JP2006198473A - Vibration transmission structure and input/output device having tactile function, and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable presenting the touch of the fingers of an operator detected by an input means with good reproducibility even when the material of the input operation surface is replaced from a solid, e.g. glass, to a soft member, e.g. a film. <P>SOLUTION: A vibration transmission structure has a film-like input means 24 and an open surface and is equipped with a frame 13 holding the input means 24 with a predetermined tensile force on the side opposite to the open surface and piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b supplying vibrations to the input operation surface consisting of the input means 24 and the frame 13. The actuators 100a and 100b are attached inside and/or outside the frame 13 constituting the input operation surface. Since the arrangement permits control of the tensile force of the input operation surface of the film-like input means 24 with the actuators 100a and 100b, the input operation surface can be vibrated arbitrarily in the shrinking and extending directions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, a mobile phone, an information portable terminal device, etc. that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body when inputting information by selecting an icon from a display screen for selecting input items prepared in advance. The present invention relates to a vibration transmission structure suitable for application, an input / output device with a tactile function, and an electronic apparatus. More specifically, the pulsating surface includes a piezoelectric body that supplies vibrations to a pulsating surface composed of a film-like oscillating member and a frame body that has a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface and holds the oscillating member. By attaching a piezoelectric body to the inside, outside, or both inside and outside of the frame that is configured, the tension of the beating surface can be controlled by the piezoelectric body, and a tactile sensation is presented to the operator who touches the vibration member It is something that can be done.

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

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

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

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

  Patent Document 2 discloses a touch panel input device. According to this touch panel input device, the input position detection mechanism and the piezoelectric element are provided on the two sides of the fixed frame, and the input operation detection mechanism having the rotation mechanism unit is provided on the other two sides. Is provided with an operation unit sheet. When the operator depresses the operation unit sheet with a finger or the like, on the other hand, the operation unit sheet is pulled, and the rotation mechanism unit of the input motion detection mechanism rotates to generate a click. On the other hand, the tension generated in each part of the operation section sheet is detected by the piezoelectric element of the input position detection mechanism. When the apparatus is configured in this way, a position where the maximum tension is applied can be detected as a pressed position, and a touch panel apparatus with few erroneous operations can be provided.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-94389 (FIG. 4 on page 4) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-15814 (FIG. 1 on page 2)

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

  i. According to the input / output device as found in Patent Document 1, a vibration displacement is applied to a glass plate constituting a touch panel using a piezoelectric actuator, and a tactile sensation is presented to a user. In this vibration transmission structure, two support portions serving as fulcrums for the piezoelectric actuator are attached to the piezoelectric actuator using an adhesive member (adhesive material) on the support frame.

  In addition, the support portion forming the action point of the piezoelectric actuator is attached to the piezoelectric actuator using an adhesive member at the center upper portion of the piezoelectric actuator. Such a joining process reduces workability at the time of mounting the piezoelectric body, and causes a situation where it takes time to mount the piezoelectric actuator.

  ii. Recently, instead of a hard material such as a glass plate, a film-like soft material is used for an input means such as a touch panel, and a transparent reinforced plastic member has started to be used for a display unit. When an attempt is made to construct a tactile sense presentation mechanism using these input means and display means, in a so-called film-resin type touch panel, vibration cannot be efficiently transmitted to the input operation surface, and the operator's finger There is a risk that a satisfactory tactile sensation cannot be provided.

  iii. Moreover, according to the touch panel input device as seen in Patent Document 2, when a click feeling is generated on the film-like operation surface, an input position detection mechanism and a piezoelectric element are provided on two sides of the fixed frame. An input operation detection mechanism having a rotation mechanism part is provided on the two sides, and an operation part sheet is provided so as to cover them.

  Therefore, Patent Document 2 does not use a piezoelectric actuator to generate a click feeling but can detect a pressed position by an input position detection mechanism and a piezoelectric element. You must pull the control unit seat until it rotates. These mechanical components may hinder the thinning of the touch panel.

  Therefore, the present invention solves such a conventional problem, and even when the material of the input operation surface is changed from a solid such as glass to a soft body such as a film, the operator can detect the input operation surface. An object of the present invention is to provide a vibration transmission structure, an input / output device with a tactile function, and an electronic device that can present a tactile sensation with good reproducibility to a finger or the like.

  The above-described problem includes a film-like vibration member, a frame having an open surface and holding the vibration member with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface, and the vibration member and the frame. And a piezoelectric body that supplies vibration to the beating surface, and the piezoelectric body is solved by a vibration transmission structure that is attached to both the inside, the outside, and the inside and outside of the frame on which the beating surface is configured. The

  According to the vibration transmission structure of the present invention, the frame has an open surface, and holds the film-like vibration member with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface. The piezoelectric body is attached to both the inside, the outside, and the inside and outside of the frame having a beating surface. On the premise of this, the piezoelectric body is configured to supply vibration to the beating surface constituted by the vibrating member and the frame. For example, the control device controls the piezoelectric body so as to apply vibration in a contracting direction to the beating surface first, and then apply vibration in a direction extending with respect to the beating surface.

  Therefore, since the tension of the beating surface can be controlled by the piezoelectric body, the beating surface can be arbitrarily vibrated in the direction in which the beating surface is contracted and extended. As a result, the vibration transmission structure can be sufficiently applied to an input / output device with a tactile function that can present an acknowledgment to the input operation and other tactile information to the user.

  An input / output device with a tactile function according to the present invention is an input / output device that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body during information input operation, and a film-like input unit that detects contact of the operating body and inputs information; A frame having an open surface and holding the input means with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface; and a piezoelectric body for supplying vibration to a beating surface constituted by the input means and the frame. The piezoelectric body is attached to both the inside, the outside, and both the inside and outside of the frame body on which the beating surface is formed.

  According to the input / output device with a tactile function according to the present invention, since the vibration transmission structure according to the present invention is applied, the tension of the beating surface of the film-like input means can be controlled by the piezoelectric body. For example, the control device controls the piezoelectric body so as to apply vibration in a contracting direction to the beating surface first, and then apply vibration in a direction extending with respect to the beating surface.

  Accordingly, it is possible to arbitrarily vibrate in the direction of contracting and extending the beating surface of the input means. Thereby, even when the material of the input operation surface is changed from a solid such as glass to a soft body such as a film, a tactile sensation can be presented with good reproducibility to the operation body detected by the input means.

  An electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device including an input / output device with a tactile function that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body during an information input operation, and is a film-like device that detects contact of the operating body and inputs information Vibration is supplied to the input means, a frame having an open surface and holding the input means with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface, and a beating surface constituted by the input means and the frame The piezoelectric body is attached to the inside, the outside, or both the inside and outside of the frame body on which the beating surface is formed.

  According to the electronic device with a tactile input function according to the present invention, the input / output device with a tactile function to which the vibration transmission structure according to the present invention is applied is applied. It can be controlled by the body.

  Accordingly, it is possible to arbitrarily vibrate in the direction of contracting and extending the beating surface of the input means. Thereby, even when the material of the input operation surface is changed from a solid such as glass to a soft body such as a film, a tactile sensation can be presented with good reproducibility to the operation body detected by the input means.

  According to the vibration transmission structure of the present invention, vibration is supplied to the beating surface formed by the film-like vibration member and the frame body having the predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface and holding the vibration member. A piezoelectric body is provided, and this piezoelectric body is attached to both the inside, the outside, and the inside and outside of the frame having a beating surface.

  With this structure, since the tension of the beating surface can be controlled by the piezoelectric body, the beating surface can be arbitrarily vibrated in the contracting direction and the extending direction. Therefore, the vibration transmission structure can be sufficiently applied to an input / output device with a tactile function that can present an acknowledge for an input operation and other tactile information to the user.

  According to the input / output device with a tactile function according to the present invention, since the vibration transmission structure according to the present invention is applied, the tension of the beating surface of the film-like input means can be controlled by the piezoelectric body.

  With this configuration, the beating surface of the input means can be arbitrarily vibrated in the contracting direction and the extending direction. Therefore, even when the material of the input operation surface is changed from a solid such as glass to a soft body such as a film, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operation body detected by the input means with good reproducibility. As a result, it is possible to provide an input / output device with a tactile function capable of presenting an acknowledge for an input operation and other tactile information to the user.

  According to the electronic device with a tactile input function according to the present invention, the input / output device with a tactile function to which the vibration transmission structure according to the present invention is applied is applied. It can be controlled by the body.

  With this configuration, the beating surface of the input means can be arbitrarily vibrated in the contracting direction and the extending direction. Therefore, even when the material of the input operation surface is changed from a solid such as glass to a soft body such as a film, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operation body detected by the input means with good reproducibility. As a result, it is possible to provide an electronic device with a tactile input function that can present an acknowledgment to the input operation, other tactile information, and the like to the user.

  Subsequently, an embodiment of a vibration transmission structure, an input / output device with a tactile function, and an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a vibration transmission structure as a first embodiment. A first vibration transmission structure 101 shown in FIG. 1 is a structure that can be built inside a casing of a mobile phone, an information portable terminal device, or the like, and uses a vibration generated by this piezoelectric body (hereinafter referred to as a piezoelectric actuator). It is a structure that can be presented.

  The first vibration transmission structure 101 includes a frame (hereinafter referred to as a frame 13), input means 24 as an example of a film-like vibration member, and piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. The frame 13 has an open surface, and holds the input means 24 with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface. For example, the frame 13 has a rectangular shape, and one side thereof has a length of L [mm], a width of W [mm], and a depth (height) of about H [mm]. ing. The frame 13 is made of a synthetic resin member or a metal member such as aluminum, iron, copper, or an alloy thereof. When a synthetic resin member is used for the frame 13, conductive plating is applied. This is because the frame 13 is used as a center electrode. A touch panel or the like is used for the film-like input means 24.

