JP2022173461A - Vibration generating device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vibration generating device thinning and downsizing of which can be achieved.

SOLUTION: A vibration generating device 1 includes a projection part 20, a base 10, a coil 40, a plate 30, and an elastic member 51. The base 10 is provided with the projection part 20, and is formed of a magnetic body. The coil 40 has an annular shape surrounding the projection part 20. The plate 30 is opposed to the base 10, and is formed of a magnetic body. The elastic member 51 supports the plate 30 with respect to the base 10. The plate 30 and the base 10 constitute a magnetic circuit.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a vibration generator and electronic equipment, and more particularly to a vibration generator and electronic equipment that use magnetism to generate vibration.

Vibration generators mounted on electronic devices and the like include those that generate vibrations using magnetism.

Patent Document 1 below discloses a vibration generator having a structure in which a flat magnetic plate is arranged so as to face a core wound with a coil arranged in the center of a flat disk-shaped magnetic body. there is In this vibration generator, the magnetic plate is supported by an elastic thin plate having a structure in which a central portion to which the magnetic plate is attached and an outer ring on the outer periphery thereof are connected by a connecting portion.

JP-A-5-176498

By the way, vibration generators used in, for example, electronic devices are required to be able to generate a required vibration force and to be thinner or smaller.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a vibration generator and an electronic device that can be made thinner or smaller.

According to one aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object, a vibration generator includes a base having a protrusion made of a magnetic material and a recess provided with the protrusion, and an annular ring surrounding the protrusion. A coil, a magnetic plate facing the base and formed of a magnetic material, and an elastic member supporting the plate with respect to the base, the plate and the base forming a magnetic circuit, and the projection and the plate A magnetic gap is formed between the magnetic gap, the elastic member is arranged in the magnetic gap, the concave portion has a bottom portion provided with a convex portion and a side wall portion, and in the radial direction, the side wall portion and the outer peripheral portion of the coil are separated from each other. There is a space between the coil and the plate facing each other, the elastic member is deformable toward the space between the coil and the plate, and the surface of the plate opposite to the base has a The weight is arranged, the outer peripheral portion of the plate is on the side wall side with respect to the outer peripheral portion of the coil, and the outer peripheral portion of the elastic member is inside the inner peripheral portion of the coil.

Preferably, the side wall portion and the outer peripheral portion of the coil face each other in the radial direction.

Preferably, there is a gap between the protrusion and the annular coil in the radial direction.

Preferably, there is a gap in the radial direction between the side wall and the annular coil.

Preferably, the thickness of the elastic member is smaller than the thickness of the protrusion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes a housing, a contact member attached to the housing, and any one of the vibration generators described above, wherein the vibration generator comprises the housing or the contact member. It is connected or fixed to a member directly or via another member.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a vibration generator includes a base having a convex portion, a bottom portion provided with the convex portion, and side wall portions, and a coil having an annular shape surrounding the convex portion. , a plate having a top surface portion and a bent portion bent in a direction from the top surface portion toward the coil, the side wall portion and the bent portion are opposed to each other, and the plate and the base form a magnetic circuit, There is a magnetic gap between the convex portion and the top surface portion.

Preferably, there is an elastic member between the sidewall and the bend.

Preferably, a flange portion is provided on the side wall portion side of the base.

Preferably, there is a gap between the side wall and the coil in the radial direction.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes a housing, a contact member attached to the housing, and the vibration generator, wherein the vibration generator is attached directly to the housing or the contact member or It is connected or fixed via another member.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes a housing, a contact member attached to the housing, a mounting portion provided inside the housing, a protrusion, and a protrusion. a base having a bottom portion and a side wall portion; a coil having an annular shape surrounding the convex portion; a top surface portion; A plate is connected or fixed to the contact member directly or via another member, the base is attached to the mounting portion, the side wall portion and the bent portion face each other, and the plate and the base are magnetic A circuit is formed, and there is a magnetic gap between the projection and the top surface.

Preferably, the base has a flange portion provided on the side wall portion, and the flange portion is attached to the attachment portion.

Preferably, there is an elastic member between the sidewall and the bend.

Preferably, there is a gap between the side wall and the coil in the radial direction.

According to these inventions, it is possible to provide a vibration generator and an electronic device that can be made thinner or smaller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows the electronic device in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of a vibration generator. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a vibration generator. It is an exploded perspective view of a vibration generator. It is a top view of a vibration generator. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 of FIG. 5; FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2 of FIG. 5; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a first modified example; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a second modified example; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a third modified example; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a fourth modified example; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a fifth modified example; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a sixth modified example; It is a figure which shows the attachment structure to the electronic device of a vibration generator. It is a figure which shows the vibration generator in the state through which the electric current is flowing into the coil. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a first modification of the mounting structure of the vibration generator; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the mounting structure of the vibration generator; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a second modification of the mounting structure of the vibration generator; FIG. 19 is a sectional view along line CC of FIG. 18; It is a perspective view which shows the example of a changed completely type of electronic equipment. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a vibration generator according to a second embodiment; FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 21; It is a figure which shows the example of a changed completely type of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a vibration generator according to a third embodiment; FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG of FIG. 24; It is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator according to a fifth embodiment; It is a perspective view which shows the vibration generator which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure of the vibration generator which concerns on 6th Embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a vibration generator according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment; It is a figure explaining the structure of the vibration generator which concerns on the example of a changed completely type of 6th Embodiment.

An electronic device including a vibration generator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

The coordinates shown in the following figures are for showing the orientation of the vibration generator. The X-axis direction of the coordinates is the left-right direction (the direction in which the X-axis is positive when viewed from the origin is the right direction), the Y-axis direction is the front-back direction (the direction in which the Y-axis is positive when viewed from the origin is the rearward direction), and the Z-axis. The direction (perpendicular to the XY plane) is sometimes referred to as the up-down direction (the positive direction on the Z-axis as viewed from the origin is the up direction). Also, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis is sometimes called horizontal. Note that the terms left and right, front and back, up and down, horizontal, etc. mentioned here are only for the purpose of explaining the structure and operation, and have nothing to do with the posture or application in the situation where the vibration generator or electronic device is used. not a thing

[First embodiment]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , electronic device 1001 includes housing 1010 , contact member 1020 , and vibration generator 1 . Electronic device 1001 is, for example, a so-called smart phone.

The contact member 1020 is, for example, a touch panel. Contact member 1020 is attached to housing 1010 .

The vibration generator 1 generates vibration force to be transmitted to the electronic device 1001 . In this embodiment, the vibration generator 1 is connected or fixed to the contact member 1020 directly or via another member. Note that the vibration generator 1 is not limited to being connected or fixed to the contact member 1020 directly or through another member, and may be connected or fixed to the housing 1010 directly or through another member. good.

[Structure of vibration generator 1]

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vibration generator 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the vibration generator 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration generator 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the vibration generator 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A2-A2 of FIG. 5. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration generator 1 is formed in a thin plate shape as a whole. The vibration generator 1 has a flat shape. The vibration generator 1 is, for example, a small device having outer dimensions of about several tens of millimeters in the horizontal direction and the front-rear direction, and about several millimeters in the vertical direction. The vibration generator 1 has a roughly disc shape with an outer diameter of, for example, about 20 mm and a thickness of about 3 mm, except for the portion where the hole 11 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the vibration generator 1 has a base 10 , a plate 30 , a coil 40 and an elastic member 51 .

