Vibration device

Abstract

The aim is to provide a vibration device that minimizes accidental touches of touchscreens by toddlers while allowing relatively young children to intentionally operate the touchscreen. [Solution] A vibration device that generates vibrations comprises a contact portion 10 that can contact a capacitive touchscreen and a main body portion 20 extending in a first longitudinal direction, wherein the main body portion 20 has a body portion 25 and an end portion 21, the end portion 21 being narrower in width from side to side than the body portion 25, the body portion 25 having a gripping portion 26, the gripping portion 26 being provided in a region 15 mm to 200 mm away from the boundary between the main body portion 20 and the contact portion 10 in the first direction and having a longitudinal dimension of at least 40 mm, the gripping portion 26 having a width W of 30 mm to 70 mm regardless of the longitudinal direction, the gripping portion 26 having a depth width D between the front surface 31 and the rear surface 32, the depth width D having a length of 23 / 30 or less of the width W, and at least a part of the gripping portion 26 is configured to expose a conductive member.

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 (for example, 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 together 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 on conventional pen-type tactile feedback devices. 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 21, 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 the tablet device to malfunction.

[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 contact portion that can contact a capacitive touchscreen and a main body portion extending from the contact portion in a first longitudinal direction, wherein the device generates vibrations, The main body portion has a torso portion and an end portion provided between the contact portion and the torso portion. The aforementioned end portion is narrower in width from left to right than the aforementioned body portion. The aforementioned body portion has a gripping portion, The gripping portion is provided in a region that is 15 mm to 200 mm away in the first direction from the boundary between the main body and the contact portion, and has a longitudinal dimension of at least 40 mm. The gripping portion has a left-right width of 30 mm to 70 mm regardless of the longitudinal direction. The gripping portion has a depth width between its front and rear surfaces, and the depth width is 23 / 30 or less of the left-right width of the gripping portion. The gripping portion is characterized in that at least a part of it is constructed with an exposed conductive member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the vibration device has a structure that is difficult for relatively young children to grasp with one hand, and is designed to naturally guide them to grasp the gripping part with both hands. As a result, children can more easily grasp the appropriate gripping part with both hands. 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 application may malfunction due to the detection of a change in capacitance. In the present invention, the device shape is designed to make it difficult for a child's hand to touch the touchscreen, so input outside the contact area is suppressed, and the application operates correctly as intended. Furthermore, grasping with both hands allows vibrations to be transmitted to the child's hand over a wider area, enriching the tactile experience. As a result, in applications that work 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 1] Figure 1A is a schematic front view of the vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1B is a schematic side view of the vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the longitudinal direction, left-right width, and depth of a vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view showing a vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention being held by an infant. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows details of a vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D being a front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic of a vibration device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D being the front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic of a vibration device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D being the front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic of a vibration device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D being the front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contour when the gripping portion of a vibration device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is cut by a plane parallel to the left-right and depth directions. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contour when the gripping portion of a vibration device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is cut by a plane parallel to the left-right and depth directions. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is a schematic diagram showing the front and rear portions of a vibration device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an example of the contour when the gripping portion is cut by a plane parallel to the left-right and depth directions. [Figure 9D] Figure 9D is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contour when the gripping portion of a vibration device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is cut by a plane parallel to the left-right and depth directions. [Figure 9E]FIG. 9E is a diagram schematically showing an example of a contour when a grip portion is cut along a plane parallel to the left-right direction and the depth direction with respect to the vibration device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9F] FIG. 9F is a diagram schematically showing an example of a contour when a grip portion is cut along a plane parallel to the left-right direction and the depth direction with respect to the vibration device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of a vibration device to which the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an outline of a state in which the vibration device according to each embodiment of the present invention is used. FIGS. 11A and 11B are a front view and a side view, respectively. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an outline of a modification applied to each embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 12A and 12B are different bottom views, respectively. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the concept of the present invention together with a comparative example. FIG. 13B shows the concept of the present invention, and FIG. 13A shows the comparative example. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is an image of a child trying to operate a tablet terminal device using a prototype adopting the present invention. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is an image of another child trying to operate a tablet terminal device using the prototype shown in FIG. 14A. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows another prototype as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15A is a front view, FIG. 15B is a side view, and FIG. 15C is a perspective view showing an outline thereof. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an end portion in detail with respect to the vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D are a front view, a side view, a bottom view, and a plan view, respectively. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an end portion in detail with respect to the vibration device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D are a front view, a side view, a bottom view, and a plan view, respectively. [Figure 18]Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating in detail the end portion of a vibration device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, where Figures 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D are a front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating in detail the end portion of a vibration device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, where Figures 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D are a front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating in detail the end portion 21 of the vibration device 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, where Figures 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are a front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows an image of a young child operating a tablet device using a pen-type device during the development process leading to the completion of the present invention. [Modes 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 the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1B is a schematic side view of the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The right side view is symmetrical to the left side view.

[0014] The vibration device 1 comprises a contact portion 10 that can come into contact with a capacitive touchscreen, and a main body portion 20 extending from the contact portion 10 in a first longitudinal direction. The main body portion 20 contains a vibration source 2 (see Figure 5). The vibration device 1 is designed to operate in conjunction with an application running on the touchscreen, and generates vibrations at predetermined timings based on instructions from the application. Specifically, when the contact portion 10 touches the touchscreen, the vibration source 2 is activated immediately after contact or after a predetermined time has elapsed, according to the application's processing, and the vibration device 1 begins to vibrate. This vibration is transmitted directly to the hands of the infant holding the vibration device 1, and plays a role in tactilely enhancing the interaction experience with the application.

[0015] In Figures 1A and 1B, the main body 20 has a body portion 25 and an end portion 21. The end portion 21 is provided between the contact portion 10 and the body portion 25. That is, the main body 20 comprises an end portion 21 adjacent to the contact portion 10 and a body portion 25 adjacent to the end portion 21 on the opposite side of the contact portion 10. A gripping portion 26 is set on the body portion 25. The gripping portion 26 is configured such that at least a part of it exposes a conductive member. A conductive member 30 is provided on at least the gripping portion 26, and the conductive member 30 may form at least a part of either the front surface 31 or the rear surface 32 of the gripping portion 26.

