JP6572144B2 - Tactile presentation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for presenting a tactile sensation on a panel or the like.

  In recent years, there has been known an apparatus that presents a tactile sensation by giving tactile feedback to, for example, a user's fingertip. As a typical example, there is a device that presents a tactile sensation to a user's fingertip or the like via the touch panel according to a user operation on the touch panel (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a device, for example, when a user operation is performed on the touch panel, the touch panel touched by the user's fingertips is vibrated to present a tactile sensation, and the user recognizes that the input by the operation has been recognized by the device. Can let you know.

Patent No. 4975789

  In order to provide a good operation feeling to the user in the apparatus as described above, a technique for presenting a good tactile sensation such as a click feeling obtained when a mechanical key or button is pressed is desired. Yes. In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to provide a good operational feeling to the user, a pressure by the user's operation is detected, and a tactile sensation is presented when the pressure satisfies a predetermined standard. Thereby, the favorable tactile sensation as obtained when the metal dome switch is operated can be presented.

  Regarding the configuration of such an apparatus, there may be various demands regarding the installation location and the number of installations of actuators that present tactile sensations, depending on the specifications of the apparatus and various restrictions. Therefore, in such a device, it is extremely advantageous if a good tactile sensation can be presented without installing a large number of actuators.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a tactile sensation providing apparatus that efficiently presents a good tactile sensation.

A tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above object is as follows.
A panel,
An actuator for vibrating the panel;
A weight portion provided on the panel;
With
The weight portion is configured to suppress inhibition of vibration at a position where the panel is pressed when the actuator vibrates the panel.

  The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can efficiently present a good tactile sensation.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the tactile sense presentation apparatus for demonstrating the principle of embodiment of this invention. It is the front view and sectional drawing which show the external appearance of the tactile sense presentation apparatus for demonstrating the principle of embodiment of this invention. It is the front view and sectional drawing which show the external appearance of the tactile sense presentation apparatus for demonstrating the principle of embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the tactile sense presentation apparatus for demonstrating the principle of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the tactile sense presentation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the tactile sense presentation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the tactile sense presentation apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the tactile sense presentation apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the embodiments described below, as an example of a tactile sensation providing apparatus, an apparatus that provides a user with a feeling of operation by presenting a tactile sensation on a panel will be described. This apparatus can present a tactile sensation to a user's fingertip (or a device such as a stylus) touching the panel, for example, in accordance with a user operation performed on the panel. The user can know that the input by the operation has been recognized by the device by obtaining an operation feeling by tactile sensation on the fingertip or the like.

  As an electronic device including such a tactile sensation providing apparatus, for example, a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, a fablet, or a tablet PC can be assumed. In addition, the electronic device including the tactile sensation providing device is not limited to the above-described ones. For example, any electronic device having a panel that is a part that provides tactile sensation, such as a PDA, a remote control terminal, a portable music player, and a game machine. Applicable. In addition, the electronic device including the tactile sensation providing device is not limited to the portable electronic device as described above, and may be an arbitrary device having a panel such as a desktop PC, a bank ATM, or a station ticket vending machine. Can be applied.

  In addition, the electronic device provided with the panel can be used in various vehicles other than the automobile, such as an automobile steering panel, a car navigation system, and an in-vehicle control panel built in the dashboard. Furthermore, the electronic device provided with the panel is not limited to a vehicle, and can be a wide variety of electronic devices such as home appliances.

  The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to an electronic device having a touch sensor, but is not limited to a device having a touch sensor. Hereinafter, in order to focus on the presentation of tactile sensation, the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described as an apparatus including a panel, and description of the function of detecting a contact position like a touch sensor will be omitted.

  First, the principle of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In order to explain the principle of the embodiment of the present invention, a conventionally assumed tactile sensation providing apparatus will be described below. 1-4 is a figure explaining the tactile sense presentation apparatus for demonstrating the principle of embodiment of this invention.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a tactile sensation providing apparatus for explaining the principle of an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 100 includes a panel 10 and a housing 20. The tactile sensation providing apparatus 100 presents a tactile sensation to a user's finger or the like touching the panel 10 (or pressing the panel 10) by vibrating the panel 10. On the panel 10, the user does not necessarily need to touch or press his / her finger, and may touch or press the panel 10 using a device such as a stylus pen. Hereinafter, description will be made assuming that the user touches or presses the panel 10 with a finger.

