JP2006165318A - Piezoelectric body support structure, piezoelectric body attaching method, and input device with tactile sensor function and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the thickness of a cabinet as compared with a conventional system, curtail the number of parts, simplify an assembling step, intend to enhance a dimensional precision, enhance a reliability, and decrease a design restraint of a vibration propagation mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: This structure for supporting a piezoelectric actuator 100 by a frame 61 has a component housing 62 provided in the frame 61 with recesses 63a, 63b on both inside faces; and the piezoelectric actuator 100 which has a size to be housed in the component housing 62, and has elastic projections of a substrate 3 extending on both sides of a piezoelectric element 4a having a vibration function part. The recesses 63a, 63b on both inside faces of the component housing 62 are engaged with the projections on both sides of the piezoelectric actuator 100, whereby a vibration function 8a of the piezoelectric element 4a is attached to the component housing while directing to the inside of a cabinet member 61. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention provides a piezoelectric support structure suitable for application to an information processing apparatus for selecting an icon from a display screen for selecting input items prepared in advance and inputting information, a cellular phone, an information portable terminal apparatus, and the like. The present invention relates to a piezoelectric body mounting method, an input device with a tactile function, and an electronic apparatus. Specifically, when the piezoelectric member is supported (attached) by the housing member, concave portions are provided on both inner surfaces of the component housing portion of the housing member, and convex portions are provided on both sides of the piezoelectric body. Engage and attach the piezoelectric element to the component housing so that it can vibrate, making the housing thinner, reducing the number of components, simplifying assembly, improving dimensional accuracy, and improving reliability compared to conventional methods The design constraints of the vibration propagation mechanism can be reduced.

  In recent years, users (operators) have taken various contents into portable terminal devices such as mobile phones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and used them. These portable terminal devices are provided with an input device. In many cases, a keyboard, an input means such as a JOG dial, a touch panel combined with a display unit, or the like is used as the input device.

  An input / output device combined with an actuator has also been developed. Actuators are produced by the difference in strain between two or more piezoelectric elements with different strain amounts, or when piezoelectric control elements and non-piezoelectric elements are pasted together and a vibration control voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements of the bonded body. The bending deformation of the bonded body is used dynamically (vibrating body function). On the contrary, it is known that a voltage is generated when a force is applied to the piezoelectric element (force detection sensor function). In many cases, so-called bimorph actuators, unimorph actuators, disk actuators (collectively these are simply referred to as piezoelectric actuators) and the like are used as actuators.

  With regard to an electronic device including this type of piezoelectric actuator, Patent Document 1 discloses an input / output device and an electronic device. According to this electronic apparatus, an input / output device having a multilayer piezoelectric bimorph piezoelectric actuator and a touch panel is provided, and the multilayer piezoelectric bimorph piezoelectric actuator feeds back a different tactile sensation to the user through the touch panel depending on the type of information. The input / output device has a piezoelectric support structure in which a piezoelectric actuator is mounted on a support frame via a support portion. A support portion is attached to the center upper portion of the piezoelectric actuator, and this support portion is brought into contact with the touch panel. When the piezoelectric actuator vibration control voltage is supplied, vibration is transmitted to the touch panel.

  By configuring the electronic device in this way, it is possible to reliably provide the user with tactile feedback for an input operation corresponding to the type of information. In tactile feedback control using these piezoelectric actuators, the touch panel detects external inputs (position and pressure), and the control system triggers input information from the touch panel to vibrate the touch panel or the housing. To be made.

  In relation to this type of tactile feedback control, Patent Document 2 discloses a key switch and its tactile feedback circuit. According to this key switch, a circular bimorph piezoelectric element in which a piezoelectric ceramic is sandwiched between an electrode and a metal disk is provided below the keypad. The edge part of this metal disk has a structure supported by the recessed part of a support member. When the keypad is pressed, the piezoelectric element bends, but a voltage signal is generated between this electrode and the metal disk. This voltage signal is output to the haptic feedback circuit. The haptic feedback circuit vibrates the piezoelectric element in response to the voltage signal. When such a switch and circuit are combined, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operator with perceptible strength and timing.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a braille display device. According to this braille display device, a plurality of cells having piezoelectric elements are arranged in a matrix on the information display. A cell of one unit block of Braille information includes a piezoelectric element, a connecting plate, and a protrusion. One end of the piezoelectric element is attached to a concave portion of a flat plate member constituting the information display. A connecting plate is joined to the other end of the piezoelectric element. A protrusion is provided at a predetermined position of the connecting plate. The connecting plate is structured to be movable up and down within the recess of the housing member. The protrusion is protected by a cover film that covers the entire flat plate member. The plurality of cells arranged in a matrix are connected to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is configured to supply a vibration control signal to the piezoelectric element based on the braille information. By configuring the device in this way, it is possible to provide a braille display device that can protect privacy with a simpler and less expensive configuration.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-94389 (FIG. 4 on page 9) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307661 (page 3 in FIG. 1) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 07-029560 (FIG. 3 on page 6)

  By the way, according to the information processing apparatus with a tactile input function and the electronic devices such as the mobile phone and the information portable terminal device according to the conventional example, there are the following problems.

  i. According to the piezoelectric support structure of the input / output device as found in Patent Document 1, two support portions serving as fulcrums for the piezoelectric actuator are formed on the support frame by using an adhesive member (adhesive material) for the piezoelectric actuator. It is pasted. In addition, the support portion forming the action point of the piezoelectric actuator is attached to the piezoelectric actuator using an adhesive member at the center upper portion of the piezoelectric actuator. Such a joining process reduces workability at the time of mounting the piezoelectric body, which causes a situation where it takes time to mount the piezoelectric actuator.

  ii. When the structure for supporting the piezoelectric actuator described above is employed, the piezoelectric actuator is only installed on the two protruding support portions on the support frame, and the positional accuracy is very poor. There is a possibility that the phenomenon of “raising” may occur with a high probability. Therefore, when the piezoelectric actuator is “floating”, the desired displacement cannot be obtained as a matter of course, and the vibration characteristics are significantly impaired.

  iii. In addition, the positional accuracy of the piezoelectric actuator largely depends on the adhesive force of the adhesive member in a high-temperature test and a vibration test. If the adhesive force is weak, these tests cannot be endured, and the support part may be peeled off from the piezoelectric actuator.

  iv. The method of attaching the piezoelectric actuator using an adhesive member acts on the element deformation of the piezoelectric actuator in a direction that prevents the deformation, and hinders the extraction of sufficient vibration characteristics. Incidentally, although the piezoelectric support structure described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 can be adopted, there is a risk that shortening of assembly time may be hindered.

  v. Recently, film-like materials have been used for input means such as a touch panel, and transparent reinforced plastic members have begun to be used for display units. If an attempt is made to construct a tactile sense presentation mechanism using these input means and display means, vibrations may not be transmitted well, and satisfactory tactile sense presentation may not be possible on the operator's finger or the like.

  vi. For all the reasons described above, high dimensional accuracy is required for the support portion of the piezoelectric actuator, which is a great restriction on the piezoelectric support structure design of electronic equipment.

  Therefore, the present invention solves such a conventional problem, and compared with the conventional method, the casing is made thinner, the number of parts is reduced, the assembly process is simplified, the dimensional accuracy is improved, and the reliability is improved. An object of the present invention is to provide a piezoelectric support structure, a piezoelectric attachment method, an input device with a tactile function, and an electronic apparatus that can improve the design and reduce the design constraints of the vibration propagation mechanism.

  The above-described problem is a structure in which a piezoelectric member is supported by a housing member, and a component storage portion provided on the housing member having a recess on both inner surfaces and a size that can be stored in the component storage portion. And the convex part of the substrate extending on both sides of the piezoelectric element having the vibration acting part includes an elastic piezoelectric body, and the concave parts on both inner sides of the component storage part and the convex parts on both sides of the piezoelectric body are By being engaged, the piezoelectric component support structure is characterized in that, in the component housing portion, the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element is attached in a state facing the inside of the housing.

  According to the piezoelectric support structure according to the present invention, when the piezoelectric body is attached to the housing member, the component storage portion provided in the housing member has the concave portions on both inner surfaces thereof. For example, receiving side electrodes are provided in the concave portions on both inner sides. The piezoelectric body has a size that can be accommodated in the component accommodating portion, and has a substrate having a vibration acting portion and bonded with a piezoelectric element. Further, in the piezoelectric body, the convex portions of the substrate extending on both sides of the piezoelectric element have elasticity. Moreover, the board | substrate extended on both sides has comprised the electrode of the said piezoelectric material. Based on this assumption, the concave portions on both inner sides of the component housing portion of the housing member and the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body are engaged, and in the component housing portion, the piezoelectric element has its vibration acting portion inside the housing. It is attached in the state to face.

  Therefore, vibration can be propagated from the outside to the inside with respect to the vibrating body provided on the inside of the housing, so that the housing can be made thinner than the conventional method, and the number of parts can be reduced. Improvement in dimensional accuracy and reliability can be achieved. In addition, since the receiving side electrode of the component storage portion and the electrode of the piezoelectric body are connected in a self-aligning manner, the assembly process can be simplified. Compared to the conventional method, the design constraint of the vibration propagation mechanism can be reduced.

  The piezoelectric body attachment method according to the present invention is a method of attaching a piezoelectric body to a housing member, and includes a step of forming a component housing portion having recesses on both inner surfaces on the housing member, and a size that can be housed in the component housing portion. Then, a step of bonding a piezoelectric element having a vibration acting part to a substrate and imparting elasticity to a convex part of the substrate extending from both sides of the piezoelectric element to form a piezoelectric body; A step of attaching the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element to the inside of the housing in the component housing portion by engaging the concave portion with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body. is there.

  According to the piezoelectric body attachment method of the present invention, when attaching a piezoelectric body to a housing member, the concave portions on both inner sides of the component housing portion of the housing member are engaged with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body. In the component housing portion, the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element is attached so as to face the inside of the housing. Accordingly, vibration can be propagated from the outside to the inside with respect to the vibrating body provided on the inside of the housing, so that the housing can be made thinner than the conventional method, and the assembly process can be simplified and The dimensional accuracy can be improved.