[0016] Here, the conductive member 30 is a component for electrically connecting the contact portion 10 and the vibration device 1 through the inside of the device, and is made of metal, conductive resin, conductive ink, etc. The conductive member plays a role in reliably transmitting the intended operation signal in cooperation with the input detection function of the touchscreen when the user's finger comes into contact with it. The conductive member 30 and the contact portion 10 may be electrically connected via electronic components inside the vibration device 1 as appropriate. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, "conductive member" refers to the conductive member electrically connected to the contact portion 10.

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the longitudinal direction, left-right width, and depth of the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, the orientation is inverted compared to Figure 1. The direction in which the main body portion 20 extends is the longitudinal direction, the left-right width W is the width of the gripping portion 26 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when viewed from the front, and the front-to-back width D is the width perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 20 and the left-right direction of the gripping portion 26.

[0018] The end portion 21 is narrower in width than the body portion 25. That is, the width of the end portion 21 does not increase as it extends from the boundary with the body portion 25 in a second direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 1A, the width of the end portion 21 at the boundary with the body portion 25 may be equal to the width of the body portion 25 at the boundary with the end portion 21, or it may gradually narrow along the second direction. Unlike the illustrated form, it is sufficient that the width of the boundary portion of the end portion 21 with the body portion 25 is shorter than the width of the portion of the body portion 25 that includes the boundary with the end portion 21, and that the width does not increase as it extends along the second direction. The boundary between the end portion 21 and the body portion 25 may be formed to connect smoothly by integral molding or other means.

[0019] At least the gripping portion 26 has a front surface 31 and a rear surface 32, and the depth width D is the front-to-back width between the front surface 31 and the rear surface 32. Here, at least the horizontal dimension when the gripping portion 26 is viewed from the front or rear is the left-to-right width W, and the front-to-back dimension perpendicular to both the horizontal and longitudinal directions is the depth width D.

[0020] The body portion 25 is provided with a gripping portion 26 intended for user grasping. The gripping portion 26 is set in an area 15 mm to 200 mm away from the boundary between the main body portion 20 and the contact portion 10 in a first longitudinal direction. The gripping portion 26 is set with a length H of at least 40 mm. In Figure 1A, the gripping portion 26 is set with a length H (≧40 mm) in an area H1 (=15 mm) or more away from the boundary between the main body portion 20 and the contact portion 10 in a first longitudinal direction, and H2 (=200 mm) or less away from the boundary between the main body portion 20 and the contact portion 10 in a first longitudinal direction.

[0021] The upper end 26a of the gripping portion 26 may be located in the middle of the body portion 25, as shown in Figure 1A, or it may coincide with the upper end of the body portion 25. The upper limit H2 of the area in which the gripping portion 26 is set may be 200 mm, but it can be selected as any length within the range of 140 mm to 200 mm. For example, it may be 180 mm, 160 mm, 140 mm, or any other length. The longitudinal dimension of the main body portion 20 is H2 or less. The area of ​​the gripping portion 26 is set in the body portion 25 at the upper end 26a and lower end 26b of the gripping portion 26.

[0022] The gripping portion 26 has a left-right width W in the range of 30 mm to 70 mm, regardless of its position in the longitudinal direction. This left-right width W is within this range, encouraging infants to naturally grasp the gripping portion 26 of the main body 20 with both hands rather than with one hand. As shown in Figure 3, the infant's left and right hands are positioned to grasp the left side of the gripping portion 26 with the left hand and the right side with the right hand relative to the center line C1 of the gripping portion 26, allowing for stable holding without the right and left hands shifting in the longitudinal direction. This configuration enables stable operation even for relatively young infants, preventing accidental touches on the touchscreen when using the vibration device 1, thus preventing malfunctions.

[0023] Furthermore, by holding the vibration device 1 with both hands, toddlers can feel the vibrations emitted from the device 1 more broadly with their entire hands compared to holding it with one hand, resulting in a richer tactile experience. Especially for toddlers, the feedback from the vibrations is a highly memorable sensory stimulus, and is expected to deepen their interest in and understanding of the content.

[0024] If the left-right width W of the gripping portion 26 is less than 30 mm, the vibration device 1 becomes too thin, making it possible for even young children to grasp it with one hand, and they tend to grip the end portion 21 more easily. On the other hand, if the left-right width W of the gripping portion 26 exceeds 70 mm, the main body portion 20 may become too large and difficult for young children to hold, so the left-right width W is set within the above range. As shown in the figure, the left-right width W of the gripping portion 26 does not have to change regardless of the longitudinal direction, or it may vary as it extends in the longitudinal direction within the range of 30 mm to 70 mm. The gripping portion 26 may include either a portion in which its left-right width W changes in the longitudinal direction, a portion in which it does not change, or both.

[0025] In addition, the depth width D of the gripping portion 26 is 23 / 30th or less of the width W of the gripping portion 26. As a result, the gripping portion 26 has a flattened shape overall, allowing even a child's small hand to grasp it comfortably from the front or back. For example, if the width W is 30 mm, the depth width D is 23 mm or less, and if the width W is 70 mm, the depth width D is approximately 54 mm or less.

[0026] A portion of the gripping portion 26 is constructed with the conductive member 30 exposed. As shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 3, part or all of the front surface 31 of the gripping portion 26 is formed of the conductive member 30. Part or all of the rear surface 32 may be formed of the conductive member 30 instead of the front surface 31. At least the gripping portion 26 has a flattened shape. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the user can naturally grip the front surface 31 and the rear surface 32 with a gap between their thumb and other fingers, ensuring that their fingers make reliable contact with the conductive member 30 and that a stable electrical connection with the touchscreen is ensured. The conductive member 30 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 perpendicular portion of the conductive member 30 forms part of the contour of either the right side, the left side, or both. The conductive member 30 may constitute at least a part of the gripping portion 26 and may form the front surface 31 and the left and right sides of the gripping portion 26. On the left and right sides, the conductive member is provided at a distance of 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, or 20% or less from the front surface 31 relative to the depth width D. Here, the depth width D of the gripping portion 26 is the length between the front and rear when the gripping portion 26 is observed from the left or right side view, and the length between the foremost and rearmost parts when viewed from the side. The same applies to the depth dimension of the conductive member 30 when viewed from the side.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, at least a portion of the front surface 31 of the body portion 25, including the gripping portion 26, may be formed of a flat conductive member 30. In this case, the conductive member 30 may be provided not only on the gripping portion 26, but also from the gripping portion 26 to the upper end of the body portion 25, or from the gripping portion 26 to the lower end of the body portion 25 (boundary with the end portion 21). Since the conductive member 30 forms the front surface 31, at least the thickness of the conductive member 30 may form a portion of the left and right sides. The conductive member 30 may form the rear surface 32 of the body portion 25, including the gripping portion 26, rather than the front surface 31 of the body portion 25, including the gripping portion 26.

