JP2015180003A - Cylindrical actuation device, and equipment having member moved by the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cylindrical actuation device that is structurally simple, small in size and light in weight and can move some member of electronic equipment by a member which is made to project from the cylindrical body by current supply.SOLUTION: A cylindrical actuation device 10 is configured so that a linear body 3 which has flexibility under no electric conduction and is hardened and reduced in total length under electric conduction is mounted in a cylindrical body 4 having a bottom surface, an actuation member 5 which is slidable in the cylindrical body is secured to the opening portion side of the cylindrical body 4 so that one end of the actuation member 5 is exposed from the opening portion, electrodes 1, 2 are provided to the other end of the actuation member 5 and the bottom surface, and both the ends of the linear body 3 are connected to the electrodes 1, 2, and the length of the linear body 3 is set so that one end of the actuation member 5 projects from the opening portion when the linear body 3 is conducted and hardened. The cylindrical actuation device 10 is contained in equipment having a member which requires pop-up in use. When one end of the actuation member 5 is disposed to be adjacent to the pop-up required member and the linear body 3 is conducted, the pop-up of the pop-up required member can be performed.

Description

  The present application relates to a cylindrical actuating device including a linear body that is stiffened and contracted by energization in a cylinder and a device including a member that moves with the device.

  In recent years, mobile terminals equipped with a communication function such as a smart phone and a tablet and a digital terrestrial broadcast receiving function have become widespread. These mobile terminals are often equipped with a waterproof function, the antenna outlet has a waterproof antenna cap, and the memory card, USB connector, or earphone plug has a waterproof packing attached. Covered with a cover. For this reason, there is only a very small gap between the antenna cap or cover and the housing of the mobile terminal, and when pulling out the antenna or opening the cover, the toe is inserted into the narrow gap between the cap or cover. There is a need.

  However, the cover fitted with a waterproof antenna cap or waterproof packing has a strong fit, so when pulling out the antenna or opening the cover, it is easy to apply a load to the nail. For women who have a problem, there is a problem that false nails are removed. Further, when an elderly user or a dry nail user tries to open a cover to which a waterproof antenna cap or waterproof packing is attached, the nail may be peeled off.

  As a device that makes it easy to pull out the antenna, there is an automatic antenna expansion / contraction device used in automobiles. However, since a large motor is required at the base of the antenna, it is difficult to mount in the casing of the portable terminal and the cost is high. . On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a prior art that does not use a motor to pull out an antenna. In Patent Document 1, a spring is provided at the base of the antenna, the upper part of the antenna accommodated in the casing is compressed by the spring, and the antenna extension release mechanism using a shape memory alloy is operated when the antenna is extended. The holding by the antenna holding mechanism is released.

  Further, as a technique similar to Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which a spring is extended in a mobile phone so that the transmitter protrudes from the main body of the mobile phone and approaches the caller's mouth. . In Patent Document 2, the transmitter is attached to the tip of a rod using a shape memory alloy. When the rod is housed in the housing, the transmitter is held near the housing by a lock mechanism. ing.

JP 2003-298324 A

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-085554

  However, in the comparative techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a spring is used to project the antenna and the transmitter from the housing. When not in use, the spring is compressed and the antenna and the transmitter are housed in the housing. There is a problem that a locking device for fixing in the vicinity of the body is necessary, and the structure becomes complicated. In order to make it easier to open the cover to which the waterproof packing is attached, for example, a structure that pushes the cover outward from the inside of the housing with a solenoid or the like can be considered, but since the inside of the portable terminal is mounted at high density, There is no place to install large parts. Therefore, there has been no operating device that makes it easy to pull out a waterproof antenna by using an inexpensive and small mechanism element, and that makes it easy to open a cover fitted with a waterproof packing from the housing.

  In one aspect, the present application provides a cylindrical operating device that is simple in structure, small and light, and capable of moving a part of an electronic device by a member that protrudes from a cylindrical body when energized. With the goal.

  In another aspect, the apparatus includes a member that is moved by a cylindrical operating device that is simple in structure, small and light, and that can move a part of the electronic device by a member that protrudes from the cylinder when energized. The purpose is to provide.

  According to one embodiment, a linear body that is flexible when not energized, is rigid by energization and contracts its entire length, the first and second electrodes that pass current through the linear body, and the linear body are housed. A cylinder operating device comprising a cylinder and an operating member that slides within the cylinder, wherein one end of the cylinder is closed, the first electrode is installed on the inner surface, and the other end is A second electrode is provided on the inner end face facing the first electrode of the actuating member, and the linear body is attached between the first and second electrodes. In this state, there is provided a cylindrical actuator through which the outer end face located on the opposite side of the inner end face of the actuating member has a length protruding from the opening of the cylinder by a predetermined length.

  According to another embodiment, a linear body that is flexible when de-energized, is rigid by energization and contracts its entire length, the first and second electrodes that pass current through the linear body, and the linear body are housed. A cylinder and an operating member that slides within the cylinder, one end of the cylinder is closed, the first electrode is installed on the inner surface, the other end is opened, A second electrode is provided on the inner end face opposite to the first electrode, and the linear body is attached between the first and second electrodes, and is stiffened by energization and shortened in its overall length; A device that includes a cylindrical actuator having a length that allows the outer end surface to protrude from the opening of the cylindrical body by a predetermined length, and includes a member that moves by the cylindrical actuator, and the movable member includes a pressure receiving surface. The cylindrical operating device is formed so as to move when the pressure receiving surface is urged by the cylindrical operating device. An apparatus is provided that includes a member that moves with a cylindrical actuator disposed in a housing in a state in which the outer end surface of the material is adjacent to the pressure-receiving surface of the moving member.

  According to the disclosed cylindrical operating device, the operating member can be protruded from the cylindrical body by energization and the member adjacent to the operating member can be moved by a predetermined distance in a non-energized state, despite being simple and small and light. There is an effect. Moreover, according to the apparatus provided with the member moved by the disclosed cylindrical actuator, it is easier to manually separate the moved member from the casing by moving the member by energizing the cylindrical actuator. effective.

