Vibration device

Abstract

To provide a vibration device that is less likely to be accidentally operated when young children are using a touchscreen. [Solution] A vibration device that generates vibrations comprising a tip portion 10 and a main body portion 20 extending in a first longitudinal direction, wherein the tip portion 10 comprises a contact portion 11 and a mounting portion 15, the main body portion 20 is constructed such that at least a part thereof exposes a conductive member 40, the main body portion 20 has a left-right width W1 of 30 mm or more and 70 mm or less in the portion including the boundary with the tip portion 10, the mounting portion 15 has a longitudinal dimension H of 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less, the left-right width W3 of the mounting portion 15 at the boundary with the main body portion 20 is not longer than the left-right width W1 of the portion including the boundary with the tip portion 10, and the left-right width W2 of the portion including the boundary with the contact portion 11 is 15 mm or more shorter than the left-right width W1 of the portion including the boundary with the tip portion 10, and the left-right width of the mounting portion 15 does not increase as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the boundary with the main body portion 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration device.

Background Art

[0002] A pen-type device is known as a device for operating a capacitive touch screen.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for presenting a sensation to a user using a vibration source. Media content is displayed on a display unit having a touch panel function. When a reading device is brought close to a picture (e.g., a dog) in the media content, identification information corresponding to the position of the picture is read out, and from the vibration waveform information associated with the identification information, vibrations corresponding to the voice along with the barking sound of the dog are output by the vibration source.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a tactile presentation device for improving the operation feeling. The tactile presentation device includes a plurality of vibrators in a housing and is configured to individually control the vibrators by a vibration control unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The inventors are working on developing a new vibration device for young children by improving a conventional pen-type tactile presentation device. During the development process, they observed how young children use the pen-type device when it is brought close to a tablet device with a touchscreen. As shown in Figure 24, it became clear that young children tend to grip the tip of the pen-type device. This is because young children perceive the pen-type device as being similar to a writing instrument such as a pencil, and prioritize ease of writing by gripping the tip. As a result, their hands touch the touchscreen, causing malfunctions.

[0007] Thus, when young children attempt to operate a pen-type device by gripping its tip in the same way they would a writing instrument, their hands may touch the display surface of the tablet device, potentially resulting in unintended input. As a result, either the tablet device or the pen-type device, or both, may malfunction, leading to problems such as the desired operation not being performed correctly.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the problems caused by the actual operation of toddlers as described above, and to provide a vibration device that allows even relatively young toddlers to intentionally operate a capacitive touchscreen while preventing toddlers' hands from accidentally touching the touchscreen as much as possible, thereby enabling more stable and intuitive operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a vibration device comprising a tip portion that can contact a capacitive touchscreen and a main body portion extending from the tip portion in a first longitudinal direction, wherein the device generates vibrations, The tip portion comprises a contact portion that can contact the touchscreen and a mounting portion provided adjacent to the main body portion to which the contact portion is attached. The main body is constructed such that at least a part of it exposes a conductive member. The main body portion has a left-right width of 30 mm to 70 mm in the portion including the boundary with the tip portion. The mounting portion has a longitudinal dimension of 15 mm to 30 mm, The mounting portion has an external dimension such that the left-right width of the boundary with the main body portion is not longer than the left-right width of the portion of the main body portion including the boundary with the tip portion, and the left-right width of the portion including the boundary with the contact portion is 15 mm or shorter than the left-right width of the portion of the main body portion including the boundary with the tip portion. The mounting portion is characterized in that its width does not increase as it extends from the boundary with the main body portion in a second direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the tip of the vibration device is designed to be difficult for relatively young children to grasp, and is configured to naturally guide them to grasp the main body. Therefore, it is difficult for young children to grasp the tip. In particular, the present invention is intended for vibration devices that operate capacitive touchscreens, and in this type of device, if a child's hand or fingers accidentally touch the touchscreen, the change in capacitance may be detected and the application may malfunction. In the present invention, the device shape is designed to make it difficult for a child's hand to touch the touchscreen, so input from areas other than the contact point is suppressed, and the application operates correctly as intended. Therefore, in applications that work in conjunction with capacitive touchscreens, it is possible to safely and stably provide a multi-sensory learning experience through vibration while preventing unintended input. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a schematic front view showing a vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a diagram showing the tip and main body of the vibration device shown in Figure 1A, separated. [Figure 1C]Figure 1C is a diagram for explaining the longitudinal direction, the left - right width, and the depth width in the vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C are a side view, a plan view, and a bottom view, respectively. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view showing the outline of the vibration device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the vibration device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C are a side view, a plan view, and a bottom view, respectively. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view showing the outline of the vibration device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the vibration device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C are a side view, a plan view, and a bottom view, respectively. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view showing the outline of the vibration device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the vibration device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are a side view, a plan view, and a bottom view, respectively. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view showing the outline of the vibration device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the vibration device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C are a side view, a plan view, and a bottom view, respectively. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an outline of the state in which the vibration device according to each embodiment of the present invention is used. Figures 11A and 11B are a front view and a side view, respectively. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining Comparative Example 1. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining Comparative Example 2. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining Comparative Example 3. [Figure 15A]Figure 15A shows an image of a prototype adopting the present invention, where a child is about to operate a tablet terminal device. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B shows an image of another child about to operate the tablet terminal device with the prototype shown in Figure 15A. [Figure 16] Figure 16A is an end view taken along the line I-I of Figure 1, and Figures 16B, 16C, and 16D are end views of the outlines of modified examples of the main body portion. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a diagram for explaining the details of the main body portion of the vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17A is a front view, Figure 17B is a side view, Figure 17C is a bottom view, and Figure 17D is a plan view. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a front view showing a state where a child holds the vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention with both hands. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view showing the vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a diagram for explaining the details of the main body portion of the vibration device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20A is a front view, Figure 20B is a side view, Figure 20C is a bottom view, and Figure 20D is a plan view. [Figure 21] Figure 21 relates to the vibration device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21A is a front view, Figure 21B is a side view, Figure 21C is a bottom view, and Figure 21D is a plan view. [Figure 22] Figure 22 relates to the vibration device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22A is a front view, Figure 22B is a side view, Figure 22C is a bottom view, and Figure 22D is a plan view. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a front view of the vibration device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows an image of observing a child operating a tablet terminal device using a pen-type device during the development process leading to the completion of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [First Embodiment] Figure 1A is a schematic front view of a vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The vibration device 1 comprises a tip portion 10 that can contact a capacitive touchscreen and a main body portion 20 extending from the tip portion 10 in a first longitudinal direction. The vibration source 2 is built into the main body portion 20. In this specification, "first longitudinal direction" refers to the direction from the tip portion 10 of the vibration device 1 to the main body portion 20 (upward in Figure 1A), and "second longitudinal direction" refers to the opposite direction from the first direction (downward in Figure 1A). Figure 1B is a front view showing the main body portion 20 and the tip portion 10 separated from those in Figure 1, and Figure 1C is a diagram for explaining the longitudinal direction, left-right width, and depth of the vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1C is shown upside down compared to Figure 1A.