  In this example, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are attached to the left and right vertical sides when the frame 13 having the beating surface is viewed vertically (mounted) so as to supply vibration to the beating surface. To be made. Here, the beating surface refers to a surface for pressing (contact pressing) a drum-shaped body constituted by the input means 24 and the frame 13. When a touch panel or the like is used as the input unit 24, this beating surface becomes an input operation surface (film-like input surface). The above-described frame 13 applies tension to the input operation surface.

  The piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b attached to the frame 13 deform the frame 13 to control the tension of the input operation surface. The piezoelectric actuators 100 a and 100 b have a size that can be attached in the longitudinal direction of the frame 13. For the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b, a laminated piezoelectric body in which a large number of piezoelectric elements are laminated is used. In the drawing, the piezoelectric actuator 100a is partially broken. For example, the piezoelectric actuator 100a has a laminated structure in which a laminated piezoelectric body 4a is joined to the inside of the frame 13 and a laminated piezoelectric body 4b is joined to the outside thereof. The piezoelectric actuator 100b is similarly configured. That is, the laminated piezoelectric material is bonded to both the inside and the outside of the frame 13.

  This structure constitutes a so-called bimorph type piezoelectric actuator. The frame 13 constitutes a metal support plate or a metal shim of the bimorph type piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. In this example, the elasticity of the frame 13 extending on both sides of the laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b is used. By utilizing the elasticity of the frame 13, when the piezoelectric element body expands and contracts, the frame 13 can vibrate in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). That is, in the same manner as a normal bimorph piezoelectric actuator, the laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b are deformed into a convex shape or a concave shape by energization, and the tension on the input operation surface changes accordingly.

  In this example, the frames 13 extending on both sides of the laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b form electrodes (hereinafter referred to as center electrodes) of the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. This is because a vibration control voltage is supplied to the laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b via the center electrode. The laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b vibrate based on the vibration control voltage. This vibration is transmitted to the input means 24 such as a touch panel stretched on the frame 13, for example. As a result, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operator's finger or the like touching the input means 24. A lead line L2 is connected to the frame 13 forming the central electrode of the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. A lead wire L11 is connected to the piezoelectric actuator 100a, and a lead wire L12 is connected to the piezoelectric actuator 100b.

  This type of structure has been adopted in recent years, and the tactile sensation is reproducible to the user in an input device having a soft member input operation surface such as a resin film type touch panel, which has been rapidly spreading in recent years. This is so that it can be presented well.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the multilayer bimorph type piezoelectric actuator 100a and the like.
A piezoelectric actuator 100a shown in FIG. 2 has laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b and a frame 13, and the laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b are joined to the frame 13 to constitute a multilayer bimorph type piezoelectric actuator. . For example, the piezoelectric actuator 100a is configured by laminating laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b that expand and contract in opposite directions on both sides of a frame 13 that also serves as a central electrode as a neutral surface of bending deformation. A metal plate such as stainless steel is used for the frame 13.

  The laminated piezoelectric body 4a includes a surface electrode layer 11, layered piezoelectric elements # 1 to # 9, and internal electrode layers (main electrodes) IE1 to IE8 sandwiching the piezoelectric elements # 1 to # 9. Composed. For the piezoelectric element # 1 or the like, PZT (lead zirconate titanate) is used, and its thickness is about 28 μm. The thickness of each electrode layer is about 4 μm.

  The laminated piezoelectric body 4b has a surface electrode layer 12, layered piezoelectric elements # 10 to # 18, and internal electrode layers (main electrodes) IE9 to IE16 sandwiching them, which also have nine layers of piezoelectric elements. Composed of layers. Similarly, PZT (lead zirconate titanate) is used for the piezoelectric element # 1, etc., and its thickness is about 28 μm. The thickness of each electrode layer is also about 4 μm. The piezoelectric actuator 100b has a similar structure, but the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal connection example of the internal electrode layers IE1 to IE16 of the piezoelectric actuator 100a and the like.
The internal electrode layers IE1 to IE16 of the piezoelectric actuator 100a shown in FIG. 3 are connected every other layer by a method such as using a via hole or a side surface of the actuator, and the piezoelectric elements # 1 to # 18 are electrically connected. Connected in parallel. For example, the internal electrode layers IE1, IE3, IE5, and IE7 of the laminated piezoelectric body 4a are connected to the frame 13 that is connected inside and forms the central electrode. The internal electrode layers IE2, IE4, IE6, and IE8 of the multilayer piezoelectric body 4a are connected inside and connected to the surface electrode layer 11.

  In addition, the internal electrode layers IE10, IE12, IE14, and IE16 of the multilayer piezoelectric body 4b are connected to the frame 13 inside thereof. The internal electrode layers IE9, IE11, IE13, and IE15 of the multilayer piezoelectric body 4b are connected inside and connected to the surface electrode layer 12. A lead line L1 is connected to the lower surface electrode layer 12, and a lead line L2 is connected to the frame 13 constituting the center electrode. The upper and lower surface electrode layers 11 and 12 are used by being short-circuited by a short-circuit line Lo. When driving the piezoelectric actuator 100a, an actuator drive circuit or the like is connected to the lead lines L1 and L2, and the vibration control voltage Va is supplied.

  When the vibration control voltage Va is applied, the piezoelectric elements # 1 to # 9 in the multilayer piezoelectric body 4a, the piezoelectric elements # 10 to # 18 in the multilayer piezoelectric body 4b, and the like are deformed in the same direction, and the multilayer piezoelectric body The piezoelectric actuator 100a is bent and deformed by deforming 4a and the laminated piezoelectric body 4b in opposite directions. The piezoelectric actuator 100b employs a similar connection method, but the description thereof is omitted. According to such a laminated structure, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuator 100a and the like can be lowered, and the control circuit and the power supply circuit can be simplified and downsized. In addition, the stacked piezoelectric actuator 100a and the like have a feature that they can be driven at a lower voltage than a single-layer piezoelectric actuator.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system according to the first vibration transmission structure 101.
In this example, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are driven and controlled by applying the input means 24 such as a touch panel to the input means 24 of the vibration transmission structure 101 shown in FIG.

  The control system according to the vibration transmission structure 101 shown in FIG. 4 includes a control device 15, an operation panel 18, display means 29, storage means 35, and actuator drive circuit 37. An actuator drive circuit 37 is connected to the piezoelectric actuators 100 a and 100 b that constitute the vibration transmission structure 101. The actuator drive circuit 37 forms a waveform control unit and generates a vibration control voltage Va for driving the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b.

  A storage means 35 is connected to the actuator drive circuit 37. The storage means 35 constitutes a waveform library and stores basic waveform pattern data DP (Wx) forming a material waveform pattern for creating a vibration waveform pattern for presenting a tactile sensation. The waveform pattern data DP (Wx) includes data related to the sine wave W1, the rectangular wave W2, the composite wave W3, and the like.

  A controller 15 is connected to the actuator drive circuit 37. A display means 29 is connected to the control device 15 and displays image information such as buttons and icons for prompting the user to perform an input operation. The image information is displayed based on display data D2 supplied from the control device 15. As the display means 29, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a flat display element is used.

  In addition to the display means 29, an operation panel 18 is connected to the control device 15, and is operated when setting a vibration synthesis waveform pattern. The operation panel 18 constitutes a program port. In this example, when the waveform type Wx of the material waveform pattern is set, the frequency is fx, the amplitude is Ax, the number of repetitions W3 is Nx, and the polarity is + or-, these are designated from the operation panel 18 to the control device 15. Then, an operation is performed to set a vibration synthesis waveform pattern in which the material waveform patterns are combined.

  The control device 15 controls the input / output of the actuator drive circuit 37 and the display means 29 based on the position detection signal S1 from the input means 24 and the operation data D31 from the operation panel 18 described above. For example, the control device 15 is configured to generate the waveform designation command Dc on the input unit 24 in accordance with the coordinate value of the pressing point that the user touches for input operation.

  In this example, the positional relationship such as buttons and icons and the point (input coordinates) that the user contacts for input on the input means 24 are associated in advance in the control device 15. The waveform designation command Dc corresponding to the button or icon operated by the user is generated. The waveform designation command Dc is a command for instructing vibration waveform pattern creation. The waveform designation command Dc is output (issued) from the control device 15 to the actuator drive circuit 37. First, vibration is applied to the input operation surface of the vibration transmission structure 101 in a contracting direction, and then the input operation surface is applied to the input operation surface. In contrast, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are controlled so as to apply vibration in the extending direction.

  In this example, when the actuator drive control is performed with respect to the vibration control voltage Va using a direct current voltage (DC), the magnitude of the DC voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuator 100a and the like is controlled to control the tension applied to the frame 13. The When actuator drive control is performed with an AC voltage (AC), the tension applied to the frame 13 is controlled by controlling the frequency (frequency) of the AC voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuator 100a and the like, the number of times of vibration (repetition), and the like. To be made.

  5A to 5C are waveform diagrams showing examples of material waveform patterns in the storage means (waveform library) 35. FIG. 5A to 5C, the vertical axis represents the amplitude Ax, and the horizontal axis represents the time t. The example of the material waveform pattern shown in FIG. 5A is a basic sine wave W1 that should be called a material waveform. Waveform pattern data DP (W1) related to the sine wave W1 is stored in the storage means 35.

  The example of the material waveform pattern shown in FIG. 5B is a rectangular wave W2. Waveform pattern data DP (W2) relating to the rectangular wave W2 is stored in the storage means 35. An example of the material waveform pattern shown in FIG. 5C is a composite wave W3. The waveform pattern data DP (W3) relating to the composite wave W3 is stored in the storage means 35. The actuator drive circuit 37 shown in FIG. 4 receives the waveform designation command Dc from the control device 15, reads out the waveform pattern data DP (Wx) from the waveform library based on the waveform designation command Dc, and performs various vibrations. A control voltage Va (drive voltage waveform) is generated.

