Touch prompt device

Abstract

This tactile sensation presentation device comprises: a vibrating target part on which a user's operation is performed; and a first vibrating part that vibrates the vibrating target part. The vibrating target part includes a vibrating target member vibrated by the first vibrating part and having at least one slit, and an elastic resin having at least a portion that covers the at least one slit.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a leaf spring member. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tactile feedback device. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tactile feedback device. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tactile feedback device. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tactile feedback device. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tactile feedback device. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tactile feedback device. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tactile feedback device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] Figures 1-4 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the tactile presentation device 1. Figure 2 shows an example of the tactile presentation device 1 shown in Figure 1, viewed from the right side of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows an example of the cross-sectional structure as indicated by arrow AA in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows an example of the cross-sectional structure as indicated by arrow BB in Figure 2. The tactile presentation device 1 is a device that presents tactile sensations to the user in response to the user's operation of the tactile presentation device 1. Hereafter, for the sake of explanation, the upper and lower sides of the diagrams showing the tactile presentation device 1 will be referred to as the upper and lower sides of the tactile presentation device 1, respectively, and the tactile presentation device 1 will be described accordingly.

[0007] As shown in Figures 1-4, the tactile feedback device 1 comprises, for example, a vibration target 2 that is operated by the user, a vibration unit 7 that vibrates the vibration target 2, a control unit 8 that controls the vibration unit 7, and a housing 9 that supports the vibration target 2. The vibration unit 7 and the control unit 8 are housed within the housing 9. In the tactile feedback device 1, the vibration unit 7 vibrates the vibration target 2 in response to the user's operation on the vibration target 2, thereby providing the user with a tactile sensation.

[0008] The vibrating part 2 comprises, for example, a vibrating member 3 that is vibrated by a vibrating part 7, an elastic resin 4, and an operating part 5 operated by a user. The vibrating member 3 has at least one slit 35. The elastic resin 4 has at least a portion that closes at least one slit 35. The portion that closes at least one slit 35 may be, for example, a portion that is filled inside at least one slit 35. In this case, the elastic resin It can be said that 4 has at least a portion filled in at least one slit 35. In the examples of Figures 1 to 4, the member to be vibrated 3 is provided with, for example, one slit 35. Also in the examples of Figures 1 to 4, the elastic resin 4 is filled in the slit 35 and covers the surface of the member to be vibrated 3.

[0009] The vibration target member 3 is, for example, plate-shaped. The vibration target member 3 can also be called, for example, a panel or panel member. The external shape of the vibration target member 3 is, for example, a rectangle with rounded corners. The shape of the vibration target member 3 is not limited to this.

[0010] The vibration target member 3 is made of, for example, resin. The resin constituting the vibration target member 3 may be, for example, polycarbonate or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). The plate-shaped vibration target member 3 includes, for example, a first surface 31 and a second surface 32 opposite to the first surface 31. The first surface 31 may also be called, for example, a first main surface 31, and the second surface 32 may also be called, for example, a second main surface 32.

[0011] The slit 35 is, for example, an elongated hole that penetrates the vibrating member 3 in the thickness direction. The slit 35 can also be called a slot. The vibrating member 3 is provided with, for example, a U-shaped slit 35. The slit 35 is provided so that both ends of the U shape it forms point downwards. Note that the shape of the slit 35 does not have to be U-shaped; it may be straight, and multiple straight slits may be arranged to form a U-shape.

[0012] The vibrating part 7 is provided, for example, on the second surface 32 of the vibration target member 3. The vibrating part 7 is provided, for example, at the central part of the second surface 32. The vibrating part 7 is composed of, for example, a piezoelectric element. The vibrating part 7 is fixed to the second surface 32 with a bonding material such as a double-sided tape or an adhesive. Hereinafter, the vibrating part 7 composed of a piezoelectric element may be referred to as the piezoelectric element 7.

[0013] The piezoelectric element 7 is, for example, ceramic it may be a piezoelectric element or a polymer piezoelectric element stomach. Also, the piezoelectric element 7 may be, for example, of a bimorph type or a monomorph type.

[0014] The piezoelectric element 7 has, for example, a shape long in one direction. Specifically, the piezoelectric element 7 has an elongated plate shape that is rectangular in plan view. The piezoelectric element 7 is arranged on the second surface 32 of the vibration target member 3 such that, for example, the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vibration target member 3. The piezoelectric element 7 performs a flexural vibration so as to curve along its longitudinal direction by a drive signal supplied from the control unit 8. The plate-shaped piezoelectric element 7 performs a flexural vibration by alternately repeating a first state in which one main surface is bent outward in a mountain shape and a second state in which the other main surface is bent outward in a mountain shape. When the piezoelectric element 7 performs a flexural vibration, the vibration target part 2 vibrates.

[0015] The elastic resin 4 is, for example, in a sheet shape and is provided on the first surface 31 of the vibration target member 3. The elastic resin 4 covers, for example, the entire area of the first surface 31. The outer shape of the elastic resin 4 is, like the outer shape of the vibration target member 3, for example, a rectangle with rounded corners. The sheet-shaped elastic resin 4 has, for example, a first surface 41 and a second surface 42 on the side opposite to the first surface 41. The first surface 41 can also be said to be the first main surface 41, and the second surface 42 can also be said to be the second main surface 42. The second surface 42 is in contact with the first surface 31 of the vibration target member 3.