[0014] The tip portion 10 includes a contact portion 11 that can contact a capacitive touchscreen, and a mounting portion 15 provided adjacent to the main body portion 20 to which the contact portion 11 is attached. The contact portion 11 is conductive and is molded from, for example, conductive resin or rubber. A child operates the touchscreen 5 (see Figure 11) by touching the contact portion 11 to the touchscreen 5.

[0015] The main body 20 is constructed such that at least a portion of it exposes a conductive member 40. Here, the conductive member 40 is a member for electrically connecting the contact portion 11 and the inside of the vibration device 1, and is made of metal, conductive resin, conductive ink, etc. When the user's finger comes into contact with the conductive member 40, it works in conjunction with the input detection function of the touchscreen to reliably transmit the intended operation signal. The conductive member 40 and the contact portion 11 may be electrically connected via electronic components inside the vibration device 1 as appropriate.

[0016] In the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment, the mounting portion 15 has the following characteristics. The main body portion 20 has a left-right width W1 of 30 mm or more and 70 mm or less in the portion including the boundary between the tip portion 10 and the mounting portion 15. The mounting portion 15 has a longitudinal dimension H of 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The mounting portion 15 has an external dimension in which the left-right width W3 at the boundary with the main body portion 20 is not longer than the left-right width W1 in the portion including the boundary with the tip portion 10 of the main body portion 20, and the left-right width W2 in the portion including the boundary with the contact portion 11 is 15 mm or more shorter than the left-right width W1 in the portion including the boundary with the tip portion 10 of the main body portion 20. The left-right width of the mounting portion 15 does not increase as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the boundary with the main body portion 20. In other words, the left-right width of the mounting portion 15 does not increase as it goes downward from the upper end 15b to the lower end 15a, but remains constant or decreases.

[0017] The mounting portion 15 has the above-mentioned external dimensions, making it difficult for infants to grasp the mounting portion 15 and reducing accidental operation of the touchscreen 5.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1B, where the main body portion 20 and the tip portion 10 are deliberately separated, the left-right width W1 is the left-right width of the portion at the boundary between the main body portion 20 and the mounting portion 15 (the lower end of the main body portion 20), the left-right width W2 is the left-right width of the portion including the boundary between the mounting portion 15 and the contact portion 11 (the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15), and the left-right width W3 is the left-right width of the boundary between the mounting portion 15 and the main body portion 20 (the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15).

[0019] When the longitudinal dimension H of the attachment portion 15 is less than 15 mm, it is difficult to expose a part of the contact portion 11 and hold it on the attachment portion 15. When the longitudinal dimension H of the attachment portion 15 is longer than 30 mm, it is not preferable because it becomes easier for an infant to grasp the attachment portion 15. The left - right width W of the attachment portion 15 satisfies the relationships W2 ≤ W1 - 15 mm, W2 ≤ W ≤ W3 ≤ W1, and 30 mm ≤ W1 ≤ 70 mm in relation to the left - right width W1 of the portion including the boundary with the attachment portion 15 (tip portion 10) of the main body portion 20, the left - right width W2 of the portion including the boundary with the contact portion 11 of the attachment portion 15, and the left - right width W3 of the boundary of the attachment portion 15 with the main body portion 20. Thereby, the attachment portion 15 can hold the contact portion 11 and has a sufficient surface to contact the contact portion 11 with the touch screen 5. If the left - right width W of the attachment portion 15 is longer than the above range, it becomes easier for an infant to grasp the attachment portion 15 with the hand. By satisfying the relationship W2 ≤ W1 - 15 mm, an infant can operate the touch screen 5 even when the vibration device 1 is tilted with respect to the surface of the touch screen 5. Satisfying the relationship W2 ≤ W1 - 15 mm means that, for example, when the left - right width W1 is 30 cm, the left - right width W2 is a value that satisfies 0 < W2 ≤ 15 cm. When the left - right width W1 is 40 cm, the left - right width W2 is a value that satisfies 0 < W2 ≤ 25 cm.

[0020] The attachment portion 15 does not increase in left - right width as it extends in the second longitudinal direction from the upper end 15b, which is the boundary with the main body portion 20, to the lower end 15a, which is the boundary with the contact portion 11. As shown in Fig. 1A, as it extends in the second longitudinal direction from the upper end 15b to the lower end 15a, the left - right width of the attachment portion 15 continuously decreases. Also, the rate of decrease of its left - right width is substantially constant regardless of the distance from the upper end 15b.

[0021] The upper end 15b of the attachment portion 15 has a left - right width W3 equal to the left - right width W1 of the portion including the boundary with the attachment portion 15 of the main body portion 20 as shown in Fig. 1A.

[0022] The mounting portion 15 is not limited to these, and its width may continuously or gradually decrease as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the upper end 15b to the lower end 15a. The portion where the width changes may be a part of the section between the upper end 15b and the lower end 15a. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, unlike in Figure 1A, the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 may have a width W3 that is shorter than the width W1 in the portion of the main body 20 that includes the boundary with the mounting portion 15.

[0023] However, it is preferable that the width of the mounting portion 15 does not increase as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the boundary with the main body portion 20.

[0024] In particular, it is preferable that the width of the mounting portion 15 does not become longer than the width W1 as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the boundary with the main body portion 20.

[0025] In particular, it is preferable that the left-right width W of the mounting portion 15 does not shorten or lengthen as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the boundary with the main body portion 20.

