DE102017203598A1 - Electromagnetic actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

An electromagnetic actuator (2) has at least one oscillator (10) with a magnet (12) and at least one stator (6) with an electromagnet (8) which at least partially surrounds the at least one oscillator (10). In addition, the electromagnetic actuator (2) has a feedback element (4), which is acted upon by the at least one oscillator (10). The electromagnetic actuator is characterized in that the at least one oscillator (10) when excited by the at least one stator (6) performs a tilting movement acting on the feedback element (4). Instead of the marking by the tilting movement of the oscillator (10), the electromagnetic actuator (2) may also be characterized in that the magnetic orientation direction (36) of the oscillator (10) is perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction (38) of the stator (6).

Description

The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator which is used in particular in mobile telephones, tablets, touchpads, smartwatches or switching elements, for example light switches. Preferably, a vibration is to be generated with the aid of the electromagnetic actuator, which is delivered by in particular one of the above-mentioned electronic devices as feedback.

Actuators are used to convert electrical signals into mechanical movements. A primary field of application of these actuators is the generation of haptic and / or acoustic feedback by, for example, vibrations or vibrations. Electronic devices such as cellular phones, tablets, touchpads, smartwatches, game consoles and touch elements for switches and the like employ actuators to provide the user with noticeable and / or audible feedback about information input and information output.

For example, mobile phones use vibration to output information to silently alert the user to incoming calls. In a noise-sensitive environment, such as in meetings, this can be an information output to the user without causing a disturbance to the environment. In noisy environments, such as at concerts where acoustic signals can not be perceived, information can also be transmitted to the user.

On the other hand, vibrations are used in modern mobile phones with touch display to give the user feedback on his inputs.

This function of the feedback is also used in other touch elements, such as touch-sensitive switching elements, such as touchpads. These touch elements do not have mechanical controls, such as push-buttons or foldable switches. Thus, the user receives no direct feedback. To give the user yet a confirmation of his input, actuators can be used for this purpose. Since touch elements offer several input options compared to mechanical switches, a specific feedback can be output with the help of actuators. Touch elements offer the possibility of different inputs, for example by a short touch, a long touch, repeated touch, a moving touch, a multi-touch or a simultaneous multiple movement, for example, "pinch to zoom", for generating. Actuators can then each give a specific feedback by, for example, different vibration intensities, vibration time intervals, etc.

To generate a feedback, a multiplicity of different actuators are used. Often this electric motors are used with an eccentric mass, also called unbalance motors. Here, the electric motor experiences an imbalance, which transmits a vibration to the surface fixed to the electric motor. Actuators that have an electric motor, require a relatively large amount of space. Due to the design of these unbalance motors have a relatively high energy demand and thus lead to shorter battery life when used in portable devices. In addition, electric motors have a comparatively high reaction time.

The frequency and the amplitude of the Feadbacks, for example, the vibration of an unbalance motor are forcibly coupled together. For example, you can create fast and strong or slow and weak vibrations. However, it is not possible to produce fast and weak or strong and slow vibrations. With the help of unbalance motors no complex vibrations of the feedback, for example the vibration, but only sinusoidal vibrations can be generated. Thus, it is not possible to generate vibrations with the aid of unbalance motors, which correspond to a complex course, for example of sound waves.

Another type of actuators for generating a vibration is from the document JP 2004050154 A known. Herein, an actuator for generating a linear vibration is described. The document describes a housing in which a coil is located. Within the coil is a linear polarized permanent magnet, which is fixed on one side with a spring on the housing and on the other side is free to move. Due to the excitation of the permanent magnet through the coil, this performs a linear movement and acts with its free end on a vibrating plate, which is connected to the housing. The vibrating plate can thus be used to generate a haptic feedback. Due to the linear movement of the permanent magnet within the housing or within the coil, a large mass of air is moved. This causes noise and increased energy consumption.

The resilient structure of the actuator for generating a linear vibration leads to a very dominant natural frequency. Thus, it can be too Deviations occur between the desired feedback, for example the desired vibration, and the actually generated feedback. Around the given natural frequency, there is a limited effective frequency band, which is about +/- 5 to 10 Hz.

