Flexible piezoelectric haptic actuator and network terminal haptic-interaction apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a flexible piezoelectric haptic actuator and a network terminal haptic-interaction apparatus. The flexible piezoelectric haptic actuator comprises a piezoelectric structure and a limiting structure, wherein the piezoelectric structure is elastically stretchable, so as to extend and deform in the extension direction thereof when powered on and retract and reset when powered off; and the limiting structure is located on one side of the piezoelectric structure and connected and fixed to two ends of the piezoelectric structure, and is configured to limit the displacement of the ends of the piezoelectric structure, such that when the piezoelectric structure is powered on, a middle portion thereof is bent and deforms towards the side of the piezoelectric structure facing away from the limiting structure.

Description

Flexible piezoelectric tactile driver and network terminal tactile interaction device Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of tactile interaction devices for network terminals, and in particular to a flexible piezoelectric tactile driver and a tactile interaction device for network terminals. Background Art

[0002] Flexible tactile feedback network terminal tactile interaction devices can be applied to virtual reality human interaction systems. Through tactile feedback technology, users can be informed of the real properties of objects in the virtual world, thereby enhancing their immersive experience. Currently, flexible piezoelectric tactile actuators mainly include air pressure drive, electrical stimulation, and vibration stimulation. However, existing flexible piezoelectric tactile actuators struggle to generate sufficient driving force while miniaturizing them. This results in poor driving performance and affects the user experience of network terminal tactile interaction devices. Technical issues

[0003] The main purpose of this application is to provide a flexible piezoelectric tactile driver and a network terminal tactile interaction device, aiming to improve the driving effect of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver on the basis of miniaturization. Technical Solutions

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present application proposes a flexible piezoelectric tactile driver, which includes:

[0005] A piezoelectric structure that is elastically extendable to extend and deform along its extension direction when powered on and to retract and reset when powered off; and

[0006] A limiting structure is located on one side of the piezoelectric structure and is connected and fixed to both ends of the piezoelectric structure, and is used to limit the displacement of the two ends of the piezoelectric structure so that the middle part of the piezoelectric structure bends and deforms toward the side away from the limiting structure when power is applied.

[0007] In one embodiment, the piezoelectric structure comprises:

[0008] a piezoelectric portion, the piezoelectric portion being elastically expandable and contractible; and

[0009] Two flexible electrode portions, the two flexible electrode portions are respectively arranged on both sides of the piezoelectric portion and are elastically extendable along with the piezoelectric portion;

[0010] When the piezoelectric structure is energized, an electric field is formed between the two flexible electrode portions, so that the piezoelectric portion undergoes elastic deformation in the arrangement direction of the two flexible electrode portions;

[0011] When the piezoelectric structure is powered off, the electric field between the two electrode portions is removed, so that the piezoelectric portion is reset to an initial state.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least two piezoelectric structures are provided, and the two piezoelectric structures are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the restriction structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, a plurality of the piezoelectric structures are provided, and the plurality of piezoelectric structures are stacked on one side of the restriction structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least two support members are provided on a side of the limiting structure facing the piezoelectric structure, and each support member is provided corresponding to an end portion of the piezoelectric structure to limit displacement of the end portion of the piezoelectric structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, an elastic member is provided on a side of the limiting structure facing the piezoelectric structure, for providing a rebound force to the piezoelectric structure when the piezoelectric structure returns to an initial state.

[0016] In one embodiment, the elastic member is disposed corresponding to the middle portion of the piezoelectric structure;

[0017] And / or, the elastic member is arranged in a cross shape, an ellipse shape, a circle shape or a rectangle shape.

[0018] In one embodiment, the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver further includes a flexible insulating structure, and the flexible insulating structure is provided on a surface of the piezoelectric structure facing away from the limiting structure.

[0019] The present application also proposes a network terminal tactile interaction device, comprising any one of the aforementioned flexible piezoelectric tactile drivers, wherein the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver comprises:

[0020] A piezoelectric structure that is elastically extendable to extend and deform along its extension direction when powered on and to retract and reset when powered off; and

[0021] A limiting structure is located on one side of the piezoelectric structure and is connected and fixed to both ends of the piezoelectric structure, and is used to limit the displacement of the two ends of the piezoelectric structure so that the middle part of the piezoelectric structure bends and deforms toward the side away from the limiting structure when power is applied.