  If the panel 10 is configured using a touch sensor, it is possible to detect the position where the user touches on the panel 10. Further, the panel 10 may be configured using a translucent touch sensor, and a display such as an LCD may be disposed on the back side of the panel 10. If comprised in this way, the position which a user should contact can also be suggested by displaying images, such as an icon, on a display. On the other hand, the panel 10 may be a simple plate-like member made of, for example, metal, glass, plastic, or the like that does not have a function of detecting the contact position. Hereinafter, in order to focus on the presentation of tactile sensation, description of the functions of position detection and image display is omitted.

  The housing 20 has a function of protecting the entire tactile sensation providing apparatus 100. For this reason, it is preferable that the housing 20 is made of a material having an appropriate strength such as metal or plastic. Moreover, you may comprise the housing | casing 20 as a member for attaching the tactile sense presentation apparatus 100 to another electronic device. Further, the housing 20 may serve as a bezel that covers the peripheral portion of the panel 10 to prevent the panel 10 from being detached from the housing 20. The housing 20 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1, and can have various configurations according to the specifications of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 100 and various requirements.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 100, the panel 10 has a rectangular shape. The surface of the panel 10 is substantially parallel to the XY plane. A user who operates the tactile sensation providing apparatus 100 performs an operation of bringing a finger into contact with or pressing on the surface of the panel 10 in the negative direction of the Z axis.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example (tactile sensation providing apparatus 110) in which four actuators that vibrate panel 10 are installed in tactile sensation providing apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2A is a top view of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110. That is, FIG. 2A is a view of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110 as viewed in the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110, four actuators 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d that vibrate the panel 10 are installed at the four corners of the panel 10, respectively. The actuators 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are preferably arranged on the back surface of the panel 10 (the back surface, that is, the surface on the negative side of the Z axis of the panel 10) so as not to impair the aesthetic appearance of the tactile sensation providing device 110. For this reason, in FIG. 2A, the actuators 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are indicated by broken lines.

  The actuators 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, and 30 d can be arbitrary members that vibrate the panel 10 by applying a force to the panel 10. Hereinafter, an actuator using a piezoelectric element will be described as an example of the actuators 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d.

  The piezoelectric element expands or contracts or bends according to the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the constituent material by applying an electric signal (voltage). As the piezoelectric element, for example, one made of ceramic or quartz can be used. The piezoelectric element used as the actuator includes, for example, a unimorph type or a bimorph type, but a laminated type in which a large number of piezoelectric elements are stacked into a rod shape can also be used. The multilayer piezoelectric element includes a multilayer bimorph element in which bimorphs are stacked. The multilayer piezoelectric element is composed of a multilayer structure including a plurality of dielectric layers made of, for example, PZT (lead zirconate titanate) and electrode layers disposed between the plurality of dielectric layers. Since the multilayer piezoelectric element is displaced in the thickness direction when an electric signal is applied, it can be configured to expand and contract in the thickness direction by appropriately adjusting the polarity and the magnitude of the applied electric signal. By utilizing the expansion and contraction in the thickness direction, the actuators 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d using the piezoelectric elements can vibrate the panel 10.

  FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110 illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2B, actuators 30 a and 30 b are arranged on the back surface of the panel 10. When the actuators 30a and 30b are arranged on the panel 10, it is preferable to fix them by adhering using, for example, an appropriate adhesive or a double-sided tape. When the casing 20 has a role like a bezel that covers the peripheral portion of the panel 10, it is not essential to bond the actuators 30 a and 30 b and the panel 10.

  The actuators 30a and 30b are preferably fixed to the housing 20 as well. In this case, the actuators 30 a and 30 b may be directly attached to the inner wall of the housing 20. On the other hand, if the actuators 30a and 30b are directly attached to the inner wall of the housing 20, the height of the panel 10 in the Z-axis direction may be insufficient. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 2B, support portions 22a and 22b may be provided on the inner wall of the housing 20, and the actuators 30a and 30b may be disposed on the support portions 22a and 22b, respectively. . When the actuators 30a and 30b are fixed to the housing 20 or the support portions 22a and 22b, they can be bonded using, for example, an appropriate adhesive or a double-sided tape.

  In FIG. 2B, arrows attached to the actuators 30a and 30b indicate directions in which the actuators 30a and 30b vibrate, respectively. That is, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110, the actuators 30a and 30b vibrate the panel 10 by expanding and contracting in the Z-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110, four actuators 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, and 30 d that vibrate the panel 10 are installed at the four corners of the panel 10. For this reason, the tactile sensation providing device 110 can vibrate the panel 10 satisfactorily by the actuators 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d regardless of the position on the panel 10 touched or pressed by the user. Therefore, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110 can present a good tactile sensation to the user's finger or the like.

