Vibration motor

Abstract

To provide a vibration motor which enables a movable element to be operated stably while having a structure which does not use a shaft.SOLUTION: A vibration motor 10 includes: a stationary part 1; a magnet member 6; a movable element 5 which may vibrate in a first direction; and elastic members 81, 82. The stationary part has: a coil 2 which applies a driving force to the magnet member by energization; and a case 3 which houses the movable element and the coil. The movable element has holder members 71, 72 which hold one side end as viewed in the first direction of the magnet member. The elastic members are respectively connected to the holder members. The case has case cutout parts 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D. The case cutout parts are cut out from one side end as viewed in the first direction of the case to the other side as viewed in the first direction. The holder members respectively have holder cutout parts 71A, 72A cut out toward one side as viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The case cutout parts and the holder cutout parts are overlapped with each other in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various devices such as mobile devices such as smartphones are equipped with a vibration motor as a vibration generating device. The vibration motor is used for applications such as a function of notifying a user of an incoming call or an alarm, or a function of tactile feedback in a human interface.

[0003] The vibration motor has a case, a coil, an elastic member, and a mover. The mover has a magnet. The mover and the case are connected by an elastic member. By applying current to the coil to generate a magnetic field, the mover vibrates.

[0004] When the case is made of a magnetic material, there is a risk that the mover is attracted to and stuck to the inner surface of the housing by an attractive force, and the mover cannot move. Note that the housing is made of a magnetic material to form a magnetic circuit and enhance the magnetic force.

[0005] Therefore, a shaft fixed to the case may be provided in a conventional vibration motor. In this vibration motor, the mover reciprocates in the vibration direction along the shaft. Thereby, the phenomenon that the mover sticks to the inner surface of the housing can be prevented (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, vibration motors equipped with the shaft described above had the following problems: Because the shaft is positioned inside the movable element, the weight of the movable element decreases, and the magnetic force decreases due to the reduction in magnet volume. This could lead to a decrease in the amount of vibration. Furthermore, there was a risk of noise and wear due to sliding between the movable element and the shaft.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a vibration motor that can stably operate a movable element while having a configuration that does not use a shaft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An exemplary vibration motor of the present invention comprises a stationary part, a movable part having a magnetic member and capable of vibrating in a first direction, and an elastic member. The stationary part has a coil that provides a driving force to the magnetic member by energization, and a case that houses the movable part and the coil inside. The movable part has a holder member that holds one end of the magnetic member in the first direction. The elastic member is connected to the holder member. The case has a case notch. The case notch is cut out from one end of the case in the first direction toward the other end in the first direction. The holder member has a holder notch that is cut out toward one side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The case notch and the holder notch overlap when viewed in the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Each of the exemplary vibration motors of the present invention allows for stable operation of the movable element while eliminating the need for a shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vibration motor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a vibration motor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a partial configuration of the vibration motor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a magnet member according to a modification. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the elastic member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a first step in the manufacturing process of the vibration motor. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a second step in the manufacturing process of the vibration motor. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the holder member as viewed from one side in the first direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third step in the manufacturing process of the vibration motor. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining laser welding in the third step. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a fourth step in the manufacturing process of the vibration motor. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the holder member as viewed from one side in the first direction. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a vibration motor having a cover member and a circuit board. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the vibration motor shown in FIG. 14 as viewed from the circuit board side. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a vibration motor using a buffer member. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a vibration motor using magnetic fluid.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] In the drawings, the first direction in which the mover vibrates is defined as the Z direction, with one side of the first direction being Z1 and the other side being Z2. Also, the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, is defined as the X direction, with one side of the second direction being X1 and the other side being X2. Further, the third direction, which is perpendicular to the first and second directions, is defined as the Y direction.

[0014] <Overall Structure of the Vibration Motor> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vibration motor 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the vibration motor 10.

[0015] The vibration motor 10 includes a stationary part 1, a mover 5, and elastic members 81 and 82. The mover 5 is capable of vibrating in the first direction (Z direction).

[0016] The stationary part 1 includes a coil 2, a case 3, and lid parts 41 and 42. The case 3 has, as its outer peripheral surface, two curved surface parts 31 and two flat surface parts 32. The curved surface parts 31 face each other in the third direction. The flat surface parts 32 face each other in the second direction. The flat surface parts 32 are parallel to the first direction. The flat surface parts 32 are connected by the curved surface parts 31. The case 3 has an internal space 3S that opens on both sides in the first direction. The case 3 is made of a magnetic material. As the magnetic material, for example, stainless steel is used.