[0028] 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 D is preferably 15 mm or more. As mentioned above, the depth width D has a length of 23 / 30 or less of the width W. Because the main body 20 has the width W and depth width D as described above, the outer shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body 20 is a horizontally elongated rectangle, making it easy for infants to grasp with both hands.

[0029] Figure 5 shows details of the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D being the front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. The rear view is symmetrical to the front view, and the right side view is symmetrical to the left side view.

[0030] The front surface 31 of the fuselage 25 has a flat portion 31a with a width approximately equal to the width W, and the rear surface 32 of the fuselage 25 has a flat portion 32a with a width approximately equal to the width W. The left and right sides of the fuselage 25 have flat portions. These flat portions have a rectangular shape with the dimensions of depth D × longitudinal direction as described above. Therefore, the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with respect to the outer shape of the fuselage 25 has a rectangular shape with different vertical and horizontal dimensions. Here, the vertical corresponds to the depth D, and the horizontal corresponds to the width W. The fuselage 25 has a flattened cylindrical shape.

[0031] The end portion 21 has a trapezoidal shape, with a longer boundary with the body portion 25 and a shorter boundary with the contact portion 10, both in plan view and side view. The end portion 21 has a shape similar to a truncated square pyramid.

[0032] According to the vibration device 1 shown in Figure 5, the gripping part 26 is designed in such a way that even a relatively young child will try to grasp it with both their right and left hands, thus the child will grasp the vibration device 1 with both hands.

[0033] The contact portion 10 is molded from a conductive resin or rubber. It can be connected to the aforementioned conductive member inside the vibration device 1.

[0034] The end portion 21 is shorter toward the contact portion 10 in at least one of its width (left-right) and depth (depth). This makes it difficult for an infant to hold the end portion 21, allowing the infant to make contact with the touchscreen 5 (see Figure 11) without touching the touchscreen 5 with their hands.

[0035] Unlike the body portion 25, the contact portion 10 and the end portion 21 have external dimensions that make them difficult for infants to touch. For example, the end portion 21 has the same width as the body portion 25 at the boundary with the body portion 25, but its width narrows as it approaches the contact portion 10, or it has a narrower width than the body portion 25 at the boundary with the body portion 25 and does not widen as it approaches the contact portion 10.

[0036] According to the vibration device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the gripping portion 26 has a structure that allows even relatively young children to naturally grasp it with both hands. Therefore, it is easier for children to grasp the appropriate gripping portion 26 with both hands. The present invention is particularly effective in configurations using a capacitive touchscreen, in which case, if the user's hand or fingers touch the touchscreen, the change in capacitance may be mistakenly detected as input, potentially causing the application to perform unintended actions. In this invention, the dimensions of the end portion 21 are shortened to make it less likely for a child's hand to accidentally touch the touchscreen, and the gripping portion 26 is provided in an appropriate position and with appropriate dimensions. As a result, unintended inputs are suppressed, and both the touchscreen and the vibration device 1 work accurately in conjunction with the application.

[0037] Furthermore, when a toddler grasps the gripping part 26 with both hands, the vibrations generated from the vibration source 2 of the vibration device 1 are more easily transmitted to both hands, providing the advantage of experiencing tactile feedback more broadly. When a toddler touches the contact part 10 to an item displayed on the touchscreen, visual changes and sounds are presented on the touchscreen, and vibrations corresponding to the object are generated from the vibration device 1. In this way, a multi-sensory experience that links sight, hearing, and touch becomes possible, and is expected to have the effect of promoting learning motivation and deepening understanding of objects, especially for toddlers whose senses are developing rapidly.

[0038] [Second Embodiment] Figure 6 shows a schematic of the vibration device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D being the front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. The rear view is symmetrical to the front view, and the right side view is symmetrical to the left side view. The same or corresponding members or parts as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0039] The front surface 31 of the body portion 25, including the gripping portion 26, is composed of a flat portion 31a and curved portions 31b and 31c, as shown in Figures 6A to 6D. The flat portion 31a accounts for approximately 40% to 90%, preferably 50% to 80%, of the front surface 31.

[0040] The rear surface 32 of the body portion 25, including the gripping portion 26, is composed of a flat portion 32a and curved portions 32b and 32c, as shown in Figures 6A to 6D. The flat portion 32a accounts for approximately 40% to 90%, preferably 50% to 80%, of the rear surface 32.

[0041] 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 3 and 11. 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.

[0042] 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. The left and right sides may include flat portions, but by not including flat portions on the left and right sides, it becomes easier for a child to grasp with both hands.

[0043] The body portion 25 of the vibration device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a gripping portion 26, and since it is structured in such a way that even relatively young children will try to grasp it with both hands, it has the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment.

[0044] The end portion 21 has a trapezoidal shape in both plan and side views, with a longer boundary with the body portion 25 and a shorter boundary with the contact portion 10. The end portion 21 is truncated square pyramidal with rounded edges on each face.