6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of a waveform designation command and an example of a vibration waveform pattern.
According to the waveform designation command example shown in FIG. 6A, the amplitude Ax [Vpp], the frequency (frequency) fx [Hz], the number of times of vibration (repetition) Nx [times], and the polarity +, − are designated for each type of waveform. To be made. These designations are set in the control device 15 using the operation panel 18.

  This example shows a command when the waveform type of the vibration waveform pattern is a sine wave W1, the frequency fx is 200 Hz (period is 5 msec), the amplitude Ax is 18 Vpp (± 9 V), the number of vibrations Nx is 1, and the polarity is +. ing. Thereby, the vibration control voltage Va actually generated by the actuator drive circuit 37 becomes a vibration waveform pattern W1 shown in FIG. 6B.

  The vibration waveform pattern W1 shown in FIG. 6B is a sine wave W1, the frequency fx is 200 Hz (period is 5 msec), the amplitude Ax is 18 Vpp (± 9 V), the number of vibrations Nx is 1, and the polarity is + It is. The vibration control voltage Va having such a vibration waveform pattern W1 is applied to the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b of the first vibration transmission mechanism 101.

  7A and 7B are diagrams showing a vibration synthesis waveform pattern and an example of its instruction. The vibration composite waveform pattern Wx shown in FIG. 7A is a material whose waveform type is a sine wave W1, frequency fx is 100 Hz, amplitude Ax is 9 Vpp (± 4.5 V), vibration frequency Nx is 3 times, and polarity is +. Waveform pattern (W1 × 3), waveform type is sine wave W1, frequency fx is 200 Hz, amplitude Ax is 18 Vpp (± 9 V), number of vibrations Nx is 1, and polarity is positive material waveform pattern (W1) × 1) and a waveform waveform (W3 × 1) having a composite wave W3, a frequency fx of 200 Hz, an amplitude Ax of 18 Vpp (± 9 V), a vibration frequency Nx of 1, and a polarity of +. It is synthesized.

  When this is set in the control device 15 using the program port function of the operation panel 18, first, at step (a) shown in FIG. 7B, the waveform type is sine wave W1, fx at step (b). Is 100 Hz, Ax is 9 Vpp, Nx is 3 times, and the polarity is +. In step (c), the waveform type is sine wave W1, fx is 200 Hz, Ax is 18 Vpp, Nx is 1 time, and polarity is + In step (d), the case where the waveform type is sine wave W3, fx is 200 Hz, Ax is 18 Vpp, Nx is once, and the polarity is + is specified.

  When such a waveform designation command Dc is set in the actuator drive circuit 37 from the control device 15, the actuator drive circuit 37 shown in FIG. 4 receives the waveform designation command Dc from the control device 15, and based on this waveform designation command Dc. From the waveform library, a material waveform pattern in which the waveform type is a sine wave W1, the frequency fx is 100 Hz, the amplitude Ax is 9 Vpp (± 4.5 V), the number of vibrations Nx is 1, and the polarity is + is obtained. The waveform pattern data DP (W1) is read out three times.

  Furthermore, the waveform pattern data DP (W1) relating to the material waveform pattern having the waveform type of sine wave W1, frequency fx of 200 Hz, amplitude Ax of 18 Vpp (± 9 V), vibration frequency Nx of 1 and polarity of +. , And the waveform type is a composite wave W3, the frequency fx is 200 Hz, the amplitude Ax is 18 Vpp (± 9 V), the number of vibrations Nx is one, and the waveform is related to the material waveform pattern of polarity + The pattern data DP (W3) is read once.

  Then, these waveform pattern data DP (W1 × 3, W1 × 1, W3 × 1) are synthesized to create a vibration waveform pattern Wx. A vibration control voltage Va (drive voltage waveform) related to the vibration waveform pattern Wx is generated. The vibration control voltage Va having such a vibration waveform pattern Wx is applied to the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b of the first vibration transmission mechanism 101.

  Subsequently, an operation example in the first vibration transmission structure 101 will be described. FIG. 8A is a simplified circuit diagram illustrating a first vibration transmission example, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X1-X1 in the vibration transmission structure example illustrated in FIG. 8A.

  In the first vibration transmission example shown in FIG. 8A, the upper surface electrode layer (not shown) of the laminated piezoelectric body 4a of the piezoelectric actuator 100a and the lower surface electrode layer (not shown) of the laminated piezoelectric body 4b are connected by a short-circuit line Lo1. Shorted. A lead line L11 is connected to the short circuit line Lo1. The lead line L11 is connected to the actuator drive circuit 37. Further, the upper surface electrode layer (not shown) of the laminated piezoelectric body 4a of the piezoelectric actuator 100b and the lower surface electrode layer (not shown) of the laminated piezoelectric body 4b are short-circuited by a short-circuit line Lo2. A lead line L12 is connected to the short circuit line Lo2.

  The lead line L12 is connected to the lead line L11 and is connected to, for example, the-terminal of the actuator drive circuit 37. In this example, the lead line L <b> 2 is connected to the frame 13 constituting the center electrode, and is connected to, for example, the + terminal of the actuator drive circuit 37. When driving the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b, the actuator drive circuit 37 supplies the vibration control voltage Va through the lead lines L11, L12, and L2.

  According to the first vibration transmission example, the control device 15 controls the actuator drive circuit 37 based on the position detection signal S <b> 1 obtained from the input unit 24. An analog / digital (A / D) converter (not shown) is provided in the control device 15, and A / D converts the position detection signal S1 to output digital position detection data D1. The position detection data D1 is output to a CPU (not shown) in the control device 15. The actuator drive circuit 37 controls the tension of the film-like input operation surface of the input means 24 based on the waveform designation command Dc supplied from the control device 15.

  In the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b shown in FIG. 8A, the directions in which the directions of polarization are different from the directions in which the vibration control voltage Va is applied are the same and the directions in which the directions are opposite are different ( It has the property of extending direction and contracting direction). In the figure, arrows in the laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b indicate the polarization directions of the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b.

  For example, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are displaced in the extending direction when the direction of polarization and the direction of the applied vibration control voltage Va are the same. Further, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are displaced in a contracting direction when the direction of polarization is opposite to the direction of the vibration control voltage Va to be applied. In this manner, the actuator drive circuit 37 controls the tension of the film-like input operation surface of the input means 24 by vibrating the frame 13 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9A is a waveform diagram showing an example of a vibration waveform pattern according to the first vibration transmission structure, and FIG. 9B is a top view showing a reduced example of the input operation surface. 9A and 9B, the vibration control voltage Va related to the sinusoidal vibration waveform pattern W1 as shown in FIG. 6B is applied to the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b connected as shown in FIG. 8A. . Then, in the first half portion of the vibration waveform pattern W1 shown in FIG. 9A, the frame 13 having the film-like input operation surface shown in FIG. 9B is deformed so as to be convex inward, and the input operation surface is reduced. Thereby, vibration can be transmitted in the direction of loosening the film-like input operation surface of the input means 24.

  FIG. 10A is a waveform diagram showing an example of a vibration waveform pattern, and FIG. 10B is a top view showing an extended example of the input operation surface. In the vibration transmission examples shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the second half of the vibration control voltage Va related to the sinusoidal vibration waveform pattern W1 is similarly applied to the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. Then, the direction of the voltage is reversed, and as shown in FIG. 10A, the frame 13 is deformed to be convex outward, and the film-like input operation surface is expanded. Thereby, vibration can be transmitted in the direction of extending the input operation surface. In this way, the input operation surface sags at the moment when the user touches the film-like input operation surface, and at the next moment, it becomes tense. Through this series of operations, a tactile sensation can be given to the user.

  Thus, according to the vibration transmission structure as the first embodiment, the frame 13 has an open surface, and the input operation of the film-like input means (vibrating member) 24 is performed on the opposite side of the open surface. The surface is held with a predetermined tension. The piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are attached to the left and right of the frame 13 on which the input operation surface is configured, and the individual laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b of the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are attached to the inside and the outside of the frame 13, respectively. On the premise of this, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b supply vibration to the film-like input operation surface constituted by the input means 24 and the frame 13.

  Accordingly, since the tension of the film-like input operation surface can be controlled by the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b, the input operation surface can be arbitrarily vibrated in the contracting direction and the extending direction. In particular, even in an input means (device) 24 having a soft member input operation surface such as a resin film type touch panel, which has been rapidly spreading in recent years, a tactile sensation can be presented to the user with high reproducibility.

  In addition, since the thickness can be reduced as compared with the conventional vibration transmission structure (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-15814), not only can the input device be greatly reduced in size, but also a tactile waveform can be arbitrarily generated. Therefore, a wide variety of tactile information can be presented to the user. As a result, the vibration transmission structure 101 can be sufficiently applied to an input / output device with a tactile function capable of presenting an acknowledge to the input operation and other tactile information to the user.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a vibration transmission structure as a second embodiment. In this example, the piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b' are attached to the left and right of the frame 13 having a film-like input operation surface, and the individual laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a are both attached to the inside. The laminated piezoelectric body 4a forms a structure of so-called unimorph type piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b'.

