TW201126377A - Electroactive polymer transducers for tactile feedback devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Electroactive transducers as well as methods of producing a haptic effect in a user interface device simultaneously with a sound generated by a separately generated audio signal and electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications in user interface devices are disclosed.

Description

201126377 VI. Description of the Invention: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to the use of electroactive polymer converters to provide sensory feedback. α [Prior Art] A wide variety of devices used today rely on one or the other type of actuator to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. In contrast, many power generation applications operate by converting mechanical action into electrical energy. To collect mechanical energy in this manner, an actuator of the same type 〇 can be referred to as a generator. Also, when the structure is used to convert a physical stimulus such as vibration or pressure into an electrical signal for measurement purposes, it can be characterized as a sensor. However, the term "converter" can be used to generally refer to any of these devices. A number of considerations have led to the selection and use of advanced dielectric elastomer materials (also known as "electroactive polymers" (ΕΑΡ)) to make converters. These considerations include potential f0rce, power density, power conversion/jQ's consumption, volume, cost, response time, duty cycle, service requirements, and % environmental impact. Thus, in many applications, EAp technology is ideal for the replacement of piezoelectric, shape memory alloy (SMA) and electromagnetic devices such as motors and solenoids. Examples of sputum devices and their applications are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,394,282; 7,378,783; 7,368,862; 7,362,032; 7,320,457; 7,259,503; 7,233,097; 7,224,106; , No. 7, 199, 501; No. 7, 166, 953; No. 7, 064, 472; No. 146, 043. doc; 201126, 377, 062, 055; 7, 034, 432, 6, 891, 317, 6, 812, 624, 6,78, 284, 6,664, 718, 6,583, 533, 7,052, 594; No. 6,940,221; No. 6,911,764; No. 6,882,086; No. 6,876,135; No. 6,809,462; No. 6,806,621; No. 6,768,246; No. 6,707,236; No. 6,628,040; No. 6,586,859; No. 6, 545, 384; No. 6, 543, pp; No. 6, 376, 971 and No. 6, 343, 129; and in the following U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0001855; No. 2, No. 09/0154053; No. 2008/0180875; /0157631; No. 2008/0116764; No. 2008/0022517; No. 2007/0230222; 2007/0200468; 2007/0200467; 2007/0200466; 2007/0200457; 2007/0200454; 2007/0200453; 2007/0170822; 2006/0238079; 2006/ U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/358,142, filed on Jan. 22, 2009, and PCT Application No. PCT/US09/63307; And PCT Publication No. WO 2009/067708, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The helium converter comprises two electrodes having deformable properties and separated by a thin elastomeric dielectric material. When a voltage difference is applied to the electrodes, the oppositely charged electrodes are attracted to each other, whereby the polymer is dielectrically laminated therebetween. As the electrodes are brought together, the dielectric polymer film becomes thinner as it expands in the planar direction (along the X and y axes) (ie, the displacement of the film is in the plane). The z-axis component shrinks). The diaphragm may also be configured to move in a direction orthogonal to the structure of the membrane 146043.doc 201126377 (along the Z axis), i.e., the displacement of the membrane is outside the plane. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 2005/0157893 discloses the provision of this out-of-plane displacement, also known as surface deformation or thickness mode deflection. The material and physical properties of the diaphragm can be varied and controlled to tailor the surface deformation experienced by the converter. More specifically, factors such as the following can be forked and varied to tailor the surface characteristics of the film when the film is in the active mode. The relative elasticity between the polymer film and the electrode material, polymer film 0 and The relative thickness between the electrode materials and/or the varying thickness of the polymer film and/or electrode material, the physical pattern of the polymer film and/or electrode material (to provide localized active and inactive areas), for £8? The tension or pre-strain applied by the film as a whole, and the amount of voltage applied to the film or the capacitance induced on the film. The presence of a multi-transformer-based application will benefit from the advantages offered by this EM film. One such application involves the use of a membrane in a user interface device to generate tactile feedback (via the force applied to the user's body to communicate the message to the user). There are many known user interface devices that typically use tactile feedback in response to forces generated by the user. The user interface that can be used for touch feedback 贝 The examples of the display include keyboard, keypad, game controller, remote control, touch screen, computer mouse, trackball, sharp pen, joystick, etc. The use of the &amp;; main worker 1 A 1 Α test&quot; surface may include any surface that the user manipulates, engages in, and/or observes about feedback or information from the resident. Examples of such interface surfaces include, but are not limited to, keys (e.g., keys on a keyboard), game pads or buttons, display screens, and the like. The tactile feedback provided by the interface device of this type is in the form of physiological sensation 146043.doc 201126377 'physiological sensation such as vibration, pulse, etc. (for example, two:: 暮 吏 吏 直接 直接 直接 直接 直接 直接 直接 直接 直接丄 by touch screen), indirectly sensed (for example, vibration effects, such as line (four) words in a wallet or purse (for example, by moving the body's movements, at = ', the pressure of life is disturbed but does not produce an audio signal). The user interface device with tactile feedback can be used to "receive" the input device by the action of =2 and provide an indication to trigger the action to enable the two-bowl 1 output device. In practice, the force exerted by the user The position of a touched or touched portion or surface (eg, button) of the user's face is changed along at least one degree of freedom, and the force applied in # reaches a certain threshold to change the position of the contacted portion. For example, if the change of the position of the (4) part is achieved or the registration is generated back = the mouth, vibration, and pulsation of the user, the back stress is also imposed on the contact portion of the device. touch The feeling is conveyed to the user. A common example of a flip-flop, "bistable" or "biphasic" type of tactile feedback device is the mouse, keyboard, interface: interface: one. Until the applied force reaches a certain value, the surface of the I φ is moved. 'When the applied force reaches a certain threshold, the button 2 moves relatively easily and then stops its collective feeling. X secret button. Alternatively, the surface moves as you increase the resistance until it reaches a certain threshold, and the force distribution changes (if reduced) when a certain threshold is reached. The force applied by the user is substantially along the axis perpendicular to the surface of the button, as is the response (but opposite) to the user's perception. However, 146043.doc 201126377, the variant includes the force applied by the user applied to the surface of the button laterally or in a plane. In another example, when a user types an input on a touch screen, the screen is typically confirmed by a graphical change on the screen along with an audible or non-audible prompt. The touch screen provides graphical feedback through visual cues (such as color or shape changes) on the screen. The trackpad provides visual feedback through the cursor on the screen. Although the above tips do provide feedback, 最 the most intuitive and effective feedback from finger-actuated input devices is tactile feedback, such as the sway of the keyboard keys or the movement of the mouse wheel. Therefore, there is a tactile feedback on the touch screen as needed. Tactile feedback capabilities are known to improve user productivity and efficiency, especially in the context of data entry. The inventor of the present invention has further improved the productivity and efficiency by further improving the characteristics and quality of the tactile sensation conveyed to the use of the second. If such improvements are provided by a sensation feedback mechanism, it would be otherwise beneficial that the sensation feedback mechanism is easy to manufacture and cost effective, and does not increase and preferably reduces the space for known haptic feedback splitting and/or Or quality requirements. Although the ΕΑΡ-based converter can improve the tactile interaction on such user interface devices, it is still necessary to use these ΕΑΡ converters without increasing the porch of the user interface device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes apparatus and methods relating to electroactive transducers for sensory applications. In a variant, a sensor interface device with sensory feedback is provided. A benefit of the present invention is that the user is provided with a tactile feedback to the user interface device 146043.doc 201126377, as long as another signal generated by the software or the skirt or associated component triggers the wheeling. The methods and apparatus described herein seek to improve the structure and functionality of an EAp based converter system. The present invention discusses custom converter configurations for use in a variety of applications. The present invention also provides a poultry-driven EAp converter and a device for the ΕΑΡ converter and a plurality of devices and methods for mechanical actuation, power generation and/or sensing. These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the <RTIgt; EPAMs that can be used with such designs include, but are not limited to, flat surfaces, diaphragms, thickness modes, and passive coupling devices (mixing). In an iron body comprising a user interface device of an electroactive polymer converter, the device comprises: a chassis; a user interface surface; a first power supply; at least one electroactive polymer converter, Adjacent to the user interface surface, the electroactive polymer converter further includes a rain guiding surface, wherein the portion of the user interface surface and the conductive surface forming a circuit are in a normal state The conductive surface is electrically isolated from the portion of the interface surface to open the circuit to maintain the electroactive polymer converter in an unpowered state, and wherein the user interface surface is flexibly coupled to The chassis deflects the user interface surface into the electroactive polymer converter to close the circuit to supply energy to the electroactive polymer converter such that a signal provided to the electroactive polymer (IV) is used Produced at the interface surface - tactile sensation 146043.doc 201126377 Additional variations of the user interface as described above may include complex polymer converters Each of them is adjacent to a user interface surface and has a respective conductive surface such that a user interface surface is deflected into the conductive surface such that the respective electroactive polymer converters form a closed circuit with the respective conductive surfaces And the remaining electroactive polymer converter remains in a state of no power. ' ° In another variant, the use of the user &quot; face device includes - low voltage power supply Ο ',, and - coupled to a switch high voltage power supply, so that the electric! The green polymer converter and the deflection of the electrically conductive surface close the switch to allow the high voltage power supply to supply energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. Another variation of another user interface device includes a device similar to the device described above, wherein at least the electroactive polymer converter is coupled to the user interface surface. The electroactive polymer converter further includes a conductive surface The conductive surface forms a circuit with the first power supply such that the normal, lower, and lower electrical surfaces are electrically isolated from the circuit to disconnect the circuit, such that the electroactive polymer converter remains in a no-power State and wherein the electroactive polymer converter is flexibly grounded to the chassis such that deflection of the user interface surface deflects the electroactive polymer converter to contact the circuit of the first power supply In order to close the circuit and actuate the electroactive polymer to provide energy, a (four) provided to the electroactive polymer converter produces a tactile sensation at the surface of the use interface. In another variation, the user interface device includes a plurality of electroactive polymer converters each adjacent to a user interface surface and each having a respective conductive surface such that a user interface surface is deflected to the conductive Table 146043.doc 201126377 makes the respective electroactive polymer converters form a closed circuit with the respective electrically conductive surfaces, and the electroactive polymerization conversion (4) of the towels (4) is maintained in the no-power state. The following disclosure also includes a method of generating a haptic effect in a user interface device, wherein the (four) effect mimics - a bistable switching effect. In one example, the method includes: providing a user interface surface having an electroactive polymer converter coupled thereto, wherein the electroactive polymer # converter comprises at least electroactive polymerization Having the surface of the user interface displaced by a displacement to also shift the electroactive polymer film and increase the resistance applied by the electroactive polymer film to the surface of the user interface; Activating a delay of the electroactive polymer converter during displacement of the membrane; and activating the electroactive polymer converter to vary the resistance without reducing the amount of displacement to produce a touch that mimics the bistable switching effect Sensing effect. The delayed initiation of the electroactive polymer can occur after a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the initiation of initiation of the electroactive polymer occurs after a predetermined displacement of one of the electroactive polymer membranes. Another variation of one of the methods disclosed below includes generating a predetermined tactile effect in a user interface device. The method can include providing a wave boost circuit configured to generate at least one predetermined haptic waveform signal; delivering a signal to the waveform circuit such that the waveform is equal to a trigger value when the signal is equal to a trigger value Generating the haptic waveform signal; and providing the haptic waveform signal to a power supply coupled to an electroactive polymer converter such that the power supply drives the electroactive polymer converter to generate The composite tactile effect of the sensed waveform signal control. 146043.doc -10· 201126377 The present invention also includes a method for generating a tactile feedback feeling in a scabbard in a user interface device having a user interface surface by the following actions. Signaling from the drive circuit to the __electroactive polymer conversion benefit, wherein the input signal activates the electroactive polymer converter and provides the tactile feedback sensation at the user interface surface; and the transmission-damping signal Reducing the mechanical flaw of the user interface surface after the desired sense of feedback

