JP7434741B2 - Vibration generator for push button switch, push button switch - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vibration generator for a push button switch, and more particularly to a voice coil motor type vibration generator.

Conventionally, amusement machines such as pachinko machines, pachislot machines, and slot machines have been equipped with push button switches, and it has been used to give players a sense of anticipation for the game through effects such as flashing buttons. It is being said. As an effect, it is known to make the push button switch vibrate or make the button part of the push button switch protrude.

As the vibration generator, there is a voice coil motor type vibration generator. There are various types of voice coil motors (hereinafter referred to as VCMs), such as vibration generators, linear motors, magnetic head drive actuators, and electric motors (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 6). VCM converts electrical energy into kinetic energy using the energy (magnetic field) of a magnet as a medium. VCM utilizes the operating principle that when a current is passed through a conductor in a magnetic field, a force is generated in a predetermined direction according to Fleming's left hand rule.

FIG. 20 is a default vertical cross-sectional view of the conventional vibration generator 100. The fixing part 101 includes a bobbin 102 and a coil 103 wound around the bobbin 102, and is fixed to the installation stand 61 or the like. The movable part 105 includes a case yoke 106, a cylindrical magnet (permanent magnet) 107 attached to the center bottom of the case yoke 106, and a cylindrical back yoke 108 attached to the magnet 107. Arrow Y indicates the magnetization direction of the magnet 107. The fixed part 101 and the movable part 105 are combined by inserting a magnet 107 and a back yoke 108 inside the bobbin 102.

In such a configuration, when current is applied to the coil 103, the movable part 105 moves upward, and by cutting off the current flowing to the coil 103 or changing the direction of the current, the movable part 105 moves to the fixed part 101 by its own weight or attraction force. pulled back to the side. The movable part 105 that has moved upward collides with the vibrating object 60 and causes the vibrating object 60 to vibrate. The vibrating object 60 corresponds to a button part of a push button switch.

Furthermore, some of the small-sized vibration generators built into mobile phones and smartphones include a combination of a VCM and a leaf spring (for example, Patent Document 7). In this case, a magnet (permanent magnet) is suspended by a leaf spring, and the resonance phenomenon caused by the leaf spring is used to vibrate.

On the other hand, as a device for protruding the button part of a push button switch, there is a device that uses a motor and a gear to rotate a shaft member along a spirally formed guide member (for example, Patent Document 8) .

Utility Model Publication No. 63-138874 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-57776 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-154688 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-215021 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 62-92757 JP2003-333823A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-258253 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-116169

However, in the conventional vibration generator shown in FIG. 20, vibrations are generated using only the Lorentz force generated between the magnetic field of the magnet 107 and the current flowing through the coil 103 as a thrust. Therefore, there is a problem that the amount of vibration obtained is small relative to the input power. In addition, in low-priced types that are not equipped with a guide mechanism to guide the movement of the movable part 105, there is a problem that the guide part 105 comes into contact with the coil 103 when the movable part 105 moves up and down, and the coil 103 wears out and breaks early. be.

On the other hand, a conventional vibration generator that combines a VCM and a leaf spring can generate a larger amount of vibration with respect to input power by utilizing resonance phenomena than a configuration that uses only Lorentz force. However, since a leaf spring is used, the vibration stroke (amplitude) is shallow and the change in spring constant is large. When the spring constant changes, the resonant frequency changes, so feedback control of the resonant frequency is required to achieve stable resonance. Note that by increasing the size of the leaf spring, the stroke can be deepened and the spring constant can be stabilized, but this increases the size of the vibration generator.

Furthermore, if it is mounted on a push button switch of an amusement machine and attempts to produce both vibration and button protrusion, a vibration generator and a motor, gears, etc. for protruding the button part will also be required separately.

Although the present invention is compact, it is possible to obtain a large amount of vibration without requiring feedback control of the resonance frequency, and vibrates with the movable part raised higher than the default without requiring a large thrust. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vibration generator that can generate vibrations.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.
That is, the vibration generator according to one aspect of the present invention includes a fixed part having a bobbin and a coil wound around the bobbin, a permanent magnet, and a yoke, and the magnetic flux by the permanent magnet interlinks with the coil. The movable part combined with the fixed part is disposed in coaxial holes formed in the bobbin and the movable part, respectively, with the movable direction of the movable part being the axial direction, and the fixed part and the movable part and a coil spring having nonlinear characteristics that connects the parts.

In the above configuration, the fixed part and the movable part are connected by a coil spring, so the resonance phenomenon can be suppressed by energizing the coil at the same frequency as the resonance frequency determined by the mass of the movable part and the spring constant of the coil spring. It is possible to generate vibrations using As a result, compared to conventional vibration generators that use only Lorentz force as thrust, highly efficient driving is possible, and a larger amount of vibration can be obtained with the same input power.

Furthermore, since a coil spring is used to obtain the resonance phenomenon, it is easier to obtain a deeper vibration stroke (amplitude) than with a plate spring, and the spring constant is stabilized. As a result, the resonant frequency is stabilized, and stable resonance can be achieved without feedback control of the resonant frequency, unlike conventional vibration generators using plate springs. In addition, since coil springs are cheaper than leaf springs, they also have cost advantages.

Moreover, since the coil spring has nonlinear characteristics, the movable part can be vibrated around the pop-up position from the default position without requiring a large thrust. As a result, we have created a vibration generator suitable for push-button switches in amusement machines that can vibrate when the button part is pushed up, without requiring a large thrust as well as mechanisms such as motors and gears. realizable.

