WO2012105591A1 - Tactile sense presentation device - Google Patents

Abstract

This tactile sense presentation device (9) is provided with: a casing (90) having an approximately flat-plate-shaped front surface wall (90F); a cover member (91) that is flat plate shaped and to which a touch panel (97) is affixed; and piezoelectric actuators (10A, 10B). In the cover member (91), support plates (911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, 912C) are disposed in a manner so that the direction of the shorter dimension of the casing (90) and the cover member (91) and the direction of thickness of each of the support plates match. In the support plates (911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, 912C), a through hole (921A, 921B, 921C, 922A, 922B, 922C) is formed in the vicinity of the edge at the reverse side from the edge connecting to the cover member (91), and using the through holes, the cover member (91) is affixed to the casing (90). The piezoelectric actuators (10A, 10B) apply vibrations to the cover member (91) along the aforementioned direction of the shorter dimension.

Description

Tactile presentation device

The present invention relates to a tactile sense presentation device for giving a tactile sense corresponding to an operation to an operator.

At present, various electronic devices that perform operation instructions by touching a touch panel have been put into practical use in mobile phones, PDAs, and the like. Among such touch panel input-type electronic devices, there is one provided with a tactile sense presentation device as shown in Patent Document 1.

A tactile sensation presentation device is a device that provides a mechanical sense (tactile sensation) or the like by vibrating the touch panel, for example, when the operator touches the touch panel with a finger.

In order to realize such a tactile sensation presentation apparatus, in Patent Document 1, a rectangular touch panel is disposed on a chassis via a cushioning material, and an actuator is disposed so as to contact the side surface of the touch panel. The actuator has a structure for driving the touch panel so as to push it along the flat plate surface.

JP 2007-34991 A

However, in the haptic presentation device described in Patent Document 1, when the operator pushes the touch panel and operates it, the touch panel sinks. When the touch panel and the actuator are brought into contact with each other in a direction orthogonal to the sinking direction, the actuator and the support material supporting the actuator may be damaged by the stress due to the sinking. In addition, when the tactile presentation device falls, the touch panel that is movably supported and the actuator are brought into contact with each other, so the impact stress at the time of dropping is applied to the actuator, and the actuator and the support material may be damaged. There is. As a countermeasure against this problem, there is a method of increasing the rigidity of the support material of the touch panel, for example, the buffer material, in order to reduce the sinking. However, when such a method is used, the chassis and the touch panel are firmly fixed, the vibration of the touch panel is suppressed, and a necessary tactile sensation cannot be given to the operator.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a tactile sensation presentation apparatus that can prevent a vibration generating element and other mechanisms from being damaged by an external stress and can give a necessary tactile sensation to an operator.

The present invention relates to a plate-like housing having a predetermined thickness, and a plate-like vibration for providing an operator with a tactile sensation based on vibration, with a flat plate surface disposed substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the housing. The present invention relates to a tactile sense presentation device that includes a transmission unit, and a vibration generating element that is connected to the housing and the vibration transmission unit and applies a vibration in a predetermined direction to the vibration transmission unit. The vibration transmission means of the tactile presentation device includes a support member having a shape extending in the normal direction of the flat plate surface and having a shape whose rigidity in the vibration direction is lower than the rigidity other than the vibration direction. The housing includes a side wall that stands up along the thickness direction and forms an outer peripheral surface of the housing. This tactile sense presentation device includes a fixing unit that fixes the support member to the side wall.

In this configuration, when vibration is applied to the vibration transmission means by the vibration generating element, the support member has low rigidity in the vibration direction, so even if the vibration transmission means and the housing are fixed by the support member. The vibration transmitting means can be vibrated relative to the housing. On the other hand, since the rigidity is high with respect to the other direction, even if stress from other than the vibration direction is applied to the vibration transmitting means, the support member hardly deforms in the direction other than the vibration direction. It is possible to prevent the mechanism for installing the element from being damaged.

In the tactile sense presentation device according to the present invention, the housing and the vibration transmitting means have a flat plate shape having a first direction and a second direction, and the support member has the second direction parallel to the direction of low rigidity. In this way, it is preferable that the vibration transmitting means be disposed near both ends in the second direction and near both ends along the first direction.

This configuration shows a more specific configuration of the housing, the vibration transmitting means, and the support member, and the arrangement pattern of the support member. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to realize a structure that is resistant to stress from directions other than the vibration direction without hindering vibration by the vibration generating element.

Further, it is preferable that the support member of the tactile sense presentation device of the present invention is made of an elastic plate. In this configuration, a more specific configuration of the support member is shown. By making the support member into a plate, even if the rigidity is isotropic material, the rigidity in the thickness direction is significantly shorter than the length and width, the rigidity in the other direction (length direction, width direction) Lower than. Thereby, the rigidity anisotropy as described above can be easily realized. Further, if such a plate-like support member is used and disposed only in the periphery (near the corner) in plan view, a wide space can be secured in the center.

Further, in the tactile presentation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the housing has a front wall on the side of the vibration transmission means on the side wall, and the front wall has a through hole through which the support member is inserted. In this configuration, even if an external force is applied to the support member and it vibrates in the vibration direction, it abuts against the wall surface of the through hole and can prevent excessive vibration. Therefore, the vibration generating element and the mechanism for installing the vibration generating element are damaged. Can be prevented.

In the tactile sense presentation device of the present invention, the gap between the side wall surface of the opening and the support member along the direction in which the hardness of the support member of the through hole is low is the support generated when the maximum allowable stress is applied to the vibration generating element. It is preferable that the amount of displacement is smaller than the amount of displacement along the direction of low rigidity of the member.

In this configuration, even if an external force that generates a stress larger than the displacement amount when the maximum allowable stress of the vibration generating element is applied is applied and the vibration transmitting means moves in the vibration direction, the side wall of the through hole and the support member are not moved. The vibration is not applied to the vibration generating element. Thereby, damage to the vibration generating element can be prevented more reliably.

In the tactile sense presentation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the housing has a back wall on the opposite side to the vibration transmission means on the side wall. In this configuration, the inside of the housing is protected from the outside by providing the back wall.

In the tactile sense presentation device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the fixing means includes a separation member that spaces the support member and the side wall. In this configuration, since the side wall and the support member are separated from each other, the support member is more likely to vibrate.

Further, in the vibration generator of the present invention, the support member is provided at a standing portion extending in the normal direction of the flat plate surface, and on a plane having the vibration direction as a normal direction, provided at one end of the standing portion. It is preferable that the fixed-side member extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the standing portion in parallel.

This configuration shows a more preferable shape of the support member. With this shape, if the fixed side member is fixed to the casing in the vicinity of the end opposite to the standing portion, the fixed position of the supporting member on the main body (to be described later) touch panel and the fixed position on the casing side Thus, the vibration suppressing action by the support member can be further reduced.

Further, in the tactile sense presentation device of the present invention, there are a plurality of fixing means, and the housing and the support member can be fixed at a plurality of locations by the fixing means.

In this configuration, the support member and the housing are fixed at a plurality of points, so that when the support member and the housing are fixed at a single point, the rotation of the vibration transmitting means based on the support position that may occur can be suppressed. The bending and distortion of the vibration transmitting means can be suppressed.

In the tactile sense presentation device according to the present invention, the vibration transmitting means includes a support member, a rectangular flat plate-shaped touch panel, and a support base that fixes the support member so as to be erected along the normal direction of the flat surface of the touch panel. It is preferable to consist of a member.

In this configuration, an example of a specific and practical configuration of the vibration transmission means is shown, and a tactile sensation presentation device that gives a tactile sensation by vibration to the operator who operates the touch panel can be realized in a small and thin shape, Generation of noise can also be suppressed.

Further, in the tactile sense presentation device of the present invention, the supporting base member can be realized by a frame body having a shape along the outer periphery when the touch panel is viewed from the normal direction of the flat plate surface.