Displacement. This method can be used to produce a tactile effect sensation that includes a bistable button effect. Yet another method as disclosed herein includes a method of generating a tactile feedback in a user interface device by providing an electroactive polymer converter to the user interface 4, the electroactive polymerization The material converter has a phase and has a second phase, wherein the electroactive polymer converter includes a first lead shared by the first phase, a second lead shared by the second phase, and the first phase And the second phase sharing one of the third leads; maintaining a first lead at a high voltage while maintaining the second lead at ground; and driving the third lead to change from the ground to the return voltage The respective other phase is enabled after the first phase or the second phase is revoked. The invention can be used in any type of user interface device, including but not limited to touchpads, touch screens or the like for computers, telephones, PDAs, video game consoles, GPS systems, public information query station applications, etc. Keypad or the like. Other details regarding the present invention may be used in conjunction with materials and alternative configurations as is known to those skilled in the art. This aspect may remain true with respect to the method-based departure of the present invention in terms of additional actions as generally used or logically used in 146043.doc •11-201126377. In addition, although the invention has been described with reference to a number of examples, the invention is described (as the case may be), the invention is not limited to the true spirit of the invention as disclosed in the present invention. ; L 3 曰 not examples. In the case of various changes in the present invention, =:: in the case of _ sex, the second == described in this individual part or sub-assembly can be integrated on the number of gamma, π rush. Such changes or other changes may be made or directed by the principles of the design. ... ^ The person skilled in the art is more fully as follows (4) [Embodiment] This is to find other features, goals and advantages. When reading η with the drawing, 'Best understanding from the following implementations == understanding 'The same reference numerals have been used (in practical terms) to indicate similar elements that are common to the drawings. Referring now to the drawings in detail, the apparatus, system and method of the present invention are interleaved in detail. By using the touch screen on the user's screen, the device that needs the user interface is modified. The simple screen (4) of m is used. Each and FIG. 1B illustrates that the device displays the display screen. 232, the user pairs, types the bait material or view the data. The shi jia 〜 / display screen is coupled to the main body of the device or the frame wood 234. Obviously, any number of τ τ... 17 number of devices included in this The invention may be portable (for example, 偌笙, 々β, telephone, computer, manufacturing equipment, etc.) or U in other non-portable structures (for example, information display panel 146043.doc 201126377 Screen, automatic teller machine screen, etc.) For the purpose of the invention, a display screen may also include a touch panel type device in which user input or interaction occurs on a monitor or location remote from the actual touch panel (eg, a laptop touch panel). A number of design considerations have led to the selection and use of advanced dielectric elastomer materials (also known as "electroactive polymers" (EAP)) to make converters, especially when seeking to display the tactile feedback of screen 232. These considerations include position, power density, power conversion/consumption, size, weight, cost, response time, duty cycle, service requirements, environmental impact, and more. Thus, in many applications, germanium technology supplies an ideal replacement for piezoelectric, shape memory alloy (SMA) and electromagnetic devices such as motors and solenoids. Tantalum conversion thieves comprise two membrane electrodes having elastic properties and separated by a thin elastomeric dielectric material. In some variations, the ΕΑρ converter can comprise a non-elastic dielectric material. In any case, when a voltage difference is applied to the electrodes, the oppositely charged electrodes attract each other, thereby pressing the polymer dielectric layer therebetween. As the electrodes are brought together, the dielectric polymer film becomes thinner as it expands in the planar direction (the y-axis and the y-axis component expand) (the y-axis component shrinks). 2A-2B show a portion of a user interface device 230 having a display screen 232 having a surface that is physically touched by a user in response to information on the display screen, control or stimulation thereof. Display screen 234 can be any type of trackpad or screen panel, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or the like. Additionally, variations of the interface device 230 may include a display screen 232 (such as "Dummy" 146043.doc -13. 201126377) in which the image is transposed (e.g., projector or graphic). The screen may include a conventional monitor or even a screen with fixed information (e.g., general indicia or display). In any event, display screen 232 includes frame 234 (or a housing or any other structure that mechanically connects the screen to the device via a direct connection or one or more grounding elements) and couples screen 232 to the frame or An electroactive polymer (EAp) converter 236 of the outer casing 234. As discussed herein, the chirp converters can be placed along the edge of the screen 232 or the array of EAp transducers to contact the portion of the screen 232 that is remote from the frame or housing 234. 2A and 2B illustrate a basic user interface device in which an encapsulated EAp converter 236 forms an active spacer. Any number of active spacers EAp a% can be coupled between the touch screen 232 and the frame 234. Typically, sufficient active gasket 236 is provided to create the desired feel. However, the number will vary depending on the particular application. In one variation of the device, touch screen 232 can include a display screen or sensor board (where the display screen is behind the detector board). The user interface device 23 that does not cause the touch screen 232 to circulate between the inactive state and the active state. Figure 2A shows a user interface device 230 in which the touch screen 232 is in an inactive state. Under this condition, the = field is applied to the ΕΑΡ converter 236, allowing the converter to be in a rest state. Figure 2A shows the use of the interface device 23A after a user input triggers the ΕΑΡ converter 236 into the action towel state, in which the converter 236 causes the display screen 232 to be in the direction indicated by arrow 238 146043. Doc •14- 201126377 Move. Alternatively, the displacement of one or more of the sigma converters 236 can be varied to produce a directional movement of the display screen 232 (e.g., not the entire display glory 23; 2 is uniformly moved, but a portion of the screen 232 can be displaced more than The extent of displacement in another area). Notably, the control system coupled to the user interface device 230 can be configured to cause the ΕΑΡ 236 to cycle at a desired frequency and/or to vary the amount of deflection of the ΕΑΡ 236. 3 and 3 illustrate another variation of the user interface device 230 having a display screen 232 that is covered by a flexible film 240 that functions to protect the display screen 232. Additionally, the apparatus can include a plurality of active spacers 236 that couple display screen 232 to the base or frame 234. In response to user input, when an electric field is applied to ΕΑΡ 236, screen 232 is displaced along with film 240, causing displacement to cause device 230 to enter an active state. 4 illustrates an additional variation of the user interface device 23 having a spring biased diaphragm 4 positioned about the edge of the display screen 232. The tantalum film 244 can be placed around the perimeter of the screen or only in positions that permit the screen to produce tactile feedback to the user. In this variation, a passive compliant pad or spring 244 provides force to the screen 232, thereby placing the diaphragm 242 in a taut condition. After the electric field 242 is supplied to the film (again, after a signal is generated by the user input), the thin film 242 is relaxed to displace the screen 232. As indicated by arrow 246, the user input device 230 can be configured to produce a movement of the screen 232 in any direction relative to the bias provided by the spacer 244. Additionally, less than all of the RAP film 242 actuation produces a non-uniform movement of the screen 232. 146043.doc -15- 201126377 FIG. 5 illustrates yet another variation of the user interface device 230. In this example, a plurality of compliant pads 244 are used to couple display screen 232 to frame 234, and the driving force for display 232 is a plurality of ΕΑΡ actuator diaphragms 248.致 The actuator diaphragm 248 is spring biased and can drive the display screen after an electric field is applied. As shown, the ΕΑΡ actuator diaphragm 248 has a relatively ΕΑΡ film on either side of the spring. In this configuration, the opposite side of the actuator actuator diaphragm 248 is activated to make the assembly rigid at the neutral point. ΕΑΡ Actuator Diaphragm 248 acts as a biceps and triceps that control the movement of the human arm. Although not shown, the actuator diaphragms 248 can be stacked to provide a two-phase output action and/or to amplify the output for use in the discussion as discussed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/085,798, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Strong application. 6A and 6B show another variation of the user interface 230 having a meandering film or film 242 coupled between the display 232 and the frame 234 at a plurality of points or grounding elements 252 to accommodate The ruthenium film 242 is wrinkled or folded. As shown in Figure 6A, application of an electric field to the diaphragm 242 causes displacement in the direction of wrinkling and deflects the display screen 232 relative to the frame 234. The user interface 232 can optionally include a biasing spring 250 coupled between the display 232 and the frame 234 and/or a flexible protective film 240 that covers a portion (or all) of the display screen 232. Note that the figures discussed above schematically illustrate an exemplary configuration of such tactile feedback devices using a diaphragm or converter. Many variations are within the scope of the present invention. For example, in variations of the device, a chirp converter can be implemented to move only one sensor board or component (eg, after user input, ie 146043.doc -16 - 201126377) Trigger and provide a signal to the sensor board or component of the ΕΑΡ converter) rather than the entire screen or pad assembly. In any application, the display screen caused by the ΕΑΡ component may be exclusively in a plane (which is sensed as lateral movement) or may be out of plane (which is sensed) For vertical displacement). Alternatively, the 转换ρ converter material can be segmented to provide an addressable/movable section independently to provide a combination of angular displacement or other type of displacement of the plate elements. In addition, any number of enthalpy converters or membranes (as disclosed in the applications and patents listed above) can be incorporated into the user interface devices described herein, and variations of the devices described herein allow The entire sensor board (or display screen) of the device acts as a tactile feedback element. This allows for a wide range of versatility. For example, the screen can be bounced once in response to a virtual key tap, or it can output a continuous beat in response to a scrolling element (such as a siide bar on the screen). Effectively simulate the mechanical movement of the wheel.使用 ϋ The use of the control system can synthesize a three-dimensional shape by reading the user's finger on the screen and moving the screen panel accordingly to simulate the job. Given sufficient screen displacement and a large amount of quality on the screen, the repetitive vibration of the camp can even replace the vibration function of the mobile phone. This functionality can be applied to the text, where the scrolling of the -line text (vertically) is represented by the touch f: "bump" to simulate the engine. In the context of video games, the present invention is more interactive and more sophisticated than the vibrating motor used in the video game system of the advanced video game system. In the case of a touchpad, user interaction can be improved by providing physiological cues and accessibility, especially for visually impaired persons. The chirp converter can be configured to shift to the applied voltage, which facilitates stylization of the control system for use with the target haptic feedback device. For example, a software algorithm converts pixel grayscale to ΕΑρ converter displacement, thereby continuously measuring pixel grayscale values at the tip of the screen cursor and translating it into proportional by a chirp converter. Displacement. A rough 3D texture can be felt or sensed by moving the finger on the touchpad. A similar algorithm can be applied to the web page, where the border of the icon is fed back to the user as a bump or buzz button in the web texture after the finger has moved past the icon. For normal users, this will provide a new sensory experience while browsing the website, and for visually impaired people, this will add an indispensable feedback. Helium converters are ideal for these applications for a number of reasons. For example, due to its light weight and extremely small components, the ΕΑρ converter supplies extremely low rims and, therefore, is ideal for use in sensation/feelback applications. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B illustrate an example of a tantalum film or film structure. The thin elastomer dielectric film or layer 12 is sandwiched between a compliant or stretchable electrode plate or layer and thereby forming a capacitive structure or film. The length of the dielectric layer and the composite structure is "丨" and width "w It is much larger than its thickness "t". Typically, the dielectric layer has a thickness in the range from about H) to about 1 Torr, and the total thickness of the structure ranges from about 15 to about 1 〇 c. In addition, the electrode, the modulus of elasticity, the thickness and/or the micro-geometry of the electrode 16 need to be selected such that the additional hardness contributed by the basin to the actuator is substantially less than the hardness of the dielectric layer 12, and the layer 12 has a relatively low modulus of elasticity. The number (also gp, less than about (10) step and more: often less than about 1 MPa), but may be thicker than each of the electrodes. 146043.doc -18· 201126377 Electrodes suitable for use with such compliant capacitive structures are electrodes capable of withstanding cyclic strains greater than about 1% without failure due to mechanical fatigue.