[0016] [[ID=,19]] The elastic resin 4 has a portion that closes the slit 35. The portion that closes the slit 35 may be the portion of the elastic resin 4 that is filled into the slit 35. The elastic resin 4 has a projection 40 that protrudes into the slit 35 from the second surface 42 side, and this projection 40 constitutes the portion that is filled into the slit 35. The projection 40 extends along the longitudinal direction of the slit 35 and is present throughout the entire longitudinal region of the slit 35. In the longitudinal direction of the slit 35, the entire region of the slit 35 is filled with the projection 40. On the other hand, in the depth direction (in other words, the height direction) of the slit 35, the slit 35 is partially filled with the projection 40. The projection 40 that protrudes into the slit 35 from the second surface 42 side of the elastic resin 4 does not reach the second surface 32 of the vibration target member 3. In the example in Figure 3, about half of the depth direction (in other words, the height direction) of the slit 35 is filled with the projection 40. Furthermore, the entire area of ​​the slit 35 in the depth direction (in other words, the height direction) may be filled with the protrusion 40.

[0017] The elastic resin 4 is made of a resin that is softer than the vibrating member 3, for example. In other words, the elastic resin 4 is made of a resin that has a lower elastic modulus (e.g., tensile modulus) than the vibrating member 3, for example. The elastic resin 4 is made of an elastomer such as silicone resin or polyurethane.

[0018] The housing 9 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped with one open side. The housing 9 can also be described as having a somewhat elongated box shape. The housing 9 may be made of, for example, resin, metal, or other material. The vibration target member 3 is fixed, for example, to the upper end surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 9. At the upper end surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 9, the inner peripheral region is lower, forming a step. The peripheral end of the second surface 32 of the vibration target member 3 is fixed to the bottom surface of the step formed on the upper end surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 9 with, for example, a waterproof adhesive 10. The entire area of ​​the peripheral end of the second surface 32 is fixed to the housing 9 with the waterproof adhesive 10. This makes it difficult for water or dust to enter the housing 9. The waterproof adhesive 10 may be, for example, waterproof tape or waterproof adhesive. Since the vibrating unit 7 and the control unit 8 are located in the space enclosed by the housing 9 and the vibrating member 3, it can be considered that the housing 9 and the vibrating member 3 form a single housing. In this case, the housing 9 may be called the support housing and the vibrating member 3 may be called the vibrating housing. Alternatively, it can be considered that the housing 9 and the vibrating unit 2 form a single housing.

[0019] The operating section 5, which is operated by the user, is provided, for example, on the first surface 41 of the elastic resin 4. The operating section 5 is composed of a projection that protrudes from the first surface 41 of the elastic resin 4 to the outside of the tactile presentation device 1. The operating section 5 can also be called an operating button. The operating section 5 is integrally formed with the elastic resin 4 from the same material as the elastic resin 4. In this case, it can also be seen that a part of the elastic resin 4 constitutes the operating section 5.

[0020] The operating section 5 is located on the center of the first surface 41 of the elastic resin 4 in the short direction (left-right direction in Figure 1) of the first surface 41. The operating section 5 is located in the long direction (right-right direction in Figure 1) of the first surface 41. top and bottom In the direction, it is located above the central part of the first surface 41. In the tactile presentation device 1, the vibration unit 7 vibrates the vibration target unit 2 in response to the user's operation of the operation unit 5, thereby presenting a tactile sensation to the user.

[0021] The part consisting of the elastic resin 4 and the operating part 5 and the vibrating member 3 may be integrally formed, for example, by two-color molding. Alternatively, the part consisting of the elastic resin 4 and the operating part 5 and the vibrating member 3 may be manufactured separately and attached to each other with a bonding material such as double-sided tape or adhesive. This bonding material may be a waterproof bonding material. Furthermore, the operating part 5 may be made of a different material than the elastic resin 4. For example, the operating part 5 may be made of the same material as the vibrating member 3, or it may be made of another material such as metal.

[0022] Here, the first plan view refers to viewing the operating unit 5 in plan view while viewing the piezoelectric element 7 and the slit 35 from the second surface 32 side of the vibrating member 3. As shown in Figure 4, in the first plan view, the piezoelectric element 7 and the operating unit 5 are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7. Also, as shown in Figure 4, in the first plan view, the operating unit 5 is located between the slit 35 and the piezoelectric element 7 in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7. In the first plan view, it can also be said that the operating unit 5 is located between the central part of the piezoelectric element 7 and the slit 35 in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7. Furthermore, in the first plan view, approximately the upper half in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7 is surrounded by the U-shaped slit 35. When the operating unit 5 is operated, specifically when the operating unit 5 is pressed, the vibrating member 3 deforms and the piezoelectric element 7 bends, resulting in the generation of an electromotive force in the piezoelectric element 7.

[0023] The control unit 8 is, for example, composed of a circuit board on which circuits are formed. The control unit 8 can supply a driving voltage to the piezoelectric element 7, causing the piezoelectric element 7 to flex and vibrate. Furthermore, the control unit 8 can recognize operations on the operating unit 5 based on the electromotive force generated in the piezoelectric element 7 in response to the operation of the operating unit 5. The control unit 8 and the piezoelectric element 7 are electrically connected by a cable.

[0024] All or some of the functions of the control unit 8 may be implemented by hardware circuits that do not require software to realize those functions. Furthermore, the control unit 8 may include at least one processor to provide control and processing capabilities for performing various functions, as will be described in more detail below.

[0025] According to various embodiments, at least one processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as a plurality of communicably connected integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. At least one processor can be implemented according to various known techniques.

[0026] In one embodiment, the processor includes one or more circuits or units configured to perform one or more data computation procedures or processes by, for example, executing instructions stored in associated memory. In other embodiments, the processor may be firmware (e.g., discrete logic components) configured to perform one or more data computation procedures or processes.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the processor may include one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processing devices, programmable logic devices, field-programmable gate arrays, or any combination of these devices or configurations, or other known combinations of devices and configurations, and may perform the functions described below.