The base 10 is made of a magnetic material. The base 10 is made of metal, for example. The base 10 is made of iron, for example. The base 10 is formed, for example, by molding a steel plate or the like by pressing or the like. Note that the base 10 may be formed by processing such as cutting.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the base 10 has a flange portion 15 and a concave portion 14 recessed below the flange portion 15 . The concave portion 14 has, for example, a circular shape in plan view. In other words, the base 10 has a thin columnar portion (cylindrical portion having a bottom surface) that opens upward. The columnar portion is, for example, cylindrical. The upper end of the columnar portion forms a flange portion 15 that opens in the outer peripheral direction in a flange shape. In the present embodiment, flange portion 15 is wider than other portions in the left-right direction, and hole portion 11 is formed in the widened portion. As shown in FIG. 5, the holes 11 are arranged on both left and right sides of the recess 14, and can be used when the vibration generator 1 is attached to an electronic device 1001 or the like.

As shown in FIG. 6, the recess 14 has a bottom portion 14a and side wall portions 14b. As shown in FIG. 4, a front portion of the side wall portion 14b is removed. In other words, part of the side wall portion 14b is recessed as if it were notched.

A terminal plate 19 extending forward from the bottom portion 14a is provided in the notched portion of the side wall portion 14b. The terminal plate 19 is a protrusion that protrudes outward from the side wall portion 14b. The terminal plate 19 is provided with terminals 19 a and 19 b for energizing the coil 40 . The terminals 19a and 19b are formed on, for example, a flexible substrate or the like and adhered to the terminal plate 19. As shown in FIG. Note that the terminal plate 19 is not provided, and a portion of the side wall portion 14b and the bottom portion 14a is removed. A route may be provided.

In this embodiment, a depression 17 and a groove 18 are formed on the upper surface of the bottom portion 14a. The depth from the upper surface of the bottom portion 14a to the recess 17 and the groove portion 18 is shallower than the vertical depth of the recess portion 14 (distance from the upper surface of the flange portion 15 to the upper surface of the bottom portion 14a). The recess 17 is formed substantially in the center of the recess 14 . The depression 17 is formed in a shape that fits the shape of the projection 20, which will be described later. For example, the depression 17 is circular in plan view. The groove portion 18 is formed from approximately the center portion of the recess portion 14 to the vicinity of the terminal plate 19 . The groove portion 18 extends from the depression 17 to the terminal plate 19 in the front-rear direction so that the front-rear direction is the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the base 10 is provided with a convex portion 20 . The convex portion 20 is arranged in the central portion of the base 10 . The convex portion 20 has, for example, a columnar shape. In the present embodiment, convex portion 20 has a columnar shape. The vertical position of the upper end of the convex portion 20 is substantially the same as the upper surface of the flange portion 15 . The position of the upper end of the projection 20 in the vertical direction may be above or below the upper surface of the flange portion 35a.

In the present embodiment, the convex portion 20 is formed separately from the main body of the base 10 made of steel plate or the like, and attached to the main body of the base 10 . The protrusion 20 is attached to the main body of the base 10 so as to fit into the recess 17 . The protrusion 20 is attached, for example, by bonding or welding to the recess 17 . Like the main body of the base 10, the protrusion 20 is made of a magnetic material. The convex portion 20 is made of metal, for example. The convex portion 20 is made of iron, for example. The convex portion 20 functions as an electromagnet core (iron core) using the coil 40 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the coil 40 has an annular and flat shape. The coil 40 is a thin coil whose dimension in the direction of the winding axis is smaller than the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the winding axis. The coil 40 is, for example, a coil formed by winding a conductive wire and having an annular shape and a flat plate shape as a whole. The coil 40 may be formed by slicing a wound metal foil, or by laminating sheet coils. In addition, the outer shape of the coil 40 may have a circular shape or a polygonal shape such as a quadrangular shape in plan view.

The coil 40 is wound in an annular shape so as to surround the protrusion 20 . That is, the coil 40 is housed inside the recess 14 . That is, the coil 40 is arranged between the outer circumference of the convex portion 20 and the inner circumference of the side wall portion 14b. The coil 40 is formed so that the upper surface of the coil 40 is not located above the upper surface of the flange portion 15 and attached to the base 10 . A coil 40 that is pre-wound into a doughnut-shaped plate may be attached to the base 10 by being fitted into the concave portion 14 , or a conductive wire may be directly attached to the base 10 so as to surround the convex portion 20 . The coil 40 may be formed on the base 10 by winding the .

A gap is provided between the inner surface of the side wall portion 14 b that is the outer peripheral portion of the base 10 and the outer peripheral side surface 41 of the coil 40 . A gap is provided between the outer peripheral side surface of the convex portion 20 and the inner surface 42 of the coil 40 . As a result, a non-contact and insulated state is ensured between the base 10 and the coil 40 .

The coil 40 is, for example, a conductive wire with a diameter of 0.15 wound around 100 to 200 turns (for example, 150 turns). The specification of the coil 40 is not limited to this, and can be appropriately selected according to the size, application, etc. of the vibration generator 1 .

An end portion (winding end portion) 43a of the conductor outside the coil 40 is pulled out from the inside of the recess 14 to the outside of the base 10 through the portion where the side wall portion 14b is removed. An end portion (winding end portion) 43b of the conductor inside the coil 40 passes through the lower side of the coil 40 and is pulled out to the outside of the base 10 from the portion where the side wall portion 14b is removed.

In the present embodiment, the winding end portion 43b is pulled out from the inside of the coil 40 through the groove portion 18 to the terminal plate 19 side. As a result, it is possible to prevent the conductive wire reaching the winding end portion 43b from being pinched between the lower surface of the coil 40 and the upper surface of the bottom portion 14a, thereby preventing a load from being applied to the conductive wire and the insulation from being damaged. In order to ensure insulation between the coil 40 and the base 10, a cylindrical insulating member may be inserted through which the conductor wire of the coil 40 is passed.

Winding end portions 43a and 43b drawn out of the base 10 through the portion where the side wall portion 14b is removed are connected to terminals 19a and 19b by soldering or the like, respectively. By connecting wires from the outside to the terminals 19a and 19b, the coil 40 can be energized through the wires. Since the terminals 19a and 19b are arranged in the shape of the terminal plate 19, it is possible to easily connect wires from the outside to the terminals 19a and 19b.

The plate 30 is a circular plate parallel to the horizontal plane in this embodiment. The plate 30 is made of a magnetic material. The plate 30 is made of metal, for example. The plate 30 is made of iron, for example. The plate 30 is formed, for example, by molding a steel plate or the like by pressing or the like. The plate 30 may be formed by processing such as cutting.

The plate 30 is arranged above the base 10 so as to face the base 10 . As shown in FIG. 5, the plate 30 has an outer diameter dimension substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension of the peripheral portion of the flange portion 15 excluding the portion where the hole portion 11 is provided. The plate 30 is formed so as to cover the flange portion 15 except for the portion where the hole portion 11 is provided. As shown in FIG. 7 , the lower surface of the plate 30 near the outer periphery faces the upper surface of the flange portion 15 . In other words, the flange portion 15 is provided outside the outer peripheral portion of the coil 40 of the base 10 and faces the surface of the plate 30 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the plate 30 is slightly spaced with respect to the base 10 to form a magnetic circuit. An elastic member 51 is arranged between the plate 30 and the base 10 . Due to the arrangement of the elastic member 51, a constant gap is provided between the plate 30 and the base 10 when the coil 40 is not energized. That is, the plate 30 is positioned higher than the flange portion 15 of the base 10 by the thickness of the elastic member 51 .