Further, the coil spring is disposed in a coaxial hole portion formed in the bobbin and the movable portion, respectively, with the axial direction being the movable direction of the movable portion. By arranging it in this manner, the vibration generator does not become large in size, and can maintain the same size as a conventional vibration generator that uses only Lorentz force as thrust. Furthermore, by arranging them in this way, it is possible to assemble them without using a coil spring and configure a conventional vibration generator that uses only Lorentz force as thrust. This makes it possible to share parts between the type that uses resonance and the type that does not, resulting in cost reduction.

Furthermore, since the fixed part and the movable part are connected by a coil spring, the relative positional relationship between the fixed part and the movable part can be regulated without providing a guide mechanism or the like to regulate the movement position of the movable part. . This makes it possible to prevent or reduce not only disconnection due to coil wear but also wear due to contact between the fixed part and the movable part, thereby extending the life of the product.
In the vibration generator according to the one aspect, the coil spring has a large diameter portion at one end that is larger in diameter than the other portion, and the hole formed in the bobbin is a through hole, and the hole portion is a through hole. A configuration may be adopted in which a counterbore is provided around the periphery.

According to this, by inserting the coil spring into the hole formed in the bobbin, the large diameter portion abuts and is locked against the counterbore of the bobbin. Therefore, by connecting the other end (insertion side) of the coil spring to the movable part, the fixed part and the movable part can be easily connected via the coil spring. The assembly process is also simple.
In the vibration generator according to the above aspect, the coil spring and the movable part may be screwed together. According to this, the end of the coil spring and the movable part can be easily connected.
In the vibration generator according to the above aspect, a vibration damping material may be disposed at a connection portion between the movable portion and the coil spring. According to this, residual vibrations after the end of energization are quickly absorbed by the damping material, so that sharp vibrations can be obtained.
In the vibration generator according to the above aspect, the yoke includes a back yoke having the same diameter as the permanent magnet, and a bottomed cylindrical case yoke having a larger diameter than the back yoke, and the permanent magnet includes: magnetized parallel to the movable direction, located at the center of the inner bottom of the case yoke, and sandwiched between the case yoke and the back yoke, the hole being formed in the permanent magnet and the back yoke, The coil may be arranged between the permanent magnet, the back yoke, and the case yoke.

According to this, magnetic flux can be concentrated in the back yoke portion. As a result, the damping of the static thrust becomes gentle, and a vibration generator suitable for long strokes can be obtained.
In the vibration generator according to the one aspect, the yoke includes a large-diameter cylindrical portion, a small-diameter cylindrical portion located at the center inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion and having the hole, and a cylindrical portion between the large-diameter cylindrical portion and the small-diameter cylindrical portion. The permanent magnet has a cylindrical shape, is magnetized in a direction perpendicular to the movable direction, and is disposed inside the large diameter cylindrical part, and the coil is , it may be arranged between the permanent magnet and the small diameter cylindrical portion.

According to this, the cross-sectional area of the coil interlinked with the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet can be made longer in the movable direction. As a result, inexpensive and weak magnets such as ferrite magnets can be used, and costs can be reduced.
A push button switch according to one aspect of the present invention includes a button part that is in a reference position when not operated and moves in a pushing direction when an operator pushes the button part, and a button part that supports the button part so that the button part can be pushed and operated. A base part for returning the button part, and the vibration generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixed part is fixed to the base part, and the movable part is fixed to the bottom surface of the button part. The button part is arranged on the side and is configured to move the button part from the reference position in a direction opposite to the pushing direction when vibrating.

According to the above configuration, the base portion to which the fixed portion is fixed resonates in reaction to the vibration caused by the resonance of the movable portion, and a large amount of vibration is obtained around the base portion. Then, the movable part disposed on the lower surface side of the button part rises from the default position, thereby pushing up the button part. Thereby, it is possible to realize a push button switch for an amusement machine that can vibrate when the button part is pushed up, without requiring a large thrust as well as mechanisms such as a motor and gears.

According to the present invention, although the present invention is small, it is possible to obtain a large amount of vibration without requiring feedback control of the resonant frequency, and in a state where the movable part is raised higher than the default without requiring a large thrust. A vibration generator that can vibrate can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vibration generator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a default vertical cross-sectional view of the vibration generator of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between deflection and load of equal pitch coil springs and unequal pitch coil springs. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration generator of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram of an example of a drive current flowing through a coil of the vibration generator of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the vibration generator of FIG. 1 is popped up from a default state. FIG. 3 is a resonance curve diagram showing the relationship between the energization frequency and the amplitude ratio with respect to the resonance frequency. It is a figure which shows the relationship between time and the displacement of a movable part when there is no damping material. It is a figure which shows the relationship between time and the displacement of a movable part when there is a damping material. FIG. 2 is a default vertical cross-sectional view of a conventional vibration generator configured by sharing parts with the vibration generator of FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the conventional vibration generator shown in FIG. 10, showing a state in which the movable part collides with a vibrating object. 11 is a waveform diagram of an example of a drive current flowing through a coil of the conventional vibration generator shown in FIG. 10. FIG. FIG. 7 is a default vertical cross-sectional view of another vibration generator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the vibration generator of FIG. 13 is popped up from the default state. 14 is a default vertical cross-sectional view of a conventional vibration generator configured by sharing parts with the vibration generator of FIG. 13. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between stroke position and static thrust of the vibration generator of FIG. 1 and the vibration generator of FIG. 13. FIG. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a push button switch equipped with the vibration generator of FIG. 1; FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the push button switch of FIG. 17 pushes up a button portion. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a push button switch equipped with a conventional vibration generator that shares the parts of FIG. 10. FIG. FIG. 3 is a default vertical cross-sectional view of a conventional vibration generator.