  An input device with a tactile function according to the present invention is an input device that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body during an information input operation, and presents a tactile sensation to the operating body based on an input operation of the input detecting means and the input detecting means. A piezoelectric body support structure, the piezoelectric body support structure has a concave portion on both inner surfaces, a component storage portion provided in the housing member, a size that can be stored in the component storage portion, and The convex part of the substrate having the vibration acting part and extending on both sides of the piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric body having elasticity, and the concave parts on both inner sides of the component housing part and the convex parts on both sides of the piezoelectric body are engaged. Thus, in the component storage portion, the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element is attached so as to face the inside of the housing.

  According to the input device with a tactile function according to the present invention, the piezoelectric support structure according to the present invention is applied. Based on this premise, when a piezoelectric body is attached to the housing member, the component housing portion provided in the housing member has recesses on both inner surfaces thereof. For example, receiving side electrodes are provided in the concave portions on both inner sides. The piezoelectric body has a size that can be stored in the component storage section, and includes a substrate having a vibration acting section and bonded with a piezoelectric element.

  Further, in the piezoelectric body, the convex portions of the substrate extending on both sides of the piezoelectric element have elasticity. Moreover, the board | substrate extended on both sides has comprised the electrode of the said piezoelectric material. The concave portions on both inner sides of the component storage portion of the housing member are engaged with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body, and the vibration action portion of the piezoelectric element is attached to the component storage portion in a state facing the inner side of the housing.

  Therefore, vibration can be propagated from the outside to the inside of the body to be vibrated provided on the inside of the housing, so that the housing can be made thinner compared to the conventional method. It is possible to reduce the number of points, improve the dimensional accuracy, and improve the reliability. In addition, since the receiving side electrode of the component storage portion and the electrode of the piezoelectric body are connected in a self-aligning manner, the assembly process can be simplified. In addition, the design constraint of the vibration propagation mechanism can be reduced as compared with the conventional method. At the time of information input operation, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operation body with high reproducibility based on the operation of the input detection means.

  An electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device with a tactile input function that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body during an information input operation, and the tactile sense is given to the operating body based on the input operation of the input detecting means and the input detecting means. An input device with a tactile function having a piezoelectric support structure to be presented is provided. The piezoelectric support structure has a concave portion on both inner side surfaces and is provided in a housing member, and is stored in the component storage portion. The convex portion of the substrate having a possible size and extending on both sides of the piezoelectric element having the vibration acting portion includes an elastic piezoelectric body, and the concave portion and the piezoelectric body on both inner sides of the component storage portion. By being engaged with the convex portions on both sides, the vibration accommodating portion of the piezoelectric element is attached to the component storage portion so as to face the inside of the housing.

  According to the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, the input device with a tactile function according to the present invention is applied. Based on this premise, when a piezoelectric body is attached to the housing member, the component housing portion provided in the housing member has recesses on both inner surfaces thereof. For example, receiving side electrodes are provided in the concave portions on both inner sides. The piezoelectric body has a size that can be stored in the component storage section, and includes a substrate having a vibration acting section and bonded with a piezoelectric element.

  Further, in the piezoelectric body, the convex portions of the substrate extending on both sides of the piezoelectric element have receiving-side electrodes. Moreover, the board | substrate extended on both sides has comprised the electrode of the said piezoelectric material. The concave portions on both inner sides of the component housing portion of the housing member are engaged with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body so that the piezoelectric element is in the component housing portion and the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element faces the inside of the housing. It is attached.

  Therefore, vibration can be propagated from the outside to the inside of the body to be vibrated provided on the inside of the housing, so that the housing can be made thinner compared to the conventional method. It is possible to reduce the number of points, improve the dimensional accuracy, and improve the reliability. In addition, since the receiving side electrode of the component storage portion and the electrode of the piezoelectric body are connected in a self-aligning manner, the assembly process can be simplified. In addition, the design constraint of the vibration propagation mechanism can be reduced as compared with the conventional method. At the time of information input operation, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operation body with high reproducibility based on the operation of the input detection means.

  According to the piezoelectric support structure of the present invention, when a piezoelectric body is attached to the casing member, the concave portions on both inner sides of the component housing portion of the casing member and the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body are engaged. Thus, in the component housing portion, the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element is attached so as to face the inside of the housing.

  With this structure, vibration can be propagated from the outside to the inside of the body to be vibrated on the inside of the case, so that the case can be made thinner and the number of parts can be reduced compared to the conventional method. , Simplification of the assembly process, improvement of dimensional accuracy, and improvement of reliability can be achieved. In addition, the design constraints of the vibration propagation mechanism can be reduced.

  According to the piezoelectric body attachment method of the present invention, when attaching a piezoelectric body to a housing member, the concave portions on both inner sides of the component housing portion of the housing member are engaged with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body. In the component housing portion, the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element is attached so as to face the inside of the housing.

  With this configuration, vibration can be propagated from the outside to the inside of the body to be vibrated provided on the inside of the housing, so that the housing can be made thinner than the conventional method and the assembly process can be simplified. And dimensional accuracy can be improved. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size and manufacturing cost of the applied equipment.

  According to the input device with a tactile function according to the present invention, the piezoelectric support structure according to the present invention is applied. Therefore, when the piezoelectric body is attached to the housing member, In addition to being able to propagate vibration from the outside to the inside, the housing can be made thinner than the conventional method. In addition, the number of parts is reduced, the assembly process is simplified, the dimensional accuracy is improved, and the reliability is improved. Can be improved. In addition, the design constraint of the vibration propagation mechanism in the input device can be reduced.

  According to the electronic device according to the present invention, the input device with a tactile function according to the present invention is applied. Therefore, when a piezoelectric body is attached to the housing member, the electronic device is placed outside the vibrating body provided inside the housing. The vibration can be propagated from the inside to the inside. Accordingly, the housing can be made thinner than the conventional method, and the number of parts can be reduced, the assembly process can be simplified, the dimensional accuracy can be improved, and the reliability can be improved. In addition, the design constraint of the vibration propagation mechanism in the electronic device can be reduced.

  Next, an embodiment of a piezoelectric support structure, a piezoelectric attachment method, an input device with a tactile function, and an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a piezoelectric support structure example (before attachment) as a first embodiment according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the piezoelectric support structure example (after attachment). A piezoelectric support structure 60 shown in FIG. 1 is a structure in which a piezoelectric body (hereinafter referred to as a piezoelectric actuator 100) is supported on a casing member 61 of a cellular phone, an information portable terminal device, or the like. It is a structure that can present tactile sense.

  The housing member 61 has, for example, a quadrangular frame, and has a length of l [mm], a width of w [mm], and a depth (height) of h [on one side. mm] component storage part 62 is provided. In the drawing, a part of the frame body is shown as an L shape. The housing member 61 has concave portions (slit portions) 63 a and 63 b on both inner surfaces of the component storage portion 62. The casing member 61 is made of a synthetic resin member or a metal member such as aluminum, iron, copper, or an alloy thereof.

  The component storage unit 62 stores the piezoelectric actuator 100. The piezoelectric actuator 100 has a size that can be stored in the component storage section 62. The piezoelectric actuator 100 includes a substrate (hereinafter also referred to as a support plate or a shim) 3 to which laminated piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b are bonded, and both sides (convex portions) of the substrate 3 extending on both sides of the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b. ) Has elasticity. By utilizing the elasticity of the convex portion of the substrate 3, the piezoelectric body can vibrate in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). The convex portion is processed into a structure that reduces the rigidity of the substrate 3 in order to obtain a spring structure. For example, the substrate protrusion is subjected to a hole punching process, a notch process, a bending process, and the like so as to retain elasticity.

  In this example, the substrate 3 extending on both sides of the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b forms electrodes of the piezoelectric actuator 100 (hereinafter also referred to as center electrodes 3a and 3b). This is for supplying a vibration control voltage to the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b via the central electrodes 3a and 3b. The piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b vibrate based on the vibration control voltage. This vibration is transmitted to input means such as a touch panel mounted on the housing member 61, for example. As a result, a tactile sensation can be presented to the finger of the operator who is touching the input means.

  The recesses 63a and 63b on both inner surfaces of the component storage unit 62 are provided with receiving electrodes (not shown), and the central electrodes 3a and 3b of the piezoelectric actuator 100 are connected to the receiving electrodes. Such a structure is adopted because the electrical connection between the receiving electrode and the center electrodes 3a and 3b and the mechanical engagement between the housing member 61 and the piezoelectric actuator 100 are performed simultaneously and simply. This is because it was made possible.

  In this piezoelectric actuator 100, the piezoelectric element 4a has a projection-like vibration acting portion 8a. In the piezoelectric actuator 100, the concave portions 63a and 63b on both inner sides of the component storage portion 62 are engaged with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric actuator 100, so that the vibration of the piezoelectric element 4a in the component storage portion 62 shown in FIG. The action portion 8a is attached in a state of facing the inside of the housing member 61. Of course, the piezoelectric actuator 100 is attached in a state in which the piezoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b can vibrate in the component storage portion 62.

  The vibration acting part 8a is configured to have a protrusion on the central part of the piezoelectric element 4a. The vibration action part 8a is integrally formed by the same member as the uppermost layer of the piezoelectric element 4a. The vibration action unit 8a is in contact with a side surface of a body to be vibrated such as a touch panel (not shown) or a liquid crystal display panel on the housing member 61, and propagates vibration so as to press the body to be vibrated from the lateral direction. In the conventional method, when the vibration action portion 8a is provided on the uppermost layer of the piezoelectric element 4a, a spacer member or the like is pasted with an adhesive. On the other hand, in the system of the present invention, the vibration acting portion 8a is integrally formed with the same member as the uppermost layer, so that the spacer joining step at the time of assembling the piezoelectric body can be omitted.

  Next, a piezoelectric body mounting method according to the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the piezoelectric actuator 100 is attached to a housing member 61 such as a mobile phone or an information portable terminal device. The piezoelectric body attaching method is roughly divided into three processes: a process for forming the housing member 61, a process for forming the piezoelectric actuator 100, and an assembly process for mounting the piezoelectric actuator 100 on the housing member 61.