The elastic member 51 is, for example, a resin member having a restoring force and is deformable. The elastic member 51 supports the plate 30 with respect to the base 10 . Elastic member 51 is provided between plate 30 and base 10 . In this embodiment, the elastic member 51 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the flange portion 15 and the plate 30 . That is, the elastic member 51 is arranged between the outer peripheral portion of the base 10 positioned outside the coil 40 and the outer peripheral portion of the plate 30 positioned outside the coil 40 .

The elastic member 51 is adhered and fixed to the flange portion 15 using an adhesive, for example. Note that the method of arranging the elastic member 51 is not limited to adhesion. Further, the elastic member 51 may be fixed to the plate 30 or may be fixed to the flange portion 15 and the plate 30 by bonding or the like. Also, the elastic member 51 may not be fixed to the flange portion 15 or the plate 30 .

As the elastic member 51, four members (elastic members 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d; hereinafter each of these may be referred to as the elastic member 51) are provided. The four elastic members 51 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. The four elastic members are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, an elastic member 51a is arranged on the left rear side of the projection 20. As shown in FIG. An elastic member 51 b is arranged on the right rear side of the convex portion 20 . An elastic member 51 c is arranged on the right front side of the convex portion 20 . An elastic member 51 d is arranged on the left front side of the convex portion 20 . When attention is paid to a certain elastic member 51 , the elastic members 51 adjacent in the circumferential direction are roughly arranged at positions rotated by 90 degrees around the convex portion 20 .

The four elastic members 51 are arranged at positions apart from the elastic members 51 adjacent in the circumferential direction. That is, when the vibration generator 1 is viewed from the side, there is a portion without the elastic member 51 between the plate 30 and the base 10 .

The elastic members 51 are divided into a space S between the plate 30 and the base 10, a space S between two adjacent elastic members among the four elastic members 51 in the circumferential direction, and a space S inside the base 10. is deformable toward the recess 14 of the . Therefore, the space S accommodates a part of the deformed elastic member 51 , and by providing such a space S, the elastic member 51 can be deformed toward the recess 14 .

Note that the number of elastic members 51 is not limited to four, and may be two or three. Moreover, five or more may be provided. Also, as will be described later, the elastic member 51 may be annular. The elastic member 51 is not limited to between the flange portion 15 and the plate 30, and may be arranged between the upper surface of the coil 40 and the plate 30, or arranged between the upper surface of the convex portion 20 and the plate 30. may have been

In this embodiment, the plate 30 and the base 10 form a magnetic circuit. The plate 30 is adjacent to the flange portion 15 at the outer peripheral portion with a predetermined gap, and is adjacent to the convex portion 20 at the central portion with a predetermined gap. Therefore, the plate 30 and the base 10 including the protrusions 20 form a magnetic circuit. Since the plate 30 and the base 10 are separated by the thickness of the elastic member 51, a magnetic gap corresponding to the thickness is provided in the magnetic circuit. The smaller the magnetic gap, the better, since the amplitude of the plate 30 increases (from the viewpoint of increasing the magnetic efficiency of the magnetic circuit).

The vibration generator 1 is driven by repeating a state in which a current flows through the coil 40 and a state in which no current flows through the coil 40 . That is, by repeatedly magnetizing and demagnetizing the electromagnet composed of the coil 40 and the base 10, the vibration generator 1 can generate vibration.

When current flows through the coil 40, the base 10 is magnetized. As a result, the upper portion of the base 10 and the flange portion 15 become a magnetic pole portion, and the plate 30 constituting the magnetic circuit is also magnetized. A relatively strong magnetic attractive force is generated between the upper portion of the base 10 and the central portion of the plate 30 and between the flange portion 15 and the outer peripheral portion of the plate 30, and the plate 30 is attracted to the base 10. . As a result, the plate 30 is displaced downward with respect to the base 10 while compressing the elastic member 51, and the distance between the plate 30 and the base 10 is reduced. When the elastic member 51 is compressed from a state in which no current flows through the coil 40 , it generates a restoring force and urges the plate 30 away from the base 10 . Therefore, the maximum amount of displacement of the plate 30 is up to the position where the magnetic attraction force and the restoring force of the elastic member 51 are balanced. Here, in this embodiment, the upper portion of the base 10 is the convex portion 20 . The upper portion of the base 10 is not limited to the convex portion 20, and may be a portion located closer to the plate 30 than the bottom portion 14a of the base 10. FIG.

When the state in which the current flows through the coil 40 changes to the state in which the current does not flow through the coil 40, the magnetization disappears, so the magnetic attractive force disappears. Then, the plate 30 is displaced upward with respect to the base 10 because the restoring force of the elastic member 51 that is compressed along with the displacement of the plate 30 with respect to the base 10 acts on the plate 30 . This increases the distance between the plate 30 and the base 10 .

By repeating a state in which current flows through the coil 40 and a state in which no current flows through the coil 40 , the plate 30 is repeatedly displaced in the vertical direction with respect to the base 10 . That is, the plate 30 is displaced in a direction toward or away from the base 10 . Thereby, vibration force can be generated by the vibration generator 1 . Here, the direction in which the plate 30 vibrates relative to the base 10 and the thickness direction of the plate 30 and the base 10 can be cited as examples of the direction in which the plate 30 moves toward and away from the base 10 .

In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the plate 30 faces the flange portion 15 of the base 10 . Therefore, in the outer portion of the coil 40, the magnetic flux passing through the magnetic circuit is less likely to leak (magnetic resistance is reduced), and a strong magnetic attractive force is generated. Therefore, the efficiency of the vibration generator 1 can be improved. Also, the plate 30 that serves as the vibration surface can be enlarged by the size of the flange portion 15 . Therefore, the vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the electronic device 1001 and the like.

An elastic member 51 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the plate 30 and the base 10 . Therefore, even when current flows through the coil 40, the plate 30 and the base 10 do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, when the vibration generator 1 is driven, it is possible to prevent the generation of abnormal noise caused by the contact between the plate 30 and the base 10 .

When the vibration generator 1 is viewed from the side, there is a portion where the elastic member 51 is not arranged between the plate 30 and the flange portion 15 . Therefore, when the plate 30 is displaced downward with respect to the base 10 and the elastic member 51 is compressed, the elastic member 51 can be deformed so as to expand not only in the radial direction but also in the circumferential direction. Further, by changing the dimensions such as the thickness and width of the elastic member 51, the restoring force (also referred to as elastic force) necessary for the vibration generator 1 can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of displacement of the plate 30 with respect to the strength of the magnetic attraction force. Further, the space in which the coil 40 is provided and the outside of the vibration generator 1 are communicated through a portion between the plate 30 and the flange portion 15 where the elastic member 51 is not arranged. Therefore, the heat generated by the coil 40 can be effectively dissipated.

A weight 30w may be arranged on the upper surface of the plate 30 of the vibration generator 1, as indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. When the weight 30w is arranged on the plate 30, the plate 30 is displaced together with the weight 30w, so that a stronger vibration force can be generated.

[Description of Modified Example of Elastic Member]

The elastic member used in the vibration generator is not limited to the elastic member 51 described above, and various types of elastic members can be used. That is, the form of the elastic member may be appropriately selected according to various factors such as the size of the vibration generator, the magnitude of the magnetic attraction force generated using the coil, the magnitude of the required vibration force, and the like. .