Hereinafter, an embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") according to one aspect of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. However, this embodiment described below is merely an illustration of the present invention in all respects. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. That is, in implementing the present invention, specific configurations depending on the embodiments may be adopted as appropriate.

§1 Application Example First, an example of a situation where the present invention is applied will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, in the vibration generator 1 according to the present embodiment, a fixing part 10 is fixed to a vibrating object 60 using, for example, screws 90. The vibration generator 1 includes a fixed part 10 and a movable part 20. The fixed part 10 has a bobbin 11 and a coil 12 wound around the bobbin 11. The movable part 20 includes a magnet 21, a case yoke 22, and a back yoke 23 that sandwich the magnet 21 in the magnetization direction. The fixed part 10 and the movable part 20 are connected by a coil spring 30 disposed in an axial hole formed across the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20 and elongated in the movable direction. The spring constant k of the coil spring 30 is set in consideration of the mass M of the movable part 20 so as to cause the movable part 20 to resonate at a desired resonance frequency. Further, as the coil spring 30, an unequal pitch coil spring having nonlinear characteristics is used.

According to this, by passing an alternating current with an energization frequency that matches a desired resonant frequency through the coil 12, the movable part 20 moves up and down by Lorentz force, and using this as an external force, the movable part 20 resonates at the resonant frequency. do. The fixed part 10 resonates in response to the reaction force of the vibration caused by the resonance of the movable part 20, and as a result, the vibrating object 60 to which the fixed part 10 is attached resonates.

By utilizing the resonance phenomenon, compared to conventional vibration generators that use only Lorentz force as thrust, it is possible to drive with higher efficiency and obtain a larger amount of vibration with the same input power. Further, a coil spring 30 that generates resonance is arranged in a coaxial hole formed in the bobbin 11 of the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20, respectively, with the movable direction of the movable part 20 being the axial direction. By arranging it in this way, it is possible to maintain the same size as a conventional vibration generator and to share parts with a conventional vibration generator that uses only Lorentz force as thrust, thereby reducing costs.

Moreover, as the coil spring 30, an uneven pitch coil spring is used. As a result, by applying the direct current necessary for the pop-up of the movable part 20 as shown in #500 in FIG. 5 in the form of a superimposed bias on the alternating current, pop-up from the default position as shown in FIG. The movable part 20 can be caused to resonate vertically around the position.

As described above, push-button switches provided in amusement machines such as pachinko machines, pachi-slot machines, and slot machines are required to provide effects to players, such as blinking of the button part.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a push button switch 70 equipped with the vibration generator 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the push button switch 70 includes a button section 71, a base section 72, and the vibration generator 1 described above. The button part 71 is at the standard position when not operated, and moves in the pushing direction when the operator pushes the button part 71 . The base portion 72 supports the button portion 71 so that it can be pushed in, and returns the pressed button portion 71 using the restoring force of a return spring (not shown) or the like. The fixed part 10 of the vibration generator 1 is fixed to the base part 72, and the movable part 20 of the vibration generator 1 is arranged on the lower surface 71a side of the button part 71. Note that reference numeral 73 is a housing or the like to which the push button switch 70 is attached.

When the movable part 20 is caused to resonate without popping up from the default position, the base part 82 to which the fixed part 10 is attached resonates due to the reaction of the vibration of the movable part 20 in the state shown in FIG. The entire center push button switch 70 vibrates.

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the push button switch 70 pushes up the button portion 71. As shown in FIG. 18, when the movable part 20 is caused to resonate in a pop-up position from the default position, the bottom surface 71a is pushed up by the pop-up movable part 20, and the button part 71 is pushed up, and the base part 72 is centered. The entire push button switch 70 vibrates.

In this way, the push button switch 70 equipped with the vibration generator 1 can operate the button part 71 without requiring a large amount of vibration due to resonance, as well as a large thrust force as well as mechanisms such as motors and gears. It can be vibrated when pushed up. A push button switch 70 suitable for amusement equipment can be realized. Further, it can also be applied to a push button switch of an operating device of a home game machine.

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of a push button switch 80 equipped with a conventional vibration generator 50 that shares the parts shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, the push button switch 80 includes a button part 81, a base part 82, and a vibration generator 50. The button part 81 is at the standard position when not operated, and moves in the pushing direction when the operator pushes the button part 81 . The base portion 82 supports the button portion 81 so that it can be pushed in, and returns the pressed button portion 81 using the restoring force of a return spring (not shown) or the like. The fixed part 10 of the vibration generator 50 is fixed to the base part 82, and the movable part 20 of the vibration generator 50 is arranged on the lower surface 81a side of the button part 81. Note that reference numeral 83 is a housing or the like to which the push button switch 80 is attached.

In such a configuration, by energizing the coil 12 (see FIG. 10), the movable part 20 moves upward using only the Lorentz force as thrust, and by turning off the energization, the movable part 20 returns to the fixed part 10 side. . The movable part 20 collides with the lower surface 81a corresponding to the vibrating object 60, causing the button part 81 to vibrate.

§2 Configuration example [Embodiment 1]
Embodiments of one aspect of the present invention will be illustrated below based on FIGS. 1 to 12.