[Machining process of casing members]
In this example, a casing member 61 having a frame body (window frame body) with a component storage unit for attaching an input unit, a display unit, and the like is prepared in a cellular phone, an information portable terminal device, and the like. The housing member 61 is formed by, for example, creating a predetermined mold that models the component storage section 62 having the recesses 63a and 63b on both inner surfaces, and injecting synthetic resin into the mold. The mold is designed so that the size of the component storage unit 62 is 1 [mm] in length, w [mm] in width, and about h [mm] in depth. Convex portions for punching out the concave portions 63a and 63b of the component storage portion 62 are provided on both surfaces of the mold.

  In this example, the recesses 63a and 63b on both inner sides of the component storage portion 62 are processed to provide the receiving electrode. The receiving side electrode is opened with an electrode insertion hole so as to be exposed, for example, on the upper surface in the recesses 63a and 63b. For example, one of the receiving side electrodes is a central electrode contact surface, and the other is a lead wire connecting terminal. In this example, the receiving electrode is engaged with the electrode insertion hole, and the lead wire connection terminal is pulled out to the outside of the frame or below the frame. The receiving electrodes are connected to the central electrodes 3a and 3b of the piezoelectric actuator 100 when the piezoelectric parts are attached (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). The casing member 61 may be formed by bending or cutting a metal member such as aluminum, iron, copper, or an alloy thereof in addition to the injection molded product.

[Piezoelectric actuator formation process]
Next, the piezoelectric actuator 100 having a size that can be stored in the component storage unit 62 is prepared. 3A to 3C are top views showing an example of forming a substrate (hereinafter referred to as shim 3). In this example, the piezoelectric actuator 100 is prepared by joining the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b to both surfaces of the central portion of the shim 3 having a predetermined length.

  In FIG. 3A, a shim 3 is formed by patterning a metal plate 3 ′ having a predetermined length L [mm], a width W [mm], and a thickness t [mm] in advance so as to center electrodes of the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b. Process to form 3a, 3b. As the metal plate 3 ', a copper plate, a phosphor bronze plate, a white copper plate, a brass plate, or the like is used. In this example, as shown in FIG. 3B, a single metal plate 3 'is scraped and assigned to the L-type plus side central electrode 3a and the L-type minus side center electrode 3b. Further, both sides of the shim 3 (corresponding to shim protrusions extending from both sides of the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b) are processed in advance so as to give elasticity. Both sides of the shim 3 are preferably processed into a structure that reduces the rigidity of the metal plate 3 ′ in order to have a spring structure.

  For example, the openings 5a to 5d are formed by performing a drilling process on both sides of the metal plate 3 '. The processing for forming the spring structure is not limited to the drilling process, and a notch process, a bending process, or the like may be performed to maintain elasticity. By using the elastic structure on both sides of the shim 3, the piezoelectric body can vibrate up and down. The vibration acting portions 6a and 6b are provided between the openings 5a to 5d of the shim 3 and the end portions thereof. When the piezoelectric component is attached, the receiving side electrode and the inner side recesses 63a and 63b of the component storage portion 62 are provided. The electrical contact state with the center electrodes 3a and 3b is improved.

  When the openings 5a to 5d and the vibration acting portions 6a and 6b can be formed on the metal plate 3 ′, the metal plate 3 ′ is cut and processed as shown in FIG. 3C. And the central electrode 3b. This electrode separation is because the plus side central electrode 3a and the minus side central electrode 3b are insulated and used. The two central electrodes 3 a and 3 b constitute a shim 3. The center electrodes 3a and 3b are provided to supply vibration control voltages to the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b.

  When the shim 3 is formed by an etching method, a stainless steel plate (SUS304 or the like) having a thickness t = 1 mm is prepared. First, a photosensitive film (resist) is placed on a stainless steel plate, and this original plate (stepper) that is shaped like a center electrode having a predetermined shape is placed thereon. Light is emitted from a light source having a predetermined wavelength from above. By this light irradiation, the photosensitive film is removed at the portion where the plate is empty, that is, the portion imitating the central electrode. Then, after removing the plate, a corrosion-resistant film is formed on the portion that is shaped like the central electrode. Then, using the corrosion-resistant film as a mask, the excess stainless steel plate is removed with a metal solution (etching solution). At this time, the photosensitive film other than the portion that is shaped like the central electrode is also removed. By this removal, a center electrode having a predetermined shape can be formed. Of course, the corrosion-resistant film on the central electrode having a defined shape is removed.

  Next, an example of forming the piezoelectric actuator 100 will be described. 4 to 7 are process diagrams showing formation examples (parts 1 to 4) of the piezoelectric actuator 100. FIG. 4A, first, a piezoelectric material such as powdered ceramic, a solvent, a binder, a dispersing material, and the like are charged into a predetermined mixer 101 and mixed to form a mixed slurry 102. Acetone, toluene, ethanol, MEK, or the like is used as the solvent, and polyvinyl, alcohol, polyethylene, or the like is used as the binder. A binder of about 10 w% is used.

  Next, in FIG. 4B, using the doctor blade 103, the mixed slurry 102 is poured out to a uniform thickness. For example, the film thickness is set to about 30 to 50 μm. Thereafter, the solvent is evaporated and dried to produce a green sheet. For example, the drying chamber 104 is maintained at a room temperature or a room temperature of about 50 ° C. to 80 ° C., and the mixed slurry 102 poured out to a uniform thickness is left to stand for several tens of minutes for drying. The mixed slurry 102 from which the solvent has been removed becomes a film-like piezoelectric body (green sheet) 100 ′.

  Thereafter, the film-shaped piezoelectric body 100 ′ is cut into a predetermined size, and the film-shaped piezoelectric body 100 ′ is mounted on a predetermined frame 105 in FIG. 4C. The shape to be cut is a square, and the size is about 200 mm × 200 mm. Of course, it may be rectangular.

  Next, in FIG. 5A, a predetermined position of the film-like piezoelectric body 100 ′ previously attached to the frame 105 is opened to form a through hole (not shown). This through hole is opened in order to electrically join the main electrode IE in each layer to the L-type center electrode (land) 3a provided at the center and the L-type center electrode 3b. The opening diameter is about 0.1 μm to 0.2 μmφ.

  Further, in FIG. 5B, an electrode material is printed at a predetermined position of the film-like piezoelectric body 100 ′ in which the through hole has been opened. Electrode printing is performed by screen printing. An Ag—Pd alloy paste is used as the electrode material. For electrode printing of each layer, a screen is prepared so that a plurality of types of electrode patterns can be obtained.

  Each screen basically includes one main electrode and, for example, a positive-side central electrode land and a negative-side central electrode land. The land is aligned with an opening (through hole) for connection between layers. The main electrode is formed with a screen so as to connect the land for the negative side central electrode and the land for the positive side central electrode at different positions in each layer. When printing the electrodes, it is preferable to repeat the printing a plurality of times in order to supply a sufficient amount of the electrode material inside the through holes.

  Thereafter, in FIG. 5C, a predetermined number of film-like piezoelectric bodies 100 ′ on which the electrode material has been printed are laminated in layers in parallel with the bonding surface. In this example, a laminated piezoelectric body group (hereinafter simply referred to as a piezoelectric element) 4a is formed by nine film-like piezoelectric bodies 100 ′ printed with an electrode material, and similarly, nine film-like piezoelectric bodies 100 ′. Thus, the piezoelectric element 4b is formed.

  Next, in FIG. 6A, the nine film-like piezoelectric bodies 100 ′ on which the electrode material has been printed are thermocompression-bonded to form a laminated green sheet (laminated material) 100 ″. A projection is formed on the central portion, and this projection constitutes the vibration acting portion 8a, which is integrally formed with the same insulating member as the uppermost layer of the piezoelectric element 4a when the vibration acting portion 8a is formed. For example, after an insulating film is formed on the uppermost layer of the piezoelectric element 4a, a resist is applied, and then the resist in the vibration action portion forming region is exposed and removed using the remaining resist film as a mask. An insulating member is deposited on the vibration action portion forming region, and then heat-treated.

The vibration action part 8a is not limited to the method of depositing an insulating member or the resist itself, and a vibrational action part 8a may be formed by forming a material having some hardness by printing. The vibration action unit 8a is in contact with a side surface of a vibrating body (not shown) on the casing member 61 such as a touch panel (input means) or a liquid crystal display element, and serves as a vibration working part when transmitting vibration to the vibrating body. The At this time, the temperature and pressure are about 60 ° C. to 100 ° C., the applied pressure is about 100 kg / cm ² , and the thermocompression bonding time is about several tens of minutes.

  Then, in FIG. 6B, the laminated green sheet 100 ″ previously thermocompression bonded is cut into a predetermined size. For example, the green sheet 100 ″ is cut into strips using a cutting device (not shown). This is to obtain the piezoelectric element 4a and the piezoelectric element 4b. In FIG. 6C, the laminated green sheet 100 ″ is carried into the drying chamber 104, and the binder is removed from the green sheet 100 ″ in the drying chamber 104. The drying condition at this time is that the normal temperature or the room temperature is maintained at about 400 ° C. to 500 ° C., and the green sheet 100 ″ is left for about several tens of minutes for degreasing. It takes several days to control and raise the temperature to about 400 ° C to 500 ° C.

  7A, the laminated green sheet 100 ″ with the vibration action portion from which the binder has been removed is carried into the firing device 106 and fired. The firing conditions at this time are a firing temperature of 1000 ° C. to 1200 ° C. In this case, the degreasing treatment is performed in the same manner, and the temperature rise rate is controlled in the firing furnace, and the temperature is increased to about 1000 ° C. to 1200 ° C. in several days. Increase the temperature.

  After that, in FIG. 7B, the previously fired laminated green sheet 100 ″ with the vibration action portion is cut with the grindstone 107 to form the individual piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b. 40 is the trajectory of the grindstone 107. The grindstone 107 is cut so as to go around the front and back of the green sheet 100 ″. Thereby, the piezoelectric element 4a as shown in FIG. 7C is obtained. As the piezoelectric element 4b, a piezoelectric element not provided with a vibration acting portion is used. The lands of each layer are connected by an electrode material filled in the through hole. In this way, the feeding point to the main electrode IE of each layer can be drawn out to the central L-shaped positive central electrode 3a and the negative central electrode 3b.