  By the way, depending on the configuration of the tactile sensation providing apparatus, there may be a situation where it is difficult to install the actuators at the four corners of the panel 10 as in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110 illustrated in FIG. In addition, even in a state where actuators can be installed at the four corners of the panel 10, a situation where a smaller number of actuators is desired from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption or production cost is also assumed. Therefore, next, a tactile sensation presentation apparatus in which the number of actuators is reduced will be examined.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example (tactile sensation providing apparatus 120) in which two actuators that vibrate panel 10 are installed in tactile sensation providing apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3A is a top view of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120. That is, FIG. 3A is a diagram of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120 as viewed in the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 3A, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120, two actuators 30 a and 30 b that vibrate the panel 10 are installed near the centers of the two short sides of the panel 10. The actuators 30a and 30b are preferably arranged on the back surface of the panel 10 (the back surface, ie, the surface on the negative side of the Z axis of the panel 10) so as not to impair the aesthetic appearance of the tactile sensation providing device 120. For this reason, in FIG. 3A, the actuators 30a and 30b are indicated by broken lines. As the actuators 30a and 30b, the same actuators as those used in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110 described in FIG. 2 can be adopted.

  FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3B, the actuator 30 a is disposed on the back surface of the panel 10. The measures for arranging the actuator 30a on the panel 10 can be the same as those of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110 described in FIG.

  The measures for fixing the actuator 30a to the housing 20 can be the same as in the case of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110 described in FIG. If the height of the panel 10 in the Z-axis direction is insufficient when the actuator 30a is directly attached to the inner wall of the housing 20, a support portion 22a is provided on the inner wall of the housing 20 as shown in FIG. The actuator 30a may be disposed on 22a.

  Also in FIG. 3B, the arrow attached to the actuator 30a represents the direction in which the actuator 30a vibrates. That is, in the tactile sensation providing device 120, the actuator 30a vibrates the panel 10 by expanding and contracting in the Z-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120, two actuators 30 a and 30 b that vibrate the panel 10 are installed near the centers of the two short sides of the panel 10. For this reason, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120 can vibrate the panel 10 relatively well regardless of the position on the panel 10 where the actuators 30a and 30b are connected by the user. it can. Therefore, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120 can present a good tactile sensation to the user's finger or the like, for example, when the user touches or presses at the position P1 shown in FIG. 3B.

  However, in the tactile sensation providing device 120, the actuators 30 a and 30 b cannot vibrate the panel 10 satisfactorily depending on the position where the user touches or presses on the panel 10. For example, if the user contacts or presses a position on the panel 10 other than the line connecting the actuators 30a and 30b, the actuator 30a and 30b cannot directly vibrate the position where the user contacts or presses. For example, when the user touches or presses at the position P2 shown in FIG. 3C, the vibration of the actuator 30a is hindered at the position P2. In this case, a good tactile sensation is not presented to the user's finger or the like. Even if a support portion is provided in the housing 20 so that the panel 10 is not recessed too much, or a bezel is provided so that the panel 10 does not jump out of the housing 20, this is not a fundamental solution.

  As described above, when the number of actuators is reduced as in the tactile sensation providing device 120, a good tactile sensation is presented to the user's finger or the like depending on the position where the user contacts or presses on the panel 10. There are cases where it is not possible. Next, a tactile sensation presentation apparatus in which the number of actuators is further reduced will be examined.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example (tactile sensation providing apparatus 130) in which only one actuator that vibrates panel 10 is installed in tactile sensation providing apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4A is a top view of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130. That is, FIG. 4A is a view of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130 as viewed in the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 4A, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130, only one actuator 30 that vibrates the panel 10 is installed near the center of one of the long sides of the panel 10 (the long left side). is there. The actuator 30 is preferably disposed on the inner side (inner wall) of the housing 20 so as not to impair the aesthetic appearance of the tactile sensation presentation device 130. For this reason, in FIG. 4A, the actuator 30 is indicated by a broken line.

  As the actuator 30, the same actuator as that used in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 110 described in FIG. 2 can be adopted, but the arrangement direction is different from the examples up to now. In FIG. 4A, an arrow attached to the actuator 30 represents a direction in which the actuator 30 vibrates. That is, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130, the actuator 30 vibrates the panel 10 in the X-axis direction by expanding and contracting in the X-axis direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the actuator 30 is fixed to the panel 10 from the side when the panel 10 is viewed from the front, for example. FIG. 4A shows an example in which the right end (X-axis positive direction) end of the actuator 30 and the central portion of the long side on the left side (X-axis negative direction) of the panel 10 are shown. When the actuators 30a and 30b are arranged on the panel 10, it is preferable to fix them by adhering using, for example, an appropriate adhesive or a double-sided tape.