(Configuration of vibration generator 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vibration generator 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a default vertical cross-sectional view of the vibration generator 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1 or 2, a vibration generator (hereinafter referred to as a vibration generator) 1 includes a fixed part 10 fixed to a vibrating object 60 such as a housing, and a fixed part 10 that is movable with respect to the fixed part 10. It has a movable part 20 and a coil spring 30 that connects the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the vibration generator 1 is installed on a horizontal plane, and the movable part 20 is movable in the vertical direction (that is, the movable direction=vertical direction). Note that, as a matter of course, installation is not limited to a horizontal surface.

The fixed part 10 includes a bobbin 11, a coil 12 wound around the bobbin 11, an electrical connection part 13 for electrically connecting to the outside, and the like. The bobbin 11 is a cylindrical component with a bottom for winding the coil 12, and is generally made of resin. The bottom portion 11a of the bobbin 11 is extended in the shape of a brim, and the extended portion is provided with a mounting portion 14 and an electrical connection portion 13 for fixing the vibration generator 1 to a vibrating object 60 such as a casing with screws 90 or the like. is provided. A wall portion 11c is formed in the shape of a flange at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 11b, and the coil 12 is wound between the wall portion 11c and the bottom portion 11a of the cylindrical portion 11b.

A fixed-side shaft hole (hole portion) 15 is formed in the bottom portion 11a of the bobbin 11 at a central portion through which the central axis of the cylindrical portion 11b passes. A counterboring process is performed around the stationary side shaft hole 15 to form a counterboring part 16. The counterbore portion 16 accommodates a large diameter portion 30a of the coil spring 30, which will be described later.

On the other hand, the movable part 20 includes a case yoke 22 having a cylindrical shape with a bottom, a magnet (permanent magnet) 21 arranged at the center of the bottom part 22a inside the case yoke 22, and a magnet (permanent magnet) 21 attached to the magnet 21 and having the same diameter as the magnet 21. A back yoke 23 is provided. The magnet 21 and the back yoke 23 are each formed into a ring shape, and each has a shaft hole that penetrates in the vertical direction, which is the movable direction of the movable part 20. Hereinafter, each shaft hole formed in the magnet 21 and the back yoke 23 will be collectively referred to as a movable side shaft hole (hole portion) 24.

The magnet 21 is located at the center of the movable part 20 when viewed in plan from the movable direction, and the magnetized direction is parallel to the movable direction indicated by arrow Y. As the magnet 21, it is preferable to use a neodymium magnet or the like, which has excellent magnetic properties and can generate a strong magnetic field even with a small size. The case yoke 22 and the back yoke 23 are arranged to sandwich the magnet 21 in the magnetization direction. The case yoke 22 and the back yoke 23 are generally made of iron.

The movable part 20 is combined with the fixed part 10 so that the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 21 interlinks with the coil 12. In this embodiment, the coil 12 is assembled so as to be disposed in a space between the thick cylindrical portion 27 consisting of the magnet 21 and the back yoke 23 and the cylindrical wall 22b of the case yoke 22.

The fixed part 10 and the movable part 20 are connected by a coil spring 30 in an assembled state. The coil spring 30 has a predetermined spring constant, which will be described later. The coil spring 30 is arranged in the fixed side shaft hole 15 and the movable side shaft hole 24, which are coaxial holes with the direction of movement being the axial direction, which are formed in the bobbin 11 and the movable part 20, respectively.

The coil spring 30 has a large diameter portion 30a having a larger diameter than the other portion at one end, and is inserted from the bottom 11a of the bobbin 11 from the other end. One end of the coil spring 30 having a large diameter portion 30a is housed in a counterbore 16 formed in the bottom 11a of the bobbin 11, and by abutting against the counterbore 16, upward movement is restricted. has been done.

On the other hand, the other end of the coil spring 30 is screwed to the movable part 20. In this embodiment, the other end of the coil spring 30 is screwed to a set screw 31 at the bottom of the case yoke 22. The locking screw 31 is inserted from the outside through a washer 32 into a screw hole 22c formed at the center of the bottom 22a of the case yoke 22, and the other end of the coil spring 30 is screwed into the part protruding inside the case yoke 22. ing.

Moreover, as a more preferable configuration, a damping material 33 is disposed at the connection portion between the movable portion 20 and the coil spring 30. As the damping material 33, for example, a vibration absorbing material such as CIPD (Cured In Place Damper), which is often used as a damping material for pickups, can be used.

As shown in FIG. 2, when no current is applied to the coil 12 (default), a predetermined gap is ensured between the bottom surface of the back yoke 23 and the bottom portion 11a of the bobbin 11. Similarly, a predetermined gap is also ensured between the inner surface of the bottom portion 22a of the case yoke 22 and the wall portion 11c of the bobbin 11. These gaps are set so that even if the movable part 20 resonates at the resonance frequency Fn, it will not collide with the fixed part 10.

(Coil spring 30)
The spring constant k of the coil spring 30 is set in advance according to the mass M of the movable part 20 and a desired resonance frequency (natural frequency) Fn that causes the movable part 20 to resonate. Specifically, the spring constant of the coil spring 30 is set as follows based on the mass M of the movable part 20 and the desired resonance frequency.

The resonant frequency Fn of the movable part 20 is determined by the following equation (1) using the mass M of the movable part 20 and the spring constant k of the coil spring 30.