[Bonding of piezoelectric element and shim]
FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a laminated example of a film-like piezoelectric body that supplements an example of forming the piezoelectric actuator 100. 9A and 9B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X1-X2 showing a configuration example of the piezoelectric actuator 100. FIG.

  In the laminated example of the film-like piezoelectric body shown in FIG. 8, the piezoelectric element 4 a and the shim 3 which are large enough to be housed in the component housing portion 62 and have the vibration acting portion are joined. In this example, the laminated piezoelectric element 4a with the vibration action part and the laminated piezoelectric element 4b without the vibration action part are joined with the plane L-shaped center electrodes 3a and 3b shown in FIG. To be processed. In this bonding process, the piezoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b are bonded to the front and back surfaces of the center electrodes 3 a and 3 b with an adhesive 7. At this time, the piezoelectric element 4a is bonded to one surface of the central electrodes 3a and 3b, and the piezoelectric element 4b is bonded to the other surface of the central electrodes 3a and 3b. As the adhesive 7, an epoxy resin or a UV adhesive is used.

  A piezoelectric actuator (laminated body) 100 shown in FIG. 8 is a form in which piezoelectric elements are laminated between electrodes, and a total of 16 layers of piezoelectric elements # 1 to # 16, an upper electrode 1, a lower electrode 2, The positive and negative central electrodes 3a and 3b and 16 layers of electrodes IE1 to IE16 are formed. In the laminated piezoelectric element 4a, the upper electrode 1 is connected to the main electrodes IE2, IE4, IE6, and IE8 through a through hole (not shown) and is connected to the central electrode 3b. The electrodes of each layer are connected by an electrode material filled in the through holes. In the laminated piezoelectric element 4b, the lower electrode 2 is similarly connected to the main electrodes IE9, IE11, IE13, and IE15 through a through hole (not shown) and is connected to the central electrode 3b.

  In the piezoelectric element 4a, the main electrode IE1 is connected to the main electrodes IE3, IE5, and IE7 through a through hole (not shown) and is connected to the central electrode 3a. In the piezoelectric element 4b, the main electrode IE10 is connected to the main electrodes IE12, IE14, and IE16 through a through hole (not shown) and is connected to the central electrode 3a. As a result, the 16-layer piezoelectric elements # 1 to # 16 are driven in parallel.

  An upper insulating film 8 is provided so as to cover the upper electrode 1. At the center of the upper electrode 1, a vibration action portion 8 a is integrally formed by the same insulating member as the upper insulating film 8. The vibration acting part 8a is formed by integrating the insulating member formed on the uppermost layer of the piezoelectric element 4a described with reference to FIG. Thereby, the piezoelectric actuator 100 with an elastic function as shown to FIG. 9A and B is completed. Thereafter, the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b are subjected to polarization processing as necessary.

[Assembly process]
FIG. 10A is a top view of partial crushing showing an assembly example of the piezoelectric actuator 100 to the housing member 61 with a component storage portion. FIG. 10B is a front view illustrating a configuration example in the vicinity of the component storage portion of the housing member 61.

  According to the housing member 61 shown in FIG. 10A, receiving-side electrodes 64 a and 64 b are provided in the concave portions 63 a and 63 b on both inner sides of the component storage portion 62. The receiving side electrodes 64a and 64b are set in the electrode insertion holes opened in the housing member 61, and are attached so as to be exposed on the upper surfaces in the recesses 63a and 63b shown in FIG. 10B. One of the receiving side electrodes 64a and 64b is a center electrode contact surface, and the other is a lead wire connection terminal.

  When the housing member 61 with the component storage portion as shown in FIG. 10A and the piezoelectric actuator 100 having elasticity are formed, the piezoelectric actuator 100 is attached to the component storage portion 62. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow Y1-Y2 of the housing member 61 shown in FIG. 10A. In this example, the concave portions 63 a and 63 b on both inner sides of the component storage portion 62 are aligned with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric actuator 100. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10C, the piezoelectric actuator 100 is press-fitted so as to slide from the upper surface side to the lower surface side.

  Thereby, in the component storage part 62, the piezoelectric actuator 100 can be attached in a state where the vibration acting part 8a of the piezoelectric element 4a faces the inside of the housing member 61. In addition, the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b can be attached in a vibrable state in the component storage portion 62 (see FIG. 2). The central electrodes 3a and 3b of the piezoelectric actuator 100 can be connected to the receiving electrodes 64a and 64b with good conductivity by the vibration acting portions 6a and 6b.

  Thus, according to the piezoelectric body supporting structure and the piezoelectric body mounting method as the first embodiment, when the piezoelectric actuator 100 is mounted on the housing member 61, the housing member 61 with the receiving-side electrodes 64a and 64b is provided. The concave portions 63a and 63b on both inner sides of the component storage portion 62 are engaged with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric actuator 100 with the center electrode. In the component storage portion 62, the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element 4a is used as a housing member. It is attached so as to face the inside of 61.

  Accordingly, the electrical connection between the receiving side electrodes 64a and 64b and the central electrodes 3a and 3b and the mechanical engagement between the housing member 61 and the piezoelectric actuator 100 can be simultaneously and easily performed. That is, by attaching the piezoelectric actuator 100 to the housing member 61, the receiving side electrodes 64a and 64b of the component storage unit 62 and the central electrodes 3a and 3b of the piezoelectric actuator 100 are connected in a self-aligning manner.

  As a result, vibration can be propagated from the outside to the inside with respect to the body to be vibrated provided inside the housing member 61. Therefore, the housing can be made thinner than the conventional method, and the number of parts can be reduced. Reduction, improvement of dimensional accuracy, and improvement of reliability can be achieved. In addition, the assembly process can be simplified, and design restrictions on the vibration propagation mechanism can be reduced as compared with the conventional method.

  11A to 11D are enlarged top views showing structural examples of the shim 3 with an elastic function. In FIGS. 11A to 11D, a region I separated by a wavy line is a portion inserted into the recess 63 a of the housing member 61. A protrusion 6a is provided in the region I in contact with the receiving side electrode 64a. When the piezoelectric component is attached, the receiving side electrode 64a and the central electrode 3a The electrical contact state is improved. Although not shown, the projection 6b is also provided on the opposite central electrode 3b, and when the piezoelectric component is attached, the electrical contact state between the receiving electrode 64b and the central electrode 3b in the inner recess 63b of the component storage portion 62 is shown. To make it better.

  The structural example of the shim 3 shown in FIG. 11A corresponds to the convex portion such as the central electrode 3a described in the first embodiment. Openings 5a and 5b are provided in the convex portion extending from the piezoelectric element 4a and the like of the shim 3. This opening 5a, 5b is for making the convex part of the shim 3 into a spring structure. Although not shown, openings 5a and 5b are also provided in the convex portion of the opposite center electrode 3b. By using the elastic structure on both sides of the shim 3, the piezoelectric body can vibrate up and down.

  FIG. 11B is an enlarged top view showing a structural example of a shim 301 with an elastic function. A shim 301 shown in FIG. 11B has two elliptical openings 51a and 51b. The openings 51 a and 51 b are provided along the longitudinal direction of the shim 301. This opening 51a, 51b is for making the convex part of the shim 301 into a spring structure. Although not shown, openings 51c and 51d are also provided in the convex portion of the opposite center electrode 3b. By using the elastic structure on both sides of the shim 301, the piezoelectric body can vibrate up and down. The shim 301 has a structure that reduces the rigidity of the substrate compared to the shim 3 by making the openings 51a and 51b elliptical.

  FIG. 11C is an enlarged top view showing a structural example of the shim 302 with an elastic function. A shim 302 shown in FIG. 11C has seven oval openings 52a to 52g. The openings 52 a to 52 g are provided along the longitudinal direction of the shim 302. This opening 52a-52g is for making the convex part of the shim 302 into a spring structure. Although not shown, openings 52h to 52n are also provided in the convex portion of the opposite center electrode 3b. By using the elastic structure on both sides of the shim 302, the piezoelectric body can vibrate up and down. The shim 302 has a structure that further reduces the rigidity of the substrate as compared with the shim 301 by reducing the elliptical openings 52 a to 52 g and increasing the number of the openings.

  FIG. 11D is an enlarged top view showing a structural example of a shim 303 with an elastic function. A shim 303 shown in FIG. 11D is provided with two notches 53 a and 53 b in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the shim 303.

  When the shim 33 is formed by an etching method, a stainless plate (SUS304 or the like) having a thickness t = 1 mm is prepared. First, a photosensitive film (resist) is placed on a stainless steel plate, and further this original plate (stepper) that is shaped like a center electrode having two notches 53a and 53b on the left and right sides is placed. Light is emitted from a light source having a predetermined wavelength from above. By this light irradiation, the portion of the photosensitive film where the plate is empty, that is, the central electrode main body and the cutout portions 53a and 53b that impart elasticity is removed.

  Then, after removing the plate, a corrosion-resistant film is formed on the part that is shaped like the central electrode main body and the notches 53a and 53b. Then, using the corrosion-resistant film as a mask, the excess stainless steel plate is removed with a metal solution (etching solution). At this time, the photosensitive film other than the portion that is shaped like the central electrode main body and the notches 53a and 53b is also removed. By this removal, a shim 303 having an elastic function as shown in FIG. 11D can be formed. Of course, the corrosion-resistant film on the shim 303 having a defined shape is removed.

  The above-described notches 53a and 53b are for the convex portion of the shim 303 to have a spring structure. Although not shown, notches 53c and 53d are also provided in the convex portion of the opposite center electrode 3b. By using the elastic structure on both sides of the shim 303, the piezoelectric body can vibrate up and down. The shim 303 has a structure that reduces the rigidity of the substrate compared to the shim 3 by cutting the substrate into an elliptical shape.