  The actuator 30 is also preferably fixed to the housing 20. In this case, the actuator 30 may be directly attached to the inner wall of the housing 20 or may be disposed on a support portion provided on the inner wall of the housing 20. FIG. 4A shows an example in which the left end (X-axis negative direction) end of the actuator 30 and the inner wall of the housing 20 are bonded.

  The tactile sensation providing apparatus 110 and the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120 described in FIGS. 2 and 3 cause the panel 10 to vibrate in the Z-axis direction due to the actuator 30 extending and contracting in the Z-axis direction. As described above, the vibration in the Z-axis direction of the panel 10 is hereinafter appropriately referred to as “longitudinal vibration”. On the other hand, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130 described with reference to FIG. 4 causes the panel 10 to vibrate in the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction due to the actuator 30 extending and contracting in the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction. As described above, the vibration in the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction of the panel 10 is hereinafter referred to as “lateral vibration” as appropriate.

  As described above, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130 illustrated in FIG. 4 can cause the entire panel 10 to vibrate laterally by the single actuator 30 when the user's finger or the like is not in contact with or pressing the panel 10.

  Here, the operation in which the user touches or presses the surface of the panel 10 with a finger or the like is a movement including a component in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) with respect to the surface of the panel 10. On the other hand, the operation of vibrating the panel 10 by the expansion and contraction of the actuator 30 is a movement of moving the panel 10 in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the surface. That is, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130, the direction in which the user performs a contact or pressing operation is different from the direction in which the panel 10 vibrates.

  However, even if vibration is generated in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the surface of the panel 10 and a tactile sensation is presented, most people have a tactile sensation presented in the operation direction (Z-axis direction). The illusion was confirmed by the applicant through experiments. That is, even if the panel 10 is vibrated in the direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction pressed by the user (X-axis direction) and the tactile sensation is presented, the panel 10 is clicked in the direction pressed by the user (Z-axis direction). You can feel like sinking with a feeling. The same applies when the user weakens the pressure. That is, even if the panel 10 is vibrated in the direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction pressed by the user (Z-axis direction) and presents a tactile sensation, the panel 10 in the direction in which the user releases the press (Z-axis direction). It can be made to feel like it is restored with the feeling of being released.

  As described above, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130 appropriately adjusts the voltage, displacement (amplitude of bending), frequency, and the like for driving the actuator 30 to appropriately feel the operation feeling felt by the user in the pressing direction on the surface of the panel 10. Can be provided. In the present specification, detailed description of a power supply for driving the actuator and a control unit for controlling the driving of the actuator is omitted. The power supply for driving the actuator can be supplied, for example, by incorporating a battery or preparing an external power supply. Moreover, the control part for controlling drive can be comprised using various processors, such as CPU, for example.

  However, also in the tactile sensation providing device 130, the actuator 30 cannot vibrate the panel 10 satisfactorily depending on the position where the user touches or presses on the panel 10. Hereinafter, the tactile sensation presented when the user is touching or pressing on the panel 10 in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130, only one actuator 30 that vibrates the panel 10 is installed near the center of one long side of the panel 10. For this reason, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130 is configured such that the actuator 30 relatively holds the panel 10 on the panel 10 no matter what position on the extension line in the direction in which the force is applied from the point of action of the force by the actuator 30 on the panel 10. Good lateral vibration can be achieved. Therefore, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 130 can present a good tactile sensation to the user's finger or the like, for example, when the user touches or presses at the position P1 shown in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A, an extension line in the direction of the force including the point of action of the force by the actuator 30 is indicated by a one-dot chain line.

  However, for example, when the user touches or presses a position on the panel 10 other than the extension line of the force application direction from the force application point by the actuator 30, the actuator 30 directly vibrates at the position where the user contacts or presses. It cannot be transmitted. That is, in FIG. 4A, when a position other than the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line on the panel 10 is contacted or pressed, the actuator 30 may not be able to present a good tactile sensation.

  For example, when the user touches or presses at the position P2 shown in FIG. 4A, the panel 10 includes a component of rotational motion due to the user touch or press as shown in FIG. 4B. It will move with. For this reason, at the position P2, the lateral vibration of the actuator 30 is hindered by the component of the rotational movement of the panel 10. In this case, a good tactile sensation is not presented to the user's finger or the like. FIG. 4B shows a state in which a part of the panel 10 is hidden inside the housing 20 because the panel 10 moves including a component of rotational motion. In FIG. 4B, the portion hidden inside the housing 20 of the panel 10 is indicated by a broken line.

