Vibration actuator and electronic device

Abstract

This vibration actuator has: a fixed body that has a coil; and a movable body that has a magnet disposed radially inward of the coil, and that vibrates relative to the fixed body in a vibration direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the coil due to the interaction between a current flowing through the coil and the magnetic field of the magnet. The fixed body has an eddy current damping part that is disposed on the outer periphery of the magnet so as to surround the magnet, generates an eddy current as the movable body moves within the magnetic field, and damps the vibration of the movable body through interaction with the magnetic field.

Description

Vibration actuator and electronic device

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration actuator and an electronic device equipped with the same.

[0002] Conventionally, electronic devices with vibration functions are equipped with vibration actuators as vibration generation sources. By driving the vibration actuators and transmitting vibrations to the user, the electronic devices can notify the user of incoming calls and improve the sense of operation and realism. Here, the electronic devices include portable devices such as handheld game terminals, controllers (game pads) for stationary game consoles, mobile communication terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones, personal digital assistants such as tablet PCs, and wearable terminals that can be attached to clothing, the arm, etc.

[0003] As a vibration actuator having a structure that can be miniaturized and mounted in a portable device, for example, a vibration actuator used in a pager or the like is known, as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0004] This vibration actuator comprises a pair of elastic plates that are supported by the opening edge of a cylindrical frame so as to face each other. Each of the elastic plates is arranged with one end fixed to a fixed body and the other end fixed to a movable body. One of the pair of elastic plates has a spiral shape, with its outer periphery (one end) located at the bottom of the frame and its central end (the other end) rising from this outer periphery. A yoke with a magnet attached is fixed to this central portion and is supported within the frame.

[0005] The yoke and the magnet constitute a magnetic field generator, and a coil is attached to the other elastic plate and placed within the magnetic field of the magnetic field generator. The coil is cylindrical and made of enameled wire, which is copper wire with a resin baked onto its surface. It is a so-called air-core coil made of self-bonding wire, and requires a small installation space. By passing currents of different frequencies through the coil via an oscillator circuit, the pair of elastic plates selectively resonate and generate vibrations, and the yoke vibrates within the frame in the direction of the frame's centerline.

[0006] Patent No. 3748637 Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 59-191427

[0007] However, in an actuator that is driven by resonance, such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a peak in vibration acceleration at the resonance frequency of the yoke, which is the movable body, and this peak is steep. For this reason, in conventional vibration actuators, when attempting to obtain strong vibrations over a wide frequency range, there has been a demand for a way to suitably adjust the vibrations without reducing the output.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a vibration actuator and electronic device that generate high-output vibrations over a wide frequency range.

[0009] One aspect of the vibration actuator of the present invention comprises a fixed body having a coil; and a movable body having a magnet arranged radially inside the coil, which vibrates relative to the fixed body in a vibration direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the coil due to the interaction between the current flowing through the coil and the magnetic field of the magnet, wherein the fixed body is arranged so as to surround the magnet on its outer periphery, and has an eddy current damping section which generates eddy currents as the movable body moves within the magnetic field and damps the vibration of the movable body due to the interaction with the magnetic field.

[0010] One aspect of the electronic device of the present invention is configured to include the vibration actuator having the above-described configuration.

[0011] According to the present invention, high-output vibrations can be generated over a wide frequency range.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a vibration actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the vibration actuator with the drive unit removed from the case. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the drive unit. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vibration actuator. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the coil assembly with the movable body removed from the drive unit. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the coil assembly. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the vibration actuator shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between drive frequency and vibration acceleration for a conventional vibration actuator and the vibration actuator shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vibration actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the coil assembly with the movable body removed from the drive unit. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the coil assembly. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an eddy current damping section of the vibration actuator according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a vibration actuator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the coil assembly of the vibration actuator according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the same. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a vibration actuator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a vibration actuator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a vibration actuator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a vibration actuator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a coil assembly of a vibration actuator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a vibration actuator according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a coil assembly of a vibration actuator according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a vibration actuator according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a drive unit in a vibration actuator according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a vibration actuator according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of a drive unit in a vibration actuator according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a vibration actuator according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a drive unit in a vibration actuator according to embodiment 10 of the present invention. Fig. 29 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between drive frequency and vibration acceleration for the vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 and the vibration actuators according to embodiments 8 to 10. Fig. 30 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 11 of the present invention. Fig. 31 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 12 of the present invention. Fig. 32 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 13 of the present invention. Fig. 33 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 14 of the present invention. Fig. 34 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device in which the vibration actuator is implemented. Fig. 35 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device in which the vibration actuator is implemented.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] In the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" in terms such as "upper side" and "lower side" are used for convenience to facilitate understanding of the configuration and behavior of the vibration actuator according to each embodiment. When the vibration actuator according to each embodiment is mounted on an electrical device (see Figures 34 and 35), the "upper" and "lower" described here may be reversed, or may be rotated left and right, or may be at an angle. Incidentally, in each embodiment, the up and down direction is the vibration direction of the movable body in the vibration actuator 1, with the "upward direction" being one of the vibration directions and the "downward direction" being the other of the vibration directions. In other words, the vibration actuator is a linear actuator that vibrates the movable body linearly in the up and down direction.

[0015] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the term "radial direction" refers to a direction extending radially or centrifugally (a direction perpendicular to the central axis) around the central axis extending in the up-down direction in the vibration actuator 1. Furthermore, the terms "outside" and "inside" in terms such as "outside" and "inside" refer to the outward and inward directions in the radial direction around the central axis CA. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the term "circumferential direction" refers to a direction extending around the central axis CA.

[0016] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the expressions relating to shapes used in the following description are merely expedient expressions for the purpose of describing simple outlines, and do not necessarily represent geometrically accurate definitions of figures. The shapes of the entire device or each component part described herein are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the shapes exemplified in each embodiment.

[0017] (Embodiment 1) [Overall configuration of vibration actuator] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing a vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the vibration actuator with a drive unit removed from a case. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the drive unit, and Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vibration actuator. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a coil assembly with a movable body removed from the drive unit. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the coil assembly.

[0018] The vibration actuator 1 according to the first embodiment is mounted as a vibration generating source in an electronic device such as a portable game terminal device (for example, the game controller GC shown in FIG. 34 ), and realizes the vibration function of the electronic device. Such electronic devices also include mobile devices such as smartphones (for example, the mobile terminal M shown in FIG. 35 ). The vibration actuator 1 is mounted in each device such as a portable game terminal device or a mobile device, and vibrates when driven to notify the user of an incoming call or to provide a sense of operation or realism.

[0019] 1 and 2, the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment accommodates a movable body 20 in a hollow case 10 so that the movable body 20 can vibrate between the upper and lower end faces, with the vibration direction being the axial direction (vertical direction) of the case 10. When the movable body 20 inside the case 10 vibrates, the vibration actuator 1 itself functions as a vibrating body.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the vibration actuator 1 has a movable body 20 having a magnet 30 and movable body cores 41 and 42, a fixed body 50 having coils 61 and 62, and elastic support parts 81 and 82 that support the movable body 20 so that it can move back and forth relative to the fixed body 50.

[0021] In the vibration actuator 1, the coils 61, 62, the magnet 30, and the movable body cores 41, 42 form a magnetic circuit that vibrates the movable body 20. When the coils 61, 62 are energized by a power supply unit (for example, the drive control unit 203 shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), an interaction occurs between the currents in the coils 61, 62 and the magnetic field generated by the magnet 30. This causes the movable body 20 to move back and forth in the vibration direction within the case 10.

[0022] In vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment, movable body 20 moves back and forth in the vibration direction, which is the up-and-down direction, inside coils 61, 62 held by coil bobbin portion 52, which is a coil holding portion, more specifically, inside bobbin main body portion (coil protection wall portion) 522. The axial direction of coils 61, 62 of movable body 20 is the vibration direction of movable body 20, the magnetization direction of magnet 30, and also the axial direction of coil bobbin portion 52.

[0023] When the movable body 20 is not vibrating, the center of its vibration direction length faces the center of the vibration direction length of the coil bobbin portion 52 at a predetermined distance in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the movable body 20 via the elastic support portions 81, 82. At this time, the movable body 20 is desirably positioned to be balanced with the coils 61, 62 so as not to come into contact with the bobbin body portion 522 of the coil bobbin portion 52. For example, the centers of the vibration direction length of the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41, 42 are positioned to face the center of the vibration direction length (thickness) of the coils 61, 62 spaced apart from each other radially outward (in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction). A magnetic fluid may be interposed in the gap between the bobbin body portion 522 and the movable body 20.

[0024] 2, in this embodiment, the vibration actuator 1 accommodates a drive unit 13 in a case 10 having a case body 11 and a lid 12. The drive unit 13 has coils 61, 62, a coil bobbin 52, a movable body 20, and elastic support portions 81, 82. The drive unit 13 may also include an outer yoke 58 that covers the coils 61, 62 from the outside.

[0025] <Movable body 20> The movable body 20 is supported inside the cylindrical coil bobbin portion 52 of the fixed body 50 by elastic support portions 81, 82 connected at the upper and lower ends so as to be able to move back and forth along the inner surface of the coil bobbin portion 52 (the inner peripheral surface 52a of the bobbin main body portion 522).

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the movable body 20 includes a magnet 30, movable body cores 41 and 42, weights 22 and 24, and fixing pins 26 and 28.

[0027] The movable body 20 has movable body cores 41 and 42 and weights 22 and 24 arranged in series on both sides in the vibration direction around the magnet 30. The outer peripheral surfaces 20a of the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41 and 42 are arranged opposite to the inner peripheral surface 52a of the bobbin main body 522, specifically, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical conductor 90, with a predetermined gap between them.

[0028] When the movable body 20 moves in the vibration direction, the outer peripheral surface 20 a faces the cylindrical conductor 90 along the inner peripheral surface 52 a and moves back and forth without coming into contact with the cylindrical conductor 90 .

[0029] The magnet 30 is magnetized in the vibration direction. In this embodiment, the magnet 30 is formed in a disk shape, and front and back surfaces 30a and 30b, which are spaced apart in the vibration direction, have different polarities. The front and back surfaces 30a and 30b of the magnet 30 are two magnetized surfaces that are spaced apart in the direction in which the axes of the coils 61 and 62 extend.

[0030] The magnet 30 is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the coils 61, 62 (details of which will be described later) radially inward of the coils 61, 62. Here, the "radial direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the axes of the coils 61, 62 and also to a direction perpendicular to the up-and-down direction, which is the vibration direction. This "space" in the radial direction may refer to the space between the magnet 30 and the coils 61, 62, including the bobbin main body 522. Alternatively, the space may be a space that allows the magnet 30 to move without contacting the coils 61, 62 in the vibration direction of the movable body 20, but may also be a predetermined space between the bobbin main body 522 and the magnet 30.

[0031] In this embodiment, magnet 30 is disposed radially outwardly so as to face the center of bobbin main body 522. Note that magnet 30 may have a shape other than a disk shape, such as a cylindrical shape or a plate shape, as long as it is disposed inside coils 61, 62 with two magnetized surfaces facing in the direction of extension of the axes of coils 61, 62. It is also desirable that the axial center of magnet 30 coincides with the axial center of movable body 20.

[0032] Movable cores 41 and 42 are provided on the front and rear surfaces 30a and 30b of the magnet 30. The magnet 30 is made of, for example, a neodymium sintered material.

[0033] The movable body cores 41 and 42 are magnetic bodies that function as yokes and form a magnetic circuit together with the magnet 30 and the coils 61 and 62. The movable body cores 41 and 42 are made of a magnetic material such as SECC. The movable body cores 41 and 42 form a movable body-side magnetic circuit together with the magnet 30. The movable body cores 41 and 42 concentrate the magnetic flux of the magnet 30, allowing it to flow efficiently without leakage, and effectively distribute the magnetic flux flowing between the magnet 30 and the coils 61 and 62.

[0034] In addition to functioning as part of the magnetic circuit, the movable body cores 41 and 42 also function as the main body of the movable body 20, as a part for fixing the weights 22 and 24, and as a weight.

[0035] The movable body cores 41, 42 have the same outer diameter and surface shape as the magnet 30. The movable body cores 41, 42 are formed in the shape of annular flat plates and are fixed to the magnet 30 so that their outer peripheral surfaces are flush with the outer peripheral surface of the magnet. The movable body cores 41, 42, together with the outer peripheral surface of the magnet 30, form the outer peripheral surface 20a of the movable body 20.