  FIG. 12 is a front view showing an example of a piezoelectric support structure as a second embodiment. According to the piezoelectric support structure 602 shown in FIG. 12, the piezoelectric actuator 110 with an elastic function is attached to the component storage portion 62 of the housing member 61. The piezoelectric actuator 110 has central electrodes 3a 'and 3b' having an elastic function. The central electrodes 3a ′ and 3b ′ are formed by bending the substrate once in a U-shape (convex) shape in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the piezoelectric element 4a having the vibration acting portion 8a and the piezoelectric element 4b. It is. The U-shaped central electrodes 3a 'and 3b' are for the shim convex portion to have a spring structure. By using the elastic structure on both sides of the shim, the piezoelectric body can vibrate in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). In the second embodiment, by bending the substrate, the structure of the substrate can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example of a piezoelectric support structure as a third embodiment. According to the piezoelectric support structure 603 shown in FIG. 13, the piezoelectric actuator 120 with an elastic function is attached to the component storage portion 62 of the housing member 61. The piezoelectric actuator 120 has center electrodes 3a "and 3b" with an elastic function. The center electrodes 3a "and 3b" are formed by bending the substrate into a U-shape (convex) once each on both sides of the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b in the longitudinal direction. The U-shaped center electrodes 3a "and 3b" are for making the shim convex part a spring structure. By using the elastic structure on both sides of the shim, the piezoelectric body can vibrate in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). In the third embodiment, the substrate is bent on the front and back surfaces, so that the rigidity of the substrate can be reduced as compared with the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a mobile phone 200 with a tactile input function as a fourth embodiment.
In this embodiment, the piezoelectric support structure 60, 602 or 603 according to the first to third embodiments is provided, and the vibration pattern corresponding to the pressing force at the position pressed by the operating body on the input detection surface on the display means. And a vibration means for vibrating the input detection surface based on the input detection surface so that a tactile sensation can be given to the pressing operation of the operating body on the input detection surface and the input of the button icon or the like displayed on the display means is confirmed. It is something that can be done.

  A cellular phone 200 shown in FIG. 14 is an example of an electronic device, and includes an input device 90 with a tactile function that is operated by sliding contact on an input detection surface on a display screen. The cellular phone 200 includes a lower casing 10 and an upper casing 20, and the casings 10 and 20 are movably engaged by the rotation range mechanism 11. According to this rotation range mechanism, a shaft portion (not shown) provided at one end of the operation surface of the lower housing 10 and a bearing portion (not shown) provided at one end of the back surface of the lower housing 10 are rotatably engaged. The upper housing 20 is surface-coupled to the lower housing 10 with a rotational degree of freedom of an angle of ± 180 °.

  The lower housing 10 is provided with an operation panel 18 composed of a plurality of push button switches 12. The push button switch 12 includes “0” to “9” numeric keys, symbol keys such as “*” and “#”, hook buttons such as “on” and “off”, menu keys, and the like. In the lower housing 10, a microphone 13 for calling is attached below the operation panel surface so as to function as a transmitter.

  A module-type antenna 16 is attached to the lower end of the lower housing 10, and a loudspeaker speaker 36a is provided on the inner side of the upper end so as to emit a ringing melody or the like. The lower housing 10 is provided with a battery 16, a circuit board 17, and the like, and a camera 34 is attached to the back surface of the lower housing 10.

  The upper casing 20 that is movably engaged with the above-described lower casing 10 by the rotation range mechanism 11 is provided with a speaker 36b for calling above the surface thereof so as to function as a receiver. The An input device 90 with a tactile function is provided below the speaker mounting surface of the upper housing 20. The input device 90 includes an input detection unit 45 and a display unit 29, and gives a tactile sensation to the pressing operation of the operating body on the input detection surface on the display screen. The display means 29 displays input information such as a plurality of button icons.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a structural example of the input device 90 with a tactile function. An input device 90 shown in FIG. 15 is a device that touches one of a plurality of icons displayed on the input item selection display screen and performs an input operation on the display screen. Sometimes a tactile sensation is presented to the operator's finger (operation body).

  The input device 90 includes an input detection unit 45 and a piezoelectric support structure 60 that presents a tactile sensation to an operator's finger based on an input operation of the input detection unit 45. The input detection means 45 includes the input means 24 and force detection means 55a to 55d. In this example, one of the input detection surfaces of the input detection means 45 is the X direction, the other orthogonal to the X direction is the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions is the Z direction.

  The input means 24 detects the selection position of the button icon. The input information obtained from the input means 24 includes position detection information. The position detection information is obtained from the position detection signal S1 when the button icon is pressed, and is output to the control system. The input means 24 has a length of about L'cm and a width of about W'cm. As the input means 24, a touch panel is used in which the size of the input operation surface is W ′ = 64 mm × L ′ = 88 mm, the thickness is about 1.0 mm, and transparent electrodes serving as storage electrodes are arranged in a matrix. The touch panel is a capacitance type input device as a capacitance sheet.

  Below the input means 24, a display means 29 of the same size is arranged. A liquid crystal display device is used for the display means 29. The liquid crystal display device includes a backlight (not shown). The input means 24 and the display means 29 constitute a vibrating body. The display unit 29 operates to display an icon based on the position detection information D1 obtained from the input unit 24 and the display signal Sv supplied from the control system.

  A frame (housing member) 61 ′ is disposed around the input means 24. The frame 61 ′ is made of a resin frame having a thickness of about 5 mm □ and has a piezoelectric support structure 60. On both sides of the frame 61 ′, a component for mounting a piezoelectric body having a length of l ′ [mm], a width of w ′ [mm], and a depth (height) of about h ′ [mm] is stored. Portions 62a and 62b are provided. The frame 61 'has recesses 63a and 63b on both inner surfaces of the component storage portions 62a and 62b.

  The piezoelectric actuator 100a is accommodated in one component accommodating part 62a. For example, the piezoelectric actuator 100a is attached by being press-fitted from the upper side to the lower part 63a, 63b of the component housing part 62a. Similarly, the piezoelectric actuator 100b is housed in the other component housing portion 62b. The piezoelectric actuator 100b is also attached by being press-fitted from the upper side to the lower part 63c, 63d of the component housing part 62b. As the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b, the piezoelectric actuators 100, 110, and 120 described in the first to third embodiments are used. The piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b include a piezoelectric actuator having the shims 301 to 303 shown in FIG.

  The piezoelectric actuator 100a has a size that can be stored in the component storage section 62a. As shown in FIG. 9B, the piezoelectric actuator 100a has a shim 3 in which stacked piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b are joined, and a shim 3 extending on both sides of the piezoelectric element 4a having a vibration acting portion 8a. Both sides (protrusions) have elasticity. By utilizing the elasticity of the convex portion of the shim 3, the piezoelectric body can vibrate in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). In other words, the piezoelectric body can be vibrated in a direction orthogonal to the direction of light transmitted from the backlight of the liquid crystal display device.

  In this example, the shim convex portion is subjected to a drilling process to obtain a spring structure and retains elasticity. Shims 3 extending on both sides of the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b form central electrodes 3a and 3b of the piezoelectric actuator 100a. This is because the vibration control signal Sa (voltage) is supplied to the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b via the center electrodes 3a and 3b. The piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b vibrate the display screen (input operation surface) from the side surface direction based on the vibration control signal Sa. This vibration is propagated to the input means 24 and the display means 29 surrounded by the frame 61 ', for example. As a result, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operator's finger or the like touching the input means 24.

  The piezoelectric actuator 100b housed in the other component housing portion 62b is also supplied with the vibration control signal Sb and functions in the same manner. The vibration control signals Sa and Sb are supplied from the control system to the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. The vibration control signals Sa and Sb are signals for generating a plurality of vibration patterns. For example, when the operator touches (touches) one of the icons displayed on the display unit 29, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. To be supplied.

  In addition, receiving side electrodes 64a and 64b as shown in FIG. 10A are provided in the recesses 63a and 63b on both inner sides of the component storage unit 62a, and the receiving side electrodes 64a and 64b are provided with the central electrodes 3a and 3b is connected. Such a structure is adopted because the electrical connection between the receiving electrodes 64a and 64b and the central electrodes 3a and 3b and the mechanical engagement between the frame 61 ′ and the piezoelectric actuator 100a are performed simultaneously. This is because it is easy to do.

  Wiring patterns 66a, 66b, 67a and 67b are formed on the outer periphery of the frame 61 '. The receiving electrode 64a for the piezoelectric actuator 100a described above is connected to the wiring pattern 66a, and the receiving electrode 64b is connected to the wiring pattern 66b. The wiring patterns 67a and 67b are connected to a receiving electrode for the piezoelectric actuator 100b (not shown). The vibration control signals Sa and Sb are supplied to the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b through the wiring patterns 66a, 66b, 67a and 67b.

  In the piezoelectric actuator 100a, the piezoelectric element 4a has a vibration acting portion 8a. The vibration acting portion 8a is configured by providing a protrusion on the central portion of the piezoelectric element 4a. The vibration action part 8a is integrally formed by the same member as the uppermost layer of the piezoelectric element 4a. The vibration acting portion 8a is in contact with the side surface of the input means 24 such as a touch panel (not shown) and the display means 29 on the frame 61 ′, and based on the position detection signal (position information) S1 obtained from the input detection means 45, etc. Vibration is propagated so as to press the input means 24 or the display means 29 from the side surface direction (lateral direction).

  In the conventional method, a spacer member or the like is pasted with an adhesive when a protrusion such as the vibration acting portion 8a is provided on the uppermost layer of the piezoelectric element 4a. On the other hand, in the system of the present invention, the vibration acting portion 8a is integrally formed with the same member as the uppermost layer, so that the spacer joining step at the time of assembling the piezoelectric body can be omitted. The piezoelectric actuator 100b housed in the other component housing portion 62b is also mounted so as to function similarly. The piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b with the vibration action unit constitute a module type vibration transmission mechanism.