The object of the invention is to provide an electromagnetic actuator which has a small size.

The object is achieved by an electromagnetic actuator according to claim 1 or by a touch element according to claim 18.

The electromagnetic actuator according to the invention comprises at least one oscillator with a magnet and at least one stator with an electromagnet which at least partially surrounds the at least one oscillator. In addition, the electromagnetic actuator has a feedback element, which is acted upon by the at least one oscillator. The electromagnetic actuator is characterized in that the at least one oscillator, when excited by the at least one stator, effects a tilting movement acting on the feedback element. In a further embodiment, it is also conceivable that the oscillator has a magnet as a magnet and the stator has no electromagnet, but another magnet, such as a permanent magnet. Consequently, the oscillator does not experience excitation by the stator, but the oscillator is self-excited and undergoes a tilting motion on the feedback element due to interactions with the stator. Moreover, it is also conceivable that instead of a magnet, which has the oscillator or the stator, a magnetic solid, in particular a metal such as iron, cobalt and nickel, is used.

A tilting movement in particular means a two-dimensional movement. In an actuator with linear vibration, such as in JP 2004050154 A described, the oscillator performs a linear and thus one-dimensional movement. In contrast, the oscillator of the present invention preferably performs a two-dimensional motion, ie in particular a simultaneous movement along an x and y axis. In this case, it is particularly preferable for the oscillator, starting from the rest position, to perform an alternating, part-circular movement running in the opposite direction.

Due to the magnets, which have stator and oscillator, stator and oscillator have the corresponding magnetic properties of the respective magnet. Thus, the stator and the oscillator have a magnetic field, a north pole, a south pole, field lines and so on.

An advantage of the present invention, in particular due to the tilting movement, is that the electromagnetic actuator sets only a small amount of air in motion. In particular, in comparison to other electromagnetic actuators thereby a virtually inaudible haptic feedback, preferably a vibration can be generated by noise in particular are avoided.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the feedback element has a surface, in particular a membrane. Accordingly, this surface or membrane is the surface that transmits the feedback from the actuator to a user. In this case, the surface or the membrane does not have to be flat, but can correspond to any imaginable, in particular outer, shape of an object. For example, a flat, curved, wavy, jagged, curved and / or curved surfaces is possible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the feedback element is a haptic feedback element. As a result, the actuator generates a vibration, a tremor, a shock, a particular single pulse, a vibration, or the like. When a user touches the feedback element, the user thus experiences a haptic feedback, in particular on his fingers.

In a preferred embodiment, the oscillator is connected via a carrier element with the feedback element. This is in particular an elastic carrier element. For example, a spring element, such as a spring, a spiral, an element made of elastomer or a textile element can be used. The excited oscillator can thus transmit pulses via the carrier element to the feedback element, which then experiences a vibration, a vibration, shocks, or the like, which can be delivered as feedback. Thus, if, for example, the oscillator is caused to vibrate due to a current applied to the stator, the carrier element absorbs these vibrations and transmits them to the feedback element. This starts, for example, to vibrate and thus gives a feedback.

On the other hand, in another embodiment it is possible for the oscillator to be connected directly to the feedback element. For example, the feedback element may be an elastic feedback element, in particular a elastic membrane, act. Thus, upon excitation of the oscillator by the stator, the oscillator would transmit a vibration, impulse, or the like directly to the elastic membrane, thus causing it to vibrate, for example, as a feedback.

In a further embodiment, the oscillator may be connected to a non-elastic, in particular stiff carrier element. This may be, for example, a rod, which may be e.g. connected via a ball joint or hinge joint to the feedback element. It is also possible that the oscillator is movable, for example via a ball joint or hinge joint, connected to a rigid support member. Upon excitation of the oscillator by the stator thus the oscillator performs a tilting movement and transmits either via the non-elastic support member pulses to the feedback element, which then emits a feedback, such as a vibration. On the other hand, the oscillator could impinge on a surface which is connected to the feedback element and thereby generate pulses and transmitted to the feedback element, which thereby also gives a feedback, such as a vibration.