Also, the material of the elastic member may be appropriately selected according to the above factors. As the elastic member, rubber, synthetic resin, gel-like member, and resin member such as sponge having various bubbles can be used. As the elastic member, a metal member such as a spring such as a metal leaf spring or a coil spring can be used. These are only examples, and various elastic members that are deformable and capable of supporting the plate 30 with respect to the base 10 can be used.

A material containing a magnetic material may be used as the elastic member. Thereby, the elastic member may be used as a member forming a magnetic circuit together with the base and the plate. This can suppress the occurrence of magnetic flux leakage in the magnetic circuit (reduce the magnetic resistance) and improve the efficiency of the vibration generator 1 .

For example, the elastic member may have the following forms.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a first modified example.

In FIG. 8, an elastic member 50A configured in an annular shape is shown in the upper part. At the bottom, four elastic members 51A (51Aa, 51Ab, 51Ac, 51Ad) each shaped to constitute a part of the annular elastic member 50A are shown. 51 A of four elastic members should just be arrange|positioned at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction like the above-mentioned elastic member 51. FIG. The elastic members 50A and 51A are resin members having sheet-like restoring force.

A space S capable of accommodating a portion of the elastic member 50A is provided inside the annular elastic member 50A.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a second modified example.

In FIG. 9, an elastic member 50B configured in an annular shape is shown in the upper part. At the bottom, four elastic members 51B (51Ba, 51Bb, 51Bc, 51Bd) each shaped to constitute a part of the annular elastic member 50B are shown. The four elastic members 51B may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, similarly to the elastic members 51 described above. The elastic members 50B and 51B are resin members having a circular cross section and having a restoring force.

A space S capable of accommodating a part of the elastic members 50B and 51B is provided inside the annularly configured elastic member 50B and the annularly arranged elastic member 51B. A space S is provided between two adjacent elastic members 51B among the four elastic members 51B.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a third modified example.

In FIG. 10, the upper row shows two elastic members 50C (50Ca, 50Cb) each slightly shorter than a semicircular arc. At the bottom, four elastic members 51C (51Ca, 51Cb, 51Cc, 51Cd) each shaped to constitute a part of an annular elastic member are shown. 51 C of four elastic members should just be arrange|positioned at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction like the above-mentioned elastic member 51. FIG. The elastic members 50C and 51C are resin members having a cylindrical pipe-like restoring force. The cylindrical shape can increase the amount of displacement of the plate 30 with respect to the base 10 compared to the elastic members 50B and 51B.

A space S capable of accommodating a part of the elastic members 50C and 51C is provided inside the annular elastic members 50C and 51C. A space S is provided between two elastic members 50C and between two adjacent elastic members 51C among the four elastic members 51C.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a fourth modified example.

FIG. 11 shows four elastic members 51D (51Da, 51Db, 51Dc, 51Dd). The four elastic members 51D may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, similarly to the elastic members 51 described above. Each of the elastic members 51D is a resin member having a spherical restoring force.

A space S capable of accommodating a part of the elastic members 51D is provided inside the four elastic members 51D arranged in an annular shape. A space S is provided between two adjacent elastic members 51D among the four elastic members 51D.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a fifth modification.

In FIG. 12, an elastic member 50E configured in an annular shape is shown in the upper part. At the bottom, four elastic members 51E (51Ea, 51Eb, 51Ec, 51Ed) each shaped to form a part of the annular elastic member 50E are shown. The four elastic members 51E may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, similarly to the elastic members 51 described above. The elastic members 50E and 51E are resin members having sheet-like restoring force. The surfaces of the elastic members 50E and 51E are uneven. Specifically, a large number of small protrusions 55E are provided on the surfaces of the elastic members 50E and 51E. Since the protrusions 55E and the like are provided to form unevenness, the deformation of the elastic members 50E and 51E when the elastic members 50E and 51E are compressed changes from that in the case of no unevenness. Therefore, the vibration generated by the vibration generator 1 can be changed.

A space S capable of accommodating a part of the elastic members 50E and 51E is provided inside the annularly configured elastic member 50E and the annularly arranged elastic member 51E. A space S is provided between two adjacent elastic members 51E among the four elastic members 51E.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an elastic member according to a sixth modification.

In FIG. 13, an elastic member 50F configured in an annular shape is shown in the upper part. The elastic member 50F is a resin member having a restoring force. The elastic member 50F has an annular sheet-like annular portion 55F and a plurality of projecting portions 56F projecting upward from the annular portion 55F. Each of the protrusions 56F has a rib shape extending in the radial direction of the elastic member 50F.

A space S capable of accommodating a portion of the elastic member 50F is provided inside the annular elastic member 50F. A space S is provided between two adjacent protrusions 56F among the plurality of protrusions 56F.

The elastic member 50F is used, for example, in a state where the upper portion of the projecting portion 56F is in contact with the plate 30. As shown in FIG. When the plate 30 is displaced downward, each protrusion 56F is vertically compressed. Since the projecting portions 56F are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and there is a space in which the projecting portions 56F can be deformed in the circumferential direction, each projecting portion 56F is easily compressed in the vertical direction. Therefore, while using the integrally formed elastic member 50F, it is possible to increase the amount of displacement of the plate 30 with respect to the strength of the magnetic attraction force, as in the case of using a plurality of elastic members. can dissipate the heat generated by

Whether to use an annular elastic member or to dispose a plurality of elastic members at intervals in the circumferential direction may be appropriately selected according to the application of the vibration generator 1 or the like. As described above, when a plurality of elastic members are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, the amount of displacement of the plate 30 with respect to the strength of the magnetic attraction force can be increased, and the heat generated by the coil 40 can be increased. can dissipate heat. On the other hand, when an elastic member having an annular shape is used, the gap between the plate 30 and the flange portion 15 can be eliminated between the inner side and the outer side of the elastic member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem that the displacement of the plate 30 is hindered due to foreign matter or the like entering the inner region of the elastic member.

[Description of the mounting structure of the vibration generator 1]

14A and 14B are diagrams showing a structure for attaching the vibration generator 1 to the electronic device 1001. FIG.

In FIG. 14, detailed structures are shown in simplified form for explanation. FIG. 14 shows a state in which no current is flowing through the coil 40 .

In electronic device 1001 , force sensor (an example of a third elastic member) 1040 is arranged between contact member 1020 and housing 1010 . That is, contact member 1020 is fixed to housing 1010 via force sensor 1040 . Force sensor 1040 detects force applied to contact member 1020 to press contact member 1020 against housing 1010 . Force sensor 1040 is formed of an elastic member having elasticity. Instead of force sensor 1040 or together with force sensor 1040 , an elastic member such as a leaf spring, a coil spring, rubber or synthetic resin may be arranged between contact member 1020 and housing 1010 .

The vibration generator 1 is fixed to the contact member 1020 with the upper surface of the plate 30 facing the lower surface of the contact member 1020 . For example, the base 10 is inserted upward through the hole 11 and the spacer 1091 from the lower side of the flange portion 15 with the spacer 1091 sandwiched between the upper surface of the flange portion 15 and the contact member 1020 . It is secured to the contact member 1020 by a screw 1090 .

A gap is provided between the lower surface of the base 10 of the vibration generator 1 facing the housing 1010 and the upper surface of the bottom surface of the housing 1010 facing the vibration generator 1 .