[0017] The coil 2 is formed by winding a conducting wire around a central axis J (FIG. 1) that extends in the first direction of the vibration motor 10, and is fixed to the inner surface of the case 3. That is, the case 3 houses the coil 2 inside. The coil 2 generates a magnetic field when energized. The coil 2 is disposed at the central part of the case 3 in the first direction.

[0018] The movable element 5 has a magnetic member 6 and holder members 71 and 72, and is housed inside the case 3. The magnetic member 6 has a magnet 6A on one side in one direction and a magnet 6B on the other side in the same direction. That is, the magnetic member 6 has two magnets 6A and 6B arranged in the first direction. The magnetic member 6 has a magnetic material portion 6C. The magnetic material portion 6C is sandwiched between the magnets 6A and 6B in the first direction. Here, as shown in Figure 3, the magnetic member 6 has two curved portions 61 and two flat portions 62 as its outer circumferential surface. The curved portions 61 face each other in the third direction. The flat portions 62 face each other in the second direction. The flat portions 62 are parallel to the first direction. The flat portions 62 are connected to each other by the curved portions 61.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, one side of magnet 6A is the north pole and the other side is the south pole. One side of magnet 6B is the north pole and the other side is the south pole. In this way, the north poles face each other in one direction with the magnetic material part 6C in between. That is, the magnetic poles on the side of magnets 6A and 6B facing the magnetic material part 6C are the same pole. As a result, the magnetic flux flows from the south pole to the north pole of magnets 6A and 6B, flows radially outward through the magnetic material part 6C, and passes through coil 2 radially. Note that the radial direction is the radial direction with respect to the central axis J. By constructing case 3 from a magnetic material, the magnetic flux that has passed through coil 2 flows through case 3 in the first direction and is returned to the south poles of magnets 6A and 6B. With this configuration, the amount of magnetic flux passing through coil 2 can be increased.

[0020] The configuration of the magnet member 6 may also be modified as shown in Figure 4. The magnet member 6 shown in Figure 4 is a single member. The magnet member 6 has a magnetization region 6Ax on one side in the first direction and a magnetization region 6Bx on the other side in the first direction. That is, the magnet member 6 has two magnetization regions 6Ax and 6Bx arranged in the first direction. In addition, the magnet member 6 has a non-magnetized region 6Cx arranged between the magnetization regions 6Ax and 6Bx in the first direction.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, in magnetized region 6Ax, one side in one direction is a north pole and the other side in one direction is a south pole. In magnetized region 6Bx, one side in one direction is a north pole and the other side in one direction is a south pole. In this way, the north poles face each other in one direction with the unmagnetized region 6Cx in between. That is, the magnetic poles on the side of magnetized regions 6Ax and 6Bx that face the unmagnetized region 6Cx are the same pole. Even with this configuration, the amount of magnetic flux passing through the coil in the radial direction can be increased. Moreover, by using a single magnet member 6, axial misalignment due to the assembly of the magnet member, as is the case with magnet members composed of multiple members, can be eliminated, and costs can be reduced.

[0022] In addition, the north and south poles may be reversed in the magnet or magnetized region in the above configuration. In this case, the magnetic flux flow will be in the opposite direction to that described above.

[0023] Let's return to the explanation of the configuration in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the holder member 71 holds one end of the magnet member 6 in the first direction. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the holder member 71 has a cover portion 711 and a cover portion 712. The cover portion 711 is a plate-shaped portion that covers the end face of the magnet member 6 in the first direction. The cover portion 712 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the cover portion 711 to the other side in the first direction and covers the outer circumferential surface of the magnet member 6. The holder member 71 functions as a weight and is made of, for example, a tungsten alloy.

[0024] The cover portion 711 has holder notches 71A and 71B. Holder notch 71A is notched toward one side in the second direction (Figure 2). Holder notch 71B is notched toward the other side in the second direction (Figure 2). That is, the holder member 71 has a holder notch 71A that is notched toward one side in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0025] The cover portion 712 has holes 71C and 71D extending from the holder notches 71A and 71B to the other side in the first direction (Figure 2).