As seen in Figure 7B, when a voltage is applied to the electrodes, the different charges in the two electrodes 14, 16 attract each other, and the electrostatic attraction compresses the dielectric film 12 (along the z-axis). Thereby, the dielectric film 12 is deflected as the electric field changes. Since the electrodes 14, 16 are compliant, they change shape with the dielectric layer 12. In general, deflection refers to any displacement, expansion, contraction, torsion, linear or area strain, or any other deformation of a portion of dielectric film 12, depending on the structure (eg, frame) of the electrical grain structure 1 (eg, frame) Depending on the "converter", this deflection can be used to generate mechanical work. A variety of different converter architectures are disclosed and described in the patent references identified above. The transducer film 10 continues to deflect under application of a voltage until the mechanical force balances the electrostatic forces that drive the deflection. The mechanical forces include the elastic restoring force of the dielectric layer 12, the compliance or stretching of the electrodes 14, 16 and any external resistance provided by the device and/or load that consumes the conversion. The resulting deflection of the converter due to the applied voltage can also depend on a number of other factors, such as the dielectric constant of the elastomeric material and its magnitude and hardness. Removing the voltage difference and the induced charge causes an inverse effect. 〃 In some cases, the electrodes 14 and 16 may be opposite to the dielectric film. The total face covers a limited portion of the dielectric film 12. This can be done to prevent electrical breakdowns around the dielectric from being able to achieve a custom deflection in a certain two points. The dielectric material outside the active area is the ancient area of the Dingye, which is a sufficient electrostatic force for the dielectric material to make the self-sleeving energy _ part of the deflection of the self-slewing y _ 146043.doc •19- 201126377 External elasticity of the active area. More specifically, the material outside the active area can prevent or enhance the deflection of the active area by its contraction or expansion. Dielectric film 12 can be pre-strained. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical energy and mechanical energy, i.e., the pre-strain allows the dielectric film 12 to deflect more and provide greater mechanical work. The pre-strain of the film can be described as a change in the dimension in one direction after pre-straining relative to the dimension in the other direction before the pre-strain. The pre-strain may comprise elastic deformation of the dielectric film and is formed, for example, by stretching the film to be in a tensioned state and securing one or more of the edges while stretching. Pre-strain may be imposed at or near only one portion of the film, and the pre-strain may be performed by using a rigid frame or by hardening a portion of the film. The details of the converter structure and other similar compliant structures of Figures 7A and 7B and their construction are more fully described in the numerous cited patents and publications of the cited patents and publications herein. In addition to the above-described diaphragm, the sensory or tactile feedback user interface device may also include a ΕΑp converter designed to produce lateral movement. For example, the various components include (from top to bottom as illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B) actuating benefits 30 having an electroactive polymer (ΕΑρ) converter 10 in the form of an elastic film, the converter 10 Convert electrical energy to mechanical energy (as mentioned above). The resulting mechanical energy is in the form of an entity "displacement" of the output member (here in the form of a disk 28). Referring to Figures 9A through 9C, the xenon converter film 1 includes two pairs of working thin bombs! - green electrodes 32a, 32b and 34a, 34b, each of which is operated by an elastomeric dielectric polymer 26 (e.g., by acrylic acid) Ester, polyoxyl, urethane, 146043.doc -20- 201126377 Thermoplastic elastomer μ f &amp;, rubber, fluoroelastomer or the like) When each of the guards is on the phase of the phase, f is also Pn ^ 34b, and the target is applied to the electrodes 32 & and 3213 and applied to the electrodes 34 &amp; and the opposite electrodes attract each other, thereby pressing the dielectric polymer layer 26 Hey: between. As the electrodes are brought closer together, the dielectric polymer 26 becomes divergent with the direction (i.e., the x-axis and y-axis components expand), and the Z-axis is divided into $ contractions (for the axis reference, See Figure 9B and Figure 9C). This ♦ ♦ similar charge on each electrode causes the conductive particles embedded in the electrode to repel each other, thereby contributing to the expansion of the elastic electrode and the dielectric film. Thereby, the I electrical layer 26 is deflected as the electric field changes. Since the electrode material is also: the electrode layer thus changes shape together with the dielectric layer 26. Generally, 'deflection refers to any displacement, expansion, contraction, torsion, linear or area alpha change or &quot; any other deformation of one of the electrical layers 26. This deflection can be used to generate mechanical work. In the process of manufacturing the transducer 2, the elastic film is stretched and held under pre-strain conditions by two or more opposing 刚性 rigid frame sides 8a, 8b. In the variants using the 4-sided frame, the film was stretched in two axial directions. It has been observed that the pre-strain improves the dielectric strength of the polymer layer 26, thereby improving the conversion between electrical energy and mechanical energy, i.e., 'pre-straining allows the film to deflect and provide greater mechanical work. Usually, the electrode material is applied after the polymer layer is pre-strained, but the electrode material may be applied in advance. Two electrodes (referred to herein as ipsilateral electrode pairs) provided on the same side of layer % (i.e., electrodes 32a and 34a (see Figure 9B) and dielectric layer on top side 26a of dielectric layer 26) The electrodes 32b and 34b (see Fig. 9C) on the bottom side 26b of 26 are electrically isolated from each other by an inactive area or a gap 146043.doc • 21 · 201126377. The opposite electrodes on opposite sides of the polymer layer are from two sets of working electrode pairs, namely electrodes 32a and 32b for one working electrode pair and electrodes 34&amp; and each side electrode for another working electrode pair Preferably, the electrodes have the same polarity, and the polarities of the electrodes of each working electrode pair are opposite to each other, that is, the electrodes 32 &amp; and 3215 are oppositely charged, and the electrodes 34a and 34b are oppositely charged. Each electrode has an electrical contact portion 35 that is configured for electrical connection to a voltage source (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, 'each of the electrodes has a semi-circular configuration' in which the ipsilateral electrode pairs are defined on each side of the dielectric layer 26 for receiving a rigid output disc disposed centrally A substantially circular pattern of 2〇a, 2Gb. The discs 2〇a, 2〇b (discussed below) are fastened to the central exposed outer surface 26a, 26b' of the polymer layer 26 thereby sandwiching the layer 26 therebetween: between the disc and the membrane The connection can be mechanical or provided by bonding. In general, the disc will be sized relative to the conversion benefit frame 22a, 22b. More specifically, the ratio of the diameter of the disc to the annular diameter within the frame will cause the stress applied to the transducer to be properly dispersed. The greater the ratio of the diameter of the disc to the diameter of the frame, the greater the force of the feedback signal or movement, but the lower the linear shift of the disc, the lower the ratio, the lower the output force and the greater the linear displacement. “And the heartbeat, the converter i 〇 may be able to function in single-phase or dual-phase mode. In the configured way, the output components of the above-mentioned sensory feedback device (ie 'two consuming discs' The mechanical displacement of the application 20b) is lateral rather than vertical. In other words, the alternative sensation feedback signal is at the display surface 232 perpendicular to the user interface and parallel to the input by the user's finger (10) I46043.doc -22- 201126377 The force in the direction of force (indicated by arrow 60a in Figure 10) (but in the opposite or upward direction), the sensed feedback or output force of the sensory/tactile feedback device of the present invention (in Figure 10 &amp; double The head arrow 60b indicates) in a direction parallel to the display surface 232 and perpendicular to the input force 60a. The view electrode pair is burned from the axis of the plane of the converter 10 and is displayed relative to the operation of the converter. Depending on the rotational alignment of the position of the surface 232 mode (ie, 'single phase or two phase'), this lateral movement can be in either of 360 or any of a number of directions. For example, 'lateral feedback Movement can be relative to the user's finger Or palm or grip, etc.) before the side to the side or up and down (both biphasic actuation). Although those skilled in the art will recognize that providing a contact surface that is transverse or perpendicular to the tactile feedback device. Some other actuator configurations that feedback the displacement, but the overall profile of the device so configured may be larger than the previous design. Figures 9D-9G illustrate an example of an array of electroactive polymers that can be placed on the display screen of the device. In this example, the voltage side 2〇〇a and the ground side 2〇〇b of the EAp film array 2〇〇 (see Fig. 9F) (respectively) are used in the Ο array of the EAp actuator, the EAP actuator The array is used in the haptic feedback device of the present invention. The film array 200 includes an electrode array that is provided in a matrix configuration to increase space and power efficiency and to simplify the control circuit. The high voltage side 200a of the EAp film array is provided on the dielectric film 2〇8 The electrode pattern 2〇2 is run vertically on the material (according to the viewpoint illustrated in Fig. 9D). Each pattern 202 includes a pair of high voltage lines 202a' 202b. The opposite or ground side of the tantalum array 2〇〇 b provides lateral extension relative to the 焉 voltage electrode (ie, horizontally extending) electrode pattern 206 ° Each pattern 206 includes a pair of grounding wires 2〇6a, 2〇6b. Each pair is opposite to 146043.doc -23- 201126377 and the grounding wire (2〇 2a '2〇0a and coffee, b) provide separate pairs of electrodes that can be activated so that the opposite electrode pair provides a two-phase output motion in the direction of the arrow called the moon. The assembled EAp film array 2〇 The intersection pattern of the electrodes on the top side and the bottom side of the clear dielectric film 2 () 8 is provided in an exploded view of the array 204 of the erbium converter 222 in FIG. 9F, which is assembled with it. The form is illustrated in Figure Go. The EM film array 2GG is sandwiched between opposing frame arrays 214", each individual frame segment 216 in each of the two arrays being defined by a wheel 218 located in the center of an open area. Each combination and electrode configuration of disk segments 216 forms an EAP converter 222. Depending on the application and actuation: type, additional layers of components can be added to converter array 204. For example, converter array 22 The device can be integrated into the user interface array, such as a display screen, sensor surface or trackpad. When the sensory/feel feedback device 2 is operated in single phase mode, only the actuator will be activated at any one time. One pair of working electrodes. A single high voltage power supply can be used to control the single phase operation of the actuator 3. As the voltage applied to the selected single working electrode pair increases, the active portion of the converter membrane (half Will expand, thereby moving the output disk 20 in a plane in the direction of the inactive portion of the converter membrane. Figure 11A illustrates the relative activation of the two working electrode pairs in a single phase mode relative to the neutral position Actuator The force-stroke relationship of the salty feedback signal (ie, the output disk displacement). As illustrated, the individual forces and displacements of the output disk are equal but opposite in direction. Figure 11A illustrates the operation in this single phase mode. The resulting nonlinear relationship between the applied voltage and the output displacement of the actuator. 146043.doc •24· 201126377 by the common dielectric film: The “mechanical” light connection of the two electrode pairs allows the output disc to be made Move in the opposite direction. Therefore, when operating two electrode pairs (although they operate independently of each other), an electric cymbal is applied to the first working electrode pair (phase (4) will cause the output circle. #2G to move in one direction and apply voltage In the first: working electrode pair (phase Q will cause the output disc 2〇 to move in the opposite direction. As shown in Figure UB (4), the displacement of the actuator is nonlinear when the voltage changes linearly. The acceleration of the output disc during position 〇# is controlled via two phase synchronization operations to enhance the tactile feedback effect. The actuator can also be divided into two more independently activatable phases to enable the output disc to be made more Complex motion. To achieve greater displacement of the output member or assembly, and thereby provide a greater sensory feedback signal to the user, the actuator 30 is operated in a two-phase mode, ie, the two actuators are simultaneously activated. Figure uc illustrates the force-stroke relationship of the sensory feedback signal of the output disc when operating the actuator in dual phase mode. As explained, the force of the two parts 32, 34 of the actuator in this mode ) Silk process is in the same side Upper 'and has twice the force and stroke of the actuator when operating in single-phase mode. Figure UD illustrates the resulting linearity of the applied voltage and the output displacement of the actuator when operating in this two-phase mode The voltage and output components of the common node 55 by electrically connecting the mechanical handle portions 32, 34 of the actuators in series and controlling their common nodes 55 (such as in the manner illustrated in block 40 of Figure 13). The relationship between the displacement (or resistance) of (in any configuration) is nearly linearly related. In this mode of operation, the nonlinear voltage responses of the two portions 32, 34 of the actuator 30 effectively cancel each other out to produce linearity. Voltage response. By using control circuit 44 and switch total 146043.doc -25- 201126377 into 46a, 46b (one for each part of the actuator), this linear relationship is allowed to be supplied to the switches by means of the control circuit The waveform of the change type of the assembly is used to fine tune and modulate the performance of the actuator. Another advantage of using the circuit 4 is the ability to reduce the number of switching circuits and power supplies required to operate the feedback device. In the case of circuit 40, two separate power supplies and four switch assemblies will be required. Therefore, the complexity and cost of the circuit is reduced, and the relationship between the control voltage and the actuator displacement is improved, that is, It becomes more linear.Another advantage is that the actuator achieves synchronism during two-phase operation, which eliminates the delay in performance.Figures 12A-12C illustrate another variation of a dual phase electroactive polymer converter. In this variation, the converter 1A includes a first pair of electrodes 90 around the dielectric film 96 and a second pair of electrodes % around the dielectric film 96, wherein the two pairs of electrodes 9 and 92 are facilitating rotation. Connected to another structure to transfer the moving rod or mechanical component 94 on the opposite side. As shown in Figure 12A, the two electrodes 9 and 19 are in the same electromigration (e.g., both at zero volts. In the first phase, as illustrated in Fig. 12B, a pair of refining crucible counter electrode 92 is energized to expand the membrane and move the rod 94 by a distance D. The second pair of electrodes 9 are compressed 'by being connected to the nature of the film' but at zero voltage. Fig. 12C shows a second phase in which the electrical waste of the first pair of electrodes ^2 is reduced or broken, and a voltage is applied to the second pair of electrodes 90. The phase of the younger brother is synchronized with the first phase, so that the displacement is twice. The rotation of the converter of Fig. 12A to Fig. 12C occurs. As shown, the energy is supplied to the first electrode for phase ' 'phase 1 with the rod 94. You are dreaming of the mountain.... At time T1, the beginning of phase 2 appears and the first electrode The reduction of 92 dust automatically supplies energy to the opposite H6043.doc -26· 201126377 electrode 90. The net displacement of the rod 94 in the two phases is 2xd. Various types of mechanisms can be used to convey input from the user. Force 60a to achieve desired sensation feedback 60b (see Figure 10). For example, capacitive or resistive sensor 50 (see Figure 13) can be received within user interface pad 4 to sense application to the user by the user Contacting the mechanical input of the surface input. The electrical output 52 from the sensor 50 is supplied to the control circuit 44, which in turn triggers the switch assembly 46a, 46b to be supplied from the power supply 42 in accordance with the mode and waveform provided by the control circuit. The voltage is applied to the respective converter sections 32, 34 of the sensation feedback device. Another variation of the invention relates to the hermetic sealing of the EAP actuator to minimize any effects that moisture or condensation may have on the ruthenium film. Various embodiments described below, A barrier film that is substantially separate from other components of the tactile feedback device to seal the crucible actuator. The barrier film or sleeve may be minimized