In the tactile sense presentation device of the present invention, the supporting base member can be constituted by a plurality of flat plates having a plane parallel to the flat plate surface of the touch panel formed individually for each supporting member.

In the tactile sense presentation device according to the present invention, the housing and the vibration transmitting means have a flat plate shape having a first direction and a second direction, and the support member has the second direction parallel to the direction of low rigidity. As described above, the vibration transmitting means is disposed in the vicinity of both ends in the second direction and in the vicinity of both ends in the first direction, and the support base member includes a plurality of support members arranged in the first direction. Can be realized in a shape that integrally supports and extends in the first direction.

In the tactile sense presentation device according to the present invention, the housing and the vibration transmitting means have a flat plate shape having a first direction and a second direction, and the support member has the second direction parallel to the direction of low rigidity. As described above, the vibration transmitting means is disposed in the vicinity of both ends in the second direction and in the vicinity of both ends in the first direction, and the support base member includes a plurality of support members arranged in the second direction. Can be realized in a shape that integrally supports and extends in the second direction.

These configurations show various examples of the structure of the supporting base member. With these configurations, the touch panel and the supporting member can be securely fixed while maintaining a small size and a thin shape.

Moreover, it is preferable that at least a part of the touch panel of the tactile presentation device of the present invention has translucency. This configuration shows specific optical characteristics of the touch panel.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the vibration generating element and other mechanisms from being damaged by an external stress, and to give a necessary tactile sensation to the operator.

It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the tactile sense presentation apparatus 9 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view and a side view for explaining a fixing structure between the housing 90 and the cover member 91 according to the first embodiment. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of 10 A of piezoelectric actuators, and the plane enlarged view for demonstrating a drive state. 6 is an enlarged side view showing a vibration state of a cover member 91 with respect to a housing 90. FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of 9 A of tactile presentation apparatuses which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is an enlarged side view for demonstrating the fixation structure of the housing | casing 90 and the cover member 91 which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the tactile sense presentation apparatus 9B which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is an enlarged side view for demonstrating the shape of the support plate of 3rd Embodiment. It is a partial expanded side view which shows the other fixing structure of a support plate and the side wall of a housing | casing. It is a partial expanded side view which shows the other fixing structure of a support plate and the side wall of a housing | casing. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the tactile sense presentation apparatus 9C which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a five-sided view showing the structure of the piezoelectric actuator 10C. It is a side view for demonstrating the fixation structure of the housing | casing 90C and cover member 91C which concern on 4th Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the tactile sense presentation apparatus 9D which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a side view for demonstrating the fixation structure of housing | casing 90D and cover member 91D which concern on 5th Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the tactile sense presentation apparatus 9E which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the other shape of the base member for support. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the other shape of the base member for support. It is an enlarged side view for demonstrating the adhesion structure of the touchscreen 97 and the base member for support. It is the conceptual diagram for demonstrating the side surface enlarged view and another effect which show another fixing structure of the support plate 911E. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the tactile sense presentation apparatus 9J which concerns on 7th Embodiment.

The tactile sense presentation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the tactile presentation device 9 of the present embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a view in which a surface that receives an operation from the operator is on the lower side and the inside of the housing is on the upper side. In addition, exploded perspective views shown in the following embodiments are also views seen from the same viewpoint.

The tactile sense presentation device 9 includes a housing 90, a cover member 91 to which a touch panel 97 is fixed, and piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B.

The housing 90 includes a rectangular front wall 90F having a predetermined thickness and having a first direction and a second direction in a plan view. On the outer periphery of the front wall 90F as viewed from the front, four side walls are provided upright along the normal direction of the flat plate surface of the front wall 90F. Here, assuming that the longitudinal direction is the first direction, the two side walls extending along the longitudinal direction are referred to as long side walls 90L1 and 90L2, and the short side direction is the second direction, and along the short side direction. The two side walls extending in this manner are referred to as short side walls 90S1 and 90S2.

Screw holes 93A and 94A and a through groove 95A are formed near the end of the front wall 90F on the long side wall 90L1 side and on the short side wall 90S1 side. At this time, the through groove 95A, the screw hole 94A, and the screw hole 93A are formed in this order from the short side wall 90S1 side.

Screw holes 93B and 94B and a through groove 95B are formed in the vicinity of the end on the long side wall 90L1 side of the front wall 90F and on the short side wall 90S2. At this time, the through groove 95B, the screw hole 94B, and the screw hole 93B are formed in this order from the short side wall 90S2.

Long through holes 903A, 903B, and 903C are formed in the front wall 90F at the boundary with the long side wall 90L1 along the extending direction of the long side wall 90L1. The through hole 903A is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S1 side, and the through hole 903C is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S2 side. The through hole 903B is formed substantially at the center in the extending direction of the long side wall 90L1.

Further, long-shaped through holes 904A, 904B, and 904C are formed at the boundary between the front wall 90F and the long side wall 90L2 along the extending direction of the long side wall 90L2. The through hole 904A is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S1 side, and the through hole 904C is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S2 side. The through hole 904B is formed substantially at the center in the extending direction of the long side wall 90L2.

A screw hole 901A is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S1 side of the long side wall 90L1, and a screw hole 901C is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S2 side. A screw hole 901B is formed at substantially the center in the extending direction of the long side wall 90L1.

A screw hole 902A is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S1 side of the long side wall 90L2, and a screw hole 902C is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S2 side. A screw hole 902B is formed at substantially the center in the extending direction of the long side wall 90L2.

The cover member 91 has substantially the same shape as the housing 90 in plan view. The cover member 91 is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the long side walls 90L1 and 90L2 and the short side walls 90S1 and 90S2 are erected with respect to the front wall 90F of the housing 90. The cover member 91 is disposed so that the flat plate surface is parallel to the front wall 90 </ b> F of the housing 90.

The cover member 91 includes a frame body 910 and a reinforcing member 910AS formed in a shape along the outer periphery of the frame body 910 in plan view. The frame body 910 is provided with an opening region 92, and a touch panel 97 is fixedly installed on the housing 90 side as shown by a broken line in FIG.

Support plates 911A, 911B, and 911C are erected on one longitudinal side of the reinforcing member 910AS, specifically, on the longitudinal side substantially coincident with the long side wall 90L1 of the housing 90 in plan view. The support plate is a support member.

The support plate 911A is erected in the vicinity of the end on the short side wall 90S1 side of one longitudinal side of the reinforcing member 910AS so as to face the through hole 903A of the housing 90. The support plate 911 </ b> C is erected in the vicinity of the end portion on the short side wall 90 </ b> S <b> 2 side on one long side of the reinforcing member 910 </ b> AS so as to face the through hole 903 </ b> C of the housing 90. The support plate 911 </ b> B is erected so as to face the through hole 903 </ b> B of the housing 90 at the approximate center of one longitudinal side of the reinforcing member 910 </ b> AS.

Support plates 912A, 912B, and 912C are erected on the other long side of the reinforcing member 910AS, specifically, on the long side substantially coincident with the long side wall 90L2 of the housing 90 in plan view.

The support plate 912A is erected in the vicinity of the end on the short side wall 90S1 side on the other long side of the reinforcing member 910AS so as to face the through hole 904A of the housing 90. The support plate 912C is erected in the vicinity of the end on the short side wall 90S2 side on the other long side of the reinforcing member 910AS so as to face the through hole 904C of the housing 90. The support plate 912 </ b> B is erected so as to face the through hole 904 </ b> B of the housing 90 at the approximate center of the other long side of the reinforcing member 910 </ b> AS.

These support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C are erected so as to extend in the normal direction of the flat plate surface of the frame body 910 of the cover member 91.

Near the tips of the support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C, through holes 921A, 921B, 921C, 922A, 922B, and 922C that penetrate the respective plates in the thickness direction are formed.

The casing 90 and the cover member 91 having such a configuration are fixed by the support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C of the cover member 91. FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view for explaining a fixing structure between the housing 90 and the cover member 91, and FIG. 2B is a side view.