コイル１２への通電周波数を可動部２０の共振周波数Ｆｎと一致（同等）させて可動部２０を共振周波数Ｆｎ（近傍）で上下動させる。この上下動が外力として作用し、可動部２０を共振させることができる。人は２００Ｈｚ付近の振動を感じやすいことが知られている。したがって、所望の共振周波数Ｆｎとしては、例えば２００Ｈｚに設定することができる。上述の式（１）において、Ｆｎを２００Ｈｚとし、可動部２０の質量Ｍを代入してばね定数ｋを算出することで、質量Ｍの可動部２０を２００Ｈｚ付近で振動させることができる。

The energization frequency to the coil 12 is made to match (equivalent to) the resonant frequency Fn of the movable part 20, and the movable part 20 is moved up and down at (near) the resonant frequency Fn. This vertical movement acts as an external force and can cause the movable portion 20 to resonate. It is known that humans are sensitive to vibrations around 200Hz. Therefore, the desired resonance frequency Fn can be set to 200 Hz, for example. In the above equation (1), by setting Fn to 200 Hz and substituting the mass M of the movable part 20 to calculate the spring constant k, the movable part 20 having the mass M can be vibrated at around 200 Hz.

Furthermore, the coil spring 30 has non-linear characteristics, and in this embodiment is composed of an unequal pitch coil spring. Note that a conical coil spring or a tapered coil spring may be used. By using a coil spring with non-linear characteristics as the coil spring 30, it is possible to vibrate around a position away from the normal stable point (default position) with a smaller thrust than when using a coil spring with linear characteristics. It becomes possible.

For example, in the push button switch of the above-mentioned amusement machine, when entering the jackpot mode, the operation surface of the button part is required to pop up about 5 mm and vibrate around that position. If an attempt is made to realize this pop-up of approximately 5 mm using a uniform pitch coil spring with linear characteristics, a large thrust force will be required.

To give a specific example, as described above, the spring constant k required for the coil spring 30 can be determined from the mass M of the movable part 20 and the desired resonance frequency Fn using equation (1). For example, if the mass M of the movable part 20 is 40 g and the desired resonance frequency Fn is 50 Hz, the spring constant k [N/m] is approximately 4000 [N/m].

When a uniform pitch coil spring with linear characteristics is used as the coil spring 30, a thrust of 4000×0.005=20N is required to vibrate at a position popped up 5 mm from the default position. If the thrust constant is 4N/A, it is necessary to keep a current of 20/4 = 5A flowing at all times in order to resist the coil spring force and hold the coil in the 5mm popped-up position, which wastes power and causes heat generation in the coil. is also excessive. Or, in many cases, this cannot occur due to limitations on the applied voltage.

On the other hand, by using a coil spring with non-linear characteristics such as an unequal pitch coil spring as the coil spring 30, it is possible to vibrate at a position popped up 5 mm from the default position without requiring a thrust of 20N. can.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between deflection and load of uniform pitch coil springs and unequal pitch coil springs. As shown in FIG. 3, by using unequal pitch coil springs, it is possible to generate deflection with a smaller load, that is, a smaller thrust, than with uniform pitch coil springs.

(Assembling the vibration generator 1)
An example of how to assemble the vibration generator 1 will be explained using FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration generator 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, a fixed portion 10 is formed by winding a coil 12 around a bobbin 11. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a ring-shaped magnet 21 is fixed by adsorption (or adhesive) to a convex portion 22d formed at the inner center of the bottom portion 22a of the case yoke 22, and the back yoke 23 is fixed thereon by adsorption. Fix by suction (or adhesive). Next, the locking screw 31 is inserted through the washer 32 into the screw hole 22c passing through the convex portion 22d of the case yoke 22.

The fixed part 10 and the movable part 20 thus formed are combined so that the thick cylindrical part 27 consisting of the magnet 21 and the back yoke 23 is inserted inside the bobbin 11. In the combined state, the movable side shaft hole 24 and the fixed side shaft hole 15 overlap in the movable direction.

Next, the coil spring 30 is inserted into the counterbore 16 of the bottom 11a of the bobbin 11 from the end opposite to the large diameter part 30a, and the end of the coil spring 30 on the insertion side is inserted into the bottom of the case yoke 22. It is fixed by turning it into the locking screw 31 protruding from the center of the inner side of 22a.

According to this, by inserting the coil spring 30 into the fixed side shaft hole 15 formed in the bobbin 11, the large diameter portion 30a abuts against the counterbore portion 16 of the bobbin 11 and is locked. Therefore, by connecting the insertion side of the coil spring 30 to the movable part 20, the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20 can be easily connected via the coil spring 30.

Further, the coil spring 30 and the movable portion 20 are screwed together. Therefore, the coil spring 30 and the movable part 20 can also be easily connected by screwing the insertion side end of the coil spring 30 into the locking screw 31 and fixing it.

Thereafter, with the movable part 20 side facing downward, a fixed amount of liquid vibration absorbent is injected from the counterbore part 16. The injected vibration absorbing agent is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays, etc., and a damping material 33 is placed at the connection portion between the movable portion 20 and the coil spring 30. In this way, the assembly process of the vibration generator 1 is simple.

(Drive current flowing through coil 12)
FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram of an example of a drive current flowing through the coil 12 of the vibration generator 1. As shown in #500 and #501 in FIG. 5, the drive current flowing through the coil 12 is a sinusoidal alternating current, and the resonance frequency is determined by the spring constant k of the coil spring 30 and the mass M of the movable part 20. This becomes a sinusoidal alternating current of Fn. #500 and #501 in FIG. 5 indicate the waveforms of the alternating current when the resonance frequency Fn is set to 200 Hz.

In order to operate at a position popped up from the default position, as shown in #500 in FIG. 5, a DC current necessary for the pop-up of the movable part 20 is applied in a superimposed bias form on an alternating current. When operating at the normal position (stable point) without popping up from the default position, as shown in #501 in Figure 5, only the sinusoidal alternating current of the resonant frequency Fn is applied without superimposing a direct current bias. Apply.

