WO2018162419A1

WO2018162419A1 - Electromagnetic actuator

Info

Publication number: WO2018162419A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/055355
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ron Jagodzinski; Götz WINTERGERST
Original assignee: nui lab GmbH
Priority date: 2017-03-06
Filing date: 2018-03-05
Publication date: 2018-09-13
Also published as: DE102017203598A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator (2) comprising at least one oscillator (10) having a magnet (12), and at least one stator (6) having an electromagnet (8), which at least partially surrounds the at least one oscillator (10). In addition, the electromagnetic actuator (2) comprises a feedback element (4) on which the at least one oscillator (10) acts. The at least one oscillator (10) performs a tilting movement, acting on the feedback element (4), with stimulation by the at least one stator (6). The invention also relates to a touch element (40) having an electromagnetic actuator (2) of this type. The invention further relates to a method for generating a vibration by means of an electromagnetic actuator (2) having a stator (6) and an oscillator (10), wherein the oscillator (10) is made to perform a tilting and/or wobbling movement, wherein the tilt axis (34) of the tilting movement and/or the wobble centre of the wobbling movement is located, in particular stationarily, in the centre of the oscillator (10).

Description

Electromagnetic actuator

The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator which is used in particular in mobile telephones, tablets, touchpads, smartwatches or switching elements, for example light switches. Preferably, a vibration is to be generated with the aid of the electromagnetic actuator, which is delivered by in particular one of the above-mentioned electronic devices as feedback.

Actuators are used to convert electrical signals into mechanical movements. A primary field of application of these actuators is the generation of haptic and / or acoustic feedback by, for example, vibrations or vibrations. Electronic devices such as cellular phones, tablets, touchpads, smartwatches, game consoles and touch elements for switches and the like employ actuators to provide the user with noticeable and / or audible feedback about information input and information output.

For example, mobile phones use vibration to output information to silently alert the user to incoming calls. In a noise-sensitive environment, such as in meetings, this can be an information output to the user without causing a disturbance to the environment. In noisy environments, such as at concerts where acoustic signals can not be perceived, information can also be transmitted to the user.

On the other hand, vibrations are used in modern mobile phones with touch display to give the user feedback on his inputs. This function of the feedback is also used in other touch elements, such as touch-sensitive switching elements, such as touchpads. These touch elements do not have mechanical controls, such as push-buttons or foldable switches. Thus, the user receives no direct feedback. To give the user yet a confirmation of his input, actuators can be used for this purpose. Since touch elements offer several input options compared to mechanical switches, a specific feedback can be output with the help of actuators. Touch elements offer the possibility of different inputs, for example by a short touch, a long touch, repeated touch, a moving touch, a multi-touch or a simultaneous multiple movement, for example, "pinch to zoom", for generating. Actuators can then each have a specific feedback by, for example, different vibration intensities,

Give vibration time intervals, etc.

To generate a feedback, a multiplicity of different actuators are used. Often this electric motors are used with an eccentric mass, also called unbalance motors. Here, the electric motor experiences an imbalance, which transmits a vibration to the surface fixed to the electric motor. Actuators that have an electric motor, require a relatively large amount of space. Due to the design of these unbalance motors have a relatively high energy demand and thus lead to shorter battery life when used in portable devices. In addition, electric motors have a comparatively high reaction time.

The frequency and the amplitude of the feedback, such as the vibration, of an unbalance motor are forcibly coupled together. For example, you can create fast and strong or slow and weak vibrations. However, it is not possible to produce fast and weak or strong and slow vibrations. With the help of unbalance motors can no complex vibrations of the feedback, for example, the vibration, but only sinusoidal vibrations are generated. Thus, it is not possible to generate vibrations with the aid of unbalance motors, which correspond to a complex course, for example of sound waves.

Another type of actuators for generating a vibration is known from JP 2004050154 A. Herein, an actuator for generating a linear vibration is described. The document describes a housing in which a coil is located. Within the coil is a linear polarized permanent magnet, which is fixed on one side with a spring on the housing and on the other side is free to move. Due to the excitation of the permanent magnet through the coil, this performs a linear movement and acts with its free end on a vibrating plate, which is connected to the housing. The vibrating plate can thus be used to generate a haptic feedback. Due to the linear movement of the permanent magnet within the housing or within the coil, a large mass of air is moved. This causes noise and increased energy consumption.

The resilient structure of the actuator for generating a linear vibration leads to a very dominant natural frequency. This can lead to deviations between the desired feedback, for example the desired vibration, and the actually generated feedback. Around the given natural frequency, there is a limited effective frequency band, which is about +/- 5 to 10 Hz.

The object of the invention is to provide an electromagnetic actuator which has a small size.