[0036] In this embodiment, the movable body cores 41, 42 are the same member formed in the same shape. In this embodiment, the movable body cores 41, 42 are provided symmetrically above and below the magnet 30, with the magnet 30 at the center, on either side of the magnet 30. The movable body cores 41, 42 are attracted to the magnet 30 and fixed to the magnet 30 with, for example, a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive.

[0037] Fitting openings 411 and 421 into which the upper and lower weights 22 and 24 fit are provided in the center of each of the movable body cores 41 and 42. The upper and lower weights 22 and 24 are inserted into the fitting openings 411 and 421 on the same axis.

[0038] In this embodiment, when the movable body 20 is not vibrating, the movable body cores 41, 42 are positioned inside (radially inside) the coils 61, 62 so as to face each of the coils 61, 62 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the coils 61, 62.

[0039] The weights 22 and 24 are weights for the movable body 20 and are preferably made of a non-magnetic material. The weights 22 and 24 are made of, for example, SUS. The weights 22 and 24 also fix the movable body magnetic circuit (the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41 and 42) to the elastic support portions 81 and 82. The weights 22 and 24 are provided symmetrically above and below the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41 and 42. This provides a good weight balance between the weights of the movable body 20 in the vertical direction, thereby increasing the vibration output of the movable body 20.

[0040] In this embodiment, the weight portions 22, 24 are cylindrical bodies that function as the axis of the movable body 20 and are arranged along the central axis of the movable body 20, and are interposed between the movable body cores 41, 42 and the elastic support portions 81, 82.

[0041] Plummets 22 and 24 are formed in the same shape and have joints 222 and 242 and spring fixing portions 224 and 244. Joints 222 and 242 and spring fixing portions 224 and 244 are respectively connected in the vibration direction (specifically, the up-and-down direction).

[0042] The weight portions 22, 24 have through-holes that pass through the movable body 20, and weights can be added to the through-holes. This allows the weight portions 22, 24 to function as weight adjustment portions. By adding weights to the through-holes, the movable body 20 can be made heavier, and the vibration output of the movable body 20 can be increased.

[0043] The other end sides of joints 222, 242 are inserted and fitted into fitting openings 411, 421 of movable body cores 41, 42, respectively. Weights 22, 24 may be fixed to movable body cores 41, 42 by press-fitting or by bonding using a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive.

[0044] Spring fixing portions 224, 244 constitute both ends in the vibration direction of movable body 20. Upper spring fixing portion 224 is joined to inner circumferential portion 802, which is the end (other end) on the inner diameter side of the upper leaf spring that is elastic support portion 81. Spring fixing portion 224 is disposed in weight portion 22 so as to protrude upward from joint portion 222, and its tip is joined to inner circumferential portion 802 of elastic support portion 81 via fixing pin 26.

[0045] On the other hand, lower spring fixing portion 244 is joined to inner circumferential portion 802, which is the end portion on the inner diameter side of the lower leaf spring that is elastic support portion 82. Spring fixing portion 244 is provided in weight portion 24 so as to protrude downward from joint portion 242, and its tip is joined to inner circumferential portion 802 of elastic support portion 82 via fixing pin 28.

[0046] The fixing pins 26 and 28 firmly fix the elastic support parts 81 and 82 to the movable body 20 so that they do not come off due to vibration of the movable body 20.

[0047] In this embodiment, the fixing pins 26, 28 are rivets formed in the same shape, and each has an axial pin body 262, 282 that can be press-fitted into the spring fixing portion 224, 244, and a flange 264, 284 provided on the edge portion on one end side of the pin body 262, 282.

[0048] The pin bodies 262, 282 are press-fitted into the through holes of the spring fixing parts 224, 244 via the openings of the inner periphery 802, with the inner periphery 802 of each of the elastic support parts 81, 82 overlapping the spring fixing parts 224, 244. As a result, the flanges 264, 284 and the spring fixing parts 224, 244 sandwich the inner periphery 802 of the elastic support parts 81, 82, firmly joining the elastic support parts 81, 82.

[0049] The inner peripheral portions 802 of the elastic support portions 81, 82 and the spring fixing portions 224, 244 may be joined by welding, adhesive, crimping, or the like, or may be joined by a combination of welding, adhesive, and crimping.

[0050] Weights 22, 24 are arranged at both ends (upper and lower ends) of movable body 20 that are spaced apart in the vibration direction from the movable body magnetic circuit. Weights 22, 24 have both a weight function and a spring fixing function, eliminating the need to assemble components with each function separately. Weights 22, 24 may be made of a magnetic material, but are made of a non-magnetic material. Therefore, magnetic flux from movable body cores 41, 42 does not flow upward or downward, but flows efficiently toward coils 61, 62 located on the outer periphery of movable body cores 41, 42.

[0051] <Fixed body 50> The fixed body 50 holds the coils 61, 62 and supports the movable body 20 radially inside the coils 61, 62 via elastic support portions 81, 82 so that the movable body 20 can move freely in the vibration direction (coil axis direction, axial direction of the movable body 20).

[0052] The fixed body 50 includes a case 10, coils 61 and 62, a coil bobbin portion 52, an outer yoke 58, and a cylindrical conductor (electrical conductor) 90 as an eddy current damping portion.

[0053] The coil assembly 15 is made up of the coils 61, 62, the coil bobbin portion 52, and the cylindrical conductor 90. In this embodiment, the vibration actuator 1 is made up by connecting almost all of the components that generate vibration, such as the movable body 20 and the case 10, to the coil assembly 15 via the elastic support portions 81, 82.

[0054] The coil bobbin portion 52 holds the coils 61 and 62 wound around its outer circumferential surface, surrounds the magnet 30 with its inner circumferential surface 52 a, and guides the movement of the movable body 20 having the magnet 30 .

[0055] The coil bobbin portion 52 is a cylindrical body formed of a resin such as a phenol resin, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), etc. In this embodiment, the coil bobbin portion 52 is made of a material containing a phenol resin, such as Bakelite, which has high flame retardancy.

[0056] The coil bobbin portion 52 is made of a material containing phenolic resin, which increases flame resistance and improves safety during operation even if heat is generated by Joule heat when a current flows through the coils 61 and 62. Furthermore, the dimensional accuracy is improved, and the positional accuracy of the coils 61 and 62 is also improved, which reduces variations in vibration characteristics.

[0057] The coil bobbin portion 52 has a cylindrical bobbin body portion 522 , a central flange portion 526 and flange portions 527 and 528 that protrude radially from the outer periphery of the bobbin body portion 522 , a terminal lead-out portion 530 , and a movable range forming portion 54 .

[0058] Coils 61 and 62 are wound around the coil bobbin portion 52. The coils 61 and 62 are covered by an outer yoke 58. For convenience, the terminal binding portion (coil connection portion) 53 may be illustrated and described as terminal binding portions (coil connection portions) 53-1 and 53-2.

[0059] The bobbin body 522 functions as a protective wall that protects the coils 61, 62 from collisions when the movable body 20 arranged inside is driven. The thickness of the bobbin body 522 is set to a thickness that provides strength that does not affect the outer coils 61, 62 even when the moving movable body 20 comes into contact with the bobbin body 522.

[0060] On the outer periphery of the bobbin body 522, concave coil mounting portions 52b, 52c are formed between the central flange 526 and the flanges 527, 528. Coils 61, 62 are disposed in the coil mounting portions 52b, 52c. The coils 61, 62 are arranged side by side in the coil axis direction so as to surround the outer periphery of the movable body cores 41, 42 of the movable body 20 (the outer periphery of the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41, 42).

[0061] The terminal lead-out portion 530 is provided so as to protrude radially outward from the central flange portion 526. The terminal lead-out portion 530 is fitted into an opening 582 of the outer yoke 58 and functions as a rotation stopper for the outer yoke 58. Terminal binding portions (coil connection portions) 53 (53-1, 53-2), which are terminals connected to the coils 61, 62, are protruded from the terminal lead-out portion 530 and exposed to the outside.

[0062] 3, the terminal binding portion 53 functions as a connector connecting portion that binds the coil windings at the ends of the coils 61 and 62 and connects them to an external device. The coils 61 and 62 are connected to the external device via the terminal binding portion 53, and power is supplied to the coils 61 and 62.

[0063] The terminal binding portion 53 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of a central flange portion 526 that is positioned at the center of the vibration direction on the outer periphery of the bobbin main body portion 522 , and is positioned so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the central flange portion 526 .

[0064] The flange portions 527 and 528 are provided at both ends of the bobbin body portion 522 that are spaced apart in the axial direction (which in this embodiment is the vibration direction and also the vertical direction), and form the upper and lower ends of the coil bobbin portion 52 .

[0065] The flange portions 527 and 528 have elastic support portions 81 and 82 fixed at their ends (top and bottom ends in this embodiment) that are located away from the central flange portion 526 .

[0066] The movable range forming portions 54 are provided to protrude in the vertical direction from the upper and lower ends of the coil bobbin portion 52. When the coil bobbin portion 52 is housed in the case 10, the movable range forming portions 54 form a vibration range between the lid portion 12 and the bottom portion 114 of the case 10 and the movable body 20. The movable range forming portions 54 are provided at a predetermined interval on the annular upper and lower open end faces (also referred to as the "upper end face" and the "lower end face") 527a and 528a of the flange portions 527 and 528, respectively. The upper end face 527a is the open end face on one side, and the lower end face 528a is the open end face on the other side.

[0067] As a result, the elastic support parts 81, 82 are not fixed to the fixed body via multiple component parts, resulting in a structure that is less susceptible to component tolerances, restricting circumferential and radial movement such as rotation, suppressing variations in the elastic support parts 81, 82 as a product, and achieving stable characteristics.

[0068] The flange portions 527, 528 have positioning engagement portions 529 (see FIG. 4) for positioning the outer yoke, which engage with the outer yoke 58. The positioning engagement portions 529 are provided on the outer peripheries of the flange portions 527, 528, i.e., on the outer diameter portion of the coil bobbin portion 52, and position the outer yoke 58 in a position that surrounds the coils 61, 62.

[0069] The positioning engagement portions 529 are stepped portions that open toward the central flange portion 526 on the outer periphery of each of the flange portions 527, 528, and engage with the upper and lower ends of the outer yoke 58. By engaging the outer yoke 58 with the positioning engagement portions 529, the outer yoke 58 can be positioned without misalignment with respect to the coils 61, 62 wound around the coil bobbin portion 52, thereby obtaining stable magnetic characteristics.

[0070] <Coils 61, 62> In the vibration actuator 1, the coils 61, 62 vibrate in the axial direction of the coils 61, 62 (the magnetization direction of the magnet 30), and together with the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41, 42, are used to generate the drive source for the vibration actuator 1. When driven (when vibrating), the coils 61, 62 are energized, and together with the magnet 30, they form a voice coil motor.

[0071] The coils 61 and 62 are disposed in the coil attachment portions 52b and 52c, and are disposed at positions facing the movable body cores 41 and 42 in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction.

[0072] The coils 61 and 62 are held in the coil bobbin portion 52 so that the center position of the length in the coil axis direction (vibration direction) is substantially the same position (including the same position) as the center position of the length in the vibration direction of the movable body 20 (the center position in the vibration direction of the magnet 30). The coils 61 and 62 are wound in opposite directions to each other, and are configured so that current flows in opposite directions when energized.

[0073] The coils 61 and 62 are formed into a cylindrical shape within the coil mounting portions 52b and 52c by, for example, changing the winding direction of a single coil wire in the coils 61 and 62 and winding it from the outside of the coil bobbin portion 52 around the coil mounting portions 52b and 52c.

[0074] The coils 61 and 62 are connected by a coil wire passing through a connecting groove 55 (see FIG. 3) formed in a recessed shape in the central flange 526. Respective ends 611 and 621 (see FIG. 18) of the single coil wire constituting the coils 61 and 62 are connected by being wound around the terminal winding portions 53 (53-1 and 53-2) of the central flange 526.

[0075] The coils 61, 62 are connected to a power supply unit (for example, the drive control unit 203 shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ) via the terminal binding unit 53. For example, each end of the coils 61, 62 is connected to an AC supply unit, and AC power (AC voltage) is supplied from the AC supply unit to the coils 61, 62. This allows the coils 61, 62 to generate thrust between themselves and the magnet, which allows them to move toward and away from each other in their axial directions.

[0076] The coil axes of the coils 61 and 62 are preferably arranged coaxially with the axis of the coil bobbin portion 52 or the axis of the magnet 30 .