In addition, in a further embodiment, a support member may be used which is not directly connected to the feedback element, but, for example, on a holding device opposite the feedback element, such as a wall is mounted so that the attached to the support member oscillator to the Feedback element. Upon excitation of the oscillator by the stator, the oscillating oscillator, for example, could impinge once or continuously on the feedback element and thus also cause a vibration of the feedback element. On the one hand, this may be an elastic carrier element, on the other hand a non-elastic carrier element. In a further embodiment, the oscillator and possibly the stator can be embedded in an elastic feedback element. The elastic feedback element, for example made of elastomer, could thus in particular completely encompass the oscillator. When the oscillator is excited by the stator, the elastic feedback element is thus vibrated directly via the oscillator, for example, and thus emits a vibration.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the oscillator is not directly connected to the feedback element and otherwise has no connection to, for example, a wall. In this case, the oscillator is surrounded by the stator and is located, for example, in a chamber. Upon excitation of the oscillator by the stator of the particular freely movable oscillator undergoes a tilting movement, so that this, for example, by impingement, in particular on a chamber inside generates pulses that are transmitted to the feedback element and this example, vibrated, so it give feedback. It is also conceivable that the feedback element transmits impulses emanating from the stator instead of the oscillator, due to the interaction of stator and oscillator, and transmitted to the feedback element.

In a preferred embodiment, the oscillator has a magnetic orientation direction parallel to the particular flat surface of the feedback element. The magnetic orientation direction describes the connecting line of the north pole and the south pole of a magnet. This connection line thus runs parallel to the particular flat surface of the feedback element. For example, a cylindrical diametrical magnet has the north pole on one half and the south pole on the other half. The connecting line of these two poles describes the magnetic orientation direction. In particular, this magnetic orientation direction is parallel to a preferably flat outer surface of the oscillator and / or the magnet. In one embodiment, the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator is parallel to the particular flat surface of the feedback element. Thus, the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator preferably extends parallel to the outer surface of the oscillator and / or the magnet and also parallel to the surface of the feedback element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator is perpendicular to the magnetic field or to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator. Within the stator, the magnetic field lines are almost straight from one opening to the other opening of the stator, starting from the south pole to the north pole. Accordingly, the field lines and thus the magnetic field and the magnetic orientation direction within the stator are parallel to the longitudinal sectional area of the stator. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator is thus perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator. Consequently, the connecting line between the south and north pole of the oscillator is perpendicular to the connecting line between the south and north pole of the stator.

The embodiment described above describes the electromagnetic actuator with an oscillator, a stator and a feedback element such that the electromagnetic actuator characterized in that the oscillator excited by the stator performs a tilting movement acting on the feedback element. However, to define the present invention, it is not absolutely necessary for the oscillator to perform a tilting movement. In contrast, it is possible that the electromagnetic actuator is characterized with an oscillator, a stator and a feedback element such that the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator is perpendicular to the magnetic field or to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator. It is conceivable in this regard, the arrangement of an oscillator, the magnetic orientation direction parallel to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator, which is arranged such that it performs a linear movement perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator. For example, the oscillator could be connected to the feedback element via a rail guide such that the magnetic orientation direction is parallel to the particular flat surface of the feedback element. By excitation of the stator, the oscillator would move linearly along the rail guide. Upon impact of the oscillator, for example on a buffer at one end of the rail guide, the oscillator would thus transmit a pulse to the feedback element which is delivered as feedback, in particular as vibration. Consequently, in this alternative definition of the invention, not the tilting movement but the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator, which is perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator, is the decisive marking.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the oscillator has a diametrically poled magnet. The diametral magnetization is not limited to the magnetization of a disc magnet, but also includes a diametrical, so lying in the opposite direction, magnetization at other magnet shapes or geometries than that of the disc magnet. This applies, for example, a magnetization in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, magnetic forms, in particular diametrically polarized magnetic forms are conceivable that describe almost any external shape, such as a disc, a cuboid, a dice, a sphere, a ring, a cylinder, a cone, a prism, a horseshoe, a rod, a hanger, etc.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the magnet of the oscillator is a permanent magnet, also called a permanent magnet.