[0028] In this example, the control unit 8 includes, for example, a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, A / D converter, and amplifier. The control unit 8 can also be described as, for example, a control circuit. The control unit 8 can also be described as, for example, a computer device.

[0029] The control unit 8, for example, amplifies the electromotive force (also called the output voltage) generated by the piezoelectric element 7 in response to the pressure applied by the operating unit 5, and sets the amplified electromotive force to a deflection level indicating the amount of deflection in the piezoelectric element 7. The control unit 8 then performs A / D conversion on the deflection level and recognizes the operation on the operating unit 5 based on the deflection level after A / D conversion. When the control unit 8 recognizes the operation on the operating unit 5, it generates a drive signal to drive the piezoelectric element 7 and supplies the generated drive signal to the piezoelectric element 7 to cause it to deflect and vibrate. When the piezoelectric element 7 deflects and vibrates, the part to be vibrated 2 vibrates, and the operating unit 5 vibrates. As a result, for example, a tactile sensation is provided to the finger pressing the operating unit 5 through vibration.

[0030] When the control unit 8 recognizes an operation on the operation unit 5, it may notify an external device (also simply called an external device) of the operation on the operation unit 5 using at least one of wired communication and wireless communication. When the external device is notified that the operation unit 5 has been operated, it performs a predetermined process. For example, the external device may cause its own display unit to display a predetermined message, or it may control other mechanical devices. The external device may also give predetermined notifications to devices other than itself and the haptic presentation device 1 using at least one of wired communication and wireless communication. Furthermore, if the haptic presentation device 1 is equipped with a display unit, the control unit 8 may cause the display unit to display a predetermined message when it recognizes an operation on the operation unit 5. Furthermore, if the haptic presentation device 1 is equipped with a sound output unit such as a buzzer or speaker, the control unit 8 may cause the sound output unit to output a sound when it recognizes an operation on the operation unit 5.

[0031] As described above, in the tactile presentation device 1, since the vibrating member 3 is provided with a slit 35, the vibrating member 3 can be made easier to vibrate. Even when the vibrating member 3 is fixed to the housing 9 with a waterproof bonding material 10, as in this example, the vibrating member 3 can still be made easier to vibrate. Furthermore, since the elastic resin 4 has a portion filled in the slit 35, it is possible to maintain the ease with which the vibrating member 3 can vibrate while making it difficult for water or dust to enter the housing 9 through the slit 35.

[0032] Furthermore, as in this example, when the vibrating unit 7 is composed of a piezoelectric element, it is possible to recognize operations on the vibrating target unit 2 based on the electromotive force of the piezoelectric element 7. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to provide a separate component for detecting operations on the vibrating target unit 2, such as a touch panel, in addition to the vibrating unit 7. Also, even if the tactile presentation device 1 is equipped with a touch panel, it is possible to stop the operation of the touch panel when detecting operations on the operation unit 5. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the tactile presentation device 1 equipped with a touch panel.

[0033] The vibrating unit 7 may be composed of a material other than a piezoelectric element. For example, the vibrating unit 7 may be a vibration motor or another material that vibrates the vibration target unit 2. If the vibrating unit 7 is composed of a material other than a piezoelectric element, the vibration target unit 3 may be, for example, a touch panel that detects user touch operations. In this case, the control unit 8 can recognize operations on the operation unit 5 based on the output signal of the touch panel. The control unit 8 may also recognize operations on the first surface 41 of the elastic resin 4 based on the output signal of the touch panel, and vibrate the vibrating unit 7 in response to the recognition of such operations to provide the user with a tactile sensation.

[0034] In the example above, the elastic resin 4 covers the entire area of ​​the first surface 31 of the member to be vibrated 3, but it may also cover only a part of the first surface 31. 31 It is not necessary to cover the surface. In other words, the elastic resin 4 does not need to cover the surface of the member 3 to be vibrated, and only needs to have a portion that closes the slit 35. For example, the elastic resin 4 may consist only of the portion that fills the slit 35. The elastic resin 4 only needs to have at least a portion that fills the slit 35.

[0035] If the elastic resin 4 consists only of the portion filled within the slit 35, water or dust may enter the housing 9 from the interface between the inner wall of the slit 35 and the elastic resin 4. In contrast, as shown in the examples in Figures 1-4, if the elastic resin 4 covers the surface of the vibrating member 3 while filling the slit 35, it becomes even more difficult for water or dust to enter the housing 9 from the slit 35.

[0036] The shape and number of slits 35 are not limited to the examples above. Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing other examples of slits 35. Figures 5 and 6 correspond to Figure 4 above. In the example of Figure 5, the vibrating member 3 is provided with one linear slit 35. In the example of Figure 5 as well, in the first plan view, the operating part 5 is located between the slit 35 and the piezoelectric element 7 in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 6, the member 3 to be vibrated is provided with five linear slits 35. The example in Figure 6 is the same as the example in Figure 5, but with four additional slits 35. The elastic resin 4 has five protrusions 40 that fill each of the five slits 35. When the piezoelectric element 7 and the five slits 35 are viewed from the second surface 32, the piezoelectric element 7 is surrounded by the five slits 35.

[0038] In the example above, the vibrating part 7 was directly fixed to the member to be vibrated 3, but as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the leaf spring member 100 to which the vibrating part 7 is fixed may also be fixed to the member to be vibrated 3. Figures 7 and 8 correspond to Figures 3 and 4 described above, respectively. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the leaf spring member 100. Hereafter, the tactile presentation device 1 shown in Figures 7 and 8 may be referred to as the tactile presentation device 1A.