[0077] With this configuration, the coil bobbin portion 52 having the coils 61, 62 can be assembled without using self-fusing wire in order to maintain the cylindrical shapes of the coils 61, 62. In other words, since there is no need to use air-core coils as the coils, the cost of the coils 61, 62 themselves can be reduced, and ultimately the cost of the entire vibration actuator can be reduced.

[0078] Inside the case 10, the coils 61 and 62 have their outer circumferential surfaces surrounded by the outer yoke 58 and are sealed within the coil mounting portion.

[0079] <Cylindrical conductor (eddy current damping portion) 90> The cylindrical conductor 90 is a cylindrical body made of a conductive material, and generates an eddy current in association with the movement of the movable body 20 inside the coils 61, 62. The cylindrical conductor 90 damps the movement of the movable body 20 by the interaction between the generated eddy current and the magnetic field of the magnet 30.

[0080] The cylindrical conductor 90 is disposed radially inside the coils 61 and 62 and surrounds the magnet 30 on the outer periphery of the magnet 30 .

[0081] The cylindrical conductor 90 is arranged in the circumferential direction by being attached to the inner peripheral surface of the coil bobbin portion 52 (more specifically, the bobbin body portion 522). The cylindrical conductor 90 is arranged in a position facing the magnet 30 with respect to the movable body 20 and closest to the magnet 30 in the radial direction.

[0082] The cylindrical conductor 90 is made of a conductive material, preferably a material with high conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, or an alloy containing these. The cylindrical conductor 90 is formed, for example, from a copper plate processed into a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical conductor 90 damps the vibration of the movable body by interacting with the magnetic field of the magnet 30, as will be described later.

[0083] Specifically, when current flows through coils 61 and 62, movable body 20 moves in the vibration direction due to the force it receives from the magnetic field of magnet 30. At this time, a change in magnetic flux occurs in tubular conductor 90, and an eddy current is generated in tubular conductor 90 so as to cancel out the change in magnetic flux.

[0084] The eddy current generates a force acting in a direction that damps the movement of the movable body 20 due to the Lorentz force, due to interaction with the magnetic field of the magnet 30. As a result, the vibration of the movable body 20 is damped.

[0085] In this way, the cylindrical conductor 90 has a braking function that uses the eddy current that is generated when the movable body 20 is driven to brake the movement of the movable body 20. This braking, that is, the damping of the vibration of the movable body 20, can be set by the distance between the cylindrical conductor 90 and the magnet 30, the area of ​​the cylindrical conductor 90, and the thickness of the cylindrical conductor 90.

[0086] <Outer yoke 58> The outer yoke 58 is a cylindrical magnetic body that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the coil bobbin portion 52 and is positioned to cover the radially outer side of the coils 61, 62. The outer yoke 58 is positioned on the coil bobbin portion 52 via the terminal lead-out portion 530 and the positioning engagement portion 529 of the coil bobbin portion 52.

[0087] The outer yoke 58 is made of a magnetic material such as SECC. The outer yoke 58 constitutes the fixed body side magnetic circuit together with the coils 61 and 62 and functions as an electromagnetic shield. The outer yoke 58 prevents leakage of magnetic flux to the outside of the vibration actuator 1 in the movable body side magnetic circuit, i.e., the magnetic circuit constituted by the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41 and 42.

[0088] The outer yoke 58 is positioned so that the center of the length of the outer yoke 58 in the vibration direction is at the same height as the center of the vibration direction of the magnet 30 placed inside the outer yoke 58. The shielding effect of this outer yoke 58 can reduce magnetic flux leakage to the outside of the vibration actuator 1.

[0089] Furthermore, outer yoke 58 can increase the thrust constant in the magnetic circuit, thereby improving electromagnetic conversion efficiency. Outer yoke 58 functions as a magnetic spring together with magnet 30, utilizing the magnetic attractive force of magnet 30. The magnetic spring can reduce stress when elastic support members 81, 82 are used as mechanical springs, thereby improving the durability of elastic support members 81, 82.

[0090] <Elastic Supporting Portions 81, 82> The elastic supporting portions 81, 82 support the movable body 20 so that it can move back and forth relative to the fixed body 50 in the vibration direction.

[0091] The elastic support members 81, 82 are disposed on either side of the movable body 20 in the vibration direction of the movable body 20, and are bridged across both the movable body 20 and the fixed body 50 so as to intersect with the vibration direction. The elastic support members 81, 82 are disposed spaced apart from each other at both ends (upper and lower ends) of the movable body 20 that are spaced apart in the vibration direction, and are connected to the fixed body 50. In this embodiment, the elastic support members 81, 82 are disposed facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction.

[0092] In the elastic support parts 81 and 82, the inner peripheral parts 802 are fitted to both ends (spring fixing parts 224 and 244) that are separated in the axial direction (vibration direction) of the movable body 20. In addition, the outer peripheral fixing part 806 side is attached to the movable body 20 so as to protrude radially outward (radially).

[0093] The elastic support portions 81, 82 support the movable body 20 so that it does not come into contact with the fixed body 50 when the movable body 20 is not vibrating or when the movable body 20 is vibrating. Even if the elastic support portions 81, 82 come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 52a of the bobbin main body portion 522 of the movable body 20 when the movable body 20 is driven (vibrating), they do not come into direct contact with the magnetic circuit itself, specifically, the coils 61, 62 themselves, and therefore the coils 61, 62 are not damaged. The elastic support portions 81, 82 may be configured with any material as long as they elastically support the movable body 20 so that it can move freely. In this embodiment, the elastic support portions 81, 82 are the same members having the same configuration.

[0094] The elastic support members 81, 82 may be made of a non-magnetic material or a magnetic material (specifically, a ferromagnetic material). If the elastic support members 81, 82 are non-magnetic leaf springs, they may be made of stainless steel plate such as SUS304 or SUS316. If the elastic support members 81, 82 are made of a magnetic material, they may be made of stainless steel plate such as SUS301, which is originally non-magnetic but becomes magnetic through processing such as pressing. It is known that, for example, a material that becomes magnetic through processing such as pressing (e.g., SUS301) is more durable and less expensive than a material that remains non-magnetic even through processing such as pressing (e.g., SUS304 or SUS316). In this embodiment, the elastic support members 81, 82 are made of SUS301.

[0095] The elastic support portions 81 and 82 are each a plurality of flat leaf springs. The movable body 20 may have three or more leaf springs as the plurality of elastic support portions 81 and 82. The plurality of leaf springs are attached along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction.

[0096] The elastic support members 81, 82, which are leaf springs, have a shape in which an annular inner circumferential portion 802, which is the inner spring end, and an outer circumferential fixed portion 806, which is the outer spring end, are joined by a deforming arm portion 804 that is an arc-shaped in plan view and elastically deforms. In each of the elastic support members 81, 82, deformation of the deforming arm portion 804 causes the inner circumferential portion 802 to be displaced in the axial direction relative to the outer circumferential fixed portion 806.

[0097] In this embodiment, the leaf springs serving as elastic support members 81 and 82 are formed by sheet metal processing using stainless steel plate, and more specifically, are thin, flat, disk-shaped spiral springs. Because elastic support members 81 and 82 are flat, they can be more accurately positioned, i.e., more accurately processed, than conical springs.

[0098] In this embodiment, the multiple elastic support members 81, 82 have the same spiral direction, and each has one outer circumferential end, the outer circumferential fixed portion 806, fixed to the fixed body 50, and the other inner circumferential end, the inner circumferential portion 802, fixed to the movable body 20. Because the elastic support members 81, 82 are fixed to the movable body 20 so that the spiral direction is the same, they can move smoothly, i.e., deform, even if the amount of movement of the movable body 20 increases, resulting in a larger amplitude and enabling increased vibration output. However, depending on the desired vibration range of the movable body 20, the multiple elastic support members 81, 82 may be designed so that the spiral directions are opposite to each other.

[0099] The inner circumferential portion 802 is formed in a circular ring shape. The deforming arm portion 804 is elastically deformable and is disposed between the outer circumferential fixed portion 806 and the inner circumferential portion 802. One end of the deforming arm portion 804 is coupled to the outer circumferential fixed portion 806, and the other end is coupled to the inner circumferential portion 802. The deforming arm portion 804 connects the outer circumferential fixed portion 806 and the inner circumferential portion 802.

[0100] The plate-shaped elastic support members 81, 82 are arranged with respect to the movable body 20 such that the inner circumferential portions 802 of the elastic support members 81, 82 overlap the spring fixing portions 224, 244 that form the ends of the movable body 20 in the vibration direction. As described above, the inner circumferential portions 802 of the elastic support members 81, 82 are fixed by being sandwiched between the flanges 264, 284 of the fixing pins 26, 28 and the spring fixing portions 224, 244.

[0101] On the other hand, the outer periphery fixing portion 806 of the upper elastic support portion 81 is fixed radially outward to the upper end portion of the coil bobbin portion 52. Specifically, the outer periphery fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 81 is fixed to a portion of the annular upper end surface 527a of the upper flange portion 527 that forms the upper end portion of the coil bobbin portion 52, avoiding the movable range forming portion 54.

[0102] The outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 81 is fixed in the case 10 by being sandwiched between the annular upper end surface 527a of the flange portion 527 and the pressing portion 128 of the lid portion 12. The upper end surface 527a refers to the upper (one side) end surface of the portion of the upper (one side) flange portion 527 that avoids the movable range forming portion 54.

[0103] Furthermore, the outer circumferential fixing portion 806 of the lower elastic support portion 82 is fixed to the lower end portion of the coil bobbin portion 52, radially outward of the movable body 20 in the vibration actuator 1. Specifically, the outer circumferential fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 82 is fixed to a portion of the annular lower end surface 528a of the lower flange portion 528 that forms the lower end portion of the coil bobbin portion 52, avoiding the movable range forming portion 54.

[0104] The outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 82 is fixed inside the case 10 by being sandwiched between the annular lower end surface 528a of the flange portion 528 and a step portion 118 provided on the peripheral edge of the bottom portion 114. The lower end surface 528a refers to the upper (other side) end surface of the portion of the lower (other side) flange portion 528 that avoids the movable range forming portion 54.

[0105] In this way, the elastic support members 81, 82 are sandwiched between the upper and lower end surfaces (opening end surfaces) 527a, 528a of the upper and lower opening edge portions of the coil bobbin portion 52 and the lid portion 12 and bottom portion 114 of the case 10, while being arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. Furthermore, the movable body 20 is housed inside the coil bobbin portion 52 around which the coils 61, 62 are wound, and the inner peripheral portions 802 of the elastic support members 81, 82 are fixed to the upper and lower ends of the movable body 20, and the outer peripheral fixing portions 806 of the elastic support members 81, 82 are fixed to the upper end of the coil bobbin portion 52. This results in a drive unit 13 in which the positional relationship between the coils 61, 62 and the movable body 20 is defined, making it easy to arrange the drive unit 13 inside the case 10.

[0106] <Case 10> The lid 12 and bottom 114 constitute the top surface 122 and bottom surface (bottom 114) of the vibration actuator 1 in this embodiment, and are arranged opposite the movable body 20 of the drive unit 13 at a predetermined distance in the vibration direction of the movable body 20. The lid 12 is provided hanging down from part of the outer periphery of the top surface 122, and has a hanging part 124 that engages with the notch 102 of the case body 11. The top surface 122 is provided with a recess 126.

[0107] The lid portion 12 and the bottom portion 114 each restrict the range of movement of the movable body 20. The lid portion 12 and the bottom portion 114 function as a range of movement restricting portion that serves as a hard stop (limiting the range of movement) for the movable body 20.

[0108] Specifically, the lid portion 12 and the bottom portion 114 restrict the movable range formed by the movable range forming portion 54. In other words, the lid portion 12 and the bottom portion 114 restrict the length from the lid portion 12 and the bottom portion 114 to the edges of the upper and lower ends of the drive unit 13 (coil bobbin portion 52) (open end faces 527a, 528a of the upper and lower flange portions 527, 528). As a result, the hollow space in the case 10 forms a movable body space in which the movable body 20 moves.

[0109] In this way, the length of the movable body space is set to a range that does not cause plastic deformation of the elastic support members 81, 82. Therefore, even if a force exceeding the movable range is applied to the movable body 20, the elastic support members 81, 82 will not undergo plastic deformation and will come into contact with the fixed body 50 (at least one of the lid portion 12 and the bottom portion 114), so that the elastic support members 81, 82 will not be damaged and reliability can be improved.