[0026] Case 3 has case notches 3A and 3B. The case notches 3A and 3B are cut out from one end of case 3 in the first direction toward the other end in the first direction. The case notches 3A and 3B face each other in the second direction.

[0027] The case notch 3A and the holder notch 71A overlap when viewed in the second direction. The case notch 3A and the hole 71C also overlap when viewed in the second direction. The case notch 3B and the holder notch 71B overlap when viewed in the second direction. The case notch 3B and the hole 71D also overlap when viewed in the second direction.

[0028] These holder notches 71A, 71B, holes 71C, 71D, and case notches 3A, 3B are configured to precisely position the movable element 5 relative to the case 3 using a jig during the manufacturing of the vibration motor 10, as will be described in detail later.

[0029] Furthermore, the configuration of the holder member 72 and the configuration of the other side of the case 3 in the first direction are symmetrical to the configuration of the holder member 71 and the case notches 3A and 3B with respect to the axis of symmetry passing through the first central position of the vibration motor 10 in the second direction, when viewed in a cross-sectional view in the third direction. Accordingly, the holder member 72 has holder notches 72A and 72B and holes 72C and 72D. The case 3 also has case notches 3C and 3D.

[0030] The elastic members 81 and 82 are compression springs that can expand and contract in a first direction. The fixing portion 81A located at the other end of the elastic member 81 in the first direction is fixed to the end face of the holder member 71 in the first direction (Figure 2). That is, the elastic member 81 is connected to the holder member 71. The fixing portion 81B located at the other end of the elastic member 81 in the first direction is fixed to the end face of the case 3 in the first direction (Figure 2).

[0031] The fixing portion 82A located at one end of the elastic member 82 in the first direction is fixed to the other end face of the holder member 72 in the first direction (Figure 2). The fixing portion 82B located at the other end of the elastic member 82 in the first direction is fixed to the other end face of the case 3 in the first direction (Figure 2).

[0032] The lid portions 41 and 42 are plate-shaped members with their thickness in the first direction. The lid portion 41 is positioned on one side of the elastic member 81 in the first direction and is fixed to the fixing portion 81B. That is, the vibration motor 10 has a lid portion 41 positioned on one side of the case 3 in the first direction, and the elastic member 81 is sandwiched between the end face of the case 3 on one side in the first direction and the lid portion 41. The lid portion 42 is positioned on the other side of the elastic member 82 in the first direction and is fixed to the fixing portion 82B.

[0033] In the non-operating state, when coil 2 is not energized, the movable element 5 is in a stationary state due to the elastic force applied to the other side in the first direction by the elastic member 81, which is compressed from its natural length, and the elastic force applied to one side in the first direction by the elastic member 82, which is compressed from its natural length. In the non-operating state, the magnetic part 6C of the movable element 5 is located at the center position in the first direction of coil 2 (Figure 2).

[0034] By energizing coil 2, the interaction between the magnetic field generated by coil 2 and the magnetic field generated by magnet member 6 imparts a driving force to magnet member 6. In other words, coil 2 imparts a driving force to magnet member 6 when energized. As a result of the driving force being applied to the movable element 5, the movable element 5 vibrates in the first direction.

[0035] In this way, the vibration motor 10 does not use a shaft to guide the movable element as in conventional designs, thus reducing the weight of the movable element 5 and the volume of the magnet member 6. Therefore, the vibration amount of the vibration motor 10 can be ensured. In addition, sliding between the movable element and the shaft is eliminated, thus avoiding noise and wear caused by sliding.

[0036] <Configuration of holder components> Here, the holder members 71 and 72 will be described further. Preferably, at least a portion of the holder members 71 and 72, as shown in Figure 3, is made of metal. An example of the above metal is a tungsten alloy. This allows the weight of the holder members 71 and 72 to be increased, and the amount of vibration can be increased. In this case, the fixing portions 81A and 82A of the elastic members 81 and 82 are fixed to the holder members 71 and 72 by, for example, welding, bonding, or crimping.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least a portion of the holder members 71 and 72 be made of resin. In this case, the entire holder members 71 and 72 may be made of resin, or a portion may be made of metal and the remaining portion of resin. When a portion of the holder members 71 and 72 is made of resin, the side to which the fixing portions 81A and 82A are fixed is made of resin. In this case, the holder members 71 and 72 can be formed, for example, by insert molding.