[0039] The leaf spring member 100 is capable of transmitting the vibration of the piezoelectric element 7 to the vibrating member 3 with amplified intensity. The leaf spring member 100 can also be said to be a vibration amplifying member. The leaf spring member 100 is made of, for example, metal. The leaf spring member 100 is plate-shaped and comprises, for example, a leaf spring portion 101 and two fixing portions 105. The outer shape of the leaf spring portion 101 is approximately rectangular. The leaf spring portion 101 has fixing portions 102 at each of its ends. Each fixing portion 102 is provided with a through hole 102a. Each fixing portion 102 is fixed to the vibrating member 3 with a screw 120.

[0040] The two fixing parts 105 protrude outward from the longitudinal center of the leaf spring part 101 in opposite directions. The leaf spring part 101 and the two fixing parts 105 form a cross shape. Each fixing part 105 is provided with a through hole 105a. Each fixing part 105 is fixed to the housing 9 with screws 130.

[0041] The length of the leaf spring portion 101 is set to be greater than the length of the piezoelectric element 7. The piezoelectric element 7 is fixed to the center of the leaf spring portion 101 with a bonding material such as epoxy resin so that the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring portion 101.

[0042] In the tactile presentation device 1A, the housing 9 has two bosses 900 that protrude inward. Each boss 900 is provided with a screw hole. The two fixing parts 105 of the leaf spring member 100 are fixed to the two bosses 900 of the housing 9 with screws 130. After the screws 130 are passed through the through holes 105a of the fixing part 105, the screws 130 are screwed into the screw holes of the bosses 900, thereby screwing the fixing part 105 to the bosses 900.

[0043] Furthermore, in the tactile presentation device 1A, the vibrating member 3 is provided with two bosses 300 that protrude from its second surface 32. Each boss 300 is provided with a screw hole. The two fixing parts 102 at both ends of the leaf spring part 101 are fixed to the two bosses 300 with screws 120. After the screws 120 are passed through the through holes 102a of the fixing part 102, the screws 120 are screwed into the screw holes of the bosses 300, thereby screwing the fixing part 102 to the bosses 300.

[0044] The operating unit 5 faces the upper fixing part 102 of the leaf spring part 101 in the thickness direction of the vibrating target part 2 via the elastic resin 4 and the vibrating target member 3. When the operating unit 5 is pressed, the upper fixing part 102 of the leaf spring part 101 is pressed, causing the leaf spring part 101 to bend with the fixing part 105 as a fulcrum. As a result, the piezoelectric element 7 flexes and an electromotive force is generated in the piezoelectric element 7. When the control unit 8 confirms an operation on the operating unit 5 based on the electromotive force generated in the piezoelectric element 7, it causes the piezoelectric element 7 to flex and vibrate. When the piezoelectric element 7 flexes and vibrates, the leaf spring part 101 flexes and vibrates, and as a result, the vibration of the piezoelectric element 7 is amplified and transmitted to the vibrating target part 2. This makes it possible to efficiently present tactile sensation to the finger touching the operating unit 5, for example.

[0045] In the example above, the tactile presentation device 1 has one operating unit 5, but it may have multiple operating units 5. The tactile presentation device 1 may also have multiple vibrating units 7. Figures 10-13 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a tactile presentation device 1 equipped with multiple operating units 5 and multiple vibrating units 7. Hereafter, the tactile presentation device 1 shown in Figures 10-13 may be referred to as tactile presentation device 1B.

[0046] Figure 11 shows an example of the tactile presentation device 1B shown in Figure 10, viewed from the right side of Figure 10. 12 Figure 10 shows an example of the cross-sectional structure of CC as seen through the arrow. 12 Figure 11 shows an example of the cross-sectional structure of DD as seen by the arrow.

[0047] As shown in Figures 10-13, the tactile presentation device 1B has, for example, five operating parts 5 (operating parts 5a-5e It comprises a (also called) two vibrating parts 7 (vibrating parts 7a and 7b) and two slits 35 (also called slits 35a and 35b). The vibrating parts 7a and 7b are, for example, piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b, respectively. The control unit 8 can, for example, make each of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b vibrate independently. The control unit 8 also controls the operation unit 5a~ based on the electromotive force in the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b. 5e It is possible to recognize which of the operation units 5 has been operated.

[0048] The operating parts 5a and 5b are located above the center on the first surface 41 of the elastic resin 4. The operating parts 5a and 5b are aligned along the short direction of the first surface 41. The operating parts 5c, 5d, and 5e are located below the center on the first surface 41. The operating parts 5c and 5d are aligned along the short direction of the first surface 41. The operating part 5e is located below the operating parts 5c and 5d. The operating part 5e is located above the center of the first surface 41 in the short direction of the first surface 41. The operating parts 5a and 5c are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the first surface 41, and the operating parts 5b and 5d are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the first surface 41.

[0049] Slit 35a is located above the center of the vibrating member 3. Slit 35b is located below the center of the vibrating member 3. Each of the slits 35a and 35b is, for example, E-shaped. Slit 35a is, for example, provided that the open ends of the three parallel lines of the E-shape it forms face downwards. Slit 35b is, for example, provided that the open ends of the three parallel lines of the E-shape it forms face upwards.

[0050] The piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b are fixed to the second surface 32 of the member to be vibrated 3. The piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b are aligned along the short direction of the second surface 32. The piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b are provided such that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second surface 32. When the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b and the slits 35a and 35b are viewed from the second surface 32 side in a plan view, as shown in Figure 13, the upper ends of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b are located in the two spaces separated by the three parallel lines forming an E shape of the upper slit 35a, and the lower half of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b are located in the two spaces separated by the three parallel lines forming an E shape of the lower slit 35b.