(Operation of vibration generator 1)
The movement of the vibration generator 1 will be explained using FIGS. 2 and 6. In FIG. 2, arrows X indicate lines of magnetic flux, and D1 indicates the direction of the current flowing through the coil 12. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the vibration generator 1 is popped up from the default state.

As shown in FIG. 2, when an alternating current is passed through the coil 12, a thrust (Lorentz force) is generated in the vertical direction according to Fleming's left-hand rule, and the movable part 20 moves up and down.

Here, if the frequency of the alternating current flowing through the coil 12 is made to match (equivalent to) the desired resonance frequency Fn determined by the spring constant k of the coil spring 30 and the mass M of the movable part 20, the vertical movement due to the Lorentz force The movable part 20 resonates at the resonant frequency Fn using the external force.

Then, when only a sinusoidal alternating current of a resonant frequency Fn without a superimposed bias of a direct current as shown in #501 of FIG. 5 is applied, resonance occurs vertically around the default position shown in FIG. 2.

On the other hand, if the direct current necessary for the pop-up of the movable part 20 shown in #500 in FIG. 5 is applied in the form of a superimposed bias on the alternating current, as shown in FIG. resonates up and down.

When the movable part 20 vibrates in this way, the fixed part 10 resonates in response to the reaction force of this vibration, and as a result, the vibrating object 60 to which the fixed part 10 is attached resonates. Note that, hereinafter, the frequency of the alternating current applied to the coil 12 will be referred to as the energization frequency.

(evaluation)
FIG. 7 is a resonance curve diagram showing the relationship between the energization frequency and the amplitude ratio with respect to the resonance frequency Fn. The resonance frequency Fn is set to 200Hz. As shown in FIG. 7, the amplitude ratio is maximized by setting the energization frequency to 200 Hz, which is the same as the resonance frequency Fn. The amplitude ratio decreases as the energization frequency deviates from 200 Hz, and the maximum value of the amplitude ratio depends on the damping ratio. It can be seen from FIG. 7 that by setting the damping ratio to 0.10, an amplitude ratio that is 10 times the amplitude ratio without resonance can be obtained. It is also seen that by setting the damping ratio to 0.06, an amplitude ratio that is 16 times or more than the amplitude ratio without resonance can be obtained.

8 and 9 are diagrams showing the relationship between time and the displacement of the movable part 20. FIG. 8 shows the case without the damping material 33, and FIG. 9 shows the case with the damping material 33. 8 and 9 both show the relationship between time and the displacement of the movable part 20 when the coil 12 is driven at the energization frequency that matches the resonance frequency Fn until time 1.20, and then the energization to the coil 12 is turned off. It shows.

As shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that in a state where the damping material 33 is not disposed, residual vibration continues for a long time even after the electricity is turned off. In other words, the vibration is not sharp. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, it can be seen that in the state where the damping material 33 is placed, the vibrations almost converge at time 1.32. In other words, sharp vibrations with residual vibrations quickly converging after the power supply is turned off can be obtained.

(Common parts with conventional vibration generator 50)
The vibration generator 1 is designed to be able to share parts with a conventional vibration generator that vibrates the vibration target 60 by causing the movable part 20 to collide with the vibration target 60.

FIG. 10 is a default vertical cross-sectional view of a conventional vibration generator 50 configured by sharing parts with the vibration generator 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the coil spring 30, the locking screw 31, the washer 32, and the damping material 33 are not provided, and the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20 are not connected.

When no current is applied to the coil 12 (default), the bottom surface of the back yoke 23 and the bottom portion 11a of the bobbin 11 are in contact. A predetermined gap is ensured between the inner surface of the bottom 22a of the case yoke 22 and the wall 11c of the bobbin 11. Note that the gap between the inner surface of the bottom 22a of the case yoke 22 and the wall 11c of the bobbin 11 is smaller than that shown in the longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. The fixing part 10 is installed on a mounting base 61 or the like provided opposite to the vibrating object 60.

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the conventional vibration generator 50 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a waveform diagram of an example of a drive current flowing through the coil 12 of the conventional vibration generator 50. As shown in FIG. 12, the drive current flowing through the coil 12 is a rectangular wave in the positive direction only.

As shown in FIG. 10, when a rectangular wave drive current (see FIG. 12) is applied to the coil 12, an upward thrust (Lorentz force) is generated according to Fleming's left-hand rule. In FIG. 10, arrows X indicate lines of magnetic flux, and D1 indicates the direction of the current flowing through the coil 12. Thrust is generated only while positive current is applied. As shown in FIG. 11, the movable part 20 that has moved upward by the thrust collides with the vibrating object 60, causing the vibrating object 60 to vibrate.

When the current applied to the coil 12 becomes zero, the movable part 20 is pulled back toward the fixed part 10 by its own weight (falls). Every time the movable part 20 moves upward, it collides with the vibrating object 60 and vibrates the vibrating object 60. During vertical movement, the thick cylindrical portion 27 of the movable portion 20 moves so that the outer circumferential surface 27a is aligned with the inner circumferential surface 11d of the bobbin 11.

Here, the gap between the outer circumferential surface 27a of the thick-walled cylindrical portion 27 and the inner circumferential surface 11d of the bobbin 11 is such that even if the movable portion 20 moves up and down in an inclined state, the cylindrical portion of the case yoke 22 of the movable portion 20 The wall 22b is set so as not to come into contact with the coil 12. Thereby, even if the movable part 20 moves up and down in a tilted state, it is possible to prevent problems such as early disconnection of the coil 12 due to wear caused by the movable part 20 coming into contact with the coil 12.