by a water vapor line such as a box =, preferably (d) or the like. The portion of the barrier film or sleeve that leaks into the sealing film can be made of a compliant material to allow for improved mechanical coupling of the actuator inside the sleeve to a point outside the sleeve. Each of the two apparatus embodiments Enabling the feedback motion of the output member of the actuator to be lightly coupled to the contact surface of the user input surface (eg, the keypad); minimizing any trade-offs in the hermetic seal actuation H package. Motion# is connected to each __ using I Α ^ ^ pure to the user interface contact surface. The method of the method's method may include each of the machinery and/or activities associated with the device being described. The description of the radish forms part of the invention by the implied method. Others: The manufacture of such devices. Wood 146043.doc • 27- 201126377 Figure 14A shows the EAp not coupled to the user wheeling device 19〇 Plane of actuator 2〇4 An example of an array. As shown, the array of EAp actuators 遮* covers a portion of the screen 232 and is coupled to the frame 234 of the device 19 via the pedestal 256. In this variation, the pedestal 256 permits the presence of a void. Actuator 204 and screen 232 are moved. In one variation of device 19, the array of actuators 2〇4 can be a plurality of discrete actuators or actuators behind the user interface surface or screen 232. Array, depending on the application to be applied. Figure 4B shows a bottom view of the device 190 of Figure 14A. As shown by arrow 254, the EAp actuation 204 can allow the screen 232 to move along an axis as a normal to the screen 232. The alternative to the upper movement is combined with the movement in the normal direction. The converter/actuator embodiment described herein has a passive layer(s) coupled to both the active region of the membrane (i.e., the region including the overlapping electrodes) and the inactive region. Where the converter/actuator has also used a rigid output structure, the structure has been positioned over the area of the passive layer that resides above the active area. Moreover, the active/activatable regions of these embodiments have been localized relative to the inactive region. The invention also includes other converter/actuator configurations. For example, the passive layer(s) may only cover the active area or only cover the inactive area. Alternatively, the inactive area of the ruthenium film can be positioned centrally relative to the active area. Referring to Figures 15A and 15B, a schematic representation of a surface deformation crucible actuator 10 for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The actuator 1A includes a Εαρ converting thief 12 having a thin elastomeric dielectric polymer layer 14 and a top portion 146043.doc attached to portions of the top and bottom surfaces of the dielectric 14, respectively. 28- 201126377 Electrode 16a and bottom electrode 16b. The portion of converter 12 comprising a dielectric and at least two electrodes is referred to herein as an active region. Any of the converters of the present invention can have one or more active regions. When a voltage difference is applied to the overlapping and oppositely charged electrodes 16a, 4, the opposing electrodes are attracted to each other, whereby a portion of the dielectric polymer layer 14 is pressed therebetween. As the electrodes are pulled together (along the z-axis), the portion of the dielectric layer 丨4 between the electrodes expands in the planar direction with its zero (along the X and y axes) And become thinner. In the framework or the like, for an incompressible polymer (i.e., a polymer having a substantially constant volume under stress) or for a otherwise compressible polymer, the action causes the active region (also That is, the area covered by the electrode) is the outer dielectric (the characteristic of S, around the periphery of the edge of the active area, that is, the surrounding area of the active area) in the thickness direction (orthogonal to the converter) The plane defined by the film is displaced or protruded out of plane. This projection produces dielectric surface features 24a through 24d. Although the out-of-plane surface features 24 are shown as being relatively local to the active area, the out-of-plane is not always localized as shown. In some cases, if the polymer is pre-strained, surface features 24a through 24b are dispersed over the surface region of the inactive portion of the dielectric material. To amplify the vertical profile and/or visibility of the surface features of the target transducer, an optional passive layer can be added to one or both sides of the converter membrane structure, wherein the passive layer covers all or a portion of the surface area of the diaphragm. In the actuator embodiment of Figs. 15A and 15B, the top passive center layer and the bottom passive layer 18b are attached to the top side and the bottom side of the EAp film 12, respectively. By adding the thickness of the passive layers 18a, 18b to enlarge the actuator and the dielectric layer 12 146043.doc -29· 201126377 surface features 17 &amp; to 17 (^, as shown by the reference numeral 26a in Figure 15B In addition to the poly/substance surface features 26a to 26d, the ruthenium film 12 can be configured such that the - or both electrodes 16a, 16b are reduced below the thickness of the dielectric layer. Thus, the thickness is reduced. The electrode or portion thereof provides an electrode surface feature after the resulting deflection of the EAP film 12 and the dielectric material 14. The electrical m6a, 16e can be patterned or designed to produce a converter film surface feature. Including polymer surface features, electrode surface features, and/or passive layer surface features. In the actuator embodiment 1 of Figures W and 15B, one or more structures 2〇a, 鸠 are provided to promote surface conformance to passive The force and the force of the thick block and the rigid mechanical structure lead to the turn of the power. Here the 'top structure (which can be in the form of a platform, cup, phase rod, rod, etc.) acts as an output part, while the bottom structure 20b is used to draw the actuator 1 to a fixed or rigid structure 22, such as the ground. These output structures need not be discrete components' but can be integrated with or singular with the structure that the actuator is intended to drive. Structures 2 〇 &amp; 2 are also used to define the surface features formed by the passive layers 18a, 18b. To the perimeter or shape of 26d. In the illustrated embodiment, although the collective actuator stack produces an increase in the thickness of the inactive material of the actuator (as shown elsewhere), the actuator is actuated That is, the net change in height experienced is negative. The helium converter of the present invention can have any suitable configuration to provide the desired thickness mode actuation. For example, more than one ΕΑρ film layer can be used to make the converter for use. In more complex applications, such as keyboard keys with integrated sensing capabilities, where an additional diaphragm layer can be used as a capacitive sensor. 146043.doc • 30· 201126377 Figure 16 A § The use according to the invention has This actuator 30 of the stacking converter 32 of the double EAp film layer 3*. The double layer comprises two dielectric elastomer films, the top film 34a being sandwiched between the top electrode 34b and the bottom electrode 34c, respectively, and • the bottom film 36a respectively Sandwiched between the top electrode 36b and the bottom electrode 3. A pair of conductive traces or layers (commonly referred to as "bus bars") are provided to couple the electrodes to the high voltage and ground side of the power source (power source) Not shown.) The bus bars are positioned on the "inactive" portion of the respective diaphragms (that is, the portions of the top electrode 0 where the oscillating electrodes do not overlap). The 1Ή bus bar 42a and the bottom bus bar 42b are respectively positioned. On the top side and the bottom side of the dielectric layer 34a, the top bus bar 44a and the bottom bus bar 44b are respectively positioned on the top side and the bottom side of the dielectric layer 36 &amp; The top electrode 34b of the dielectric material and the bottom electrode 36c of the dielectric material 36a are generally coupled to each other via the conductive elastomer vias 68 &amp; (shown in FIG. 16B) to couple the bus bars 42 &amp; That is, the two outwardly facing electrodes are polarized, and the formation of the conductive elastomer through holes 68a is described in more detail below with respect to Figs. 17A through 17D. The bottom electrode 34 of the dielectric 34a (and the top electrode of the dielectric 36a) is also typically coupled by interconnecting the bus bars 42b and 44b via conductive elastomer vias 68b (shown in Figure 16B). That is, the two inward facing electrodes are polarized. The vias 66a, 66b are used to seal the vias 68a, 6. When the actuator is operated, each electrode is applied when a voltage is applied. The opposing electrodes are pulled together. For safety purposes, the grounding electrode can be placed outside the stack so that any perforated objects are grounded before they reach the high voltage electrode, thereby eliminating the risk of electric shock. Adhesive from film to film adhesive 4〇b. The adhesive layer may include passive or thick layers to enhance performance. Passive 146043.doc -31 - 201126377 layer or thick block 50a and bottom passive layer 52b The adhesive structure is adhered to the converter structure by the adhesive layer 4A and by the adhesive layer 4A. The output rods 46a, 46b can be respectively coupled to the top passive layer and the bottom passive layer by the adhesive layers 48a, 48b, respectively. The actuator can use any suitable number of converters The number of layers may be even or odd. In the latter configuration, one or more common ground electrodes and bus bars may be used. The material may be positioned on the converter stack if safety is not a problem. External to better suit a particular application. 'For operation, actuator 30 must be electrically coupled to a power source and control electronics (all not shown). This can be connected by actuator or pCB or flex The electrical traces or wires on the device 62 are implemented, and the pcB or flex connector 62 couples the high voltage and ground vias 68a, 68b to a power supply or intermediate connection. The barrier material can be protected to encapsulate the actuator 30. Sealing it from moisture and contaminants. Here, the protective barrier includes a top cover 6〇 and a bottom cover 64, which are preferably sealed around the PCB/flex connector to protect The actuator is protected from external forces and strain and/or environmental exposure. In some embodiments, the protective barrier may be impermeable to provide a hermetic seal. The covers may be slightly rigid to protect Actuator 3 〇 to protect it from real The body damage may be compliant to allow for the presence of a space for the actuation displacement of the actuator 3. In one particular embodiment, the top cover 6 is made of a shaped foil and the bottom cover 64 is made of a compliant foil. Made, or vice versa, the two caps are then heat sealed to the board/connector 62. Many other encapsulating materials can also be used, such as metallized polymer film, PVDC, AcUr, styrene or olefin copolymer, polyester. And polyolefin. Compliance material is used to cover the output structure or multiple 146043.doc • 32· 201126377 output structure (here rod 46b), which translates the actuator output. The stacked actuator/converter structure of the present invention The conductive components/layers (such as the actuator 30 just described) are typically coupled by forming electrical vias (68a and 68b in Figure 16B) through the stack. Figures i7a through 19 illustrate various methods of forming the vias of the present invention. The formation of conductive vias of the type used in the actuator 3 of Fig. 16B is described with reference to Figs. 17A to 17D. At the actuator 7A (here, constructed by a single film converter having oppositely positioned bus bars 76a placed on opposite sides of the inactive portion of the dielectric layer 74) , 76b, the inactive portions are sandwiched between the passive layers 78a, 78b) before or after lamination to the pCB/flex connector 72, as illustrated in Figure 17B, the stacked converter/actuator structure The laser drilled hole 80 is made to pass through its entire thickness to the PCB 72 to form through holes 82a, 82b. Other methods for creating such through holes, such as mechanical drilling, perforating, molding, perforating, and coring, can also be used. As shown in Figure 17C, the vias are then filled with a conductive material (e.g., carbon particles in polyfluorene oxide) by any suitable dispensing method, such as by injection. Next, as shown in FIG. 17D, the vias 84a, 84b are electrically filled with vias 84a, 86b to electrically isolate the exposed ends of the vias, as appropriate, with any phase non-conductive material (eg, polyoxynitride). . Alternatively, a non-conductive strip can be placed over the exposed via. Standard electrical wiring can be used in place of the PCB or flex connector to connect the actuator t to the power supply and electronics. The various steps of forming the electrical vias and electrical connections of the power supply i, the device in these embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 18A to D, components and steps similar to those in FIGS. 17A to 17D and steps 146043. .doc -33- 201126377 has the same reference number. Here, the through holes 82a, 82b as shown in Fig. 18A need only be drilled to a depth within the thickness of the actuator to the extent that the bus bars 84a, 84b are reached. Next, after the leads 2 88a, 88b are inserted into the deposited conductive material as shown in Fig. 18C, the via holes are filled with a conductive material as shown in Fig. 18B. As shown in Figure 18D, the electrically conductive filled vias and leads can then be canned. Figure 19 illustrates another way of providing conductive vias in the converter of the present invention. The converter 100 has a dielectric film comprising a dielectric layer 1〇4 having a portion between the electrodes 106a, 106b, which are sandwiched between the passive polymer layers 11a, 11b . Conductive bus bars 1〇8 are provided on the inactive area of the ΕΑρ film. The conductive contacts 114 having a perforated configuration are driven by hand or otherwise, the perforation configuration passing through one side of the transducer to a depth that penetrates the bus bar material 108. Conductive trace 116 extends from the exposed end of perforated contact 114 along pCB/flex connector 112. This method of forming the through holes is particularly effective because it eliminates the steps of drilling the through holes, filling the through holes, placing the wires in the through holes, and sealing the through holes. The helium transducer of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of actuator applications in any suitable configuration and surface features. Figures 20A through 24 illustrate an exemplary thickness mode converter/actuator application. Figure 20A illustrates a thickness mode converter 12A having a circular configuration that is ideal for user physical contact in such tactile or tactile feedback applications for push button actuators used in tactile or tactile feedback applications. A dream, keyboard, touch screen, phone, etc. The converter 12 is formed from a thin elastomer dielectric polymer layer 122 and top and bottom electrode patterns 124a, i24b (bottom I46043.doc -34 - 201126377 electrode patterns are shown as phantoms), which is best shown in FIG. In the separation diagram in 〇b (isolated... (8), each of the electrode patterns 124 provides a short post. The P-knife 125' has a plurality of oppositely extending finger portions 127 forming a concentric pattern. The short posts of the two electrodes Opposite to each other, on opposite sides of the circular dielectric layer 122, wherein the respective finger portions are aligned side by side to each other to produce the pattern # shown in Figure 2GA. Although in this embodiment the opposing electrode patterns are mutually Equivalent and symmetrical, but encompassing other embodiments in which the opposing electrode pattern is asymmetrical in shape and/or the amount of surface area it occupies. The portion of the converter material 4 where the two electrode materials do not overlap defines the non-converter. Active portions 128a, 128b. Electrical contacts Uh, 丨2^ are provided at the base of each of the two electrode stub portions for electrically connecting the converter to the power source and the control electronics ( None of them When the converter is activated, 'the opposing electrode fingers are pulled together' thereby pressing the dielectric material 122 therebetween, wherein the inactive portion 12 of the converter is embossed to press the button Surface features are formed around the perimeter and/or inside the button. The push button actuator may be in the form of a single input or contact surface or may be provided in an array format having a plurality of contact surfaces. The built-in array form %, the button of Figure 20A The converter is ideal for use in a variety of user interface devices (e.g., 'computer keyboard' phones, calculators, etc.) keypad actuators 13 (as shown in Figure 21). The converter array 32 includes A top array 136a of interconnected electrode patterns and a bottom array 13 of electrode patterns (shown as phantoms), wherein the two arrays are opposite each other to produce a concentric converter pattern of FIG. 2A with active and inactive portions as described The keyboard structure may take the form of a passive layer 13 4 on top of the 146043.doc -35- 201126377 converter array 13 2. The passive layer 134 may have its own surface features (such as a bond boundary 13 8), It can be raised in a passive state to enable the user to align his or her finger with the individual key pad by touch, and/or to further enlarge the protrusion of the periphery of each button after activation. When the button is pressed, the device is activated The individual transducers are laid flat so that the thickness mode is convex (as described above) to provide a tactile sensation to the user. Any number of transducers can be provided in this manner and the transducers are spaced apart to accommodate the small use being used. The type and size of the keyboard 134. Examples of manufacturing techniques for such converter arrays are disclosed in the application dated June 27, 2008.