[0110] The case 10 is formed of a cylindrical, cup-shaped case body 11 with a bottom and a lid 12. This reduces the number of parts, improves assembly ease, and improves impact resistance compared to a configuration in which the peripheral wall 112 and the bottom 114 are separate components. The lid 12 may be fixed to the opening 115 of the cup-shaped case body 11 by welding or crimping. For example, after the opening 115 is closed by the lid 12, a portion surrounding the lid 12 is made to protrude upward from the lid 12, and the protruding portion is bent toward the lid 12 and crimped to be fixed.

[0111] <Operation of Vibration Actuator 1> FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the vibration actuator shown in FIG.

[0112] Regarding the operation of the vibration actuator 1, an example will be given in which the magnet 30 is magnetized so that the surface 30a on one side of the magnetization direction (the upper side in this embodiment) is the north pole and the back surface 30b on the other side of the magnetization direction (the lower side in this embodiment) is the south pole.

[0113] In vibration actuator 1, a magnetic circuit shown in Fig. 7 is formed. Furthermore, in vibration actuator 1, coils 61 and 62 are arranged so that their coil axes are perpendicular to the magnetic flux of movable body cores 41 and 42, which sandwich magnet 30 in the vibration direction. When coils 61 and 62 are not energized, no current that interacts with the magnetic field of magnet 30 flows through coils 61 and 62. Therefore, no driving force is generated to vibrate movable body 20, and movable body 20 does not move.

[0114] Specifically, a magnetic flux flow mf is formed, which is emitted from the surface 30a side of the magnet 30, radiated from the movable body core 41 toward the coil 61 side, passes through the outer yoke 58, and enters the magnet 30 from the movable body core 42 below the magnet 30 via the coil 62. In other words, the outer yoke 58 has the effect of efficiently flowing magnetic flux from the coil 61 to the coil 62.

[0115] Therefore, when current is applied as shown in FIG. 7, the magnetic field of the magnet 30 interacts with the current flowing through the coils 61 and 62, generating a Lorentz force in the −f direction in the coils 61 and 62 according to Fleming's left-hand rule.

[0116] The Lorentz force in the -f direction is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of the current flowing through coils 61 and 62. Because coils 61 and 62 are fixed to fixed body 50 (coil bobbin portion 52), in accordance with the law of action and reaction, a force opposite to this Lorentz force in the -f direction is generated as a thrust in the F direction on movable body 20 having magnet 30. As a result, movable body 20 having magnet 30 moves in the F direction, that is, toward lid portion 12 (top surface portion 122 of lid portion 12).

[0117] Furthermore, when the current flow direction of coils 61 and 62 is switched to the opposite direction and current is passed through coils 61 and 62, a Lorentz force is generated in the opposite direction, that is, in the direction F. Due to the generation of this Lorentz force in the F direction, in accordance with the law of action and reaction, a force opposite to this Lorentz force in the F direction is generated as a thrust (thrust in the −F direction) on movable body 20, and movable body 20 moves in the −F direction, i.e., toward bottom 114 of fixed body 50.

[0118] When the vibration actuator 1 is not energized and not driven (not vibrating), a magnetic attractive force acts between the magnet 30 and the outer yoke 58, causing them to function as a magnetic spring. The magnetic attractive force generated between the magnet 30 and the outer yoke 58 and the restoring forces of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 that attempt to return them to their original shapes cause the movable body 20 to return to its original position.

[0119] In this magnetic circuit, when current is applied to the coils 61 and 62, magnetic flux flows through the magnet 30 and the coils 61 and 62, and eddy currents are generated in the cylindrical conductor 90, which suppress the flow of magnetic flux from the magnet 30 and damp the vibration of the movable body 20.

[0120] For example, when generating a Lorentz force in the -f direction, in other words, a thrust in the F direction on the movable body 20, the cylindrical conductor (eddy current damping unit) 90 acts on the magnetic field of the magnet 30 to generate eddy currents and form a magnetic field in a direction that inhibits the generation of the Lorentz force in the -f direction. Also, when generating a thrust in the -F direction on the movable body 20 by energizing the coils 61 and 62, the cylindrical conductor (eddy current damping unit) 90 acts on the magnetic field of the magnet 30 to generate eddy currents and form a magnetic field in a direction that inhibits the generation of the Lorentz force in the f direction.

[0121] As a result, the vibration actuator 1 damps the vibration of the movable body caused by eddy currents. Since the damping is more pronounced where the acceleration is large, the acceleration peak at the resonance point is suppressed.

[0122] Figure 8 is a graph showing the relationship between drive frequency and vibration acceleration for a conventional vibration actuator and the vibration actuator shown in Figure 1. In Figure 8, the solid line is graph G1 showing the relationship between drive frequency and vibration acceleration for vibration actuator 1, and the dashed line is graph G2 showing the relationship between drive frequency and vibration acceleration for the conventional vibration actuator. Graph G3 is a graph showing the relationship between drive frequency and vibration acceleration for the structure of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 5, which will be described later.

[0123] In conventional vibration actuators, there is a vibration acceleration peak P2 at the resonant frequency F0 of the moving part, and this peak is steep, as shown in graph G2 in Figure 8. Therefore, in conventional vibration actuators, attempts have been made to suppress the peak in order to obtain strong vibrations over a wide frequency range, but this has proven difficult.

[0124] On the other hand, as described above, the vibration actuator 1 has a cylindrical conductor 90 in which eddy currents are generated as the movable body 20 vibrates (moves), and in the magnetic circuit that generates vibration of the movable body 20, a braking force acts that obstructs the flow of magnetic flux and damps the vibration of the movable body 20.

[0125] This damping force increases near the resonance frequency F0, where the vibration acceleration increases. Therefore, as shown in graph G1, the damping force can smooth out changes in the vibration acceleration near the resonance frequency F0. Therefore, for example, if an AC voltage is supplied to the coils 61, 62 so that the vibration acceleration peak P1 of the vibration actuator 1 coincides with the vibration acceleration peak P2 of the conventional vibration actuator, the entire curve will rise, as shown in graph G1. This allows the vibration actuator 1 to obtain strong vibrations (vibration acceleration) over a wide range of drive frequencies.

[0126] In this way, the vibration actuator 1 includes a cylindrical conductor 90 that uses eddy currents generated as the movable body 20 vibrates (moves) to reciprocate the movable body 20, which is made up of the coils 61, 62 and the magnet 30, i.e., that damps and brakes the vibration. By damping the vibration of the movable body 20, it is possible to smooth out changes in vibration acceleration near the resonance frequency F0, allowing the vibration actuator 1 to obtain strong vibrations (vibration acceleration) over a wide range of drive frequencies. Therefore, even when miniaturized, it is possible to generate suitable high-output vibrations over a wide range of drive frequencies.

[0127] The vibration actuator 1 has shock resistance and can output a suitable bodily vibration with high vibration expression.

[0128] The vibration actuator 1 is driven by an AC wave input from a power supply unit (for example, the drive control unit 203 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 ) to the coils 61, 62. In other words, the direction of current flow through the coils 61, 62 switches periodically, and a thrust in the F direction on the top surface 122 side of the lid 12 and a thrust in the −F direction on the bottom surface 114 side act alternately on the movable body 20. This causes the movable body 20 to vibrate in the vibration direction (the direction of the winding axes of the coils 61, 62, which is perpendicular to the radial direction of the coils 61, 62, or the magnetization direction of the magnet 30).

[0129] The following is a brief description of the driving principle of the vibration actuator 1. In the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment, the mass of the movable body 20 is m [kg], the spring constant of the spring (the elastic support portions 81 and 82 which are springs) is K ｓｐIn this case, the movable body 20 has a resonance frequency F ｒ It vibrates at [Hz].

[0130]

[0131] Since the movable body 20 is considered to constitute a mass part in a vibration model of a spring-mass system, the coils 61 and 62 are connected to the resonance frequency F ｒ When an AC wave having a frequency equal to the resonant frequency F of the movable body 20 is input, the movable body 20 enters a resonant state. ｒ By inputting an AC wave having a frequency substantially equal to the frequency of the input, the movable body 20 can be vibrated efficiently.

[0132] Below are shown the equation of motion and the circuit equation that show the driving principle of the vibration actuator 1. The vibration actuator 1 is driven based on the equation of motion shown in the following equation (2) and the circuit equation shown in the following equation (3).

[0133]

[0134]

[0135] That is, the mass m [kg], displacement x(t) [m], thrust constant K f [N / A], current i(t) [A], spring constant K sp [N / m], damping coefficient D [N / (m / s)], etc. can be changed as appropriate within the range that satisfies formula (2). ｅ [V / (m / s)] can be changed as appropriate within a range that satisfies formula (3).

[0136] In this way, in the vibration actuator 1, the mass m of the movable body 20 and the spring constant K of the elastic support members 81 and 82, which are leaf springs, ｓｐ The resonant frequency F is determined by ｒ When the coils 61 and 62 are energized with an AC wave corresponding to the above, a large vibration output can be obtained efficiently.

[0137] Furthermore, the vibration actuator 1 satisfies the formulas (2) and (3) and is driven by a resonance phenomenon using the resonance frequency shown in formula (1).

[0138] According to this embodiment, plate-shaped elastic support members 81, 82 are arranged above and below (in the vibration direction) the movable body 20, so that the movable body 20 can be stably driven in the vertical direction, and at the same time, the magnetic flux of the coils 61, 62 can be efficiently distributed from the upper and lower elastic support members 81, 82 of the magnet 30. This makes it possible for the vibration actuator 1 to achieve high-output vibration.

[0139] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, and Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the coil assembly with the movable body removed from the drive unit. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the coil assembly, and Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the eddy current damping section of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Note that in Fig. 9, the main parts are indicated by X1.

[0140] In the vibration actuator 1A according to the second embodiment, when components have the same functions as those in the vibration actuator 1 according to the first embodiment, the same names and symbols are used and their explanations are omitted. Components with the same names are basically made of the same materials. Components with roughly the same functions are explained by using the same names and symbols with the letter "A" added to the end.

[0141] In the vibration actuator 1 of the first embodiment, the cylindrical conductor 90 serving as the eddy current damping portion may be configured from a plurality of divided conductors (divided bodies) 92 .

[0142] The vibration actuator 1A according to embodiment 2 shown in Figures 9 to 12 replaces the cylindrical conductor 90 in the configuration of the vibration actuator 1 with a plurality of divided conductors 92 provided on the inner surface 52a of the bobbin main body portion 522.

[0143] The vibration actuator 1A includes a coil assembly 15A of a drive unit 13A housed in a case 10 having a case body 11 and a lid 12, and the coil assembly 15A includes a plurality of divided conductors 92. Like the coil assembly 15, the coil assembly 15A includes coils 61, 62, a coil bobbin 52, and further includes divided conductors 92. The coil assembly 15A, together with the movable body 20 and elastic support members 81, 82, constitutes the drive unit 13A.

[0144] The multiple segmented conductors 92 are arc-shaped and are arranged circumferentially on the inner peripheral wall of the bobbin main body 522. The segmented conductors 92 are each made of the same material as the cylindrical conductor 90. The segmented conductors 92 each extend in the vibration direction and are arranged cylindrically to form the cylindrical conductor 90A.

[0145] The divided conductors 92 are arranged facing each other so as to surround the outer circumferential surface of the movable body 20 over the entire inner circumferential surface.

[0146] According to this configuration, as in the first embodiment, an eddy current is generated, and the vibration of the movable body 20 can be damped by the interaction between the generated eddy current and the magnet 30.

[0147] (Embodiment 3) Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining a vibration actuator according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, Figure 14 is an oblique view of a coil assembly 15B of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, and Figure 15 is a plan view of the same.

[0148] In vibration actuator 1B according to embodiment 3, when components have the same functions as those in vibration actuator 1 according to embodiment 1, they are given the same names and reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. Components with the same names are basically made of the same materials. Components with roughly the same functions are explained by using the same names and reference numerals with the letter "B" suffix.

[0149] The cylindrical conductor 90 serving as the eddy current damping portion in the vibration actuator 1 of the first embodiment may be configured with a plurality of divided bodies 94 that are divided conductors.

[0150] In the vibration actuator 1B according to embodiment 3 shown in Figures 13 to 15, the cylindrical conductor 90 in the configuration of the vibration actuator 1 is replaced with a plurality of divided bodies 94 provided on the inner surface of the bobbin main body 522.

[0151] The vibration actuator 1B includes a coil assembly 15B of a drive unit 13B housed in a case 10 having a case body 11 and a lid portion 12, and the coil assembly 15B includes a plurality of divided bodies 94.

[0152] Incidentally, the coil assembly 15B has coils 61, 62 and a coil bobbin portion 52, similar to the coil assembly 15A, and constitutes the drive unit 13B together with the movable body 20 and elastic support portions 81, 82.