  Based on the above examination results, in each embodiment of the present invention, a good tactile sensation is efficiently presented by providing a weight portion that suppresses inhibition of vibration at a position where the panel 10 is pressed. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1. That is, FIG. 5A is a diagram of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 as viewed in the positive Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5A, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes the panel 10 and the actuator 30 that vibrates the panel 10. The same as 120. Moreover, the housing | casing 20 can also be comprised in the substantially the same manner as the housing | casing 20 of the tactile sense presentation apparatus 120 demonstrated in FIG. Hereinafter, descriptions similar to those of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120 described in FIG. 3 will be simplified or omitted as appropriate, and the salient parts of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention further includes a weight 40 in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120 shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, weight portions 40A and weight portions 40B are provided at both ends of the panel 10 in the X-axis direction. The weight portions 40A and 40B can have any configuration as long as they have a mass that can function as a weight. However, the weight portions 40A and 40B may be made of a material having a relatively small size and a relatively large mass. Is preferred. For example, the weight portions 40A and 40B can be made of a metal having a relatively high density such as lead (Pb) or silver (Ag).

  5A, the weight portions 40A and 40B may be provided in the vicinity of one end of the two short sides of the panel 10 shown in FIG. 3, or in the vicinity of both ends of the two short sides, that is, the panel. You may provide in the vicinity of ten four corners. Further, in FIG. 5A, the weight portions 40A and 40B may be provided with elongated shapes such as a columnar shape, for example, along the vicinity of the two long sides of the panel 10 shown in FIG. The weight portions 40A and 40B are not limited to a spherical shape, a disc shape, or a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 5A, and can have any shape that can function as a weight.

  When the weight portions 40A and 40B are provided on the panel 10, the weight portions 40A and 40B and the panel 10 can be fixed by using, for example, an appropriate adhesive or a double-sided tape. Moreover, the weight parts 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B may be embedded in the panel 10 by forming locations where the weight parts 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B can be inserted in the panel 10. In FIG. 5 (A), the weight portions 40A and 40B show a state where they are provided on the back surface of the panel 10 (the back surface, that is, the surface on the negative side of the Z axis of the panel 10) so as not to impair the aesthetic appearance of the tactile sensation providing device 1. It is.

  In the present embodiment, the weight portion 40 suppresses vibration inhibition at a position where the panel 10 is pressed when the actuator 30 vibrates the panel 10. As described above, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1, when the panel 10 is not pressed by a user's finger or the like, there is substantially no element that inhibits the vibration of the panel 10. For this reason, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1, when the panel 10 is not pressed, the actuator 30 can be vibrated by causing the panel 10 to translate. Here, the translational movement of the panel 10 means that the entire panel 10 is displaced parallel to the Z axis without changing the direction. On the other hand, when the panel 10 is touched or pressed by the user, the panel 10 tends to move including a component of rotational motion, and thus vibration at a position where the panel 10 is pressed may be inhibited. Therefore, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the weight portion 40 is arranged to reduce the component of the rotational movement of the panel 10, thereby suppressing the inhibition of the vibration of the panel 10. In particular, in a configuration in which the panel 10 vibrates longitudinally as in the tactile sensation providing device 1, the weight portion 40 inhibits vibration by reducing a component of rotational movement about a line orthogonal to the normal line of the panel 10. Suppress.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1, an actuator 30 that vibrates the panel 10 is provided near the center of the two short sides of the panel 10 in the same manner as the tactile sensation providing apparatus 120 described in FIG. Each is installed. In such a configuration, when the user presses the position P2 shown in FIG. 5 (A), the panel 10 not only translates in the Z-axis direction, but also the method of the panel 10 as shown in FIG. 5 (B). A straight line orthogonal to the line, that is, an attempt is made to include a rotational motion component about the Y axis. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the panel 10 moves including a component of rotational motion in FIG. FIG. 5B shows the movement of the panel 10 slightly exaggerated for the sake of explanation, and the degree of movement of the panel 10 does not reflect the magnitude of the actual movement.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when the actuator 30 is driven to extend in the positive direction of the Z axis, a force F is applied to the panel 10. By the action of this force F, the panel 10 translates in the positive direction of the Z axis. Further, when the actuator 30 extends in the positive direction of the Z-axis while the panel 10 is pressed at the position P2, as shown in FIG. 5B, the panel 10 will move including a component of clockwise rotational motion. And Therefore, in the present embodiment, a force for reducing the component of the rotational motion of the panel 10 is applied by the mass of the weight portions 40A and 40B. Thus, in this embodiment, the weight parts 40 and 40B suppress the inhibition of vibration by suppressing the inhibition of the translational movement of the panel 10. For this reason, the positions where the weight portions 40A and 40B are provided are positions where the component of the rotational motion of the panel 10 can be reduced, and are typically positions such as the weight sections 40A and 40B shown in FIG. Is preferred.