The plate 30 can come into contact with and be separated from the contact member 1020 in a direction toward and away from the base 10, that is, in a vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the upper surface of plate 30 is in contact with the lower surface of contact member 1020 while current is not flowing through coil 40 . When the plate 30 is in contact with the contact member 1020 in this way, the elastic member 51 is more compressed than in the natural state (the state in which no force is applied to move the plate 30 toward or away from the base 10). In other words, the elastic member 51 supporting the plate 30 in contact with the contact member 1020 is deformed. That is, the vibration generator 1 is fixed to the contact member 1020 in a state where the plate 30 is slightly pressed against the base 10 by contacting the contact member 1020 with the plate 30 . With the vibration generator 1 fixed to the contact member 1020 and the plate 30 in contact with the contact member 1020, the elastic member 51 directs the plate 30 toward the contact member 1020 in the direction toward and away from the base 10. It is biased and plate 30 is acting on contact member 1020 .

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the vibration generator 1 in a state where the coil 40 is energized.

When the coil 40 is energized, the plate 30 is displaced and approaches the base 10 . At this time, the position of the base 10 does not change. That is, at this time, the plate 30 is separated (separated) from the contact member 1020 as shown in FIG.

Subsequently, when the current flowing through the coil 40 is stopped, the magnetic attraction disappears. Then, the plate 30 is urged upward by the restoring force of the elastic member 51 , and the plate 30 is displaced toward the contact member 1020 . When the plate 30 is displaced until it contacts the contact member 1020, the plate 30 stops contacting the contact member 1020 and returns to the state shown in FIG.

In this way, by repeating the application of the current to the coil 40 and the interruption of the current, the state shown in FIG. 14 and the state shown in FIG. 15 are repeatedly generated. When the plate 30 repeats reciprocating displacement, vibration is generated due to the reaction of the contact member 1020 to the plate 30 , and the vibration is transmitted to the contact member 1020 . Since the contact member 1020 is connected to the housing 1010 via the force sensor 1040 which is an elastic member, the contact member 1020 is allowed to displace slightly with respect to the housing 1010 . Since the vibration is also transmitted to the housing 1010, the user using the electronic device 1001 can feel the vibration.

When the current flowing through the coil 40 is stopped and the plate 30 contacts the contact member 1020 , the plate 30 can be vigorously applied to the contact member 1020 . Since the impact can be applied to the contact member 1020, the user can feel a relatively unique feel such as a click feeling.

Note that the mounting structure of the vibration generator 1 is not limited to this. Moreover, the vibration generator 1 can be used in various electronic devices other than the electronic device 1001 .

For example, the vibration generator 1 may be attached to the housing of the electronic device instead of the contact member.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a first modification of the mounting structure of the vibration generator 1. FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the mounting structure of the vibration generator 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , electronic device 1201 is, for example, a so-called smart phone, and includes contact member 1020 , housing 1210 , force sensor 1040 , and vibration generator 1 . Unlike the electronic device 1001 described above, the electronic device 1201 has the vibration generator 1 attached to the housing 1210 side instead of the contact member 1020 side.

As shown in FIG. 17, a mounting portion 1212 having a recess 1214 in the center for mounting the vibration generator 1 is formed inside the housing 1010 . The mounting portion 1212 protrudes from the recess 1214 so as to support the flange portion 15 of the vibration generator 1 . The vibration generator 1 is arranged such that the portion of the flange portion 15 where the hole portion 11 is provided is placed on the mounting portion 1212, and the screw 1090 is attached so as to pass through the hole portion 11 from above. , and is attached to the attachment portion 1212 .

In this modified example, the dimension from the upper surface of the mounting portion 1212 to the upper surface of the recess 1214 is slightly larger than the dimension from the lower surface of the flange portion 15 of the vibration generator 1 to the lower surface of the recess 14 . Therefore, between the surface of the vibration generator 1 facing the housing 1210 (here, the lower surface of the recess 14) and the surface of the housing 1210 facing the vibration generator 1 (here, the upper surface of the recess 1214) , with a gap.

The plate 30 of the vibration generator 1 is sandwiched between the contact members 1020 with the elastic member 1205 (second elastic member) interposed therebetween. That is, elastic member 1205 is provided between plate 30 and contact member 1020 . Also, the elastic member 1205 is connected or fixed to the plate 30 and the contact member 1020 directly or through another member such as an adhesive. The elastic member 1205 is a member having cushioning properties. The elastic member 1205 is, for example, a resin member such as rubber or synthetic resin. Since the elastic member 1205 is provided, the vibration generated by the vibration generator 1 is slightly reduced by the elastic member 1205 and transmitted to the contact member 1020 as well. In addition, when the housing 1210, the force sensor 1040, and the contact member 1020 are assembled, the dimensional tolerance between the housing 1210 and the contact member 1020 becomes relatively large. , and the force accompanying the displacement of the plate 30 can be applied to the contact member 1020 .

If necessary, the plate 30 may be connected or fixed to the contact member 1020 directly or via another member such as an adhesive without providing the elastic member 1205 .

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a second modification of the mounting structure of the vibration generator. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 18. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the electronic device 1601 is, for example, a so-called tablet computer, and includes a contact member 1620, a housing 1610, an elastic member 1640, and the vibration generator 1. . Contact member 1620 is a touch panel. The elastic member 1640 is, for example, an elastic member such as rubber or synthetic resin, and is arranged between the contact member 1620 and the housing 1610 . The elastic member 1640 is arranged, for example, so as to surround the outer peripheral portion of the contact member 1620 .

As shown in FIG. 18 , in electronic device 1601 , vibration generator 1 is fixed to the outer periphery of contact member 1620 . That is, the vibration generator 1 is connected to the contact member 1620 such that the plate 30 contacts a part of the outer peripheral portion of the contact member 1620 . As shown in FIG. 19, a gap is provided between the surface of base 10 of vibration generator 1 and the inner surface of housing 1620 . In FIG. 19, illustration of the internal structure of the vibration generator 1 is omitted.

Thus, even when the vibration generator 1 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the contact member 1620, the vibration generated by the vibration generator 1 can be transmitted to the contact member 1620. can be used.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the electronic device.

As shown in FIG. 20, electronic device 1401 is, for example, a steering wheel of an automobile. Electronic device 1401 has contact members 1420 on each of three spokes 1407 connecting hub 1405 and handle 1403 . Each contact member 1420 is, for example, an operation input unit that includes a plurality of operation switches for selecting and adjusting various functions of the automobile. A vibration generator 1 is attached to the back of each contact member 1420 . By using the vibration generator 1, when the operation switch of each contact member 1420 is operated, it is possible to generate vibration corresponding to the operation, and to give feedback on the operation to the user.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the vibration generator 1 has a thin structure including the base 10 , the coil 40 , the plate 30 and the elastic member 51 . Therefore, the vibration generator 1 having a relatively large vibration surface can be miniaturized. In the vibration generator 1, since a magnetic circuit is formed by the base 10 and the plate 30, large vibrations can be efficiently generated. A flange portion 15 is provided on the base 10, and a plate 30 is provided so as to face the flange portion 15. Therefore, magnetic flux is less likely to leak between the plate 30 and the flange portion 15, which serves as a magnetic pole portion. resistance can be lowered) and greater vibration can be generated.

Between the plate 30 and the base 10 are arranged a plurality of elastic members 51 having the same vertical dimension (thickness). Therefore, the plate 30 can be displaced while maintaining its horizontal posture.

[Second embodiment]

Since the basic configuration of the vibration generator in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description will not be repeated here. Configurations that are substantially the same in shape or function as the configurations described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the manner in which the elastic members are arranged, the configuration of the base, and the like.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the vibration generator 101 according to the second embodiment. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 21. FIG.