[0026] The mounting portion 15 holds the contact portion 11. For example, the contact member is held by the mounting portion 15 such that a part of the contact member (referred to as the contact portion 11), which is molded from conductive resin or rubber, is exposed from the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15.

[0027] Next, we will explain examples of the depth and width of the mounting portion 15. Figure 2 shows a vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C being a side view, a top view, and a bottom view, respectively. The front view is the same as in Figure 1A, the rear view is symmetrical to the front view, and the right side view is symmetrical to the left side view.

[0028] The mounting portion 15 is a truncated square pyramid, and the parts where each face connects may be rounded. As described above, the mounting portion 15 has an external dimension configuration such that its width decreases from left to right from the upper end 15b, which is the boundary of the main body portion 20, to the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15.

[0029] Here, the depth of the mounting portion 15 is less than or equal to the depth of the main body portion 20. Preferably, the depth of the mounting portion 15 is 27 / 30 of the left-right width W1 of the lower end of the main body portion 20. Within this range, the mounting portion is small and therefore difficult for infants to grasp.

[0030] The depth of the mounting portion 15 decreases in accordance with the decrease in the left-right width of the mounting portion 15 as it extends in the second longitudinal direction. Preferably, the depth D2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 is 15 mm or more. This is because the mounting portion 15 needs to hold the contact member by exposing a part of the contact member. The depth D2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 may coincide with the left-right width W2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15. The upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 has a depth D2 that is less than or equal to the depth D1 at the boundary between the mounting portion 15 and the main body portion 20. The lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 has a depth D2 that is less than or equal to the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15.

[0031] The mounting portion 15 may have a portion in which its depth width decreases as it approaches the lower end 15a, which is the boundary with the contact portion 11, or, as will be described in the second embodiment, the portion of the mounting portion 15 from the upper end 15b to the lower end 15a may have a constant depth width.

[0032] As mentioned above, the mounting portion 15 holds the contact portion 11. The child operates the touchscreen 5 by touching the contact portion 11 to the touchscreen 5. The contact portion 11 can be attached to the mounting portion 15. For example, the length of the contact portion 11 is 5 mm or less, and moreover, 3.2 mm to 3.5 mm. The width and depth of the boundary between the contact portion 11 and the mounting portion 15 are 9 mm to 11 mm. Within this range, contact can be reliably detected when the contact portion 11 is brought into contact with the touchscreen 5.

[0033] According to the vibration device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the tip portion 10, including the mounting portion 15, is structured in a way that makes it difficult for a child to grasp it with their hand. Therefore, it is difficult for a child to grasp the tip portion 10, including the mounting portion 15. Consequently, when a child uses the vibration device 1 to operate a touchscreen with touch panel functionality, it becomes difficult for their fingers or wrist to touch the display area of ​​the touchscreen. This helps to avoid accidental operation of the touchscreen.

[0034] [Second Embodiment] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of a vibration device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the vibration device 1 according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for members or parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0035] In the mounting portion 15, the width does not increase as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the upper end 15b, which is the boundary with the main body portion 20. The upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 has a width W3 that is shorter than the width W1 of the portion of the main body portion 20 at the boundary with the mounting portion 15. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 has a width W3 that is equal to the width W2 of the portion of the mounting portion 15 that includes the boundary with the contact portion 11 (lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15). That is, in the mounting portion 15, the width W3 of the boundary with the main body portion 20 (upper end 15b) is equal to the width W2 of the portion of the mounting portion 15 that includes the boundary with the contact portion 11 (lower end 15a). The lower end 20a of the main body portion 20 is visible in a bottom view.

[0036] The mounting portion 15 may have a portion where its width does not change as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the mounting portion 15 has a width that does not change as it extends in a second longitudinal direction and remains almost constant. The mounting portion 15 may have a portion where its width is constant as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. In such an embodiment, the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 has a width W3 that is shorter than the width W1 of the portion of the main body 20 that includes the boundary with the mounting portion 15. Furthermore, the mounting portion 15 has a wall surface 15c that is almost along the longitudinal direction from the upper end 15b to the lower end 15a, that is, a wall surface 15c that is perpendicular to the horizontal upper end 15b and the lower end 15a.

[0037] Next, examples of the depth and width of the mounting portion 15 will be described. Figure 4 shows a vibration device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C being the side view, top view, and bottom view, respectively. The front view is the same as in Figure 3, the rear view is symmetrical to the front view, and the right side view is symmetrical to the left side view.

[0038] The mounting portion 15 has an outer shape including the side surface in a substantially cylindrical shape. The depth width of the end portion 21 is less than or equal to the depth width D1 at the boundary between the main body portion 20 and the mounting portion 15. The depth width D2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 is approximately equal to the depth width D3 at the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15. The depth width D3 at the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 may coincide with the left-right width W3 at the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15. The depth width D2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 may coincide with the left-right width W2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15.

[0039] According to the vibration device 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention, similar to the first embodiment, the mounting portion 15 is structured in a way that makes it difficult for infants to grasp with their hands. Therefore, it provides the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment.

[0040] [Third Embodiment] Figure 5 is a schematic front view showing a vibration device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the vibration device 1 according to the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for members or parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0041] In the mounting portion 15, the width from left to right does not increase as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the upper end 15b, which is the boundary with the main body portion 20. The upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 has a width W3 that is shorter than the width W1 of the portion of the main body portion 20 at the boundary with the mounting portion 15. In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the intermediate portion 15d is provided approximately horizontally at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction between the lower end 15a and the upper end 15b, and has a width that is approximately equal to the width W3 of the upper end 15b. The intermediate portion 15d extends outward to the left and right by a certain distance from the left and right central axes of the upper end 15b and the lower end 15a, respectively.

[0042] Preferably, in a front view of the vibration device 1, the left end of the intermediate portion 15d is located on the line segment connecting the left end of the lower end 20a of the main body portion 20 and the left end of the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15, or is located on the left-right side of the central axis than that line segment. Similarly, preferably, in a front view of the vibration device 1, the right end of the intermediate portion 15d is located on the line segment connecting the right end of the lower end 20a of the main body portion 20 and the right end of the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15, or is located on the left-right side of the central axis than that line segment. This is because it would be more difficult for a child to grasp the mounting portion 15.