In the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/163,554, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the thickness mode converter of the present invention need not be symmetrical and can take any configuration and shape. The target converter can be used in any conceivable novel application, such as the novel hand device 140 illustrated in FIG. A dielectric material 142 is provided in the form of a hand having top and bottom electrode patterns 144a, 144b in a similar hand shape (the lower pattern is shown as an illusion). Each of the electrode patterns is electrically coupled to bus bars 146a, 146b, which are in turn electrically coupled to a power source and control electronics (all not shown). Here, the opposing electrode patterns are aligned with each other or overlap each other instead of being inserted, thereby creating alternating active and inactive regions. Instead, instead of creating raised surface features only on the inner and outer edges of the entire pattern, raised surface features are provided throughout the hand contour (i.e., 'on the inactive area). Note that in this illustrative application, the surface features are available for 146043.doc -36 - 201126377 for visual feedback rather than tactile feedback. It is expected that visual feedback can be enhanced by coloring, reflecting materials, and the like. Ο

G can be used to efficiently mass-produce the converter film of the present invention by conventional web-based manufacturing techniques, especially if the converter electrode pattern is uniform or repeated, as shown in Figure 23; ! Film 15() can be provided in a continuous strip format having continuous top and bottom electrical busbars 156a, 156b deposited or formed on a strip of dielectric material 152. Most commonly, the thickness mode features are defined by discrete (i.e., 'non-continuous) but repeating active regions 158 that are electrically coupled to the respective top and bottom electrode patterns (10) of the respective bus bars 156 &amp; (10) forming; the size, length, shape and pattern of the thickness mode features can be customized for a particular application. However, it is expected that the active area(s) can be provided as a continuous pattern. The electrodes and busbar patterns can be formed by known web-based fabrication techniques, which are then followed by Z (such as by cutting the strip BO along the selected mono-line 155). The strip continuously provides activity: =, the strip needs to be cut with high precision to avoid shortening the electricity L: rk is to be canned or otherwise the cutting ends of the electrodes can be reverted to avoid the problem of trackmg . The busbars are then 156^2 to the power source/control device to enable actuation of the resulting two. Before or after the earlyization, the strip or a single number of other converter film strips/strip portions are stacked. To: divided and appointed. If so required, then a multi-layered junction to the rigid mechanical component of the actuator, such as the input (four) mechanically pure figure 24, illustrates another variant of the target converter, wherein the converter _ 146043.doc -37. 201126377 A strip of electrically conductive material 162 is formed with the top and bottom electrodes 164a, 164b on opposite sides of the strip π, the strip being arranged in a rectangular pattern thereby enclosing an open region 165. Each of the electrodes terminates in the electrical busbars 6 to 166b, and the electrical busbars 166a, 16b respectively have electrical contacts for coupling to the power source and control electronics (all not shown) 168a, 16讣. A passive layer (not shown) extending across the enclosed region 165 can be used on either side of the converter membrane, thereby forming a gasket configuration for environmental protection and mechanical coupling of the output rod (also not shown) By. As configured, the activation of the transducer produces surface features along the inner and outer perimeters 169 of the converter strip and a reduction in the thickness of the active regions 164a, 164b. It should be noted that the 35-piece actuator need not be a continuous, single-actuator. One or more discrete actuators may also be used to align along the perimeter of an area that may optionally be sealed with an inactive compliant gasket material. Other shim-type actuators are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12, No. 554, which is incorporated herein by reference. These types of actuators are suitable for, for example, having a touch sensor panel, a touchpad, and a touch screen (eg, tactile or vibratory) feedback should be supplied for handheld multimedia devices, medical devices , public information inquiry station or car instrument interface, a early instrument panel toy and other novel products, etc. FIG. 25A to FIG. 25D are cross sections of the touch screen using the variant of the thickness mode actuator of the present invention. Figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like components in the four figures. Referring to Figure 25A, 'Touch Screen Device': A touch sensor panel 1741, often made of glass or plastic material, includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 172. The two are stacked together and are 146043.doc • 38 The '201126377 degree mode actuators 180 are spaced apart to define an open space 176 therebetween. The collective stacking structure is held together by the frame 178. The actuator 180 includes a centered pair of electrodes 184a, 18 a dielectric film layer [Μ] formed by a converter film. The converter film is sandwiched between the top and bottom passive layers 6a 186b and further held between a pair of output structures 188a, 188b, respectively. Coupling to the touchpad 1 74 and the LCD 172. The right side of Figure 25A shows the relative position of the lcd and the touchpad 0 when the actuator is inactive and the left side of Figure 25A is shown in the actuator The relative position of the components (i.e., after the user presses the trackpad 174 in the direction of arrow 175). As is apparent from the left side of the figure, the electrodes 184a, 184b are activated when the actuation benefit 180 is activated. Pulled together, thereby pressing the portion of the dielectric film 182 Simultaneously, surface features are generated in the dielectric material and the passive layers 186a, 186b outside the active region, and the surface features are further enhanced by the compressive forces caused by the output blocks 188a, 188b. Thus, the surface features The touch panel 174 is provided with a slight force in the opposite direction to the arrow 175. This gives the user a tactile sensation in response to pressing the touch panel. The touch screen device 190 of FIG. 25B has the touch with FIG. A similar configuration of the screen device, except that the LCD 172 is entirely housed in an interior region framed by a rectangular (or square, etc.) shaped thickness mode actuator 18. Thus 'LCD 172 when the device is in an inactive state The spacing 176 from the touchpad 174 (as demonstrated on the right side of the figure) is significantly smaller than the spacing in the embodiment of Figure 25A, thereby providing a lower rim design. In addition, the bottom output structure 188b of the actuator Directly resting on the wall 178' behind the frame 178. Regardless of the structural difference between the two embodiments, the device 190 acts similarly to the device 170 as 146043.doc • 39-201126377 'because of the actuator surface features A slight tactile force should be provided in the opposite direction to the arrow 185 when the touchpad is pressed. The two touchscreen devices just described are single phase devices because they act in a single direction. In the 25C, two (or more than two) slap-type actuators can be used to create a two-phase (two-way) touch screen device 200. The structure of the device 2 is similar to that of the figure. The configuration of the 25B device 'but adds a second thickness mode actuator 180' resting on top of the trackpad 174. The two actuators and trackpad 174 maintain a stacked relationship by a frame 178 having an added inwardly extending top shoulder 178. Thus, the touchpad 174 is directly sandwiched between the actuators 18〇, 18〇, (respectively) the innermost output blocks 188a, l88b, and the actuators 18〇, (respectively) the outermost output blocks 188b, 188a' support frame members 178, and 178, respectively. This closed shim configuration places dust and debris out of the optical path within space 176. Here, the left side of the figure illustrates the bottom actuator 18 in an active state and the top actuator 180 in a passive state in which the sensor plate 174 is moved toward the LCD 172 in the direction of arrow 195. Rather, the right side of the figure illustrates the bottom actuator 180 in the passive state and the top actuator 180' in the active state, with the sensor plate 174 moving away from the LCD 1 7 2 in the direction of arrow 195'. Figure 25D illustrates another dual phase touch sensor device 21A, but with a pair of thickness mode strip actuators 180 oriented with respect to the electrodes of the touch sensitive panel. Here, as indicated by arrow 205, the biphasic or bidirectional movement of trackpad 174 is in a plane. To enable this in-plane motion, the actuator 180 is positioned such that its plane of the diaphragm is orthogonal to the LCD 172 and the trackpad 146043.doc • 40-201126377

The plane of 174. To maintain this position, the actuator wo is held between the frame us::wall 202 and the inner frame member 2〇6, and the touchpad 174 rests on the inner frame member 206. While the inner frame member 2〇6 is attached to the output region of the actuator (10), it and the trackpad 174 "float" relative to the outer frame i 78 to allow for in-plane or lateral movement. This configuration provides a relatively compact, low profile a juice because it eliminates the added voids that are otherwise necessary for the biphasic out-of-plane motion of the touchpad. The two actuations work inversely for the phase motion. The combination of plate i74 and bracket coffee assembly maintains actuator strip 180 slightly against the side wall 2〇2 of frame 178. In the case of one actuator, it is compressed or progressively thinned, while the other actuation H is expanded due to the stored compressive force. This causes the plate assembly to move toward the action. The plate is moved in the opposite direction by undoing the first actuator and activating the second actuator. Figures 26A and 26B illustrate variants in which the inactive region of the transducer is positioned inside or in the center of the active region (i.e., the central portion of the diaphragm lacks overlapping electrodes). The thickness mode actuator 36G includes a dielectric layer 362 & ΕΑ 转换器 converter film sandwiched between electrode layers 364a, 364b, wherein the central portion 365 of the film is passive and lacks electrode material. The ΕΑρ film is maintained under tension or tension conditions by at least the top and bottom frame members 366a, 366b (combining the PCT configuration). At least one of the top side and the bottom side of the passive portion covering the film is a passive layer ", 368b having optional rigid restraint or output members 370a, 370b mounted thereon. With the frame 366 constrained to its periphery, the compression of the diaphragm causes the membrane material to retract inwardly (as shown by arrows 367a, 367b) when activated (see Figure 26A). Unlike the actuator embodiment described above, the 35-compressed EAp film impinges on the passive material 368a, hiring it, thereby reducing its diameter and increasing its height. This configuration change will force outward Applied to the output members (10), 3鸠. As in the case of the actuator embodiments previously described, passive (four) membrane actuators may be provided in multiple stacked or planar relationships to provide multiphase actuation and / or increase the output force and / or stroke of the actuator. The performance can be enhanced by pre-straining the dielectric film and / or passive material. The actuator can be used as a key or a single device and can be used with such as thin (four) The sensor devices are stacked or integrated. The bottom can be used The output member or bottom electrode is provided to the membrane switch; i is sufficient to complete the circuit or can complete the circuit directly at the bottom output member and has a conductive layer. Multiple applications can be used in an array for applications such as keypads or keyboards Various dielectric elastomers and electrode materials disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2/5, No. 57,893, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in Including any solid, compliant polymer (such as 'polyoxy rubber and (tetra) acid) that deforms in response to electrostatic forces or deforms it to cause a change in the electric field. In the process of designing or selecting an appropriate polymer Considering the best material, physical and chemical properties, these properties can be tailored by judicious selection of monomers (including any side chains), additives, degree of crosslinking, crystallinity 'molecular weight, etc.' Electrodes described and suitable for use include structured electrodes comprising metal traces and charge-distributing layers, textured electrodes, conductive greases (such as &quot;&quot; grease or Grease), colloidal suspension, high aspect ratio conductive material (146043.doc -42- 201126377 Graphene and metal nano poles can be made of compliant materials (matrices). The present invention, for example, conductive carbon black, carbon fiber, carbon Mixtures of nanotubes, wires) and ionically conductive materials. For example, elastomers containing carbon or other conductive particles may also use metal and semi-non-flexible electrodes. For example, 'for use in the standard shovel cage seven Exemplary passive layer materials in the exchange include, but are not limited to, polyfluorene oxide, stupid ethylene, propionate, rubber 'soft c, urethane

a soft polymer, a soft elastomer (gel), a soft poly-δ foam, or a polymer/gel, which is selected from the relative elasticity and thickness of the passive layer and the second layer. To achieve the desired output (for example, the net thickness or thinness of the surface features) ^f ', the output response of the A-Hai can be designed to be (for example, the thickness of the passive layer and the thickness of the dielectric layer at startup:: Or non-linear (eg, passive layer and dielectric: the rate is thinned or thickened). Related to the use of the device, other methods of the described device may be focused on the method, and the method of the subject may include Each of the machinery and/or activities, thus forming part of the invention using the implied method. Manufacture of such devices. For other details of the invention, such as the level of logic of those skilled in the art: =: = 组态 组态 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 feature), However, the invention is not limited to the invention described or indicated in relation to each of the variants of the invention, without departing from the true (four) oblique (four) condition T of the present invention, which may be 146043.doc • 43- 201126377. Various changes are made and may be substituted for equivalents (whether described herein or not for simplicity). Any number shown: the parts or sub-assemblies may be integrated in their design. The change or other change can be made or referred to by the design original (4) for assembly. In another variation, the centroid assembly or actuator 36 can be adapted for use in vibrating buttons, keys, touches A tactile response is provided in the control panel, mouse or other interface. 