The object is achieved by an electromagnetic actuator according to claim 1 or by a touch element according to claim 18. The electromagnetic actuator according to the invention comprises at least one oscillator with a magnet and at least one stator with an electromagnet which at least partially surrounds the at least one oscillator. In addition, the electromagnetic actuator has a feedback element, which is acted upon by the at least one oscillator. The electromagnetic actuator is characterized in that the at least one oscillator, when excited by the at least one stator, effects a tilting movement acting on the feedback element. In a further embodiment, it is also conceivable that the oscillator has a magnet as a magnet and the stator has no electromagnet, but another magnet, such as a permanent magnet. Consequently, the oscillator does not experience excitation by the stator, but the oscillator is self-excited and undergoes a tilting motion on the feedback element due to interactions with the stator. Moreover, it is also conceivable that instead of a magnet, which has the oscillator or the stator, a magnetic solid, in particular a metal such as iron, cobalt and nickel, is used.

A tilting movement in particular means a two-dimensional movement. In an actuator with linear vibration, as described for example in JP 2004050154 A, the oscillator performs a linear and thus one-dimensional movement. In contrast, the oscillator of the present invention preferably performs a two-dimensional motion, ie in particular a simultaneous movement along an x and y axis. In this case, it is particularly preferable for the oscillator, starting from the rest position, to perform an alternating, part-circular movement running in the opposite direction. If the oscillator executes several tilting movements, it is possible that these oscillations describe a total of one tumbling movement of the oscillator. Preferably, this tumbling motion is composed of a plurality of two-dimensional tilting movements. In this case, these several two-dimensional tilting movements can take place in different directions. It is possible but also that the wobble is described by a three-dimensional movement of the oscillator. When the oscillator performs a tumbling motion, it is preferable that the electromagnetic actuator is configured such that the tumbling motion is about a tumbling center or a tumbling point. Preferably, this tumbling center is stationary relative to the stator and is located in particular in the center or in the center of the oscillator.

Due to the magnets, which have stator and oscillator, stator and oscillator have the corresponding magnetic properties of the respective magnet. Thus, the stator and the oscillator have a magnetic field, a north pole, a south pole, field lines and so on.

An advantage of the present invention, in particular due to the tilting movement, is that the electromagnetic actuator sets only a small amount of air in motion. In particular, in comparison to other electromagnetic actuators thereby a virtually inaudible haptic feedback, preferably a vibration can be generated by noise in particular are avoided.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the oscillator is arranged inside the stator. In this case, the oscillator is preferably arranged completely within the stator.

In particular, the oscillator and the stator are arranged relative to one another such that the center or the center of the oscillator lie in the center or center of the stator.

In a preferred embodiment, the oscillator and the stator are arranged relative to one another such that the center or the center of the magnetic field of the oscillator is located in the center or in the center of the magnetic field of the stator. It is preferred that the electromagnetic actuator has a substantially stationary tilting axis about which the tilting movement of the oscillator takes place. This tilting axis extends in particular through the center or the center of the oscillator. Does the oscillator due to the excitation by the stator more tilting, it is possible that each tilting movement takes place along a tilting axis, which may be different tilting axes. However, such different tilt axes preferably have in common that all tilt axes extend through the center or the center of the oscillator and any tilt axis is stationary during the tilting movement associated with this tilting axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator has a tumbling center about which the oscillator wobbles when the oscillator performs several tilting movements. Preferably, this tumbling center is stationary relative to the stator and / or located in the center of the oscillator.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the feedback element has a surface, in particular a membrane. Accordingly, this surface or membrane is the surface that transmits the feedback from the actuator to a user. In this case, the surface or the membrane does not have to be flat, but can correspond to any imaginable, in particular outer, shape of an object. For example, a flat, curved, wavy, jagged, curved and / or curved surfaces is possible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the feedback element is a haptic feedback element. As a result, the actuator generates a vibration, a tremor, a shock, a particular single pulse, a vibration, or the like. When a user touches the feedback element, the user thus experiences a haptic feedback, in particular on his fingers. In a preferred embodiment, the oscillator is connected via a carrier element with the feedback element. This is in particular an elastic carrier element. For example, a spring element, such as a spring, a spiral, an element made of elastomer or a textile element can be used. The excited oscillator can thus transmit pulses via the carrier element to the feedback element, which then experiences a vibration, a vibration, shocks, or the like, which can be delivered as feedback. Thus, if, for example, the oscillator is caused to vibrate due to a current applied to the stator, the carrier element absorbs these vibrations and transmits them to the feedback element. This starts, for example, to vibrate and thus gives a feedback.

On the other hand, in another embodiment it is possible for the oscillator to be connected directly to the feedback element. For example, the feedback element may be an elastic feedback element, in particular an elastic membrane. Thus, upon excitation of the oscillator by the stator, the oscillator would transmit a vibration, impulse, or the like directly to the elastic membrane, thus causing it to vibrate, for example, as a feedback.