[0038] As described above, when at least a portion of the holder members 71 and 72 is made of resin, the fixing parts 81A and 82A are fixed to the holder members 71 and 72 by means of adhesive, crimping, etc. In other words, the elastic members 81 and 82 are fixed directly or indirectly to the resin. Since the resin part has good workability, the elastic members 81 and 82 can be attached at low cost and with high precision.

[0039] <Structure of elastic members> Here, we will further describe the configuration of the elastic members 81 and 82. Figure 5 is a plan view of the elastic member 81 as seen in the first direction.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the elastic member 81 has an outer shape that, when viewed in a first direction, includes two straight sections 813 and 814 aligned in a second direction and two curved sections 811 and 812 aligned in a third direction. The elastic member 81 also has beam sections 81E and 81F. The beam sections 81E and 81F are composed of a straight section and a curved section, respectively, and connect the fixing section 81A and the fixing section 81B. The beam sections 81E and 81F are formed by slits 81C and 81D. That is, the elastic member 81 has beam sections 81E and 81F formed by at least two slits provided in the region enclosed by the above outer shape.

[0041] As a result, by adjusting the lengths of the straight and curved sections of the beam sections 81E and 81F, an appropriate resonance frequency can be set even for an elastic member 81 having the above-described external shape, while maintaining a balance of stiffness and stress in the second and third directions.

[0042] <Manufacturing method for vibration motors> Next, an example of the manufacturing process for the vibration motor 10 will be described. In the following, the manufacturing process will be explained using the first direction (Z direction), second direction (X direction), and third direction (Y direction) of the completed vibration motor 10.

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the first step. The first step is to pull the holder member 72, which has been pre-fixed to the magnet member 6 with adhesive, into the case 3. In the first step, jigs 11, 12, 13, and 14 are used.

[0044] First, case 3 is clamped from both sides in the second direction by jigs 11 and 12. More specifically, jig 11 has a rectangular base 111 and two guide rails 112 and 113. Note that guide rail 113 is hidden and not shown in Figure 6.

[0045] Here, Figure 7 shows a partially enlarged view of the state in Figure 6, with the jig 13 omitted from the illustration. As shown in Figure 7, the guide rail 112 has a base portion 112A and a projection portion 112B. The base portion 112A is rectangular in shape, protruding from one side surface 111A in the second direction of the base 111 to one side in the second direction and extending in the first direction. The projection portion 112B is rectangular in shape, protruding from the base portion 112A and extending in the first direction. The projection portion 112B is narrower in the third direction than the base portion 112A.

[0046] Guide rail 113 protrudes from one side surface 111A of the base 111 in the second direction toward one side in the second direction and has the same shape as guide rail 112. Guide rail 113 is positioned on the other side of guide rail 112 in the first direction, with a first space between them.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, when setting the jig 11 into the case 3, one side surface 111A in the second direction is brought into contact with the flat surface 32 (Figure 1) on the other side of the case 3 in the second direction. At this time, the portion of the case 3 sandwiched in the first direction by the case notches 3A and 3C fits into the first space, and the inner surfaces of the case notches 3A and 3C come into contact with the sides of the bases 112A and 113A. Note that the base 113A is the base of the guide rail 113, which is not shown.

[0048] The jig 12 comprises a base 121 and guide rails 122 and 123. The configuration of the jig 12 is the same as that of the jig 11 but in the reverse direction, so a detailed description is omitted. A second space is provided between the guide rails 122 and 123. When the jig 12 is set in the case 3 as shown in Figure 6, the other side 121A (Figure 7) of the base 121 in the second direction is brought into contact with the flat surface 32 on one side of the case 3 in the second direction. At this time, the portion of the case 3 that is sandwiched in the first direction by the case notches 3B and 3D fits into the second space, and the inner surfaces of the case notches 3B and 3D come into contact with the sides of the bases 122A and 123A (Figure 7) of the guide rails 122 and 123.

[0049] With the jigs 11 and 12 set in case 3 as described above, the magnet member 6, to which the holder member 72 is fixed, is inserted between the guide rails 113 and 123 from the other side in the first direction. When the magnet member 6 is inserted, each flat portion 62 (Figure 3) of the magnet member 6 comes into contact with the protrusions 113B and 123B of the guide rails 113 and 123. This positions the magnet member 6 in the second direction. In addition, the holder notch 72A and hole 72C of the holder member 72 come into contact with the side surface of the protrusion 113B, and the holder notch 72B and hole 72D come into contact with the side surface of the protrusion 123B. This positions the magnet member 6 in the third direction.