[0043] The mounting portion 15 may have a portion in which the left-right width does not change as it extends in the longitudinal direction and a second direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the left-right width W2 is approximately constant between the lower end 15a and the intermediate portion 15d, and the left-right width W3 is approximately constant between the intermediate portion 15d and the upper end 15b. The mounting portion 15 also has a wall surface 15c that is approximately aligned in the longitudinal direction from the upper end 15b to the intermediate portion 15d, that is, a vertical wall surface 15c that is inclined toward the horizontal upper end 15b as shown. The mounting portion 15 also has a wall surface 15c that is approximately aligned in the longitudinal direction from the intermediate portion 15d to the lower end 15a, that is, a vertical wall surface 15c that is inclined toward the horizontal lower end 15a as shown. In the embodiment shown, there is one intermediate portion 15d, but two or more intermediate portions with different left-right widths may be provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] Next, examples of the depth and width of the mounting portion 15 will be described. Figure 6 shows a vibration device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C being the side view, top view, and bottom view, respectively. The front view is the same as in Figure 5, the rear view is symmetrical to the front view, and the right side view is symmetrical to the left side view.

[0045] The mounting portion 15 has an outer shape that includes a side surface in which a substantially cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter of W3 and a substantially cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter of W2 are connected vertically. Here, the contour of the horizontal cross-section of the mounting portion 15 does not have to be circular, but may be elliptical, square, or rectangular. The upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 has a depth width D3 that is shorter than the depth width D1 of the portion of the main body 20 at the boundary with the mounting portion 15. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the intermediate portion 15d is provided substantially horizontally at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction between the lower end 15a and the upper end 15b, and has a depth width that is approximately equal to the depth width D3 of the upper end 15b. The intermediate portion 15d extends outward in the front and rear directions by a certain distance from the left and right central axes of the upper end 15b and the lower end 15a, respectively. The depth width of the intermediate portion 15d of the mounting portion 15 may coincide with the left and right width of the intermediate portion 15d of the mounting portion 15. The depth of the mounting portion 15 at its lower end 15a may match the left-right width of the mounting portion 15 at its lower end 15a.

[0046] According to the vibration device 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention, similar to the first embodiment, the mounting portion 15 is structured in a way that makes it difficult for infants to grasp it with their hands. Therefore, it provides the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment.

[0047] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 7 is a schematic front view of the vibration device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the vibration device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for members or parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0048] In the mounting portion 15, the width from left to right does not increase as it extends from the upper end 15b in a second longitudinal direction. The upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 has a width W3 equal to the width W1 of the portion of the main body 20 at the boundary with the mounting portion 15. The mounting portion 15 may have a portion in which the width from left to right decreases as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the mounting portion 15 has a width from left to right that changes continuously as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. The rate of change in width from left to right differs as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. The rate of change in width from left to right is large on the upper end 15b side and small on the lower end 15a side. In other words, in a front view of the vibration device 1, the curve connecting the upper end 15b and the lower end 15a is convex towards the left-right central axis side. Therefore, the mounting portion 15 is structured to be more difficult for infants to grasp with their hands. Alternatively, the left-right width W3 may be shorter than the left-right width W1, so that the lower end of the main body 20 is visible when viewed from below.

[0049] Next, examples of the depth and width of the mounting portion 15 will be described. Figure 8 shows a vibration device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C being the side view, top view, and bottom view, respectively. The front view is the same as in Figure 7, the rear view is symmetrical to the front view, and the right side view is symmetrical to the left side view.

[0050] In the mounting portion 15, the depth width changes continuously as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. The mounting portion 15 has an outer shape that includes a side view resembling an inverted Mount Fuji, where the left-right width and depth width of the upper end 15b are longer than those of the lower end 15a. The absolute value of the rate of change in depth width is large on the upper end 15b side and small on the lower end 15a side. In other words, in a side view, the curve of the outer shape connecting the upper end 15b and the lower end 15a is convex toward the front-rear central axis. Such a mounting portion 15 is structured to be more difficult for infants to grasp with their hands. Here, the depth width of the mounting portion 15 is less than or equal to the depth width D of the main body portion 20. The depth width D3 at the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 may coincide with the depth width D1 at the boundary between the main body portion 20 and the mounting portion 15. The depth width D3 at the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 may coincide with the left-right width W3 at the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15. The depth width D2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 may coincide with the left-right width W2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15.

[0051] According to the vibration device 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, similar to the first embodiment, the mounting portion 15 is structured to be less likely to be grasped by a child's hand. Therefore, it provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0052] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 9 is a schematic front view of the vibration device 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the vibration device 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for members or parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0053] In the mounting portion 15, the width does not increase as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the upper end 15b. The upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 has a width W3 equal to the width W1 of the portion of the main body 20 at the boundary with the mounting portion 15. The mounting portion 15 may have a portion in which the width decreases as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. The mounting portion 15 has a width that changes continuously as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. The rate of change in width differs as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. In Figure 9, point A is the rightmost point of the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15, and point B is the rightmost point of the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15. Point C is approximately midway between points A and B in the longitudinal direction, and approximately midway between points A and B in the lateral direction. In this way, the contour line in a front view between point A and point B is convex to the right between point A and point C, and convex towards the left-right central axis between point C and point B. Thus, the contours of the left and right ends of the mounting part 15 are configured such that the absolute value of the rate of change in left-right width from point A at the upper end 15b through point C to point B at the lower end 15a is in the order of small, large, small. Therefore, the mounting part 15 has a structure that makes it more difficult for infants to grasp with their hands.

[0054] Next, examples of the depth and width of the mounting portion 15 will be described. Figure 10 shows a vibration device 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C being the side view, top view, and bottom view, respectively. The front view is the same as in Figure 9, the rear view is symmetrical to the front view, and the right side view is symmetrical to the left side view.

[0055] The mounting portion 15 has a continuously changing depth as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 10A, in a side view, point A is the front end point of the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15, and point B is the front end point of the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15. Point C is approximately midway between points A and B in the longitudinal direction, and approximately midway between points A and B in the depth direction. The contour line in a side view between points A and B is convex towards the front-to-back central axis between points A and C, and convex towards the front-to-back central axis between points C and B. Therefore, the mounting portion 15 has a structure that is less likely to be grasped by a child's hand. Here, the depth width D3 at the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15 may coincide with the depth width of the portion of the main body 20 at the boundary with the mounting portion 15, or it may coincide with the left-to-right width W3 at the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15. The depth width D2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 is shorter than the depth width D3 at the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15. The depth width D2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 may also be equal to the left-right width W2 at the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15.