(A) is sectional drawing in the non-energized state of 1st Example of the cylindrical actuator of this application, (b) is sectional drawing in the energized state of the cylindrical actuator shown to (a), (c) is A plan view of a linear body that is in a flexible state when de-energized, (d) is a virtual plan view showing the length of the linear body when de-energized as shown in (c) in a straight line, and (e) is in (c). It is a top view in the energized state of the shown linear body. (A) is a disassembled perspective view showing the components constituting the element by disassembling the cylindrical actuator shown in FIG. 1 (a), and (b) shows a state after assembly of the cylindrical actuator shown in (a). It is a perspective view shown. (A) is a sectional view in a non-energized state of the second embodiment of the cylindrical operating device of the present application, (b) is a sectional view in the energized state of the cylindrical operating device shown in (a), (c) is The top view of the division | segmentation electrode used for the 3rd Example of the cylindrical actuator of this application, (d) is sectional drawing in the non-energized state of the 3rd Example of the cylindrical actuator of this application, and cylindrical operation | movement The figure which shows the electricity supply circuit connected to the apparatus, (e) is sectional drawing in the semi-energized state of the cylindrical actuator with one side of the switch in the electricity supply circuit shown to (d) turned on, (f) is ( It is sectional drawing of the cylindrical actuator of the state in which both the switches in the electricity supply circuit shown to d) were turned on. (A) is a sectional view in a non-energized state of the fourth embodiment of the cylindrical actuator of the present application and a diagram showing an energization circuit connected to the cylindrical actuator, (b) is an energization circuit shown in (a). Sectional drawing in the energized state of the cylindrical operating device in the state where one of the switches in the switch is turned on, (c) is the sectional view of the cylindrical operating device in the state where the other switch in the energizing circuit shown in (a) is turned on. Sectional drawing in the energized state, (d) is a plane for comparing the lengths of the two types of linear bodies inserted in the cylindrical actuator of the fourth embodiment of the present application when not energized and when energized. FIG. (A) is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structural member of the modification of the 1st Example of the cylindrical actuator of this application, (b) shows the state after the assembly of the cylindrical actuator shown to (a). A perspective view and (c) are perspective views of a cylindrical operating device showing a state in which an energization circuit is connected to two electrodes of the cylindrical operating device shown in (b) and a linear body is energized. (A) is sectional drawing in the non-energized state of another modification of the 1st Example of the cylindrical actuator of this application, (b) is sectional drawing in the energized state of the cylindrical actuator shown to (a). It is. (A) is a rear view of a portable terminal having a communication function and having an antenna cap and a socket cover, (b) is a portable terminal shown in (a), the antenna is pulled out, and the socket cover is opened. It is a rear view of the portable terminal which shows a state. (A) removes the back side case of the portable terminal shown in FIG. 7 (a), and the cylindrical actuator of the first embodiment of the present application is incorporated in the base part of the antenna and the opening / closing end part of the cover. The rear view of the portable terminal which shows the state shown, (b) is sectional drawing which expands and shows the cylindrical action | operation apparatus incorporated in the portable terminal shown to (a). It is a circuit diagram which shows one Example of the circuit which drives the two cylindrical actuators integrated in the portable terminal shown to Fig.8 (a). 8A shows a state where the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 8A has a built-in one-segment tuner for digital terrestrial broadcasting, and the one-seg icon displayed on the display unit on the front side of the mobile terminal is tapped with a fingertip. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the cylindrical actuator energized by the circuit shown in FIG. 9 when the one-segment icon shown in FIG. 9A is tapped with a fingertip. The rear view which shows the state which the antenna cap protruded from the housing | casing, (c) is sectional drawing which expands and shows the cylindrical action | operation apparatus in the portable terminal shown to (b). FIG. 11 is a rear view showing a state where the cover opening icon is displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 10A and the cover shown in FIG. . It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which displays the icon of an audio | voice instruction | indication on the display part shown to Fig.10 (a), and taps this with a fingertip. It is a circuit diagram which shows one Example of the circuit which drives two cylindrical actuators integrated in the portable terminal shown to Fig.8 (a) by an audio | voice.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail based on specific examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, some embodiments of the cylindrical actuator according to the present application will be described. Even though the structures of the embodiments are different, the cylindrical actuator is described with a representative reference numeral 10.

  Fig.1 (a) shows the non-energized state of the 1st Example of the cylindrical actuator 10 of this application in a cross section. FIG. 2 (a) is an exploded view of the cylindrical operating device 10 shown in FIG. 1 (a) and shows its constituent members, and FIG. 2 (b) shows the cylindrical operating device shown in FIG. 2 (a). The state which assembled the apparatus 10 is shown. A cylindrical operating device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a first electrode 1, a second electrode 2, a linear body 3, an operating member 5, and a stopper 7 in a cylindrical cylindrical body 4, and one end is closed. It is formed by being blocked by the member 6.

  As shown in FIG. 1C, the linear body 3 is a member having flexibility when not energized. Here, when the linear body 3 is not energized, the length when the linear body 3 is extended linearly as shown in FIG. When both ends of the linear body 3 are connected to electrodes and a current is passed from the battery 8 between the electrodes, the linear body 3 becomes rigid and linear as shown in FIG. Shrinks. If the rate at which the linear body 3 contracts when energized is 5% of the original length, when the linear body 3 having a length L is energized, the linear body 3 becomes rigid and its length becomes 0.95 × L.

  For such a linear body 3, for example, Biometal Fiber (registered trademark) manufactured by Toki Corporation can be used. Biometal Fiber (registered trademark) is an artificial muscle type fibrous actuator that is flexible like a thread when not energized, but hardens and contracts like a piano wire when an electric current is applied. Since the contraction length is 4% or more of the total length, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the contraction length is 5% of the total length, and in the following embodiments, the contraction rate of the linear body 3 is 5%. explain. For example, when a 30 mA current is applied to a biometal fiber (registered trademark) of φ0.15 at 20 V / m, an urging force of 1.5 N is generated when it becomes rigid and linear.