[0050] Then, the jig 13 shown in Figure 6 is inserted between the guide rails 112 and 122 from one side in the first direction. The jig 13 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. The jig 13 has flat surfaces 131 on both sides in the second direction as its outer circumferential surface. When the jig 13 is inserted, each flat surface 131 comes into contact with the protrusions 112B and 122B.

[0051] Since the jig 13 is made of a magnetic material, the magnet member 6 is fixed to the other end of the inserted jig 13 in the first direction. When the jig 13 is pulled in one direction in the first direction, the magnet member 6 is pulled into the case 3. Then, the jig 14 shown in Figure 6 is inserted into the jig 13. Since the jig 14 is made of a non-magnetic material, when the jig 14 pushes the magnet member 6 in the other direction in the first direction, the magnet member 6 is released from the jig 13. This completes the first step.

[0052] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the second step. The second step is to fix the holder member 71 to the magnet member 6. In the second step, jigs 15, 16, 17, and 18 are used.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, jig 15 is positioned in contact with the other side of jigs 11 and 12 in the first direction. A cylindrical jig 16 extending in the first direction is inserted into jig 15 and is movable in the first direction.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the jig 17 is positioned in contact with one side of the jigs 11 and 12 in the first direction. The cylindrical jig 18, which extends in the first direction, is inserted into the jig 17 and is movable in the first direction. Since the jig 18 is made of a magnetic material, the holder member 71 is fixed to the other side of the jig 18 in the first direction. The holder member 71 is inserted into the guide rails 112 and 122 from one side in the first direction. In the inserted state, the holder notch 71A and hole 71C of the holder member 71 are in contact with the side of the projection 112B of the guide rail 112, and the holder notch 71B and hole 71D are in contact with the side of the projection 122B of the guide rail 122.

[0055] Then, by pushing the holder member 72 in one direction using the jig 16, and pushing the holder member 71 in the other direction using the jig 18, the holder member 71 is fitted into the magnet member 6. Since adhesive has been applied to the holder member 71 in advance, the holder member 71 can be fixed to the magnet member 6 by adhesion. This completes the second step.

[0056] Here, Figure 9 is a plan view taken from one side in the first direction with the holder member 71 fixed to the magnet member 6. As shown in Figure 9, the base portion 112A of the guide rail 112 is in contact with the case notch portion 3A of the case 3, and the protruding portion 112B of the guide rail 112 is in contact with the holder notch portion 71A of the holder member 71. In addition, one side surface 111A in the second direction of the base 111 is in contact with the flat portion 32 of the case 3, and the protruding portion 112B is in contact with the flat portion 62 of the magnet member 6. This allows the movable element 5 to be positioned in the second and third directions relative to the case 3, and the central axes extending in the first direction of both the movable element 5 and the case 3 can be aligned.

[0057] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the third step. The third step is to fix the elastic members 81 and 82 to the holder members 71 and 72. In the third step, jigs 19, 20, and 21 are used.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, the elastic member 82 is inserted into the guide rails 113 and 123 from the other side in the first direction and brought into contact with the other side of the case 3 in the first direction. Here, as shown in Figure 5, the elastic member 81 has elastic member notches 81G and 81H. The elastic member notch 81G is notched toward one side in the second direction. The elastic member notch 81H is notched toward the other side in the second direction. The elastic member 82 also has elastic member notches similar to those of the elastic member 81.

[0059] The width of the elastic member notch of the elastic member 82 in the third direction is the same as the width of the case notches 3C and 3D in the third direction. This allows the elastic member notch of the elastic member 82 to come into contact with the side surfaces of the bases 113A and 123A of the guide rails 113 and 123, enabling the elastic member 82 to be positioned relative to the case 3 in the second direction.