[0056] According to the vibration device 1 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, similar to the first embodiment, the mounting portion 15 is structured to be less likely to be grasped by a child's hand. Therefore, it has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0057] [Usage Pattern] Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of how the vibration device 1 according to each embodiment of the present invention is used, with Figures 11A and 11B being a front view and a side view, respectively. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the operator, an infant, grasps the main body 20 of the vibration device 1 with both hands and touches the contact portion 11 of the tip 10 to the display area of ​​the touchscreen 5, operating it to input something displayed on the touchscreen 5 (in Figure 11, it is a plate; hereafter, the displayed item will be referred to as "item" 6). Here, the touchscreen 5 is equipped with a display input interface, and input by touching the screen surface is detected by the display input interface.

[0058] The touchscreen 5 stores application programs corresponding to multiple items 6, and when the contact portion 11 of the vibration device 1 touches the touchscreen 5, these programs are executed sequentially. As a result, visual changes, sound output, and vibration presentation from the vibration device 1 are synchronized in response to the display and operation of the items 6.

[0059] Specifically, when a toddler touches an item 6, such as a plate, on the touchscreen 5 using the contact part 11, the display content related to the item 6 on the touchscreen 5 is changed or added, for example, an animation showing beans being released onto a plate is displayed. At the same time, the vibration source 2 inside the vibration device 1 is activated, generating vibrations that simulate the tactile presence of beans, and these vibrations are transmitted to the toddler's hands.

[0060] As another example, when the user traces a line displayed on the touchscreen 5 with the contact area 11, the line is recognized as a railway track, and an animation of a train running along it is displayed. In addition, the sound of the train running and related sound effects are played, and vibrations synchronized with the train's movement are generated from the vibration source 2, providing the user with tactile feedback.

[0061] In this way, by configuring the system so that the display content on the touchscreen 5, sound, and vibration are output in conjunction with a touch operation by the vibration device 1, it becomes possible to present the feel and state of an object to a child in a multi-sensory manner. In particular, it is expected that the integrated use of vibration, visual, and auditory information presentation will support the development of the child's sensibilities and perception.

[0062] In each embodiment of the present invention, the upper part of the main body 20 may be designed with the faces of various characters that the user, a young child, is interested in, as shown in Figure 11.

[0063] In each embodiment of the present invention, the main body portion 20 may extend in a first longitudinal direction. The main body portion 20 may be substantially rectangular in front view, or it may have a thicker or thinner intermediate portion between the upper and lower ends, as shown in the figure. Furthermore, the width of the lower end of the main body portion 20 may be shorter or longer than the width of the upper end. The main body portion 20 may not have a substantially rectangular shape in front view.

[0064] The left and right contours of the main body 20 in a front view may be straight lines, curves, or a combination of both. The same applies to the front and rear contours of the main body 20 in a side view. The contours of the main body 20 may have indentations and protrusions to accommodate multiple fingers, making it easier for infants to grasp.

[0065] In the diagrams illustrating each embodiment, it is preferable that the contours of the tip portion 10 and the main body portion 20 have rounded corners.

[0066] [Comparative Example 1] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating Comparative Example 1. As shown in the figure, the vibration device 100 according to Comparative Example 1 has a tip portion 101 having a width and height, and a main body portion 102. Even if the width of the tip portion 101 is, for example, 35 mm, if the height of the tip portion 101 is longer than 30 mm, it is easier for a child to grasp the tip portion 101. As a result, the child's hand may unintentionally come into contact with the tablet terminal device 105, increasing the likelihood of accidental operation.

[0067] [Comparative Example 2] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating Comparative Example 2. As shown in the figure, the vibration device 100 according to Comparative Example 2 has a tip portion 101 having a width and height, and a main body portion 102. For example, even if the height of the tip portion 101 is 20 mm, if the width is less than 30 mm, it becomes easier for a child to grasp the tip portion 101. As a result, the possibility of a child's hand unintentionally coming into contact with the tablet terminal device 105 and causing an error increases.

[0068] [Comparative Example 3] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating Comparative Example 3. As shown in the figure, the vibration device 100 according to Comparative Example 3 has a tip portion 101 having a left-right width W1 and a height, and a main body portion 102, with the mounting portion of the tip portion 101 having the lower end of the left-right width W2 and the upper end of the left-right width W3. Even if the height of the tip portion 101 is, for example, 20 mm and the left-right width is, for example, 35 mm, if the difference between the left-right width W1 of the main body portion 102 and the left-right width W2 of the lower end of the mounting portion of the tip portion 101 (W1-W2) is less than 15 mm, it becomes difficult for a child to tilt the vibration device 100 relative to the surface of the tablet terminal device 105. Therefore, with such a configuration, it is difficult to ensure proper operability of the vibration device 100 by a child.

[0069] [Examples] Compared to Comparative Examples 1 to 3, when the mounting portion 15 was configured to have the external dimensions specified in the present invention, it was confirmed that erroneous operation of the vibration device 1 by infants was suppressed, and that the intended operation could be performed stably.

[0070] Figures 15A and 15B show images of a child attempting to operate a tablet device using a prototype to which the present invention is applied. As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, when the prototype was allowed to be held freely by the child, it was observed that the child was operating the tablet device while gripping the main body 20 with both hands.

[0071] Furthermore, numerous monitor tests conducted with multiple infants consistently showed that many infants tended to grasp and operate the main body 20 with both hands. This confirmed that the present invention enables stable grasping and reliable operation by infants.

[0072] Figure 16A is an end view along line II in Figure 1, and Figures 16B, 16C, and 16D are end views along line II of modified shapes of the main body. Figures 16A to 6D show only the outline of the main body 20, and the internal structure is omitted. The cross-sectional outline of the main body 20 can be rectangular as shown in Figure 16A, as well as square, circular, or regular polygonal shapes such as equilateral triangles, as shown in Figures 16B to 16D.