[0045] [Third Embodiment] Figure 7 shows a schematic of the vibration device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D being the front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. The rear view is symmetrical to the front view, and the right side view is symmetrical to the left side view. The same or corresponding members or parts as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0046] In the gripping portion 26, at either the front surface 31 or the rear surface 32, it has the shortest left - right width W1 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 W2 that is longer than the left - right width W1, and the lower end 26b has a left - right width W3 that is longer than the left - right width W1. Here, if the left - right width at an arbitrary position between the upper end 26a and the lower end 26b is W, the relational expression 30mm≦W1<W≦W2, W3≦70mm is satisfied. The intermediate position may be exactly in the middle between the upper end 26a and the lower end 26b, or may be shifted to either the upper end 26a or the lower end 26b from the exact middle position between the upper end 26a and the lower end 26b. The relationship between W2 and W3 may be any of W2<W3, W3<W2, or W2 = W3.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The depth width D11 is constant at any part including the upper end 26a and the lower end 26b.

[0049] In the third embodiment, since the gripping portion 26 has a narrow left - right width W1 at a substantially intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, it has a structure that is visually easy to grasp for young children at a relatively young age.

[0050] According to the vibration device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, since the main body portion 20 has the gripping portion 26, even for relatively young children, it is easy for the children to grasp the gripping portion 26 with both hands, so it has the same operational effects as the first embodiment.

[0051] [Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 8 shows an outline of the vibration device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are a front view, a side view, a bottom view, and a plan view, respectively. The rear view is symmetric with the front view, and the right side view is symmetric with the left side view. Members or parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0052] In either the front surface 31 or the rear surface 32 of the main body portion 20, a portion (referred to as "first portion") 25a including the upper end 22 is rectangular, and a portion (referred to as "second portion") 25b including the lower end 23 has a trapezoidal shape. The change in the left-right width per unit length in the longitudinal direction from the upper end 22 to the lower end 23 of the main body portion 20 is substantially continuous without becoming extreme.

[0053] The first portion 25a has a left-right width W regardless of its longitudinal position. The second portion 25b has a left-right width W at the boundary with the first portion 25a in front view and rear view. Here, the left-right width W satisfies the relational expression of 30 mm ≦ W4 < W2 < W ≦ 70 mm for the left-right width W4 at the lower end 23 in the second portion 25b. W2 is the left-right width at the lower end 26b of the gripping portion 26. Note that the left-right width W3 of the lower end 26b of the gripping portion 26 satisfies W4 < W3 < W.

[0054] Here, in front view and rear view, in the vibration device 1, in a portion where the left-right width is equal, the left and right outer shapes are linear and parallel to the longitudinal direction, and in a portion where the left-right width gradually narrows as it approaches the contact portion 10, the left and right outer shapes are linear and have an inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0055] The depth width D is constant regardless of the longitudinal position between the upper end 22 of the body portion 25 and the lower end 23 of the body portion 25. Different from the illustration, the depth width D may be constant in a portion where the left-right width is equal, and may gradually become shorter as it extends in the second direction in the longitudinal direction in a portion where the left-right width is short.

[0056] According to the vibration device 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the main body 20 has a gripping portion 26, so even relatively young children can easily grasp it with both hands, thus having the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0057] [Fifth Embodiment] In each embodiment of the present invention, the vibration device 1 has a conductive member 30 that is electrically connected to the contact portion 10 exposed on the device surface. The conductive member 30 needs to be exposed in at least the area of ​​the gripping portion 26 in order to ensure an electrical connection with the capacitive touchscreen by contacting the user's fingers.

[0058] Conventional capacitive pen-type devices make it difficult to predict which part the user will grip, and the conductive material is exposed on almost the entire outer circumference of the device. In contrast, the vibration device 1 according to each embodiment of the present invention is designed so that the fingers naturally come into contact with the front surface 31 and rear surface 32 during use, due to its shape features such as the gripping portion 26 being wide from side to side and having a depth that is narrower than the side to side (see Figures 14A and 14B).

[0059] With this configuration, the conductive member 30 does not need to be exposed over the entire outer circumference of the device. For example, the conductive member 30 does not need to be exposed on either the front surface 31 or the rear surface 32 of the body portion 25, which includes the gripping portion 26. Figures 9A and 9B show examples of the contour when the gripping portion 26 of the vibration device 1 is cut by planes parallel to the left-right and depth directions. In the configuration example shown in Figure 9A, the conductive member 30 is exposed on the front surface 31 and the sides continuous with its left and right ends, while the conductive member is not exposed on the rear surface 32. In the configuration example shown in Figure 9B, the conductive member 30 is exposed only on the front surface 31 and one of the left or right sides.

[0060] Furthermore, it is not necessary for a conductive member to be exposed on either the front or rear surface of the vibration device 1.

[0061] Figure 9C schematically shows the front and rear sections. The front section can be the area including the front 31, and the rear section can be the area including the rear 32. These sections are defined as areas having a certain length in the depth direction, and the depth length of the front section (length from the front 31 to the Fr line in the depth direction) and the depth length of the rear section (length from the rear 32 to the Re line in the front direction) can both be set within a range of 0 to 50% of the total depth width between the front 31 and the rear 32. In Figure 9C, a conceptual example is shown where the front and rear sections have dimensions of approximately 20% of the total depth width, by making a part of the contour a slightly thicker line.

[0062] Figures 9D, 9E, and 9F show examples of the contours when the gripping portion 26 of the vibration device 1 is cut by planes parallel to the left-right and depth directions. As shown in Figures 9D, 9E, and 9F, in all cases the conductive member 30 is exposed only on the front portion, and not on any other parts. Figure 9D shows an example where the depth-width dimension of the front portion is approximately 20% of the total depth between the front 31 and the rear 32, and Figure 9E shows an example where the depth-width dimension of the front portion is 50%. In Figure 9F, the depth-width dimension of the front portion is 0%, meaning the conductive member 30 is exposed only on the front 31, and not on any other surface.

[0063] In these examples, the depth-width dimension of the front or rear portion is preferably 50% or less, more preferably 40% or less, 30% or less, 10% or less, and more preferably 5% or less.

[0064] The examples shown in Figures 9A to 9F all primarily show cases where the conductive material is not exposed on the rear surface, but the system is not limited to this; conversely, a configuration in which the conductive material is not exposed on the front surface is also acceptable.

[0065] Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 9A to 9F, the side surface connecting the front surface 31 and the rear surface 32 is flat, but it may also be a curved shape as shown in Figure 6C.

[0066] According to this embodiment, by shaping the gripping portion to guide the user's contact position, the exposed position of the conductive member can be minimized. This provides excellent benefits, such as simplifying the component configuration and reducing manufacturing costs, while maintaining appropriate electrical connectivity with the touchscreen without compromising operability.