  Next, in this embodiment, the suitable position which arrange | positions the weight parts 40A and 40B on the panel 10 is further demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, U is the amount of displacement by which the actuator 30 is driven and expands in the positive direction of the Z-axis. As described above, when the actuator 30 is driven and extended in the Z-axis positive direction while the position P2 is pressed on the panel 10, the panel 10 is translated into the Z-axis positive direction and a straight line orthogonal to the Z-axis. An attempt is made to move including a component of rotational motion about (Y axis). As shown in FIG. 5B, if the displacement amount when the position P2 on the panel 10 is displaced in the positive direction of the Z-axis due to the extension of the actuator 30 is Uf, as the value of Uf approaches U, Displacement in the positive direction of the Z-axis is not attenuated, and a tactile sensation can be presented efficiently. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to provide the weight portions 40A and 40B at a position where the value of the torque T applied to the panel 10 becomes large at the pressed position P2 so that the value of Uf approaches U. .

  The magnitude of the torque T applied to the panel 10 is defined as I where the magnitude of the moment of inertia of the panel 10 and the weights 40A and 40B is I, and α is the magnitude of the angular acceleration around the rotational axis of the rotational movement of the panel 10. The following relationship (1) is established.

  The magnitude α of the angular acceleration in the above formula (1) is represented by the following formula (2), where the magnitude of the angular velocity around the rotation axis of the panel 10 is ω and the angle displaced by the rotation of the panel 10 is θ. Can be expressed as:

  Further, the angular acceleration magnitude α in the above formulas (1) and (2) can also be expressed as the following formula (3). In Equation (3), at represents the magnitude of linear tangential acceleration (acceleration in the tangential direction) of the rotational motion of the panel 10, and s represents the rotational axis of the rotational motion of the panel 10 and the position P2 pressed on the panel 10. Represents the distance.

  From the above formulas (1) and (3), the torque T applied to the panel 10 can be expressed as the following formula (4).

  Here, the moment of inertia I of the panel 10 provided with the weight portions 40A and 40B can be expressed as the following equation (5). In Expression (5), m represents the mass per one of the weight portions 40A and 40B, and r represents the distance from the rotation axis of the panel 10 to the weight portion 40A or 40B.

  From the above formulas (4) and (5), the torque T applied to the panel 10 at the pressed position P2 can be expressed as the following formula (6).

  From the above formula (1), in order to increase the torque T applied to the panel 10 at the pressed position P2, the moment of inertia I of the panel 10 provided with the weight portions 40A and 40B should be increased. I understand. In particular, from the above formula (6), it can be seen that at least one of the mass m and the distance r may be increased in order to increase the torque T applied to the panel 10 at the pressed position P2. Here, for example, when the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 is employed in a small terminal such as a portable terminal, it is also assumed that the mass m of the weight portions 40A and 40B cannot be excessively increased. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to install the weight portions 40A and 40B at a position where the distance r becomes large. That is, in the present embodiment, the weight portion 40A and the weight portion 40A and the position where the distance between the position where the weight portion 40A or 40B is installed in the panel 10 and the rotation axis when the panel 10 is rotated is increased. It is preferable to install 40B. In the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 5, weights 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B are provided at or near both ends of the panel 10 around the rotation axis when the panel 10 is rotated so that the distance r becomes the maximum. Is installed.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the weight portion 40 and the panel 10 are configured to suppress a reduction in torque, that is, a moment of force applied to a position where the panel is pressed when the panel 10 rotates. Is preferred. In particular, it is preferable that the weight portion 40 and the panel 10 are configured to suppress a reduction in the moment of inertia when the panel 10 rotates. For this purpose, the weight portion 40 is preferably provided at a position where the distance from the axis of the rotational movement of the panel 10 is maximum or in the vicinity of the position. With such a configuration, the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can efficiently present a good tactile sensation even when a small number of actuators are used.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a top view of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. That is, FIG. 6A is a diagram of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2 as viewed in the negative Z-axis direction.

  The tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above has been described as a mode in which the panel 10 is longitudinally vibrated. The tactile sensation providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment causes the panel 10 to vibrate laterally. Even when the panel 10 is laterally vibrated as in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment, the same principle as that of the form of longitudinal vibration of the panel 10 described in the first embodiment is established.

  In the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 6, if the weights 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B are not provided, the position where the user touches or presses on the panel 10 as described in FIG. 4B. In some cases, the vibration of the actuator 30 is hindered. In this case, a good tactile sensation is not presented to the user's finger or the like. For example, if the user touches or presses at the position on the alternate long and short dash line in the panel 10 shown in FIG. 6A, the actuator 30 can directly vibrate the position touched or pressed by the user, which is favorable. A tactile sensation can be presented. On the other hand, when the user touches or presses at the position P2 shown in FIG. 6, the actuator 30 cannot directly vibrate the position touched or pressed by the user and cannot provide a good tactile sensation.