[0073] In this specification, the left-right width of the portion of the main body 20 that includes the boundary with the mounting portion 15 means the length of both ends of the outer contour when the boundary with the mounting portion 15 of the main body 20 is extended in the left-right direction and reaches the outer contour.

[0074] In this specification, the left-right width of the portion of the mounting portion 15 that includes the boundary with the contact portion 11 means the length of both ends of the outer contour when the boundary of the mounting portion 15 with the contact portion 11 is extended in the left-right direction and reaches the outer contour.

[0075] Thus, the left-right width of a certain part refers to the dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body 20 when viewed from the front. The depth of a certain part refers to the dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body 20 when viewed from the side.

[0076] In this specification, the magnitude of the rate of change is defined as the magnitude of the absolute value of the rate of change.

[0077] The vibration device according to the embodiment of the present invention only needs to have external dimensions relating to the mounting portion 15. The vibration device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form and may be modified as appropriate.

[0078] In each embodiment of the present invention, the main body 20 includes a portion (referred to as the "gripping portion") intended to be grasped by a user, which is an infant.

[0079] [Main body of the first-order vibration device] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the details of the main body 20 with respect to the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 17A is a front view, Figure 17B is a side view, Figure 17C is a bottom view, and Figure 17D is a top view. The rear view is symmetrical to the front view, and the right side is symmetrical to the left side. The tip portion 10 has already been described with reference to Figures 1A and 2A to 2C. The main body 20 preferably has a gripping portion 26, as shown in the figure, set in an area of ​​15 mm to 200 mm in the longitudinal direction from the boundary between the mounting portion 15 and the contact portion 11, so that it can be easily grasped by an infant. The gripping portion 26 is set to have a length H11 of at least 40 mm in the longitudinal direction. In Figure 17A, the gripping portion 26 is set to a length H11 (≧40mm) in the region that extends at least H21 (=15mm) in the longitudinal direction from the boundary between the mounting portion 15 and the contact portion 11, and no more than or equal to H22 (=200mm) in the longitudinal direction from the boundary between the mounting portion 15 and the contact portion 11. H22 is at most 200mm and can be selected to any length within the range of 140mm to 200mm. For example, it may be 180mm, 160mm, 140mm, or any other length. The gripping portion 26 is set on the main body portion 20 from the upper end 26a to the lower end 26b. In the illustrated configuration, the upper end 26a of the gripping portion 26 is below the upper end 22 of the main body portion 20, but the upper end 26a may coincide with the upper end 22.

[0080] The left-right width W11 of the gripping portion 26 is preferably set within the range of 30 mm to 70 mm, regardless of its position in the longitudinal direction. Having the left-right width W11 within this range naturally induces infants to grasp the gripping portion 26 of the main body 20 with both hands, rather than gripping it with one hand. As shown in Figure 18, the infant's left and right hands can stably grasp the gripping portion 26 with the left hand and the right hand with the center line C1 of the gripping portion 26, without their hands shifting longitudinally. This configuration allows even relatively young infants to safely operate the device while preventing accidental touches and malfunctions.

[0081] Furthermore, by grasping the gripping part 26 of the vibration device 1 with both hands, toddlers can feel the vibrations emitted from the vibration device 1 over a wider area with both hands compared to holding it with one hand, which has the advantage of enriching their tactile experience. In particular, for toddlers, the feedback from vibrations is a highly memorable sensory stimulus, and is expected to deepen their interest in and understanding of the content.

[0082] Furthermore, if the left-right width W11 of the gripping portion 26 is less than 30 mm, the vibration device 1 becomes too thin, allowing even toddlers to grasp it with one hand, and they tend to grip the tip portion 10 more. On the other hand, if the left-right width W11 of the gripping portion 26 exceeds 70 mm, the main body portion 20 may become too large and difficult for toddlers to hold, so it is preferable to set the left-right width W11 within the above range.

[0083] In addition, the depth width D11 of the gripping portion 26 is set to 23 / 30 or less of the width W11. As a result, the overall shape of the gripping portion 26 is flat, allowing even a child's small hand to grasp it comfortably by wrapping around it from the front and back. For example, if the width W11 is 30 mm, the depth width D11 is 23 mm or less, and if the width W11 is 70 mm, the depth width D11 is approximately 54 mm or less.

[0084] At least a portion of the gripping portion 26 is made of a conductive member 40. The conductive member 40 is exposed as both of the child's hands touch it. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, part or all of the front surface 31 of the gripping portion 26 is made of the conductive member 40. Part or all of the rear surface 32 may be made of the conductive member 40 instead of the front surface 31. At least the gripping portion 26 has a flattened shape. As a result, as shown in Figure 18, the child naturally grips the front surface 31 and the rear surface 32 with a gap between their thumb and other fingers, making it easier for their fingers to reliably contact the conductive member 40 and ensuring a stable electrical connection with the touchscreen. The conductive member 40 has, for example, an L-shaped or U-shaped cross-section, and this cross-sectional shape may extend in the longitudinal direction. That is, it may include a portion parallel to the front surface 31 and a portion perpendicular to the front surface 31 or the rear surface 32. The vertical portion of the conductive member 40 forms part of the contour of either the right side, the left side, or both.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, at least a portion of the front surface 31 of the main body 20 may be formed of a flat conductive member 40. The conductive member 40 may be provided from the boundary of the main body 20 with the mounting portion 15 to the upper end of the main body 20, or it may be provided on a portion of the main body 20 in the longitudinal direction.

[0086] In the main body 20, the left end in a front view is a straight line approximately parallel to the right end along the longitudinal direction. The depth width D11 is preferably 15 mm or more. As mentioned above, the depth width D11 has a length of 23 / 30 or less of the width W11. Because the main body 20 has the width W11 and depth width D11 as described above, the outer shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body 20 can be a horizontally elongated rectangle, making it easy for infants to grasp with both hands.

[0087] The front surface 31 of the main body 20 has a flat portion 31a with a width approximately equal to the left-right width W11, and the rear surface 32 of the main body 20 has a flat portion 32a with a width approximately equal to the left-right width W11. The left and right sides of the main body 20 have flat portions. These flat portions have a rectangular shape with the depth width D11 × longitudinal dimension described above. Therefore, the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with respect to the outer shape of the main body 20 has a rectangular shape with different vertical and horizontal dimensions. Here, the vertical corresponds to the depth width D11, and the horizontal corresponds to the left-right width W11. The main body 20 has a flattened cylindrical shape.