  The cylindrical body 4 used in the first embodiment of the cylindrical operating device 10 is cylindrical, and the opening 43 at the end on the side where the operating member 5 is located is formed with a small inner diameter by a throttle 44. For this reason, the part which protrudes from the opening part 43 by the side of the opening part 43 of the action | operation member 5 is the small diameter part 54. FIG. On the other hand, the portion that continues to the small diameter portion 54 of the actuating member 5 and remains in the cylindrical body 4 is the large diameter portion 55 and can slide in the cylindrical body 4, but as shown in FIG. Since it is locked by the diaphragm 44 in the opening 43, it does not come out of the cylinder 4. The end face (inner end face) 51 on the large-diameter portion 55 side of the actuating member 5 is provided with the second electrode 2 for energizing the aforementioned linear body 3, and one end of the linear body 3 is the second electrode 2. Connected to. In FIG. 2A, the second electrode 2 is drawn thick, but the thickness of the second electrode 2 is not particularly limited. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical body 4 is not limited to a circular shape.

  A stopper 7 for positioning the operation member 5 is inserted into the cylinder 4 inside the operation member 5 and fixed to the cylinder 4. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2B, the stopper 7 has an end face (outer end face) 52 on the small diameter side of the actuating member 5 when the actuating member 5 is fully immersed in the cylindrical body 4. It is fixed inside the cylinder 4 so as to slightly protrude from the opening 43. In the present embodiment, the stopper 7 has an annular shape, and a feed line 12 that connects a hole provided in the central portion to the linear body 3 and the second electrode 2 is inserted. The shape of the stopper 7 is not limited to an annular shape, and may be a protrusion that penetrates the cylinder 4 from the outside of the cylinder 4.

  The end of the cylinder 4 opposite to the opening 43 is sealed by the closing member 6. The closing member 6 has a large diameter portion 61 and a small diameter portion 62, and the small diameter portion 62 is fitted into the inner surface of the cylindrical body 4, and the diameter of the large diameter portion 61 coincides with the diameter of the cylindrical body 4 in this embodiment. . The first electrode 1 is provided on the end face of the small diameter portion 62 of the closing member 6, and one end of the linear body 3 is connected to the first electrode 1. The magnitude | size of the 1st electrode 1 is not specifically limited, The electric power feeding line 11 connected to the 1st electrode 1 penetrates the large diameter part 61, and is pulled outside from the end surface of the large diameter part 61. Further, the closing member 6 is provided with a wire insertion hole 63 penetrating between the end surface of the large diameter portion 61 and the end surface of the small diameter portion 62, and the power supply line 12 to the second electrode 2 is connected to the wire insertion hole 63. It is pulled out through. In the present embodiment, the length between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 when the large-diameter portion 55 of the operating member 5 is locked by the diaphragm 44 is the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2. The length of the cylindrical body 4 is determined so that the length of connecting the both ends to the electrode 2 is 0.95 L when the linear body 3 with L is rigid.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the two power supply lines 11 and 12 drawn to the outside of the closing member 6 are connected to an energization circuit C including a battery 8 and a switch 9. The length of the linear body 3 whose both ends are connected to the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 inside the cylindrical body 4 in the state where the switch 9 is OFF is L, but is flexible. Therefore, it is stored in the cylindrical body 4 in a curved state. When the switch 9 is turned on in this state as shown in FIG. 1 (b), the linear body 3 shrinks and hardens to become a strong linear shape, and the length becomes 0.95L. The small-diameter portion 54 of the actuating member 5 protrudes from the end portion 42 of the cylindrical body 4 while being urged by the cylindrical body 3 to move within the cylindrical body 4. Accordingly, if a member is disposed adjacent to the end surface 52 of the operating member 5 with the switch 9 turned off, the end surface 52 of the operating member 5 urges and moves the member when the switch 9 is turned on. Can be made.

  The maximum length L of the linear body 3 that can be inserted into the cylindrical body 4 is 0.95L when energized, up to the position where the large-diameter portion 55 of the operating member 5 is locked by the diaphragm 44. The length is the distance between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 when moved. And if the length of the linear body 3 inserted into the inside of the cylinder 4 is made smaller than L, the length which the action | operation member 5 protrudes from the cylinder 4 at the time of ON of the switch 9 can be made small. However, the minimum length of the linear body 3 that can be inserted into the cylindrical body 4 is such that the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 when the second electrode 2 is locked by the stopper 7 are used. The distance between them is divided by 0.95, and if it is shorter than this, the cylindrical actuator 10 is damaged when the switch 9 is turned on. Moreover, even if the linear body 3 does not stiffen straight but becomes a bow, the actuating member 5 can be pushed out by the extra length of the linear body 3.

  FIG. 3 (a) shows a cross section of the second embodiment of the cylindrical actuator 10 of the present application in a non-energized state. In the second embodiment of the cylindrical operating device 10, illustration of the feeder lines 11 and 12 and the energizing circuit C connected to the first and second electrodes 1 and 2 is omitted. Further, in the second embodiment of the cylindrical operating device 10, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a plurality of linear bodies 3 are attached between the first and second electrodes 1 and 2.

  When only one linear body 3 is attached between the first and second electrodes 1 and 2 as in the first embodiment, the linear body 3 becomes rigid and straight. The biasing force that pushes the operating member 5 may be weak. In such a case, a plurality of linear bodies 3 are attached between the first and second electrodes 1 and 2 in the cylindrical body 4. In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, four linear bodies 3 are arranged in parallel between the first and second electrodes 1 and 2. Since the linear body 3 has a small wire diameter and is flexible in a non-energized state, a plurality of linear bodies 3 can be accommodated in the cylindrical body 4. In addition, when accommodating the several linear body 3 in the cylinder 4, it encloses and insulates the surface of the linear body 3 etc. so that each linear body 3 may not short-circuit. . Then, when energization is performed between the first and second electrodes 1 and 2 and the operation member 5 is moved by the four linear bodies 3 as shown in FIG. A biasing force can be obtained.