[0067] Figure 10 is a front view of a vibration device 1 to which a second embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in Figure 10, the upper part of the torso 25 may be designed with the faces of various characters that the user, a young child, is interested in. This also applies to other embodiments.

[0068] [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 gripping portion 26 of the vibration device 1 with both hands, touches the contact portion 10 to the display portion of the touchscreen 5, and operates the device 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.

[0069] The touchscreen 5 stores application programs corresponding to multiple items 6, and when the contact portion 10 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.

[0070] Specifically, when a toddler touches an item 6, such as a plate, on the touchscreen 5 using the contact part 10, 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.

[0071] As another example, when the user traces a line displayed on the touchscreen 5 with the contact area 10, 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present invention, the vibration device 1 has an end portion 21 that is narrower in width than the body portion 25, and only needs to have the distance from the boundary between the contact portion 10 and the end portion 21 to the upper end 26a of the gripping portion 26, the distance from the boundary between the contact portion 10 and the end portion 21 to the lower end 26b of the gripping portion 26, and the external dimensions of the gripping portion 26. The vibration device 1 in the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form and may be modified as appropriate.

[0074] For example, the main body 20, including the gripping portion 26, does not need to have straight lines on its left and right contours in front and rear views. Within the range of the left-right width and depth described above, it may be straight lines, curves, or a combination thereof.

[0075] Figure 12 shows schematic examples of modifications applicable to each embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 12A and 12B being different bottom views. As shown in Figure 12A, the contact portion 10 may be circular in shape when viewed from below, and the front 31 and rear 32 of the body portion 25 including the gripping portion 26 may have an elliptical shape when viewed from below. As shown in Figure 12B, the contact portion 10 may be rectangular in shape when viewed from below, and the front 31 and rear 32 of the body portion 25 including the gripping portion 26 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from below.

[0076] Figure 13 illustrates the concept of the present invention along with comparative examples; Figure 13B shows the concept of the present invention, and Figure 13A shows comparative examples.

[0077] As a comparative example, as shown in Figure 13A, the pen-type device 100 has a long end 100a with a length of Height that makes it easy to grip, and there is a risk that either or both of the pen-type device 100 or the touchscreen 101 may malfunction if the hand touches the touchscreen 101. In contrast, in the vibration device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 13B, the length H of the end 21 is shortened, and the body portion 25 including the gripping portion 26 has a long left-right width W, so that either or both of the vibration device 1 or the touchscreen 101 can be prevented from malfunctioning. A child can grasp the gripping portion 26 of the vibration device 1 with both hands and operate the touchscreen 101, allowing them to experience the vibration more effectively.

[0078] Figure 14A shows a child attempting to operate a tablet device using a prototype employing the present invention. As shown in Figure 14A, it was confirmed that the child is grasping the vibration device with both hands and operating the tablet device. Figure 14B shows another child attempting to operate a tablet device using the same prototype as in Figure 14A. As shown in Figure 14B, it was confirmed that the child is grasping the vibration device with both hands and operating the tablet device. A conductive member 30 is provided on the rear surface of the vibration device 1. In Figure 14B, the black portion is the conductive member 30, and the conductive member 30 is provided only on the rear surface.

[0079] Furthermore, numerous monitor tests conducted with multiple infants consistently showed that many infants tended to grasp and operate the gripping part 26 with both hands. This confirmed that the present invention enables stable grasping and reliable operation by infants.

[0080] Figure 15 shows another prototype as an embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 15A is a front view, Figure 15B is a side view, and Figure 15C is a schematic perspective view thereof. As shown in Figure 15, the body portion 25 has a vertically symmetrical structure in the longitudinal direction, and the gripping portion 26 is provided at approximately the middle of the body portion 25, with its width slightly shortened from left to right. It was confirmed that the gripping portion 26 of the vibration device 1 is difficult to grasp with one hand and easy to grasp with both hands.

[0081] As described in some embodiments of the present invention, the shape and dimensions of the left-right width W of the gripping portion 26 can vary. The gripping portion 26 may have portions where the left-right width differs as it extends in the first longitudinal direction, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The gripping portion 26 may have portions where the left-right width W does not differ as it extends in the first longitudinal direction, as shown in Figures 1, 5, 6, and 8. The gripping portion 26 may have a constant left-right width along the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6.

[0082] In an embodiment of the present invention, the end portion 21 holds the contact member such that a part of the contact member (contact portion 10) is exposed in the opposite direction to the first longitudinal orientation. The contact portion 10 or contact member can be attached to the end portion 21. For example, the longitudinal dimension of the contact portion 10 is 5 mm or less, and moreover, 3.2 mm or more and 3.5 mm or less. The left-right width and depth width at the boundary between the contact portion 10 and the end portion 21 are 9 mm or more and 11 mm or less. Within this range, contact can be reliably detected when the contact portion 10 is brought into contact with the touchscreen 5.

[0083] In embodiments of the present invention, it is preferable that the end portion 21 has a longitudinal dimension of 15 mm to 30 mm. This is because it would be difficult for an infant to grasp the end portion 21. It is preferable that the end portion 21 has an external dimension in which the left-right width of the portion including the boundary with the contact portion 10 is 15 mm or more shorter than the left-right width of the portion including the boundary with the end portion 21 of the body portion 25. This is because it would not be difficult for an infant to tilt the vibration device 1 relative to the surface of the touchscreen 5, and it would be easier for an infant to operate the touchscreen 5 using the vibration device 1. The end portion 21 will be described in detail below.

[0084] [Details of the end portion in the first embodiment] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating in detail the end portion 21 of the vibration device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D being the front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. The body portion 25 and the gripping portion 26 are described with reference to Figure 5. Further details will be described below. The same applies to the end portion 21 in the vibration device 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0085] The body portion 25 has a left-right width W11 of 30 mm to 70 mm in the portion including the boundary with the end portion 21. The end portion 21 has a longitudinal dimension H11 of 15 mm to 30 mm. The end portion 21 has an external dimension in which the left-right width W13 at the boundary with the body portion 25 is not longer than the left-right width W11 in the portion including the boundary with the end portion 21 of the body portion 25, and the left-right width W12 in the portion including the boundary with the contact portion 10 is 15 mm or shorter than the left-right width W11 in the portion including the boundary with the end portion 21 of the body portion 25. The left-right width of the end portion 21 does not increase as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the boundary with the body portion 25. In other words, the left-right width of the end portion 21 does not increase as it goes downward from the upper end 21b to the lower end 21a of the end portion 21, but remains constant or decreases.

