Vibration generator

Abstract

This vibration generation device (101) comprises: an elastic support member (7) (left-side elastic support member (7L) and right-side elastic support member (7R)) that supports a movable-side member (MB) to be capable of vibration relative to a fixed-side member (FB); and a drive means (DM) that includes a coil (4), which is the fixed-side member (FB), and a movable-side magnetic field generation member (5), which is the movable-side member (MB), and that applies vibrational force to the movable-side member (MB). The right-side elastic support member (7R) includes: a right-side adherence part (7R5) which is fixed to the fixed-side member (FB); a right-side deformation part (7RT) of which one end is connected to the right-side adherence part (7R5); and a right-side standing part (7R1) which extends in the vertical direction from the other end of the right-side deformation part (7RT). The movable-side member (MB) is attached to the right-side standing part (7R1) so as to be disposed at a location higher than the upper end of the right-side deformation part (7RT) and, when the movable-side member (MB) vibrates and becomes displaced to the left, the lower part of the movable-side member (MB) is at a location above the right-side deformation part (7RT).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vibration generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vibration motor (vibration generating device) provided with leaf springs as elastic members (elastic support members) on each of the left and right sides of a movable part that vibrates in the left - right direction is known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the size of the vibration generating device in the vibration direction may become large.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to provide a vibration generating device capable of suppressing an increase in size in the vibration direction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vibration generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fixed - side member and a movable - side member, an elastic support member that supports the movable - side member so as to be vibratable in the left - right direction with respect to the fixed - side member, a fixed - side magnetic - field generating member included in the fixed - side member and a movable - side magnetic - field generating member included in the movable - side member, and driving means for applying a left - right vibration force to the movable - side member. The elastic support member includes a left - side elastic support member and a right - side elastic support member. The right - side elastic support member includes a right - side fixing portion fixed to the fixed - side member, a right - side deformation portion having one end connected to the right - side fixing portion and extending along the front - rear direction, and a right - side standing portion extending in the vertical direction from the other end of the right - side deformation portion.The right-side deformed portion deforms in the left-right direction in accordance with the left-right vibration of the movable side member, and the right-side erected portion moves in the left-right direction together with the movable side member in accordance with the deformation of the right-side deformed portion. The movable side member is positioned to the left of the right-side upright portion and higher than the upper end of the right-side deformable portion. 、 Said right side The upper end of the upright section, or the connecting plate section connecting the upper end of the left elastic support member and the upper end of the right elastic support member. The movable side member is attached to the movable side member. vibrates When displaced to the right, the lower part of the movable side member is located above the right-side deformation portion and does not interfere with the right-side deformation portion. Furthermore, the right-side deformation portion extends along the front-rear direction from the front or rear end of the right-side upright portion, and the length of the right-side deformation portion in the front-rear direction is greater than the length of the right-side upright portion in the front-rear direction. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The vibration generating device described above can suppress the increase in size in the direction of vibration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a vibration generating device. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view of a vibration generating device. [Figure 3] This is a six-view drawing of the elastic support member. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the movable side member and the elastic support member. [Figure 5] These are front and bottom views of the movable side member and the elastic support member. [Figure 6] These are a top view and a cross-sectional view of the vibration generating device. [Figure 7] This is a top view of the coil, the movable side member, and the elastic support member. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the coil, the movable side member, and the elastic support member. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the movable side member and the elastic support member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The vibration generator 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vibration generator 101. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 1 is a perspective view of the vibration generator 101, and the lower part of Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration generator 101. Figure 2 is a more detailed exploded perspective view of the vibration generator 101.

[0010] In Figures 1 and 2, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X-axis. Similarly, Y1 represents one direction of the Y-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the X1 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the front side of the vibration generator 101, and the X2 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the rear side of the vibration generator 101. The Y1 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the left side of the vibration generator 101, and the Y2 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the right side of the vibration generator 101. The Z1 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the top side of the vibration generator 101, and the Z2 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the bottom side of the vibration generator 101. The same applies to the other figures.

[0011] The vibration device VE includes a control unit CTR and a vibration generator 101. The vibration generator 101 is inserted into, for example, an elongated cylindrical object such as a stylus, and is positioned to vibrate in the radial direction (short-side direction) of the cylindrical object. Therefore, the vibration generator 101 is preferably configured so that its length in the vibration direction is as small as possible, while still achieving the desired vibration power. Specifically, the vibration generator 101 includes a housing HS as a box-shaped case, a movable side member MB housed within the housing HS, a non-magnetic metal plate 3 attached to the housing HS, and a coil 4 attached to the housing HS via an insulating substrate BM. The housing HS, the non-magnetic metal plate 3, and the coil 4 constitute a fixed side member FB. The control unit CTR is connected to an input terminal IT provided on the insulating substrate BM, which is fixed to the housing HS via adhesive. In this embodiment, the insulating substrate BM is a combination of a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate. However, the insulating substrate BM may be a rigid-flexible substrate or the like. In the upper diagram of Figure 1, the dashed line connecting the control unit CTR and the input terminal IT provided on the insulating substrate BM schematically indicates that the control unit CTR and the input terminal IT are electrically connected.

[0012] As shown in the upper part of Figure 1, the housing HS has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is configured such that the area of ​​the surfaces parallel to the XY plane (top and bottom surfaces) is larger than that of the other surfaces. In this embodiment, the housing HS is composed of a cover 1 and a base plate 2. The cover 1 is made of a non-magnetic metal such as austenitic stainless steel. However, the cover 1 may be made of synthetic resin or a magnetic metal.