The cover member 91 is configured to insert the support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C through through holes 903A, 903B, 903C, 904A, 904B, and 904C formed in the front wall 90F of the housing 90. And disposed in the housing 90. Hereinafter, the fixing structure will be described taking the support plate 911A as an example.

The support plate 911A is inserted through the through hole 903A until the through hole 921A overlaps the screw hole 901A of the long side wall 90L1. In this state, washers 931 are disposed on both sides of the flat plate surface of the support plate 911A, and screws 930 are inserted from the inside of the housing 90 so as to pass through the washer 931, the through hole 921A of the support plate 911A, and the washer 931. Inserted. The tip end side of the screw 930 is screwed into the screw hole 901A. Thereby, the support plate 911A, that is, the cover member 91 and the housing 90 are fixed. The screw is a fixing means. The washer is a separation member.

In addition, in FIG. 2, the fixing structure by the support plate 911A is shown as a representative, but the other support plates 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C are also fixed by the same structure.

By fixing the cover member 91 and the housing 90 with such a structure, the thickness direction of each of the support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C becomes parallel to the short side direction of the housing 90. Here, the support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C have a length direction (standing direction) and a width direction (reinforcing member 910AS) in the thickness direction (the direction in which the short side of the reinforcing member 910AS extends). It is much smaller than the dimension in the direction in which the long side of the Therefore, even if the support plate is formed of a material having an isotropic Young's modulus, the thickness direction is more easily deformed than the length direction and the width direction, and anisotropy occurs in rigidity (spring constant). As a result, it is possible to realize a fixing structure that is easy to bend in the thickness direction, that is, the short direction of the housing 90 and the cover member 91 and difficult to bend in other directions. Here, when a force is applied from a predetermined direction on the support plate having at least one end fixed, the support plate is bent and the like is displaced. In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the displacement of the support plate is small relative to the strength of the force acting on the support plate from a predetermined direction is referred to as high rigidity, and the case where the displacement is large is referred to as low rigidity. In addition, the measuring method of rigidity follows ISO 7438 Metallic materials-Bend test.

The piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B, which are vibration generating elements, are installed on the casing 90 and the cover member 91 having such a fixed structure.

Here, a specific structure of the piezoelectric actuator 10A will be described. The vibration generating element is not limited to such piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B, and can be substituted as long as it can generate vibration described later.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the structure of the piezoelectric actuator 10A, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged plan view for explaining the driving state. The piezoelectric actuator 10B has the same structure as the piezoelectric actuator 10A.

The piezoelectric actuator 10A includes a long and flat elastic body 100A. The elastic body 100A has, for example, a length (length in the longitudinal direction) of 24 mm, a width (length in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the flat plate surface) of 3 mm, and a thickness of 0.2 mm. Note that the size of the elastic body 100A is not limited to this, and may be set as appropriate according to the desired vibration characteristics, the maximum size of the outer shape, and the like.

The elastic body 100A includes a first flat plate portion 101A and a second flat plate portion 102A. The first flat plate portion 101A and the second flat plate portion 102A are connected to each other at their longitudinal ends facing each other by the first narrow width portion 104A. The first narrow portion 104A is formed to be narrower than the first flat plate portion 101A and the second flat plate portion 102A.

Near the end of the first flat plate portion 101A on the second flat plate portion 102A side, a third flat plate portion 103A is formed. The third flat plate portion 103A has a substantially circular shape in plan view and is separated from the first flat plate portion 101A. The third flat plate portion 103A is connected to the second flat plate portion 102A by the second narrow width portion 105A. Similarly to the first narrow width portion 104A, the second narrow width portion 105A is formed with a narrow width with respect to the first flat plate portion 101A and the second flat plate portion 102A, and further with respect to the third flat plate portion 103A. . For example, the second narrow portion 105A is formed to have the same width as the first narrow portion 104A. At this time, the first narrow portion 104 and the second narrow portion 105A are formed close to each other.

In the first flat plate portion 101A, a through hole 121A penetrating in the thickness direction is formed at the end opposite to the connection end with the second flat plate portion 102A. In the second flat plate portion 102A, a through hole 122A penetrating in the thickness direction is formed at the end opposite to the connection end with the first flat plate portion 101A. The third flat plate portion 103A is formed with a through-hole 123A penetrating in the thickness direction substantially at the center in plan view.

Piezoelectric bodies 200 made of elongated piezoelectric ceramics are disposed on both main surfaces (both flat plate surfaces) of the first flat plate portion 101A. At this time, in the piezoelectric body 200, the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric body 200 and the length direction of the first flat plate portion 101A coincide, and the side surfaces at both ends in the width direction coincide with the first flat plate portion 101A in plan view. Further, the first flat plate portion 101A is disposed. As a specific shape, for example, when the elastic body 100A has the above-described dimensions, the piezoelectric body 200 has a length (length in the longitudinal direction) of 16 mm and a width (a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the flat plate surface). Is 3 mm and the thickness is 0.2 mm. At this time, the piezoelectric body 200 is disposed on the first flat plate portion 101A so as not to block the through-hole 121A in plan view.

The piezoelectric body 200 has a structure in which electrodes for applying a voltage are formed on both ends in the thickness direction, that is, on opposing plate surfaces, and is displaced in the d31 mode by the application of the voltage and expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction.

The stress due to the expansion and contraction motion of the piezoelectric body 200 is transmitted to the first flat plate portion 101A, and the first flat plate portion 101A vibrates along the longitudinal direction. This vibration acts on the second flat plate portion 102A via the first narrow portion 104A. Accordingly, the second flat plate portion 102A vibrates in an arc shape substantially along the normal direction (short direction) in the longitudinal direction of the second flat plate portion 102A with the second narrow width portion 105A as a fulcrum. Thereby, the piezoelectric actuator 10A functions as a bimorph type piezoelectric actuator that vibrates along the normal direction of the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric body 200 in the flat plate surface.

Returning to FIG. 1, the piezoelectric actuator 10 </ b> A is disposed on the opposite side of the cover member 91 with respect to the front wall 90 </ b> F of the housing 90. The piezoelectric actuator 10 </ b> A is attached to the housing 90 by a screw 83 </ b> A inserted through the through hole 121 </ b> A and screwed into the screw hole 93 </ b> A of the housing 90 and a screw 84 </ b> A inserted through the through hole 123 </ b> A and screwed into the screw hole 94 </ b> A of the housing 90. Fixed. The piezoelectric actuator 10 </ b> A is fixed to the cover member 91 by a screw 85 </ b> A that passes through the through hole 122 </ b> A and the through groove 95 </ b> A and is screwed into the screw hole 96 </ b> A of the frame body 910 of the cover member 91.

The piezoelectric actuator 10B is also disposed on the opposite side of the cover member 91 with respect to the front wall 90F of the housing 90. The piezoelectric actuator 10B is inserted into the housing 90 by a screw 83B inserted through the through hole 121B and screwed into the screw hole 93B of the housing 90, and a screw 84B inserted through the through hole 123B and screwed into the screw hole 94B of the housing 90. Fixed. The piezoelectric actuator 10B is fixed to the cover member 91 by screws 85B that pass through the through holes 122B and the through grooves 95B and screw into the screw holes 96B of the frame body 910 of the cover member 91.

In such a fixed state, when the piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B are driven, a force that vibrates the cover member 91 along the short direction with respect to the casing 90 is applied to the cover member 91 from the piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B.

Here, as described above, since the support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C have low rigidity in the short direction of the cover member 91 and the housing 90, the force applied from the piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B Due to the elasticity of the support plate, the cover member 91 vibrates along the short direction with respect to the housing 90 as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view showing the vibration state of the cover member 91 with respect to the housing 90. Thereby, the touch panel 97 fixed to the cover member 91 also vibrates along the short direction, and a tactile sensation due to the vibration can be given to the operator.