  The second vibration transmission structure 102 shown in FIG. 11 is a structure that can be built inside a casing of a mobile phone, an information portable terminal device, etc., and presents a tactile sensation using vibrations of the piezoelectric actuators 100a ′ and 100b ′. It is a structure that can be made. The second vibration transmission structure 102 includes a frame 13, input means 24 as an example of a film-like vibration member, and piezoelectric actuators 100 a ′ and 100 b ′. The frame 13 has an open surface, and holds the input means 24 with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface. For example, the frame 13 has a rectangular shape, and one side thereof has a length of L [mm], a width of W [mm], and a depth (height) of about H [mm]. ing. For the frame 13, the members described in the first embodiment are used. A touch panel or the like is used for the film-like input means 24.

  For the piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b', a laminated piezoelectric body in which a large number of piezoelectric elements are laminated is used. For example, the piezoelectric actuator 100 a ′ has a laminated structure in which a laminated piezoelectric body 4 a is joined to the inside of the frame 13. The piezoelectric actuator 100b 'is similarly configured. This structure constitutes a so-called unimorph type piezoelectric actuator. Also in this example, the frame 13 constitutes a metal support plate or a metal shim of the unimorph type piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b'.

  In this example, the elasticity of the frame 13 extending on both sides of the laminated piezoelectric body 4a is used. By utilizing the elasticity of the frame 13, when the piezoelectric element body expands and contracts, the frame 13 can vibrate in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). That is, in the same manner as a normal unimorph type piezoelectric actuator, the laminated piezoelectric body 4a is deformed into a convex shape or a concave shape by energization, and the tension on the input operation surface changes accordingly. Compared with the first embodiment, the structure is simpler, but the deformation of the frame 13 when the same vibration control voltage Va is applied is halved.

  Also in this example, the frames 13 extending on both sides of the laminated piezoelectric body 4a form the central electrodes of the piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b'. This is because the vibration control voltage Va is supplied to the laminated piezoelectric body 4a via the center electrode. The laminated piezoelectric body 4a vibrates based on the vibration control voltage Va. This vibration is transmitted to the input means 24 such as a touch panel stretched on the frame 13, for example. As a result, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operator's finger or the like touching the input means 24. A lead line L2 is connected to the frame 13 forming the central electrode of the piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b'.

  Such a structure is adopted in the same manner as in the first embodiment, in which an input device having a soft member input operation surface such as a resin film type touch panel has a tactile reproducibility to the user. This is so that it can be presented well. In addition, since the thing of the same name and the same code | symbol as 1st Example has the same function, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Subsequently, an operation example in the second vibration transmission structure 102 will be described. 12A is a simplified circuit diagram illustrating a second vibration transmission example, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2 in the vibration transmission structure example illustrated in FIG. 12A.

  In the second vibration transmission example shown in FIG. 12A, a lead line L11 is connected to the upper surface electrode layer (not shown) of the laminated piezoelectric body 4a of the piezoelectric actuator 100a '. The lead line L11 is connected to the actuator drive circuit 37. Further, a lead line L12 is connected to the upper surface electrode layer (not shown) of the laminated piezoelectric body 4a of the piezoelectric actuator 100b '. The lead line L12 is connected to the lead line L11 and is connected to, for example, the-terminal of the actuator drive circuit 37.

  In this example, the lead line L <b> 2 is connected to the frame 13 constituting the center electrode, and is connected to, for example, the + terminal of the actuator drive circuit 37. The actuator drive circuit 37 supplies the vibration control voltage Va through the lead lines L11, L12, and L2 when driving the piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b'.

  According to the second vibration transmission example, the control device 15 controls the actuator drive circuit 37 based on the position detection signal S <b> 1 obtained from the input unit 24. The control device 15 A / D converts the position detection signal S1 and outputs digital position detection data D1 to a CPU or the like (not shown). The actuator drive circuit 37 controls the tension of the film-like input operation surface of the input means 24 based on the waveform designation command Dc supplied from the CPU.

  In FIG. 12A, arrows in the laminated piezoelectric body 4a indicate the polarization directions of the piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b'. For example, the piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b' are displaced in the extending direction when the direction of polarization and the direction of the applied vibration control voltage Va are the same. The piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b' are displaced in the contracting direction when the direction of polarization and the direction of the applied vibration control voltage Va are opposite.

  Thus, according to the vibration transmission structure 102 as the second embodiment, the actuator drive circuit 37 vibrates the frame 13 shown in FIG. 12B left and right via the so-called unimorph piezoelectric actuators 100a ′ and 100b ′. Thus, the tension of the film-like input operation surface of the input means 24 is controlled.

  Therefore, since the tension of the film-like input operation surface can be controlled by the piezoelectric actuators 100a 'and 100b', the input operation surface can be arbitrarily vibrated in the contracting direction and the extending direction. Similarly to the first embodiment, the input means (device) 24 having an input operation surface of a soft member such as a resin film type touch panel can present a tactile sensation to the user with high reproducibility.

  In addition, as with the first embodiment, the input device with a tactile function can be thinned, so that it is possible not only to greatly reduce the size of an electronic device to which this is applied, but also to arbitrarily generate a tactile waveform. As a result, a wide variety of tactile information can be presented to the user. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the vibration transmission structure 102 can be sufficiently applied to an input / output device with a tactile function.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a vibration transmission structure as a third embodiment. In this example, the piezoelectric actuators 100a "and 100b" are attached to the left and right of the frame 13 having a film-like input operation surface, and the individual laminated piezoelectric bodies 4b are both attached to the outside. The laminated piezoelectric body 4b constitutes a so-called unimorph type piezoelectric actuator 100a ″, 100b ″.

  A third vibration transmission structure 103 shown in FIG. 13 is a structure that can be built inside a casing of a mobile phone, an information portable terminal device, etc., and presents a tactile sensation using vibrations of the piezoelectric actuators 100a ″ and 100b ″. It is a structure that can be made. The vibration transmission structure 103 includes a frame (frame body) 13, input means 24 as an example of a film-like vibration member, and piezoelectric actuators 100a ″ and 100b ″. The frame 13 has an open surface, and holds the input means 24 with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface. For example, the frame 13 has a rectangular shape, and one side thereof has a length of L [mm], a width of W [mm], and a depth (height) of about H [mm]. ing. For the frame 13, the members described in the first embodiment are used. A touch panel or the like is used for the film-like input means 24.

  For the piezoelectric actuators 100a ″ and 100b ″, a laminated piezoelectric body in which a large number of piezoelectric elements are laminated is used. For example, the piezoelectric actuator 100a ″ has a laminated structure in which a laminated piezoelectric body 4b is bonded to the outside of the frame 13. The piezoelectric actuator 100b ″ is similarly configured. This structure constitutes a so-called unimorph type piezoelectric actuator. Also in this example, the frame 13 constitutes a metal support plate or a metal shim of the unimorph type piezoelectric actuator 100a ″, 100b ″.

  In this example, the elasticity of the frame 13 extending on both sides of the laminated piezoelectric body 4b is used. By utilizing the elasticity of the frame 13, when the piezoelectric element body expands and contracts, the frame 13 can vibrate in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). That is, similarly to a normal unimorph type piezoelectric actuator, the laminated piezoelectric body 4b is deformed into a convex shape or a concave shape by energization, and the tension on the input operation surface changes accordingly. Similar to the second embodiment, the structure becomes simpler, but the deformation of the frame 13 when the same vibration control voltage Va is applied is halved.

  Also in this example, the frames 13 extending on both sides of the laminated piezoelectric body 4b form the central electrodes of the piezoelectric actuators 100a ″ and 100b ″. This is because the vibration control voltage Va is supplied to the laminated piezoelectric body 4b through the center electrode. The laminated piezoelectric body 4b vibrates based on the vibration control voltage Va. This vibration is transmitted to the input means 24 such as a touch panel stretched on the frame 13, for example. As a result, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operator's finger or the like touching the input means 24. A lead line L2 is connected to the frame 13 forming the central electrode of the piezoelectric actuators 100a ″ and 100b ″.

  Such a structure is adopted in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments, in an input device having a soft member input operation surface such as a resin film type touch panel, a tactile sensation is provided to the user. Is to be able to present with good reproducibility. In addition, since the thing with the same name and the same code | symbol as the 1st and 2nd Example has the same function, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Subsequently, an operation example in the third vibration transmission structure 103 will be described. FIG. 14A is a simplified circuit diagram illustrating a third vibration transmission example, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X3-X3 in the vibration transmission structure example illustrated in FIG. 14A.

  In the third vibration transmission example shown in FIG. 14A, the lead line L11 is connected to the upper surface electrode layer (not shown) of the laminated piezoelectric body 4b of the piezoelectric actuator 100a ″. The lead line L11 is connected to the actuator drive circuit 37. The lead line L12 is connected to the upper surface electrode layer (not shown) of the laminated piezoelectric body 4b of the piezoelectric actuator 100b ″. The lead line L12 is connected to the lead line L11 and is connected to, for example, the-terminal of the actuator drive circuit 37.

  In this example, the lead line L <b> 2 is connected to the frame 13 constituting the center electrode, and is connected to, for example, the + terminal of the actuator drive circuit 37. The actuator drive circuit 37 supplies the vibration control voltage Va through the lead lines L11, L12, and L2 when driving the piezoelectric actuators 100a "and 100b".

  According to the third vibration transmission example, the control device 15 controls the actuator drive circuit 37 based on the position detection signal S <b> 1 obtained from the input unit 24. The control device 15 A / D converts the position detection signal S1 and outputs digital position detection data D1 to a CPU or the like (not shown). The actuator drive circuit 37 controls the tension of the film-like input operation surface of the input means 24 based on the waveform designation command Dc supplied from the CPU.

  In FIG. 14A, arrows in the laminated piezoelectric body 4b indicate the polarization directions of the piezoelectric actuators 100a ″ and 100b ″. For example, the piezoelectric actuators 100a ″ and 100b ″ are displaced in the extending direction when the direction of polarization and the direction of the applied vibration control voltage Va are the same. Further, the piezoelectric actuators 100a ″ and 100b ″ are displaced in the contracting direction when the direction of polarization is opposite to the direction of the vibration control voltage Va to be applied.