[0013] As shown in the lower figure of FIG. 1, the cover 1 is configured to form five surfaces (the upper surface, the front surface, the left surface, the rear surface, and the right surface) of the housing HS by bending a single metal plate. Specifically, the cover 1 includes a cylindrical portion 1A having a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape and a top plate portion 1B having a substantially rectangular flat plate shape. The cylindrical portion 1A includes a front side plate portion 1A1, a left side plate portion 1A2, a rear side plate portion 1A3, and a right side plate portion 1A4. More specifically, the cylindrical portion 1A has front side plate portion 1A1 and rear side plate portion 1A3 that face each other, and left side plate portion 1A2 and right side plate portion 1A4 that are perpendicular to and face each other on each of the front side plate portion 1A1 and the rear side plate portion 1A3.

[0014] The base plate 2 is configured to form the lower surface (bottom surface) of the housing HS. In the present embodiment, the base plate 2 constitutes a substantially rectangular flat bottom plate portion. In the illustrated example, the base plate 2 is formed of a magnetic metal and functions as a fixed-side magnetic member. The base plate 2 as the fixed-side magnetic member is configured to be able to control the path of the magnetic field lines of the magnetic field generated by the movable-side magnetic field generating member 5. Also, the base plate 2 as the fixed-side magnetic member is a member that constitutes the driving means DM. However, the base plate 2 may be formed of a non-magnetic metal such as austenitic stainless steel.

[0015] The cover 1 is fixed to the base plate 2. Specifically, the cover 1 is joined to the base plate 2 by welding the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 1A and the base plate 2. The lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 1A and the base plate 2 may be joined by brazing, an adhesive, caulking, or the like. Also, the insulating substrate BM is joined to the upper surface of the base plate 2 by an adhesive.

[0016] The non-magnetic metal plate 3 is fixed to the ceiling surface of the cover 1. For example, the non-magnetic metal plate 3 may be fixed to the ceiling surface of the cover 1 by a double-sided tape, an adhesive, caulking, or the like. In the illustrated example, the non-magnetic metal plate 3 is a copper plate and is fixed to the ceiling surface of the cover 1 by an adhesive. Note that the non-magnetic metal plate 3 may be formed including copper or aluminum.

[0017] Coil 4 is an example of a fixed-side magnetic field generating member and is configured to be able to generate a magnetic field while being fixed to the housing HS. Also, coil 4 is a member constituting the driving means DM. In the present embodiment, coil 4 is a winding coil formed by winding a conductive wire whose surface is coated with an insulating material, and is fixed to the insulating substrate BM with an adhesive. Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 omit illustration of the detailed winding state of the conductive wire for clarity. The same applies to other figures illustrating coil 4.

[0018] Specifically, as shown in the lower figure of FIG. 1, coil 4 is arranged such that one end (first end portion 4A) is connected to the first conductor pad PD1 formed on the upper surface of the insulating substrate BM, and the other end (second end portion 4B) is connected to the second conductor pad PD2 formed on the upper surface of the insulating substrate BM.

[0019] The control unit CTR is configured to be able to control the movement of the movable-side member MB. In the present embodiment, the control unit CTR is a device including an electronic circuit, a non-volatile memory device, etc., and is configured to be able to control the direction and magnitude of the current flowing through coil 4. The control unit CTR may be configured to control the direction and magnitude of the current flowing through coil 4 in response to a control command from an external device such as a computer, or may be configured to control the direction and magnitude of the current flowing through coil 4 without receiving a control command from an external device. For example, the control unit CTR may be a microcomputer provided with a CPU. Note that in the present embodiment, the control unit CTR is installed outside the housing HS, but may be installed inside the housing HS.

[0020] The movable-side member MB is configured to be able to vibrate the housing HS. In the present embodiment, the movable-side member MB is configured to be able to vibrate the housing HS by reciprocating while being attached inside the housing HS via the elastic support member 7.

[0021] Specifically, the movable side member MB includes a movable side magnetic field generating member 5 and a movable side magnetic member 6, and is configured to be elastically supported by an elastic support member 7. More specifically, the movable side member MB has a predetermined natural frequency and is configured to reciprocate (vibrate) relative to the housing HS along a vibration axis VA (see lower diagram in Figure 1) extending in a predetermined direction (Y-axis direction).

[0022] The movable magnetic field generating member 5 is configured to generate a magnetic field while being able to reciprocate (vibrate) relative to the housing HS. The movable magnetic field generating member 5 is also a component of the driving means DM. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the movable magnetic field generating member 5 includes a left magnet 5L and a right magnet 5R that are magnetized in two poles in the Z-axis direction. In Figure 2, for clarity, a cross pattern is applied to the S pole portion of the movable magnetic field generating member 5, and a dot pattern is applied to the N pole portion of the movable magnetic field generating member 5. The same applies to other figures illustrating the polarity of the movable magnetic field generating member 5.