In FIG. 21, illustration of the plate 30 is omitted in order to explain the internal structure of the vibration generator 101. As shown in FIG. That is, the constituent members that are hidden behind the plate 30 in the original plan view of the vibration generator 101 are also indicated by solid lines in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the vibration generator 101 has a base 110, a plate 30, a coil 40, and elastic members 151 (151a, 151b, 151c, 151d, 151m).

In the second embodiment, a center projection 120 and an outer projection 125 are attached to the base 110 . The center protrusion 120 is arranged in the recess 17 in the central portion of the recess 14 of the base 110, like the protrusion 20 of the first embodiment. The outer convex portion 125 is an annular member. The outer convex portion 125 is formed and arranged outside the outer circumference of the coil 40 so as to surround the outer circumference of the coil 40 . An annular recess 117b to which the outer protrusion 125 is fixed is formed in the bottom 14a of the recess 14 of the base 110. As shown in FIG. The center convex portion 120 and the outer convex portion 125 are made of a magnetic material like the convex portion 20 . For example, the center projection 120 and the outer projection 125 are made of iron. As the current flows through the coil 40, the base 110 is magnetized, and the upper portion of the center convex portion 120 and the upper portion of the outer convex portion 125 become magnetic pole portions.

The center convex portion 120 and the outer convex portion 125 are formed so that their upper surfaces are at the same height as the upper surface of the base 110 . The plate 30 is arranged such that the outer peripheral portion of the plate 30 faces the upper surface of the outer convex portion 125 . Note that the base 110 is not provided with the wide flange portion 15 arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the recess 14 as in the first embodiment, and the recess 14 in which the hole portion 11 is provided. Only the left and right side portions of the are spread like flanges.

A recess 120a in which an elastic member 151m (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the center elastic member 151m) is arranged is formed in the central portion of the upper surface of the center convex portion 120. As shown in FIG. Further, the outer convex portion 125 is formed with four depressions 126 in which elastic members 151a, 151b, 151d, and 151d (hereinafter collectively referred to as outer elastic members 151) are arranged. In the second embodiment, like the elastic members 51 in the first embodiment, the outer elastic members 151 are arranged side by side at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The depths of the depressions 120a and 126 are, for example, uniform, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the depth of the depressions 120a and the depth of the depressions 126 may be different.

In the base 110, between the recess 17 in which the center protrusion 120 is placed and the recess 117b in which the outer protrusion 125 is placed, a slightly raised coil placement portion 116 is provided. A coil 40 is arranged above the coil arrangement portion 116 . As a result, it is possible to configure the vibration generator 1 having a vibration plane of a certain size while reducing the volume of the coil 40 as necessary. In addition, in the magnetic circuit formed by the base 110 and the plate 30, it is possible to prevent saturation of the magnetic flux at the bottom portion 14a. Also, a coil placement portion 116 may be provided in order to adjust the top surface of the coil 40 and the top surface of the center convex portion 120 to the same height.

An insulating film (resin film) 145 is arranged on the upper surface of the coil 40 . An insulating film (resin film) 146 is arranged between the lower surface of the coil 40 and the coil arrangement portion 116 . The insulating films (resin films) 145 and 146 are, for example, insulating resin members. Thereby, insulation between the coil 40 and the base 110 and between the coil 40 and the plate 30 can be reliably secured.

In the second embodiment, the base 110 has a center protrusion 120 and an outer protrusion 125, and the outer periphery of the plate 30 is arranged to face the upper surface of the outer protrusion 125. . Therefore, the plate 30, the center convex portion 120, the outer convex portion 125, and the bottom portion 14a of the base 110 form a magnetic circuit. Therefore, the vibration generator 101 can function in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. The vibration generator 101 according to the second embodiment can be used in various electronic devices in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

Since a relatively wide one can be used as the outer convex portion 125, the diameter of the plate 30 can be increased accordingly, and the efficiency of the vibration generator 101 can be improved while enlarging the vibration surface. can.

Further, since the depressions 120a and 126 are formed in the center convex portion 120 and the outer convex portion 125, the distance between the plate 30 and the upper surface of the base 110 can be reduced, and the vertical height of the elastic member 151 can be reduced. can be secured for a long time. When the elastic member 151 is compressed by displacing the plate 30 toward the base 110, as the amount of displacement of the plate 30 increases, the force generated by the elastic member 151 resisting the displacement increases. The degree becomes smaller when the vertical length of the elastic member 151 in the natural state is longer. Therefore, when current flows through the coil 40, the magnitude of the magnetic attractive force acting between the plate 30 and the base 110 can be increased, and the elastic member 151 can be easily compressed.

As the plate 30 is displaced downward with respect to the base 110, the center elastic member 151m expands in the radial direction and is deformed and compressed. Therefore, since the plate 30 is stably supported at the central portion of the plate 30, the plate 30 is less likely to be displaced in the horizontal direction when the plate 30 is repeatedly displaced in the vertical direction. Therefore, vibration can be stably generated.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a modified example of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 23, the vibration generator 201 has a base 210, a plate 30, a coil 40, and elastic members 151b and 151d. Compared with the vibration generator 1 according to the above-described second embodiment, the vibration generator 201 mainly does not have the center elastic member 151m and does not have the coil arrangement portion 116. is different from 23 shows a cross section passing through the elastic members 151b and 151d of the plurality of elastic members 151. As shown in FIG.

The base 210 has a convex portion 20 , an outer convex portion 125 and a spacer 228 . The protrusion 20 is arranged in the recess 17 of the bottom 14 a of the recess 14 . The outer convex portion 125 is arranged in an annular recess 117b formed in the bottom portion 14a. The spacer 228 is arranged on the bottom portion 14 a between the convex portion 20 and the outer convex portion 125 . The spacer 228 has a ring shape with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer protrusion 125 and an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer shape of the protrusion 20 . The spacer 228 is made of a magnetic material, like the protrusions 20 and the outer protrusions 125 . For example, spacer 228 is made of iron. By forming the spacer 228 with a magnetic material, the magnetic efficiency of the magnetic circuit is improved, and the amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration generator 1 can be increased. Coil 40 and insulating films 145 and 146 are placed on spacer 228 . Note that the spacer 228 may be made of a non-magnetic material such as resin. A member having insulating properties may be used as the spacer 228 so that the insulation of the coil 40 can be ensured more reliably.

Also in the vibration generator 201, a magnetic circuit is formed by the plate 30, the convex portion 20 of the base 210, the outer convex portion 125, and the bottom portion 14a. Therefore, the vibration generator 201 can be made to function in the same manner as in the second embodiment. Although the vibration generator 201 does not have the center elastic member 151m, the other elastic member 151 is provided, so that the vibration generator 201 can function. A center elastic member 151m may be provided so that the plate 30 can be displaced in the vertical direction more stably.

[Third Embodiment]

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a vibration generator 401 according to the third embodiment. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG of FIG. 24. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the vibration generator 401 has a base 410, a plate 430, a coil 40, and elastic members 151 (151a, 151b, 151c, 151d, 151m). The coil 40, the insulating films 145 and 146 arranged above and below it, and the elastic member 151 are the same as those in the above-described second embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

In the third embodiment, base 410 has core 420 and bottom plate 411 .