[0022] In one embodiment, the network terminal tactile interaction device includes a substrate, and a plurality of flexible piezoelectric tactile drivers are provided, and the plurality of flexible piezoelectric tactile drivers are arrayed and distributed on the substrate. Beneficial effects

[0023] The technical solution of the present application is that the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver includes a piezoelectric structure and a limiting structure. The piezoelectric structure can be elastically extended and deformed along its extension direction when energized, or used to retract and reset when the power is off; the limiting structure is used to limit the displacement of the end of the piezoelectric structure, so that when the piezoelectric structure is energized, the elongation deformation along its extension direction is converted into elastic bending in the stacking direction of the piezoelectric structure and the limiting structure, so as to achieve the effect of the piezoelectric structure bending outward when energized, thereby achieving flexible tactile feedback through the deformation of the piezoelectric structure. With such a configuration, the structure of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver is simple, which is conducive to miniaturization, and can bring a larger driving force through the driving deformation of the piezoelectric structure when energized, thereby helping to improve the driving effect of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0025] FIG1 is a structural diagram of an embodiment of a tactile interaction device for a network terminal of the present application;

[0026] FIG2 is a structural diagram of the flexible piezoelectric tactile actuator in FIG1 ;

[0027] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible piezoelectric tactile actuator in FIG1 ;

[0028] FIG4 is a partial structural diagram of the flexible piezoelectric tactile actuator in FIG1 ;

[0029] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the operation of an embodiment of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver in FIG1 when powered on;

[0030] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver in FIG1 when powered on;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver in FIG. 6 when the power is off.

[0032] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0033] Reference numerals Reference numerals 100 Network terminal tactile interaction device 12 Restriction structure 10 Flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 121 Support member 11 Piezoelectric structure 122 Elastic member 111 Piezoelectric portion 13 Flexible insulating structure 112 Flexible electrode portion 20 Substrate

[0034] The realization of the objectives, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0038] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the fact that they can be implemented by ordinary technicians in this field. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0039] The present application proposes a flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 applied to a network terminal tactile interaction device 100 .

[0040] 1 to 7 , in some embodiments of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 of the present invention, the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 includes:

[0041] A piezoelectric structure 11, wherein the piezoelectric structure 11 is elastically extendable so as to extend and deform along its extension direction when powered on and retract and reset when powered off; and

[0042] The limiting structure 12 is located on one side of the piezoelectric structure 11 and is connected and fixed to both ends of the piezoelectric structure 11, and is used to limit the displacement of the two ends of the piezoelectric structure 11 so that the middle part of the piezoelectric structure 11 bends and deforms toward the side away from the limiting structure 12 when power is applied.

[0043] In this embodiment, the flexible piezoelectric haptic driver 10 includes a piezoelectric structure 11 and a restraining structure 12. The piezoelectric structure 11 is made of a flexible material, and at least a portion of the structure is made of a flexible piezoelectric material. Due to the inverse piezoelectric effect, the flexible piezoelectric material will elongate and deform under the action of a high-voltage electric field, so that the piezoelectric structure 11 can elongate and deform along its extension direction under the influence of the flexible piezoelectric material when power is applied, and retract and reset when power is removed, thereby achieving an elastic and retractable configuration. The restraining structure 12 is located on one side of the piezoelectric structure 11 and is connected and fixed to both ends of the piezoelectric structure 11 to restrain the displacement of the two ends of the piezoelectric structure 11. This configuration can, by restraining the displacement of the piezoelectric structure 11 in its extension direction, convert the deformation of the piezoelectric structure 11 when power is applied into bending deformation of the central portion toward the side away from the restraining structure 12. Therefore, by applying an alternating voltage to the piezoelectric structure 11, the piezoelectric structure 11 can bend and retract continuously when power is alternately applied and removed, thereby causing the flexible piezoelectric haptic driver 10 to vibrate.