[0023] The movable magnetic member 6 is a component used to attach the movable magnetic field generating member 5 to the elastic support member 7. In the illustrated example, the movable magnetic member 6 is joined to the elastic support member 7 by welding. The movable magnetic member 6 is also configured to control the path of the magnetic field lines of the magnetic field generated by the movable magnetic field generating member 5. The movable magnetic member 6 is also a component of the driving means DM. In this embodiment, the movable magnetic member 6 includes a central portion 6C to which the movable magnetic field generating member 5 is attached, a rear portion 6B located behind the central portion 6C, a front portion 6F located in front of the central portion 6C, a left portion 6L located to the left of the central portion 6C, and a right portion 6R located to the right of the central portion 6C. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the movable magnetic field generating member 5 is adsorbed to the ceiling surface CP of the movable magnetic member 6. The movable magnetic field generating member 5 and the movable magnetic member 6 may be fixed to each other by adhesive.

[0024] The driving means DM is an example of a vibration force generator and is configured to vibrate the movable side member MB along the vibration axis VA. In this embodiment, the driving means DM is an electromagnetic driving mechanism and consists of a base plate 2 (fixed side magnetic member), a coil 4 (fixed side magnetic field generating member), a movable side magnetic field generating member 5, and a movable side magnetic member 6. Specifically, the driving means DM is configured to vibrate the movable side member MB (movable side magnetic field generating member 5), which is elastically supported by the elastic support member 7, along the vibration axis VA by utilizing the Lorentz force corresponding to the direction and magnitude of the current supplied to the coil 4 under the control of the control unit CTR.

[0025] The elastic support member 7 is positioned between the fixed-side member FB (housing HS) and the movable-side member MB, and is configured to elastically support the movable-side member MB. In this embodiment, the elastic support member 7 is a leaf spring formed of a metal plate and includes a left-side elastic support member 7L attached to the inner surface (Y2 side surface) of the left-side plate portion 1A2 of the housing HS, a right-side elastic support member 7R attached to the inner surface (Y1 side surface) of the right-side plate portion 1A4 of the housing HS, and a central portion 7C provided between the left-side elastic support member 7L and the right-side elastic support member 7R. In the illustrated example, the central portion 7C functions as a connecting plate portion that connects the left-side elastic support member 7L and the right-side elastic support member 7R. The central portion 7C may be omitted. In this case, the left-side elastic support member 7L and the right-side elastic support member 7R are separate and independent members, and are fixed separately to the movable-side member MB.

[0026] Furthermore, the elastic support member 7 may include a reinforcing plate portion that suppresses deformation of the central portion 7C. Specifically, the reinforcing plate portion includes, for example, at least one of a front extension portion extending downward from the front edge of the central portion 7C and a rear extension portion extending downward from the rear edge of the central portion 7C.

[0027] Here, with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 5, the details of the elastic support member 7 will be explained. Figure 3 is a six-view drawing of the elastic support member 7. Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams of the elastic support member 7 that supports the movable side members MB (movable side magnetic field generating member 5 and movable side magnetic member 6) so that they can reciprocate. Specifically, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the movable side magnetic field generating member 5, the movable side magnetic member 6, and the elastic support member 7; the upper part of Figure 5 is a front view of the movable side magnetic field generating member 5, the movable side magnetic member 6, and the elastic support member 7; and the lower part of Figure 5 is a bottom view of the movable side magnetic field generating member 5, the movable side magnetic member 6, and the elastic support member 7.

[0028] The central portion 7C is configured to be fixed to the upper surface of the movable magnetic member 6. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the central portion 7C is fixed to the upper surface of the movable magnetic member 6 by welding.

[0029] The left elastic support member 7L is a member that elastically supports the movable side member MB, and has a left upright portion 7L1, a first left deformable portion 7L2, a left folded portion 7L3, a second left deformable portion 7L4, and a left fixing portion 7L5. The left upright portion 7L1 is the portion that connects the left end LE of the central portion 7C (see top view in Figure 3) and the first left deformable portion 7L2. In this embodiment, the left upright portion 7L1 is formed by a bending process using the left end LE of the central portion 7C, which extends in the X-axis direction, as the fold. The left upright portion 7L1 includes a portion that is formed in a straight line when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the left upright portion 7L1 is configured to extend perpendicularly downward (in the Z2 direction) relative to the central portion 7C. The first left deformable portion 7L2 is a portion that is formed in a straight line when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the first left deformable portion 7L2 is configured to extend forward (in the X1 direction) from the left upright portion 7L1. The left folded portion 7L3 is configured to extend to the left (in the Y1 direction) from the front end of the first left deformed portion 7L2 and curve in a convex shape towards the front. In this embodiment, the left folded portion 7L3 is configured to have a U-shape when viewed from above so that the stress acting on the left folded portion 7L3 is distributed over a wide area. The second left deformed portion 7L4 is a portion formed in a straight line that extends rearward (in the X2 direction) from the left end of the left folded portion 7L3. The left fixing portion 7L5 is a portion that is fixed to the housing HS. In this embodiment, the left fixing portion 7L5 extends rearward parallel to the left plate portion 1A2 of the cover 1 from the rear end of the second left deformed portion 7L4 ( X2 It extends in the direction and is fixed to the left side plate portion 1A2 by welding. However, the left side fixing portion 7L5 may also be fixed to other parts of the housing HS, such as the front side plate portion 1A1, the rear side plate portion 1A3, the top plate portion 1B, or the base plate 2, by welding or the like. The first left side deformation portion 7L2, the left side folded portion 7L3, and the second left side deformation portion 7L4 are also referred to as the left side deformation portion 7LT (see top view in Figure 3), which is the part that deforms in accordance with the reciprocating motion of the movable side member MB.