  In the configuration as shown in FIG. 6, when the actuator 30 extends in the positive direction of the X axis while the position P2 is pressed, the panel 10 not only translates in the positive direction of the X axis but also moves the Z axis. It tries to move by including the component of the rotational motion as the axis. Here, the translational motion of the panel 10 means that the entire panel 10 is displaced parallel to the X axis without changing the direction. Therefore, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the weights 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B are provided to reduce the rotational movement component of the panel 10, thereby inhibiting the vibration of the panel 10. Suppress.

  In the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2, when the actuator 30 is driven and extends in the positive direction of the X axis, a force F is applied to the panel 10. By the action of this force F, the panel 10 translates in the positive direction of the X axis. Further, when the actuator 30 extends in the positive direction of the X axis while the panel 10 is pressed at the position P2, the panel 10 tries to move including a component of a clockwise rotational movement around the Z axis. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a force for reducing the component of the rotational motion of the panel 10 is applied by the mass of the weight portions 40A and 40B. Thus, also in this embodiment, the weight parts 40A and 40B suppress the inhibition of vibration by suppressing the inhibition of the translational movement of the panel 10. For this reason, the positions where the weight portions 40A and 40B are provided are positions where the component of the rotational motion of the panel 10 can be reduced, and are typically positions such as the weight portions 40A and 40B shown in FIG. Is preferred. As described above, in this embodiment, the weight portions 40A and 40B suppress the vibration inhibition by reducing the component of the rotational motion with the normal line (for example, the Z axis) of the panel 10 as an axis.

  Further, in the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2, even when the position P2 ′ shown in FIG. 6A is pressed, the weight portions 40A and 40B reduce the component of the counterclockwise rotational movement of the panel 10. be able to.

  In the tactile sensation providing device 2 shown in FIG. 6, in order to increase the distance r from the rotation axis of the panel 10 to the weight part 40A or 40B, weight parts are provided at both ends of the long side on the right side (X-axis positive direction) of the panel 10. An example in which 40A and 40B are provided is shown. However, for example, even if the weight portions 40A and 40B are provided at both ends of the long side on the left side (X-axis negative direction) of the panel 10, the rotational motion component of the panel 10 can be reduced to some extent.

(Other embodiments)
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the third to fifth embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7A shows the tactile sensation providing apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment, FIG. 7B shows the tactile sensation providing apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 7C shows the fifth embodiment. The tactile sensation presentation apparatus 5 is shown.

  Also in the tactile sensation providing apparatuses 3 to 5 according to the third to fifth embodiments shown in FIG. 7, the same principle as that of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 5 is established. Hereinafter, descriptions that are the same as those of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 described in FIG. 5 are simplified or omitted as appropriate. First, in the tactile sensation providing devices 3 to 5 shown in FIG. That is, first, a case where FIG. 7 shows cross-sectional views of the tactile sensation providing devices 3 to 5 as in FIG. 5 will be described.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 7, when the actuator 30 expands in a state where the position P <b> 4 is pressed, the panel 10 not only translates in the extending direction of the actuator 30 but also includes a component of rotational movement. Try to move. Therefore, in the tactile sensation providing devices 3 to 5, as shown in FIG. 7, weight portions 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B are provided to reduce the component of the rotational movement of the panel 10, thereby suppressing the vibration of the panel 10. In the tactile sensation providing devices 3 to 5, the weight parts 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B are provided on the panel 10 so that the distance r from the rotation axis of the panel 10 to the weight part 40 </ b> A or 40 </ b> B increases. Similarly to the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 5, in the tactile sensation providing apparatuses 3 to 5 shown in FIG. 7, the weight parts 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B can rotate the panel 10 even when the position P <b> 4 ′ is pressed. Inhibition of the vibration of the panel 10 is suppressed by reducing the components.

  The tactile sensation providing devices 3 to 5 have been described assuming that the panel 10 vibrates longitudinally. However, similarly to the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment, the tactile sensation providing apparatuses 3 to 5 can be operated in the same manner even when the panel 10 vibrates laterally. In this case, FIG. 7 is interpreted as showing a top view of each of the tactile sensation providing devices 3 to 5, similarly to FIG. 6.