[0086] The left-right width Wz of the end portion 21 satisfies the following relationships in relation to the left-right width W11 at the boundary between the end portion 25 and the end portion 21 (lower end 23 of the body portion 25), the left-right width W12 at the boundary between the end portion 21 and the contact portion 10 (lower end 21a of the end portion 21), and the left-right width W13 at the boundary between the end portion 21 and the body portion 25 (upper end 21b of the end portion 21): W12 ≤ W11 - 15 mm, W12 ≤ the left-right width Wz at any position of the end portion 21 ≤ W13 ≤ W11, and 30 mm ≤ W11 ≤ 70 mm. This allows the end portion 21 to expose a part of the contact member (contact portion 10) and hold the contact member, and has a sufficient surface area to allow the contact portion 10 to contact the touchscreen. If the left-right width of the end portion 21 is longer than the above range, it is undesirable as a child may grab the end portion 21 with their hand. By satisfying the relationship W21 ≤ W11 - 15 mm, infants can operate the touchscreen not only when the vibration device 1 is upright relative to the touchscreen surface, but also when it is tilted.

[0087] The width of the end portion 21 does not increase as it extends in the second longitudinal direction from the boundary with the body portion 25 to the boundary with the contact portion 10. As shown in Figure 16A, the width of the end portion 21 decreases continuously in the second longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the rate of decrease in width is approximately constant regardless of the distance from the upper end 21b.

[0088] At the boundary with the fuselage portion 25, the end portion 21 has a left-right width W13 equal to the left-right width W11 in the portion of the fuselage portion 25 that includes the boundary with the end portion 21, as shown in Figure 16A. With respect to the end portion 21, it is not limited to this, and the left-right width may be continuously or gradually decreasing in part as it extends in the second longitudinal direction. At the boundary of the end portion 21 with the fuselage portion 25, unlike in Figure 16A, the left-right width W13 may be shorter than the left-right width W11 in the portion of the fuselage portion 25 that includes the boundary with the end portion 21. However, it is preferable that the left-right width of the end portion 21 does not increase as it extends in the second longitudinal direction from the boundary with the fuselage portion 25. In particular, it is preferable that the left-right width of the end portion 21 does not increase beyond the left-right width W11 as it extends in the second longitudinal direction from the boundary with the fuselage portion 25. In particular, it is preferable that the width of the end portion 21 does not shorten or lengthen as it extends in a second longitudinal direction from the boundary with the body portion 25.

[0089] If the end portion 21 has a longitudinal dimension of less than 15 mm, it is undesirable because it exposes part of the contact member and makes it difficult to hold it at the end portion 21. If the end portion 21 has a longitudinal dimension longer than 30 mm, it is undesirable because it makes it easier for infants to grasp.

[0090] The depth of the end portion 21 decreases in accordance with the decrease in the left-right width of the end portion 21 as it extends in the second longitudinal direction. The depth of the end portion 21 at the boundary with the body portion 25 D13 should be less than or equal to the depth of the body portion 25 including the boundary with the end portion 21 D11, and the depth of the end portion 21 should be less than or equal to the depth of the gripping portion 26 D. The depth of the end portion 21 at the boundary with the contact portion 10 D12 is preferably 15 mm or more. This is because the end portion 21 needs to hold the contact member with a part of the contact member exposed. The depth of the end portion 21 at the boundary with the contact portion 10 D12 may coincide with the left-right width W12 of the end portion 21 at the boundary with the contact portion 10.

[0091] The contact portion 10 has, for example, a longitudinal dimension of 5 mm or less, and moreover, 3.2 mm to 3.5 mm. The left-right width and depth width at the boundary with the end portion 21 of the contact portion 10 are 9 mm to 11 mm. Within these ranges, contact can be reliably detected when the contact portion 10 is brought into contact with the touchscreen 5.

[0092] [Details of the end portion in the second embodiment] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating in detail the end portion 21 of the vibration device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where Figures 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D are the front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. The body portion 25 and the gripping portion 26 are described with reference to Figure 6. Members or parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0093] At the end portion 21, the width does not increase as it extends from the boundary with the body portion 25 toward the boundary with the contact portion 10. The boundary of the end portion 21 with the body portion 25 has a width W13 equal to the width W11 of the portion of the body portion 25 at the boundary with the end portion 21. The end portion 21 has a width that decreases as it extends in a second longitudinal direction, at least partially. The end portion 21 has a width that changes continuously as it extends in a second longitudinal direction, with different rates of change in width as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. In Figure 17, point A is the rightmost point of the boundary of the end portion 21 with the body portion 25 (upper end 21b), and point B is the rightmost point of the portion of the end portion 21 that includes the boundary with the contact portion 10 (lower end 21a). Point C is approximately midway in the longitudinal direction between point A and point B, and approximately midway in the lateral direction between point A and point B. 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 contour of the right end of end 21 is configured such that the rate of change in left-right width from point A through point C to point B is small, large, small in absolute value. Therefore, end 21 has a structure that is less likely to be grasped by a child's hand.

[0094] Furthermore, the depth of the end portion 21 changes continuously as it extends in a second longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 17B, in a side view, point A is the front end point of the upper end 21b of the end portion 21, and point B is the front end point of the lower end 21a of the end portion 21. Point C is approximately midway between the upper end 21b and the lower end 21a of the end portion 21 in the longitudinal direction, and is approximately midway between points A and B in the depth direction. In a side view, the contour line 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. Here, the depth of the end portion 21 is less than or equal to the depth D of the gripping portion 26, and further less than or equal to the depth of the lower end 23 of the body portion 25. Preferably, the depth D12 at the lower end 21a of the end portion 21 is shorter than the depth D13 at the upper end 21b of the end portion 21. The depth width D12 at the lower end 21a of the end 21 may coincide with the left-right width W12 at the lower end 21a of the end 21. Such an end 21 has a structure that makes it more difficult for infants to grasp with their hands.