  Also, for example, square-shaped force detection means 55a to 55d are provided at the bottom of the four corners inside the frame 61 ′, and force detection information is detected by detecting the pressing force (pressing force) of the operator's finger against the input means 24. And the input information displayed at the pressed position is confirmed. The force detection unit 55a detects, for example, a force detection signal Sfa when the icon is selected as the input amount (pressing force in the Z direction) at the lower right corner. Similarly, the force detection means 55b detects the force detection signal Sfb when the icon is selected as the input amount (force) in the upper right corner, and the force detection means 55c uses the input amount (force) in the upper left corner as the input amount (force). The force detection signal Sfc at the time of icon selection is detected, and the force detection means 55d detects the force detection signal Sfd at the time of icon selection as an input amount (force) at the lower left corner. These four force detection means 55a to 55d are connected in parallel and output these four force detection signals Sfa + Sfb + Sfc + Sfd to the control system. Hereinafter, the summed signal is referred to as an input detection signal S2. The input detection signal S2 is output to the control system.

  The input means 24, the display means 29, and the frame 61 'described above are housed in the housing 65 and protected. The frame 61 'is processed to prevent the display means from being removed, and the frame 61' and the casing 65 constitute a casing member. The casing 65 is made of a stainless steel frame having a thickness of about 0.3 mm, and has a window portion that exposes the input means 24. The input detection means 45 and the display means 29 provided in the frame 61 ′ are provided. It is made to cover. The casing 65 is used in combination with the display means 29, the input detection means 45, and the frame 61 '.

  FIG. 16A is a top view of partial crushing showing a configuration example of the input device 90 with a tactile function. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow Z1-Z2 of the input device 90 shown in FIG. 16A.

  According to the input device 90 shown in FIG. 16A, two piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are attached to both sides of the frame 61 ′ in which the display means 29 is housed, and the button icon displayed on the display means 29 is selected. Based on this, the display screen is vibrated.

  In this example, in the piezoelectric actuator 100a, the concave portions 63a and 63b on both inner sides of the component storage portion 62a are engaged with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric actuator 100a, so that the vibration acting portion 8a of the piezoelectric element 4a becomes the component. The storage portion 62a is attached so as to face the inside of the frame 61 ′. Of course, the piezoelectric actuator 100a is attached in a state in which the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b can vibrate in the component storage portion 62a.

  In the piezoelectric actuator 100b, the concave portions 63c and 63d on both inner sides of the component storage portion 62b are engaged with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric actuator 100b, so that the vibration acting portion 8a of the piezoelectric element 4a is in the component storage portion 62b. And attached to the inside of the frame 61 ′. Of course, the piezoelectric actuator 100b is attached in a state in which the piezoelectric elements 4a and 4b can vibrate in the component housing portion 62b.

  Further, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b vibrate the input detection surface based on the vibration pattern corresponding to the pressure F of the operator's finger detected by the force detection means 55a to 55d shown in FIG. In this example, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b give different tactile sensations according to the vibration pattern corresponding to the pressure F prepared in advance.

  A liquid crystal display device is used for the display means 29 shown in FIG. 16B. In this case, the display means 29 includes an upper glass 29a and a lower glass 29b for a display module, an optical sheet, and a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate 29c. Liquid crystal is sealed between the upper glass 29a and the lower glass 29b. An alkali-free glass plate having a thickness of about 0.33 mm is used for the upper glass 29a and the lower glass 29b. When the display means 29 is a flat display device, an EL layer is provided between the upper glass 29a and the lower glass 29b.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the above-described vibration acting portion 8a only needs to have a length approximately equal to the surface position of the inner surface of the frame 61 ′. What is necessary is just to have the length which contact | abuts. If the input device 90 is configured in this way, vibration can be propagated from the outside to the inside (from both sides to the inside) with respect to the input means 24 and the display means 29 provided inside the frame 61 ′. In addition, the height of these laminates can be reduced compared to a structure in which a piezoelectric actuator is sandwiched between the input means 24 and the display means 29, or a structure in which a piezoelectric actuator is disposed below the input means 24 and the display means 29. In addition to reducing the thickness of the housing 65 as compared with the conventional method, the number of components can be reduced, the assembly process can be simplified, the dimensional accuracy can be improved, and the reliability can be improved.

  Next, an internal configuration example of the mobile phone 200 with a tactile input function and a tactile feedback input method will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the mobile phone 200 with a tactile input function.

  A cellular phone 200 shown in FIG. 17 is configured by mounting blocks of various functions on the circuit board 17 of the lower housing 10. In addition, the part corresponding to each part and means shown in FIGS. 14-16 is shown with the same code | symbol. The mobile phone 200 includes a control unit 15, an operation panel 18, a reception unit 21, a transmission unit 22, an antenna duplexer 23, an input detection unit 45, a display unit 29, a power supply unit 33, a camera 34, a storage unit 35, a piezoelectric actuator 100a, 100b.

  The input detection means 45 shown in FIG. 17 is an electrostatic capacitance type input device shown in FIG. 16, but may be anything as long as it can distinguish between the function of curling and selection. (SAW), an optical method, a multi-stage tact switch, or the like may be used. Preferably, any input device having a configuration in which position detection information and force detection information are provided to the control means 15 may be used. The input detection means 45 described above receives at least the position detection signal S1 and the input detection signal S2 that is the input amount (pressing force; pressing force F) via the finger 30a of the operator 30.

  The control unit 15 constitutes a control system and includes an image processing unit 26, an A / D driver 31, a CPU 32, and an actuator drive circuit 37. The A / D driver 31 is supplied with the position detection signal S1 and the input detection signal S2 from the input detection means 45. The A / D driver 31 converts an analog signal composed of the position detection signal S1 and the input detection signal S2 into digital data in order to distinguish between the functions of cursoring and icon selection. In addition to this, the A / D driver 31 performs arithmetic processing on this digital data to detect whether the input is cursoring input or icon selection information, and flag data D3 or position detection information D1 or input detection for distinguishing between cursor input and icon selection. The information D2 is supplied to the CPU 32. These calculations may be executed in the CPU 32.

  A CPU 32 is connected to the A / D driver 31. The CPU 32 controls the entire telephone set based on the system program. The storage means 35 stores system program data for controlling the entire telephone. A RAM (not shown) is used as a work memory. When the power is turned on, the CPU 32 reads out system program data from the storage means 35 and develops it in the RAM, starts up the system and controls the entire mobile phone. For example, the CPU 32 receives position detection information D1, input detection information D2, and flag data D3 (hereinafter also simply referred to as input data) from the A / D driver 31, and sends predetermined command data D to the power supply unit 33, the camera 34, Control is performed such that the data is supplied to devices such as the storage unit 35, the actuator driving unit 37, the video & audio processing unit 44, the reception data from the reception unit 21 is taken in, or the transmission data is transferred to the transmission unit 2.

  In this example, the CPU 32 compares the input detection information D2 obtained from the input detection means 45 with a preset pressing determination threshold value Fth, and controls the vibration of the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b based on the comparison result. The actuator driving unit 37 is controlled. For example, if the tactile sensations propagated from the input detection surface at the pressed position of the input detection means 45 are A and B, the tactile sensation A reduces the input detection surface corresponding to the pressure F of the operator's finger 30a at the pressed position. It is obtained by changing from a vibration pattern having a frequency and a small amplitude to a vibration pattern having a high frequency and a large amplitude. The tactile sensation B is obtained by changing the input detection surface corresponding to the pressure F of the operator's finger 30a at the pressed position from a high frequency and large amplitude vibration pattern to a low frequency and small amplitude vibration pattern. It is done.

  Storage means 35 is connected to the CPU 32 described above, for example, display information D4 for displaying the input item selection display screen three-dimensionally, and the icon selection position and vibration mode corresponding to the display information D4. Control information Dc and the like are stored for each display screen. The control information Dc can generate a plurality of different tactile sensations synchronized with an application (three-dimensional display or various display contents) on the display means 29, and a plurality of specific vibration waveforms that generate the tactile sensations, and An algorithm for setting a specific haptic generation mode for each application is included. For the storage means 35, an EEPROM, a ROM, a RAM, or the like is used.

  In this example, the CPU 32 performs display control of the display means 29 and output control of the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b based on the position detection information D1, output detection information D2, and flag data D3 output from the A / D driver 31. For example, the control unit 15 reads the control information Dc from the storage unit 35 based on the position detection signal S1 obtained from the input unit 24 and the input detection signal S2 obtained from the force detection units 55a to 55d, and sends them to the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. Vibration control signals Sa and Sb are supplied.

  For example, when the input detection unit 45 detects the input detection information D2 exceeding the press determination threshold Fth, the CPU 32 activates the tactile sense A, and then detects the input detection information D2 below the press determination threshold Fth, The actuator drive circuit 37 is controlled to activate In this way, it is possible to generate different vibration patterns in accordance with the “pressing force” of the operator's finger 30a and the like.

  An actuator drive unit 37 is connected to the CPU 32 and generates vibration control signals Sa and Sb based on the control information Dc from the CPU 32. The vibration control signals Sa and Sb have an output waveform composed of a sine waveform. Two piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are connected to the actuator drive unit 37, and are oscillated based on respective vibration control signals Sa and Sb.

  In this example, the actuator driving unit 37 stores a pressing determination threshold value Fth corresponding to each application. For example, the pressing determination threshold value Fth is stored in advance in a ROM or the like provided in the actuator drive circuit 37 as a trigger parameter. Under the control of the CPU 32, the actuator drive circuit 37 inputs the input detection information D2, compares the preset pressing determination threshold Fth with the pressure F obtained from the input detection information D2, and satisfies Fth> F. A determination process or a determination process such as Fth ≦ F is executed.

  In this example, when the pressing determination threshold value Fth = 100 [gf] is set, the input detection surface is vibrated based on the vibration pattern for obtaining the tactile sensation of the classic switch. When the pressing determination threshold Fth = 20 [gf] is set, the input detection surface is vibrated based on a vibration pattern for obtaining a tactile sense of the cyber switch.

  In addition to the actuator drive unit 37, the image processing unit 26 is connected to the CPU 32, and the display information D4 for three-dimensionally displaying the button icon 29a and the like is subjected to image processing. Display information D4 after image processing is supplied to the display means 29. In this example, the CPU 32 controls the display means 29 so that the button icon on the display screen is displayed in a three-dimensional manner with a perspective in the depth direction.

  The input device 90 configured in this way, for example, presses (contacts) one of a plurality of button icons displayed on the input item selection display screen to move the input unit 24 in the Z direction on the display screen. When pressed, a screen input operation is performed with a sense of touch. The operator 30 receives the vibration of the finger 30a and feels the vibration of each button icon as a tactile sensation.