Core 420 is a magnetic material. The core 420 is made of iron, for example. Core 420 has, for example, a cylindrical shape as a whole. The core 420 has a groove portion 428 recessed downward from the top surface. As a result, a center convex portion 421 and an outer convex portion 425 that protrude upward when viewed from the groove portion 428 are provided. That is, the center convex portion 421 and the outer convex portion 425 are configured by one member.

The coil 40 is arranged inside the groove 428 together with the insulating films 145 and 146 . The center convex portion 421 and the outer convex portion 425 play the same roles as the center convex portion 120 and the outer convex portion 125 in the second embodiment in the vibration generator 401 . That is, as the current flows through the coil 40, the core 420 is magnetized, and the upper portion of the center convex portion 421 and the upper portion of the outer convex portion 425 become magnetic poles.

The bottom plate 411 is, for example, a roughly square plate-like member in plan view. A portion where the core 420 is arranged is a recess 414 recessed from the peripheral portion. Core 420 is positioned in recess 414 . A protrusion 419 on which a terminal (not shown) is arranged is formed in front of the bottom plate 411 . For example, the lower surface or part of the side surface of the groove portion 428 of the core 420 is provided with a through hole or a notch portion (not shown) penetrating between the outer surface of the core 420 and the through hole or notch. A wire of the coil 40 is led to the projecting portion 419 through the portion.

The bottom plate 411 may be made of a magnetic material such as iron, or may be made of another material such as resin. By forming the bottom plate 411 with a magnetic material, the magnetic efficiency of the magnetic circuit is improved, and the amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration generator 1 can be increased. Also, the bottom plate 411 may be, for example, a circuit board or the like. The bottom plate 411 does not necessarily have to be provided with the depression 414 and the protrusion 419 .

The elastic member 151 is arranged on the upper surface of the center convex portion 421 and the upper surface of the outer convex portion 425 . A disk-shaped plate 430 is arranged on the elastic member 151 . Thus, a magnetic circuit is formed by the plate 430 and the core 420 having the center projection 421 and the outer projection 425 . A relatively large vertical thickness of the core 420 is ensured at the portion where the groove 428 is provided. Therefore, magnetic flux saturation is less likely to occur in the magnetic circuit.

A corner portion of the bottom plate 411 is provided with a rod-shaped support portion 461 arranged so that the vertical direction is the longitudinal direction. A protrusion 462 that protrudes upward is provided on the upper surface of the plate 430 . An annular rubber member 465 is hung between the support portion 461 and the projecting portion 462 . This constitutes a holding structure 460 that holds the plate 430 with respect to the base 410 . The holding structure 460 is provided, for example, at each of the right front portion, the right rear portion, the left front portion, and the left rear portion of the vibration generator 401 . As a result, the plate 430 is prevented from falling off, and the vibration generator 401 can be used in various applications and postures.

Also in the third embodiment, the plate 430 and the core 420 having the center convex portion 421 and the outer convex portion 425 constitute a magnetic circuit. Therefore, the vibration generator 401 can be made to function in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. Vibration generator 401 in the third embodiment can be used in various electronic devices in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]

Since the basic configuration of the vibration generator in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description will not be repeated here. Configurations that are substantially the same in shape or function as the configurations described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator 601 according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 26, the vibration generator 601 has a base 10, a plate 630, a coil 40, and elastic members 51 (51a, 51b). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of elastic members 51 are arranged side by side on the flange portion 15 in the circumferential direction. A protrusion 635 is provided on the surface of the plate 630 facing the base 10 . The projecting portion 635 is arranged to face the projecting portion 620 of the base 10 . In addition, the height of the projection 620 in the vertical direction is reduced by the downward projection of the projecting portion 635 .

Also in the fourth embodiment, the protrusion 635 and the outer peripheral portion of the plate 630 , the protrusion 620 of the base 10 , the bottom portion 14 a and the flange portion 15 form a magnetic circuit. Therefore, the vibration generator 601 can be made to function in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. Protrusions 635 of plate 630 also serve as weights. That is, since the plate 630 is provided with the projecting portion 635 as a weight and the plate 630 is relatively heavy, it is possible to generate a greater vibration force.

Note that the weight may be arranged on a surface other than the bottom surface of the plate 630 . A weight configured as a separate member from the plate 630 may be attached to the plate 630 .

The top surface of the coil 40 shown in FIG. 26 is level with the top surface of the base portion 15 . By increasing the thickness of the coil 40 in this manner, the magnetic attractive force can be increased. Note that the upper surface of the coil 40 is not limited to this, and the upper surface of the convex portion 620 may be set at the same height.

[Fifth Embodiment]

Since the basic configuration of the vibration generator in the fifth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description will not be repeated here. Configurations that are substantially the same in shape or function as the configurations described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator 701 according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 27, the vibration generator 701 has a base 710, a plate 730, a coil 40, and elastic members 751 (751a, 751b).

The plate 730 has a structure in which an outer peripheral end portion 732 is bent. That is, the outer peripheral end portion 732 is bent from the top surface portion 731 toward the coil 40 . The outer peripheral end portion 732 is bent downward from the top surface portion 731, which is a horizontal portion.

In this embodiment, the outer peripheral edge 732 of the plate 730 is located inside the outer peripheral edge of the base 710 . Specifically, the outer peripheral end portion 732 is located inside the outer peripheral end portion of the concave portion 14 of the base 710, that is, the side wall portion 14b. The plate 730 is attached to the base 710 side so that the outer peripheral end portion 732 enters the recess 14 of the base 710 . The outer peripheral end portion 732 is inserted between the outer peripheral side surface of the coil 40 and the side wall portion 14 b of the base 710 . An elastic member 751 is arranged between the lower end portion of the outer peripheral end portion 732 and the upper surface of the bottom portion 14 a of the concave portion 14 of the base 710 . The elastic member 751 supports the plate 730 with respect to the base 710, like the elastic member 51 in the first embodiment.

In the fifth embodiment, the plate 730 and the base 710 form a magnetic circuit. Therefore, the vibration generator 701 can be made to function in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Since the outer peripheral edge 732 of the plate 730 is close to the bottom 14a and side wall 14b of the base 710, magnetic flux leakage between the plate 730 and the base 710 is reduced (magnetic resistance is reduced). Therefore, the efficiency of the vibration generator 701 can be improved.

[Sixth Embodiment]

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a vibration generator 801 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a vibration generator 801 according to the sixth embodiment.

28 and 29, vibration generator 801 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The vibration generator 801 has a base 810, a plate 830, a coil 840, and elastic members 851 (851a, 851b).

The base 810 has flange portions 815 formed with holes 11 on both left and right sides, and a concave portion 814 recessed downward in the central portion between the two flange portions 815 . The recessed portion 814 has a rectangular shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the front-rear direction. A core 820 is arranged in the recess 814 . A coil 840 is arranged around the core 820 . The core 820 and the coil 840 are formed, for example, in an oval shape (including a shape in which two semicircular arcs are connected by two line segments) that is long in the left-right direction in accordance with the shape of the recess 814 .