[0153] The plurality of divided bodies 94 are cylindrical and arranged in the vibration direction to form a cylindrical conductor 90B as an eddy current damping section. The cylindrical conductor 90B is arranged circumferentially on the inner peripheral surface of the coil bobbin section 52.

[0154] The segments 94 are attached in the circumferential direction to the inner peripheral surface 52a of the bobbin main body 522 and are arranged in a plurality of segments in the vibration direction. Each segment 94 is made of the same material as the cylindrical conductor 90. The segments 94 are aligned uniformly in the vibration direction to form the cylindrical conductor 90B.

[0155] The divided bodies 94 are arranged facing each other, with the entire inner circumferential surface of each divided body 94 surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the movable body 20. With this configuration, as in the first embodiment, eddy currents are generated, and the vibration of the movable body 20 can be damped by the interaction between the generated eddy currents and the magnet 30.

[0156] 16 is a diagram illustrating a vibration actuator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the vibration actuator according to the fourth embodiment and a partially enlarged view thereof. Note that X3 and X31 indicate corresponding enlarged portions.

[0157] In the vibration actuator 1C according to embodiment 4, when components have the same functions as those in the vibration actuator 1 of embodiment 1, they are given the same names and reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. Components with the same names are basically made of the same materials. Furthermore, components with roughly the same functions are explained by using the same names and reference numerals with the letter "C" added to the end.

[0158] The cylindrical conductor 90 serving as the eddy current damping portion in the vibration actuator 1 of the first embodiment may be configured with a plurality of divided bodies 96 and disposed inside the coils 61 and 62 , in other words, on the outer peripheral surface of the coil bobbin portion 52 .

[0159] 16 shows a vibration actuator 1C according to the fourth embodiment, in which the cylindrical conductor 90 in the configuration of the vibration actuator 1 is arranged adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin main body 522 in the circumferential direction. That is, the divided body 96 is arranged at the bottom of the concave coil mounting portions 52b, 52c in the coil bobbin portion 52, with the coils 61, 62 arranged on top of it. The coil mounting portions 52b, 52c are formed by the central flange portion 526, upper and lower flange portions 527, 528, and the bobbin main body 522. The divided body 96 is a conductive member, but the outer peripheries of the coils 61, 62 are each coated with insulating material and are therefore not electrically connected to the divided body 96.

[0160] The vibration actuator 1C includes a plurality of divided bodies 96 in the coil bobbin portion 52 of a drive unit 13C housed in a case 10 having a case body 11 and a lid portion 12.

[0161] The plurality of divided bodies 96 are formed in a cylindrical shape and are arranged at the bottom of the coil mounting portions 52b, 52c so as to surround the radial outside of the magnet 30. These divided bodies 96 are cylindrical bodies, and are arranged in multiple parts in the vibration direction to form a cylindrical conductor 90C.

[0162] The divided bodies 96 are arranged facing each other so that their inner peripheral surfaces surround the outer peripheral surface of the movable body 20, particularly the outer surface of the magnet 30. With this configuration, as in the first embodiment, eddy currents are generated, and the vibration of the movable body 20 can be damped by the interaction between the generated eddy currents and the magnet 30.

[0163] (Embodiment 5) Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating a vibration actuator according to embodiment 5 of the present invention. Fig. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the coil assembly of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 4, and a partially enlarged view thereof. Note that X4 and X41 indicate corresponding enlarged portions. Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating a vibration actuator according to embodiment 5 of the present invention, and shows a side view of the coil assembly and a partially enlarged view thereof. Note that X42 in Fig. 18 indicates the corresponding enlarged portion.

[0164] In the vibration actuator according to embodiment 5, when components have the same functions as those in the vibration actuator 1 of embodiment 1, the same names and symbols are used and their explanations are omitted. Components with the same names are basically made of the same materials. Furthermore, components with roughly the same functions are explained by using the same names and symbols with the letter "D" added to the end.

[0165] The cylindrical conductor 90 serving as the eddy current damping portion in the vibration actuator 1 of the first embodiment is formed as a cylindrical pseudo conductor 97 (97a, 97b) using the same coil wire as that forming the coils 61, 62.

[0166] The coil assembly 15D of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 5 shown in Figure 17 has concave coil mounting portions 52b, 52c formed by a central flange portion 526, upper and lower flange portions 527, 528, and a bobbin main body portion 522 in the coil bobbin portion 52.

[0167] Pseudo conductors 97a, 97b, which are cylindrical bodies formed by winding coil wire, are arranged adjacent to the bottoms of the coil mounting portions 52b, 52c (the outer peripheral surfaces of the coil bobbin portion and coil holding portion). That is, cylindrical pseudo conductors 97a, 97b are arranged inside the coil mounting portions 52b, 52c, respectively, and coils 61, 62 are arranged radially outward of these pseudo conductors 97a, 97b. The pseudo conductors 97a, 97b are not electrically connected to the coils 61, 62 because the outer periphery of the coil wire, which is a conductive member, is covered with insulating material.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 18 , both ends (ends 971, 972) of the coil wire forming the pseudo-conductor (eddy current damping portion) 97 are twisted around a terminal twisting portion 53-3 that is separate from the terminal twisting portions 53-1, 53-2 in the externally exposed terminal lead-out portion 530. This causes the pseudo-conductor 97 to be short-circuited and function as a conductor that generates eddy currents. As shown in FIG. 18 , the terminal twisting portions 53-1, 53-2 are formed by twisting and connecting both ends 611, 621 of a single coil that constitutes the coils 61, 62, respectively, in the same manner as in the other embodiments. This allows current to be easily applied to the coils simply by connecting them to the terminals of the terminal lead-out portion 530.

[0169] According to this configuration, as in embodiment 1, eddy currents are generated, and the vibration of the movable body 20 can be damped by the interaction between the generated eddy currents and the magnet 30, and since it is made of coil wire, costs can be reduced without using any other materials.

[0170] For example, as shown in graph G3 of Figure 8, a vibration actuator having a pseudo conductor 97 can make the change in peak P3 of the vibration acceleration near the resonant frequency F0 more gradual than a vibration actuator having peak P2 shown in graph G2 that does not have a pseudo conductor 97.

[0171] Therefore, when AC voltage is supplied to coils 61, 62 so that peak P3 of the vibration acceleration in the vibration actuator coincides with peak P2 of the vibration acceleration in the vibration actuator, the entire curve of the graph rises, as shown in graph G3. Graph G3 rises, that is, the vibration acceleration relative to the drive frequency increases, but peak P3 in graph G3 is gentle, and strong vibrations (vibration acceleration) can be obtained over a wide range of drive frequencies.

[0172] (Embodiment 6) Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating a vibration actuator according to embodiment 6 of the present invention, and Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a coil assembly of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 6 of the present invention. Note that X5 and X51 in Fig. 19 indicate corresponding enlarged portions.

[0173] In the vibration actuator 1E according to embodiment 6, when components have the same functions as those in the vibration actuator 1 according to embodiment 1, the same names and symbols are used and their explanations are omitted. Components with the same names are basically made of the same materials. Furthermore, components with roughly the same functions are explained using the same names and symbols with the letter "E" added to the end.

[0174] Instead of the cylindrical conductor 90 serving as the eddy current damping portion in the vibration actuator 1 of the first embodiment, an outer divided body 98 that is a conductive cylindrical conductor is provided on the outside of the coils 61, 62.

[0175] A coil assembly 15E of a vibration actuator 1E shown in Figures 19 and 20 has concave coil mounting portions 52b, 52c formed by a central flange portion 526, upper and lower flange portions 527, 528, and a bobbin body portion 522 in a coil bobbin portion 52.

[0176] Coils 61, 62 are disposed within these coil mounting portions 52b, 52c, and outer divided bodies 98 are disposed so as to radially cover the coils 61, 62. The outer divided bodies 98, 98 are not electrically connected to the coils 61, 62 because the outer periphery of the coil wire, which is a conductive member, is covered with insulating material.

[0177] According to this configuration, as in the first embodiment, an eddy current is generated, and the vibration of the movable body 20 can be damped by the interaction between the generated eddy current and the magnet 30.

[0178] Seventh Embodiment Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating a vibration actuator according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a coil assembly of the vibration actuator according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a coil bobbin portion 52F of the vibration actuator according to the seventh embodiment, and X6 in Fig. 21 indicates the corresponding enlarged portion.

[0179] In the vibration actuator according to embodiment 7, when components have the same functions as those in the vibration actuator 1 of embodiment 1, the same names and symbols are used and their explanations are omitted. Components with the same names are basically made of the same materials. Furthermore, components with roughly the same functions are explained by using the same names and symbols with the letter "F" added to the end.

[0180] As the eddy current damping portion in the vibration actuator 1 of the first embodiment, a cylindrical conductor 90 attached to the coil bobbin is integrated with the coil bobbin portion 52F.

[0181] 21 and 22, the coil bobbin portion 52F of the vibration actuator according to the seventh embodiment has a cylindrical conductor 99 embedded therein as an eddy current damping portion. The cylindrical conductor 99 is embedded in the coil bobbin portion 52F by insert molding.

[0182] The coil bobbin portion 52F has concave coil mounting portions 52b, 52c formed by a central flange portion 526, upper and lower flange portions 527, 528, and a bobbin body portion 522 in the coil bobbin portion 52. The tubular conductor 99 has a first concave conductor 99a with a concave longitudinal cross section that is embedded so as to surround the concave portion of the coil mounting portion 52b, and a second concave conductor 99b with a concave longitudinal cross section that is embedded so as to surround the concave portion of the coil mounting portion 52c. The first concave conductor 99a and the second concave conductor 99b are each exposed at the inner peripheral portion of the coil bobbin portion 52F and constitute part of the inner peripheral surface 52a.

[0183] According to this configuration, as in the first embodiment, an eddy current is generated, and the vibration of the movable body 20 can be damped by the interaction between the generated eddy current and the magnet 30.

[0184] 21 and 22, the first concave conductor 99a and the second concave conductor 99b are exposed at the inner peripheral surface 52a, so that the first concave conductor 99a and the second concave conductor 99b are disposed in close proximity to and facing the movable body 20, i.e., the magnet 30, and vibration of the movable body 20 due to generated eddy currents can be effectively damped.

[0185] Eighth Embodiment FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vibration actuator according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0186] 23 and 24 has the same configuration as vibration actuator 1 of embodiment 1, except that instead of movable body 20, it has a movable body 20H that is heavier than movable body 20. Furthermore, vibration actuator 1H has the same configuration as vibration actuator 1, except that outer yoke 58 is replaced with an outer yoke 58H that has a plurality of openings 582, 583 spaced equally apart in the circumferential direction.

[0187] The vibration actuator 1H has the same other configuration as the vibration actuator 1, and the materials of components with the same names are also the same as those of the other embodiments. In the vibration actuator 1H according to embodiment 8, components that have the same functions as components in the vibration actuator 1 of embodiment 1 are given the same names and reference numerals and explanations are omitted. Components with the same names are basically made of the same materials. Furthermore, components that have approximately the same functions are explained by using the same names and reference numerals with an "H" suffix.

[0188] In vibration actuator 1H, the weight of movable body 20H is made heavier than that of movable body 20 so that vibration actuator 1H generates stronger vibrations compared to vibration actuator 1. Similar to vibration actuator 1, vibration actuator 1H is configured by housing drive unit 13H in case 10 having case body 11 and lid 12.

[0189] The drive unit 13H (see FIG. 24) includes coils 61 and 62, a coil bobbin portion 52, a movable body 20H, elastic support portions 81 and 82, and an outer yoke 58H that covers the coils 61 and 62 from the outside.

[0190] Movable body 20H has cylindrical magnet 30H, movable body cores 41H and 42H, weights 22H and 24H, and fixing pins 26H and 28H.

[0191] Compared to movable body 20, movable body cores 41H and 42H and weights 22H and 24H are arranged continuously on both sides in the vibration direction around magnet 30H, which is thicker (in the vibration direction) than magnet 30. Outer peripheral surfaces 20a of magnet 30H and movable body cores 41H and 42H are arranged opposite, with a predetermined gap between them, to the inner peripheral surface of bobbin main body 522, specifically, the inner peripheral surface of cylindrical conductor 90 fixed to the inner peripheral surface of bobbin main body 522.

[0192] The movable body 20H moves back and forth without contacting the cylindrical conductor 90 with the outer peripheral surface 20a facing the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical conductor 90.