[0044] It should be noted that the flexible tactile feedback network terminal tactile interaction device 100 can be applied to a virtual reality human interaction system, using tactile feedback technology to provide users with feedback on the real properties of objects experienced in the virtual world, thereby enhancing the user's immersive experience. Currently, flexible piezoelectric tactile actuators 10 mainly include air pressure drive, electrical stimulation, and vibration stimulation types. Among them, air pressure drive tactile actuators require an additional air pump as a pneumatic power source, which increases the volume and weight of the network terminal tactile interaction device 100, making it difficult to achieve miniaturization. The air tube as a connecting structure also affects its flexibility. Although electrical stimulation tactile actuators can be miniaturized, they can directly stimulate the human nerve endings through high voltage electricity, which can easily cause a tingling sensation to the user, reducing the user experience. Vibration stimulation tactile actuators require their own deformation to generate driving force, so it is difficult to generate a large driving force within a small size range. In other words, existing flexible piezoelectric tactile actuators 10 are difficult to generate a large driving force while miniaturizing, resulting in poor driving effect of the flexible piezoelectric tactile actuators 10, which affects the user experience of the network terminal tactile interaction device 100.

[0045] Therefore, it can be understood that the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 includes a piezoelectric structure 11 and a limiting structure 12. The piezoelectric structure 11 can be elastically extended and deformed along its extension direction when energized, or for retracting and resetting when the power is off. The limiting structure 12 is used to limit the displacement of the end of the piezoelectric structure 11, so that when the piezoelectric structure 11 is energized, the elongation deformation along its extension direction is converted into elastic bending in the stacking direction of the piezoelectric structure 11 and the limiting structure 12, so as to achieve the effect of the piezoelectric structure 11 bending outward when energized, thereby achieving flexible tactile feedback through the deformation of the piezoelectric structure 11. With such a configuration, the structure of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 is simple, which is conducive to miniaturization, and can increase the size of the piezoelectric structure 11 through the driving deformation of the piezoelectric structure 11 when energized and bring about a larger driving force through its vibration, thereby helping to improve the driving effect of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10.

[0046] 2 to 7 , in some embodiments of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 of the present invention, the piezoelectric structure 11 includes:

[0047] a piezoelectric portion 111 , wherein the piezoelectric portion 111 is elastically expandable and contractible; and

[0048] Two flexible electrode portions 112 , the two flexible electrode portions 112 are respectively disposed on both sides of the piezoelectric portion 111 and are elastically extendable along with the piezoelectric portion 111 ;

[0049] When the piezoelectric structure 11 is energized, an electric field is formed between the two flexible electrode portions 112, so that the piezoelectric portion 111 undergoes elastic deformation in the arrangement direction of the two flexible electrode portions 112;

[0050] When the piezoelectric structure 11 is powered off, the electric field between the two electrode portions is removed, so that the piezoelectric portion 111 is reset to an initial state.

[0051] In this embodiment, the piezoelectric structure 11 includes a piezoelectric part 111 and two flexible electrode parts 112. The piezoelectric part 111 is an elastically stretchable flexible piezoelectric material, which can be but is not limited to being set to PVDF material, PVDF-TrFE material, PVDF-TrFE-CTFE material, piezoelectric ceramics, etc.; the two flexible electrode parts 112 are arranged in pairs and are respectively arranged on both sides of the piezoelectric part 111, and can be elastically stretched and contracted with the piezoelectric part 111, so that the piezoelectric structure 11 can be stretched and deformed as a whole.

[0052] Specifically, when the piezoelectric structure 11 is energized, a uniform electric field is formed between the two flexible electrode portions 112, so that the piezoelectric portion 111 undergoes elastic deformation in the arrangement direction of the two flexible electrode portions 112, and the two flexible electrode portions 112 can deform along with the piezoelectric portion 111; when the piezoelectric structure 11 is de-energized, the electric field between the two electrode portions is removed, so that the piezoelectric portion 111 is reset to its initial state, and the two flexible electrode portions 112 can be reset along with the piezoelectric portion 111.

[0053] 6 and 7 , in some embodiments of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 of the present invention, at least two piezoelectric structures 11 are provided, and the two piezoelectric structures 11 are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the restriction structure 12 .

[0054] In this embodiment, at least one piezoelectric structure 11 is provided on opposite sides of the restricting structure 12. When both piezoelectric structures 11 are energized, the piezoelectric structures 11 on opposite sides of the restricting structure 12 can undergo relative bending deformation, thereby forming convex structures on opposite sides of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10. In other words, by synchronously applying an alternating voltage to the two piezoelectric structures 11, the opposite sides of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 can be caused to vibrate synchronously. This can provide the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 with greater driving deformation and driving force, thereby improving the user experience of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10.