  FIG. 3C shows one of the two electrodes 1 and 2 used in the third embodiment of the cylindrical actuator 10 of the present application. In the third embodiment, for example, the first electrode 1 is formed in an annular shape and divided into six parts, which are electrodes 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f. FIG. 3 (d) shows a cross section of the third embodiment of the cylindrical actuator 10 in a non-energized state and an energizing circuit C connected to the electrodes 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e and 1f. In the third embodiment, illustration of the feeder lines 11 and 12 connected to the first and second electrodes 1 and 2 is omitted. The energization circuit C shows one battery 8 and two switches 9a and 9b arranged between the battery 8 and the first electrode 1 (electrodes 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f). . For example, the switch 9a is connected to the electrodes 1a, 1c, and 1e, and the switch 9b is connected to the electrodes 1b, 1d, and 1f. Between the electrodes 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d, 1 e, 1 f and the electrode 2, six linear bodies 3 whose outer surfaces are covered with insulation are arranged.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 (e), when one of the switches in the energization circuit C (for example, the switch 9a) is turned on, the three linear bodies 3 become rigid and linear, The small diameter part 54 protrudes from the cylinder 4 by moving the operation member 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (f), when both the switches 9a and 9b in the energizing circuit C are turned on, the six linear bodies 3 become rigid and linear, and the operating member 5 is moved. The small diameter portion 54 protrudes from the cylindrical body 4. In the third embodiment, the urging force of the actuating member 5 can be changed in two steps by the two switches 9a and 9b. However, if the number of switches is increased, the urging force of the actuating member 5 can be changed to a maximum of six steps. It is possible to make it. Thus, the cylindrical actuator 10 of the present application inserts a plurality of linear bodies 3 into the cylindrical body 4 and divides the electrode into a plurality of parts, thereby changing the urging force of the operating member 5 in multiple stages. be able to. However, when a plurality of linear bodies 3 are inserted into the cylindrical body 4, the linear bodies 3 are arranged so as to push the actuating member 5 evenly when it becomes rigid and linear.

  FIG. 4A shows a cross section of the fourth embodiment of the tubular actuator 10 of the present application in a non-energized state and an energizing circuit C connected to the electrodes 1 and 2. In the fourth embodiment, illustration of the feeder lines 11 and 12 connected to the first and second electrodes 1 and 2 is omitted. Also in the fourth embodiment, the electrode 1 uses the six divided electrodes 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f shown in FIG. The energization circuit C can be the same as that of the third embodiment, and includes one battery 8 and two switches 9L and 9S. The switches 9L and 9S are the same as the switches 9a and 9b. The switch 9S may be connected to the electrodes 1a, 1c, and 1e, and the switch 9L may be connected to the electrodes 1b, 1d, and 1f.

  In the third embodiment, between the electrodes 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f and the electrode 2, six equal-length linear bodies 3 with insulating coating on the outer surface are disposed. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, between the electrodes 1b, 1d, 1f and the electrode 2, three linear bodies 3L having a length L during non-energization shown in FIG. Between the electrodes 1 a, 1 c, 1 e and the electrode 2, three linear bodies 3 </ b> S having a short length N when not energized are connected. The length N of the linear body 3S was 0.95 times the length L of the linear body 3L (N = 0.95 × L). The outer surfaces of the three linear bodies 3L and the three linear bodies 3S are coated with insulation.

  In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the switch 9S in the energizing circuit C is turned on, the three shorter linear bodies 3S become rigid and linear, and the actuating member 5 The small diameter portion 54 protrudes from the cylindrical body 4. The length M of the linear body 3S when energized is M = 0.95 × N = 0.95 × 0.95 × L, as shown in FIG. This is the length that a part of stays in the cylinder 4. At this time, the longer linear body 3L in the non-energized state is in a flexible state in the cylindrical body 4, and does not prevent the shorter linear body from becoming rigid and linear.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the switch 9S in the energization circuit C is turned off and the switch 9L is turned on, the three longer linear bodies 3L become rigid and linear, and the operating member 5 is moved, and the small diameter portion 54 protrudes from the cylindrical body 4. The length N of the linear body 3L at the time of energization is 0.95 × L as shown in FIG. 4 (d), and is a length for completely extruding the small diameter portion 54 of the operating member 5 from the cylindrical body 4. . At this time, the shorter linear body 3S in the non-energized state is pulled in a flexible state in the cylindrical body 4, but the length of the pulled shorter linear body 3S is 0.95 × L. The shorter linear body 3S does not hinder the movement of the operating member 5.

  Therefore, when two types of linear bodies having different lengths are accommodated in the cylindrical body, when the length of the longer linear body when deenergized is L, the shorter linear body is deenergized. The hour length M can be in the range of 0.95 × L to L. As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the cylindrical actuator 10 of the present application, the linear body 3L, 3S having different lengths is inserted into the cylindrical body 3 by three, and the electrode is divided into six parts. The protruding length of the member 5 can be changed in two stages.

  FIG. 5 (a) shows the structure of a modification of the first embodiment of the tubular actuator 10 of the present application. As in FIG. 2 (a), the tubular actuator 10 is disassembled and its configuration is shown. The member is shown. FIG. 5 (b) shows the assembled state of the cylindrical actuator 10 shown in FIG. 5 (a). FIG. 5 (c) shows a state where an energizing circuit is connected to FIG. 5 (b). This shows a state in which the switch 9 is turned on. The modified example of the first embodiment also includes the first electrode 1, the second electrode 2, the linear body 3, the actuating member 5, and the stopper 7 in the cylindrical tube 4, one end of which is a blocking member. 6 is closed and formed.