[0030] The right-side elastic support member 7R is a member that elastically supports the movable side member MB, and has a right-side upright portion 7R1, a first right-side deformable portion 7R2, a right-side folded portion 7R3, a second right-side deformable portion 7R4, and a right-side fixing portion 7R5. The right-side upright portion 7R1 is the portion that connects the right end RE of the central portion 7C (see top view in Figure 3) and the first right-side deformable portion 7R2. In this embodiment, the right-side upright portion 7R1 is formed by a folding process using the right end RE of the central portion 7C, which extends in the X-axis direction, as the fold line. The right-side upright portion 7R1 includes a portion that is formed in a straight line when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the right-side upright portion 7R1 is configured to extend perpendicularly downward (in the Z2 direction) relative to the central portion 7C. The first right-side deformable portion 7R2 is a portion that is formed in a straight line when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the first right-side deformable portion 7R2 is configured to extend rearward (in the X2 direction) from the right-side upright portion 7R1. The right-side folded portion 7R3 is configured to extend to the right (in the Y2 direction) from the rear end of the first right-side deformed portion 7R2 and curve convexly towards the rear. In this embodiment, the right-side folded portion 7R3 is configured to have a U-shape when viewed from above so that the stress acting on the right-side folded portion 7R3 is distributed over a wide area. The second right-side deformed portion 7R4 is a linearly formed portion that extends forward (in the X1 direction) from the right end of the right-side folded portion 7R3. The right-side fixing portion 7R5 is a portion that is fixed to the housing HS. In this embodiment, the right-side fixing portion 7R5 extends forward (in the X1 direction) parallel to the right-side plate portion 1A4 of the cover 1 from the front end of the second right-side deformed portion 7R4 and is fixed to the right-side plate portion 1A4 by welding. However, the right-side fixing portion 7R5 may also be fixed to other parts of the housing HS, such as the front plate portion 1A1, the rear plate portion 1A3, the top plate portion 1B, or the base plate 2, by welding or the like. The first right-side deformation portion 7R2, the right-side folding portion 7R3, and the second right-side deformation portion 7R4 are also referred to as the right-side deformation portion 7RT (see top view in Figure 3), which deforms in accordance with the reciprocating motion of the movable side member MB.

[0031] The left side portion 6L of the movable magnetic member 6 is configured to restrict the movement of the movable magnetic field generating member 5 (left magnet 5L), which is attached to the movable magnetic member 6 fixed to the central portion 7C, to the left relative to the movable magnetic member 6. The right side portion 6R of the movable magnetic member 6 is configured to restrict the movement of the movable magnetic field generating member 5 (right magnet 5R), which is attached to the movable magnetic member 6 fixed to the central portion 7C, to the right relative to the movable magnetic member 6. The rear side portion 6B of the movable magnetic member 6 is configured to restrict the movement of the movable magnetic field generating member 5, which is attached to the movable magnetic member 6 fixed to the central portion 7C, to the rear relative to the movable magnetic member 6. The front side portion 6F of the movable magnetic member 6 is configured to restrict the movement of the movable magnetic field generating member 5, which is attached to the movable magnetic member 6 fixed to the central portion 7C, to the forward relative to the movable magnetic member 6.

[0032] Specifically, the rear section 6B has a central rear section 6BC, a left rear section 6BL, and a right rear section 6BR, while the front section 6F has a central front section 6FC, a left front section 6FL, and a right front section 6FR. The left rear section 6BL and the left front section 6FL are configured to function as left-side stoppers that restrict the movement of the movable side member MB to the left (in the Y1 direction), and the right rear section 6BR and the right front section 6FR are configured to function as right-side stoppers that restrict the movement of the movable side member MB to the right (in the Y2 direction). Specifically, the left rear section 6BL and the left front section 6FL are configured to contact the inner surface of the left plate section 1A2 of the cylindrical section 1A when the movable side member MB moves to the left by a predetermined distance, thereby suppressing further movement of the movable side member MB to the left. Furthermore, the right rear portion 6BR and the right front portion 6FR are configured to contact the inner surface of the right side plate portion 1A4 of the cylindrical portion 1A when the movable side member MB moves a predetermined distance to the right, thereby suppressing further movement of the movable side member MB to the right.

[0033] Next, the reciprocating motion of the movable side member MB by the driving means DM will be described with reference to Figures 6, 7, and 8. Figure 6 is a detailed view of the vibration generator 101. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 6 is a top view of the vibration generator 101, and the lower part of Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vibration generator 101 as seen from the X1 side in a virtual plane parallel to the YZ plane containing the dashed line L1 in the upper part of Figure 6. Specifically, the lower part of Figure 6 shows the state when the vibration generator 101 is in its initial state. The initial state of the vibration generator 101 means the state of the vibration generator 101 when no current is supplied to the coil 4.

[0034] Figure 7 is a top view of the coil 4, the movable side member MB (movable magnetic field generating member 5 and movable magnetic member 6), and the elastic support member 7. Specifically, the top view of Figure 7 shows the state when the movable side member MB moves to the left (Y1 direction), the middle view of Figure 7 shows the state when the movable side member MB is in the neutral position (not moving), and the bottom view of Figure 7 shows the state when the movable side member MB moves to the right (Y2 direction). For illustrative purposes, in Figure 7, parts of the coil 4 and elastic support member 7 that are actually hidden by the movable side member MB are shown as hidden lines (dashed lines).