Preferably, the stator surrounds the oscillator annular or oval. It is particularly preferred that the stator completely surrounds the oscillator. In particular, this means that the stator completely surrounds the oscillator with respect to a plane. Here, the stator may for example have the shape of a cylinder, in the interior of which the oscillator is arranged.

The electromagnet of the stator is in a particularly preferred embodiment, a coil. Preferably, it is a coil which has a cylindrical, for example annular or rectangular shape. The winding of the coil consists of one or more wires, which in particular comprise copper. There are also several windings and the use of different wire materials possible.

In particular, a current with alternating current direction is applied to the stator. If the oscillator has an electromagnet instead of a permanent magnet or the like, an alternating current can likewise be applied to it. Due to the alternating current direction on the stator, the stator has an alternating polarity. Thus, the north and south poles change their position. In the case of a stator which has a coil which is in particular cylindrical, the north and south poles thus alternately lie on one cylinder opening and alternately on the other cylinder opening. Due to the alternating polarity of the stator, the north and south poles of the stator each change their position. The oscillator, which in particular has a permanent magnet, preferably has a magnetic orientation direction which is perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator whose north and south pole alternate alternately. The north pole of the oscillator is attracted by the south pole of the stator, which alternately changes its position. In contrast, the south pole of the oscillator is attracted by the north pole of the stator, which changes its position opposite to the south pole of the stator. Due to this alternating polarity or attraction, a reciprocating movement of the south and north pole sides of the oscillator and thus a tilting movement of the oscillator takes place. Thus, one side of the oscillator is oriented in the direction of the north pole and another side in the direction of the south pole of the stator. The tilting movement preferably takes place in such a way that the axis of symmetry which lies between the north pole and the south pole of the oscillator also corresponds to the tilt axis. The tilting axis here refers to that axis which lies between the part of the oscillator, which is attracted in one direction and thus in particular tilts there, and the part of the oscillator which is attracted in the other direction and thus in particular tilts in that direction.

In a further embodiment, although the tilting axis undergoes a rotation, but not in particular linear, ie along the field lines of the stator extending, displacement. Preferably, the position of the tilting axis is fixed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an alternating current with different alternating frequencies, that is to say a number of changes in the current direction per unit time, is applied to the stator or to the coil of the stator. This makes it possible to influence the frequency of tilting of the oscillator per unit of time. The more frequently the current direction is changed, ie the higher the alternating frequency, the faster the oscillator tilts. As a result, the frequency of the pulses and in particular the frequency of the vibration of the feedback element can be influenced.

Another advantage of the present invention is that due to the tilting movement and the frequency of change a particularly comfortable feedback for a user can be generated. If the feedback is a vibration, then research has shown that especially frequencies around 200 Hz are perceived as pleasant for users.

However, the actuator of the present invention is by no means limited to particular frequencies nor to specific intervals. Rather, the entire perceptual spectrum of the haptic perception ca 1-1000 Hz can be covered and a design of the effects individually according to the requirements.

Furthermore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a current with alternating voltage is applied to the stator or to the coil of the stator. As a result, the current intensity and thus the magnetic field strength of the stator can be influenced. By changing the magnetic field strength, the attraction of the coil and thus the action on the oscillator changes. Thus, the greater the voltage applied to the stator, the more the oscillator is influenced by the stator, that is, attracted or repelled. Accordingly, the tilting movement of the oscillator, in particular its deflection, also changes due to the applied voltage. As a result, for example, the intensity of the pulses of the oscillator to the feedback element and thereby the intensity of the emitted vibration can be influenced.