(effect)
In the above configuration, the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20 are connected by the coil spring 30. Therefore, by passing a current through the coil 12 at the same energization frequency as the resonance frequency determined by the mass M of the movable part 20 and the spring constant k of the coil spring 30, it is possible to generate vibrations using the resonance phenomenon. As a result, compared to conventional vibration generators that use only Lorentz force as thrust, highly efficient driving is possible, and a larger amount of vibration can be obtained with the same input power.

Furthermore, since the coil spring 30 is used to obtain the resonance phenomenon, it is easier to obtain a deeper vibration stroke (amplitude) than with a plate spring, and the spring constant k is stabilized. As a result, the resonant frequency is stabilized, and it is possible to stably resonate without performing feedback control of the resonant frequency, unlike a conventional vibration generator using a leaf spring. Since the coil spring 30 is less expensive than a leaf spring, it also has a cost advantage.

Further, the coil spring 30 is arranged in the fixed side shaft hole 15 and the movable side shaft hole 24, which are coaxial holes formed in the bobbin 11 and the movable part 20, respectively, with the movable direction being the axial direction. With this arrangement, the vibration generator 1 does not become large in size, and can maintain the same size as a conventional vibration generator that uses only Lorentz force as thrust. Further, by arranging them in this way, it is possible to assemble the conventional vibration generating device 50 without using the coil spring 30 and using only the Lorentz force as the thrust. This makes it possible to share parts between the type that uses resonance and the type that does not, resulting in cost reduction.

Further, since the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20 are connected by the coil spring 30, the relative relationship between the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20 does not need to be provided with a guide mechanism etc. that regulates the movement position of the movable part 20. Positional relationships are regulated. This makes it possible to prevent or reduce not only wire breakage due to wear of the coil 12 but also wear due to contact between the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20, thereby extending the product life.

Moreover, since the coil spring 30 has nonlinear characteristics, the movable part can be vibrated around the pop-up position from the default position without requiring a large thrust. As a result, we have created a vibration generator suitable for push-button switches in amusement machines that can vibrate when the button part is pushed up, without requiring a large thrust as well as mechanisms such as motors and gears. realizable.

[Embodiment 2]
Hereinafter, other embodiments of one aspect of the present invention will be illustrated based on FIGS. 13 and 14. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 13 is a default vertical cross-sectional view of the vibration generator 1A according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 13, arrows X indicate lines of magnetic flux, and D1 indicates the direction of the current flowing through the coil 12. FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the vibration generator 1A is popped up from the default state.

In the vibration generator 1 of the first embodiment, the magnet 21 and the back yoke 23 of the movable part 20 are arranged inside the coil 12 of the fixed part 10, and the magnetic attraction direction (arrow Y) of the magnet 21 is aligned with the movable part 20. direction of movement. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, in the vibration generator 1A of the second embodiment, the cylindrical magnet 21A of the movable part 20A is arranged outside the coil 12 of the fixed part 10A, and the magnet 21A is magnetically attached. The direction (arrow Y) is perpendicular to the movable direction of the movable portion 20A.

The cylindrical portion 11b of the bobbin 11A of the fixed portion 10A is formed to have a smaller diameter than the cylindrical portion 11b of the bobbin 11. The movable portion 20A includes a yoke 40 having a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The yoke 40 has a large diameter cylindrical portion 40a, a small diameter cylindrical portion 40b provided at the center inside the large diameter cylindrical portion 40a, and a bottom portion 40c connecting the large diameter cylindrical portion 40a and the small diameter cylindrical portion 40b. The magnet 21A is fixed to the inner surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 40a by adsorption (or adhesion). A movable shaft hole (hole) 24A through which the coil spring 30 is inserted is formed in the small diameter cylindrical portion 40b, and a screw hole 40d is formed in the center of the bottom portion 40c, into which a locking screw 31 is inserted. The movable part 20A is combined with the fixed part 10A so that the coil 12 is disposed between the magnet 21A and the small diameter cylindrical part 40b.

When an alternating current is passed through the coil 12, a thrust (Lorentz force) is generated in the vertical direction according to Fleming's left hand rule, and the movable part 20A moves up and down. When the frequency of the alternating current flowing through the coil 12 is made to match (equal to) the desired resonance frequency Fn determined by the spring constant k of the coil spring 30 and the mass M of the movable part 20A, the vertical movement due to the Lorentz force can be used as an external force. The movable part 20A resonates at the resonant frequency Fn.

Here, if only the sinusoidal alternating current of the resonant frequency Fn without the superimposed bias of the DC current shown in #501 of FIG. 5 is applied, resonance occurs vertically around the default position shown in FIG. 13. On the other hand, if the DC current necessary for the pop-up of the movable part 20 shown in #500 in FIG. 5 is applied in the form of a superimposed bias on the alternating current, as shown in FIG. resonates up and down. Then, the fixed part 10A resonates in response to the reaction force of the vibration caused by the resonance of the movable part 20A, and as a result, the vibrating object 60 to which the fixed part 10A is attached resonates.

The vibration generator 1A can also be assembled using the same procedure as the vibration generator 1, and is easy to assemble. Furthermore, like the vibration generator 1, the vibration generator 1A is also designed to be able to share parts with a conventional vibration generator that vibrates the vibration target 60 by causing the movable part 20A to collide with the vibration target 60. .

