transmission unit 300B shown in Fig. 22, and the vibration transmission units 300A and 300C to 300E described above may also be used.

[0172] Furthermore, as described above, the seat 400 may be configured as a warning notification device or a massage device, but here, an example is shown in which the seat 400 is configured as an audio device, specifically, as an audio device for games.

[0173] The seat 400 has a vibration transmission unit 300B, which has vibration transmission devices 100-1 and 100-2, a drive control unit 110B, and a signal input unit 120B. Here, as an example, the vibration transmission device 100-1 is mounted in a backrest 412 of the seat 400, and the vibration transmission device 100-2 is mounted in a seat portion 414 of the seat 400, but the number of vibration transmission devices 100 mounted may be one, or three or more.

[0174] The seat 400 is a seat on which a user sits when playing a game, and the signal input unit 120B is connected to the game console. When an audio signal of a sound (music, audio) generated in accordance with game content is input from the game console to the signal input unit 120B, the drive control unit 110B half-wave rectifies the input audio signal and inputs it as a drive signal to the vibration transmission devices 100-1 and 100-2. The drive signals input to the vibration transmission devices 100-1 and 100-2 are input to the respective electromagnetic actuators 10, and the electromagnetic actuators 10 each generate vibrations synchronized with the frequency (period) of the input audio signal.

[0175] In this way, seat 400 can transmit vibrations corresponding to sounds emitted in accordance with game content to a user seated on seat 400, thereby providing a sense of game operation and realism. In this way, seat 400 can be configured as a seat for a bodily sensation simulator for experiencing a game or a listening seat for experiencing sounds emitted by a game.

[0176] 22, the seat 400 transmits vibrations to the user via its seat surface member. The vibration transmission devices 100-1 and 100-2 may be mounted on the seat 400 so that their protrusions 82 are exposed from the backrest 412 and the seat 414. In this case, the seat 400 can transmit vibrations directly to the user.

[0177] The above describes embodiments and modifications of the present invention. Note that the above description is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the description of the configuration of the above device and the shape of each part is one example, and it is clear that various modifications and additions to these examples are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0178] For example, in the present embodiment, the driving direction of the movable body 40 (movable panel 81, protrusion 82) of the electromagnetic actuator 10 is the Z direction, but this is not limited to this. For example, the above-described effects of efficient driving and strengthened vibration can be obtained even in the X direction or Y direction. [Industrial Applicability]

[0179] The vibration transmission device of the present invention uses an electromagnetic actuator to achieve low cost and thinness, and can efficiently generate thrust suitable for transmitting vibrations to the user, making it useful for applications such as warning notification devices, audio devices, and massage devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 10 Electromagnetic Actuator 11 Support column 20 Core assembly 20a, 20b Opposite side 22 coils 24 cores 26 Bobbin 26a, 26b split body 28 Fixing hole 29 screws 30 Fixed body 32 Base 32a Mounting part 32b Bottom part 33 Fastening hole 36 Opening 40 Movable body 41 York 42 Surface fixing hole 44 Surface fixing part 44a Fixed surface 46, 47 Adsorption surface part 48 Opening 49 Notch 50, 50-1, 50-2 Elastic part 52 Fixed body side fixing part 54 Movable body side fixed part 56 Serpentine-shaped elastic arm 57, 58 Screws 60 Storage lid 61 Opposite surface 61a Inner surface 62 Opening 63 Impact absorbing section 64 Bottom 64a Corner 65 Insert nut 66 Flange part 67 Protective cover 70 Storage Base 71 Fixing plate 71a Inner surface 72 Protruding part 73 Insertion section 74 recess 75 through holes 76 Ribs 77, 78 Screws 80 Transmission Unit 81 Movable Panel 81a Top side 81b Bottom side 82 Protrusion 82a Tip 82b flange 83, 84 screws 85 spacer 86 Impact absorbing section 100, 100-1, 100-2 vibration transmission device 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E Drive control unit 111 Switching element 112 Rectifier diode 113 Freewheeling Diode 114 Resistance 115 Rectifier diode 116 Operational Amplifier 120A signal generation section 120B signal input section 241 Core body 242 Magnetic pole part 244 Magnetic pole part 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E vibration transmission unit 321, 322 fixing hole 400 seats 412 Backrest 414 Seat part

Claims

1. A vibration actuator comprising: a plate-shaped fixed body on which a plate-shaped electromagnet consisting of a coil and a core around which the coil is wound is disposed; a plate-shaped yoke made of a magnetic material disposed opposite the electromagnet in a direction intersecting the winding axis of the coil; and a movable body supported on the fixed body so as to be able to elastically vibrate, the movable body being driven to vibrate in one direction of the vibration direction; a housing portion that houses the vibration actuator therein; Equipped with the housing portion has an opening that exposes at least a part of the movable body so that the movable body comes into contact with an object to which vibration is to be applied; Vibration transmission device.

2. a protrusion that passes through the opening and protrudes from the movable body to the outside of the housing portion, The vibration transmission device according to claim 1 .

3. A limiting unit is provided to limit the movable range of the movable body. The vibration transmission device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The limiting portion has an impact absorbing portion that absorbs an impact from the movable body when the movable body is restricted. The vibration transmission device according to claim 3 .

5. The impact absorbing portion is a damper made of elastomer. The vibration transmission device according to claim 4.

6. a labyrinth structure disposed in a gap between the opening and the movable body; The vibration transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a stretchable cover that covers the opening from the outside of the storage section; The vibration transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The vibration actuator includes: an elastically deformable elastic portion that supports the movable body relative to the fixed body in a direction facing at least one end of both ends of the movable body; The yoke is disposed adjacent to both ends of the core. The vibration transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a half-wave rectifier circuit for driving the vibration actuator; The vibration transmission device according to claim 8.

10. A vibration transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, applying vibration to the subject by the vibration transmission device to notify the subject of a warning; Warning notification device.

11. A vibration transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Vibrations based on a sound source are applied to the subject by the vibration transmission device. Audio equipment.

12. A vibration transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Vibrations are applied to the subject by the vibration transmission device to massage the subject. Massage device.

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