[0060] Then, as shown in Figure 10, the jig 19 is brought into contact with the other side of jigs 11 and 12 in the first direction. The jig 19 has a protrusion 191 that projects outwards to one side in the first direction. The protrusion 191 sandwiches the elastic member 82 between itself and the case 3.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the elastic member 81 is inserted into the guide rails 112 and 122 from one side in the first direction and brought into contact with one side surface of the case 3 in the first direction. The width of the elastic member notches 81G and 81H in the third direction is the same as the width of the case notches 3A and 3B in the third direction. This allows the elastic member notches 81G and 81H to be brought into contact with the sides of the bases 112A and 122A of the guide rails 112 and 122, enabling the elastic member 81 to be positioned relative to the case 3 in the second direction.

[0062] Then, as shown in Figure 10, the jig 20 is brought into contact with one side of the jigs 11 and 12 in the first direction. The jig 20 has a protrusion 201 that protrudes to the other side in the first direction. The protrusion 201 sandwiches the elastic member 81 between itself and the case 3.

[0063] Then, a cylindrical jig 21 extending in the first direction, as shown in Figure 10, is inserted into the hole 20A of the jig 20, and the jig 21 pushes the fixing portion 81A of the elastic member 81 toward the other side in the first direction. As a result, the fixing portion 82A of the elastic member 82 is pressed against the holder member 72 by elastic force.

[0064] In this state, as shown in Figure 11, the fixing portion 82A of the elastic member 82 can be seen through the hole 19A of the jig 19. By irradiating the fixing portion 82A with a laser through the hole 19A, the fixing portion 82A is fixed to the holder member 72 by welding.

[0065] Alternatively, the fixing portion 82B of the elastic member 82 may be temporarily fixed to the case 3 by spot welding in several places. However, this temporary fixing is not mandatory.

[0066] Then, the jig 21 is inserted into the hole 19A of the jig 19, and the jig 21 pushes the fixing portion 82A of the elastic member 82 toward one side in the first direction. As a result, the fixing portion 81A of the elastic member 81 is pressed against the holder member 71 by elastic force.

[0067] In this state, the fixing part 81A is fixed to the holder member 71 by welding by irradiating it with a laser through the hole 20A. Alternatively, the fixing part 81B may be temporarily fixed to the case 3 by spot welding in several places. However, this temporary fixing is not mandatory.

[0068] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the fourth step. The fourth step is to fix the lids 41 and 42 to the elastic members 81 and 82. In the fourth step, jigs 22, 23, 24, and 25 are used. A pin-shaped jig 23 extending in the first direction is pre-inserted into jig 22, and jig 23 and jig 22 are connected by an elastic member (not shown). A pin-shaped jig 25 extending in the first direction is pre-inserted into jig 24, and jig 25 and jig 24 are connected by an elastic member (not shown).

[0069] As shown in Figure 12, the lid portion 41 is inserted into the guide rails 112 and 122 from one side in the first direction. Then, while the other end face of the jig 25 in the first direction is brought into contact with the lid portion 41, the jig 24 is brought into contact with one side of the jigs 11 and 12 in the first direction. In this state, the elastic force of the elastic member causes the jig 25 to press the lid portion 41 against the fixing portion 81B of the elastic member 81 on the other side in the first direction. Similarly, while the one end face of the jig 23 in the first direction is brought into contact with the lid portion 42, the jig 22 is brought into contact with the other side of the jigs 11 and 12 in the first direction. In this state, the elastic force of the elastic member causes the jig 23 to press the lid portion 42 against the fixing portion 82B of the elastic member 82 on the one side in the first direction.

[0070] In this state, the lid portion 41, the fixing portion 81B, and the case 3 are welded together. Here, as shown in Figure 14 which will be described later, the lid portion 41 has a recess 41A. The recess 41A is recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface of the lid portion 41. For example, the recess 41A is provided at four locations in the circumferential direction. The circumferential direction is the direction around the central axis J. The welding locations W for the temporary fixing described above are positioned at the circumferential locations of the recess 41A. This prevents welding adjacent to the welding locations W when welding the lid portion 41 and the elastic member 81, and suppresses deformation of the welding locations W.

[0071] Similarly, the lid portion 42 is pressed against the elastic member 82 by the jig 23 and then fixed to the elastic member 82 by welding.