  Thus, according to the vibration transmission structure 103 as the third embodiment, the actuator drive circuit 37 vibrates the frame 13 shown in FIG. 14B left and right via so-called unimorph type piezoelectric actuators 100a ″ and 100b ″. Thus, the tension of the film-like input operation surface of the input means 24 is controlled.

  Therefore, since the tension of the film-like input operation surface can be controlled by the piezoelectric actuators 100a "and 100b", the input operation surface can be arbitrarily vibrated in the contracting direction and the extending direction. Similarly to the first and second embodiments, the input means (device) 24 having an input operation surface of a soft member such as a resin film type touch panel can present a tactile sensation to the user with high reproducibility. become.

  In addition, as with the first embodiment, since the input device with a tactile function can be thinned, an electronic device to which this is applied can be significantly downsized, and a tactile waveform can be arbitrarily generated. As a result, a wide variety of tactile information can be presented to the user. As a result, as in the first and second embodiments, the vibration transmission structure 102 can be sufficiently applied to an input / output device with a tactile function.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a vibration transmission structure as a fourth embodiment. In this example, instead of the piezoelectric actuators 100a, 100b, 100a ′, 100b ′, 100a ″, 100b ″ that bend and deform like the bimorph type or the unimorph type as described in the first to third embodiments. A part of the frame that supports the film-like input operation surface (beating surface) is composed of direct-acting piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d. In the first to third embodiments, the distortion generated in the piezoelectric actuator 100a, 100b, 100a ′, 100b ′, 100a ″, 100b ″, etc. is caused by a displacement expansion mechanism (bending deformation, etc.) using the frame 13. A change is applied to the tension of the input operation surface in the form of a letter to give the user a tactile sensation.

  In this embodiment, the amount of deformation required for tactile presentation is obtained by using an actuator of a displacement enlarging mechanism that directly expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction of the actuator instead of the bending deformation type.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a vibration transmission structure as a fourth embodiment. 16A and 16B are a top view showing a vibration transmission structure example (supplement) and a front view of partial crushing. In this example, the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d are attached to the left and right of the frame 13 having a film-like input operation surface, and the individual laminated piezoelectric bodies 4b are both attached to the outside. The laminated piezoelectric body 4b forms a structure of so-called unimorph type piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d.

  The fourth vibration transmission structure 104 shown in FIG. 15 is a structure that can be built inside a housing of a mobile phone, an information portable terminal device, or the like, and is capable of presenting a tactile sensation using vibrations of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d. This is the structure. The vibration transmission structure 104 includes an upper frame 13a that forms part of a frame, a lower frame 13b, an input unit 24 that is an example of a film-like vibration member, and direct-acting piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d. . As the input means 24, a film-like touch panel is used. For example, the frame 13a is joined to one surface electrode layer (not shown) of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d to form an upper lead electrode. The frame 13b is joined to the other surface electrode layer of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d to form a lower extraction electrode.

  Such a frame 13 ′ composed of the frames 13a and 13b and the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d has an open surface, and the input means 24 has a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface. To be held. The input means 24 is engaged and fixed to the upper and lower ends of each of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d.

  The frame 13 'has a quadrangular shape, and one side thereof has a length of L [mm], a width of W [mm], and a depth (height) of about H [mm]. ing. In FIG. 16A, the piezoelectric actuator 100c forms one side of a square shape, the piezoelectric actuator 100d forms its opposite side, the frame 13a forms another side of the square shape, and the frame 13b forms its opposite side. Such a frame 13 'is configured. The members such as SUS described in the first embodiment are used for the frames 13a and 13b. A touch panel is used for the film-like input means 24.

  For the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d, a direct acting laminated piezoelectric body in which a large number of piezoelectric elements are laminated in the longitudinal direction is used. For example, the piezoelectric actuator 100c shown in FIG. 16B has a rod-like laminated structure in which linear motion type laminated piezoelectric bodies are joined in a form sandwiched between frames 13a and 13b. The piezoelectric actuator 100d is similarly configured. In the drawing, the piezoelectric actuator 100c is partially broken. The ends of the direct-acting piezoelectric actuator 100c and the ends of the opposing piezoelectric actuator 100d (not shown) are engaged with and fixed to the film-like touch panel via the engaging portion 5a and the engaging portion 5c. In the direct-acting piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d, displacement is obtained by a plurality of piezoelectric elements stacked in the longitudinal direction.

  In this example, the displacement of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d is converted into the action of tension and relaxation of the film-like input operation surface. For example, when the laminated piezoelectric element body expands and contracts, the input means 24 can be vibrated in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). In other words, a normal bimorph type or unimorph type piezoelectric actuator bends and deforms in a concave-convex shape in the short direction, whereas a direct acting multilayer piezoelectric material deforms so as to expand and contract (relax) in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the tension on the input operation surface changes.

  In this example, the frames 13a and 13b joined to the upper and lower portions of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d form the extraction electrodes of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d. This is because the vibration control voltage Va is supplied to the left and right piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d via the frames 13a and 13b forming the extraction electrodes. The direct acting piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d vibrate based on the vibration control voltage Va.

  This vibration is transmitted to the input means 24 such as a touch panel engaged with the upper and lower ends of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d (or stretched on the frames 13a and 13b). As a result, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operator's finger or the like touching the input means 24. A lead line L21 is connected to the frame 13a that forms lead electrodes of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d, and a lead line L22 is connected to the frame 13b.

  Such a structure is adopted in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments, in an input device having a soft member input operation surface such as a resin film type touch panel, a tactile sensation is provided to the user. Is to be able to present with good reproducibility. In addition, since the thing of the same name and the same code | symbol as the 1st and 3rd Example has the same function, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

Next, an operation example in the fourth vibration transmission structure 104 will be described. FIG. 17 is a simplified circuit diagram illustrating a fourth example of vibration transmission.
In the fourth vibration transmission example shown in FIG. 17, a lead line L21 is connected to the upper frame 13a of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d. The lead line L21 is connected to the + terminal of the actuator drive circuit 37. A lead line L22 is connected to the lower frame 13b of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d. The lead line L22 is connected to, for example, the − terminal of the actuator drive circuit 37. In this example, the actuator drive circuit 37 supplies the vibration control voltage Va through the lead lines L21 and L22 when driving the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d.

  According to the fourth vibration transmission example, the control device 15 controls the actuator drive circuit 37 based on the position detection signal S <b> 1 obtained from the input unit 24. The control device 15 performs A / D conversion on the position detection signal S1 and outputs digital position detection data to a CPU or the like (not shown). The actuator drive circuit 37 controls the tension of the film-like input operation surface of the input means 24 based on the waveform designation command Dc supplied from the CPU.

  In FIG. 17, the arrows in the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d indicate the polarization direction of the piezoelectric laminated piezoelectric element. For example, the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d are displaced in the extending direction when the direction of the polarization and the direction of the applied vibration control voltage Va are the same. Further, the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d are displaced in a contracting direction when the direction of polarization is opposite to the direction of the vibration control voltage Va to be applied.

  FIG. 18A is a waveform diagram showing an example of a vibration waveform pattern according to the fourth vibration transmission structure, and FIG. 18B is a top view showing a reduced example of the input operation surface. 18A and 18B, the vibration control voltage Va related to the sinusoidal vibration waveform pattern W1 as shown in FIG. 6B is applied to the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d connected as shown in FIG. . Then, in the first half portion of the vibration waveform pattern W1 shown in FIG. 18A, the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d are displaced so as to push the upper frame 13a and the lower frame 13b shown in FIG. Expanded to pull. Thereby, vibration can be transmitted in the direction of stretching the film-like input operation surface of the input means 24.

  FIG. 19A is a waveform diagram showing an example of a vibration waveform pattern, and FIG. 19B is a top view showing an extended example of the input operation surface. In the vibration transmission examples shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the second half of the vibration control voltage Va related to the sinusoidal vibration waveform pattern W1 is applied to the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d in the same manner. Then, the direction of the voltage is reversed, the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d are displaced so as to draw the upper frame 13a and the lower frame 13b shown in FIG. 19A inward, and the film-like input operation surface is contracted so as to contract from above and below. . Thereby, vibration can be transmitted in the direction of loosening the film-like input operation surface of the input means 24. In this way, the input operation surface sags at the moment when the user touches the film-like input operation surface, and at the next moment, it becomes tense. Through this series of operations, a tactile sensation can be given to the user.

  As described above, according to the vibration transmission structure as the fourth embodiment, the frame 13 ′ including the frames 13 a and 13 b and the piezoelectric actuators 100 c and 100 d has the open surface, and on the opposite side of the open surface. The input operation surface of the film-like input means (vibrating member) 24 is held with a predetermined tension. The direct-acting piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d are joined while being sandwiched between the frames 13a and 13b of the frame body 13 ′ having an input operation surface, and the laminated piezoelectric bodies of the left and right piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d are controlled in vibration. Driving is performed based on the voltage Va. Based on this assumption, the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d supply vibration to the film-like input operation surface formed on the frame 13 '.

  Accordingly, since the tension of the film-like input operation surface can be controlled by the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d, the input operation surface can be arbitrarily vibrated in the contracting direction and the extending direction. Similarly to the first to third embodiments, the input means (device) 24 having an input operation surface of a soft member such as a resin film type touch panel can present a tactile sensation to the user with high reproducibility. become.