  The display contents of the display means 29 are determined by the eyes of the operator, and the sound emission from the speakers 36a, 36b and the like is determined by the sounds of the operator's ears. The operation panel 18 is connected to the CPU 32 described above, and is used, for example, when manually inputting the telephone number of the other party. In addition to the icon selection screen described above, the display unit 29 may display an incoming video based on the video signal Sv.

  Moreover, the antenna 16 shown in FIG. 17 is connected to the antenna duplexer 23, and receives a radio wave from the other party from a base station or the like when an incoming call is received. A receiver 21 is connected to the antenna duplexer 23, receives reception data guided from the antenna 16, demodulates video and audio, and outputs the demodulated video and audio data Din to the CPU 32 and the like. The A video & audio processing unit 44 is connected to the receiving unit 21 through the CPU 32, and digital audio data is converted from digital to analog to output an audio signal Sout, or digital video data is converted from digital to analog and converted into a video signal. Sv is output.

  The audio and video processing unit 44 is connected with loudspeakers 36a and 36b constituting a large sound and a receiver. The speaker 36a is configured to ring a ringtone, a ringing melody, and the like when an incoming call is received. The speaker 36b receives the audio signal Sin and expands the other party's speech 30d. In addition to the speakers 36a and 36b, the microphone 13 constituting the transmitter is connected to the video & audio processing unit 44, and the voice of the operator is collected and the audio signal Sout is output. The video & audio processing unit 44 performs analog / digital conversion on the analog audio signal Sin to be sent to the other party at the time of calling and outputs digital audio data, or analog / digital conversion of the analog video signal Sv. Digital video data is output.

  In addition to the receiving unit 21, the transmitting unit 22 is connected to the CPU 32 to modulate the video and audio data Dout and the like to be sent to the other party, and supply the modulated transmission data to the antenna 16 through the antenna duplexer 23. To be made. The antenna 16 radiates a radio wave supplied from the antenna duplexer 23 toward a base station or the like.

  In addition to the transmission unit 22, a camera 34 is connected to the CPU 32 described above, and a subject is photographed. For example, still image information and operation information are transmitted to the other party through the transmission unit 22. The power supply unit 33 includes a battery 14, and includes a CPU 3215, an operation panel 18, a reception unit 21, a transmission unit 22, an input detection unit 45, piezoelectric actuators 100 a and 100 b, a display unit 29, a camera 34, and a storage unit 35. Power is supplied.

  18A and 18B are waveform diagrams showing examples of vibration patterns related to the senses of touch A and B. FIG. 18A and 18B, the horizontal axis is time t. The vertical axis represents the voltage (amplitude Ax) [V] of the vibration control signals Sa, Sb and the like. In this example, in the button icon 29a or the like, it is assumed that a tactile sense A is given when the button icon 29a is pressed and a tactile sense B is given when the button icon 29a is released.

  A first vibration pattern Pa shown in FIG. 18A is a waveform that gives a sense of touch A. The driving condition a of the tactile sense A is a case where the relationship between the pressing determination threshold value Fth and the applied pressure F becomes Fth <F when the button icon 29a or the like is pressed, and is about 0.1 in the first stage i. It vibrates with a vibration pattern of frequency fx = 50 Hz, amplitude Ax = 5 μm, number of times Nx = 2 times. Hereinafter, it is expressed as [fx Ax Nx] = [50 5 2]. Similarly, in the second stage ii, vibration is performed with a vibration pattern of [fx Ax Nx] = [100 10 2] for about 0.1 second.

  A second vibration pattern Pb shown in FIG. The driving condition b of the tactile sense B is when the button icon 29a is released after the button icon 29a or the like is pressed, and the relationship between the pressing determination threshold value Fth and the applied pressure F is Fth> F. Oscillate at [fx Ax Nx] = [80 8 2] for about 0.1 second in the first stage i, and similarly, [fx Ax Nx] = [for about 0.1 second in the second stage ii. 40 8 2]. When the input detection surface is vibrated based on such a vibration pattern, a tactile sensation such as a cyber switch can be obtained.

  19A and 19B are diagrams showing a relationship example (No. 1) between the pressing force F and the vibration pattern. In FIG. 19A, the vertical axis represents the applied pressure F, which is obtained from the input detection signal S2 (input detection information D2 after binarization). In FIG. 19B, the vertical axis represents the voltage (amplitude) of the vibration control signal Sa or the like. 19A and 19B, the horizontal axis is time t.

  Generally, there is an input motion peak in button switch operation or the like. It is known that the pressing force F is about 30 [gf] to 240 [gf] when the pressing speed is as designed (operation input speed). A pressure distribution waveform I shown in FIG. 19A reflects the pressure F due to the pressing speed in the Z direction, which is a reference when designing the input device.

  In this example, a pressing determination threshold value Fth is set in advance for the input detection signal S2 obtained from the input detection means 45, and the CPU 32 performs the first vibration at time t11 when the rising waveform of the input detection signal S2 crosses the pressing determination threshold value Fth. The actuator vibration circuit 37 is controlled so that the pattern Pa is generated and the second vibration pattern Pb is generated at time t21 when the falling waveform of the input detection signal S2 crosses the pressing determination threshold value Fth.

  In this way, when the input detection means 45 detects the applied pressure F as a reference at the time of designing the input device, and the CPU 32 or the like detects the pressing determination threshold Fth <the applied pressure F, the tactile sense A can be activated. When the determination threshold Fth> pressure F is detected, the sense of touch B can be activated. A non-vibration blank period Tx = T1 is provided between the vibration pattern Pa and the vibration pattern Pb. This blank period Tx is made variable according to the pressing speed in the Z direction.

  20A and 20B are diagrams showing a relationship example (part 2) between the pressing force F and the vibration pattern. In FIG. 20A, the vertical axis represents the applied pressure F, which is obtained from the input detection signal S2 (input detection information D2 after binarization). In FIG. 20B, the vertical axis represents the voltage (amplitude) of the vibration control signal Sa or the like. 20A and 20B, the horizontal axis is time t.

  A pressure distribution waveform II shown in FIG. 20A reflects the pressure F when the button icon or the like is pressed earlier than the reference pressing speed shown in FIG. 19A. In this example as well, similarly to FIG. 19A, the pressing determination threshold value Fth is set in advance for the input detection signal S2 obtained from the input detection means 45, and the CPU 32 determines that the rising waveform of the input detection signal S2 has the pressing determination threshold value Fth. The actuator vibration circuit 37 is controlled so that the vibration pattern Pa is generated at the time t12 that crosses and the vibration pattern Pb is generated at the time t22 when the falling waveform of the input detection signal S2 crosses the pressing determination threshold value Fth.

  In this way, when the input detection means 45 detects the pressing force F when the button icon or the like is pressed earlier than the reference pressing speed, and the CPU 32 or the like detects the pressing determination threshold Fth <the pressing force F, the haptic A Can be launched. Further, when the CPU 32 or the like detects the pressing determination threshold value Fth> the pressurizing force F, the sense of touch B can be activated. A non-vibration blank period Tx = T2 (T2 <T1) is provided between the vibration pattern Pa and the vibration pattern Pb.

  In this way, even when the pressing speed is faster than the pressing speed at the time of design, the tactile sense A is transmitted in the first half, and a load with a click feeling can be reached, and the tactile sense B is transmitted in the second half, A stroke with a click feeling can be reached. In this example, when the pressing determination threshold value Fth = 100 [gf] is set, a classic switch tactile sensation can be obtained.

  Next, an example of information processing in the mobile phone 200 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing in the mobile phone 200 according to the fourth embodiment.

  In this example, the mobile phone 200 is provided with any of the piezoelectric support structures according to the first to third embodiments, and the operator's finger 30a is used to press the input detection surface on the display screen of the mobile phone 200. It is assumed that information is input. The mobile phone 200 has a function (algorithm) for processing a waveform using, for example, a pressure F applied by an operator's finger 30a as a parameter in the same vibration mode. The CPU 32 calculates the applied pressure F from the input detection information D2, makes a determination corresponding to the driving conditions a and b as shown in FIG. 19A, and uses any type of the determination result within the same vibration mode. A tactile sensation corresponding to the movement during the input operation can be generated.

  With these as information processing conditions, the CPU 32 waits for power-on in step G1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. For example, the CPU 32 detects power-on information and activates the system. The power-on information is usually generated when a clock function or the like is activated and a power switch of a sleeping mobile phone or the like is turned on.

  In step G2, the CPU 32 controls the display unit 29 to display an icon screen. For example, the CPU 32 supplies the display data D4 to the display means 29 and displays the input information on the display screen. The input information displayed on the display screen is made visible through the input detection means 45 having an input detection surface. In step G3, the CPU 32 branches the control based on the button icon input mode or other processing mode. The button icon input mode refers to an input operation of pressing the icon button 29a or the like on the input detection surface when the button icon is selected.

  When the button icon input mode is set, the button icon 29a and the like are pushed in, so that the process proceeds to step G4 and the CPU 32 calculates the pressure F based on the input detection information D2. At this time, the force detection means 55 a to 55 d detect the pressure F at the pressing position of the operator's finger 30 a on the input detection surface, and output the input detection signal S 2 to the A / D driver 31. The A / D driver 31 A / D converts the input detection signal S2 and transfers the input detection information D2 after the A / D conversion to the CPU 32.

  Then, the process proceeds to step G5, where the CPU 32 compares the pressing force F with the pressing determination threshold value Fth, and determines whether or not these relations satisfy F> Fth. If these relationships satisfy F> Fth, the process proceeds to step G6 to activate the sense of touch A. The tactile sense A is obtained by vibrating the input detection surface by the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b based on the vibration pattern Pa corresponding to the pressure F of the operator's finger 30a.