[0088] The main body 20 of the vibration device 1 shown in Figure 17 is designed so that even relatively young children will naturally try to grasp it with both their right and left hands. As a result, accidental contact of the child's hands with the touchscreen is suppressed, and unintended operations on either the touchscreen, the vibration device 1, or both are less likely to occur.

[0089] Furthermore, by holding the gripping part 26 with both hands, the toddler can more easily make accurate contact with the contact part 11 of the vibration device 1 on the designated display area on the touchscreen, thus ensuring that the intended action is performed more reliably. In addition, since the vibrations generated from the vibration source 2 can be received through both hands instead of just one, the toddler can experience tactile stimulation more richly.

[0090] [Main body of the fifth-order vibration device] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the details of the main body 20 of the vibration device 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 20A is a front view, Figure 20B is a side view, Figure 20C is a bottom view, and Figure 20D is a top view. The rear view is symmetrical to the front view, and the right side is symmetrical to the left side. The tip portion 10 has already been described with reference to Figures 9 and 10A to 10C. The left-right width W11, depth width D11, and longitudinal setting area of ​​the gripping portion 26 in the main body 20, and the boundary between the contact portion 11 and the mounting portion 15 are the same as described with reference to Figure 17. The following describes the differences from the main body 20 of the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0091] The front surface 31 of the main body 20, including the gripping portion 26, is composed of a flat portion 31a and curved portions 31b and 31c, as shown in Figures 20A to 20D. The flat portion 31a accounts for approximately 40% to 90% of the front surface 31, preferably 50% to 80%.

[0092] The rear surface 32 of the main body 20, including the gripping portion 26, is composed of a flat portion 32a and curved portions 32b and 32c, as shown in Figures 20A to 20D. The flat portion 32a accounts for approximately 40% to 90% of the rear surface 32, preferably 50% to 80%.

[0093] The flat portion 31a of the front surface 31 is parallel to the flat portion 32a of the rear surface 32. These flat portions 31a and 32a make it easier for infants to grasp the object with their index or middle finger and thumb, as shown in Figures 11 and 18. The flat portion 31a of the front surface 31 does not need to have the same area as the flat portion 32a of the rear surface 32; one may be smaller than the other.

[0094] The left side is formed by the curved portion 31b of the front surface 31 and the curved portion 32c of the rear surface 32. The right side is formed by the curved portion 31c of the front surface 31 and the curved portion 32b of the rear surface 32. By ensuring that the left and right sides do not include flat portions, it becomes easier for infants to grasp with both their left and right palms. Alternatively, the left and right sides may each include flat portions.

[0095] The main body 20 of the vibration device 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention has a front surface 31 and a rear surface 32 that appropriately combine a flat surface and a curved surface, making it easy for even relatively young children to naturally grasp it with both hands. Therefore, it promotes stable grasping and intended operation by children, and has the same effects as the main body 20 of the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0096] [Main body of the 6th EAP vibration device] FIG. 21 relates to a vibration device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21A is a front view, FIG. 21B is a side view, FIG. 21C is a bottom view, and FIG. 21D is a plan view. The rear view is symmetric with the front view, and the right side view is symmetric with the left side view. The tip portion 10 is as described above. Regarding the left-right width W11, depth width D11 of the gripping portion 26 in the main body portion 20, and the longitudinal setting region from the boundary between the contact portion 11 and the mounting portion 15, it is the same as described with reference to FIG. 17. Hereinafter, differences from the main body portion 20 of the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0097] In either the front surface 31 or the rear surface 32 of the gripping portion 26, it has the shortest left-right width W11 at an intermediate position between the upper end 26a and the lower end 26b of the gripping portion 26, the upper end 26a has a left-right width W12 longer than the left-right width W11, and the lower end 26b has a left-right width W13 longer than the left-right width W11. Here, when the left-right width at an arbitrary position between the upper end 26a and the lower end 26b is W, the relational expression 30 mm ≦ W11 < W < W12, W13 ≦ 70 mm is satisfied. The intermediate position may be exactly in the middle between the upper end 26a and the lower end 26b, or may shift from the exact middle position between the upper end 26a and the lower end 26b to either the upper end 26a or the lower end 26b.

[0098] On the front surface 31, the contour connecting the left end of the upper end 26a and the left end of the portion with the shortest left-right width is linear. The contour connecting the left end of the lower end 26b and the left end of the portion with the shortest left-right width is linear. The contour connecting the right end of the upper end 26a and the right end of the portion with the shortest left-right width is linear. The contour connecting the right end of the lower end 26b and the right end of the portion with the shortest left-right width is linear. The same applies to the rear surface 32.

[0099] In a side view, the depth width D11 is constant at any portion including the upper end 26a and the lower end 26b.

[0100] In the sixth embodiment, since the gripping portion 26 has a narrow left-right width W12 at a substantially intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, it has a structure that is visually easy to grasp for young children.

[0101] Since the main body portion 20 of the vibration device 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention has a gripping portion 26, even for relatively young infants, it has a structure that can be easily grasped with both the right and left hands of the infant. Therefore, it has the same operational effects as the main body portion 20 of the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0102] [Vibration Device According to the Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 22 relates to the vibration device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22A is a front view, FIG. 22B is a side view, FIG. 22C is a bottom view, and FIG. 22D is a plan view. The rear view is symmetric with the front view, and the right side view is symmetric with the left side view. The tip portion 10 including the attachment portion 15 has already been described as above. Regarding the left - right width W11, depth width D11 of the gripping portion 26 in the main body portion 20, and the setting region in the longitudinal direction from the boundary between the contact portion 11 and the attachment portion 15, it is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 17. Hereinafter, the differences from the main body portion 20 of the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0103] In both the front surface 31 and the rear surface 32 of the main body portion 20, in the front view and the rear view, the portion (referred to as the "first portion") 20x including the upper end 22 is rectangular, and the portion (referred to as the "second portion") 20y including the lower end 23 has a trapezoidal shape. The first portion 20x and the second portion 20y are continuous without an extreme change in the left - right contour.