'In this example, the actuator 36 is coupled using a non-compressible output geometry. This variant is molded using the output geometry. Non-dustable material to provide an alternative to the central constraint of the bond from the electroactive polymer film g. Actuating the wiper in an electroactive polymer without a central disk, actuating the passive film in the center of the changing electrode geometry Conditions to reduce stress and strain (force and displacement) This reduction occurs in all directions in the plane of the film 'not only in a single direction. After the discharge of the electroactive polymer, the passive film is the contact phase to the original stress and strain energy state. The compressible material can be made An electroactive polymer actuator is constructed (a material having a substantially constant volume under stress). The actuator smoke is bonded to the passive membrane region at the center of the actuator 360 in the inactive region 365 The non-compressible output mat, 368b is assembled to replace the central disc. This configuration can be used to transfer energy by compressing the output mat at the interface between the output pad and the passive portion 365. This causes the output pads 368a and 368b to expand Actuation is produced in a direction orthogonal to the flat film. The non-compressible geometry can be enhanced by adding a constraint to the various surfaces to control its change during actuation. For the above example, a non-compliant reinforcement is added to constrain the top surface of the output pad to prevent the surface from changing its dimensions and concentrating the geometry change on the size of the wheel pad. The above variants may also allow for the adaptation of biaxial stress and strain state changes of the electroactive polymer dielectric elastomer after actuation; transfer of actuation orthogonal to the direction of actuation; design of non-shrinkable geometry To optimize performance. The above variants may include various converter platforms including: diaphragm, planar, inertial drive, thickness mode, hybrid (combination of plane and thickness modes as described in the accompanying disclosure) and even roll_for any Tactile feedback (mouse, control stomach, camp, $, press, keyboard, etc.). These variants may move the user to a specific part of the surface (for example, a touch screen, a small keyboard, a button or a keycap), or move the entire farm. Different device implementations may require different platforms. For example, in one example, a strip of thickness mode actuators may provide out-of-plane motion of a touch screen, and a hybrid or planar actuator may provide a button feel of a button on a keyboard or an inertial drive design is slipping Rumble feedback is provided in the mouse and controller. Figure 27 illustrates another variation of a transducer for providing tactile feedback to various user interface devices. In this variation, mass or weight 262 is consumed to the electroactive polymer actuator 30. Although the illustrated polymer actuator includes a membrane-type actuator, the alternative embodiment of the device can use a spring-biased actuator as described in the above-disclosed patents and applications. Figure 27 is an exploded view of the converter assembly of Figure 27; As illustrated, the inertia converter assembly 260 includes a mass 262 sandwiched between two actuators 3''. However, variations of the device include one or more actuators, depending on the intended application on either side of the X-beauty range of 146043.doc -45-201126377. As described, the actuator is engaged to the inertial mass 262 and secured via the base plate or flange. Actuation of the actuator 30 causes the mass to be private with respect to the orientation of the actuator. The additional actuator medium actuator can be configured to provide normal or z-axis movement of the mass 262. Figure 27C illustrates a side view of the inertial transducer assembly 26A of Figure 27A. In this description, the assembly is shown with a central outer casing 266 and a top outer casing that enclose the actuator 3 and the inertial mass 262. Again, the assembly 26g is shown as having a securing member or fastener 270 that extends through the opening or through opening 24 in the outer casing and actuator. The through hole 24 can serve multiple functions. For example, the through holes can be used only for installation purposes. Alternatively, or in combination, the vias can electrically couple the actuator to a circuit board, flex circuit, or mechanical ground. Figure 27D illustrates a perspective view of the inertial transducer assembly 26A of Figure 27C with inertial mass (not shown) located within housing assemblies 264, 266 and 268. The portion of the housing assembly serves multiple functions. For example, in addition to providing mechanical support and mounting and attachment features, it may have features that act as mechanical hard stop members to prevent excessive movement of the inertial mass in the X, y, and/or Z directions 'this excessive motion The actuator 匣 may be damaged. For example, the outer casing can include a raised surface to limit excessive movement of the inertial mass. In the illustrated example, the rising surfaces may comprise portions of the outer casing containing the through holes 24. Alternatively, the through hole 24 can be selectively placed such that any fastener 270 positioned therethrough acts as an effective stop to limit the movement of the inertial mass. The housing assemblies 264 and 266 can also be designed with integrated lips or extensions that cover the edges of the actuator to prevent electric shock during handling. 146043.doc -46- 201126377 Any and all such parts may also be integrated as part of a larger assembly enclosure, such as a housing for a consumer electronic device. For example, although the illustrated housing is shown as a separate component that will be secured within the user interface device, alternative variations of the transducer include an integral or partial housing assembly that is the outer casing of the actual user interface device. For example, the body of a computer mouse can be configured to act as a housing for an inertial converter assembly. Ο

The G inertial mass 262 can also perform multiple functions. Although shown as circular in Figures 27 and 27b, the inertial mass variant can be fabricated to have a more complex shape such that it has a mechanical hard broadcast that acts to limit its movement in the X, (8) or z direction. The integrated features of the stop. By way of example, FIG. 27 illustrates a variation of the inertial converter assembly having an inertial mass 262 that incorporates a shaped surface 263 that has a stop or other feature of the outer casing 264. In the variant described, the amount of inertia f is added to the surface 263 spray buckle = 7 〇. Thus the displacement of the inertial mass 262 is limited to the gap between the forming surface plus the disk stop or fastener 270. You can choose to use the weight of the assembly, and the material of the construction can be tailored to minimize the choice, not to pay for it. Suitable materials include gold metal 5 gold, such as copper, steel, crane, Ming, Lu, Lu and brass, and ° using polymer/metal composites, tree materials. ^Inventive methods and devices described in the body, gel or other electroacupuncture sensation device for the electroactive polymer sensation device Drive back with improvement; s ::: Motivation. In one such example, the actuator is sensed by a sound signal. This configuration eliminates the need for a separate processor m that uses U to generate waveforms to produce a tactile sensation of the same type as 146043.doc -47- 201126377. The reality is that the touch device can use one or more of the Lei Zheng L, i ja ja t t circuit to modify the existing audio semaphore to a modified haptic L number such as 'filtering or amplifying different parts of the spectrum. Thus the modified tactile signal then drives the actuator. In one example, the modified tactile signal drives the power supply to trigger the actuator to achieve a different sensory effect. This method has the advantage of automatically correlating and synchronizing with any audio signal. This enhances the feedback of music or sound effects in a tactile device such as a game controller or a handheld game console. Figure 28A illustrates an example of a circuit for modulating an audio signal to operate within the optimum haptic frequency for an electroactive polymer actuator. The illustrated circuit modifies the audio signal by amplitude wear, Dc offset adjustment, and ac waveform peak-to-peak magnitude adjustment to produce a signal 0 similar to the signal shown in Figure 28B in a 4 匕 variant φ ^ In a dry body, the electroactive polymer actuator comprises a dual phase electroactive polymer actuator, and wherein modifying the audio signal comprises filtering a positive portion of the audio signal of the audio signal to drive the electroactive polymer transfer (d) the first phase' and inverting the negative portion of the audio signal of the audio signal to drive the second phase of the electroactive polymer converter to improve the performance of the electroactive polymer converter. For example, in the form of a sine wave...: the signal can be converted to a square wave (eg, 'via trimming) such that the tactile sensation "generates a square wave that produces the maximum actuator force output." In another example, the circuit can include - Or a plurality of rectifiers enter the (four) wave at the frequency of the audio signal to drive the tactile effect using all or one of the audio waveforms of the audio signal. Figure 28c illustrates the positive boring tool designed to the fl waveform of the audio signal chain. A variant of the circuit for filtering. In another 146043.doc -48- 201126377 body, this circuit can be combined with the circuit shown in circle 28D for an actuator having two phases. As shown, the figure The 28C circuit can chop the positive portion of the microphone waveform to drive the phase of the actuator, and the circuitry shown in the map reverses the negative portion of the audio waveform to drive the biphasic actuation. The other phase of the device. The result is that the two-phase actuator will have: actuator performance. In the implementation: - the implementation, the threshold of the audio signal can be used to trigger the secondary circuit that drives the Ο 致 actuator Operation by amplitude and frequency of the audio signal Or a pattern to define the threshold. The secondary circuit may have a fixed response (such as a set of oscillator circuits that output a particular frequency), or may have multiple responses based on a plurality of defined triggers. In some variations, the response may be predetermined for a particular trigger. In this case, the stored 2 signal may be provided in a particular trigger. In this way, instead of modifying the source; - a predetermined response, depending on one or more characteristics of the source signal. The secondary circuit may also include a timer to output a response of a limited duration. Many systems may benefit from a tactile device having the capability of sound. Implementation (eg, computers, smart phones, PDAs, video games). In this variant, the sound of chopping acts as a driving waveform for an electroactive polymer haptic device. Sound systems commonly used in such systems are available. The wave is only included in the frequency range that is optimal for the tactile feedback actuator design. Figure 28E and Figure 1 illustrate one example of the device 400 'in this case, computerized slippery, with the mouse body Within 4G0 and pure to inertia f - or a plurality of electroactive polymer actuators 402. 146043.doc -49- 201126377 The current system operates at an optimum frequency of &lt;200 Hz. Sound waveforms (such as hunting The sound of the sh〇tgun blast or the sound of the closed door can be low pass filtered to allow only the frequency of &lt;200 Hz from these sounds. This filtered waveform is then supplied as an input waveform to the drive touch. The epAM power supply of the feedback actuator. These examples are used in the game controller t' to sprinkle the sound of the jet and close the door for the tactile feedback actuator to be simultaneous, thereby providing the game player with an enhanced experience. In one variation, the use of existing sound signals may allow for a method of producing a tactile effect simultaneously with the sound produced by the separately generated audio signal in the user interface device. For example, t, the method may include: transmitting the audio signal to the wave circuit; modifying the audio signal to generate a tactile drive signal by filtering a frequency yoke below the frequency of the frequency; and driving the touch The signal is provided to a power supply coupled to the electroactive polymer converter such that the power supply actuates the electroactive polymer converter to simultaneously drive the haptic effect with the sound produced by the audio signal. The method can further include driving the electroactive polymer converter to produce both a sound effect and a tactile response. 29A-30B illustrate another variant that is driven by powering the converter using a structure of the converter - or a plurality of converters such that the converter remains unpowered in a normal (pre-start) state. #. The following description can be incorporated into any of the designs described herein. Apparatus and methods for driving a transducer are particularly useful when attempting to reduce the contour of the body or chassis of the user interface device. In a first example, 'user interface device 400 includes - or a plurality of electrical activities 146043.doc -50 - 201126377 polymer converter or actuator 360 that can be driven to generate a touch at user interface surface 402 Sensing effect without the need for complicated switching mechanisms. The reality is that the plurality of converters 36 are powered by one or more power supplies 380. In the illustrated example, converter 360 is a thickness mode converter as described above and in the application previously incorporated by reference. However, the concepts presented for this variant can be applied to many different converter designs.致 As shown, the actuators 36 can be stacked in a layer that includes an open circuit that includes a high voltage power supply 380' or one or more ground bus bars 382 that serve as a connection to the mother-to-converter 360. However, the device 4 is configured such that in the standby state, each of the actuators 360 remains unpowered because the circuit forming the power supply 380 remains open. Figure 29B shows a single user interface surface 420 having a transducer 36A as shown in Figure 29A. In order to complete the connection between the bus bar 382 and the power supply 380, the user interface surface 〇2 includes one or more conductive surface 404. In this variation, conductive surface 404 includes the bottom surface of user interface 4〇2. Converter 360 will also include a conductive surface on output member 37 or another portion of converter 36A. To actuate the converter 360, as shown in Figure 29C, when the user interface surface 402 is deflected into the converter 360, the two conductive portions are electrically coupled to close the circuit. This action completes the circuit of the power supply 38〇. In addition, pressing the user interface surface 402 not only closes the gap with the transducer 36, but can also be used to close the switch of the device 400 such that the device 4 recognizes the actuation of the surface 402. 146043.doc -51 - 201126377 , a benefit of this configuration is that not all converters 360 are powered. The fact is that only the converters that complete the circuit on the surface of the individual user interface are powered. This configuration minimizes power consumption and eliminates crosstalk between the actuators 360. This configuration allows for extremely thin and difficult keyboards because it eliminates metal or elastic circles commonly used in such devices. The need for a top-type switch. Figure 3 is a quilted diagram detailing the user interface device _ another variant with an electroactive polymer converter configured as an embedded switch. Figure 3A In the variant, there is a first gap between the converter smoke and the user interface surface 4〇2 and a second gap between the converter 360 and the chassis 4〇4. In this variant, as shown in the figure As shown, pressing the user interface surface 4〇2 closes the first switch or establishes a closed circuit between the user interface surface 402 and the converter 360. The closing of the circuit allows power to be supplied from the high voltage power supply (not shown) In Figure 3-8, the electroactive polymer converter is delivered. Continue to press the user interface surface to drive the transducer 360 into contact with an additional switch located on the chassis 4〇4 of the device 400. The latter connection Make the month b enough to enter the skirt 4, so that the high electricity The power supply can actuate the converter 36G to generate a tactile sensation or tactile feedback at the user interface surface. The connection is released after the connection between the converter 35 〇 and the chassis 4 〇 4 is released (the gap 408 is established) This action cuts off the signal to the device to effectively disconnect the high voltage power supply and prevents the actuator from producing any tactile effects. Continue to release the user interface surface to allow the user interface surface 4〇2 ” converter The 360 is separated to establish a gap of 4〇6. The disconnection of a switch after the switch effectively disconnects the converter 360 from the power supply. 146043.doc • 52· 201126377 In the above variations, the user interface surface may include one or more keys of a keyboard (eg, a QWERTY keyboard or other type of input keyboard or keypad). The actuation of the EPAM provides a tactile feedback of button presses that replaces the key press of the current dome button. However, this configuration can be used in any user interface device, including (but not limited to) keyboards, touch screens, computer mice, trackballs, styluses, control panels, or will benefit from a tactile feedback feel. Any other device.