[0095] [Details of the end portion in the sixth embodiment] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating in detail the end portion 21 of the vibration device 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, where Figures 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D are the front view, side view, bottom view, and top view, respectively. The rear view is symmetrical to the front view. The right side view is symmetrical to the left side view. The body portion 25 and the gripping portion 26 are the same as in the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for members or parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in other embodiments, and their description is omitted.

[0096] At the end portion 21, the width does not increase as it extends from the boundary with the fuselage portion 25 to the boundary with the contact portion 10. The upper end 21b of the end portion 21 has a width W13 that is shorter than the width W11 of the portion of the fuselage portion 25 at the boundary with the end portion 21. In the configuration shown in Figure 18, the upper end 21b of the end portion 21 has a width W13 that is equal to the width W12 of the portion of the end portion 21 that includes the boundary with the contact portion 10 (lower end 21a of the end portion 21). That is, at the end portion 21, the width W13 of the boundary with the fuselage portion 25 (upper end 21b) is equal to the width W12 of the portion that includes the boundary with the contact portion 10 (lower end 21a). The lower end 23 of the fuselage portion 25 is visible in a bottom view.

[0097] The end portion 21 has at least partially a left - right width that does not change as it extends in the second longitudinal direction. In the form shown in FIG. 18, the left - right width of the end portion 21 is substantially constant without changing as it extends in the second longitudinal direction. The left - right width of the end portion 21 may be partially constant as it extends in the second longitudinal direction. In such a form, the upper end 21b of the end portion 21 has a left - right width W13 that is shorter than the left - right width W11 at the portion (lower end 23) including the boundary with the end portion 21 of the body portion 25. Also, the end portion 21 has a wall surface 21c that extends substantially along the longitudinal direction from the upper end 21b to the lower end 21a, that is, a vertical wall surface 21c that is inclined with respect to the horizontal upper end 21b and lower end 21a as shown.

[0098] Furthermore, the end portion 21 may have an outer shape including a side surface in a substantially cylindrical shape. The depth width of the end portion 21 is not more than the depth width D of the gripping portion 26, and further not more than the depth width D11 of the lower end 23 of the body portion 25. The depth width D12 at the lower end 21a of the end portion 21 is substantially equal to the depth width D13 at the upper end 21b of the end portion 21. The depth width D12 at the lower end 21a of the end portion 21 may coincide with the left - right width W12 at the lower end 21a of the end portion 21. Note that the relational expression D12≦D13<D11≦D is satisfied. Such an end portion 21 has a structure that is more difficult for an infant to grasp by hand.

[0099] [Details of the end portion in the seventh embodiment] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the end portion 21 in detail with respect to the vibration device 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D are a front view, a side view, a bottom view, and a plan view, respectively. The rear view is symmetric to the front view. The right side view is symmetric to the left side view. The body portion 25 and the gripping portion 26 are the same as those in the first embodiment. For members or parts that are the same or corresponding to those in other embodiments, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

[0100] At the end portion 21, the width does not increase as it extends from the upper end 21b, which is the boundary with the fuselage portion 25, in the direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction (second direction). The upper end 21b of the end portion 21 has a width W13 that is shorter than the width W11 of the portion of the fuselage portion 25 at the boundary with the end portion 21 (lower end 23 of the fuselage portion 25). In the configuration shown in Figure 19, the intermediate portion 21d is provided approximately horizontally at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction between the lower end 21a and the upper end 21b, and has a width W13 that is approximately equal to the width W13 of the upper end 21b. The intermediate portion 21d extends outward to the left and right by a certain distance from the left and right central axes of the upper end 21b and the lower end 21a, respectively.

[0101] Preferably, in a front view of the vibration device 1, the left end of the intermediate portion 21d is located on the line segment connecting the left end of the lower end 23 of the torso portion 25 and the left end of the lower end 21a of the end portion 21, 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 21d is located on the line segment connecting the right end of the lower end 23 of the torso portion 25 and the right end of the lower end 21a of the end portion 21, 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 an infant to grasp the end portion 21.

[0102] The end portion 21 has at least partially a left-right width that does not change as it extends in the second direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the left-right width W12 is substantially constant between the lower end 21a and the intermediate portion 21d, and the left-right width W13 is substantially constant between the intermediate portion 21d and the upper end 21b. The end portion 21 also has a wall surface 21c that is substantially along the longitudinal direction from the upper end 21b to the intermediate portion 21d, i.e., a vertical wall surface 21c that is inclined to the horizontal upper end 21b as shown. The end portion 21 also has a wall surface 21c that is substantially along the longitudinal direction from the intermediate portion 21d to the lower end 21a, i.e., a vertical wall surface 21c that is inclined to the horizontal lower end 21a as shown. In the embodiment shown, there is one intermediate portion 21d, but two or more intermediate portions with different left-right widths may be provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction.

[0103] Furthermore, the end portion 21 has an outer shape including a side surface where a substantially cylindrical shape having the diameter of W13 and a substantially cylindrical shape having the diameter of W12 are connected vertically. Here, the contour of the horizontal cross-section of the end portion 21 may not be circular, may be elliptical, square, or rectangular. The depth width of the end portion 21 is not more than the depth width D of the gripping portion 26, and the depth width D13 at the upper end 21b of the end portion 21 may coincide with the left-right width W13 at the upper end 21b of the end portion 21. The depth width at the middle portion 21d of the end portion 21 may coincide with the left-right width at the middle portion 21d of the end portion 21, respectively. The depth width D12 at the lower end 21a of the end portion 21 may coincide with the left-right width W12 at the lower end 21a of the end portion 21, respectively. Note that the relational expression D12 < D13 < D11 ≦ D is satisfied. Such an end portion 21 has a structure that is more difficult for an infant to grasp by hand.