[0035] Figure 8 is a front view of the coil 4, the movable side member MB (movable side magnetic field generating member 5 and movable side magnetic member 6), and the elastic support member 7. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 8 shows the state when the movable side member MB moves to the left (Y1 direction), the middle part of Figure 8 shows the state when the movable side member MB is in the neutral position (not moving), and the lower part of Figure 8 shows the state when the movable side member MB moves to the right (Y2 direction).

[0036] For example, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 6, the left magnet 5L, which constitutes the movable magnetic field generating member 5, has its lower half magnetized as a north pole and its upper half magnetized as a south pole. Similarly, the right magnet 5R, which constitutes the movable magnetic field generating member 5, has its lower half magnetized as a south pole and its upper half magnetized as a north pole.

[0037] When current flows from the first end 4A to the second end 4B of coil 4, the current flows counterclockwise in a top view, as shown by the arrow AR1 in the upper diagram of Figure 7. In this case, in the initial state, the left bundle portion 4L, which faces the left magnet 5L of coil 4 in the vertical direction and extends linearly along the front-to-back direction, has current flowing from the rear (X2 side) to the front (X1 side) in a top view. As a reaction force to the Lorentz force, a force acts on the left magnet 5L that tries to move it to the left (Y1 direction). Also, in the initial state, the right bundle portion 4R, which faces the right magnet 5R of coil 4 in the vertical direction and extends linearly along the front-to-back direction, has current flowing from the front (X1 side) to the rear (X2 side) in a top view. As a reaction force to the Lorentz force, a force acts on the right magnet 5R that tries to move it to the left (Y1 direction).

[0038] As a result, the movable member MB is biased to the left (in the Y1 direction), as indicated by the block arrow AR3 in the lower diagram of Figure 6, and moves to the left as shown in the upper diagrams of Figure 7 and Figure 8. When the movable member MB has moved to the left by a predetermined distance, the left front portion 6FL and the left rear portion 6BL of the movable magnetic member 6 come into contact with the inner surface of the left plate portion 1A2 of the cylindrical portion 1A, restricting further movement of the movable member MB to the left. In Figures 7 and 8, the position of the left plate portion 1A2 of the cylindrical portion 1A is shown by a dashed line for illustrative purposes. The control unit CTR is typically configured to vibrate the movable member MB so that the left front portion 6FL and the left rear portion 6BL of the movable magnetic member 6 do not come into contact with the inner surface of the left plate portion 1A2 of the cylindrical portion 1A.

[0039] In this case, the left elastic support member 7L is compressed such that the distance DL1 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) between the left end LE of the central part 7C and the left fixing part 7L5 is smaller than the initial distance DL0 (see the center view in Figure 7), as shown in the upper view of Figure 7. The right elastic support member 7R is stretched such that the distance DR1 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) between the right end RE of the central part 7C and the right fixing part 7R5 is larger than the initial distance DR0.

[0040] Conversely, when current flows from the second end 4B to the first end 4A of coil 4, the current flows clockwise in a top view, as shown by the arrow AR2 in the lower diagram of Figure 7. In this case, in the initial state, current flows from the front (X1 side) to the rear (X2 side) of the left bundle portion 4L of coil 4, which is facing the left magnet 5L in the vertical direction, in a top view. As a reaction force to the Lorentz force, a force acts on the left magnet 5L that tries to move it to the right (in the Y2 direction). Also, in the initial state, current flows from the rear (X2 side) to the front (X1 side) of the right bundle portion 4R of coil 4, which is facing the right magnet 5R in the vertical direction, in a top view. As a reaction force to the Lorentz force, a force acts on the right magnet 5R that tries to move it to the right (in the Y2 direction).

[0041] As a result, the movable side member MB is biased to the right (in the Y2 direction) and moves to the right as shown in the lower diagrams of Figure 7 and Figure 8. When the movable side member MB has moved a predetermined distance to the right, the right front portion 6FR and the right rear portion 6BR of the movable side magnetic member 6 come into contact with the inner surface of the right side plate portion 1A4 of the cylindrical portion 1A, restricting further movement of the movable side member MB to the right. In Figures 7 and 8, the position of the right side plate portion 1A4 of the cylindrical portion 1A is shown by a dashed line for illustrative purposes. The control unit CTR is typically configured to vibrate the movable side member MB so that the right front portion 6FR and the right rear portion 6BR of the movable side magnetic member 6 do not come into contact with the inner surface of the right side plate portion 1A4 of the cylindrical portion 1A.

[0042] In this case, the left elastic support member 7L is stretched such that the distance DL2 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) between the left end LE of the central part 7C and the left fixing part 7L5 is greater than the initial distance DL0 (see the center diagram in Figure 7), as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 7. The right elastic support member 7R is compressed such that the distance DR2 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) between the right end RE of the central part 7C and the right fixing part 7R5 is smaller than the initial distance DR0.

[0043] The control unit CTR can, for example, repeatedly reverse the direction of the current flowing through the coil 4 at a period corresponding to the natural frequency of the elastic support member 7, thereby alternately generating the state shown in the upper part of Figure 7 and the state shown in the lower part of Figure 7, with the state shown in the middle part of Figure 7 in between.

[0044] Specifically, the control unit CTR stops supplying current to the coil 4 when the vibration generator 101 reaches the state shown in the upper diagram of Figure 7. When the current supply to the coil 4 is stopped, the Lorentz force and its reaction force disappear. At this time, the movable side member MB is pushed back to the right (in the Y2 direction) by the restoring force of the elastic support member 7. The same applies when the vibration generator 101 reaches the state shown in the lower diagram of Figure 7.