A low voltage circuit that is disconnected in another variation of the above configuration. This low power is supplied to the high voltage circuit. With this voltage power and only with the converter, closing one or more gaps will close the voltage circuit and then trigger the switch to provide the converter to the converter in an electrical mode that provides high on the high voltage circuit. As long as the low voltage circuit remains open, the high voltage power supply remains unpowered and the converter remains unpowered. The use of E allows the electrical switch to be buried throughout the design of the user interface surface, and eliminates the need to use conventional dome switches to activate the interface device's input signal (ie, the device recognizes the key input) And the need to activate the touch signal of the key (i.e., to create a tactile sensation associated with the selection of the key). Any number of switches can be closed by pressing each key press, which can be customized within the constraints of the design. The embedded actuator switch can deliver a per-touch event by configuring a key such that each time the press completes the circuit with the power supply to the actuator. This configuration simplifies the electronics requirements of the keyboard. The high voltage power required to drive the tactile sensation of each key can be supplied by a single-high voltage power supply for the entire keyboard. Any number of power supplies can be combined. 146043.doc -53· 201126377 Design in. EPAMs that can be used with these designs include flat, diaphragm, thickness mode, and passive coupling (mixing). In another variation, the embedded switch design also allows for the emulation of a bi-stable switch, such as a conventional dome switch (e.g., a rubber dome or a metal flexure switch). In one variation, as described above, the user interface surface deflects the electroactive polymer converter. However, the activation of the electroactive polymer converter is delayed. Thus the continued deflection of the electroactive polymer converter increases the resistance experienced by the user at the interface of the user interface. This resistance is caused by deformation of the electroactive polymer film within the converter. The electroactive polymer converter is then activated after a predetermined deflection or after a period of time after deflection of the transducer so that the user experiences a change in resistance (typically reduced) at the interface of the user interface. However, the displacement of the user interface surface can continue. This delay in the activation of the electroactive polymer converter mimics the traditional dome or buckling switch for bistable performance. Figure 31A illustrates a graph of the initiation of a delayed electroactive polymer converter to produce a dual wave effect. As illustrated, line 1〇1 shows the passive hard shoulder curve of the electroactive polymer rotator as it deflects but delays the startup of the converter. Line 102 shows the primary hardness curve of the electroactive polymer converter once it is activated. Line 103 shows the force distribution of the electroactive polymer converter as it moves along the passive hardness curve, and then when actuated, the hardness drops to the active hardness curve 1G2. In one example, the electroactive polymer converter is activated somewhere in the middle of the stroke. The contour of line 103 is very close to the tracking rubber dome or metal buckling bistable 146043.doc -54- 201126377 The hardness of the mechanism of the class 仞&# , ^ ^ like contour. As shown, the EAP actuator is adapted to simulate the force distribution of the rubber dome. The difference between the passive curve and the active curve will be the main contributor to the sense, meaning that the higher the gap, the higher the chance and the stronger the feeling will be. The shape of the curve and the mechanism that achieves the desired m response can be independent of the type of actuator. In addition, the activation response of any type of actuator (e.g., diaphragm actuator, thickness mode, mixing, etc.) can be delayed to provide the desired feel. In this case, the electroactive polymer converter acts as a variable spring that changes the output reaction force by applying a voltage. The diagram illustrates an additional graph based on a variation of the above described actuator using a delay that initiates the electroactive polymer converter. The other M used to drive the t-active polymer converter includes the use of stored waveforms that are given a threshold input 彳5. The input signal can include an audio or eight-trigger 彳5 number. For example, the circuit shown in Figure 32 illustrates an audio signal that acts as a trigger for the stored wave. Also, the system can use 〇 trigger or other signals to replace the audio signal. This method drives the electroactive polymer converter by one or more predetermined waveforms rather than simply driving the actuator directly from the audio signal. One benefit of this mode of driving actuators is that the use of stored waveforms enables complex waveform and actuator performance to be produced with minimal memory and complexity. Actuator performance can be enhanced by using drive pulses optimized for the actuator (e.g., 'executing at a preferred voltage or pulse width or at resonance) rather than using analog audio signals. The actuator response can be synchronized with the input signal or can be delayed. In one example, a trigger threshold of 25 v can be used as a trigger. This low level signal can then generate one or more pulse waves 146043.doc • 55- 201126377 on &gt;. In another variation, this driving technique may potentially allow the same input or trigger signal to be used based on any number of conditions (eg, the location of the user interface device, the state of the user interface device, the program executing on the device) And so on) with different output signals. Figures 33A and 33B illustrate yet another variation for driving an electroactive polymer converter by providing a dual phase start with a single drive circuit. As shown, among the three power leads in the two-phase converter, one of the leads on one of the phases remains constant at the high voltage, and one of the leads on the other phase is grounded, and the two phases are common to both phases. The third lead is driven to vary the voltage from ground to a high voltage. This enables the initiation of one phase to coincide with the cancellation of the second phase to enhance the snap-through performance of the two-phase actuator. In another variation, the haptic effect on the user interface surface as described herein can be improved by adjusting the mechanical behavior of the user interface surface. For example, in variations of the electroactive polymer converter that drives the touch screen, the tactile signal can eliminate unwanted movement of the user interface surface after the tactile effect. When the device includes a touch screen, the movement of the screen (i.e., the user interface surface) typically occurs in the plane of the touch screen or out of plane (e.g., the z-direction). In either case, as schematically illustrated in Figure 34B, the electroactive polymer converter is driven by pulse 502 to produce a tactile response. However, as shown in the graph of the displacement of the user interface surface (e.g., touch screen) as illustrated in Figure 34A, the resulting movement can be followed by hysteresis mechanical vibration or oscillation 500. To improve the haptic effect, the method of driving the haptic effect may include using a composite waveform to provide electronic damping to produce a realistic 146043.doc -56-201126377 haptic effect. This waveform includes a tactile driving portion 502 and a damping portion 504. In the case where the tactile effect includes a "button" as described above, the electronically damped waveform can eliminate or reduce the hysteresis effect to produce a more realistic feeling. For example, the displacement curves of Figures 34A and 34C illustrate the displacement curve when attempting to emulate a button. However, the electronic damping of the sensation can be used to improve any number of tactile sensations. Figure 3 illustrates the energy used to power an electroactive polymer converter.

An example of a road. Many electroactive polymer converters require high voltage electronics to generate electricity. A simple high voltage electronic device that provides functionality and protection is required. A basic converter circuit consists of a low voltage priming supply, a connecting diode, an electroactive polymer converter, a second connecting diode, and a high voltage collector. However, this circuit may not be effective in capturing as much energy as possible per cycle as needed, and requires a relatively high voltage pilot supply. Figure ^ illustrates the design of a simple power generation circuit. One of the advantages of this circuit is the simplicity of the design. Operating the generator (assuming mechanical force is applied) requires only a small starting voltage (approximately 9 volts). There is no need to control the level electronics to control the transfer of high voltage to electricity: in and out of the polymer converter. Passive voltage regulation is achieved by the upper and lower poles of the output of the circuit. This circuit is capable of generating high voltage DC power and can be used as a packaged active polymer converter at a level of energy density per gram of Joule. This circuit is suitable for generating moderate power and: the feasibility of a non-electroactive polymer converter. The illustrated circuit uses electronics to maximize the transfer of each mechanical cycle of the electroactive polymer converter while still maintaining simplicity. Additional benefits include: Allowing a very low voltage of 146043.doc -57· 201126377 (for example, 9佚1ό 2丨i for 1 servant), self-priming, variable frequency and variable stroke operation, The electronic device (ie, does not require the control sequence's power = to maximize energy transfer per quarantine; operates in both variable frequency and variable-stroke applications; and provides over-current (4) protection to the converter. Further details of the invention, such as the level of material and alternative configuration of those skilled in the art, may be used in connection with the method of the present invention, or in addition to the additional actions used in the present invention. In addition, although reference has been made to a number of real (four) == see cases and various features, the invention is not limited to the described or illustrated examples as encompassed by the per-variant of the invention. In the case of the true spirit and material, the substitutable equivalents described may be substituted (whether described in the text or as a simplification). Any number shown == The part or subassembly can be integrated in its design. Can be used for assembly. also. Ten principles are used to conduct or direct such changes or other changes. Further, it is contemplated that any optional features of the described inventive variations can be set forth and claimed independently or in combination with any one or the features described herein. References to singular items include the possibility of having multiple identical items. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended claims, single (four) &amp; (10) plural objects ' unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the use of such words allows the above description and the "to + meaning" in the subject matter in the scope of the patent application below, and the scope of the patent application can be drafted to exclude any 'selective two-way narrative intended to act as such as "alone. Exclusivity of “land”, “only” and the like 146043.doc -58- 201126377 Terminology is used in conjunction with the detailed description of the claimed elements or the use of the “negative” restrictions. In the absence of such exclusive terms, the application of the scope of the patent application shall include any additional elements - whether or not a given number of elements are listed in the claim, or the addition of features may be considered Change the nature of the elements set forth in the scope of the patent application. In addition, 'unless specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein will be given the broadest possible meaning of understanding, while maintaining the validity of the claim. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figures and the user interface of the user interface are examples of which can be fed when the ΕΑΡ converter is coupled to the display screen or the body of the sensor and device. 2A and 2B show a cross-sectional view of a squatting device using a sputum; the user interface device includes a display scent, a squid and a jawless screen having a tactile feedback pair The user inputs the reactive surface; FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate the user interface mounting, and the cross-sectional user interface device using the &amp; m variant has a display screen, the display flexible film is covered, Wherein the active EAp is formed as an active smear. The profiler interface device of the additional variant of the user interface device can be positioned to be positioned in the collar&quot; using a ΕΑΡ film; 斤 偏置 biasing Figure 5 shows the surface of the user interface device Figure, which shows the use of a plurality of compliant gaskets for the curtain coupling and for the display of the drive actuator diaphragm; the force is more 146043.doc -59· 201126377 Figure 6A and Figure 6B show the user interface 230, the user interface 230 has a corrugated film or film coupled to the display; FIG. 7 and FIG. 7B illustrate a top view of the converter before and after voltage application, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A and Figure 8B show an exploded top and bottom perspective view, respectively, of a sensory feedback device for use in a user interface device; Figure 9A is a top plan view of an assembled electroactive polymer actuator of the present invention; Figures 9B and 9C are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the membrane portion of the actuator of Figure 8A and in detail illustrating the two-phase configuration of the actuator; Figures 9D and 9E illustrate the separation from the frame of the device An example of an array of electroactive polymer converters placed on the surface of the display screen; Figures 9F and 9G are exploded views and assemblies of an array of actuators for use in a user interface device as disclosed herein, respectively Figure 10 illustrates a side view of the user interface device in operative contact of the human finger with the contact surface of the device; Figures 11A and 11B graphically illustrate the force of the actuator of Figures 9A through 9C, respectively, when operating in single phase mode , stroke relationship and voltage response curve FIG. 11C and FIG. 11D respectively illustrate the force_stroke relationship and voltage response of the actuator of FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C in the case of the two-phase mode ★ τ γ a «- π 揭 式 钿Curve; Figure 12 12C illustrates another variation of the two-phase converter. FIG. 12D illustrates a two-phase conversion test of FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C, which is a graph of displacement versus time for the benefit; FIG. 13 is for operation feeling. The electronic circuit of the electronic device of the feedback device includes a power supply and control electronics; 146043.doc • 60· 201126377 FIG. 14A and FIG. 14A show the actuator coupled to the #user input device. Partial cross-sectional view of an example of a planar array; Fig. 15A and Fig. 15 Β Β 曰 曰 曰 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从 从^ ^ 衣衣 is characterized by providing a work output when the converter is activated; cross-sectional view 16A and FIG. 16A are exemplary structural views of the actuator of the present invention; Ο Ο FIGS. 17A to 17D illustrate the converter for use in the target Various steps of the method of forming an electrical connection for switching to a printed circuit board (PCB) or flex connector; Figure 1 8 A to Figure 8 D illustrate the use of forming an electrical connection within the target converter to couple to the wire Each step of the method; Figure 19 is worn Cross-sectional view of the target transducer of the hole type electrical contact; FIG. 20A and FIG. 2GB are top views respectively of the thickness mode converter and the electrode pattern supplied for the button type actuator; FIG. 21 illustrates the use of FIG. 6A and FIG. Figure 6B is a top cross-sectional view of the keypad of the array of button actuators;