[0104] [Details of the end portion in the eighth embodiment] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the end portion 21 in detail with respect to the vibration device 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are a front view, a side view, a bottom view, and a plan view, respectively. The rear view is symmetric to the front view. The right side view is symmetric to the left side view. The body portion 25 and the gripping portion 26 are the same as those in the first embodiment. For members or parts that are the same as or correspond to those in other embodiments, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

[0105] At the end portion 21, as it extends in the second longitudinal direction from the upper end 21b, the left - right width does not increase. The upper end 21b of the end portion 21 has a left - right width W13 equal to the left - right width W11 of the portion at the boundary with the end portion 21 of the body portion 25. The end portion 21 at least partially has a left - right width that decreases as it extends in the second longitudinal direction. In the form shown in FIG. 20, the end portion 21 has a continuously changing left - right width from the upper end 21b to the lower end 21a as it extends in the second longitudinal direction. The rate of change of the left - right width is different as it extends in the second longitudinal direction. The absolute value of the rate of change of the left - right width is large on the upper end 21b side and small on the lower end 21a side. That is, in the front view of the vibration device 1, the curve connecting the upper end 21b and the lower end 21a is convex toward the left - right central axis side. Therefore, the end portion 21 has a structure that is more difficult for an infant to grasp by hand. Note that the left - right width W13 may be shorter than the left - right width W11 and the lower end 23 of the body portion 25 may be visible in the bottom view.

[0106] Furthermore, the end portion 21 has a continuously changing depth width as it extends in the second longitudinal direction. The end portion 21 has an outer shape including a side surface like an inverted Mount Fuji, where the left - right width and the depth width of the upper end 21b are longer than those of the lower end 21a respectively. The absolute value of the rate of change of the depth width is large on the upper end 21b side and small on the lower end 21a side. That is, in the side view, the curve of the outer shape connecting the upper end 21b and the lower end 21a is convex toward the front - rear central axis side. Such an end portion 21 has a structure that is more difficult for an infant to grasp by hand.

[0107] The depth width of the end portion 21 is not more than the depth width D of the gripping portion 26. The depth width D13 at the upper end 21b of the end portion 21 may coincide with the depth width D11 at the lower end 23 of the body portion 25. The depth width D12 at the lower end 21a of the end portion 21 may respectively coincide with the left - right width W12 at the lower end 21a of the end portion 21. Note that the relational expression D12 < D13 ≤ D11 ≤ D is satisfied. Such an end portion 21 has a structure that is more difficult for an infant to grasp by hand.

[0108] In embodiments of the present invention, several embodiments of the torso portion 25 and the gripping portion 26 included therein are described, and further, several embodiments of the end portion 21 are described. As a result, it becomes easier for a child to grasp the gripping portion 26 of the torso portion 25 with both hands, while making it difficult to grasp the end portion 21. Consequently, when a child operates a touchscreen with a touch panel function using the vibration device 1, it becomes difficult for their fingers or wrists to touch the display area of ​​the touchscreen. This helps to avoid accidental operation of the touchscreen.

[0109] Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those shown in the figures, but also include modifications made as appropriate within the technical scope of the present invention. In embodiments of the present invention, the main combinations of each form of the end portion 21 and each form of the body portion 25 and the gripping portion 26 contained therein are described, but any form of the end portion 21 and any form of the body portion 25 and the gripping portion 26 contained therein can be appropriately combined.

[0110] In this specification, the left-right width of a certain part, such as the gripping portion 26, is the length from left to right when the part is observed in a front view and a rear view; the depth of a certain part is the length from front to back when the part is observed in a left side view and a right side view; and the height of a certain part is the length from top to bottom when the part is observed in a front view, a rear view, and a left and right side view.

[0111] In the present invention, preferably, the gripping portion 26 has portions with different widths from left to right as it extends in the first direction. Not only may the portions with different widths be partially present from the upper end 26a to the lower end 26b of the gripping portion 26, but the portions with different widths may be present throughout the entire length of the gripping portion 26 from the upper end 26a to the lower end 26b.

[0112] In the present invention, preferably, the gripping portion 26 has a portion in which the left-right width does not differ as it extends in the first direction. This portion may not only be partially present from the upper end 26a to the lower end 26b of the gripping portion 26, but may also be present throughout the entire length of the gripping portion 26 from the upper end 26a to the lower end 26b. Furthermore, the gripping portion 26 may have a portion in which the left-right width differs as it extends in the first direction, and a portion in which the left-right width does not differ as it extends in the first direction.

[0113] In the present invention, preferably, the gripping portion 26 has a left-right width that does not differ along the longitudinal direction.

[0114] In embodiments of the present invention, the conductive member 30 forms at least the front surface 31 or rear surface 32 of the gripping portion 26. The parts of the housing of the vibration device 1 that are exposed to the outside, other than the conductive member 30 and the contact portion 10, are molded from a non-conductive material, such as plastic, except for fastening components such as screws. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 1: Vibration device 2: Vibration source 5: Touchscreen 6: Item 10: Contact area 20: Main body 25: Torso 26: Grip part 26a: Upper end 26b: Bottom edge 30: Conductive material 31:Front 32: Rear

Claims

1. A vibration device that generates vibrations comprises a contact portion that can come into contact with a capacitive touchscreen and a main body portion that extends from the contact portion in a first longitudinal direction, The main body portion has a torso portion and an end portion provided between the contact portion and the torso portion. The aforementioned end portion is narrower in width from left to right than the aforementioned body portion. The aforementioned body portion has a gripping portion, The gripping portion is provided in a region that is 15 mm to 200 mm away in the first direction from the boundary between the main body and the contact portion, and has a longitudinal dimension of at least 40 mm. The gripping portion has a left-right width of 30 mm to 70 mm regardless of the longitudinal direction. The gripping portion has a depth width between its front and rear surfaces, and the depth width is 23 / 30 or less of the left-right width of the gripping portion. A vibration device characterized in that at least a portion of the gripping portion is configured to expose a conductive member.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion has portions with different widths on the left and right sides as it extends in the first direction.

3. The vibration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gripping portion has portions whose left and right widths do not differ as it extends in the first direction.

4. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion has a left-right width that does not differ along the longitudinal direction.

5. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, wherein the depth between the front and rear surfaces is 15 mm or more.

6. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is not exposed on either the front or rear surface.

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