[0193] The magnet 30H has a vibration direction, i.e., the axial direction, as its magnetization direction, and annular movable cores 41H and 42H having central fitting openings 411 and 421 are arranged on the front and back surfaces 30a and 30b, which serve as magnetic pole surfaces, to prevent magnetic flux leakage from the magnet 30H.

[0194] The diameter of the fitting openings 411, 421 of the movable body cores 41H, 42H is approximately half the diameter of the movable body cores 41H, 42H, and the movable body cores 41H, 42H are arranged sandwiched between the weight portions 22H, 24H and the magnet 30H.

[0195] Convex joints 222H, 242H of weights 22H, 24H fit into fitting openings 411, 421. As a result, weights 22H, 24H are inserted coaxially into movable body cores 41H, 42H, and weights 22H, 24H are arranged symmetrically above and below, sandwiching magnet 30H and movable body cores 41H, 42H. Weights 22H, 24H provide good weight balance in the vertical direction in movable body 20H, increasing the vibration output of movable body 20H.

[0196] The weights 22H and 24H are preferably made of a non-magnetic material, for example, SUS. The weights 22H and 24H fix the movable body magnetic circuit (magnet 30H and movable body cores 41H and 42H) to the elastic support portions 81 and 82.

[0197] Plummet portions 22H, 24H are masses of movable body 20H and are heavier than plummet portions 22, 24 of vibration actuator 1. Plummet portions 22H, 24H have annular plummet main bodies 223, 243 laminated on movable body cores 41H, 42H, and cylindrical joint portions 222H, 242H protrude from the centers of plummet main bodies 223, 243 toward magnet 30H.

[0198] Furthermore, weight bodies 223 and 243 have a thickness in the vibration direction (vertical direction), and adjusting this thickness adjusts the weight of weight portions 22H and 24H, and ultimately, the weight of movable body 20H. Note that weight portions 22H and 24H have a weight function and a spring fixing function, similar to weight portions 22 and 24.

[0199] The weight bodies 223 and 243 are configured, for example, with a gradient on the outer surface so that the outer diameter decreases toward the side away from the magnet 30H. Note that this gradient ensures a movable range for the elastic support parts 81 and 82 when the movable body 20H vibrates.

[0200] Cylindrical spring fixing portions 224H, 244H protruding from the tip end surfaces are provided on the tip end surfaces where the outer diameter is narrowed in the weight bodies 223, 243. The spring fixing portions 224H, 244H fix the elastic support portions 81, 82 to the movable body 20H.

[0201] The height of the spring fixing portions 224H, 244H from the weight bodies 223, 243 ensures an area for elastic deformation for the elastic support portions 81, 82. The inner peripheral portions 802 of the elastic support portions 81, 82 are placed on the tip surfaces of the spring fixing portions 224H, 244H. The pin bodies 262H, 282H of the fixing pins 26H, 28H are inserted into the openings 221, 241 opened in the spring fixing portions 224H, 244H. As a result, the spring fixing portions 224H, 244H are fixed in place with the inner peripheral portions 802 sandwiched between the flanges 264, 284 of the fixing pins 26H, 28H at the tip surfaces.

[0202] The fixing pins 26H and 28H firmly fix the elastic support portions 81 and 82 to the movable body 20H so that they do not come off due to vibration of the movable body 20H.

[0203] The fixing pins 26H, 28H are rivets formed in the same shape as the fixing pins 26, 28. The fixing pins 26H, 28H are configured with flanges 264, 284 that protrude radially outward from the base end edges of the pin bodies 262H, 282H, respectively, which are axially shaped and can be press-fitted into the weights 22H, 24H.

[0204] Pin bodies 262H, 282H have a length similar to the height of weights 22H, 24H. Pin bodies 262H, 282H are press-fitted into openings 221, 241 of weights 22H, 24H. Tips of pin bodies 262H, 282H abut against front and rear surfaces 30a, 30b of magnet 30H, respectively, and are positioned so as to sandwich magnet 30H.

[0205] The outer diameter of the flanges 264, 284 and the outer diameter of the tip end surfaces of the spring fixing portions 224H, 244H are substantially the same, and they can firmly sandwich the inner peripheral portions 802 of the elastic support portions 81, 82. The inner peripheral portions 802 and the spring fixing portions 224H, 244H may be joined by welding, adhesive, crimping, or the like without using the fixing pins 26H, 28H, or may be joined by a combination of welding, adhesive, and crimping.

[0206] The outer yoke 58H has an opening 583 in addition to the opening 582 in which the wiring is arranged.

[0207] The plurality of openings 582, 583 are all provided at the center in the vibration direction of the cylindrical yoke body 581 of the outer yoke 58. The plurality of openings 582, 583 may be provided in the yoke body 581 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0208] Opening 583 is provided at a position facing opening 582 with respect to the radial center. Opening 583 is formed, for example, in yoke body 581 at a position facing opening 582. Opening 583 has substantially the same shape as opening 582, and is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the circumferential direction and bounded by top, bottom, left, and right sides.

[0209] The openings 582 and 583 form a magnetic path symmetrical about the axis in the magnetic circuit including the magnet 30H, the movable body cores 41H and 42H, and the outer yoke 58H, ensuring a balance of the generated magnetism. That is, the openings 582 and 583 allow the movable body 20H and the outer yoke 58H of the fixed body 50H to attract each other equally in the vibration direction and in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction (radial direction), i.e., in the up / down and left / right directions. As a result, the movable body 20H vibrates relative to the fixed body 50H while being attracted to each other equally in the radial direction.

[0210] In this way, openings 582, 583 are formed in the center in the vibration direction of yoke body 581 of outer yoke 58H, with a shape whose circumferential length is longer than its length in the vibration direction (vertical direction). Because the upper and lower edges of yoke body 581 of outer yoke 58H are located above and below openings 582, 583, an imbalance in magnetic attraction force in the magnetic circuit and leakage magnetic flux can be minimized in a well-balanced manner.

[0211] The outer yoke 58H is made up of arc-shaped segments and is arranged on the outer peripheral wall of the bobbin body 522 so as to form a cylindrical shape. This makes it easy to attach the outer yoke 58H to the bobbin body 522. It is preferable that the circumferential tip ends of the segments are joined together. The outer yoke 58H may be formed as a deformable, integral cylindrical body.

[0212] According to this configuration, an eddy current is generated, and the vibration of the movable body 20H can be damped and balanced due to the interaction between the generated eddy current and the magnet 30H.

[0213] Ninth Embodiment FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vibration actuator according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0214] 25 and 26 has the same configuration as the vibration actuator 1 of embodiment 1, except that instead of the movable body 20, it has a movable body 20J that is heavier than the movable body 20. Furthermore, the configuration of the vibration actuator 1J is such that the outer yoke 58 of the vibration actuator 1 is replaced with an outer yoke 58J.

[0215] In the vibration actuator 1J according to embodiment 9, when components have the same functions as those in the vibration actuator 1 of embodiment 1, they are given the same names and reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. Components with the same names are basically made of the same materials. Furthermore, components with roughly the same functions are explained by using the same names and reference numerals with the letter "J" added to the end.

[0216] In vibration actuator 1J, the weight of movable body 20J is greater than that of movable body 20 so that it generates stronger vibrations compared to vibration actuator 1. Similar to vibration actuator 1, vibration actuator 1J is configured by housing drive unit 13J in case 10 having case body 11 and lid 12. Drive unit 13J includes coils 61, 62, a coil bobbin portion 52, movable body 20J, elastic support portions 81, 82, and an outer yoke 58J. Similar to drive unit 13, drive unit 13J has movable range forming portions 54 protruding in the vertical direction from the upper and lower ends of coil bobbin portion 52.

[0217] The outer yoke 58J has a plurality of openings 582, 583 spaced at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and has the same configuration and function as the outer yoke 58H, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0218] The movable body 20J includes a cylindrical magnet 30, movable body cores 41J and 42J, weights 22J and 24J, and fixed pins 26J and 28J. In the movable body 20J, the axial lengths of the shaft-shaped pin bodies 262J and 282J of the fixed pins 26J and 28J are longer than those of the movable body 20.

[0219] The pin bodies 262J, 282J of the fixing pins 26J, 28J are inserted into the openings 221, 241 of the weights 22J, 24J, which are configured substantially the same as the weights 22, 24, and the tips of the pin bodies 262J, 282J abut or are close to the front and rear surfaces 30a, 30b of the magnet 30J.

[0220] The pin bodies 262J and 282J are press-fitted into the openings 221 and 241, respectively, and the tips of the pin bodies 262J and 282J are fixed in a state of contact with the front and rear surfaces 30a and 30b of the magnet 30J. The pin bodies 262J and 282J may be joined to the weights 22J and 24J by adhesive or the like.

[0221] Fixing pins 26J and 28J, together with weights 22J and 24J, support magnet 30J between a pair of elastic support portions 81 and 82 in coil assembly 15J, with magnet 30J sandwiched in the vibration direction.

[0222] Outer yoke 58J covers the outside of coils 61, 62. Outer yoke 58J has opening 583 in addition to opening 582 in which wiring is arranged. The multiple openings 582, 583 may be provided in yoke body 581 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0223] The outer yoke 58J forms a magnetic path symmetrical about the axis in a magnetic circuit including the openings 582 and 583, the magnet 30J, the movable cores 41J and 42J, and the outer yoke 58J, thereby ensuring a balance of the generated magnetism.

[0224] That is, the openings 582 and 583 allow the movable body 20J and the outer yoke 58J of the fixed body 50J to attract each other equally in the vibration direction and in the direction perpendicular to the vibration direction (radial direction), i.e., in the up-down and left-right directions. As a result, the movable body 20J vibrates relative to the fixed body 50J in a state where they are attracted to each other equally in the radial direction.

[0225] Like outer yoke 58H, outer yoke 58J is made up of arc-shaped divided bodies and is configured to be arranged in a cylindrical shape on the outer peripheral wall of bobbin body 522. With this configuration, outer yoke 58J can be easily attached to bobbin body 522, and eddy currents are generated, and the interaction between the generated eddy currents and magnet 30J can dampen vibrations of movable body 20J and allow it to vibrate in a balanced manner.

[0226] Tenth Embodiment FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vibration actuator according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a drive unit in the vibration actuator according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0227] As in the vibration actuator 1K shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the case 10 may be eliminated from the configuration of the vibration actuator 1J of the ninth embodiment, thereby achieving a lighter weight configuration.

[0228] In vibration actuator 1K according to embodiment 10, when components have the same functions as components in vibration actuator 1J, they are given the same names and reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. Components with the same names are basically made of the same materials. Furthermore, components with roughly the same functions are explained by using the same names and reference numerals with the letter "K" added to the end.

[0229] The vibration actuator 1K has a drive unit 13K configured similarly to the drive unit 13J of the vibration actuator 1J, and a first annular cover 11K and a second annular cover 12K provided at both ends of the drive unit 13K that open in the vibration direction.

[0230] Drive unit 13K has movable body 20K configured similarly to movable body 20J disposed inside cylindrical coil assembly 15K formed similarly to coil assembly 15J. Drive unit 13K accommodates movable body 20K in a state in which it is suspended by elastic support portions 81 and 82.

[0231] The first annular cover 11K and the second annular cover 12K are attached to the upper end surface 527a and the lower end surface 528a, which are the upper and lower open end surfaces of the flange portions 527 and 528 at both ends of the drive unit 13K, with the outer peripheries 806 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 sandwiched therebetween.

[0232] The first annular cover 11K is attached to cover the annular upper end surface 527a of the drive unit 13K. More specifically, the first annular cover 11K is engaged with the upper end surface 527a by sandwiching the outer circumferential portion 806 of the elastic support portion 81 at a step portion 119 provided on the inner circumferential portion.

[0233] The second annular cover 12K is attached to cover the annular lower end surface 528a of the drive unit 13K. More specifically, the second annular cover 12K is engaged with the lower end surface 528a at a step 118 provided on the inner periphery thereof, sandwiching the outer periphery 806 of the elastic support member 82. The first annular cover 11K and the second annular cover 12K may be the same and formed in a similar shape, for example.

[0234] The drive unit 13K, i.e., the movable range forming portion 54 of the coil bobbin portion 52, engages with the inner circumferential portions of the first annular cover 11K and the second annular cover 12K when the upper end surface 527a and the lower end surface 528a engage with the step portions 118, 119. The movable range forming portion 54, together with the internal openings of the first annular cover 11K and the second annular cover 12K, forms a vibration range between the movable body 20.