  Since the structure of the first electrode 1, the linear body 3, the actuating member 5 and the stopper 7 in the modification of the first embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted. To do. The modification of the first embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the second electrode 2 and the method of connecting the feeder 12 to the second electrode 2. In the modification of the first embodiment, the structure of the second electrode 2 is different from that of the first embodiment, so that the structure of the cylinder 4 is slightly different from that of the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the second electrode 2 is provided on the entire inner end surface 51 of the operating member 5. However, in the modification of the first embodiment, the second electrode 2 is provided on the inner side of the operating member 5. It is provided only at the center of the end face 51. Further, an arm portion 2T having a length penetrating the cylindrical body 4 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second electrode 2, and a portion corresponding to the arm portion 2T of the cylindrical body 4 is provided on the arm portion 2T. A slit 45 is provided through the tip. The length of the slit 45 corresponds to the length that allows the operating member 5 to move in the cylindrical body 4. In the modification of the first embodiment, after the operating member 5 is inserted into the cylinder 4, the second electrode 2 is inserted into the cylinder 4, and the tip of the arm 2 </ b> T is inserted through the slit 45. The second electrode 2 may be attached to the inner end face 51 of the operating member 5 with an adhesive or a screw.

  In the modified example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the arm portion 2T of the second electrode 2 protrudes outside the cylindrical body 4 through the slit 45 of the cylindrical body 4, so that the second The feed line 12 to the electrode 2 can be connected to the tip of the arm 2T. Then, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), when the power supply line 11 taken out from the closing member 6 and the power supply line 12 connected to the tip of the arm portion 2T are connected to the energizing circuit C and the switch 9 is turned on, A small diameter portion 54 of the operating member 5 protrudes from the cylindrical body 4.

  Fig.6 (a) shows the cross section in the non-energized state of another modification of the 1st Example of the cylindrical actuator 10 of this application. Another modification of the first embodiment also includes a first electrode 1, a second electrode 2, a linear body 3, and an operating member 5 in a cylindrical tube 4, one end of which is a blocking member 6. It is closed and formed. Since the structures of the first electrode 1, the second electrode 2, the linear body 3, the actuating member 5 and the feeder line 12 in another modification of the first embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, they are the same. Reference numerals are assigned and explanations thereof are omitted.

  The other modification of the first embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the structure of the operating member 5 and the structure on the opening 43 side of the cylindrical body 4. In the first embodiment, the actuating member 5 includes the small diameter portion 54 and the large diameter portion 55, and the opening 43 of the cylindrical body 4 is narrowed by the diaphragm 44. In addition, a stopper 7 is provided inside the cylinder 4 to lock the entry of the operating member 5 into the cylinder 4. On the other hand, in another modification of the first embodiment, the actuating member 5 has a uniform diameter, a flange portion 53 is provided around the outer end surface 52, and an opening portion of the cylindrical body 4. 43 is different in that there is no aperture. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the flange portion 53 is the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 4.

  In another modification of the first embodiment, the stopper 7 is not provided because the flange portion 53 prevents the operating member 5 from entering the cylinder 4. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), if the feeders 11 and 12 taken out from the closing member 6 are connected to the energizing circuit C including the battery 8 and the switch 9, and the switch 9 is turned on, FIG. ), The actuating member 5 protrudes from the cylindrical body 4 due to the rigidity of the linear body 3.

  Next, the apparatus 20 which incorporates the cylindrical actuator 10 provided with the above structures is demonstrated. In the embodiment described below, the case where the device 20 is a mobile terminal (smart phone) will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, the smart phone 20 includes a camera 23 in the rear case 27 on the back side, and an antenna 21 and a cover 22 on the upper end side of the housing 26. As shown in FIG. 7B, the antenna 21 is a rod antenna 21 including an antenna cap 21a and a rod portion 21b, and the rod portion 21b is pulled out from the housing 26 and used. The cover 22 seals the insertion slot of the SIM card 24 provided in the housing 26 and the connection terminal of the charging connector 25 in a waterproof state.

  8A shows a state in which the rear case 27 of the smart phone 20 shown in FIG. 7A is removed, and the tubular actuator 10 of the present application is incorporated in the base portion of the antenna 21 and the open / close end portion of the cover 22. Is shown. FIG. 8A shows a form similar to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8B as the cylindrical actuator 10, but as the cylindrical actuator 10 built in the smartphone 20, Any of the previous embodiments can be incorporated. In addition, in the cylindrical actuator 10 shown in FIG.8 (b), illustration of the electricity supply circuit and electricity supply line which energize the linear body 3 is abbreviate | omitted. Since the configuration of the other members has been described with reference to FIG. 1 (a), the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted here.

  Inside the case 26 of the smart phone 20 with the rear case 27 removed, the battery 8 is accommodated on the lower side, and the circuit region 13 is adjacent to the battery 8. An antenna (rod antenna) 21 is built in the upper part of one side surface of the housing 26, and a SIM slot 28 for accommodating a SIM card is placed in the upper part of the housing 26. A waterproof water-proof rubber packing 29 is attached to the upper end of the SIM slot 28 to prevent water from entering the SIM slot 28 with the cover 22 that opens and closes the SIM slot 28 closed. Reference numeral 23 denotes a camera.

  The cylindrical actuators 10 incorporated in the base portion of the rod antenna 21 and the opening / closing end portion of the cover 22 are connected to the energizing circuit C provided in the circuit region 13 by the feeder lines 11 and 12, respectively. In the cylindrical operating device 10 incorporated in the base of the rod antenna 21, the operating member 5 shown in FIG. 8B is adjacent to the base of the rod antenna 21. In the cylindrical operating device 10 incorporated in the opening / closing end portion of the cover 22, the operating member 5 shown in FIG. 8B is adjacent to the inner portion of the opening / closing end of the cover 22. In addition, a touch panel described later is provided on the front surface of the housing 26 of the smartphone 20 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of the energization circuit C provided in the circuit region 13 of the smart phone 20 shown in FIG. The energization circuit C includes a CPU 30, a touch panel input recognition engine 31, a power IC switching circuit 32, power ICs 33A and 33C, capacitors 34A and 34C, and a regulator 35. CPU30 operates the corresponding cylindrical actuator 10 according to the input information. The touch panel input recognition engine 31 identifies the input from the user to the touch panel of the smart phone, detects the presence / absence of an operation instruction of the cylindrical actuator 10, and transmits it to the CPU 30.