[0045] Alternatively, the control unit CTR may cause the movable side member MB to reciprocate in the left-right direction by switching the supply and cessation of current to the coil 4 without reversing the direction of the current flowing through the coil 4.

[0046] Next, with reference to Figure 9, other configuration examples of the elastic support member 7 that elastically supports the movable side member MB will be described. Figure 9 is a perspective view of other configuration examples of the elastic support member 7 that elastically supports the movable side member MB. Specifically, Figure 9 shows three other configuration examples of the elastic support member 7 that elastically supports the movable side member MB. In Figure 9, for illustrative purposes, parts of the elastic support member 7 and the movable side member MB that are hidden from view by themselves or other members are shown as hidden lines (dashed lines). Also, in Figure 9, a cross pattern is added to the welded areas for illustrative purposes.

[0047] The elastic support member 7 shown in the upper part of Figure 9 differs from the elastic support member 7 shown in Figure 3 in that it does not include the central part and the folded parts (left folded part and right folded part), but is otherwise the same as the elastic support member 7 shown in Figure 3.

[0048] The elastic support member 7 shown in the center view of Figure 9 differs from the elastic support member 7 shown in Figure 3 in that it does not include a central portion and that the left folded portion 7L3 is arranged to be convex to the rear in the same way as the right folded portion 7R3, but is otherwise the same as the elastic support member 7 shown in Figure 3.

[0049] The elastic support member 7 shown in the lower part of Figure 9 differs from the elastic support member 7 shown in Figure 3 in that it does not include a central portion, the left fixing portion 7L5 is positioned inward (to the right, Y2 side) of the left upright portion 7L1, and the right fixing portion 7R5 is positioned inward (to the left, Y1 side) of the right upright portion 7R1. However, it is the same as the elastic support member 7 shown in Figure 3 in all other respects. In the example shown in the lower part of Figure 9, the base plate 2 may be configured such that portions (not shown) to be welded to the left fixing portion 7L5 and the right fixing portion 7R5 protrude upward from the upper surface of the base plate 2. Alternatively, each of the left fixing portion 7L5 and the right fixing portion 7R5 may include portions (not shown) that extend parallel to the upper surface of the base plate 2 so that they can be welded to the upper surface of the base plate 2.

[0050] As described above, the vibration generating device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, as shown in Figure 2, includes a fixed-side member FB and a movable-side member MB, an elastic support member 7 that supports the movable-side member MB so as to be vibrable in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) relative to the fixed-side member FB, and a driving means DM that includes a fixed-side magnetic field generating member (coil 4) included in the fixed-side member FB and a movable-side magnetic field generating member 5 included in the movable-side member MB, and applies a vibration force in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) to the movable-side member MB. The elastic support member 7 includes a left-side elastic support member 7L and a right-side elastic support member 7R. The right-side elastic support member 7R may include a right-side fixing portion 7R5 fixed to the fixed-side member FB (cover 1), a right-side deformable portion 7RT with one end connected to the right-side fixing portion 7R5 and extending along the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and a right-side upright portion 7R1 extending in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) from the other end of the right-side deformable portion 7RT. The movable side member MB (movable side magnetic field generating member 5 and movable side magnetic member 6) is attached to the right side elastic support member 7R so as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 5, on the left side (Y1 side) of the right side upright portion 7R1 and at a position higher than the height H1 of the upper end of the right side deformation portion 7RT. Height H1 is the distance from the lower end of the right side deformation portion 7RT to the upper end of the right side deformation portion 7RT in the Z-axis direction. The distance from the lower end of the right side deformation portion 7RT to the movable side magnetic field generating member 5 (right side magnet 5R) in the Z-axis direction is height H2 (>height H1), and the distance from the lower end of the right side deformation portion 7RT to the movable side magnetic member 6 in the Z-axis direction is height H3 (>height H2). When the movable side member MB vibrates and is displaced to the right, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 8, the lower part of the movable side member MB (lower EPR of the S pole portion of the right side magnet 5R) is located above the right side deformation portion 7RT. Therefore, the movable side member MB and the right side deformation portion 7RT do not interfere with each other.

[0051] This configuration allows the vibration generator 101 to achieve miniaturization in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) while ensuring sufficient vibration power. This is because there is no need to provide space on the right side (Y2 side) of the movable side member MB to accommodate the right deformation section 7RT. Furthermore, the vibration generator 101 can move (vibrate) the movable side member MB to the right until, in a top view, the right end of the movable side member MB and the right deformation section 7RT overlap.

[0052] Furthermore, this configuration allows for a larger maximum amplitude compared to a spring like the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, provided that other conditions such as the length dimension in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) are the same. Alternatively, this configuration allows for a larger volume of the movable side member MB compared to a spring like the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, provided that other conditions such as the length dimension in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) are the same.

[0053] Furthermore, the right-side deformation portion 7RT may also include, as shown in the top view of Figure 3, a first right-side deformation portion 7R2, one end of which is connected to the right-side upright portion 7R1 and extends in one direction (rear, X2 direction) in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), a right-side folded portion 7R3 to which the other end of the first right-side deformation portion 7R2 is connected, and a second right-side deformation portion 7R4, one end of which is connected to the right-side folded portion 7R3 and extends in the other direction (forward, X1 direction) in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), with the other end connected to the right-side fixing portion 7R5.

[0054] This configuration allows the vibration generator 101 to be miniaturized in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). This is because, compared to the case without the right-side folded portion 7R3, the length dimension of the right-side deformation portion 7RT in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) required to achieve the desired spring constant of the right-side elastic support member 7R can be shortened.