[0235] Unlike the vibration actuators 1 and 1J, the vibration actuator 1K does not have a case 10 that surrounds the drive unit 13K, so it is possible to reduce the height in the vibration direction, i.e., to achieve a low profile. The vibration actuator 1K also has an outer yoke 58K that is configured in the same way as the outer yoke 58J.

[0236] As a result, the vibration actuator 1K generates eddy currents, and the interaction between the generated eddy currents and the magnet 30K can damp the vibration of the movable body 20K and cause it to vibrate in a well-balanced manner. Furthermore, if the outer yoke 58K is made up of divided bodies, it can be easily attached to the coil bobbin portion 52.

[0237] FIG. 29 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between drive frequency and vibration acceleration for the vibration actuator according to embodiment 1 and the vibration actuators according to embodiments 8 to 10.

[0238] 29, graph G1 is a graph of drive frequency and vibration acceleration in vibration actuator 1 (see FIG. 8), solid line graph G10 is a graph showing the relationship between drive frequency and vibration acceleration in vibration actuator 1H, dashed line graph G100 is a graph showing the relationship between drive frequency and vibration acceleration in vibration actuator 1J, and graph G1000 is a graph showing the relationship between drive frequency and vibration acceleration in vibration actuator 1K.

[0239] The vibration actuator 1 shown in graph G1 can suppress the acceleration peak at the resonance point and apply a voltage that makes the peak the same value, thereby obtaining strong vibration (vibration acceleration) over a wider driving frequency band (wideband) than conventional vibration actuators (see Figure 8).

[0240] As shown in FIG. 29, vibration actuators 1H, 1J, and 1K shown in graphs G10, G100, and G1000 can obtain even stronger vibrations than vibration actuator 1 over the same wide driving frequency band as vibration actuator 1.

[0241] Vibration actuators 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E, 1H, 1J, and 1K have, as eddy current damping sections, cylindrical conductors 90, 90A, 90B, 90C, and 99, pseudo-conductor 97, and outer divided body 98. In these vibration actuators 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E, 1H, 1J, and 1K, the fitting between weight section 22, 22H, 22J, 24, 24H, and 24J and movable body core 41, 41H, 41J, 42, 42H, and 42J may be performed in any shape.

[0242] For example, the recessed and protruding fitting shapes of weights 22, 22H, 22J, 24, 24H, and 24J and movable body cores 41, 41H, 41J, 42, 42H, and 42J may be reversed. This configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0243] (Embodiment 11) Figure 30 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 11 of the present invention. Vibration actuator 1L shown in Figure 30 has movable body cores 410, 420 and weights 220, 240 instead of movable body cores 41, 42 and weights 22, 26 in the configuration of vibration actuator 1. Note that in the description of vibration actuator 1L, components similar to those in vibration actuator 1 are given the same names and reference numerals, or only the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0244] The vibration actuator 1L has a movable body 20L having a magnet 30, a fixed body 50 having coils 61, 62 and a cylindrical conductor (eddy current damping section) 90, and elastic support sections 81, 82 that support the movable body 20L so that it can move back and forth relative to the fixed body 50.

[0245] In addition to the magnet 30, the movable body 20L of the vibration actuator 1L has movable body cores 410 and 420, weights 220 and 240, and fixed pins 26 and 28. The movable body cores 410 and 420 have the same functions as the movable body cores 41 and 42, but are different in shape.

[0246] The movable cores 410, 420 are disk-shaped and have a concave central recess 413, 423 formed in the center of the back surface that contacts the magnet 30, and a convex central protrusion 415, 425 formed in the center of the front surface.

[0247] The movable cores 410 and 420 are magnetic bodies each having a circular outer shape in a plan view, and function as a yoke.

[0248] The movable cores 410, 420 are attached with their respective back surfaces in contact with the front and back surfaces 30a, 30b of the magnet 30, and are arranged to sandwich the magnet 30. The central protrusions 415, 425 are formed in a cylindrical shape and are provided so as to protrude in the vertical direction relative to the magnet 30.

[0249] The tips of cylindrical joints 222L, 242L of weights 220, 240, which have a spring stop function, fit onto central convexities 415, 425. Central concaves 413, 423 have a cylindrical recessed shape with a circular bottom, and may be formed together with central convexities 415, 425 on a metal plate, for example, by embossing a metal plate made of a magnetic material such as SECC, to form movable body cores 410, 420.

[0250] Weights 220, 240 are cylindrical bodies having the same function as weights 22, 24, and have openings 221, 241 that penetrate through the center. Weights 220, 240 are formed in the same shape, connect elastic support members 81, 82 to the movable body side magnetic circuits of magnet 30 and movable cores 410, 420, and function as adjustable weights. Dampers 72 that attenuate vibrations are attached to elastic support members 81, 82.

[0251] Plummets 220, 240 have joints 222L, 242L and spring fixing portions 224L, 244L. Compared to plummets 22, 24, the axial (vertical) lengths of joints 222L, 242L of plummets 220, 240 are shorter than those of joints 222, 242.

[0252] The joints 222L, 242L and the spring fixing portions 224L, 244L are connected in the vibration direction (specifically, the up-down direction).

[0253] The joint portions 222L, 242L are fitted onto the central convex portions 415, 425 of the movable body cores 410, 420 so as to be positioned thereon. The joint portions 222L, 242L may be fixed to the central convex portions 415, 425 by press-fitting or by bonding using a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive.

[0254] The spring fixing portions 224L, 244L are fixed in a state in which they sandwich the inner peripheries 802 of the elastic support portions 81, 82 by inserting fixing pins 26, 28 into openings 221, 241, respectively, at the ends opposite the joint portions 222L, 242L. The tips of the pin bodies 262, 282 of the fixing pins 26, 28 are spaced apart from the central protrusions 415, 425 within the openings 221, 241, but may be configured to abut against them.

[0255] At the center of movable body 20L including the axis, joint portions 222L, 242L and central convex portions 415, 425 fit together, allowing movable body cores 410, 420 to be joined to weight portions 220, 240 in a positioned state. Also, at the center of movable body 20L including the axis, spring fixing portions 224L, 242L and inner circumferential portions 802 of elastic support portions 81, 82 are connected.

[0256] (Embodiment 12) Figure 31 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 12 of the present invention. Vibration actuator 1N shown in Figure 31 is similar to vibration actuator 1H in that weights 22H, 24H, fixing pins 26H, 28H, and movable body cores 41H, 42H are replaced with weights 220N, 240N, fixing pins 26N, 28N, and movable body cores 410N, 420N. In the description of vibration actuator 1N, components similar to those in vibration actuator 1H will be given the same names and reference numerals, or only the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0257] The vibration actuator 1N has a movable body 20N having a magnet 30N, a fixed body 50N having coils 61, 62 and a cylindrical conductor (eddy current damping part) 90, and elastic support parts 81, 82 that support the movable body 20N so that it can move back and forth freely relative to the fixed body 50N.

[0258] The movable body 20N of the vibration actuator 1N has, in addition to the magnet 30N, movable body cores 410N and 420N, weight portions 220N and 240N, and fixing pins 26N and 28N.

[0259] The movable body cores 410N, 420N have the same function as the movable body cores 41H, 42H but have different shapes. The movable body cores 410N, 420N are configured similarly to the movable body cores 410, 420 shown in Fig. 30, and have central recesses 413, 423 in the center of the back surface that contacts the magnet 30N, and central protrusions 415, 425 that protrude in a convex shape in the center of the front surface.

[0260] The movable body cores 410N and 420N are magnetic bodies formed into a circular outer shape in a plan view, function as yokes, and are attached to the magnet 30N in the same manner as the movable body cores 410 and 420.

[0261] Openings 221N, 241N of cylindrical weight bodies 223N, 243N of weight sections 220N, 240N, which have a spring stop function, fit onto central convex sections 415, 425 of movable body cores 410N, 420N.

[0262] The weight portions 220N, 240N are cylindrical bodies having openings 221N, 241N in the center, and have annular weight main bodies 223N, 243N laminated on the movable body cores 410N, 420N, and spring fixing portions 224N, 244N.

[0263] The weight bodies 223N and 243N function as joints that are joined to the movable body cores 410N and 420N. Like the weight bodies 223 and 242, the weight bodies 223N and 243N have a thickness in the vibration direction (vertical direction), and by adjusting this thickness, the weight of the weight parts 220N and 240N, and ultimately the weight of the movable body 20N, is adjusted. Note that, like the weight parts 22H and 24H, the weight parts 220N and 240N have a weight function and a spring fixing function.

[0264] The weight bodies 223N and 243N have the same function as the weight bodies 223 and 243, and for example, the outer surface is configured with a gradient so that the outer diameter becomes smaller as it moves away from the magnet 30N, thereby ensuring a movable range for the elastic support parts 81 and 82.

[0265] Cylindrical spring fixing portions 224N, 244N protrude from the tip end surfaces of the weight bodies 223N, 243N where the outer diameter is narrowed. The spring fixing portions 224N, 244N fix the elastic support portions 81, 82 to the movable body 20N.

[0266] Although the tip portions of the pin bodies 262N and 282N of the fixing pins 26N and 28N abut against the central protrusions 415 and 425 within the openings 221N and 241N, they may be disposed spaced apart.

[0267] In the center of the movable body 20N including the axis, the weight bodies 223N, 243N, which function as joints, fit into the central protrusions 415, 425, and the movable body cores 410N, 420N and the weight sections 220N, 240N can be joined in a positioned state. Also, in the center including the axis, the spring fixing sections 224N, 244N are connected to the inner peripheral sections 802 of the elastic support sections 81, 82.

[0268] Embodiment 13 Figure 32 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 13 of the present invention. Vibration actuator 1P shown in Figure 32 has the same configuration as vibration actuator 1J, except that instead of weights 22J, 24J, fixing pins 26J, 28J, and movable body cores 41J, 42J, vibration actuator 1P has weights 220P, 240P, fixing pins 26P, 28P, and movable body cores 410P, 420P. Note that in the description of vibration actuator 1P, components that are the same as those in vibration actuator 1J will be given the same names and symbols, or only the same symbols, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0269] The vibration actuator 1P has a movable body 20P having a magnet 30P, a fixed body 50P having coils 61, 62, a cylindrical conductor 90 and an outer yoke 58P, and elastic support portions 81, 82 that support the movable body 20P so that it can move back and forth relative to the fixed body 50P.

[0270] The movable body 20P of the vibration actuator 1P has, in addition to the magnet 30P, movable body cores 410P and 420P, weight portions 220P and 240P, and fixing pins 26P and 28P.

[0271] The movable cores 410P, 420P are configured in the same manner as the movable cores 410, 420 shown in Figure 30, and have concave central recesses 413, 423 in the center of the back surface that contacts the magnet 30P, and convex central protrusions 415, 425 in the center of the front surface.

[0272] Openings 221, 241 of cylindrical joints 222P, 242P of weights 220P, 240P fit onto central convex portions 415, 425 of movable body cores 410P, 420P.

[0273] Plummets 220P and 240P have the same function as plummets 22J and 24J, and have joints 222P and 242P, and spring fixing portions 224P and 244P that fix elastic support portions 81 and 82 to movable body 20P.

[0274] Plummets 220P, 240P are different from plummets 22J, 24J in that the axial lengths of joints 222P, 242P are shorter than those of joints 222, 242, but otherwise have the same configuration. The tips of pin bodies 262P, 282P of fixing pins 26P, 28P abut against central protrusions 415, 425 within openings 221P, 241P, but may be spaced apart. Compared to fixing pins 26J, 28J, the axial lengths of pin bodies 262P, 282P of fixing pins 26P, 28P are shorter than those of pin bodies 262J, 282J.

[0275] At the center of the movable body 20P including the axis, the joints 222P and 242P and the central protrusions 415 and 425 are fitted together, and the spring fixing parts 224P and 244P and the inner peripheries 802 of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are connected.

[0276] (Embodiment 14) Figure 33 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vibration actuator according to embodiment 14 of the present invention. Vibration actuator 1Q shown in Figure 33 has the same configuration as vibration actuator 1K, except that it has weights 220Q and 240Q, fixing pins 26Q and 28Q, and movable body cores 410Q and 420Q instead of weights 22K and 24K, fixing pins 26K and 28K, and movable body cores 41 and 42. In the description of vibration actuator 1Q, components that are similar to those of vibration actuator 1K will be given the same names and symbols, or only the same symbols, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0277] Like the vibration actuator 1K, the vibration actuator 1Q does not have a case, thereby achieving a reduction in weight.