  In addition, since the height H of the piezoelectric actuators 100c and 100d can be lowered in the same manner as in the other embodiments, an input device with a tactile function can be thinned. Not only can an electronic device to which this is applied be significantly reduced in size, but also a tactile waveform can be arbitrarily generated, so that a wide variety of tactile information can be presented to the user. Accordingly, the vibration transmission structure 104 can be sufficiently applied to an input / output device with a tactile function, similarly to the first to third embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a mobile phone 200 with a tactile input function as a fifth embodiment.
In this embodiment, the vibration transmission structures 101, 102, 103, or 104 according to the first to fourth embodiments are provided, and the tension of the input operation surface on the input operation surface of the film-like touch panel is determined by the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. The input operation surface can be vibrated so that a tactile sensation can be presented in response to the pressing operation of the operating body on the input operation surface, and the input of the button icon or the like displayed on the display means can be confirmed. It is a thing.

  A cellular phone 200 illustrated in FIG. 20 is an example of an electronic device, and includes an input / output device 90 with a tactile function that is operated by sliding contact on an input operation surface on a display screen. The cellular phone 200 includes a lower housing 10 and an upper housing 20, and the housings 10 and 20 are movably engaged by a rotation range mechanism 51. According to the rotation range mechanism 51, a shaft portion (not shown) provided at one end of the operation surface of the lower housing 10 and a bearing portion (not shown) provided at one end of the back surface of the lower housing 10 are rotatably engaged. The upper casing 20 is surface-coupled to the lower casing 10 with a rotational degree of freedom of an angle of ± 180 °.

  The lower casing 10 is provided with an operation panel 18 including a plurality of push button switches 52. The push button switch 52 includes “0” to “9” numeric keys, symbol keys such as “*” and “#”, hook buttons such as “on” and “off”, menu keys, and the like. In the lower housing 10, a microphone 53 for calling is attached below the operation panel surface so as to function as a transmitter.

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

  The upper casing 20 that is movably engaged with the above-described lower casing 10 by the rotation range mechanism 51 is provided with a speaker 36b for calling above the surface thereof so as to function as a receiver. The An input / output device 90 with a tactile function is provided below the speaker mounting surface of the upper housing 20. The input / output device 90 includes an input detection unit 45 and a display unit 29, and gives a tactile sensation to a pressing operation of an operator's finger (operation body) on the input operation surface on the display screen. The input detection means 45 includes a film-like input means 24 that detects contact of an operator's finger and inputs information. The display means 29 displays input information such as a plurality of button icons.

  FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a structural example of the input / output device 90 with a tactile function. 22A and 22B are a top view and a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X5-X5, which supplement a structural example of the input / output device 90. FIG.

  An input / output device 90 shown in FIG. 21 is installed in a mobile phone 200, an information portable terminal device, or the like, and an operator's finger, stylus pen, or the like is provided on an input operation surface of a soft member such as a film-resin touch panel. It is operated to input information by touching. For example, the input / output device 90 is brought into contact with one of a plurality of icons displayed on the display screen for selecting an input item, and an input operation is performed on the display screen. The operator's finger ( Presents a tactile sensation to the operation body.

  In this example, the first vibration transmission structure 101 is applied, and the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b slide the film-like input operation surface in the lateral direction (parallel to the film surface), or the film-like input operation surface. A hard material is brought into close contact with the edge of the film, and vibration is transmitted to the film through the portion, or the tension of the film is controlled. This is to present the user with an acknowledge for the input operation and other tactile information.

  In FIG. 21, the input / output device 90 includes an upper housing 20, a lid 20 b, a display unit 29, four force detection units 55 a to 55 d, and a first vibration transmission structure 101. The vibration transmission structure 101 includes a frame 13, a film-like input unit 24, and piezoelectric actuators 100 a and 100 b. The frame 13 has an open surface, and holds the input means 24 with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface. For example, the frame 13 has a rectangular shape, and one side thereof has a length of L [mm], a width of W [mm], and a depth (height) of about H [mm]. ing. For the frame 13, for example, stainless steel (SUS) having a predetermined thickness is used.

  A touch panel is used for the film-like input means 24. The touch panel has a film-like capacitive sheet in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a matrix, and constitutes a capacitive input device. The input means 24 detects the selection position of the button icon. The input information obtained from the input means 24 includes position detection information. The position detection information is obtained from the position detection signal S1 when the button icon is pressed, and is output to the control system.

  In this example, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are attached to the left and right vertical sides of the frame 13 on which a film-like input operation surface is configured, and supply vibration to the input operation surface. It is made like. The frame 13 applies tension to the input operation surface. The piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b attached to the frame 13 deform the frame 13 to control the tension of the input operation surface.

  The piezoelectric actuators 100 a and 100 b have a size that can be attached in the longitudinal direction of the frame 13. For the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b, a laminated piezoelectric body in which a large number of piezoelectric elements are laminated is used (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The piezoelectric actuator 100a has a laminated structure in which a laminated piezoelectric body 4a is joined to the inside of a frame 13 and a laminated piezoelectric body 4b is joined to the outside thereof. The piezoelectric actuator 100b is similarly configured. That is, the laminated piezoelectric body is bonded to both the inner side and the outer side of the frame 13 (first vibration transmission structure).

  This structure constitutes a so-called bimorph type piezoelectric actuator. The frame 13 constitutes a metal support plate or a metal shim of the bimorph type piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. In this example, the elasticity of the frame 13 extending on both sides of the laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b is used. By utilizing the elasticity of the frame 13, when the piezoelectric element body expands and contracts, the frame 13 can vibrate in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). That is, in the same manner as a normal bimorph piezoelectric actuator, the laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b are deformed into a convex shape or a concave shape by energization, and the tension on the input operation surface changes accordingly.

  In this example, the frames 13 extending on both sides of the laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b form electrodes (hereinafter referred to as center electrodes) of the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. This is because the vibration control voltage Va is supplied to the laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b via the center electrode. The laminated piezoelectric bodies 4a and 4b vibrate based on the vibration control voltage Va. The vibration control voltage Va is supplied from the control system to the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. The vibration control voltage Va is generated by synthesizing a plurality of vibration waveform patterns. For example, when the operator touches (touches) one of the icons displayed on the display unit 29, the icon is supplied to the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b.

  This vibration propagates to the film of the input means 24 stretched on the frame 13, for example. As a result, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operator's finger or the like touching the input means 24. A lead line L2 is connected to the frame 13 forming the central electrode of the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. A lead wire L11 is connected to the piezoelectric actuator 100a, and a lead wire L12 is connected to the piezoelectric actuator 100b.

  In this example, the display means 29 is provided so as to be wrapped inside the frame 13. The display means 29 is placed on, for example, four protrusions 60a, 60b, 60c (not shown) and 60d provided on the back cover 20b. The display means 29 has a length of L ′, a width of W ′, and a height of H ′. A liquid crystal display device is used for the display means 29. The liquid crystal display device includes a backlight (not shown). In this example, the display means 29 may be added to the vibration member. The display unit 29 operates to display an icon based on the position detection information D1 obtained from the film-like input unit 24 and the display signal Sv supplied from the control system.

  In this example, the input detection means 45 includes a film-like input means 24 and force detection means 55a to 55d. Here, one of the input operation surfaces of the input detection unit 45 is defined as an X direction, the other orthogonal to the X direction is defined as a Y direction, and a direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions is defined as a Z direction.

  The force detection means 55a to 55d are provided at, for example, the four corners on the inner upper surface of the lid 20b, and detect the force of the operator's finger against the film-like input means 24 (pressing force F in the Z direction). The detection information is output and the input information displayed at the pressed position is determined.

  In this example, bent portions 61 a to 61 d are provided at the four corners of the frame 13. The bent portions 61 a to 61 d are obtained by bending a part of the frame 13. The bent portion 61a is operated so as to be pressed against the force detecting means 55a. The force detection unit 55a detects, for example, a force detection signal Sfa when the icon is selected as the input amount (pressing force in the Z direction) at the lower right corner.

  Similarly, the bent portion 61b is operated so as to be pressed against the force detecting means 55b. The force detection means 55b detects a force detection signal Sfb when the icon is selected as an input amount (force) in the upper right corner. The bent portion 61c is operated so as to be pressed against the force detecting means 55c. The force detection means 55c detects a force detection signal Sfc when the icon is selected as an input amount (force) at the upper left corner. The bent portions 61d are operated so as to abut on the force detecting means 55d and press each one. The force detection unit 55d detects a force detection signal Sfd when the icon is selected as an input amount (force) in the lower left corner. These four force detection means 55a to 55d are connected in parallel and output these four force detection signals Sfa + Sfb + Sfc + Sfd to the control system. Hereinafter, the summed signal is referred to as an input detection signal S2. The input detection signal S2 is output to the control system.

  The film-like input means 24, the display means 29, and the frame 13 with the piezoelectric actuator are housed in the upper housing 20 and protected. A lid 20 b is attached to the upper housing 20. The upper housing 20 is made of a stainless steel frame having a thickness of about 0.3 mm, has a window portion 20a that exposes the film-like input means 24, and is provided with input detection means provided in the upper housing 20. 45 and the display means 29 are covered. The upper housing 20 is used in combination with the display means 29, the input detection means 45, and the frame 13 with the piezoelectric actuator.

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

  In this example, the upper casing 20 and the lid 20b are configured to sandwich the display means 29, the four force detection means 55a to 55d, and the vibration transmission structure 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 22B, a structure in which the vibration transmission structure 101 wraps the display means 29 is adopted, and the bent portions 61a to 61d of the frame 13 are brought into contact with the force detection means 55a to 55d. Such a combined structure is sandwiched between the upper housing 20 and the lid 20b. A gap Δd as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B is maintained between the side surface of the upper housing 20 and the frame 13. The gap Δd is provided on the left and right of the frame 13. Thereby, the vibration space of the frame 13 in the vibration transmission structure 101 can be secured.