[0051] Here, the second plan view refers to viewing the operating parts 5a to 5e in plan view while viewing the piezoelectric elements 7a, 7b, slits 35a and 35b from the second surface 32 side of the vibrating member 3. As shown in Figure 13, in the second plan view, the operating parts 5a and 5b are located above the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b, most of the operating parts 5c and 5d are located below the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b, and the operating part 5e is located below the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b.

[0052] In the second plan view, the piezoelectric element 7a and the operating part 5a are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7a, and the operating part 5a is located between the piezoelectric element 7a and the slit 35a in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7a. In the second plan view, it can also be said that the operating part 5a is located between the central part of the piezoelectric element 7a and the slit 35a in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7a.

[0053] In the second plan view, the piezoelectric element 7b and the operating part 5b are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7b, and the operating part 5b is located between the piezoelectric element 7b and the slit 35a in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7b. In the second plan view, it can also be said that the operating part 5b is located between the central part of the piezoelectric element 7b and the slit 35a in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7b.

[0054] In the second plan view, the operating part 5c is located between the center of the piezoelectric element 7a and the slit 35b in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7a, and slightly overlaps with the lower end of the piezoelectric element 7a. In the second plan view, the operating part 5d is located between the center of the piezoelectric element 7b and the slit 35b in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 7b, and slightly overlaps with the lower end of the piezoelectric element 7b. In the second plan view, the operating part 5e overlaps with the slit 35b. Specifically, in the second plan view, the operating part 5e overlaps with the middle of the three parallel lines of the E-shape formed by the slit 35b.

[0055] The tactile feedback device 1B is configured such that the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b changes according to the operation unit 5 being operated. This allows the control unit 8 to easily recognize which of the multiple operation units 5 has been operated. The amount of deflection of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b is determined, for example, by the shape of the slit 35 and the positional relationship between the slit 35, the piezoelectric elements 7, and the operation unit 5.

[0056] When either the operating section 5a or 5c is pressed, the piezoelectric element 7a is more likely to bend, while the piezoelectric element 7b is less likely to bend. Therefore, when either the operating section 5a or 5c is pressed, the electromotive force at piezoelectric element 7a (also called the first electromotive force) is greater than the electromotive force at piezoelectric element 7b (also called the second electromotive force). Furthermore, in the tactile presentation device 1B, the piezoelectric element 7a is more likely to bend when the operating section 5c is pressed than when the operating section 5a is pressed with the same force. Therefore, the first electromotive force when the operating section 5c is pressed with a certain force is greater than the first electromotive force when the operating section 5a is pressed with the same force. The control unit 8 recognizes that the operating section 5a has been operated if the first electromotive force is somewhat greater than the second electromotive force. On the other hand, the control unit 8 recognizes that the operating section 5c has been operated if the first electromotive force is considerably greater than the second electromotive force.

[0057] Here, the deflection level obtained by the control unit 8 by amplifying the first electromotive force is called the first deflection level. The deflection level obtained by the control unit 8 by amplifying the second electromotive force is called the second deflection level. The control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5a has been operated when the value obtained by subtracting the second deflection level from the first deflection level is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold. The first threshold is greater than 0, and the second threshold is greater than the first threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5c has been operated when the value obtained by subtracting the second deflection level from the first deflection level is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0058] When either the operating section 5b or 5d is pressed, the piezoelectric element 7b is more likely to bend, while the piezoelectric element 7a is less likely to bend. Therefore, when either the operating section 5b or 5d is pressed, the second electromotive force is greater than the first electromotive force. Furthermore, in the tactile presentation device 1B, the piezoelectric element 7b is more likely to bend when the operating section 5d is pressed than when the operating section 5b is pressed with the same force. Therefore, the second electromotive force when the operating section 5d is pressed with a certain force is greater than the second electromotive force when the operating section 5b is pressed with the same force.

[0059] The control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5b has been operated if the second electromotive force is somewhat larger than the first electromotive force. On the other hand, the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5d has been operated if the second electromotive force is considerably larger than the first electromotive force. Specifically, the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5b has been operated if the value obtained by subtracting the first deflection level from the second deflection level is greater than or equal to the third threshold and less than the fourth threshold. The third threshold is greater than 0, and the fourth threshold is greater than the third threshold. The third threshold may be the same as or different from the first threshold. The fourth threshold may be the same as or different from the second threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5d has been operated if the value obtained by subtracting the first deflection level from the second deflection level is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold.

[0060] When the operating part 5e is pressed, the deflection amounts of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b are approximately the same. Therefore, when the operating part 5e is pressed, the first electromotive force and the second electromotive force are approximately the same. The control unit 8 recognizes that the operating part 5e has been operated when the first electromotive force and the second electromotive force are both sufficiently large, and the difference between the first and second electromotive forces is very small. Specifically, the control unit 8 recognizes that the operating part 5e has been operated when the first deflection level and the second deflection level are both greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the absolute value of the difference between the first and second deflection levels is less than the sixth threshold. The fifth threshold is greater than 0. The sixth threshold is less than the first and third thresholds, and greater than or equal to 0.

[0061] When the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5a has been operated, it vibrates, for example, only the piezoelectric element 7a of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b. This allows, for example, a tactile sensation to be given to the finger touching the operation unit 5a. Similarly, when the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5c has been operated, it vibrates, for example, only the piezoelectric element 7a of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b. This also allows, for example, a tactile sensation to be given to the finger touching the operation unit 5c. Note that when the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5a has been operated, it may vibrate only the piezoelectric element 7b of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b, or it may vibrate both piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b. The same applies when the operation unit 5c is operated.