[0278] The vibration actuator 1Q has a drive unit 13Q and a first annular cover 11Q and a second annular cover 12Q provided at both ends of the drive unit 13Q that are open in the vibration direction. The first annular cover 11Q and the second annular cover 12Q have the same configuration and function as the first annular cover 11K and the second annular cover 12K, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0279] The drive unit 13Q has a movable body 20Q having a magnet 30Q, a fixed body 50Q having coils 61, 62, a cylindrical conductor 90 and an outer yoke 58Q, and elastic support parts 81, 82 that support the movable body 20Q so that it can move back and forth relative to the fixed body 50Q.

[0280] The movable body 20Q of the vibration actuator 1Q has, in addition to the magnet 30Q, movable body cores 410Q and 420Q, weight portions 220Q and 240Q, and fixing pins 26Q and 28Q.

[0281] The movable body cores 410Q, 420Q are configured in the same manner as the movable body cores 410, 420 shown in Figure 30, and have concave central recesses 413, 423 in the center of the back surface that contacts the magnet 30Q, and convex central protrusions 415, 425 in the center of the front surface side.

[0282] Openings 221 and 241 of cylindrical joints 222Q and 242Q of weights 220Q and 240Q fit onto the central convex portions 415 and 425 of movable body cores 410Q and 420Q.

[0283] Plummets 220Q and 240Q have the same function as plummets 22K and 24K, and have joints 222Q and 242Q, and spring fixing portions 224Q and 244Q that fix elastic support portions 81 and 82 to movable body 20Q.

[0284] Plummets 220Q and 240Q are different from plummets 22K and 24K in that the axial lengths of joints 222Q and 242Q are shorter than those of joints 222 and 242, but the other configurations are similar. Note that pin bodies 262 and 282 abut against central protrusions 415 and 425 within openings 221 and 241, but may be spaced apart.

[0285] At the center of the movable body 20Q including the axis, the joints 222Q, 242Q and the central convex portions 415, 425 are fitted together in a positioned state, and the spring fixing portions 224Q, 244Q and the inner peripheral portions 802 of the elastic support portions 81, 82 are connected.

[0286] The movable body cores 410, 410N, 410P, 410Q, 420, 420N, 420P, and 420Q and the weight sections 220, 220N, 220P, 220Q, 240, 240N, 240P, and 240Q have been described as having shapes in which the movable body cores are convex and the weight sections are concave, respectively, and are fitted together. These fitting shapes can be applied to the fitting shapes of the movable body cores 41, 41H, 41J, 42, 42H, and 42J and the weight sections 22, 22H, 22J, 22K, 24, 24H, 24J, and 24K, resulting in a configuration in which the movable body cores are convex and the weight sections are concave and fitted together.

[0287] (Electronic device) Figures 34 and 35 are diagrams showing an example of an implementation of the vibration actuator 1. Figure 34 shows an example in which the vibration actuator 1 is implemented in a game controller GC, and Figure 35 shows an example in which the vibration actuator 1 is implemented in a mobile terminal M. Note that the implementation examples shown in Figures 34 and 35 are not limited to the vibration actuator 1, and can be similarly applied to vibration actuators of other embodiments.

[0288] The game controller GC is connected to the game console via wireless communication, for example, and is used by being held or grasped by the user. The game controller GC here has a rectangular plate shape, and is operated by the user grasping the left and right sides of the game controller GC with both hands.

[0289] The game controller GC notifies the user of commands from the game console by vibration. Although not shown, the game controller GC also has functions other than command notification, such as an input operation unit for the game console.

[0290] The mobile terminal M is, for example, a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, etc. The mobile terminal M notifies the user of an incoming call from an external communication device by vibration, and also realizes various functions of the mobile terminal M (for example, functions that provide a sense of operation and a sense of realism).

[0291] 34 and 35 , the game controller GC and the mobile terminal M each have a communication unit 201, a processing unit 202, a drive control unit 203, and a vibration actuator 206 which is a vibration actuator 1 serving as a drive unit. Note that the game controller GC is equipped with a plurality of vibration actuators 204 and 205. The vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 may be vibration actuators 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1N, 1P, and 1Q.

[0292] In the game controller GC and the portable terminal M, the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 are preferably mounted so that the main surface of the terminal and a surface perpendicular to the vibration direction of the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206, in this case the bottom surface of the bottom 114, are parallel. The main surface of the terminal is the surface that comes into contact with the surface of the user's body, and in this embodiment means the vibration transmission surface that comes into contact with the surface of the user's body and transmits vibrations. Note that the main surface of the terminal and the bottom surface of the bottom 114 of the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 may be arranged so that they are perpendicular to each other.

[0293] Specifically, in the game controller GC, vibration actuators 204 and 205 are mounted so that their vibration direction is perpendicular to the surface that comes into contact with the fingertips, finger pads, or back of the hand of the operating user, or the surface on which the operation unit is provided. Also, in the case of the portable terminal M, vibration actuator 206 is mounted so that its vibration direction is perpendicular to the display screen (touch panel surface). As a result, vibrations in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of the game controller GC and portable terminal M are transmitted to the user.

[0294] The communication unit 201 is connected to an external communication device via wireless communication, receives signals from the communication device, and outputs the signals to the processing unit 202. In the case of a game controller GC, the external communication device is a game console main body as an information communication terminal, and communication is performed in accordance with a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the case of a portable terminal M, the external communication device is, for example, a base station, and communication is performed in accordance with a mobile communication standard.

[0295] The processing unit 202 converts the input signal into a drive signal for driving the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 using a conversion circuit unit (not shown), and outputs the drive signal to the drive control unit 203. In the mobile terminal M, the processing unit 202 generates the drive signal based on the signal input from the communication unit 201 as well as signals input from various functional units (not shown, for example, an operation unit such as a touch panel).

[0296] The drive control unit 203 is connected to the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206, and is equipped with circuits for driving the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206. The drive control unit 203 supplies drive signals to the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206.

[0297] The vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 are driven in accordance with drive signals from the drive control unit 203. Specifically, in the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206, the movable body 20 vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of the game controller GC and the mobile terminal M.

[0298] The movable body 20 may be configured to come into contact with the top surface 122 or the bottom surface 114 of the lid unit 12 via a damper each time it vibrates. In this case, the impact on the top surface 122 or the bottom surface 114 of the lid unit 12 caused by the vibration of the movable body 20, i.e., the impact on the housing, is transmitted directly to the user as vibration. In particular, since the game controller GC is equipped with multiple vibration actuators 204, 205, one or both of the multiple vibration actuators 204, 205 can be driven simultaneously in accordance with the input drive signal.

[0299] The user can be given a sufficient bodily sensation of vibration because vibrations are transmitted in a direction perpendicular to the body surface to the surface of the user's body that is in contact with the game controller GC or the mobile terminal M. The game controller GC can impart bodily sensation of vibration to the user by one or both of the vibration actuators 204, 205, and can impart highly expressive vibrations, such as selectively imparting at least strong and weak vibrations.

[0300] By using the vibration actuator of this embodiment in this way, it is possible to stably obtain excellent vibration characteristics in the game controller GC or the mobile terminal M, and to achieve quiet operation.

[0301] The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0302] Furthermore, the vibration actuator according to the present invention is suitable for application to portable devices (for example, portable information terminals such as tablet PCs, portable game terminals, and wearable devices worn by the user) other than the game controller GC and portable terminal M. Furthermore, in addition to the portable devices described above, the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment can also be used in electric beauty and hairdressing appliances that require vibration, such as facial massagers.

[0303] The disclosures of the specifications, drawings and abstracts contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-125227 filed on July 31, 2024 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-056356 filed on March 28, 2025 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0304] The vibration actuator according to the present invention can generate suitable vibrations with stable, high output over a wide range of drive frequencies, and is useful for installation in electronic devices such as game console terminals and mobile terminals.

[0305] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1N, 1P, 1Q, 204, 205, 206 vibration actuator, 10 case, 11 case body, 11K, 11Q first annular cover, 12 lid portion, 12K, 12Q second annular cover, 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13H, 13J, 13K, 13Q drive unit, 15, 15A, 15B, 15D, 15E, 15H, 15J, 15K coil assembly, 20, 20H, 20J, 20K, 20L, 20N, 20P, 20Q movable body, 20a outer circumferential surface, 22, 22H, 22J, 22K, 24, 24H, 24J, 24K, 220, 220N, 220P, 220Q, 240, 240N, 240P, 240Q: spindle portion; 26, 26H, 26J, 26N, 26P, 26Q, 28, 28H, 28J, 28N, 28P, 28Q: fixing pin (spring stop pin); 30, 30H, 30J, 30K, 30N, 30P, 30Q: magnet; 30a: front surface; 30b: back surface; 41, 41H, 41J, 42, 42H, 42J, 410N, 410P, 410Q, 420, 420N, 420P, 420Q: moving body core; 50, 50H, 50J Fixed body, 52, 52F: coil bobbin portion (coil holding portion), 52a: inner peripheral surface, 52b, 52c: coil mounting portion, 53, 53-1, 53-2, 53-3: terminal binding portion, 54: movable range forming portion (protrusion), 55: connecting groove portion (groove portion), 58, 58H, 58J, 58K, 58P, 58Q: outer yoke, 61, 62: coil, 81, 82: elastic support portion, 90, 90A, 90B, 90C: tubular conductor (eddy current damping portion), 92: divided conductor (eddy current damping portion), 94, 96: divided body (eddy current damping portion), 97, 97a, 97b: pseudo conductor (eddy current damping portion), 98: outer divided body (eddy current damping portion), 99: tubular conductor (eddy current damping portion), 99a First concave conductor (eddy current damping portion), 99b Second concave conductor (eddy current damping portion), 112 Peripheral wall portion, 114 Bottom portion, 115 Opening portion, 118, 119 Step portion, 122 Top surface portion, 124 Hanging portion, 128 Pressing portion, 201 Communication portion, 202 Processing portion, 203 Drive control portion, 221, 221N, 221P, 241, 241N, 241P, 582, 583 Opening portion, 222, 222H, 222L, 242, 242H, 242L, Joint portion, 223,243 Weight body, 224, 224H, 244, 244H Spring fixing portion, 262, 262H, 262J, 262P, 282, 282H, 282J, 282N, 282P Pin body, 264, 284 Flange, 413, 423 Central recess, 415, 425 Central protrusion 522 Bobbin body (coil protection wall portion), 52a Inner peripheral surface, 526 Central flange portion (central wall portion), 527, 528 Flange portion, 527a Upper end surface, 528a Lower end surface, 529 Positioning engagement portion, 581 Yoke body, 611, 621, 971, 972 End portion, 802 Inner peripheral portion, 804 Deformed arm portion, 806 Periphery fixing part (periphery part),

Claims

1. A vibration actuator comprising: a fixed body having a coil; and a movable body having a magnet arranged radially inside the coil, which vibrates relative to the fixed body in a vibration direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the coil due to the interaction between the current flowing through the coil and the magnetic field of the magnet; wherein the fixed body is arranged to surround the magnet on its outer periphery, and has an eddy current damping section that generates eddy currents as the movable body moves within the magnetic field and damps the vibration of the movable body due to the interaction with the magnetic field.

2. A vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein the eddy current damping portion is a cylindrical body made of a conductive material that is positioned radially outside the magnet and facing the magnet at a distance, and that is positioned radially inside the coil.

3. A vibration actuator according to claim 2, wherein the cylindrical body is divided into a plurality of segments arranged in the circumferential direction, each segment extending in the vibration direction.

4. A vibration actuator according to claim 2, wherein the cylindrical body is divided into a plurality of cylindrical segments arranged in the vibration direction.

5. A vibration actuator as described in claim 2, wherein the fixed body is arranged to surround the magnet and has a coil holding portion which is a cylindrical non-magnetic material that supports the coil radially inward, spaced apart from the movable body, and the eddy current damping portion is arranged circumferentially on the inner surface or outer surface of the coil holding portion.

6. A vibration actuator according to claim 5, wherein the eddy current damping portion is a cylindrical body formed of a conductive material and arranged adjacent to the outer peripheral surface between the outer peripheral surface of the coil holding portion and the inner peripheral surface of the coil.

7. A vibration actuator according to claim 5, wherein the eddy current damping portion is a cylindrical pseudo-conductor made of a coil wire arranged adjacent to the outer peripheral surface between the outer peripheral surface of the coil holding portion and the inner peripheral surface of the coil.

8. A vibration actuator according to claim 5, wherein the eddy current damping portion is a conductive cylindrical conductor that is arranged radially outside the coil so as to surround the coil.

9. An electronic device equipped with a vibration actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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