[0055] Of course, the technical solution of the present application is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric structures 11 on opposite sides of the restriction structure 12 can also be driven independently. This is conducive to enabling the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 to form different tactile modes and generate various forms of tactile feedback, thereby improving the experience of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10. The specific implementation method can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0056] It should be noted that, in the aforementioned embodiment, the number and assembly method of the plurality of piezoelectric structures 11 on opposite sides of the limiting structure 12 can be symmetrically arranged, or can be arranged according to actual needs, which is not limited here.

[0057] In some embodiments of the flexible piezoelectric haptic driver 10, multiple piezoelectric structures 11 are provided, and the multiple piezoelectric structures 11 are stacked on one side of the restraining structure 12. In this way, by driving the multiple piezoelectric structures 11 on one side of the restraining structure 12 to vibrate synchronously, the flexible piezoelectric haptic driver 10 can be provided with greater driving deformation and driving force.

[0058] Referring to Figures 2 to 7, in some embodiments of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 of the present invention, at least two support members 121 are provided on the side of the limiting structure 12 facing the piezoelectric structure 11, and each of the support members 121 is provided corresponding to one end of the piezoelectric structure 11 to limit the displacement of the end of the piezoelectric structure 11.

[0059] In this embodiment, a support member 121 is protruded from the side of the limiting structure 12 facing the piezoelectric structure 11. The support member 121 can be, but is not limited to, set to an elastic material, and can be, but is not limited to, connected and fixed to the piezoelectric structure 11 by adhesive glue, so as to support and limit the end of the piezoelectric structure 11. In this way, while limiting the end of the piezoelectric structure 11, the contact area between the piezoelectric structure 11 and the limiting structure 12 can be reduced, which is conducive to the continuous vibration of the piezoelectric structure 11 when an alternating voltage is applied.

[0060] In some embodiments, the support member 121 can be configured as a long strip structure and adapted to the shape and size of the end portion of the piezoelectric structure 11, thereby facilitating improved support stability for the end portion of the piezoelectric structure 11. Of course, the support member 121 can also be configured as a plurality of support units, which are spaced apart at the end portion of the piezoelectric structure 11. For example, a support unit is provided at each of the four corners of the piezoelectric structure 11, and the four support units jointly support and limit the piezoelectric structure 11. The specific implementation method can be configured according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0061] 2 to 7 , in some embodiments of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 of the present invention, an elastic member 122 is provided on the side of the limiting structure 12 facing the piezoelectric structure 11 for providing a rebound force to the piezoelectric structure 11 when the piezoelectric structure 11 is reset to its initial state.

[0062] With such a configuration, when the piezoelectric structure 11 is powered off, the elastic member 122 can provide a rebound force to the piezoelectric structure 11 after the electric field is removed, causing it to quickly bounce toward the side away from the limiting structure 12, and can improve the vibration intensity of the tactile drive unit to a certain extent, thereby facilitating continuous bending and deformation of the piezoelectric structure 11 to achieve a better flexible tactile feedback effect.

[0063] 2 to 7 , in some embodiments of the flexible piezoelectric haptic driver 10, the elastic member 122 is disposed corresponding to the middle portion of the piezoelectric structure 11. In some embodiments, the elastic member 122 may be, but is not limited to, configured in a cross, oval, circular, or rectangular shape.

[0064] In this embodiment, an elastic member 122 is provided in the middle of the piezoelectric structure 11. The elastic member 122 can be provided in a symmetrical structure, such as a cross, an ellipse, a circle, or a rectangle. This can reduce the contact area between the elastic member 122 and the piezoelectric structure 11, which can reduce the cost of providing the elastic member 122 to a certain extent. The elastic member 122 can also provide a uniform rebound force to the piezoelectric structure 11, thereby achieving a good rebound effect on the middle of the piezoelectric structure 11.

[0065] 2 to 7 , in some embodiments of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 , the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 further includes a flexible insulating structure 13 , which is disposed on a surface of the piezoelectric structure 11 facing away from the limiting structure 12 .