Further, since the support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C have high rigidity other than the short direction of the cover member 91 and the housing 90, for example, even if the operator presses the touch panel 97 (cover member 91). It becomes a bending motion in the short direction, and the pressing force can be distributed in the short direction so that the touch panel 97 is not bent. That is, it is possible to realize a tactile sense presentation device that is not easily damaged.

In addition, as described above, the supporting plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C are inserted through the through holes 903A, 903B, 903C, 904A, 904B, and 904C, respectively, so that a great stress is applied to the touch panel 97. In addition, even if the support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C are bent, they do not bend more than contacting the inner walls of the through holes 903A, 903B, 903C, 904A, 904B, and 904C. . Therefore, the stress applied to the piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B due to a great amount of external stress can be reduced, and damage to the piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B can be suppressed.

At this time, the distance between the side wall surfaces located at both ends of the through hole in the direction where the rigidity of the support plate is low (the direction in which the support plate vibrates) and the support plate in a state where vibration is not applied is along the low direction. Is made smaller than the displacement amount (bending amount) of the support plate according to the maximum allowable stress of the piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B. As a result, even if the support plate is forcibly bent in the direction of low rigidity by an external force, only a stress less than the maximum allowable stress is applied to the piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B. Therefore, damage to the piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B can be reliably prevented.

As described above, by using the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a tactile sensation presentation apparatus that can suppress and prevent breakage due to external force and can provide a necessary tactile sense. Furthermore, in the tactile sense presentation device, the vibration direction is a direction parallel to the flat plate surface and not the normal direction, so that it is possible to prevent noise from being generated by vibration for generating a tactile sense.

Next, a tactile sense presentation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the tactile presentation device 9A according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining a fixing structure between the housing 90 and the cover member 91 in the present embodiment.

The tactile presentation device 9A of the present embodiment has a sealing member 98 disposed between the housing 90 and the cover member 91 with respect to the tactile presentation device 9 shown in the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the tactile sense presentation device 9 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description of the present embodiment, only different points will be described.

The sealing member 98 is formed of an annular body, and is disposed along the outer periphery of the cover member 91 and the housing 90 in plan view. At this time, the sealing member 98 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the cover member 91 and the housing 90 so that the outermost peripheral surface coincides with the outer periphery of the cover member 91 and the housing 90. The sealing member 98 is made of an elastic body such as insulating rubber.

With such a configuration, the space between the cover member 91 and the housing 90 can be shielded from the outside by the sealing member 98. Thereby, a space can be formed between the cover member 91 and the housing 90, and dust and the like can be prevented from entering between the cover member 91 and the housing 90 from the outside.

The sealing member 98 may be selected as low as possible. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cover member 91 from being disturbed while sealing between the cover member 91 and the housing 90. Further, the vibration of the cover member 91 can be prevented from propagating back to the housing 90 via the sealing member 98, and the operator can obtain a tactile sensation using only the cover member 91 (touch panel 97). .

Next, a tactile sense presentation device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the tactile presentation device 9B according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view for explaining the shape of the support plate of the present embodiment.

The tactile presentation device 9B of the present embodiment differs from the tactile presentation device 9 shown in the first embodiment only in the structure of the support plate and the through groove, and the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. This is the same as the tactile sense presentation device 9. Therefore, in the following description of the present embodiment, only different points will be described.

Long through holes 903D and 903E are formed along the extending direction of the long side wall 90L1 at the boundary between the front wall 90F of the housing 90A and the long side wall 90L1. The through hole 903D is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S1 side, and the through hole 903E is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S2 side. Further, a screw hole 901D is formed near the end of the long side wall 90L1 on the short side wall 90S1 side, and a screw hole 901E is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S2 side.

Further, long through holes 904D and 904E are formed along the extending direction of the long side wall 90L2 at the boundary between the front wall 90F of the housing 90A and the long side wall 90L2. The through hole 904D is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S1 side, and the through hole 904E is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S2 side. A screw hole 902D is formed near the end of the long side wall 90L2 on the short side wall 90S1 side, and a screw hole 902E is formed near the end on the short side wall 90S2 side.

These through holes 903D, 903E, 904D, and 904E have shapes that are longer in the longitudinal direction than the through holes 903A, 903B, 903C, 904A, 904B, and 904C shown in the first embodiment.

Support plates 911 </ b> D and 911 </ b> E are provided upright on one longitudinal side of the reinforcing member 910 </ b> AS of the cover member 91 </ b> A, specifically, on the longitudinal side substantially coincident with the long side wall 90 </ b> L <b> 1 of the housing 90.

The support plate 911D is erected in the vicinity of the end on the short side wall 90S1 side of the housing 90A on one longitudinal side of the reinforcing member 910AS so as to face the through hole 903D of the housing 90A. The support plate 911E is erected in the vicinity of the end on the short side wall 90S2 side of the housing 90A on one long side of the reinforcing member 910AS so as to face the through hole 903E of the housing 90A.

Support plates 912D and 912E are provided upright on the other long side of the reinforcing member 910AS of the cover member 91A, specifically, on the long side substantially coincident with the long side wall 90L2 of the housing 90A.

The support plate 912D is erected near the end on the short side wall 90S1 side of the housing 90A on the other long side of the reinforcing member 910AS so as to face the through hole 904D of the housing 90A. The support plate 912E is erected near the end on the short side wall 90S2 side of the housing 90A on the other long side of the reinforcing member 910AS so as to face the through hole 904E of the housing 90A.

These support plates 911D, 911E, 912D, and 912E have shapes as shown in FIG. Since these support plates have the same shape, the detailed shape of the support plate 911D will be described. The support plate 911D includes a standing portion 911DH extending in the normal direction of the flat surfaces of the housing 90A and the cover member 91A, and a stationary member 911DL extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing 90A and the cover member 91A.

The fixed member 911DL is connected to the end of the upright portion 911DH opposite to the cover member 91A. A through hole 921D is formed in the vicinity of the end of the fixed side member 911DL on the side opposite to the connection end with the standing portion 911DH. Note that a plate-like piezoelectric actuator may be attached to the surface of the fixed member 911DL, and the fixed member 911DL may be driven to vibrate the frame body 910.

The length of the fixed side member 911DL in the extending direction is longer than the width of the standing portion 911DH and the extending direction.

With such a configuration, the distance L2 between the end portion of the support plates 911D, 911E, 912D, and 912E that is screwed and fixed to the housing 90A and the end portion that is connected to the cover member 91A is the first embodiment. It becomes longer than the same distance L1 shown in FIG. Therefore, it becomes easier to vibrate along the short direction of the cover member 91A and the housing 90A than in the first embodiment. Thereby, the vibration of the piezoelectric actuators 10A and 10B can be more efficiently applied to the cover member 91A, and a more efficient tactile sense presentation device can be realized.

In the present embodiment, the support plates 911D, 911E, 912D, and 912E are arranged so that the end fixed to the housing 90A is closer to the center in the longitudinal direction than the end fixed to the cover member 91A. However, these support plates 911D, 911E, 912D, and 912E may be arranged in the same direction along the longitudinal direction. The housing 90A and the cover member 91A are fixed by support plates 911D, 911E, 912D, and 912E of the cover member 91A. The cover member 91A is disposed in the housing 90A so that the support plates 911D, 911E, 912D, and 912E are inserted through through holes 903D, 903E, 904D, and 904E formed in the front wall 90F of the housing 90A. ing. The support plate 911D is inserted through the through hole 903D until the through hole 921D overlaps with the screw hole 901D of the long side wall 90L1. In such a state, the screw 930 is inserted from the inside of the housing 90A so as to be inserted through the through hole 921D of the support plate 911D. When the distal end side of the screw 930 is screwed into the screw hole 901D, the support plate 911D, that is, the cover member 91A and the housing 90A are fixed. Other support plates 911E, 912D, and 912E are also fixed in the same structure.

In the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the washer is interposed between the support plate and the side wall of the housing is shown, but the shape of the support plate and the side wall may be changed as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged side view showing another fixing structure between the support plate and the side wall of the housing. FIG. 9A shows the shape of the side wall when FIG. 9A changes the shape of the support plate. Shows the case of changing.