  A battery (power source) 8 is connected to the power IC switching circuit 32 via a regulator 35. The power IC switching circuit 32 outputs a control signal to the power IC 33A or 33C so as to be stored in the capacitor 34A or 34C according to an instruction from the CPU 30, and a current flows instantaneously from the capacitor 34A or 34C to the corresponding cylindrical actuator. The capacitor 34A is connected to the electrode of the cylindrical actuator for the rod antenna, and the capacitor 34C is connected to the electrode of the cylindrical actuator for the cover of the SIM slot. Between the electrodes of the cylindrical actuator for the rod antenna, there is a linear body incorporated in the cylindrical actuator for the rod antenna, and between the electrodes of the cylindrical actuator for the cover of the SIM slot, There is a linear body incorporated into a cylindrical actuator for the SIM slot cover.

  Here, the operation of moving (popping up) the antenna cap 21a of the rod antenna 21 provided on the smartphone 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10A to 10C. 10A, the smart phone 20 shown in FIG. 8A has a built-in one-segment tuner for digital terrestrial broadcasting, and a one-segment icon ( The pictogram) is displayed. It is assumed that the display unit 20D is provided with a touch panel.

  When the user of the smart phone 20 taps (touches) the one-segment icon on the display unit 20D with the fingertip, the touch panel input recognition engine 31 detects this and notifies the CPU 30 that the user has selected one-segment. Then, the CPU 30 causes a current to flow through the power IC 33A and the capacitor 34A through the power IC switching circuit 32, and energizes the electrodes of the rod antenna tubular actuator 10. As a result, the linear body 3 incorporated in the cylindrical actuator 10 for the rod antenna becomes rigid and linear as shown in FIG. The actuating member 5 is pushed out from the cylinder 4.

  When the actuating member 5 is pushed out of the cylinder 4 by the linear body 3 incorporated in the rod actuating cylinder actuating device 10, as shown in FIG. 10B, the rod antenna 21 pushed by the actuating member 5 is used. The antenna cap 21a pops up from the housing 26. As a result, the user can insert a toe into the lower end portion of the antenna cap 21a, so that the rod portion of the rod antenna 21 can be easily pulled out from the housing 26. Therefore, it is possible to prevent peeling of a nail of a woman wearing a beautiful nail and peeling of the nail of a user whose toe is weakened by a dry nail or the like, and the smartphone 20 that is easy to use for the user has an almost unchanged price. Can be provided.

  Similarly, when a SIM card icon is displayed on the display unit 20D on the front side of the housing 26 of the smartphone 20 and the user taps it with a fingertip, the operation of the energizing circuit C described above causes the display in FIG. A current flows through the power IC 33C and the capacitor 34C shown. As a result, the electrode of the cylindrical actuator 10 for the cover of the SIM slot is energized, and the linear body 3 incorporated in the cylindrical actuator 10 for the cover of the SIM slot is shown in FIG. So that it becomes stiff and straight. The actuating member 5 is pushed out from the cylinder 4.

  When the actuating member 5 is pushed out of the cylinder 4 by the linear body 3 incorporated in the cylindrical actuating device 10 for covering the SIM slot, as shown in FIG. 11, the SIM slot 28 pushed by the actuating member 5 One end of the cover 22 pops up from the housing 26. As a result, the user can insert the toe into the lower end portion of the cover 22, so that the cover 22 of the SIM slot 28 can be easily opened, and the operation of the user inserting the toe and prying open becomes unnecessary.

  The difficulty of pulling out the antenna cap 21a and the difficulty of opening the cover 22 are variously set according to the waterproof standard. For this reason, if the pushing force is insufficient with one linear body 3 incorporated in the cylindrical actuator 10, the number of linear bodies 3 incorporated in the cylindrical actuator 10 may be increased and arranged in parallel. Since the linear body 3 can be energized for a moment, the linear body 3 quickly returns to its original flexible state after the antenna cap 22a and the cover 22 are pushed up. Therefore, when returning the rod antenna 21 into the housing or closing the cover 22, the user can return the antenna cap 22 a with his fingertip or close the cover 22.

  In the smart phone 20 according to the embodiment described above, the cylindrical actuator 10 performs an assist operation of popping up the antenna cap 22a and the cover 22 by the user's fingertip operation on an object (icon) displayed on the screen of the display unit. Was to do. On the other hand, the operation for causing the cylindrical operating device 10 to perform the assist operation is not limited to the tap operation on the touch panel, but the same assist operation is performed in the cylindrical shape by, for example, operating a switch such as a push button near the antenna. The structure made to act | operate to the actuator 10 may be sufficient.

  Furthermore, when the device incorporating the cylindrical actuator 10 includes a microphone, such as a smart phone, it is possible to cause the cylindrical actuator 10 to perform an assist operation by voice input. An embodiment in which the cylindrical actuator 10 is assisted by this voice input will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 shows a state in which a voice instruction icon is displayed on the display unit 20D of the smart phone 20 shown in FIG. 10A and is tapped with a fingertip. The case 26 of the smart phone 20 is provided with a microphone 19 for calling, and the icon displayed on the display unit 20D is an icon indicating a voice instruction operation. FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of an energization circuit C that drives the two cylindrical actuators 10 incorporated in the smart phone 20 shown in FIG.

  The energizing circuit C when the cylindrical actuator 10 is driven by voice is obtained by adding a voice input unit 19 and a voice recognition engine 36 as a voice recognition circuit to the energizing circuit C described in FIG. The voice input unit 19 can also be used as the call microphone 19 provided in the smart phone 20. Since the circuit configuration other than the voice input unit 19 and the voice recognition engine 36 is the same as that of the energization circuit C described with reference to FIG. 9, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  When the cylindrical actuator 10 is driven by voice, an icon indicating a voice instruction operation is displayed on the display unit 20D, and this icon is tapped. Therefore, the touch panel input recognition engine 31 detects this, and the user performs voice. The CPU 30 is notified that the input has been selected. Then, the CPU 30 activates the voice input unit 19 and the voice recognition engine 36 and waits for voice input from the user. When the user wants to watch 1Seg broadcasting and generates words related to TV viewing such as “1Seg”, “TV”, “antenna”, etc., the voice input unit 19 and the voice recognition engine 36 detect this, and the CPU 30 The user's request to watch 1Seg.