[0072] In this way, the vibration motor 10 makes it possible to precisely position the movable element 5 relative to the case 3 during the assembly of the vibration motor. As a result, even though it does not use a shaft, it is possible to suppress the movable element 5 from sticking to the case 3.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the width Wc2 of the holder notch 71A in the third direction is shorter than the width Wc1 of the case notch 3A in the third direction. As a result, the width of the protruding portion 112B in the jig 11 (Figure 6) is shorter than the width of the base portion 112A, making it possible to insert the jig 11 into the case notch 3A. In addition, the position of the holder member 71 relative to the case 3 can be visually confirmed through the case notch 3A. Note that Wc1 = Wc2 may also be the case.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the inner end surface on the other side of the holder notch 71A in the second direction and the inner end surface on one side of the case notch 3A in the first direction are both planes parallel to the second direction. This allows for precise positioning of the movable element 5 using the jig 11 and suppresses sticking of the movable element 5 to the case 3.

[0075] Furthermore, both the magnet member 6 and the case 3 have outer surfaces that include two flat sections 62, 32 aligned in a second direction and two curved sections 61, 31 aligned in a third direction and connecting the flat sections 62, 32 (Figures 1 and 3). This allows the jig 11 and the magnet member 6, and the jig 11 and the case 3, to be in stable contact on their flat surfaces, enabling accurate positioning of the movable element 5 (Figure 9).

[0076] Furthermore, the flat surfaces 62 and 32 of the magnet member 6 and case 3 are parallel to the third direction. This allows for more precise positioning of the movable element 5 using the jig 11.

[0077] <Cover component> It is preferable to provide a cover member 30 on the vibration motor 10, as shown in Figure 14. In other words, the vibration motor 10 has a cover member 30. The cover member 30 is attached to the outer surface of the case 3 and covers the case notches 3A and 3C. The cover member 30 is, for example, a tape with a polyimide film as the base material. This prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the case 3 through the case notches 3A and 3C.

[0078] <Circuit board> Furthermore, the vibration motor 10 may be provided with a circuit board 35, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. As shown in Figure 15, the planar portion 32 of the case 3 is formed over the entire first direction of the case 3. The vibration motor 10 has a circuit board 35 attached to the planar portion 32. As a result, the entire surface of the board to which the circuit board 35 is attached is planar, so the circuit board 35 can be stably fixed. In addition, the area on the circuit board 35 where terminals T1 and T2 to which the coil 2 is connected are provided can be made planar.

[0079] Furthermore, the circuit board 35 has two terminals T1 and T2 located in the area where it is attached to the flat portion 32. Each of the two lead wires (not shown) of the coil 2 is connected to the respective terminals T1 and T2 via the case notch 3B. The distance in the first direction between one terminal T1 and the case notch 3B is different from the distance in the first direction between the other terminal T2 and the case notch 3B. By making the lengths of the two lead wires different, connection errors such as connecting the lead wire at the beginning and end of the winding to terminals T1 and T2 in the wrong direction can be suppressed. Therefore, in a mass-produced vibration motor 10, a voltage in the same direction can be applied to the coil 2.

[0080] <Embodiment using cushioning material> The vibration motor 10 may be provided with cushioning members 40A and 40B, as shown in Figure 16. As shown in Figure 16, the vibration motor 10 has a lid portion 41 positioned on one side of the case 3 in the first direction, and a cushioning member 40A. The elastic member 81 is positioned between the movable element 5 and the lid portion 41. The cushioning member 40A is positioned on the inner surface of the lid portion 41 facing the end face of the movable element 5 on one side in the first direction. This prevents collision between the elastic member 81 and the lid portion 41 due to the movement of the movable element 5 when the product is dropped. The cushioning members 40A and 40B are made of, for example, silicone rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, or the like.

[0081] <Embodiment using magnetic fluid> The vibration motor 10 may be provided with a magnetic fluid 45, as shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 17, the vibration motor 10 has a magnetic fluid 45 placed between the outer surface of the magnet member 6 and the inner surface of the coil 2. The magnetic fluid 45 can be used to adjust the damping function and the sharpness of the resonance.