In the structure shown in FIG. 9A, the support plate 911F is a region having a predetermined area including the position where the through hole 921F is formed, and is formed as thick as the above-described washer. By setting it as such a structure, a space | interval can be formed between the long side walls 90L1 of the housing | casing 90 other than the said thick part of a support plate, without using a washer. 9A, the region having a predetermined area including the position where the through hole 921F is formed is not increased, but the region may protrude toward the long side wall 90L1 of the housing 90. .

In the structure shown in FIG. 9B, a region having a predetermined area including the position where the screw hole 901G of the long side wall 90L1 'of the housing 90 is formed is formed to be as thick as the above-described washer. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to form a gap between the support plate 911G and a portion other than the thick portion of the long side wall 90L1 'of the housing 90 without using a washer.

Further, in the configuration of FIG. 9B, the thickness of a predetermined area including the position where the screw hole 901G is formed may not be increased, but the structure may be recessed inside the housing 90. In this case, the screw hole 901G is changed to a simple through hole, a nut is disposed on the side opposite to the long side wall 90L1 ′ of the support plate 911G, the screw 930 is inserted from the outside of the housing 90, and the screw 930 is screwed into the nut. It can also be fixed together. With this configuration, the fixing work can be facilitated.

In the above description, the example in which the support plate has a circular through hole is shown. However, as shown in FIG. 10, a square through hole 921A 'may be provided. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged side view showing another fixing structure of the support plate and the side wall of the housing, FIG. 10 (A) is an enlarged perspective view, and FIG. 10 (B) is an exploded perspective view.

As shown in FIG. 10, the support plate 911A ′ is provided with a rectangular through hole 921A ′. In the formation region of the screw hole 901A ″ in the long side wall 90L1 ″ of the housing 90, a standing wall 990 protruding inside the housing 90 is formed according to the shape of the through hole 921A ′.

In such a configuration, the support plate 911A ′ is fixed to the housing 90 such that the standing wall 990 is inserted into the through hole 921A ′. This facilitates positioning of the support plate and further suppresses the movement of the support plate in directions other than the vibration direction. In addition, in FIG. 10, although the case of the rectangle was shown, other polygons, such as a triangle, may be sufficient. However, the smaller the number of corners, the more the fixing effect due to the shape can be obtained.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the piezoelectric actuator is installed on the side opposite to the cover member of the casing is shown, but the piezoelectric actuator may be installed on the cover member side of the casing. However, by providing a piezoelectric actuator on the opposite side of the cover member of the housing, the tactile sense presentation device can be made thinner, and the cover member and the touch panel can be prevented from contacting the piezoelectric actuator when the cover member is pushed in. it can.

Next, a tactile sense presentation device according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the tactile presentation device 9C according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a five-side view showing the structure of the piezoelectric actuator 10C used in the present embodiment. FIGS. 13A and 13B are side views for explaining a fixing structure between the housing 90C and the cover member 91C according to the present embodiment.

The tactile presentation device 9C of the present embodiment is different from the tactile presentation device 9 shown in the first embodiment in the structure of the housing 90C and the structures of the piezoelectric actuators 10C and 10D. The cover member 91C has substantially the same structure as the cover member 91 shown in the first embodiment. Here, only a different part from the tactile sense presentation apparatus 9 shown in 1st Embodiment is demonstrated concretely.

Unlike the housing 90, the housing 90C does not have a front wall and includes a back wall 90R. Therefore, the housing 90C has a shape that opens toward the cover member 91C. Screw holes 93C and 94C are formed at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the short side wall 90S1 extends near the end of the back wall 90R on the short side wall 90S1 side. The screw holes 93C and 94C are formed at positions closer to the long side wall 90L1 side of the back wall 90R, and the screw holes 94C are formed on the long side wall 90L1 side than the screw hole 93C.

Near the end of the back wall 90R on the short side wall 90S2 side, screw holes 93D and 94D are formed at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the short side wall 90S2 extends. The screw holes 93D and 94D are formed at positions closer to the long side wall 90L1 side of the back wall 90R, and the screw hole 94D is formed on the long side wall 90L1 side than the screw hole 93D.

Piezoelectric actuators 10C and 10D, which are vibration generating elements, are disposed between the housing 90C and the cover member 91C. The basic configurations of the piezoelectric actuators 10C and 10D are the same, and the mounting positions and mounting directions with respect to the housing 90C and the cover member 91C are different.

The structure of the piezoelectric actuator 10C will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

The piezoelectric actuator 10C of the present embodiment includes a long and flat elastic body 100C. The elastic body 100C includes a first flat plate portion 101C and a second flat plate portion 102C. Piezoelectric bodies 200 made of long piezoelectric ceramics are disposed on both opposing main surfaces (both flat plate surfaces) of the first flat plate portion 101C. The piezoelectric body 200 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric body 200 coincides with the length direction of the first flat plate portion 101C, and the side surfaces at both ends in the width direction coincide with the first flat plate portion 101C in plan view. One flat plate portion 101C is disposed. The piezoelectric body 200 has a structure in which electrodes for applying a voltage are formed on both ends in the thickness direction, that is, on opposing plate surfaces, and is displaced and expanded and contracted in the d31 mode when the voltage is applied.

The long direction of the second flat plate portion 102C and the long direction of the first flat plate portion 101C are orthogonal to each other. At this time, the first flat plate portion 101C and the second flat plate portion 102C are formed so that the flat plate surface of the first flat plate portion 101C and the flat plate surface of the second flat plate portion 102C are in the same plane.

One end in the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate portion 101C is connected to one end in the longitudinal direction of the second flat plate portion 102C by the first narrow portion 104C. The first narrow portion 104C is formed with a narrower width than the first flat plate portion 101C and the second flat plate portion 102C. Near the end of the first flat plate portion 101C on the second flat plate portion 102C side, a third flat plate portion 103C is formed. The third flat plate portion 103C has a substantially circular shape in plan view, and is separated from the first flat plate portion 101C. The third flat plate portion 103C is connected to the second flat plate portion 102C by the second narrow width portion 105C. Similarly to the first narrow portion 104C, the second narrow portion 105C is formed to have a narrower width than the first flat plate portion 101C and the second flat plate portion 102C, and further to the third flat plate portion 103C. . For example, the second narrow portion 105C is formed to have a width that is approximately the same as the first narrow portion 104C. At this time, the first narrow portion 104C and the second narrow portion 105C are formed close to each other.

A through hole 121C is formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate portion 101C. A through hole 122C is formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second flat plate portion 102C. The third flat plate portion 103C is formed with a through hole 123C substantially in the center in plan view.

The second flat plate portion 102C is formed to extend to the side opposite to the formation side of the third flat plate portion 103C in the width direction of the first flat plate portion 101C.

The stress due to the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric body 200 is transmitted to the first flat plate portion 101C, and the first flat plate portion 101C vibrates. This vibration acts on the second flat plate portion 102C via the first narrow portion 104C. In such a structure, if the piezoelectric actuator 10C is fixed in the through hole 121C of the first flat plate portion 101C and the through hole 123C of the third flat plate portion 103C, the position where the through hole 122C serving as the action point of the piezoelectric actuator 10C exists is. The piezoelectric body 200 vibrates along a direction substantially parallel to the expansion / contraction direction of the piezoelectric body 200 (direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate portion 101C).

The piezoelectric actuators 10C and 10D that perform such an operation are fixed to the housing 90C and the cover member 91C. At this time, the piezoelectric actuators 10C and 10D are fixed so that the short side walls 90S1 and 90S2 and the longitudinal directions of the first flat plate portions 101C and 101D are parallel to each other.

Specifically, a screw 83C is inserted into the through hole 121C of the piezoelectric actuator 10C, and the screw 83C is screwed into the screw hole 93C of the back wall 90R of the housing 90C. A screw 84C is inserted into the through hole 123C of the piezoelectric actuator 10C, and the screw 84C is screwed into the screw hole 94C of the rear wall 90R of the housing 90C. As a result, the end of the piezoelectric actuator 10C on the first flat plate portion 101C side and the third flat plate portion 103C are fixed to the housing 90C.