With the help of the freely selectable frequency and intensity, it is possible to generate almost any vibration and thus to give, for example, different vibration signals. In this case, a vibration signal is not limited to a continuous oscillation, but oscillations with different amplitudes and different period lengths can be generated, which can be varied at any time. Thus, a wide variety of vibration signals can be generated. It is also possible to deliver a feedback, for example a vibration, which corresponds to the feedback of other, in particular mechanical components. Thus, the feel and / or the feedback of other components, such as switches, simulate or imitate. By means of a specific vibration that generates a vibration, for example, the vibration character of a microswitch can be adjusted.

In a further embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator has a damper. This damper prevents the oscillator from making direct contact with the stator or the feedback element, thus touching the stator or the feedback element. The oscillator can accordingly have a damping layer or a damping jacket. Also, the stator or the feedback element may include a damping coating, a damping surface, a damping jacket, or the like. This damper can be arranged and designed such that this pulse, for example, triggered by shocks of the oscillator to the damper, transmits to the feedback element and this is a feedback, in particular a vibration is generated.

The touch element according to the invention, which is provided, for example, for operating an electrical device, has a feedback element according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

The touch element is preferably a touch element of a mobile phone, a tablet, a touchpad, a smartwatch, a game console and in particular a switching element, for example for an electrical device, in particular a touch element, for a light switch. Due to the design of the feedback element according to the embodiments listed above, the touch element can thus experience in particular a vibration and pass on a feedback to a user.

Another advantage of the invention is that due to the touch element according to the invention an optimal haptic feedback can be transmitted to the user.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht des elektromagnetischen Aktuators im Ausgangszustand
• 2 eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht des elektromagnetischen Aktuators in Kippbewegung
• 3 eine schematisch Schnittansicht des elektromagnetischen Aktuators im Ausgangszustand
• 4-7 verschiedene Ausführungsformen des elektromagnetischen Aktuators im Ausgangszustand
• 8 eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht des Touchelements im Verwendungszustand

Show it:

• 1 a schematic perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator in the initial state
• 2 a schematic perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator in tilting motion
• 3 a schematic sectional view of the electromagnetic actuator in the initial state
• 4-7 various embodiments of the electromagnetic actuator in the initial state
• 8th a schematic perspective view of the touch element in the use state

The electromagnetic actuator according to the invention 2 points in the in 1 illustrated preferred embodiment, a feedback element 4 on, which is designed here as a rectangular surface or membrane. This is in the illustrated embodiment, a stator 6 arranged, which is a coil 8th having. The sink 8th is connected to a power source, not shown. This is in particular a household power supply or a portable power source, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. It is preferred that a control unit, not shown, is arranged on the coil or between the coil and the energy source. With the help of this control unit could influence the current applied to the stator. For example, the voltage or current intensity, the duration over which a current is applied and / or the alternating frequency or the current direction can be influenced. Within the coil is in the illustrated embodiment, an elastic support member 18 on the feedback element 4 arranged. The carrier element 18 of the embodiment is formed as a spring element, which at one end with the feedback element 4 and at the other end with an oscillator 10 connected is.

In the illustrated embodiment, the oscillator 10 a magnet 12 on. This is performed in the most preferred embodiment as a disc magnet with diametrically poled magnetization, so that one half of a south pole 14 and the other half a north pole 16 having. Preferably, the magnet 12 a permanent magnet. The magnetic orientation direction 36 this magnet 12 So the connecting line between South Pole 14 and North Pole 16 , is in the form shown here parallel to the feedback element 4 or arranged to the surface. In addition, the magnetic orientation direction stands 36 of the oscillator 10 or the magnet 12 perpendicular to the lateral surface of the stator 6 ,