  Then, the CPU 30 causes a current to flow through the power IC 33A and the capacitor 34A through the power IC switching circuit 32, and energizes the electrodes of the rod antenna tubular actuator 10. As a result, the linear body 3 incorporated in the cylindrical actuator 10 for the rod antenna operates to push the operating member 5 out of the cylindrical body 4. When the actuating member 5 is pushed out from the cylindrical body 4, the antenna cap 21a of the rod antenna 21 pushed by the actuating member 5 pops up from the housing 26 as shown in FIG. As a result, the user can insert a toe into the lower end portion of the antenna cap 21a, so that the rod portion of the rod antenna 21 can be easily pulled out from the housing 26. At the same time, the TV 30 starts a TV viewing application, and the user can view the TV as it is.

  The same applies when the user opens the SIM card cover. When the user utters a word that means opening the cover such as “SIM card exchange”, “SIM card”, “micro SD” or “open cover”, the voice input unit 19 and the voice recognition engine 36 detect this. Then, the CPU 30 is instructed to open the cover. Then, a current flows through the power IC 33C and the capacitor 34C by the CPU 30. As a result, electricity is supplied to the electrode of the cylindrical actuator 10 for the cover of the SIM slot, and the linear body 3 incorporated in the cylindrical actuator 10 for the cover of the SIM slot removes the operating member 5 from the cylindrical body 4. Extrude.

  When the actuating member 5 is pushed out of the cylinder 4 by the cylindrical actuating device 10 for the SIM slot cover, as shown in FIG. 11, one end of the cover 22 of the SIM slot 28 pushed by the actuating member 5 is connected to the housing 26. Pop up from As a result, the user can insert the toe into the lower end portion of the cover 22, so that the cover 22 of the SIM slot 28 can be easily opened, and the operation of the user inserting the toe and prying open becomes unnecessary.

  The same applies to a case where there are a USB connector, a headphone jack, a charging terminal, and the like in the portion covered with the cover. If the user speaks a word corresponding to the opening of the cover, the voice input unit 19 and the voice recognition engine 36 detect this, and the cover can be easily opened. It becomes unnecessary.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the antenna cap of the smart phone rod antenna pops up or the cover of the SIM slot pops up by the operating member protruding from the cylindrical operating device. However, the use of the cylindrical operating device in the present application is not limited to these examples, and is widely applied to devices provided with a member that pops up from a housing and devices provided with a member that moves inside the device. be able to. For example, a camera with a built-in strobe can be used for a mechanism for popping up the strobe from the camera body when necessary.

  If the same function as that of the cylindrical actuator of the present application is to be realized by, for example, a solenoid, a large magnetic field is required, which increases the number of windings of the coil, resulting in an increase in size of the actuator. . As described above, according to the cylindrical actuator of the present application, it is possible to realize a small actuator that has a simpler structure than a solenoid and has much better space efficiency. Further, by changing the number and length of the linear bodies, a necessary force can be widely taken without changing the size of the actuator, and the protruding length of the actuating member can be changed.

  The present application has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof. For easy understanding of the present application, specific forms of the present application are appended below.

(Supplementary note 1) A linear body that is flexible when not energized, stiffens when energized, and has a reduced overall length;
First and second electrodes for passing a current through the linear body;
A cylindrical operating device comprising: a cylindrical body that houses the linear body; and an operating member that slides within the cylindrical body,
One end of the cylindrical body is closed, the first electrode is installed on the inner surface, and the other end is opened,
The second electrode is provided on the inner end surface of the actuating member facing the first electrode;
The linear body is attached between the first and second electrodes, and has an outer end surface positioned on the opposite side of the inner end surface of the operating member in a state where the entire length is shortened by being stiffened by energization. A cylindrical actuating device having a length protruding from a body opening by a predetermined length.
(Additional remark 2) The stopper which restrict | limits the maximum approach position to the said cylindrical body of the inner side end surface of the said operation member is provided in the inside of the said cylindrical body at the time of the deenergization of the said linear body. Cylindrical actuator.
(Supplementary Note 3) The outer end surface of the actuating member is provided with a flange portion that prevents the outer end surface of the actuating member from entering the inside of the cylindrical body when the linear body is not energized. The cylindrical operation device according to claim 1.
(Appendix 4) When energizing the linear body, the outer shape of the portion of the actuating member protruding from the opening of the cylindrical body is formed smaller than the outer shape of the portion remaining in the cylindrical body,
The cylindrical operating device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein a throttle that allows only the protruding portion of the operating member to pass is formed in the opening of the cylindrical body.
(Additional remark 5) The said linear body is a cylindrical actuator in any one of Additional remark 1 to 4 currently attached between the said 1st and 2nd electrode.