A screw 85C is inserted into the through hole 122C of the piezoelectric actuator 10C, and the screw 85C is screwed into the screw hole 95C of the cover member 91C. Thereby, the end of the piezoelectric actuator 10C on the second flat plate portion 102C side is fixed to the cover member 91C.

A screw 83D is inserted into the through hole 121D of the piezoelectric actuator 10D, and the screw 83D is screwed into the screw hole 93D of the back wall 90R of the housing 90C. A screw 84D is inserted into the through hole 123D of the piezoelectric actuator 10D, and the screw 84D is screwed into the screw hole 94D of the back wall 90R of the housing 90C. Thereby, the end on the first flat plate portion 101D side of the piezoelectric actuator 10D and the third flat plate portion 103D are fixed to the housing 90C.

A screw 85D is inserted into the through hole 122D of the piezoelectric actuator 10D, and the screw 85D is screwed into the screw hole 95D of the cover member 91C. Accordingly, the end portion of the piezoelectric actuator 10D on the second flat plate portion 102D side is fixed to the cover member 91C.

In such a structure, when the piezoelectric actuators 10C and 10D are driven, vibration parallel to the direction in which the short side walls 90S1 and 90S2 extend is transmitted to the cover member 91C. That is, a force that vibrates the cover member 91C along the short direction with respect to the housing 90C is applied to the cover member 91C from the piezoelectric actuators 10C and 10D. Due to the force applied from the piezoelectric actuators 10C and 10D and the elasticity of the support plate, the cover member 91C vibrates along the short direction with respect to the housing 90C. Thereby, the touch panel 97 fixed to the cover member 91C also vibrates along the short direction, and a tactile sensation due to the vibration can be given to the operator.

Thus, even when the L- type piezoelectric actuators 10C and 10D are used, the cover member can be vibrated similarly to the above-described embodiment.

In the configuration of the present embodiment, the cover member 91C and the housing 90C are connected by a fixing structure as shown in FIG. Since the fixing structures of the support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C with respect to the casing 90C are the same as in the above-described embodiment, only the fixing structure of the support plate 911C is representatively described. To do.

13A, screws 930 are inserted from the outside of the housing 90C so that the through holes 901Cs of the long side wall 90L1 of the housing 90C and the through holes 921C of the support plate 911C are inserted. A washer 931 is disposed between the support plate 911C and the long side wall 90L1, and the washer 931 is also inserted into the screw 930. A nut 932 is disposed on the surface of the support plate 911 </ b> C opposite to the long side wall 90 </ b> L <b> 1, and the screw 930 is screwed with the nut 932. Thereby, the rigidity of the casing 90C and the cover member 91C is lowered by the support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C only in the direction parallel to the short side walls 90S1 and 90S2 as in the above-described embodiment. To be fixed.

The structure of FIG. 13B is a structure that does not use a nut 932 as compared to the structure of FIG. 13A. In this case, the support plate 911C ′ is not connected to the through hole 921C of the support plate 911C described above. A screw hole 921C ′ may be formed. As a result, the screw 930 is screwed into the screw hole 921C ′. In this case, the thickness of the screw hole forming portion of the support plate 911C ′ is preferably thicker than other portions.

As described above, even if the casing has no front wall and has a back wall, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained. In this configuration, since the screwing operation is performed from the outside of the housing, the operation can be facilitated.

Next, a tactile sense presentation device according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the tactile presentation device 9D according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a side view for explaining a fixing structure between the housing 90D and the cover member 91D according to the present embodiment.

The tactile presentation device 9D of the present embodiment is different in the structure of the housing 90D from the tactile presentation device 9C shown in the fourth embodiment. In each of the regions where the through holes 901As, 901Bs, and 901Cs are formed in the long side wall 90L1 of the housing 90D, a concave portion 940 that is recessed from the outer surface side to the inner surface side is formed. In each of the regions where the through holes 902As, 902Bs, and 902Cs are formed in the long side wall 90L2 of the housing 90D, a concave portion 940 that is recessed from the outer surface side to the inner surface side is formed.

The length of each recess 940 in the direction parallel to the long side walls 90L1 and 90L2 is longer than the diameter of the screw head of the screw 930. Further, the amount of recess of each recess 940 (the length in the direction orthogonal to the wall surfaces of the long side walls 90L1 and L2) is about the height of the screw head of the screw 930.

The support plates 911A, 911B, 911C, 912A, 912B, and 912C are brought into contact with the casing 90D having such a shape via a washer 931 on the inner side of the bottom wall of each recess 940. A cover member 91D is provided. The cover member 91D is assembled to the housing 90D as shown in FIG. In addition, since the assembly structure in each recessed part 940 is the same, the assembly structure in the recessed part 940 in which the through-hole 901Cs is formed will be described as a representative.

A screw 930 for inserting the through hole 901Cs of the recess 940 formed in the long side wall 90L1 of the housing 90D and the screw hole 921C 'of the support plate 911C is inserted from the outside of the housing 90D. A washer 931 is disposed between the support plate 911C and the long side wall 90L1, and the washer 931 is also inserted into the screw 930. The screw 930 is screwed into the screw hole 921C ′ of the support plate 911C, and the cover member 91D and the housing 90D are fixed.

At this time, if the screw 930 is screwed until the screw head comes into contact with the bottom wall of the recess 940, the screw head does not protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the long side wall 90L1. Thereby, even if it fixes with a screw from the exterior side of housing | casing 90D, there is nothing which protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of housing | casing 90D, and the external appearance looks good.

Next, a tactile sense presentation device according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the tactile presentation device 9E according to this embodiment.

The tactile presentation device 9E of the present embodiment uses L- type piezoelectric actuators 10C and 10D with respect to the tactile presentation device 9B shown in the third embodiment, and further does not use the cover member 91A. The touch panel 97 is assembled to the housing 90E.

The support base member 99D is a rectangular body having the same length as the short side wall 90S1 of the housing 90E, and a support plate 911D having a shape similar to that of the above-described third embodiment at both ends in the length direction. , 912D. The support base member 99D is disposed along the short side wall 90S1 at the end of the housing 90E on the short side wall 90S1 side. The support base member 99D is formed with a screw hole 95C for fixing the through hole 122C serving as an action point of the piezoelectric actuator 10C with a screw 85C. The screw 85C is inserted from the inside of the housing 90E so as to pass through the through hole 122C of the piezoelectric actuator 10C and the through groove 95A of the housing 90E.

The support base member 99E is a rectangular body having the same length as the short side wall 90S2 of the housing 90E, and support plates 911E having a shape similar to that of the above-described third embodiment at both ends in the length direction. , 912E are formed. The support base member 99E is disposed along the short side wall 90S2 at the end of the housing 90E on the short side wall 90S2 side. The support base member 99E is formed with a screw hole 95D for fixing a through hole 122D serving as an action point of the piezoelectric actuator 10D with a screw 85D. The screw 85D is inserted from the inside of the housing 90E so as to pass through the through hole 122D of the piezoelectric actuator 10D and the through groove 95B of the housing 90E.

The supporting base members 99D and 99E are adhered to the back surface of the touch panel 97 with an adhesive. At this time, the supporting base members 99D and 99E are bonded to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the touch panel 97, respectively.

Even in such a configuration, the support base member 99D is connected to the piezoelectric actuator 10C, the support base member 99E is connected to the piezoelectric actuator 10D, and the support plates 911D, 912D, 911E, and 912E are connected to the housing 90E. If connected, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the configuration of the present embodiment, a wide bonding area between the touch panel 97 and the supporting base members 99D and 99E can be obtained. Thereby, the concentration of stress applied to the supporting base members 99D and 99E from the touch panel 97 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the operator strongly presses the touch panel 97, stress applied from the touch panel 97 to the supporting base members 99D and 99E is not concentrated, and damage to the touch panel 97 can be suppressed.