[0082] <Other> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The present invention can be implemented by making various modifications to the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the various embodiments described above can be combined and implemented in any way that does not create a contradiction. [Industrial applicability]

[0083] The present invention can be used, for example, in vibration motors mounted in various devices such as portable devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1...Stationary part 2 coils 3 cases 3A,3B,3C,3D...Case notch 3S...interior space 5...Mover 6. Magnetic component 6A, 6B... Magnets 6Ax,6Bx...Magnetization area 6C...Magnetic material part 6Cx...Non-magnetized area 10. Vibration motor 11-25... Jig 30... Cover component 31...Curved surface part 32...Plane part 35... Circuit board 40A, 40B... Cushioning material 41,42...Lid part 41A...recess 45...Magnetic fluid 61...Curved surface part 62...Plane part 71, 72... Holder components 71A, 71B Holder notch 71C,71D...hole 72...Holder component 72A, 72B... Holder notch 72C,72D...hole 81, 82... Elastic members 81A,81B...Fixed part 81C, 81D... Slit 81E,81F...beam section 81G, 81H... Elastic member notch 82A,82B...Fixed part 111... Base 111A...One side in the second direction 112... Guide rail 112A...Base 112B...Protrusion 121... Base 121A...Other side in the second direction 122... Guide rail 122A...Base 122B...Protrusion 113,123... Guide rails J...center axis T1, T2... terminals W... Welding locations

Claims

1. The stationary part, A movable element having a magnetic member and capable of vibrating in a first direction, Elastic member and Equipped with, The stationary part includes a coil that applies a driving force to the magnet member by energizing it, A case containing the movable element and the coil inside, It has, The movable element has a holder member that holds one end of the magnet member in the first direction, The elastic member is connected to the holder member, The aforementioned case has a case notch, The case notch is cut out from one end of the case in the first direction toward the other end in the first direction, The holder member has a holder notch that is cut out toward one side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The case notch and the holder notch overlap when viewed in the second direction. The width of the holder notch in the third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is the same as, or shorter than, the width of the case notch in the third direction. The holder notch has a surface facing the third direction, and is a vibration motor.

2. The aforementioned magnet member comprises two magnets arranged in the first direction, A magnetic material portion is positioned between the magnets in a first direction, It has, The vibration motor according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic pole on the side of the magnet facing the magnetic material portion is the same pole.

3. The aforementioned magnet member is a single member, The aforementioned magnet member has two magnetization regions arranged in the first direction, A non-magnetized region is positioned between the magnetized region in the first direction, It has, The vibration motor according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic pole on the side of the magnetized region facing the non-magnetized region is the same pole.

4. The vibration motor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner end surface on the other side in the second direction of the holder notch and the inner end surface on the one side in the second direction of the case notch are both planes parallel to the second direction.

5. The elastic member has an elastic member notch that is cut out toward one side in the second direction, The vibration motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the width of the elastic member notch in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is the same as the width of the case notch in the third direction.

6. The vibration motor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a portion of the holder member is made of metal.

7. At least a portion of the holder member is made of resin, The vibration motor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastic member is fixed directly or indirectly to the resin portion.

8. A lid portion and a cushioning member are arranged on one side of the case in the first direction. It has, The elastic member is positioned between the movable element and the lid. The vibration motor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cushioning member is disposed on the inner surface of the lid portion facing the first end face of the movable element in one direction.

9. A vibration motor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a magnetic fluid disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the magnet member and the inner circumferential surface of the coil.

10. A vibration motor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a cover member attached to the outer circumferential surface of the case and covering the notched portion of the case.

11. Both the magnet member and the case have two planar portions aligned in a second direction and two curved portions aligned in a third direction that connect the planar portions, A vibration motor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, having an outer circumferential surface including

12. The vibration motor according to claim 11, wherein the planar portions of the magnet member and the case are parallel to a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

13. Having a circuit board, The planar portion of the case is formed over the entire first direction of the case, The vibration motor according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the circuit board is mounted on the flat portion of the case.

14. The circuit board has two terminals arranged in the area where it is attached to the flat portion of the circuit board, Each of the two lead wires of the coil is connected to the respective terminals via the notches in the case. The vibration motor according to claim 13, wherein the distance in the first direction between one terminal and the case notch is different from the distance in the first direction between the other terminal and the case notch.

15. The case has a lid portion positioned on one side in the first direction, The elastic member is sandwiched between the first end face of the case and the lid. The vibration motor according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cover portion has a recess that is recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion.

16. In a non-operating state where the coil is not energized, The movable element is subjected to an elastic force in the other direction in the first direction due to the elastic member being compressed from its natural length state, and an elastic force in one direction in the first direction due to the elastic member being compressed from its natural length state. The vibration motor according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the magnetic material portion of the movable element is located at the first central position of the coil.

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