[0055] Furthermore, the left elastic support member 7L may include, as shown in the top view of Figure 3, a left fixing portion 7L5 fixed to the fixed side member FB (cover 1), a left deformable portion 7LT with one end connected to the left fixing portion 7L5 and extending along the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and a left upright portion 7L1 extending vertically (Z-axis direction) from the other end of the left deformable portion 7LT. The movable side member MB (movable magnetic field generating member 5 and movable magnetic member 6) is attached to the left elastic support member 7L so as shown in the top view of Figure 5, to the right side (Y2 side) of the left upright portion 7L1 and at a position higher than the height H1 of the upper end of the left deformable portion 7LT. The height H1 is the distance from the lower end to the upper end of the left deformable portion 7LT in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the distance from the lower end of the left deformation section 7LT in the Z-axis direction to the movable magnetic field generating member 5 (left magnet 5L) is height H2 (>height H1), and the distance from the lower end of the left deformation section 7LT in the Z-axis direction to the movable magnetic member 6 is height H3 (>height H2). When the movable member MB vibrates and is displaced to the left, as shown in the upper part of Figure 8, the lower part of the movable member MB (the lower EPL of the N pole portion of the left magnet 5L) is located above the left deformation section 7LT. Therefore, the movable member MB and the left deformation section 7LT do not interfere with each other.

[0056] This configuration allows the vibration generator 101 to achieve further miniaturization in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) while ensuring sufficient vibration power. This is because there is no need to provide space on the right side (Y2 side) of the movable side member MB to accommodate the right deformation section 7RT, and there is no need to provide space on the left side (Y1 side) of the movable side member MB to accommodate the left deformation section 7LT. Furthermore, the vibration generator 101 can move (vibrate) the movable side member MB to the right until the right end of the movable side member MB and the right deformation section 7RT overlap in a top view, and can also move (vibrate) the movable side member MB to the left until the left end of the movable side member MB and the left deformation section 7LT overlap in a top view.

[0057] Furthermore, the left deformed portion 7LT may have, as shown in the top view of Figure 3, a first left deformed portion 7L2 which has one end connected to the left upright portion 7L1 and extends in one direction (forward, X1 direction) in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), a left folded portion 7L3 to which the other end of the first left deformed portion 7L2 is connected, and a second left deformed portion 7L4 which has one end connected to the left folded portion 7L3 and extends in the other direction (rear, X2 direction) in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and whose other end is connected to the left fixing portion 7L5.

[0058] This configuration allows for further miniaturization of the vibration generator 101 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). This is because, compared to the case without the left-side folded portion 7L3, the length dimension of the left-side deformed portion 7LT in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) can be shortened in order to achieve the desired spring constant of the left-side elastic support member 7L.

[0059] Furthermore, the fixed-side magnetic field generating member (coil 4) may be positioned below the movable-side member MB between the right-side elastic support member 7R and the left-side elastic support member 7L, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 6.

[0060] This configuration allows the vibration generator 101 to achieve further miniaturization in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) while ensuring sufficient vibration power. This is because there is no need to provide space for the fixed-side magnetic field generating member (coil 4) on either the left side (Y1 side) or the right side (Y2 side) of the movable-side member MB.

[0061] Furthermore, the elastic support member 7 may include a connecting plate portion (central portion 7C) that connects the upper end of the right-side upright portion 7R1 and the upper end of the left-side upright portion 7L1. In this case, the movable magnetic member 6 may be attached to the lower side of the connecting plate portion (central portion 7C).

[0062] This configuration allows the vibration generator 101 to increase the joint strength between the elastic support member 7 and the movable side member MB, such as through welding. This is because the elastic support member 7 and the movable side member MB are joined via a relatively deformation-resistant connecting plate (central part 7C). Furthermore, this configuration has the effect of reducing the number of parts and, consequently, the number of welding points.

[0063] Furthermore, the fixed side member FB may include a box-shaped case (housing HS) having a cylindrical portion 1A having a front plate portion 1A1, a left plate portion 1A2, a rear plate portion 1A3, and a right plate portion 1A4, a bottom plate portion (base plate 2) connected to the lower end of the cylindrical portion 1A, and a top plate portion 1B connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion 1A, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 1.

[0064] This configuration has the effect of suppressing the magnetic field generated by the fixed-side magnetic field generating member (coil 4) and the movable-side magnetic field generating member 5 from having a magnetic effect on other equipment located outside the vibration generating device 101.

[0065] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications or substitutions can be applied to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not conflict technically.

[0066] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the vibration generator 101 is configured to have a left magnet 5L and a right magnet 5R as movable magnetic field generating members, and a coil 4 as a fixed magnetic field generating member. However, the vibration generator 101 may be configured to have a coil as a movable magnetic field generating member and a permanent magnet as a fixed magnetic field generating member. Alternatively, the vibration generator 101 may be configured to have a coil as a movable magnetic field generating member and a coil 4 as a fixed magnetic field generating member.