16 shows an example in which the support base members 99D and 99E are formed along the short side walls 90S1 and 90S2 so as to cover the entire length of the touch panel 97 in the short direction, as shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. Such a shape may be used. 17 and 18 are external perspective views showing other shapes of the supporting base member.

In the structure shown in FIG. 17, the supporting base member is individually formed for each supporting plate. Specifically, a support base member 99F1 is provided for the support plate 911D, and a support base member 99G1 is provided for the support plate 911E. Further, a support base member 99F2 is provided for the support plate 912D, and a support base member 99G2 is provided for the support plate 912E. In such a configuration, the supporting base members 99F1, 99F2, 99G1, and 99G2 are bonded to the four corners of the touch panel 97 in plan view.

In the structure shown in FIG. 18, the supporting base member has a rectangular shape extending in a direction along the long side wall of the housing. Support plates 911D and 911E are formed at both ends of the support base member 99H1, respectively. Support plates 912D and 912E are formed on both ends of the support base member 99H2, respectively. The supporting base members 99H1 and 99H2 are respectively bonded to both ends of the touch panel 97 in the short direction.

Even with these structures, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

In addition, when bonding such a base member for support and the touch panel 97, it is good to use the adhesion structure as shown in each figure of FIG. FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C are enlarged side views for explaining an adhesive structure between the touch panel 97 and the supporting base member, respectively. In FIG. 19, a structure in which the supporting base member 99G1 in FIG.

19A, the bottom surface of the support base member 99G1 (the surface opposite to the surface from which the support plate 911E protrudes) is directly bonded to the back surface of the touch panel 97 with the adhesive 991. In this configuration, the supporting base member 99G1 and the touch panel 97 are bonded to each other with no gap in a plane via the adhesive 991, so that vibration generated by the piezoelectric actuator can be efficiently transmitted to the touch panel 97.

19B, the support base member 99G1 'has a structure having two orthogonal adhesive surfaces. These two surfaces are directly bonded to the back surface and side surfaces of the touch panel 97 by an adhesive 991. Even in this configuration, since the supporting base member 99G1 and the touch panel 97 are bonded to each other in a planar manner via the adhesive 991, vibration generated by the piezoelectric actuator can be efficiently transmitted to the touch panel 97.

19C, the contact portion between the bottom surface of the supporting base member 99G1 and the back surface of the touch panel 97 is covered with the resin agent 992. At this time, the resin agent 992 may be formed so as to wrap around to the front side through the side surface of the touch panel 97. With such a configuration, the contact portion between the supporting base member 99G1 and the touch panel 97 and the outer peripheral portion of the touch panel 97 can be protected from the external environment and external impact.

In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which each support plate and the housing are fixed with one screw 930 has been described, but may be fixed with a plurality of screws 930 at predetermined intervals. FIG. 20A is an enlarged side view showing another fixing structure of the support plate 911E in the tactile sense presentation device 9E shown in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 20B is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operational effect when the structure shown in FIG. 20A is used.

As shown in FIG. 20A, the support plate 911E is screwed to the long side wall 90L1 of the housing 90E at two locations. At this time, the screwing points are spaced at a certain distance. For example, in the case of FIG. 20A, the through-holes are provided at substantially the middle positions of the tip of the support plate 911E extending in the direction along the long side wall 90L1 and the portion of the support plate 911E extending in the direction along the long side wall 90L1. 921E1 and 921E2 are formed, and the support plate 911E is fixed to the long side wall 90L1 by screws 930 into which the through holes 921E1 and 921E2 are inserted.

By adopting such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 20B, when an external force is applied to the touch panel 97 (pushing load by a finger in FIG. 20B), the support plate is prevented from rotating. it can. For this reason, it can suppress that the touch panel 97 sinks into the housing | casing side.

In FIG. 20, the side-view shape is described as an example of the L-shaped support plate. However, even if the support plate has a straight shape as shown in the first embodiment, a plurality of support plates having predetermined intervals are provided. The same effect can be obtained by screwing with a point.

By the way, in each of the above explanations, the structure in which the thickness direction of the support plate and the short direction of the casing and the cover member coincide with each other has been described as an example. It is also possible to adopt a structure in which longitudinal vibration is applied by a piezoelectric actuator. However, with the configuration of the present application, when the same number of support plates are arranged, the interval between the support plates can be widened, so that a tactile sense presentation device that provides vibration more efficiently can be realized.

In the above-described first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the example in which the support plate is installed at the center in the longitudinal direction is shown, but the support plate can be omitted. Furthermore, if there is at least one support plate, the above-described vibration can be provided, but as shown in each of the above-described embodiments, by providing support plates in the vicinity of the four corners in plan view of the tactile sense presentation device, When a pressing force is applied to the touch panel of the cover member, it is possible to prevent a bending stress other than the vibration direction from being applied to the support plate. Thereby, it is possible to realize a tactile sense presentation device that is less likely to be damaged.

In the above description, an example in which two piezoelectric actuators are arranged at both ends along the longitudinal direction of the casing has been described. However, the number and arrangement of the piezoelectric actuators are not limited thereto. As an example, piezoelectric actuators may be arranged at the four corners of the housing in plan view.

In the above description, the piezoelectric actuator is shown as an example of the vibration generating element, but other vibration generating elements may be used as long as the above-described vibration can be given.

In the above description, examples of using screw holes and nuts when screwing are shown as appropriate for each embodiment, but the selection of screw holes and nuts, and further the configuration using double nuts, The present invention can be applied to the configuration of any embodiment. Furthermore, an adhesive may be applied to the screwing location, and the application of the adhesive to the screwing location can suppress or prevent loosening of the screw over time.

In the tactile sense presentation device 9E according to the sixth embodiment described above, the support plates 911D, 912D, 911E, and 912E have shapes extending along the long side walls 90L1 and 90L2 of the housing 90E, and the long side walls are formed by screws 930. It is fixed to 90L1 and 90L2. However, the following structure can also be used. A tactile presentation device according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the tactile presentation device 9J according to the present embodiment. The tactile presentation device 9J shown in FIG. 21 is different from the tactile presentation device 9E shown in the sixth embodiment in the structure of the support plates 911J1, 912J1, 911J2, and 912J2. Further, the mounting structure of the support plates 911J1, 912J1, 911J2, and 912J2 to the housing 90J is different.

The support plate 911J1 is connected to the support base member 99J1 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J1. The support plate 911J1 extends along the outer shape of the support base member 99J1 from the one end in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J1 in the lateral direction, and then curves and extends along the longitudinal direction. is there. The support plate 911J1 is formed with a predetermined length toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J1. A through hole 921J1 is formed near the end of the support plate 911J1 opposite to the side connected to the support base member 99J1.

The support plate 912J1 is connected to the support base member 99J1 at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J1. The support plate 912J1 extends along the outer shape of the support base member 99J1 from the other end in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J1 in the lateral direction, and then curves and extends along the longitudinal direction. is there. The support plate 912J1 is formed with a predetermined length toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J1. A through hole 922J1 is formed in the vicinity of the end of the support plate 912J1 opposite to the side connected to the support base member 99J1.

The support plate 911J2 is connected to the support base member 99J2 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J2. The support plate 911J2 extends along the outer shape of the support base member 99J2 from the one end in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J2 in the short direction, and then curves and extends along the longitudinal direction. is there. The support plate 911J2 is formed with a predetermined length toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J2. A through hole 921J2 is formed in the vicinity of the end of the support plate 911J2 opposite to the side connected to the support base member 99J2.

The support plate 912J2 is connected to the support base member 99J2 at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J2. The support plate 912J2 extends along the outer shape of the support base member 99J2 from the other end in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J2 in the lateral direction, and then curves and extends along the longitudinal direction. is there. The support plate 912J2 is formed with a predetermined length toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the support base member 99J2. A through hole 922J2 is formed near the end of the support plate 912J2 opposite to the side connected to the support base member 99J2.