[0062] When the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5b has been operated, it vibrates, for example, only the piezoelectric element 7b of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b. This allows, for example, a tactile sensation to be given to the finger touching the operation unit 5b. Similarly, when the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5d has been operated, it vibrates, for example, only the piezoelectric element 7b of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b. This also allows, for example, a tactile sensation to be given to the finger touching the operation unit 5d. When the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5b has been operated, it may vibrate only the piezoelectric element 7a of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b, or it may vibrate both piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b. The same applies when the operation unit 5d is operated.

[0063] When the control unit 8 recognizes that the operating unit 5e has been operated, it vibrates both piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b, for example. This allows, for example, a tactile sensation to be given to the finger touching the operating unit 5e. The control unit 8 may also vibrate only piezoelectric element 7a of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b, or only piezoelectric element 7b of the piezoelectric elements 7a and 7b.

[0064] The tactile presentation device 1B includes the operation section 5a~ 5e Some of the components may be omitted. For example, the tactile presentation device 1B may not have an operating unit 5e. Also, the tactile presentation device 1B may not have operating units 5b, 5d, and 5e. In this case, the piezoelectric element 7b becomes unnecessary, and the control unit 8 recognizes that the operating unit 5a has been operated when the electromotive force at the piezoelectric element 7a is sufficiently large, and recognizes that the operating unit 5c has been operated when the electromotive force at the piezoelectric element 7a is considerably large. Specifically, the control unit 8 recognizes that the operating unit 5a has been operated when the first deflection level is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold and less than the eighth threshold. The seventh threshold is greater than 0, and the eighth threshold is less than the seventh threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 8 recognizes that the operating unit 5c has been operated when the first deflection level is greater than or equal to the eighth threshold.

[0065] Furthermore, the tactile presentation device 1B does not need to include the operation units 5a, 5c, and 5e. In this case, the piezoelectric element 7a is unnecessary, and the control unit 8 recognizes that the operation unit 5b has been operated if the electromotive force at the piezoelectric element 7b is sufficiently large, and recognizes that the operation unit 5d has been operated if the electromotive force at the piezoelectric element 7b is considerably large. The specific recognition operation of the control unit 8 is the same as when the tactile presentation device 1B does not include the operation units 5b, 5d, and 5e.

[0066] Furthermore, the tactile feedback device 1B does not necessarily have to include operating units 5c, 5d, and 5e. In this case, the control unit 8 recognizes that operating unit 5a has been operated, for example, when the value obtained by subtracting the second deflection level from the first deflection level is greater than or equal to the first threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 8 recognizes that operating unit 5b has been operated, for example, when the value obtained by subtracting the first deflection level from the second deflection level is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0067] Furthermore, the tactile feedback device 1B does not necessarily have to include operating units 5a, 5b, and 5e. In this case, the control unit 8 recognizes that the operating unit 5c has been operated, for example, when the value obtained by subtracting the second deflection level from the first deflection level is greater than or equal to the second threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 8 recognizes that the operating unit 5d has been operated, for example, when the value obtained by subtracting the first deflection level from the second deflection level is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold.

[0068] The tactile feedback device 1 may be equipped with a stopper 200 to prevent deformation of the vibration target member 3 when the operating unit 5 is operated. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the tactile feedback device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 with the stopper 200 added. Figure 14 corresponds to Figure 3 described above. Hereafter, the tactile feedback device 1 shown in Figure 14 may be referred to as tactile feedback device 1C.

[0069] The stopper 200 is, for example, cylindrical or prismatic in shape, and the housing 9 It is erected on the inner surface. There is a gap between the upper end surface of the stopper 200 and the second surface 32 of the vibration target part 2. The stopper 200 is, for example, a housing 9 The same material as the enclosure 9 It is formed as an integral part of the stopper 200 and the housing. 9 These components may be manufactured separately and attached to each other using adhesives such as double-sided tape or glue. Furthermore, the stopper 200 may be made of a different material than the housing 9.

[0070] The operating part 5 faces the upper end surface of the stopper 200 in the thickness direction of the vibrating part 2 via the elastic resin 4 and the vibrating member 3. When the operating part 5 is pressed, the second surface 32 of the vibrating member 3 strikes the upper end surface of the stopper 200, stopping the deformation of the vibrating member 3. The stopper 200 can also be said to be the part that stops the displacement of the vibrating member 3 when the operating part 5 is pressed.

[0071] In this example, the user of the tactile feedback device 1C will push the operating unit 5 until the vibrating member 3 hits the stopper 200. When the operating unit 5 is pushed until the vibrating member 3 hits the stopper 200, the control unit 8 recognizes that an operation has been performed on the operating unit 5 based on the electromotive force of the piezoelectric element 7, and vibrates the piezoelectric element 7 to provide the user with a tactile sensation.

[0072] Thus, since the tactile feedback device 1C is equipped with a stopper 200 that prevents deformation of the vibrating target member 3 when the operating unit 5 is operated, the vibrating target member 3 is less likely to deform excessively.

[0073] In addition, a stopper 200 may also be provided in the tactile feedback device 1B described above. In this case, the stopper 200 is provided such that, for example, the head of the screw 120 that fixes the upper fixing portion 102 of the leaf spring member 100 to the vibrating target member 3 faces the upper end surface of the stopper 200 with a gap between them. When the operating part 5 is pressed, the head of the screw 120 hits the upper end surface of the stopper 200, and the deformation of the vibrating target member 3 stops.

[0074] Furthermore, in the tactile feedback device 1C described above, multiple stoppers 200 corresponding to multiple operating units 5 may be provided. In this case, for each operating unit 5, the deformation of the vibration target member 3 when the operating unit 5 is operated is stopped by the stopper 200 corresponding to the operating unit 5.