(Supplementary Note 6) One of the first and second electrodes is divided so that a plurality of the linear bodies can be energized independently,
The cylindrical operating device according to appendix 5, wherein the urging force when the operating member protrudes can be changed by changing the number of energizations to the plurality of linear bodies.
(Supplementary Note 7) One of the first and second electrodes is divided so that a plurality of the linear bodies can be energized independently,
The plurality of linear bodies have a plurality of types when they are stiffened by energization, and by selecting and energizing a linear body having a specific total length among the plurality of linear bodies, The cylindrical operating device according to appendix 5, wherein the protruding length of the operating member can be changed.
(Supplementary Note 8) A linear body that is flexible when not energized, is rigid by energization and contracts its entire length, first and second electrodes that allow current to flow through the linear body, and a cylinder that houses the linear body And an operating member that slides within the cylindrical body, one end of the cylindrical body is closed, the first electrode is installed on the inner surface, and the other end is opened, The second electrode is provided on the inner end surface of the member facing the first electrode, and the linear body is attached between the first and second electrodes, and is rigid by energization to reduce the overall length. In this state, the device has a built-in cylindrical actuator having a length that allows the outer end surface of the actuating member to protrude a predetermined length from the opening of the cylindrical body, and includes a member that moves with the cylindrical actuator. And
The moving member includes a pressure receiving surface, and is formed to move when the pressure receiving surface is urged by the cylindrical operating device,
The cylindrical operating device includes a member that moves with a cylindrical operating device disposed in the housing in a state in which an outer end surface of the operating member is adjacent to the pressure-receiving surface of the moving member. .
(Additional remark 9) The said moving member is a cover which closes the recessed part for external connection terminal installation provided in the housing | casing of the said apparatus, The said pressure receiving surface is Additional remark 8 which is the back surface of the free end side of the said cover. The apparatus provided with the member which moves with a cylindrical actuator.
(Additional remark 10) The said moving member is an antenna of the communication apparatus incorporated in the housing | casing of the said apparatus, and the said pressure receiving surface moves with the cylindrical operation apparatus of Additional remark 8 which is a base side end surface of the said antenna. Equipment with components.

(Supplementary Note 11) A member that moves with the cylindrical actuator according to any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 10, wherein a switch for energizing the first and second electrodes is provided in the casing of the device. Equipment provided.
(Additional remark 12) The touch panel input recognition function which recognizes the display provided with the touch panel in the said apparatus, and the touch to the said touch panel is provided,
When the touch panel input recognition function identifies that the touch on the touch panel is a touch of an icon for instructing the operation of the cylindrical actuator, the first and second electrodes of the corresponding cylindrical actuator are used. The apparatus provided with the member which moves with the cylindrical operating device in any one of appendix 8 to 10 which outputs the instruction | indication which energizes.
(Additional remark 13) The housing | casing of the said apparatus is provided with the audio | voice identification apparatus which identifies the audio | voice input from a microphone and a microphone,
When the voice identification device recognizes that the input voice is the content instructing the operation of the cylindrical actuator, the voice identification device energizes the first and second electrodes of the corresponding cylindrical actuator. The apparatus provided with the member which moves with the cylindrical operating device in any one of appendix 8 to 10 which outputs an instruction | indication.
(Supplementary Note 14) A display provided with a touch panel in the device, a touch panel input recognition function for recognizing a touch on the touch panel, a microphone, and a voice identification function for identifying voice input from the microphone are provided,
When the touch panel input recognition function identifies that the touch on the touch panel is a touch of an icon for instructing voice input using the microphone, the microphone and the voice identification function are put into an operation state,
The voice identification function performs energization to the first and second electrodes of the corresponding cylindrical actuator when the input voice is identified as content for instructing the operation of the cylindrical actuator. The apparatus provided with the member which moves with the cylindrical operating device in any one of appendix 8 to 10 which outputs an instruction | indication.
(Supplementary note 15) The device is a display having a touch panel, a touch panel input recognition function for recognizing a touch on the touch panel, a microphone, and a smartphone having a voice identification function for identifying a voice input from the microphone,
When the touch panel input recognition function identifies that the touch on the touch panel is a touch of an icon for instructing voice input using the microphone, the microphone and the voice identification function are put into an operation state,
The voice identification function performs energization to the first and second electrodes of the corresponding cylindrical actuator when the input voice is identified as content that instructs pop-up of the cover or the antenna. The apparatus provided with the member which moves with the cylindrical actuator of Claim 9 or 10 which outputs an instruction | indication.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Electrode 3 Linear body 4 Cylindrical body 5 Actuating member 6 Closure member 7 Stopper 10 Cylindrical actuating device 11,12 Feed line 19 Microphone 20 Apparatus (smart phone)
21 Antenna (rod antenna)
22 Cover 26 Case C Energizing circuit

Claims (5)

A linear body that is flexible when de-energized, stiffens when energized, and shrinks in overall length;
First and second electrodes for passing a current through the linear body;
A cylindrical operating device comprising: a cylindrical body that houses the linear body; and an operating member that slides within the cylindrical body,
One end of the cylindrical body is closed, the first electrode is installed, and the other end is opened,
The second electrode is provided on an inner end surface of the operating member facing the first electrode;
The linear body is attached between the first and second electrodes, and has an outer end surface positioned on the opposite side of the inner end surface of the operating member in a state where the entire length is shortened by being stiffened by energization. A cylindrical actuating device having a length protruding from a body opening by a predetermined length.   The cylindrical actuating device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the linear bodies are attached between the first and second electrodes. One of the first and second electrodes is divided so that the plurality of linear bodies can be energized independently,
The cylindrical operating device according to claim 2, wherein the urging force when the operating member protrudes can be changed by changing the number of energizations to the plurality of linear bodies. One of the first and second electrodes is divided so that a plurality of the linear bodies can be energized independently,
The plurality of linear bodies have a plurality of types when they are stiffened by energization, and by selecting and energizing a linear body having a specific total length among the plurality of linear bodies, The cylindrical operating device according to claim 2, wherein the protruding length of the operating member can be changed. A linear body that is flexible when de-energized, is stiffened by energization and contracts its entire length, first and second electrodes that pass current through the linear body, a cylindrical body that houses the linear body, and An actuating member that slides within the cylinder, wherein one end of the cylinder is closed, the first electrode is installed, the other end is opened, and the first of the actuating member is opened. The second electrode is provided on the inner end surface facing the electrode, and the linear body is attached between the first and second electrodes, and the operation is performed in a state where the entire length is shortened by being stiffened by energization. A device including a cylindrical operating device having a length for projecting the outer end face of the member from the opening of the cylindrical body by a predetermined length, and including a member that moves by the cylindrical operating device,
The moving member includes a pressure receiving surface, and is formed to move when the pressure receiving surface is urged by the cylindrical operating device,
The cylindrical operating device includes a member that moves with a cylindrical operating device disposed in the housing in a state in which an outer end surface of the operating member is adjacent to the pressure-receiving surface of the moving member. .

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