When an electrical current is applied to the stator 6 or the coil 8th a current flows through the conductor of the coil 8th , in particular by the wound copper wire, so that creates a magnetic field in the vicinity of the coil 8th and the stator 6 builds. The magnetic field lines of the coil 8th run inside the coil 8th linear from one to the other opening of the coil 8th , Depending on the technical current direction is thus the North Pole 26 the coil 8th at one opening of the coil, and the south pole 24 the coil 8th at the other opening of the coil. When changing the technical current direction, for example by applying an alternating current, the position of the South Pole changes 24 and the North Pole 26 the coil 8th , The magnetic field lines of the coil 8th Accordingly, run within the coil linearly from the north pole 26 to the south pole 24 , Depending on the technical current direction and the resulting position of the North Pole 26 and the South Pole 24 The magnetic field lines extend from one opening to the other opening of the coil 8th or the other way around. In particular, the magnetic field lines of the coil run 8th thus parallel to the lateral surface of the stator 6 , Next are the magnetic field lines of the coil 8th perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction 36 of the magnet 12 , Thus, the magnetic orientation direction stands 36 of the oscillator 10 perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction 38 (shown in 3 ) of the stator 6 ,

For example, a direct current to the coil 8th applied, the coil in the illustrated embodiment 2 flows from bottom to top, is the North Pole 26 at the upper opening of the coil 8th and the South Pole 24 at the lower opening of the coil 8th , Thus, the South Pole 14 of the magnet 12 , which is designed here as a permanent magnet, from the North Pole 26 the coil 8th attracted and straightens one side of the oscillator 10 upwards. The North Pole 16 of the magnet 12 is from the South Pole 24 the coil 8th attracted and thus directs another side of the oscillator 10 down from. The oscillator 10 thus turns diagonally and leads a tilting movement along with arrow 32 illustrated direction, in particular about the tilt axis 34 out. The carrier element 18 This results in a force or a deflection, which as an impulse to the feedback element 4 is transmitted. In a further embodiment, one side of the oscillator 10 due to the tilting motion on the surface of the feedback element 4 hit and also generate an impulse on this.

Is instead of a direct current an alternating current to the coil 8th created, so the position of the North Pole changes 26 the coil 8th and the South Pole 24 the coil 8th alternately. Accordingly, the oscillator performs 10 a particular continuous tilting movement along arrow 32 out at the alternately a first side of the oscillator 10 down and another second side of the oscillator 10 tilts upwards. When changing the current direction tilts a second side of the oscillator 10 down and a first side of the oscillator 10 up. Thus, there is an alternating and in particular continuous tilting movement of the oscillator 10 with magnet 12 along arrow 32 , This will give impulses to the feedback element 4 transmit, which generate a haptic and / or acoustic feedback, such as a vibration, and feedback element 4 be delivered. This feedback, in particular this vibration, can be perceived, for example, by a touch of a user, preferably via one or more fingers.

Depending on the alternating frequency, ie frequency of change, the current direction and depending on the voltage applied to the stator 6 Thus, the feedback, in particular the vibration, vary. On the one hand this affects the frequency and on the other hand the intensity of the feedback, preferably the vibration. For example, the current direction 200 The oscillator changes every second 10 thus 200 tilting per second and it will be 200 pulses per second to the feedback element 4 transfer. This thus emits a vibration with a frequency of 200 Hz. When stopping the current flow and the movement, in particular the tilting movement of the oscillator 10 stopped and therefore no feedback generated. In addition, there is the possibility that, for example, a sustained DC current to the coil 8th is applied and thus a continuous tilting movement and thereby abruptly stopped, for example, triggered vibration and further movements of the oscillator 10 be prevented. If a high voltage is applied to the stator 6 , becomes oscillator 10 correspondingly far deflected and there is the transmission of a strong pulse to the feedback element 4 , This gives, for example, an intense vibration to a user. As a result, in particular, the intensity of the vibration by varying the on the stator 6 change the applied voltage.

3 shows a cross section of the electromagnetic actuator 2 the embodiment described above. The oscillator 10 here has an optional damper, designed here as a damping cover 20 , on that the magnet 12 surrounds. This allows direct contact of the magnet 10 with the stator 6 or the coil 8th and the feedback element 4 be prevented. Preferably, the damping sheath 20 Elastomers, plastic or textile on.