  For example, the haptic A vibrates with a vibration pattern of [fx Ax Nx] = [50 5 2] for about 0.1 second in the first stage i with respect to the frequency fx, the amplitude Ax, and the number Nx shown in FIG. In the second stage ii, vibration is performed with a vibration pattern of [fx Ax Nx] = [100 10 2] for about 0.1 seconds. In this way, it is possible to generate different vibration patterns that match the operator's “pressing force” (driving condition a).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step G7, where the CPU 32 further detects the applied pressure F. The pressure F is detected by the force detection means 55a to 55d in a state of being separated from the button icon 29a following the depression of the button icon 29a. At this time, the force detection means 55 a to 55 d detect the applied pressure F when the operator moves away from the pressed position of the operator's finger 30 a on the input detection surface, and outputs an input detection signal S 2 to the A / D driver 31. The A / D driver 31 A / D converts the input detection signal S2 and transfers the input detection information D2 after the A / D conversion to the CPU 32.

  In step G8, the CPU 32 compares the pressing force F with the pressing determination threshold value Fth to determine whether or not the relationship is F <Fth. When these relationships are F <Fth, the sense of touch B is activated. The tactile sense B is obtained by vibrating the input detection surface by the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b based on the vibration pattern Pb corresponding to the pressure F of the operator's finger 30a. The tactile sense B from which the button icon 29a is released vibrates in a vibration pattern of [fx Ax Nx] = [80 8 2] for about 0.1 second in the first stage i shown in FIG. In the stage ii, it vibrates with a vibration pattern of [fx Ax Nx] = [40 8 2] for about 0.1 second. In this way, it is possible to generate different vibration patterns that match the operator's “pressing force” (driving condition b).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step G10 to confirm the input. At this time, the CPU 32 determines the input information displayed at the pressed position on the input operation surface. Then, the process proceeds to step G12. When another processing mode is selected in step G3, the process proceeds to step G11 to execute another processing mode. Other processing modes include a telephone mode, mail creation, transmission display mode, and the like. The telephone mode includes an operation for making a call to the other party. The button icon 29a and the like include character input items when the telephone mode is selected. After executing another processing mode, the process proceeds to step G12.

  In step G12, the CPU 32 makes an end determination. For example, the power-off information is detected and the information processing is terminated. If the power-off information is not detected, the process returns to step G2, displays an icon screen such as a menu, and repeats the above-described processing.

  Thus, according to the mobile phone to which the input device with a tactile function as the fourth embodiment is applied, the piezoelectric support structure 60, 602 or 603 according to the present invention is applied. On the premise of this, when the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are attached to the frame 61 ′, the component storage portions 62a and 62b provided on the frame 61 ′ are provided with recesses 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d (not shown) on both inner surfaces. Z). In addition, receiving-side electrodes 64a and 64b and the like are provided in the concave portions 63a to 63d on both inner sides of the respective component storage portions 62a and 62b.

  Further, the concave portions 63a and 63b on both inner sides of the component storage portion 62a of the frame 61 'are engaged with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric actuator 100a having the vibration acting portion 8a. 4a and 4b are set in a state where they face the inside of the frame 61 ′. Similarly, the concave portions 63c and 63d on both inner sides of the component storage portion 62b are engaged with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric actuator 100b having the vibration acting portion 8a, and the vibration of the piezoelectric element 4a is detected in the component storage portion 62b. It is set in a state where the action portion 8a faces the inside of the frame 61 ′.

  Therefore, even if a film-like material is used for the input means 24 such as a touch panel provided inside the frame 61 ′ and a transparent reinforced plastic member is used for the display means 29, these input means 24 and Since vibration (rolling) can be propagated from the outside to the inside (from both sides to the inside), the vibration can be transmitted to the display means 29 with higher reproducibility than the conventional method.

  Further, since the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are arranged side by side with the input means 24 and the display means 29, the height of the input device 90 is reduced compared to the conventional method, and the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b can be reduced in thickness. It is possible to reduce the number of parts when mounting, improve the dimensional accuracy, and improve the reliability. In addition, since the receiving electrodes 64a and 64b of the component storage unit 62a and the central electrodes 3a and 3b of the piezoelectric actuator 100a are connected in a self-aligning manner, the assembly process can be simplified.

  In addition, the design constraint of the vibration propagation mechanism can be reduced as compared with the conventional method. During an information input operation, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operator's finger 30a with good reproducibility based on the operation of the input detection means 45. For example, a plurality of types of vibrations can be generated by vibration patterns (amplitude, frequency, and number of vibrations) corresponding to the pressing operation by the operator's finger 30a or the like. An accurate tactile sensation can be presented to the operator's finger 30a and the like.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to acquire a tactile sensation such as an analog switch or a cyber switch corresponding to the pressing operation of the finger 30a of the operator on the input detection surface on the display means 29. This greatly contributes to the cost reduction of electronic devices with a tactile input function.

  The present invention is extremely suitable when applied to an information processing apparatus, a mobile phone, an information portable terminal apparatus, or the like that selects information from an input item selection display screen prepared in advance and inputs information.

It is a perspective view which shows the piezoelectric material support structure example (before attachment) as a 1st Example which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a piezoelectric material support structure (after attachment). (A)-(C) are top views which show the formation process example of a shim. FIG. 6 is a process diagram showing a formation example (No. 1) of the piezoelectric actuator 100; FIG. 5 is a process diagram showing a formation example (No. 2) of the piezoelectric actuator 100; FIG. 6 is a process diagram illustrating a formation example (No. 3) of the piezoelectric actuator 100; FIG. 10 is a process diagram showing a formation example (No. 4) of the piezoelectric actuator 100; 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a laminated film-like piezoelectric body that supplements an example of forming the piezoelectric actuator 100. FIG. (A) And (B) is a top view which shows the structural example of the piezoelectric actuator 100, and Y1-Y2 arrow sectional drawing. (A)-(C) is a figure which shows the example of an assembly of the piezoelectric actuator 100 to the housing | casing member 61 with a components accommodating part, and the structural example of the component accommodating part vicinity. (A)-(D) are enlarged top views which show structural examples, such as shim 3 with an elastic function. It is a front view which shows the example of a piezoelectric material support structure as a 2nd Example. It is a front view which shows the example of a piezoelectric material support structure as a 3rd Example. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the mobile telephone 200 with a tactile sense input function as a 4th Example. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the input device 90 with a tactile function. (A) is the top view of the partial crushing which shows the structural example of the input device 90, and (B) is the Z1-Z2 arrow sectional drawing. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a mobile phone 200. FIG. (A) And (B) is a wave form diagram which shows the example of a vibration pattern which concerns on the tactile senses A and B. FIG. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the example of a relationship between the applied pressure F and a vibration pattern (the 1). (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the example (the 2) of a relationship between the applied pressure F and a vibration pattern. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing example in the mobile phone 200.

Explanation of symbols

3, 3a, 3b ... center electrode (substrate, shim), 8a ... vibration acting part, 10 ... lower housing, 11 ... rotation range mechanism, 15 ... control means, 20 ... Upper housing, 21 ... receiving unit, 22 ... transmitting unit, 24 ... input unit, 29 ... display unit, 32 ... CPU (control unit), 35 ... storage unit, 60, 602, 603... Piezoelectric support structure, 61... Housing member, 61 '... Frame (housing member), 62, 62a, 62b. Input device with tactile function, 100, 100a, 100b... Piezoelectric actuator (piezoelectric body), 200... Mobile phone (electronic device)

Claims (8)

A structure that supports a piezoelectric body with a housing member,
A component storage portion provided on the housing member having a recess on both inner surfaces;
A piezoelectric body having a size that can be stored in the component storage section and extending on both sides of the piezoelectric element having a vibration action point and having elasticity.
By engaging the concave portions on both inner sides of the component storage portion with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body, in the component storage portion, the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element faces the inner side of the housing. A piezoelectric support structure that is attached. A method of attaching a piezoelectric body to a housing member,
Forming a component housing portion having recesses on both inner surfaces in the housing member;
A step of forming a piezoelectric body by joining a piezoelectric element having a vibration acting portion to a substrate, the size being storable in the component storage portion, and imparting elasticity to a convex portion of the substrate extending from both sides of the piezoelectric element. When,
By engaging the concave portions on both inner sides of the component storage portion with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body, the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element is attached to the inner side of the housing in the component storage portion. And a piezoelectric material attaching method comprising the steps of: An input device with a tactile function that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body during information input operation,
Input detection means;
A piezoelectric support structure for presenting a tactile sensation to the operating body based on an input operation of the input detecting means;
The piezoelectric support structure is
A component storage section provided on the housing member having recesses on both inner surfaces;
A piezoelectric body having a size that can be stored in the component storage section, and having a vibration acting section and extending on both sides of the piezoelectric element and having elasticity.
When the concave portions on both inner sides of the component storage portion and the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body are engaged, the vibration action portion of the piezoelectric element is attached to the inner side of the housing in the component storage portion. An input device with a tactile function.   4. The input device with a tactile function according to claim 3, wherein the vibration action portion of the piezoelectric element is brought into contact with a side surface of the input means or the display means provided inside the casing. Display means for displaying a display screen for selecting an input item operated by the input detection means;
The input detection means includes
Detecting the contact position of the operator performing an input operation on the display screen;
The piezoelectric body is
4. The input device with a tactile function according to claim 3, wherein the display screen is vibrated from a side direction based on position information obtained from the input detection means. An electronic device with a tactile input function for presenting a tactile sensation to an operating body during information input operation,
Input detection means;
An input device with a tactile function having a piezoelectric support structure that presents a tactile sensation to the operation body based on an input operation of the input detection means;
The piezoelectric support structure is
A component storage section provided on the housing member having recesses on both inner surfaces;
The component has a size that can be accommodated in the component accommodating portion, and the convex portion of the substrate extending on both sides of the piezoelectric element having the vibration acting portion includes an elastic piezoelectric body,
By engaging the concave portions on both inner sides of the component storage portion with the convex portions on both sides of the piezoelectric body, in the component storage portion, the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element faces the inner side of the housing. An electronic device characterized by being attached.   The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the vibration acting portion of the piezoelectric element is in contact with a side surface of an input unit or a display unit provided inside the housing. Display means for displaying a display screen for selecting an input item operated by the input detection means;
The input detection means includes
Detecting the contact position of the operator performing an input operation on the display screen;
The piezoelectric body is
The electronic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the display screen is vibrated from a side direction based on position information obtained from the input detection unit.

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