FIG. 15 is a default vertical cross-sectional view of a conventional vibration generator 50A. As shown in FIG. 15, the coil spring 30, locking screw 31, washer 32, and damping material 33 are not provided, and the fixed part 10 and the movable part 20 are not connected. Note that the operation is similar to that of the vibration generator 50, so a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the stroke position and static thrust of the vibration generator 1 and the vibration generator 1A. The stroke position is the amount of displacement of the movable part 20 and the movable part 20A. As shown in FIG. 16, the vibration generator 1A in which the magnet 21A is arranged outside the coil 12 can obtain a larger static thrust than the vibration generator 1A as long as the amount of displacement is small. However, the static thrust begins to attenuate approximately proportionally from a certain position. This is because, in the configuration of the vibration generator 1A, the cross-sectional area of the coil 12 interlinked with the magnetic flux (arrow X) of the magnet 21A decreases with the displacement of the movable part 20A. However, the cross-sectional area of the coil 12 interlinked with the magnetic flux (arrow X) of the magnet 21A is long in the movable direction. Therefore, as the magnet 21A, an inexpensive and weak magnetic force, such as a ferrite magnet, can be used.

On the other hand, the vibration generator 1 in which the magnet 21 is arranged inside the coil 12 has a slightly lower static thrust than the vibration generator 1A when the amount of displacement is small, but it remains static even when the amount of displacement reaches a medium level. The thrust is maintained, and the damping of the static thrust is gentle. This is because, in the configuration of the vibration generator 1, the magnetic flux (arrow X) is concentrated in the back yoke 23, and even if the movable part 20 is displaced, the cross-sectional area of the coil 12 that interlinks with the magnetic flux (arrow X) is This is because there is little change in . Suitable for long strokes as static thrust attenuation is gentle. Furthermore, since the magnet 21 is magnetized in the axial direction, full magnetization is easily possible with an air-core coil.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

1, 1A, 50, 50A Vibration generator 10, 10A, fixed part 11, 11A Bobbin 11a, 22a, 40c Bottom part 11b Cylindrical part 12 Coil 15 Fixed side shaft hole (hole part)
16 Counterbore processing section 20, 20A Movable section 21, 21A Magnet (permanent magnet)
22 Case yoke 23 Back yoke 24 Movable side shaft hole (hole)
30 Coil spring 30a Large diameter part 31 Locking screw 33 Damping material 40 Yoke 40a Large diameter cylindrical part 40b Small diameter cylindrical part 40c Bottom part 60 Vibrating object 70, 80 Button switch 71, 81 Button part 71a, 81a Lower surface 72, 82 Base part 90 Screw Fn Resonance frequency k Spring constant

Claims (7)

a fixed part having a bobbin and a coil wound around the bobbin;
a movable part that has a permanent magnet and a yoke, and is combined with the fixed part so that the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet interlinks with the coil;
a coil spring having nonlinear characteristics that is disposed in a coaxial hole formed in the bobbin and the movable part, each having an axial direction in which the moving direction of the movable part connects the fixed part and the movable part;
Equipped with
A predetermined frequency is set in advance as the frequency of the alternating current applied to the coil,
The spring constant of the coil spring is set to a value that causes the movable part to resonate when an alternating current of the predetermined frequency is applied to the coil, based on the mass of the movable part and the predetermined frequency ,
A vibration generator , wherein the alternating current is superimposed with a direct current for causing the movable part to pop up . a fixed part having a bobbin and a coil wound around the bobbin;
a movable part that has a permanent magnet and a yoke, and is combined with the fixed part so that the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet interlinks with the coil;
a coil spring having nonlinear characteristics that is disposed in a coaxial hole formed in the bobbin and the movable part, each having an axial direction in which the moving direction of the movable part connects the fixed part and the movable part;
Equipped with
A predetermined frequency is set in advance as the frequency of the alternating current applied to the coil,
The spring constant of the coil spring is set to a value that causes the movable part to resonate when an alternating current of the predetermined frequency is applied to the coil, based on the mass of the movable part and the predetermined frequency,
The coil spring has a large diameter portion at one end that is larger in diameter than the other portion,
The hole formed in the bobbin is a through hole, and a counterbore is provided around the entrance of the hole on the opposite side of the movable part in the hole,
The coil spring is inserted into the hole, the large diameter part is locked in the counterbore part, and the other end on the opposite side from the large diameter part is connected to the movable part. Vibration generator. The vibration generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coil spring and the movable part are screwed together. The vibration generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a damping material is disposed at a connection portion between the movable part and the coil spring. The yoke includes a back yoke having the same diameter as the permanent magnet, and a bottomed cylindrical case yoke having a larger diameter than the back yoke,
The permanent magnet is magnetized parallel to the movable direction, is located at the center of the inner bottom of the case yoke, and is sandwiched between the case yoke and the back yoke,
The hole portion is formed in the permanent magnet and the back yoke,
The vibration generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coil is disposed between the permanent magnet, the back yoke, and the case yoke. The yoke has a large diameter cylindrical part, a small diameter cylindrical part located at the center inside the large diameter cylindrical part and having the hole, and a bottom part connecting the large diameter cylindrical part and the small diameter cylindrical part,
The permanent magnet has a cylindrical shape, is magnetized in a direction perpendicular to the movable direction, and is arranged inside the large diameter cylindrical part,
The vibration generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coil is disposed between the permanent magnet and the small diameter cylindrical portion. A button part that is in the reference position when not operated and moves in the pushing direction when the operator pushes the button;
a base portion that supports the button portion so that the button portion can be pressed and returns the pressed button portion;
The vibration generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
the fixing part is fixed to the base part,
A push button switch, wherein the movable part is disposed on the lower surface side of the button part, and moves the button part from the reference position in a direction opposite to the pushing direction when vibrating.

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