Figure 22 illustrates a top view of a thickness mode converter for use in a novel actuator in the form of a hand; 'X Figure 23 illustrates a top view of a thickness mode converter in a continuous strip configuration. Figure 24 illustrates a supply for a shim type Top view of the thickness mode converter in the actuator; Fig. 25A to Fig. 25D are cross-sectional views of the screen using the various types of gasket type actuators 146043.doc -61 - 201126377; Fig. 26A and Fig. 26B A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a thickness mode converter of the present invention wherein the relative positions of the active and passive regions of the converter are opposite to the above embodiment; FIGS. 27A-27D illustrate an example of an electroactive inertial converter. Figure 28A illustrates an example of a circuit for tuning an audio signal to operate within the optimal tactile frequency for electroactive polymer actuation; Figure 28B illustrates a modified touch filtered by the circuit of Figure 28A; Examples of sensible signals; Figures 28C and 28D illustrate additional circuitry for generating signals for single-phase and dual-phase electroactive converters; Figures 28E and 28F are shown in the body of the device and coupled to the inertial mass An example of a device for one or more electroactive polymer actuators; Figures 29A-29C show an example of an electroactive polymer converter when used in a user interface device, wherein the converter and/or One of the user interface surfaces partially completes the switch for powering the converter; Figures 30A-30B illustrate another example of an electroactive polymer converter configured to form two switches for powering the converter 31A-3B illustrate various graphs of delaying the activation of an electroactive polymer converter to produce a tactile effect that mimics a mechanical switching effect; FIG. 32 illustrates driving an electroactive polymer conversion using a trigger signal, such as an audio signal. An example of a circuit for delivering a stored waveform for producing a desired haptic effect; Figures 33A and 33B illustrate driving electroactive polymerization by providing a dual phase 146043.doc -62-201126377 start-up using a single-drive circuit Another variation of the object converter; Figure 34A shows an example of a displacement curve showing residual motion after the tactile effect triggered by the signal of Figure 34B; Figure 34C shows no use of electricity Example of a sub-damping to reduce the displacement curve of the residual motion effect being exhibited, wherein the haptic effect and damping signal are illustrated in Figure 34D; Figure 35 illustrates an example of an energy harvesting circuit for powering an electroactive polymer converter And Om, which encompass variations of the present invention that differ from those shown in the figures. [Main component symbol description] 2 4 8a 8b 10 ❹ 12 14 16 16a 16b 17a 17b Sensor/tactile feedback device user interface pad rigid frame side rigid frame side EAP film or film/capacitive structure/converter/surface deformationΕΑΡ Actuator thin elastomer dielectric film or layer/ΕΑΡ converter compliant or stretchable electrode plate or layer/electrode/thin elastomeric dielectric polymer layer compliant or stretchable electrode plate or layer/electrode top electrode bottom electrode Surface features surface features 146043.doc •63· 201126377 17c Surface features 17d Surface features 1 18a Top passive layer 18b Bottom passive layer 20 Converter/output disc 20a Rigid wheeled disc/top structure 20b Rigid output disc/bottom structure 22 Fixed or rigid structure 22a Converter frame 22b Converter frame 24 Planar outer surface feature 24a Dielectric surface feature 24b Dielectric surface feature 24c Dielectric surface feature 24d Dielectric surface feature 25 Inactive area or gap 26 Elastomer dielectric polymerization / dielectric polymer layer 26a top side / / outer surface / / polymer / passive layer table 26b bottom side &quot; outer surface&quot; polymer / Passive Layer Table 26c Polymer/Passive Layer Surface Features 26d Polymer/Passive Layer Surface Features 28 Disc $30 Actuator 32 Partial/Stacked Converter Surface Feature Features of the Actuator 146043.doc -64 - 201126377 32a Thin Elastic electrode 32b Thin elastic electrode 34 Part of the actuator / Double bismuth film layer 34a Thin elastic electrode / Top film / Dielectric layer 34b Thin elastic electrode / Top electrode - 34c Bottom electrode 35 Electrical contact part Ο 36a Bottom film / Electrical layer 36b top electrode 36c bottom electrode 38 user's finger 40 block diagram 40a adhesive layer 40b film to film adhesive 40c adhesive layer Ο 42 power supply 42a top bus bar 42b bottom bus bar - 44 control circuit 44a top bus bar 44b Bottom bus bar 46a. Switch assembly/output rod 46b Switch assembly/output rod 48a Adhesive layer 146043.doc - 65 - 201126377 48b Adhesive layer 50 Capacitive or resistive sensor 50a Top passive layer or thick block 50b Bottom passive layer 52 electric output 55 common node 60 top cover 60a input force 60b sensed feedback or output force / desired feedback 62 PCB/flex connector 64 bottom cover 66a can sealing material 66b can sealing material 68a conductive elastomer through hole 68b conductive elastomer through hole 70 actuator / / stacked converter / actuator structure 72 PCB / flex Connector 74 Dielectric layer 76a Bus bar 76b Bus bar 78a Passive layer 78b Passive layer 80 Laser drill hole 82a Through hole 146043.doc -66- 201126377 82b Wanted L 84a Conductive filled through hole/bus bar 84b Conductive filled through hole /Bus 86a Can Seal 86b Can Seal - 88a Lead 88b Lead Ο 90 First Pair of Electrodes 92 Second Pair of Electrodes 94 Rod or Mechanical Parts 96 Dielectric Film 100 Converter 101 Line 102 Line 103 Line c 104 Dielectric Layer 106a Electrode 106b electrode 108 conductive bus bar/bus bar material 110a passive polymer layer 110b passive polymer layer 112 PCB/flex connector 114 conductive contact 116 conductive trace 146043.doc -67- 201126377 120 thickness mode converter 122 thin elastic Bulk dielectric layer/dielectric material 124 electrode pattern 124a top electrode pattern 124b bottom electrode pattern 125 stub portion 126a electrical contact 126b electrical contact 127 finger portion 128a inactive portion 128b inactive portion 130 keypad actuator 132 transducer array 134 passive layer/keypad 136a top array of interconnected electrode patterns 136b bottom array of electrode patterns 138 bond boundary 140 novel hand device 142 Dielectric material 144a in human form top electrode pattern 144b bottom electrode pattern 146a bus bar 146b bus bar 150 converter film / strip 146043.doc -68- 201126377 152 dielectric material 154a top electrode pattern 154b bottom electrode pattern 155 singulation line 156a top wire sink/bus bar 156b bottom wire sink is ¥/bus bar 158 active zone G 160 converter 162 dielectric material 164a top electrode / active zone 164b bottom electrode / active zone 165 open zone / closed zone 166a electrical confluence Row 166b Wirebar 168a Electrical Contact Ο 168b Electrical Contact 169 Inner and Outer Peripheral 170 Touch Screen Device 172 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 174 Touch Sensor Board / Trackpad 175 Arrow 176 Open Space / Spacing 178 Frame 178' rear wall/frame member 146 043.doc -69- 201126377 178&quot; Top shoulder/frame member 180 ΕΑΡ thickness mode actuator 180' second thickness mode actuator 182 dielectric film layer 184a electrode 184b electrode 185 arrow 186a top passive layer 186b bottom passive layer 18 8a Output Structure/Output Block 188a' Output Block 188b Output Structure/Output Block 188b' Output Block 190 User Input Device/Touch Screen Device 195 Arrow 195' Arrow 200 Diaphragm Array/Biphase (Bidirectional) Touch screen device 200a voltage side / high voltage side 200b ground side 202 electrode pattern / side wall 202a high voltage line 202b high voltage line 204 ΕΑΡ converter array / ΕΑΡ actuator 205 arrow 146043.doc • 70- 201126377 206 electrode pattern / Inner frame part / bracket 206a Ground line 206b Ground line 208 Dielectric film 210 Two-phase touch sensor device - 212 Arrow 214a Frame array 214 214b Frame array 216 Individual frame segment 218 Output disk 220 Converter array 222 ΕΑΡ Conversion Device 230 user interface / user interface device / user input device 232 display screen / touch screen / Display 234 Body or frame/display screen/frame or housing/base 〇 or frame 236 electroactive polymer (ΕΑΡ) transducer 238 arrow - 240 flexible film 242 ΕΑΡ film 244 passive compliant pad or spring 246 arrow 248 ΕΑΡ Actuator diaphragm 250 Offset spring 146043.doc -71 - 201126377 252 Grounding element 254 Arrow 256 Mounting 260 Inertial converter assembly 262 Mass or weight / inertial mass 263 Forming surface 264 Housing assembly 266 Central housing / Housing Assembly 268 Top Housing/Shell Assembly 270 Fixing Member or Fastener 360 Thickness Mode Actuator/Electrical 362 Dielectric Layer 364a Electrode Layer 364b Electrode Layer 365 Central Section of Film 366 匣 Frame 366a Top Frame Member 366b Bottom frame part 367a arrow 367b arrow 368a passive layer / passive material / non-368b passive layer / passive material / non-370 370 output part 370a output part 146043.doc -72- 201126377 370b output part 380 power supply / high voltage power supply 382 Ground Busbar 400 User Interface Device / Mouse Owner 402 Electroactive Polymer Actuator/User Interface Surface 404 Inertial Mass/Conductive Surface/Chassis 406 First Gap 408 Second Gap 〇500 Mechanical Ringing or Oscillation of Hysteresis 502 Pulse/Tactile Drive Section 504 Damping Part D Distance / Displacement L Length T Thickness W Width 146043.doc -73-

Claims (1)

201126377 VII. Patent application scope: ι_ A user interface device comprising: a chassis; a user interface surface; a first power supply; to; an electroactive polymer converter adjacent to the user interface a surface, the electroactive polymer converter further comprises a conductive surface; a portion of the user interface surface and the conductive surface forming a circuit with the first power supply 11 such that in a normal state The electrically conductive surface is electrically isolated from the portion of the user interface surface to open the circuit to maintain the electroactive polymer converter in a no-power state; and wherein the user interface surface is flexibly consuming The chassis causes the user interface to deflect into the electroactive polymer converter to close the circuit to supply energy to the electroactive polymer converter such that one or two turns are supplied to the electroactive polymer converter The signal produces a tactile sensation at the surface of the user interface. 2. As requested by the user interface device, the first power supply includes a high voltage supply. 3. The user interface device of claim 3, wherein the at least one electroactive polymer converter comprises a plurality of electroactive polymer converters each adjacent to a user interface surface and each having a respective conductive surface such that Deflection of a user interface surface into the conductive surface causes the respective electrical activity to be converted into a closed circuit and the respective conductive surfaces form the closed circuit and the basin 146043.doc 201126377 remains in the powerless state Electroactive polymer converter state. 4. For example, the use of item 1 of the month of the month. The product is twitched ^ device, wherein the user interface device is like a key, and the group of each of them is assembled into an I-keyboard, a small keyboard, a game controller, and a shaker. The batch is a second steal, a touch screen, a computer slide, a trackball, a bandit, L, ^ 聿, a control panel and a joystick. 5. According to the user interface of claim 1, the user interface surface ', the - key, a game board and a display screen in the W. 6::: the user interface device of the user, wherein the first power supply is a voltage power supply, and wherein the user interface device comprises: a high voltage power supply coupled to a switch, The &quot;f splicing benefit and deflection of the electrically conductive surface closes the switch, thereby allowing the high voltage power supply to energize the electroactive polymer actuator. 7. The user interface of the requester, wherein the deflection of the user interface surface occurs in a normal direction of one of the user interface surfaces. 8. The user interface of the requester, wherein the deflection of the user interface surface occurs in a direction that is coplanar with the surface of the user interface. 9. A user interface device comprising: a chassis; a first power supply; a user interface surface; at least one electroactive polymer converter coupled to the user interface surface, the electroactive polymerization The object converter further includes a conductive surface, 146043.doc 201126377 The conductive surface forms a circuit with the first power supply such that a positive 4, a, a conductive surface is electrically isolated from the circuit to open the circuit Having the electroactive polymer converter maintained in a no-power state; and wherein the electroactive polymer converter is flexibly coupled to the chassis such that deflection of the user interface surface causes the electroactive polymer Transforming the transducer to contact the circuit of the first power supply to close the circuit and energize the electroactive polymer actuator such that a signal provided to the electroactive polymer converter is in the user interface A tactile sensation is produced at the surface. The first power supply device 10. The user interface device of claim 9 includes a high voltage supply. The user interface device of claim 9, wherein the at least electroactive polymer converter comprises a plurality of electroactive polymer converters each adjacent to a user interface surface and each having a respective conductive surface, Deflecting a user interface surface into the conductive surface such that the respective electroactive polymer converters and the respective electrically conductive surfaces form the closed circuit and wherein the remaining electroactive polymer converters remain in the non-powered state The control device is used in the device; wherein the device 3 is selected from the group consisting of: a touch screen, a computer mouse, a remnant ball, a tip pen board, and Joystick. Face 13. The user interface device of claim 9, the user interface table #146043.doc 201126377 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. / deflection occurs in the normal direction of the user interface surface on. The user interface device of item 9 of the present invention, wherein the surface deflection of the user interface occurs in a direction that is coplanar with the surface of the user interface. A method of generating a tactile effect in a user interface device, wherein the tactile effect mimics a bistable switching effect, the method comprising: providing a user interface surface, the user interface surface having a coupling An electroactive polymer converter coupled thereto, wherein the electroactive polymer converter comprises at least one electroactive polymer film; displaceing the surface of the user interface by a displacement to also shift and increase the electroactive polymer film Applying a resistance to the surface of the user interface by the electroactive polymer film; delaying activation of the electroactive polymer converter during displacement of the electroactive polymer film; starting the electroactive polymer converter to Varying the change in the amount of displacement to produce the haptic effect that mimics the bistable switching effect. The method of claim 15 wherein the initiation delay of the electroactive polymer occurs The method of claim 15, wherein the initiation of the electroactive polymer occurs after a predetermined displacement of the electroactive polymer film The method of claim 15, wherein the user interface device does not include a dome actuating mechanism. A method of generating a predetermined tactile effect in a user interface device. The method comprises: 146043.doc 201126377 providing a waveform a circuit waveform signal; configured to generate at least a predetermined tactile sense-signal to the waveform circuit such that when the signal is equal to a trigger value, the waveform circuit generates the tactile waveform signal; and The sense waveform signal is provided to a power supply coupled to an electroactive polymer converter such that the power supply drives the electroactive polymer converter to produce a composite touch controlled by the tactile waveform signal 20. A method of generating a tactile feedback sensation in a user interface device having a user interface surface, the method comprising: transmitting an input signal from a drive circuit to an electroactive polymer converter The input signal actuates the electroactive polymer converter and provides the tactile feedback feel at the user interface surface; A damping signal is transmitted to reduce the mechanical displacement of the user interface surface after the desired sense of feedback. Q 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the haptic effect senses a bistable button effect. The method of claim 20, wherein the user interface device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: a keyboard, a keypad, a game controller, a remote controller, a touch screen, a computer mouse, A trackball, a stylus, a control panel, and a joystick. 23. The method of claim 2, wherein the user interface surface comprises a button, a button, a game board, and a display screen. Method for generating a tactile feedback in a user interface device. The method of 146043.doc 201126377 includes: providing an electroactive polymer converter to the user interface device. The electroactive polymer converter has a first phase and Having a second phase 'where the electroactive polymer converter includes one of the first leads common to the first phase, one second of the second phase, and the first The phase and the second phase share one of the third leads; maintaining a first lead at a high voltage while maintaining the second lead at a ground; and driving the third lead to change from the ground to the high The gate voltage is such that the other phase can be derived after the first phase or the second phase is revoked. 146043.doc 6-