4 shows a further embodiment of the electromagnetic actuator 2 , Here is the carrier element 18 not with the feedback element 4 connected, but with a holding device 28 for example a wall. The carrier element 18 Here, for example, is designed as an elastic spring element. The arrangement of the oscillator 10 to the feedback element 4 is chosen such that the oscillator 10 during the tilting movement with the feedback element 4 comes in connection, or in particular continuously with changing sides of the oscillator 10 to the feedback element 4 encounters. This will give impulses to the feedback element 4 transmitted and this gives a feedback, in particular a vibration.

This in 5 illustrated embodiment shows an electromagnetic actuator 2 which is instead of a resilient support member 18 has a rigid support element. This is on one side with the oscillator 10 connected and movable on the other side with a ball joint 22 with the feedback element 4 connected. Next is, in addition to the illustrated embodiment, instead of the movable connection of the carrier element 18 with the feedback element 4 , Also a movable connection of the support element 18 with the oscillator 10 , For example, via a ball or hinge joint conceivable. With a tilting movement of the oscillator 10 touch sides of the oscillator 10 a damper surface 30 that with the feedback element 4 connected, in particular arranged on this. The pulses generated by the impact of the oscillator on the damper surface 30 are transmitted to the feedback element 4 , which thereby gives a feedback, in particular a vibration. Of course it does not necessarily require the damper surface 30 and it is also a direct impact of the oscillator 10 on the feedback element 4 possible.

Consequently, it is conceivable that a damper surface 30 , as in 5 shown, also in another embodiment of the electromagnetic actuator 2 is used. Also, logically, the rigid support member 18 based on the embodiment 4 with a holding device instead of the feedback element 4 get connected.

6 represents a further embodiment of the electromagnetic actuator 2 This embodiment has no carrier element, but the oscillator 10 is directly with a, in particular elastic feedback element 4 connected. Pulses triggered by tilting movements of the oscillator 10 , are thus directly connected to the feedback element 4 transferred and thus this example, vibrated. It is also conceivable that the elastic feedback element 4 the oscillator 10 and possibly the stator 6 partially or completely surrounds. Pulses triggered by tilting movements of the oscillator 10 , are thus also directly to the feedback element 4 passed on and this particular vibrated.

7 shows a further embodiment of the electromagnetic actuator 2 in which the oscillator 10 Loose within the feedback element 4, which is designed as a chamber is arranged. Here is the oscillator 10 connected with no components. The stator 6 has an optional damper sleeve 24 on that inside the stator 6 is arranged. This damper sleeve 24 prevents direct contact of the oscillator 10 with the stator 6 or the coil 8th , Also, an unillustrated damper surface may be employed on the feedback element that covers the inside of the feedback element. Becomes the oscillator 10 through the coil 8th stimulated and set in tilting motion, there is a pulsating pulse transmission of the oscillator 10 to the feedback element 4 , This gives thereby a feedback, in particular a vibration. By applying a certain current, such as a direct current, the oscillator 10 be placed in a rest position and held therein due to the magnetic attraction.

8th shows an embodiment of the touch element 40 , At the touch element 40 This can be, for example, a touch screen of a mobile phone or a tablet, a touchpad of a laptop, a display of a smartwatch, a controller of game consoles, an exterior wall of a remote control, a control panel for a switch, in particular a control panel for a Light switch, or the like act. The following is the illustrated embodiment of the touch panel 40 explained by way of example with reference to a control panel for a light switch. At the control panel 40 The light switch is a control surface with capacitive sensor technology. By touching with a finger 42 For example, a short touch turns on and off a light that is not shown. A moving touch, also called stroking, can be used to perform a dimming function and thus influence the brightness of the light. For example, the control panel 40 through the finger 42 touched and moved to the right while touching the finger, the brightness increases. This function is referred to as dimming in the context of this document. Moving to the left decreases the brightness of the light. This function is referred to as dark dimming in the context of this document. Consequently, it is possible that a turned off light does not have to be turned on before the dimming function is used, but also the light is switched on by the moving touch.