  Next, an internal configuration example of the mobile phone 200 with a tactile input function and a tactile feedback input method will be described. FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the mobile phone 200 with a tactile input function.

  A cellular phone 200 shown in FIG. 23 is configured by mounting blocks of various functions on the circuit board 17 of the lower housing 10. In addition, the part corresponding to each part and means shown in FIGS. 20-22 is shown with the same code | symbol. The cellular phone 200 includes a control device 15, an operation panel 18, a receiving unit 21, a transmitting unit 22, an antenna duplexer 23, an input detecting unit 45, a display unit 29, a power supply unit 33, a camera 34, a storage unit 35, a piezoelectric actuator 100a, 100b.

  The input detection means 45 shown in FIG. 23 has been described with respect to the capacitance type input device in FIG. 22, but may be anything as long as it can distinguish between the function of curling and the selection, for example, the resistive film type, the surface wave elastic type, etc. (SAW), an optical system, a multi-stage tact switch, and the like may be used. Preferably, any input device having a configuration in which position detection information and force detection information are provided to the control device 15 may be used. The input detection means 45 described above receives at least the position detection signal S1 and the input detection signal S2 that is the input amount (pressing force; pressing force F) via the finger 30a of the operator 30.

  The control device 15 constitutes a control system, and after applying vibration in the contracting direction to the input operation surface of the film-like input means 24, piezoelectricity is applied so as to apply vibration in the direction extending with respect to the input operation surface. Actuators 100a and 100c are controlled. The control device 15 includes an image processing unit 26, an A / D driver 31, a CPU 32, and a video & audio processing unit 44. The A / D driver 31 is supplied with the position detection signal S1 and the input detection signal S2 from the input detection means 45.

  The A / D driver 31 converts an analog signal composed of the position detection signal S1 and the input detection signal S2 into digital data in order to distinguish between the functions of cursoring and icon selection. In addition to this, the A / D driver 31 performs arithmetic processing on this digital data to detect whether the input is cursoring input or icon selection information, and flag data D3 or position detection information D1 or input detection for distinguishing between cursor input and icon selection. The information D2 is supplied to the CPU 32. These calculations may be executed in the CPU 32.

  A CPU 32 is connected to the A / D driver 31. The CPU 32 controls the entire telephone set based on the system program. The storage means 35 stores system program data for controlling the entire telephone. A RAM (not shown) is used as a work memory. When the power is turned on, the CPU 32 reads out system program data from the storage means 35 and develops it in the RAM, starts up the system and controls the entire mobile phone.

  For example, the CPU 32 receives position detection information D1, input detection information D2, and flag data D3 (hereinafter also simply referred to as input data) from the A / D driver 31, and sends predetermined command data [D] to the power supply unit 33 or the camera. 34, the storage means 35, the actuator drive circuit 37, the video & audio processing unit 44, etc., the reception data from the reception unit 21 is taken in, and the transmission data is transferred to the transmission unit 2.

  In this example, the CPU 32 issues a waveform designation command Dc based on the position detection signal S1 obtained from the film-like input means 24 and the input detection signal S2 obtained from the force detection means 55a to 55d. Based on this, the actuator drive circuit 37 is controlled. The actuator drive circuit 37 reads the waveform pattern data DP from the storage means 35 based on the waveform designation command Dc, and supplies the vibration control voltage Va to the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b.

  Further, the CPU 32 generates a waveform designation command Dc on the input means 24 in accordance with the coordinate value of the pressing point that the user touches for input operation. For example, the positional relationship such as buttons and icons and the point (input coordinates) that the user contacts for input on the input means 24 are associated in advance in the CPU 32, and the CPU 32 is a button operated by the user. And a waveform designation command Dc corresponding to the icon. The waveform designation command Dc is command data [D] instructing creation of a vibration waveform pattern.

  The CPU 32 outputs (issues) the waveform designation command Dc to the actuator drive circuit 37, initially applies vibration in the contracting direction to the input operation surface in the vibration transmission structure 101, and then extends to the input operation surface. The piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are controlled so as to vibrate in the direction. In this example, when the actuator drive control is performed with respect to the vibration control voltage Va using a direct current voltage (DC), the magnitude of the DC voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuator 100a and the like is controlled to control the tension applied to the frame 13. The When actuator drive control is performed with an AC voltage (AC), the tension applied to the frame 13 is controlled by controlling the frequency (frequency) of the AC voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuator 100a and the like, the number of times of vibration (repetition), and the like. To be made.

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

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

  A storage means 35 is connected to the CPU 32 described above. The storage means 35 constitutes a waveform library and stores basic waveform pattern data DP (Wx) forming a material waveform pattern for creating a vibration waveform pattern for presenting a tactile sensation. The waveform pattern data DP (Wx) includes data related to the sine wave W1, the rectangular wave W2, the composite wave W3, and the like.

  In addition to the waveform pattern data DP, the storage means 35 displays, for example, display information D4 for displaying an input item selection display screen three-dimensionally, and icon selection positions and vibrations corresponding to the display information D4. A waveform designation command Dc and the like relating to the mode are stored for each display screen.

  The waveform designation command Dc can generate a plurality of different tactile sensations synchronized with the application (three-dimensional display and various display contents) on the display means 29, and a plurality of specific vibration waveforms that generate the tactile sensations, and An algorithm for setting a specific tactile generation mode for each application is included. For the storage means 35, an EEPROM, a ROM, a RAM, or the like is used.

  The display means 29 displays image information such as buttons and icons that prompt the user to perform an input operation. The image information is displayed based on a command [D] supplied from the control device 15. As the display means 29, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a flat display element is used. In addition to the display means 29, the operation panel 18 is connected to the CPU 32. The operation panel 18 constitutes a program port. In this example, the operation panel 18 is operated with respect to the CPU 32 so as to set a vibration synthesis waveform pattern obtained by combining the material waveform patterns.

  An actuator drive circuit 37 is connected to the CPU 32 and generates a vibration control voltage Va based on a waveform designation command Dc from the CPU 32. The actuator drive circuit 37 constitutes a waveform control unit for driving the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b. The vibration control voltage Va has an output waveform composed of a sine wave W1, a rectangular wave W2, and a composite wave W3. Two piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b are connected to the actuator drive circuit 37 so as to vibrate based on the vibration control voltage Va.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The audio and video processing unit 44 is connected with loudspeakers 36a and 36b constituting a large sound and a receiver. The speaker 36a is configured to ring a ringtone, a ringing melody, and the like when an incoming call is received. The speaker 36b receives the audio signal Sin and expands the other party's speech 30d. In addition to the speakers 36a and 36b, a microphone 53 constituting a transmitter is connected to the video & audio processing unit 44, and the voice of the operator is collected and an audio signal Sout is output. The video & audio processing unit 44 performs analog / digital conversion on the analog audio signal Sin to be sent to the other party at the time of calling and outputs digital audio data, or analog / digital conversion of the analog video signal Sv. Digital video data is output.

  In addition to the receiving unit 21, the transmitting unit 22 is connected to the CPU 32 to modulate the video and audio data Dout and the like to be sent to the other party, and supply the modulated transmission data to the antenna 16 through the antenna duplexer 23. To be made. The antenna 16 radiates a radio wave supplied from the antenna duplexer 23 toward a base station or the like. In addition to the transmission unit 22, a camera 34 is connected to the CPU 32 described above, and a subject is photographed. For example, still image information and operation information are transmitted to the other party through the transmission unit 22. The power supply unit 33 includes a battery. The CPU 3215, the operation panel 18, the reception unit 21, the transmission unit 22, the input detection unit 45, the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b, the display unit 29, the camera 34, and the storage unit 35 are supplied with DC power. Is made to supply.

  24A and 24B are waveform diagrams showing examples of vibration patterns related to the senses of touch A and B. FIG. 24A and 24B, the horizontal axis represents time t. The vertical axis represents a voltage (amplitude Ax) [V] such as the vibration control voltage Va. In this example, it is assumed that a button icon is given a tactile sense A when it is pressed and a tactile sense B is given when it is released.

  A second vibration pattern Pa shown in FIG. 24A is a waveform that gives a sense of touch A. The driving condition a of the tactile sense A is when the relationship between the pressing determination threshold value Fth and the applied pressure F is Fth <F when the button icon is pressed, and is about 0.1 second in the first stage i. It vibrates with a vibration pattern of frequency fx = 50 Hz, amplitude Ax = 5 μm, number of times Nx = 2 times. Hereinafter, it is expressed as [fx Ax Nx] = [50 5 2]. Similarly, in the second stage ii, vibration is performed with a vibration pattern of [fx Ax Nx] = [100 10 2] for about 0.1 second.

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

  25A and 25B are diagrams showing a relationship example (part 1) between the pressing force F and the vibration pattern. In FIG. 25A, the vertical axis represents the applied pressure F, which is obtained from the input detection signal S2 (input detection information D2 after binarization). In FIG. 25B, the vertical axis represents the voltage (amplitude) of the vibration control signal Sa or the like. In FIGS. 25A and 25B, the horizontal axis is time t.

  Generally, there is an input motion peak in button switch operation or the like. It is known that the pressing force F is about 30 [gf] to 240 [gf] when the pressing speed is as designed (operation input speed). The pressure distribution waveform I shown in FIG. 25A reflects the pressure F due to the pressing speed in the Z direction, which is a reference when designing the input device.

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

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

  26A and 26B are diagrams showing a relationship example (part 2) between the pressing force F and the vibration pattern. In FIG. 26A, the vertical axis represents the applied pressure F, which is obtained from the input detection signal S2 (input detection information D2 after binarization). In FIG. 26B, the vertical axis represents the voltage (amplitude) of the vibration control signal Sa or the like. In FIGS. 26A and B, the horizontal axis is time t.