  For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, when the actuator 30 expands in a state where the position P <b> 5 is pressed, the panel 10 not only translates in the extending direction of the actuator 30 but also includes a rotational movement component. Try to move in. Therefore, in the tactile sensation providing devices 3 to 5, the weights 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B are arranged to reduce the rotational movement component of the panel 10, thereby suppressing the vibration of the panel 10. Further, even when the position P5 'shown in FIG. 7 is pressed, the weights 40A and 40B can suppress the inhibition of the vibration of the panel 10 by reducing the component of the rotational motion of the panel 10. As described above, the tactile sensation providing devices 3 to 5 according to the present embodiment can efficiently present a good tactile sensation even when a small number of actuators are used.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the tactile sensation providing apparatus according to the sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 8A shows a tactile sensation providing apparatus 6 according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 8B shows a tactile sensation providing apparatus 7 according to the seventh embodiment.

  In the tactile sensation providing apparatuses 6 and 7 according to the sixth and seventh embodiments shown in FIG. 8, the same principle as that of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment described in FIG. 6 is established. Hereinafter, descriptions that are the same as those of the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2 described with reference to FIG. 6 are simplified or omitted as appropriate. First, in the tactile sensation presentation devices 6 and 7 shown in FIG. That is, first, a case where FIG. 8 shows a top view of the tactile sensation providing devices 6 and 7 as in FIG. 6 will be described.

  In the configuration as shown in FIG. 8, when the actuator 30 expands in a state where the position P <b> 6 is pressed, the panel 10 not only translates in the extending direction of the actuator 30 but also includes a component of rotational movement. Try to move. Therefore, in the tactile sensation providing devices 6 and 7, as shown in FIG. 8, weight parts 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B are provided to reduce the rotational movement component of the panel 10, thereby suppressing the vibration inhibition of the panel 10. The tactile sensation providing devices 6 and 7 are provided with the weight portions 40A and 40B on the panel 10 so that the distance r from the rotation axis of the panel 10 to the weight portion 40A or 40B increases. Similarly to the tactile sensation providing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 6, in the tactile sensation providing apparatuses 6 and 7 shown in FIG. 8, the weights 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B rotate the panel 10 even when the position P <b> 6 ′ is pressed. Inhibition of the vibration of the panel 10 is suppressed by reducing the components.

  The tactile sensation providing devices 6 and 7 have been described assuming that the panel 10 vibrates laterally. However, like the tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the tactile sensation providing apparatuses 6 and 7 can be operated in the same manner even when the panel 10 vibrates longitudinally. In this case, FIG. 8 is interpreted as showing a cross-sectional view of the tactile sensation providing devices 6 and 7 as in FIG.

  For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, when the actuator 30 expands in a state where the position P <b> 7 is pressed, the panel 10 not only translates in the extending direction of the actuator 30 but also includes a component of rotational movement. Try to move in. Therefore, in the tactile sensation providing devices 6 and 7, the weights 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B are arranged to reduce the rotational movement component of the panel 10, thereby suppressing the vibration of the panel 10. Further, even when the position P <b> 7 ′ shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, the weight portions 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B can suppress the inhibition of the vibration of the panel 10 by reducing the component of the rotational motion of the panel 10. As described above, the tactile sensation providing devices 6 and 7 according to the present embodiment can efficiently present a good tactile sensation even when a small number of actuators are used.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various variations and modifications based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each functional unit, each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so that there is no logical contradiction, and a plurality of functional units and steps are combined or divided into one. It is possible. In addition, each of the embodiments of the present invention described above is not limited to being performed faithfully to each of the embodiments described above, and is implemented by appropriately combining the features or omitting some of the features. You can also.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Tactile sensation presentation apparatus 10 Panel 20 Housing 22, 22a, 22b Support section 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d Actuator 40, 40A, 40B Weight section

Claims (8)

A panel,
An actuator for vibrating the panel;
A weight portion provided on the panel;
With
The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weight portion suppresses the inhibition of vibration at a position where the panel is pressed when the actuator vibrates the panel.   The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator vibrates by causing the panel to translate when the panel is not pressed.   The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weight portion suppresses vibration inhibition by reducing a component of rotational movement of the panel.   The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the weight part suppresses vibration inhibition by reducing a component of rotational motion about the normal line of the panel.   The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the weight portion suppresses vibration inhibition by reducing a component of a rotational motion about a line orthogonal to a normal line of the panel.   The said weight part and the said panel are comprised so that reduction of the moment of the force concerning the position where the said panel is pressed when the said panel rotates may be suppressed. Tactile presentation device.   The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the weight portion and the panel are configured to suppress a reduction in moment of inertia when the panel rotates. The tactile sensation providing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the weight portion is provided at a position where the distance from the axis of rotational movement of the panel is maximum in the panel or in the vicinity of the position.

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