These four exemplary functions, power on, power off, dimming and dimming, the light switch with control panel 40 can provide a user with haptic feedback through the use of an electromagnetic actuator 2 beeing confirmed. Thus, inputs of a user are made by fingers 42 via the non-illustrated capacitive sensor of the light switch or the control panel 40 passed to a control unit, not shown. On the one hand, this regulates the functions described above, switching on, switching off, dimming and dark dimming. On the other hand, this controls the alternating frequency and the voltage of the current at the stator 6 or on the coil 8th is applied. Thus, depending on the user's input, the feedback element gives a specific feedback, in particular a specific vibration to the user, in particular to his finger 42 back. In particular, it is possible to vary between the duration, frequency and intensity of the feedback, preferably the vibration. For example, touching the control panel once 40 , which triggers the switching on of the light, can be confirmed by a short, less intense vibration with a frequency of 200 Hz. The re-touching, which for example causes a switching off of the light, could be confirmed by a long, intense vibration with a frequency of 200 Hz. In contrast, the dimming function could be confirmed by a sustained vibration at 200 Hz until the moving touch of the user with the finger 42 and thus the dimming process is completed. In addition, a swipe to the right, light dimming, could be confirmed by an increasing intensity of the vibration. Accordingly, a reduction in brightness, dark levels, would be due to a decreasing intensity of vibration to the user, particularly fingers 42 , be handed down haptic.

With the aid of the freely adjustable frequency and intensity of the feedback, in particular the vibration, it is also possible to generate feedback that a user already knows about mechanical components, preferably switches. Thus, for example, the typical vibration character of a switch, in particular a microswitch, be simulated by means of an individual vibration and thus the user feedback are given that feels natural to him, because he already knows, for example, of a light switch or the like.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 2004050154 A [0008, 0013]

Claims (15)

Electromagnetic actuator (2) having an oscillator (10) with a magnet (12), a stator (6) with an electromagnet (8) which at least partially surrounds the oscillator and a feedback element (4) to which the oscillator ( 10), characterized in that the oscillator (10) upon excitation by the stator (6) performs a tilting movement acting on the feedback element (6). Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the feedback element (4) has a surface, in particular a membrane. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of Claims 1 - 2 , characterized in that the feedback element (4) is a haptic and / or acoustic feedback element. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of Claims 1 - 3 , characterized in that the oscillator (10) via a carrier element (18) with the feedback element (4) is connected, wherein the carrier element (18) is in particular elastic and is preferably designed as a spring element. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of Claims 1 - 4 , characterized in that the oscillator (10) due to the excitation by the stator (6) causes a deformation and / or movement of the carrier element and / or the feedback element (4). Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of Claims 1 - 5 , characterized in that the feedback element (4) undergoes a vibration due to the tilting movement of the oscillator (10). Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of Claims 1 - 6 , characterized in that the oscillator (10) has a direction of the particular flat surface of the feedback element (4) parallel magnetic orientation direction (36). Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of Claims 1 - 7 , characterized in that the magnetic orientation direction (36) of the oscillator (10) perpendicular to the magnetic field, in particular to the magnetic orientation direction (38) of the stator (6). Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of Claims 1 - 8th , characterized in that the magnet (12) of the oscillator (10) is a diametrically-poled magnet and / or a permanent magnet. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of Claims 1 - 9 , characterized in that the stator (6) the oscillator (10), preferably annular, oval or rectangular, in particular completely surrounds. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of Claims 1 - 10 , characterized in that the stator (6), in particular the electromagnet 8 has a coil. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of Claims 1 - 11 , characterized in that a current with alternating current direction and / or different voltage is applied to the stator (6). Electromagnetic actuator according to one of Claims 1 - 12 characterized by a damper (20, 24, 30) which prevents the oscillator (10) from directly contacting the feedback element (4) and / or the stator (6). Touch element (40) having a touch-sensitive, in particular capacitive surface, and an actuator according to one of Claims 1 - 13 , Touch element (40) after Claim 14 , characterized in that it is the touch element (40) is a switching element, in particular a light switch.

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