Through holes 903J1, 904J1, 903J2, and 904J2 are formed in the housing 90J so that the support plates 911J1, 912J1, 911J2, and 912J2 having such shapes are inserted.

Screw holes 901J1 and 902J1 are formed in the short side wall 90S1 of the housing 90J. Screw holes 901J2 and 902J2 are formed in the short side wall 90S2 of the housing 90J.

A screw 930 is screwed into the screw hole 901J1 so as to pass through the through hole 921J1 of the support plate 911J1, and a screw 930 is screwed into the screw hole 902J1 so as to pass through the through hole 922J1 of the support plate 912J1. 90J and the supporting base member 99J1 are fixed.

A screw 930 is screwed into the screw hole 901J2 so as to pass through the through hole 921J2 of the support plate 911J2, and a screw 930 is screwed into the screw hole 902J2 so as to pass through the through hole 922J2 of the support plate 912J2. 90J and the supporting base member 99J2 are fixed.

Thus, the supporting base members 99J1 and 99J2 are fixed to the short side walls 90S1 and 90S2 of the housing 90J.

With such a structure, the touch panel 97 can be held so as to vibrate in a planar manner. Therefore, the touch panel 97 can be changed in the rotation direction. When one of the piezoelectric actuators 10 </ b> C and 10 </ b> D is driven due to the rotational fluctuation in the touch panel 97, the vibration of the driving piezoelectric actuator hardly propagates to the side where the non-driven actuator is disposed in the touch panel 97. Become. As a result, a large difference (tactile separation) can be generated in the vibration displacement between the side where the driven piezoelectric actuator is disposed on the touch panel 97 and the side where the non-driven piezoelectric actuator is disposed. . As a result, multi-channel (decoding haptics) that gives different haptics to the fingers of the left and right hands touching the touch panel 97 can be realized at a high level.

10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D: Piezoelectric actuator, 9, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9J: Tactile presentation device, 83A, 83B, 83C, 84A, 84B, 84C, 85A, 85B, 85C, 930 :screw,
90, 90A, 90C, 90D, 90E, 90J: Case, 90F, 90Js: Front wall, 90R: Back wall, 90L1, 90L1 ′, 90L2: Long side wall, 90S1, 90S2: Short side wall, 91, 91A, 91C, 91D: Cover member, 92: Opening region, 93A, 93B, 94A, 94B, 93C, 93D, 93E, 94C, 94D, 94E, 95C, 95D, 95E: Screw holes,
95A, 95B: Through groove, 97: Touch panel, 98: Sealing member, 99D, 99E, 99F1, 99F2, 99G1, 99G2, 99H1, 99H2, 99J1, 99J2: Support base member,
101A, 101C: first flat plate portion, 102A, 102C: second flat plate portion, 103, 103C: third flat plate portion, 104, 104C: first narrow width portion, 105: second narrow width portion, 200: piezoelectric body, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 123A, 123B, 123C, 123D: a through hole,
901A, 901A ", 901B, 901C, 901D, 901E, 901G, 901J1, 901J2, 902A, 902B, 902C, 902D, 902E, 902J1, 902J2, 921C ': screw holes,
901As, 901Bs, 901Cs, 902As, 902Bs, 902Cs: a through hole,
903A, 903B, 903C, 903D, 903E, 904A, 904B, 904C, 904D, 904E, 903J1, 903J2, 904J1, 904J2: through holes,
911 A, 911 A ′, 911 B, 911 C, 911 D, 911 E, 912 A, 912 B, 912 C, 912 D, 912 E, 911 J 1, 911 J 2, 912 J 1, 912 J 2: support plate, 911 DH: standing part, 911 DL: fixed side member,
921A, 921A ′, 921B, 921C, 921D, 921E, 922A, 922B, 922C, 922D, 922E, 921J1, 921J2, 922J1, 922J2: through hole, 931: washer, 932: nut, 940: recess, 990: standing Wall, 991: Adhesive, 992: Resin agent

Claims (15)

1. A flat housing having a predetermined thickness;
   A flat plate surface is arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to the thickness direction of the casing, and a flat plate vibration transmission means for giving a tactile sense based on vibration to an operator;
   A tactile sensation presentation device comprising: a vibration generating element that is connected to the housing and the vibration transmission means and applies the vibration in a predetermined direction to the vibration transmission means;
   The vibration transmission means includes a support member having a shape extending in a normal direction of the flat plate surface, and having a shape in which the rigidity in the vibration direction is lower than the rigidity other than the vibration direction,
   The housing includes a side wall that stands up along the thickness direction and forms an outer peripheral surface of the housing.
   A tactile sense presentation device provided with a fixing means for fixing the support member to the side wall.
2. The haptic presentation device according to claim 1,
   The casing and the vibration transmission means are plate-shaped having a first direction and a second direction,
   The support member is disposed near both ends of the vibration transmitting means in the second direction and near both ends along the first direction so that the second direction and the low rigidity direction are parallel to each other. A tactile sense presentation device is provided.
3. The haptic presentation device according to claim 1 or 2,
   The tactile sense presentation device, wherein the support member is made of an elastic plate.
4. The tactile sense presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   The housing includes a front wall on the vibration transmission means side of the side wall,
   The tactile sense presentation device, wherein the front wall includes a through hole through which the support member is inserted.
5. The haptic presentation device according to claim 4,
   The gap between the support member and the side wall surface of the opening along the direction of low rigidity of the support member of the through hole in the housing is the maximum allowable stress on the vibration generating element in the direction of low rigidity of the support member. A tactile sensation generating device that is smaller than the amount of displacement that is generated when a touch is applied.
6. The tactile sense presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   The tactile presentation device, wherein the housing includes a back wall on a side opposite to the vibration transmission unit of the side wall.
7. A tactile sense presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
   The tactile sense presentation device, wherein the fixing means includes a separation member that spaces the support member and the side wall.
8. A tactile sense presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
   The support member is
   A standing portion extending in the normal direction of the flat plate surface;
   A tactile sensation comprising: a fixed-side member provided at one end of the standing portion and extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the standing portion, parallel to a plane having a normal direction of vibration. Presentation device.
9. A tactile sense presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
   The tactile sense presentation device includes a plurality of fixing means, and the housing and the support member are fixed at a plurality of locations by the fixing means.
10. It is a tactile sense presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
    The vibration transmitting means includes the support member, a rectangular flat touch panel, and a support base member that fixes the support member so as to stand up along a normal direction of the flat plate surface of the touch panel. Presentation device.
11. It is a tactile sense presentation device according to claim 10,
    The support base member is a tactile sensation presentation device including a frame body having a shape along an outer periphery of the touch panel viewed from the normal direction of the flat plate surface.
12. It is a tactile sense presentation device according to claim 10,
    The tactile sense presentation device, wherein the support base member is configured by a plurality of flat plates that are individually formed for each of the support members and have a plane parallel to the flat plate surface of the touch panel.
13. It is a tactile sense presentation device according to claim 10,
    The casing and the vibration transmission means are plate-shaped having a first direction and a second direction,
    The support member is disposed near both ends of the vibration transmitting means in the second direction and near both ends along the first direction so that the second direction and the low rigidity direction are parallel to each other. Arranged,
    The tactile sense presentation device, wherein the support base member integrally supports a plurality of the support members arranged in the first direction and extends in the first direction.
14. It is a tactile sense presentation device according to claim 10,
    The casing and the vibration transmission means are plate-shaped having a first direction and a second direction,
    The support member is disposed near both ends of the vibration transmitting means in the second direction and near both ends along the first direction so that the second direction and the low rigidity direction are parallel to each other. Arranged,
    The tactile presentation device, wherein the support base member integrally supports a plurality of the support members arranged in the second direction and extends in the second direction.
15. The haptic presentation device according to any one of claims 10 to 14,
    A tactile sense presentation device in which at least a part of the touch panel has translucency.

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