[0066] In this embodiment, by providing a flexible insulating structure 13, on the one hand, it can play an insulating role, reduce the risk of leakage, and improve the safety of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10; on the other hand, it can improve the protection performance of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10, which is beneficial to prevent the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 from being damaged, thereby extending the service life of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 to a certain extent.

[0067] This application also proposes a network terminal tactile interaction device 100, which includes the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 described in any of the aforementioned embodiments. The specific structure of the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 is described in any of the aforementioned embodiments. Since the network terminal tactile interaction device 100 proposed in this application can apply all the technical solutions in all of the aforementioned embodiments, it at least has all the beneficial effects brought about by the aforementioned technical solutions, which will not be detailed here.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 1. In some embodiments of the invented network terminal tactile interaction device 100, the network terminal tactile interaction device 100 includes a substrate 20, and a plurality of flexible piezoelectric tactile drivers 10 are provided. The plurality of flexible piezoelectric tactile drivers 10 are arrayed and distributed on the substrate 20.

[0069] Among them, each flexible piezoelectric tactile driver 10 can be controlled and driven individually. According to actual needs, alternating voltage can be applied to different flexible piezoelectric tactile drivers 10 respectively to make the corresponding flexible piezoelectric tactile drivers 10 vibrate respectively, so that the network terminal tactile interaction device 100 can form different tactile modes and generate various forms of tactile feedback, which is conducive to improving the experience of the network terminal tactile interaction device 100.

[0070] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present application and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present application specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present application, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A flexible piezoelectric tactile actuator, wherein: The flexible piezoelectric tactile driver comprises: A piezoelectric structure that is elastically extendable to extend and deform along its extension direction when powered on and to retract and reset when powered off; and A limiting structure is located on one side of the piezoelectric structure and is connected and fixed to both ends of the piezoelectric structure, and is used to limit the displacement of the two ends of the piezoelectric structure so that the middle part of the piezoelectric structure bends and deforms toward the side away from the limiting structure when power is applied.

2. The flexible piezoelectric tactile actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The piezoelectric structure comprises: a piezoelectric portion, the piezoelectric portion being elastically expandable and contractible; and Two flexible electrode portions, the two flexible electrode portions are respectively arranged on both sides of the piezoelectric portion and are elastically extendable along with the piezoelectric portion; When the piezoelectric structure is energized, an electric field is formed between the two flexible electrode portions, so that the piezoelectric portion undergoes elastic deformation in the arrangement direction of the two flexible electrode portions; When the piezoelectric structure is powered off, the electric field between the two electrode portions is removed, so that the piezoelectric portion is reset to an initial state.

3. The flexible piezoelectric tactile actuator according to claim 2, wherein: There are at least two piezoelectric structures, and the two piezoelectric structures are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the restriction structure.

4. The flexible piezoelectric tactile actuator according to claim 2, wherein: There are multiple piezoelectric structures, and the multiple piezoelectric structures are stacked on one side of the restriction structure.

5. The flexible piezoelectric tactile driver according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: At least two supporting members are provided on a side of the limiting structure facing the piezoelectric structure. Each supporting member is provided corresponding to an end portion of the piezoelectric structure to limit displacement of the end portion of the piezoelectric structure.

6. The flexible piezoelectric tactile driver according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: An elastic member is provided on a side of the limiting structure facing the piezoelectric structure, for providing a rebound force to the piezoelectric structure when the piezoelectric structure is reset to an initial state.

7. The flexible piezoelectric tactile driver according to claim 6, wherein: The elastic member is arranged corresponding to the middle portion of the piezoelectric structure; And / or, the elastic member is arranged in a cross shape, an ellipse shape, a circle shape or a rectangle shape.

8. The flexible piezoelectric tactile driver according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The flexible piezoelectric tactile driver further includes a flexible insulating structure, which is provided on a surface of the piezoelectric structure on a side facing away from the limiting structure.

9. A network terminal tactile interaction device, wherein: The network terminal tactile interaction device includes the flexible piezoelectric tactile driver according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The network terminal tactile interaction device according to claim 9, wherein: The network terminal tactile interaction device includes a substrate, and a plurality of flexible piezoelectric tactile drivers are provided. The plurality of flexible piezoelectric tactile drivers are arrayed and distributed on the substrate.

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