[0067] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-175543, filed on November 1, 2022, and the entire contents of that Japanese Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1. Cover 1A. Cylindrical section 1A1. Front plate section 1A2. Left plate section 1A3. Rear plate section 1A4. Right plate section 1B. Top plate section 2. Base plate 3. Non-magnetic metal plate 4. Coil 4A. First end 4B. Second end 4L. Left wire bundle section 4R. Right wire bundle section 5. Movable magnetic field generating member 5L. Left magnet 5R. Right magnet 6. Movable magnetic member 6B. Rear section 6BC. Central rear section 6BL. Left rear section 6BR. Right rear section 6C. Center section 6F. Front section 6FC. Central front section 6FL. Left front section 6FR...Right front section 6L...Left section 6R...Right section 7...Elastic support member 7C...Center section 7L...Left elastic support member 7L1...Left upright section 7L2...First left deformed section 7L3...Left folded section 7L4...Second left deformed section 7L5...Left fixing section 7LT...Left deformed section 7R...Right elastic support member 7R1...Right upright section 7R2...First right deformed section 7R3...Right folded section 7R4...Second right deformed section 7R5...Right fixing section 7RT...Right deformed section 101...Vibration generator BM...Insulating substrate CP...Ceiling surface CTR...Control unit DM...Driving means FB...Fixed side member HS...Housing IT...Input terminal LE...Left end MB...Movable side member PD1...First conductor pad PD2...Second conductor pad RE...Right end VA...Vibration axis VE...Vibration device

Claims

1. Fixed side member and movable side member, An elastic support member that supports the movable side member so that it can vibrate in the left-right direction relative to the fixed side member, The device includes a fixed-side magnetic field generating member included in the fixed-side member and a movable-side magnetic field generating member included in the movable-side member, and comprises a driving means for applying a left-right vibration force to the movable-side member. The elastic support member includes a left-side elastic support member and a right-side elastic support member. The right-side elastic support member includes a right-side fixing portion fixed to the fixed-side member, a right-side deformable portion having one end connected to the right-side fixing portion and extending along the front-rear direction, and a right-side upright portion extending vertically from the other end of the right-side deformable portion. The aforementioned right-side deformed portion deforms in the left-right direction in accordance with the left-right vibration of the movable side member. The right-side erected portion moves in the left-right direction together with the movable side member as the right-side deformable portion deforms. The movable side member is attached to the upper end of the right-side upright portion, or to the connecting plate portion connecting the upper end of the left-side elastic support member and the upper end of the right-side elastic support member, so as to be positioned to the left of the right-side upright portion and higher than the upper end of the right-side deformable portion. When the movable side member vibrates and is displaced to the right, the lower part of the movable side member is located above the right-side deformed portion and does not interfere with the right-side deformed portion. The aforementioned right-side deformation portion extends along the front-rear direction from the front or rear end of the aforementioned right-side upright portion, The length of the right-side deformed portion in the front-rear direction is greater than the length of the right-side erected portion in the front-rear direction. A vibration generating device characterized by the following features.

2. The right-side deformation portion includes a first right-side deformation portion, one end of which is connected to the right-side upright portion and extends in one direction in the front-rear direction; a right-side folded portion to which the other end of the first right-side deformation portion is connected; and a second right-side deformation portion, one end of which is connected to the right-side folded portion and extends in the other direction in the front-rear direction, with the other end of which is connected to the right-side fixing portion. The vibration generating device according to claim 1.

3. The left-side elastic support member includes a left-side fixing portion fixed to the fixed-side member, a left-side deformable portion having one end connected to the left-side fixing portion and extending along the front-rear direction, and a left-side upright portion extending vertically from the other end of the left-side deformable portion. The movable side member is attached to the left elastic support member so as to be positioned to the right of the left upright portion and higher than the upper end of the left deformable portion. When the movable side member vibrates and is displaced to the left, the lower part of the movable side member is located above the left deformed portion and does not interfere with the left deformed portion. The vibration generating device according to claim 1.

4. The left-side deformation portion includes a first left-side deformation portion, one end of which is connected to the left-side upright portion and extends in one direction in the front-rear direction; a left-side folded portion to which the other end of the first left-side deformation portion is connected; and a second left-side deformation portion, one end of which is connected to the left-side folded portion and extends in the other direction in the front-rear direction, with the other end of which is connected to the left-side fixing portion. The vibration generating device according to claim 3.

5. The fixed-side magnetic field generating member is positioned below the movable-side member between the right-side elastic support member and the left-side elastic support member. The vibration generating device according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The elastic support member includes the connecting plate portion that connects the upper end of the right-side upright portion and the upper end of the left-side upright portion. The movable magnetic field generating member is attached to the lower side of the connecting plate portion. The vibration generating device according to claim 3 or claim 4.

7. The fixed side member includes a box-shaped case having a cylindrical portion having a front plate portion, a left plate portion, a rear plate portion, and a right plate portion, a bottom plate portion connected to the lower end of the cylindrical portion, and a top plate portion connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion. The vibration generating device according to claim 3 or claim 4.

8. The movable side member is configured to be displaced to the right until the right end of the movable side member and the right deformable portion overlap in a top view, When the movable side member is displaced to the right to a position where its right end overlaps with the right-side deformation portion in a top view, the lower part of the movable side member is above the right-side deformation portion and does not interfere with it. The vibration generating device according to claim 1.

9. The distance from the lower end of the right deformable portion to the movable side member in the vertical direction is greater than the distance from the lower end of the right deformable portion to the upper end of the right deformable portion in the vertical direction. The vibration generating device according to claim 1.

10. The right-side erected portion is formed to extend vertically upward from the right-side deformed portion, The aforementioned right-side deformation portion is located below the movable side member when viewed from the right side in the left-right direction. The vibration generating device according to claim 1.

Images