[0075] Furthermore, if multiple stoppers 200 are provided corresponding to multiple operating sections 5, the height positions of the multiple stoppers 200 may be set to be different from each other. Figures 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a tactile presentation device 1 comprising two operating sections 5 and two stoppers 200 corresponding to the two operating sections 5. The tactile presentation device 1 (also called tactile presentation device 1D) shown in Figures 15 and 16 has one additional operating section 5, one slit 35, and two stoppers 200 added to the tactile presentation device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4. Figures 15 and 16 correspond to Figures 3 and 4, respectively.

[0076] The tactile presentation device 1D is made of the first surface of the elastic resin 4 41 In this configuration, it includes an operating section 5 located above the central part (also called the upper operating section 5) and an operating section 5 located below the central part (also called the lower operating section 5). The upper operating section 5 and the lower operating section 5 are located on the first surface 41 They are lined up along the longer side of the plane.

[0077] The tactile feedback device 1D includes a stopper 200 (also called the upper stopper 200) that stops the deformation of the vibrating member 3 when the upper operating section 5 is operated, and a stopper 200 (also called the lower stopper 200) that stops the deformation of the vibrating member 3 when the lower operating section 5 is operated. The upper operating section 5 faces the upper end surface of the upper stopper 200 in the thickness direction of the vibrating member 2 via the elastic resin 4 and the vibrating member 3. When the upper operating section 5 is pressed, the second surface 32 of the vibrating member 3 contacts the upper end surface of the upper stopper 200, and the deformation of the vibrating member 3 stops. The lower operating section 5 faces the upper end surface of the lower stopper 200 in the thickness direction of the vibrating member 2 via the elastic resin 4 and the vibrating member 3. When the lower operating part 5 is pressed, the second surface 32 of the vibrating member 3 comes into contact with the upper end surface of the lower stopper 200, and the deformation of the vibrating member 3 stops.

[0078] The height of the upper stopper 200 is, for example, higher than the height of the lower stopper 200. The height of the stopper 200 can also be said to be the position of the upper end (in other words, the upper end surface) of the stopper 200. In this example, the distance between the upper stopper 200 and the vibrating member 3 when the vibrating part 2 is not being operated is smaller than the distance between the lower stopper 200 and the vibrating member 3 when the vibrating part 2 is not being operated. Also, the length of the gap between the upper stopper 200 and the vibrating member 3 when the vibrating part 2 is not being operated is smaller than the length of the gap between the lower stopper 200 and the vibrating member 3 when the vibrating part 2 is not being operated. Furthermore, the amount of pressure applied to the upper operating part 5 until the vibrating member 3 hits the upper stopper 200 is smaller than the amount of pressure applied to the lower operating part 5 until the vibrating member 3 hits the lower stopper 200. The amount of pressure applied to the upper operating section 5 and the amount of pressure applied to the lower operating section 5 affects the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7.

[0079] The tactile feedback device 1D includes a slit 35 located above the center of the second surface 32 of the vibrating member 3 (also called the upper slit 35) and a slit 35 located below the center (also called the lower slit 35). Each of the upper slit 35 and the lower slit 35 is, for example, U-shaped. The upper slit 35 and the lower slit 35 have the same shape as each other and are arranged symmetrically above and below the center of the second surface 32.

[0080] When the piezoelectric element 7 and the upper slit 35 are viewed from the second surface 32, approximately the upper half of the piezoelectric element 7 in the longitudinal direction is surrounded by the U-shaped upper slit 35. Also, when the piezoelectric element 7 and the lower slit 35 are viewed from the second surface 32, approximately the lower half of the piezoelectric element 7 in the longitudinal direction is surrounded by the U-shaped lower slit 35.

[0081] In the tactile presentation device 1D, the height positions of the upper stopper 200 and the lower stopper 200 are different, so that the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 when the upper operating part 5 is operated is different from the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 when the lower operating part 5 is operated. Specifically, because the height position of the upper stopper 200 is higher than the height position of the lower stopper 200, the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 when the upper operating part 5 is operated (i.e., the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 when the upper operating part 5 is operated and the vibrating target member 3 hits the upper stopper 200) is smaller than the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 when the lower operating part 5 is operated (i.e., the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 when the lower operating part 5 is operated and the vibrating target member 3 hits the lower stopper 200). In the tactile presentation device 1D, assuming that the height position of the upper stopper 200 and the height position of the lower stopper 200 are the same, the shape and position of each slit 35 are set such that the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 when the upper operating part 5 is operated is the same as the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 when the lower operating part 5 is operated.

[0082] In the haptic feedback device 1D, the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 when the upper operating section 5 is operated is different from the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 when the lower operating section 5 is operated. Therefore, the control unit 8 can determine which of the two operating sections 5 has been operated based on the electromotive force at the piezoelectric element 7. For example, the control unit 8 recognizes that the upper operating section 5 has been operated when the deflection level based on the electromotive force at the piezoelectric element 7 is between the 7th threshold and the 8th threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 8 recognizes that the lower operating section 5 has been operated when the deflection level is above the 8th threshold.

[0083] In this way, by setting the height positions of the multiple stoppers 200 corresponding to each of the multiple operating parts 5 to be different from each other, the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7 can be adjusted according to the operating part 5 that is operated.

[0084] In the tactile feedback device 1B described above, if multiple stoppers 200 are provided corresponding to multiple operating units 5, the height positions of at least some of the multiple stoppers 200 may be set to be different from each other. For example, the height position of the stopper 200 corresponding to operating unit 5c may be set to be lower than the height position of the stopper 200 corresponding to operating unit 5a. In this case, the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7a when operating unit 5c is operated will be greater than the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7a when operating unit 5a is operated, making it easier for the control unit 8 to confirm which of the operating units 5a or 5c has been operated. As another example, the height position of the stopper 200 corresponding to operating unit 5d may be set to be lower than the height position of the stopper 200 corresponding to operating unit 5b. In this case, the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7b when the operating unit 5d is operated is greater than the amount of deflection of the piezoelectric element 7b when the operating unit 5b is operated, making it easier for the control unit 8 to determine which of the operating units 5b or 5d has been operated.