The plate 830 has a top surface portion 831 that is a horizontal portion and two bent portions 832 that are bent in the direction of the coil 840 from the top surface portion 831 at the right and left ends. The bent portion 832 is located inside the outer peripheral edge of the base 810 . Specifically, the bent portion 832 is located inside the side wall portion 814 a of the concave portion 814 of the base 810 . The plate 830 is attached to the base 810 side such that the lower end of the bent portion 832 enters the concave portion 814 of the base 810 . A lower end portion of the bent portion 832 is inserted between the outer peripheral side surface of the coil 840 and the side wall portion 814 b of the base 810 . An elastic member 851 is arranged between the lower end of the bent portion 832 and the upper surface of the recess 814 of the base 810 . The elastic member 851 supports the plate 830 with respect to the base 810, like the elastic member 51 in the first embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, the plate 830 and the base 810 form a magnetic circuit. Therefore, the vibration generator 801 can be made to function in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Since the bent portion 832 of the plate 830 is close to the upper surface of the recess 814 of the base 810 and faces the side wall portion 814b, magnetic flux leakage between the plate 830 and the base 810 is reduced (magnetic resistance is reduced). Therefore, the efficiency of the vibration generator 801 can be improved.

Members such as the base 810 and the plate 830 of the vibration generator 801 can be easily manufactured by linear bending or the like.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a vibration generator 901 according to one modification of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a vibration generator 901 according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment.

30 and 31, vibration generator 901 has basically the same structure as vibration generator 801 according to the sixth embodiment. A plate-like plate 930 is used instead of the plate 830 in the vibration generator 901 . Instead of the elastic member 851, elastic members 951 (951a, 951b) are arranged on the upper surface of the flange portion 815 of the base 810. As shown in FIG. The right and left sides of plate 930 face flange 815 . The elastic member 951 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the right and left sides of the plate 930 and the flange portion 815 .

In vibration generator 901, flange portion 815 of base 810 serves as a magnetic pole portion, and plate 930 and base 810 form a magnetic circuit. Therefore, the vibration generator 901 can function similarly to the vibration generator 801 . Since the left and right sides of the plate 930 face the flange portion 815, magnetic flux leakage between the plate 930 and the base 810 is reduced (magnetic resistance is reduced). Therefore, the efficiency of the vibration generator 901 can be improved.

[others]

The vibration generator may be configured by appropriately combining the individual feature points of the above-described embodiment and its modifications. For example, the external shape of the vibration generator 1 shown in FIG. 18 may be a disc shape as shown in FIG. 4, or a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. 28 to be described later. Also, the vibration generator 1 shown in FIG. 18 may be appropriately changed to any one of the vibration generators 101, 201, 401, 601, 701, 801, and 901 of the sixth embodiment from the second embodiment. I don't mind.

Other members include known members such as an adhesive, the elastic member described above, and a resin member.

The vibration generator is not limited to the thin or small one as exemplified above. A large-sized vibration generator having the same basic configuration may be constructed.

The vibration generator is not limited to the types of electronic devices described above, and can be used in various types of electronic devices. For example, personal computers and their peripheral devices, household electronic appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines, electronic devices such as remote controllers for operating them, electronic devices used for transportation equipment, buildings, etc. The vibration generator can be used for various electronic devices such as electronic devices that can be

The above-described embodiments should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

1, 101, 201, 401, 601, 701, 801, 901 Vibration generator 10, 110, 210, 410, 710, 810 Base 14, 814 Recess 14a Bottom 14b, 814b Side wall 15, 815 Flange 20, 820 Protrusion Part 30, 630, 730, 830, 930 Plate 40, 840 Coil 51, 50A, 51A, 50B, 51B, 50C, 51C, 51D, 50E, 51E, 50F, 151, 751, 851, 951 Elastic member 55E Projection 56F Projection Part 116 Coil Arrangement Part 120, 421 Center Projection 120a Recess 125, 425 Outer Projection 126 Recess 145, 146 Insulating Film (Resin Film)
151m Center elastic member 228 Spacer 411 Bottom plate 420 Core 635 Protruding part 732 Outer peripheral edge 832 Bending part 1001, 1201, 1401, 1601 Electronic device 1010, 1210, 1407, 1610 Housing 1020, 1420, 1620 Contact member 1040 Force sensor 1205 Elasticity Member 1640 elastic member

According to one aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object, a vibration generator includes an annular coil, a plate made of a magnetic material, and an elastic member supporting the plate with respect to the coil, wherein the elastic member is It is a deformable gel-like member having a restoring force.
Preferably, the elastic member is radially deformable.
Preferably, a space capable of accommodating a part of the elastic member is provided inside the elastic member.
Preferably, the elastic member is annular.
Preferably, the plate has a surface facing the coil and a protrusion provided on the surface, the protrusion serving as a weight.
Preferably, the projection is inside the annular coil.
Preferably, the inner peripheral surface of the annular coil and the outer peripheral surface of the projecting portion face each other in the radial direction.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes a housing and any of the vibration generators described above.

Claims (15)

a base having a convex portion formed of a magnetic material and a concave portion provided with the convex portion;
an annular coil surrounding the protrusion;
a plate-shaped plate facing the base and formed of a magnetic material;
an elastic member supporting the plate with respect to the base;
the plate and the base form a magnetic circuit,
A magnetic gap is formed between the convex portion and the plate,
The elastic member is arranged in the magnetic gap,
The concave portion has a bottom portion and a side wall portion provided with the convex portion,
The side wall portion and the outer peripheral portion of the coil face each other in a radial direction,
there is a space between the coil and the plate;
the elastic member is deformable toward a space between the coil and the plate;
A weight is arranged on the surface of the plate opposite to the base,
an outer peripheral portion of the plate is located on the side wall side with respect to an outer peripheral portion of the coil;
The vibration generating device, wherein the outer peripheral portion of the elastic member is inside the inner peripheral portion of the coil. 2. The vibration generator according to claim 1, wherein said side wall portion and said outer peripheral portion of said coil face each other in a radial direction. 3. The vibration generator according to claim 1, wherein there is a gap between the projection and the annular coil in the radial direction. 4. The vibration generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein there is a gap between the side wall and the annular coil in the radial direction. 5. The vibration generator according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of said elastic member is smaller than the thickness of said convex portion. a housing;
a contact member attached to the housing;
A vibration generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The electronic device, wherein the vibration generator is connected or fixed to the housing or the contact member directly or via another member. a base having a protrusion, a bottom provided with the protrusion, and a side wall;
a coil having an annular shape surrounding the protrusion;
a plate having a top surface portion and a bent portion bent in a direction from the top surface portion toward the coil,
The side wall portion and the bent portion face each other,
the plate and the base form a magnetic circuit,
There is a magnetic gap between the convex portion and the top surface portion,
Vibration generator. 8. The vibration generator according to claim 7, wherein an elastic member is provided between said side wall portion and said bent portion. 9. The vibration generator according to claim 7, wherein a flange portion is provided on the side wall portion side of the base. 10. A vibration generator as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein there is a gap between the side wall and the coil in the radial direction. a housing;
a contact member attached to the housing;
A vibration generator according to any one of claims 7 to 10,
The electronic device, wherein the vibration generator is connected or fixed to the housing or the contact member directly or via another member. a housing;
a contact member attached to the housing;
a mounting portion provided inside the housing;
a base having a protrusion, a bottom provided with the protrusion, and a side wall;
a coil having an annular shape surrounding the protrusion;
a plate having a top surface portion and a bent portion bent in a direction from the top surface portion toward the coil,
The plate is connected or fixed to the contact member directly or via another member,
The base is attached to the attachment portion,
The side wall portion and the bent portion face each other,
the plate and the base form a magnetic circuit,
There is a magnetic gap between the convex portion and the top surface portion,
Electronics. The base includes a flange portion provided on the side wall portion,
13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein said flange portion is attached to said attachment portion. 14. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein an elastic member is provided between said side wall portion and said bent portion. 15. The electronic device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein there is a gap between the side wall portion and the coil in a radial direction.

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