  The pressure distribution waveform II shown in FIG. 26A reflects the pressure F when the button icon or the like is pressed faster than the reference pressing speed shown in FIG. 25A. In this example as well, similarly to FIG. 25A, the pressing determination threshold value Fth is set in advance for the input detection signal S2 obtained from the input detection means 45, and the CPU 32 determines that the rising waveform of the input detection signal S2 has the pressing determination threshold value Fth. The actuator vibration circuit 37 is controlled so that the vibration pattern Pa is generated at the time t12 that crosses and the vibration pattern Pb is generated at the time t22 when the falling waveform of the input detection signal S2 crosses the pressing determination threshold value Fth.

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

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

  Next, an example of information processing in the mobile phone 200 will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing in the mobile phone 200 according to the fifth embodiment.

  In this example, the mobile phone 200 includes any one of the vibration transmission structures 101 to 104 according to the first to fourth embodiments, and an input operation surface on the display screen of the mobile phone 200 is displayed with an operator's finger 30a. It is assumed that information is input by pressing the button. The mobile phone 200 has a function (algorithm) for processing a waveform using, for example, a pressure F applied by an operator's finger 30a as a parameter in the same vibration mode. The CPU 32 calculates the applied pressure F from the input detection information D2, makes a determination corresponding to the driving conditions a and b as shown in FIG. 25A, and uses any type of the determination result within the same vibration mode. A tactile sensation corresponding to the movement during the input operation can be generated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Thus, according to the mobile phone 200 to which the input / output device 90 with a tactile function as the fifth embodiment is applied, the vibration transmission structure 101, 102, 103 or 104 according to the present invention is applied. Based on this premise, the tension on the input operation surface of the film-like input means 24 can be controlled by the piezoelectric actuators 100a and 100b.

  Therefore, the input operation surface of the input unit 24 can be arbitrarily vibrated in the contracting direction and the extending direction. Thereby, even when the material of the input operation surface is changed from a solid such as glass to a soft member such as a film, a tactile sensation can be presented to the operator's finger 30a detected by the input means 24 with high reproducibility.

  Further, compared to the conventional vibration transmission structure (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-15814), not only can the mobile phone and the portable information terminal be thin, but a tactile waveform can be arbitrarily generated. Various tactile information can be presented to the user. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a mobile phone with a tactile input function that can present an acknowledgment to the input operation and other tactile information to the user.

  The present invention is applied to an information processing device, a mobile phone, an information portable terminal device, etc. that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body when inputting information by selecting an icon from a display screen for selecting input items prepared in advance. Therefore, it is very suitable.

It is a perspective view which shows the example of a vibration transmission structure as a 1st Example. It is sectional drawing which shows structural examples, such as a multilayer bimorph type piezoelectric actuator 100a. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of an internal connection of internal electrode layers IE1-IE16, such as a piezoelectric actuator 100a. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system according to a first vibration transmission structure 101. FIG. (A)-(C) are the waveform diagrams which show the example of a material waveform pattern in the memory | storage means (waveform library) 35. FIG. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the example of a waveform designation | designated command and the example of a vibration waveform pattern. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows a vibration synthetic | combination waveform pattern and its instruction example. FIG. 8A is a simplified circuit diagram illustrating a first vibration transmission example, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X1-X1 in the vibration transmission structure example illustrated in FIG. 8A. (A) is the example of the vibration waveform pattern which concerns on a 1st vibration transmission structure, (B) is a figure which shows the example of reduction of an input operation surface. (A) is an example of a vibration waveform pattern, (B) is a figure which shows the example of an expansion of an input operation surface. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a vibration transmission structure as a 2nd Example. (A) is a simplified circuit diagram showing a second vibration transmission example, and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow X2-X2 in the vibration transmission structure example shown in FIG. 12A. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a vibration transmission structure as a 3rd Example. FIG. 14A is a simplified circuit diagram illustrating a third vibration transmission example, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X3-X3 in the vibration transmission structure example illustrated in FIG. 14A. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a vibration transmission structure as a 4th Example. (A) And (B) is the top view which shows the vibration transmission structure example (supplement), and the front view of partial crushing. It is a simple circuit diagram which shows the 4th example of vibration transmission. (A) is an example of a vibration waveform pattern according to the fourth vibration transmission structure, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of reduction of the input operation surface. (A) is a wave form diagram which shows the example of a vibration waveform pattern, (B) is a top view which shows the example of an expansion of an input operation surface. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the mobile telephone 200 with a tactile sense input function as a 5th Example. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the input / output device 90 with a tactile function. (A) And (B) is the top view and X5-X5 arrow sectional drawing which supplement the structural example of the input-output device 90. As shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the mobile telephone 200 with a tactile sense input function. (A) And (B) is a wave form diagram which shows the example of a vibration pattern which concerns on the tactile senses A and B. FIG. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the example of a relationship between the applied pressure F and a vibration pattern (the 1). (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the example (the 2) of a relationship between the applied pressure F and a vibration pattern. It is a flowchart which shows the information processing example in the mobile telephone 200 which concerns on a 5th Example.

Explanation of symbols

4a, 4b ... laminated piezoelectric body, 5a, 5b ... engaging part, 10 ... lower housing, 11, 12 ... surface electrode layer, 13 ... frame (frame body), 15 ..Control device, 18 ... operation panel, 20 ... upper housing, 21 ... receiving unit, 22 ... transmitting unit, 24 ... input means, 29 ... display means, 32. ..CPU (control device), 35 ... storage means, 37 ... actuator drive circuit, 45 ... input detection means, 51 ... rotation range mechanism, 90 ... input / output device with tactile function , 100a to 100d: Piezoelectric actuator (piezoelectric body), 200: Mobile phone (electronic device)

Claims (20)

A film-like vibrating member;
A frame having an open surface and holding the vibrating member with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface;
A piezoelectric body for supplying vibration to a beating surface constituted by the vibrating member and the frame,
The piezoelectric body is
A vibration transmitting structure, wherein the vibration transmitting structure is attached to an inner side, an outer side, or an inner side and an outer side of a frame on which the beating surface is formed.   The vibration transmission structure according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric body forms a bimorph type piezoelectric actuator structure by attaching piezoelectric bodies to both inner and outer sides of the frame body on which the beating surface is formed.   2. The vibration transmission structure according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric body forms a structure of a unimorph type piezoelectric actuator by attaching a piezoelectric body to one of the inner side and the outer side of the frame body on which the beating surface is formed. .   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control device that controls the piezoelectric body so as to apply vibration in a contracting direction to the beating surface first, and then apply vibration in a direction extending to the beating surface. The vibration transmission structure described in 1.   The vibration transmission structure according to claim 1, wherein a multilayer piezoelectric actuator in which a large number of piezoelectric elements are stacked is used as the piezoelectric body.   The vibration transmission structure according to claim 1, wherein a part of the frame that supports the beating surface is constituted by a direct-acting piezoelectric actuator. An input / output device with a tactile function that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body during information input operation
Film-like input means for detecting contact of the operating body and inputting information;
A frame having an open surface and holding the input means with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface;
A piezoelectric body for supplying vibration to a beating surface constituted by the input means and the frame,
The piezoelectric body is
An input / output device with a tactile function, wherein the input / output device is attached to an inner side, an outer side, or an inner side and an outer side of a frame body on which the beating surface is formed.   8. The input / output with a tactile function according to claim 7, wherein the piezoelectric body forms a bimorph type piezoelectric actuator structure by attaching piezoelectric bodies to both inside and outside of the frame body on which the beating surface is formed. apparatus.   8. The tactile function according to claim 7, wherein the piezoelectric body forms a structure of a unimorph type piezoelectric actuator by attaching a piezoelectric body to either the inside or the outside of the frame body on which the beating surface is configured. I / O device.   8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a control device that controls the piezoelectric body so as to apply vibration in a contracting direction to the beating surface first, and then apply vibration in a direction extending to the beating surface. An input / output device with a tactile function described in 1.   The input / output device with a tactile function according to claim 7, wherein a multilayer piezoelectric actuator in which a large number of piezoelectric elements are stacked is used as the piezoelectric body.   The input / output device with a tactile function according to claim 7, wherein a film-like touch panel is used as the input means.   The input / output device with a tactile function according to claim 7, wherein a part of the frame that supports the beating surface is constituted by a direct-acting piezoelectric actuator. An electronic device having an input / output device with a tactile function that presents a tactile sensation to an operating body during an information input operation,
Film-like input means for detecting contact of the operating body and inputting information;
A frame having an open surface and holding the input means with a predetermined tension on the opposite side of the open surface;
A piezoelectric body for supplying vibration to a beating surface constituted by the input means and the frame,
The piezoelectric body is
An electronic device, wherein the electronic device is attached to an inner side, an outer side, or an inner side and an outer side of a frame in which the beating surface is configured.   15. The electronic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the piezoelectric body forms a bimorph type piezoelectric actuator structure by attaching piezoelectric bodies to both inside and outside of the frame body on which the beating surface is configured.   15. The electronic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the piezoelectric body forms a unimorph type piezoelectric actuator structure by attaching a piezoelectric body to either the inside or the outside of the frame body on which the beating surface is configured.   15. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a control device that controls the piezoelectric body so as to apply vibration in a contracting direction to the beating surface first, and then apply vibration in a direction extending to the beating surface. The electronic device as described in.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a multilayer piezoelectric actuator in which a large number of piezoelectric elements are stacked is used as the piezoelectric body.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a film-like touch panel is used as the input unit. The electronic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a part of the frame that supports the beating surface is constituted by a direct-acting piezoelectric actuator.

Images