[0085] As described above, the tactile feedback device has been explained in detail, but the above explanation is illustrative in all respects, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the various examples described above can be combined and applied insofar as they do not contradict each other. And it is understood that countless examples not illustrated can be conceived without falling outside the scope of this disclosure.

[0086] This disclosure includes the following:

[0087] In one embodiment, (1) the tactile feedback device comprises a vibration target part that is operated by the user, and a first vibration unit that vibrates the vibration target part, wherein the vibration target part is vibrated by the first vibration unit and comprises a vibration target member having at least one slit, and an elastic resin having at least a portion that closes the at least one slit.

[0088] (2) In the tactile presentation device described in (1) above, the elastic resin is filled into at least one slit and covers the surface of the vibration target member.

[0089] (3) In the tactile presentation device described in (2) above, the first vibrating part is composed of a first piezoelectric element.

[0090] (4) In the tactile presentation device described in (3) above, a control unit is provided that recognizes an operation on the part to be vibrated based on the electromotive force of the first piezoelectric element and vibrates the first piezoelectric element in response to the recognition of the operation on the part to be vibrated.

[0091] (5) In the tactile presentation device described in (4) above, the vibration target unit has a first operation unit and a second operation unit operated by the user, the amount of deflection of the first piezoelectric element when the first operation unit is operated and the amount of deflection of the first piezoelectric element when the second operation unit is operated are different from each other, and the control unit recognizes which of the first operation unit and the second operation unit has been operated based on the electromotive force at the first piezoelectric element.

[0092] (6) In the tactile presentation device described in (5) above, a first stopper is provided to stop the deformation of the vibrating target member when the first operating unit is operated, and a second stopper is provided to stop the deformation of the vibrating target member when the second operating unit is operated, wherein the distance between the first stopper and the vibrating target member when the vibrating target unit is not operated and the distance between the second stopper and the vibrating target member when the vibrating target unit is not operated are different from each other.

[0093] (7) In any one of the tactile presentation devices described in (4) to (6) above, a second piezoelectric element is provided for vibrating the vibrating target member, the vibrating target member has a third operating part and a fourth operating part operated by the user, the amount of deflection of the first piezoelectric element when the third operating part is operated is greater than the amount of deflection of the second piezoelectric element when the third operating part is operated, the amount of deflection of the second piezoelectric element when the fourth operating part is operated is greater than the amount of deflection of the first piezoelectric element when the fourth operating part is operated, and the control unit recognizes which of the third operating part and the fourth operating part has been operated based on the electromotive force in the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1,1A,1B,1C,1D Tactile sensation presentation device 2. Parts subject to vibration 3. Members subject to vibration 4 Elastic resin 5,5a,5b,5c,5d,5e Operation section 7,7a,7b Vibration part 35 slits 200 Stoppers

Claims

1. The part that is subjected to vibration by the user, A first vibrating unit that vibrates the part to be vibrated and Equipped with, The part that is subjected to vibration is, A member to be vibrated, which is vibrated by the first vibrating part and has at least one slit, An elastic resin having at least a portion that closes at least one of the slits It has, The elastic resin is filled into at least one slit and covers the surface of the member to be vibrated. The first vibrating part is composed of a first piezoelectric element, The system includes a control unit that recognizes an operation on the part to be vibrated based on the electromotive force of the first piezoelectric element and vibrates the first piezoelectric element in response to the recognition of the operation on the part to be vibrated, The vibrating part has a first operating part and a second operating part that are operated by the user. The amount of deflection of the first piezoelectric element when the first operating part is operated and the amount of deflection of the first piezoelectric element when the second operating part is operated are different from each other. The control unit is a tactile feedback device that recognizes which of the first and second operating units has been operated based on the electromotive force of the first piezoelectric element.

2. A tactile presentation device according to claim 1, A first stopper that stops the deformation of the vibration target member when the first operating unit is operated, A second stopper that stops the deformation of the vibrating member when the second operating part is operated, Equipped with, A tactile presentation device in which the distance between the first stopper and the vibrating member when the vibrating target part is not being operated and the distance between the second stopper and the vibrating member when the vibrating target part is not being operated are different from each other.

3. A part that is subjected to vibration by the user, A first vibrating unit that vibrates the part to be vibrated and Equipped with, The part that is subjected to vibration is, A member to be vibrated, which is vibrated by the first vibrating part and has at least one slit, An elastic resin having at least a portion that closes at least one of the slits It has, The elastic resin is filled into at least one slit and covers the surface of the member to be vibrated. The first vibrating part is composed of a first piezoelectric element, The system includes a control unit that recognizes an operation on the part to be vibrated based on the electromotive force of the first piezoelectric element and vibrates the first piezoelectric element in response to the recognition of the operation on the part to be vibrated, The system includes a second piezoelectric element that vibrates the member to be vibrated, The vibrating part has a first operating part and a second operating part that are operated by the user. The amount of deflection of the first piezoelectric element when the first operating part is operated is greater than the amount of deflection of the second piezoelectric element when the first operating part is operated. The amount of deflection of the second piezoelectric element when the second operating part is operated is greater than the amount of deflection of the first piezoelectric element when the second operating part is operated. The control unit is a tactile feedback device that recognizes which of the first and second operating units has been operated based on the electromotive force in the first and second piezoelectric elements.

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