[0104] The first portion 20x has a left - right width W31 in the front view and the rear view regardless of its longitudinal position. The second portion 20y has a left - right width W31 at the boundary with the first portion 20x in the front view and the rear view. At the lower end 23, it has a left - right width W1. The upper end 26a of the gripping portion 26 is in the first portion 20x, and the lower end 26b of the gripping portion 26 is in the second portion 20y. The upper end 26a of the gripping portion 26 has a left - right width W31. The lower end 26b of the gripping portion 26 has a left - right width W32. The second portion 20y includes a portion having a left - right width W that is shorter than W31 and longer than W1, and the left - right width W satisfies the relationship of W1≦W≦W31. In addition, the relational expression of 30mm≦W32<W31≦70mm is satisfied.

[0105] In the front and rear views, the vibration device 1 has a linear shape along the longitudinal direction in the portion where the left and right widths are equal, and a linear shape with an inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction in the portion where the left and right widths gradually narrow as they approach the contact portion 11.

[0106] In a side view, the depth width D31 is constant between the upper end 22 and the lower end 23 of the main body 20. Contrary to the illustration, the depth width D31 is constant in the part where the left and right widths are equal, and may gradually decrease in the part where the left and right widths are shorter as it extends in the second longitudinal direction.

[0107] In the seventh embodiment as well, the gripping portion 26 has a structure that is visually easy for young children to grasp.

[0108] The main body 20 of the vibration device 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention has a gripping portion 26, and therefore, even relatively young children can easily grasp it with both their right and left hands visually, thus having the same effects as the main body 20 of the first embodiment.

[0109] [Eighth Embodiment of the Present Invention] Figure 23 is a front view of a vibration device 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The vibration device 1 is composed of a tip portion 10 and a main body portion 20. The tip portion 10 is composed of a contact portion 11 that can contact a capacitive touchscreen and a mounting portion 15 to which the contact portion 11 is attached.

[0110] In Figure 23, excluding the contact portion 11, the structure is visually divided into a rectangular portion and a trapezoidal portion when viewed from the front. In such a case, the rectangular portion when viewed from the front may be the main body, and the trapezoidal portion may be the mounting portion.

[0111] If the left-right width differs abruptly with respect to the longitudinal direction, for example, if the change in left-right width per unit area in the longitudinal direction |ΔW| / Δz is discontinuous with respect to the longitudinal distance, then, regardless of the external shape of the vibration device 1 as described above, the mounting portion 15 may be defined as the portion from the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 to a dimension H (15 mm ≤ H ≤ 30 mm) in the first longitudinal direction, with reference numeral 15b as the upper end of the mounting portion 15 and reference numeral 23 as the lower end of the main body portion 20. As shown in Figure 23, this applies when a virtual line 23x, which marks the point at which the left-right width begins to change abruptly in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the front of the main body portion 20 and the mounting portion 15, is located at a distance of, for example, 40 mm Hx from the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 in the longitudinal direction.

[0112] In the embodiments of the present invention, several embodiments of the mounting portion 15 are described, and further, several embodiments of the main body portion 20 are described. As a result, it becomes more difficult for infants to grasp the mounting portion 15, and easier for them to grasp the gripping portion 26 of the main body portion 20 with both hands. Consequently, when infants use the vibration device 1 to touch the touchscreen having a touch panel function, it becomes more difficult for their fingers or wrists to touch the display area of ​​the touchscreen. This makes it less likely for infants to accidentally operate the touchscreen when they are operating it themselves.

[0113] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those shown in the figures, and include modifications made as appropriate within the technical scope of the present invention. In the embodiments of the present invention, the main combinations of each form of the mounting portion 15 and each form of the main body portion 20 are described, but any form of the mounting portion 15 and any form of the main body portion can be appropriately combined.

[0114] In this specification, the left-right width of a certain part, such as the mounting portion 15, is the left-right length when the part is observed in a front view and a rear view; the depth of a certain part is the front-to-back length when the part is observed in a left side view and a right side view; and the height of a certain part is the up-and-down length when the part is observed in a front view, a rear view, and a left and right side view.

[0115] In the present invention, preferably, the mounting portion 15 has a portion whose width decreases as it extends in the second direction. The portion whose width decreases may not only be partially present between the lower end 15a and the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15, but may also be present throughout the entire length of the mounting portion 15 from the lower end 15a to the upper end 15b.

[0116] In the present invention, preferably, the mounting portion 15 has a portion in which the left-right width does not change as it extends in the second direction. The portion in which the left-right width does not change may not only be partially present between the lower end 15a of the mounting portion 15 and the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15, but may also be present throughout the entire length of the portion in which the left-right width does not change between the lower end 15a and the upper end 15b of the mounting portion 15.

[0117] In the present invention, preferably, in the mounting portion 15, the left-right width of the boundary with the main body portion 20 is equal to the left-right width of the portion including the boundary with the contact portion 11. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 1: Vibration device 2: Vibration source 5: Touchscreen 6: Item 10:Tip 11: Contact area 15: Mounting part 15a: Lower end of mounting part 15b: Upper end of mounting part 20: Main body 40: Conductive material

Claims

1. A vibration device that generates vibrations comprises a tip portion that can contact a capacitive touchscreen and a main body portion that extends from the tip portion in a first longitudinal direction, The tip portion comprises a contact portion that can contact the touchscreen and a mounting portion provided adjacent to the main body portion to which the contact portion is attached. The main body is constructed such that at least a part of it exposes a conductive member. The main body portion has a left-right width of 30 mm to 70 mm in the portion including the boundary with the tip portion. The mounting portion has a longitudinal dimension of 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The mounting portion has an outer dimension such that the left-right width of the boundary with the main body portion is not longer than the left-right width of the portion of the main body portion including the boundary with the tip portion, and the left-right width of the portion including the boundary with the contact portion is 15 mm or shorter than the left-right width of the portion of the main body portion including the boundary with the tip portion. The vibration device is characterized in that the mounting portion does not increase in width from left to right as it extends from the boundary with the main body portion in a second direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion has a portion whose width decreases as it extends in the second direction.

3. The vibration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting portion has a portion whose left-right width does not change as it extends in the second direction.

4. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein in the mounting portion, the left-right width of the boundary with the main body portion is equal to the left-right width of the portion including the boundary with the contact portion.

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