In a further embodiment, the oscillator may be connected to a non-elastic, in particular stiff carrier element. This may be, for example, a rod which is connected, for example, via a ball joint or hinge joint with the feedback element. It is also possible that the oscillator is movable, for example via a ball joint or hinge joint, connected to a rigid support member. Upon excitation of the oscillator by the stator thus the oscillator performs a tilting movement and transmits either via the non-elastic support member pulses to the feedback element, which then emits a feedback, such as a vibration. On the other hand, the oscillator could hit a surface that is connected to the feedback element and thereby generate pulses and the feedback element transmitted, which thereby also gives a feedback, such as a vibration.

In addition, in a further embodiment, a support member may be used which is not directly connected to the feedback element, but, for example, on a holding device opposite the feedback element, such as a wall is mounted so that the attached to the support member oscillator to the Feedback element. Upon excitation of the oscillator by the stator, the oscillating oscillator, for example, could impinge once or continuously on the feedback element and thus also cause a vibration of the feedback element. On the one hand, this may be an elastic carrier element, on the other hand a non-elastic carrier element. In a further embodiment, the oscillator and possibly the stator can be embedded in an elastic feedback element. The elastic feedback element, for example made of elastomer, could thus in particular completely encompass the oscillator. When the oscillator is excited by the stator, the elastic feedback element is thus vibrated directly via the oscillator, for example, and thus emits a vibration.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the oscillator is not directly connected to the feedback element and otherwise has no connection to, for example, a wall. In this case, the oscillator is surrounded by the stator and is located, for example, in a chamber. Upon excitation of the oscillator by the stator of the particular freely movable oscillator undergoes a tilting movement, so that this, for example, by impingement, in particular on a chamber inside generates pulses that are transmitted to the feedback element and this example, vibrated, so it give feedback. It is also conceivable that the feedback element transmits impulses emanating from the stator instead of the oscillator, due to the interaction of stator and oscillator, and transmitted to the feedback element. In a preferred embodiment, the oscillator has a magnetic orientation direction parallel to the particular flat surface of the feedback element. The magnetic orientation direction describes the connecting line of the north pole and the south pole of a magnet. This connection line thus runs parallel to the particular flat surface of the feedback element. For example, a cylindrical diametrical magnet has the north pole on one half and the south pole on the other half. The connecting line of these two poles describes the magnetic orientation direction. In particular, this magnetic orientation direction is parallel to a preferably flat outer surface of the oscillator and / or the magnet. In one embodiment, the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator is parallel to the particular flat surface of the feedback element. Thus, the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator preferably extends parallel to the outer surface of the oscillator and / or the magnet and also parallel to the surface of the feedback element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator is perpendicular to the magnetic field or to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator. Within the stator, the magnetic field lines are almost straight from one opening to the other opening of the stator, starting from the south pole to the north pole. Accordingly, the field lines and thus the magnetic field and the magnetic orientation direction within the stator are parallel to the longitudinal sectional area of the stator. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator is thus perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator. Consequently, the connecting line between the south and north pole of the oscillator is perpendicular to the connecting line between the south and north pole of the stator. The embodiment described above describes the electromagnetic actuator having an oscillator, a stator and a feedback element such that the electromagnetic actuator is characterized in that the oscillator excited by the stator performs a tilting movement acting on the feedback element. However, to define the present invention, it is not absolutely necessary for the oscillator to perform a tilting movement. In contrast, it is possible that the electromagnetic actuator is characterized with an oscillator, a stator and a feedback element such that the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator is perpendicular to the magnetic field or to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator. It is conceivable in this regard, the arrangement of an oscillator, the magnetic orientation direction parallel to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator, which is arranged such that it performs a linear movement perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator. For example, the oscillator could be connected to the feedback element via a rail guide such that the magnetic orientation direction is parallel to the particular flat surface of the feedback element. By excitation of the stator, the oscillator would move linearly along the rail guide. Upon impact of the oscillator, for example on a buffer at one end of the rail guide, the oscillator would thus transmit a pulse to the feedback element which is delivered as feedback, in particular as vibration. Consequently, in this alternative definition of the invention, not the tilting movement but the magnetic orientation direction of the oscillator, which is perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator, is the decisive marking.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the oscillator has a diametrically poled magnet. The diametral magnetization is not limited to the magnetization of a disc magnet, but also includes a diametrical, so lying in the opposite direction, magnetization in other magnet shapes or geometries than the of the disc magnet. This applies, for example, a magnetization in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, magnetic forms, in particular diametrically polarized magnetic forms are conceivable that describe almost any external shape, such as a disc, a cuboid, a dice, a sphere, a ring, a cylinder, a cone, a prism, a horseshoe, a rod, a hanger, etc.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the magnet of the oscillator is a permanent magnet, also called a permanent magnet.

Preferably, the stator surrounds the oscillator annular or oval. It is particularly preferred that the stator completely surrounds the oscillator. In particular, this means that the stator completely surrounds the oscillator with respect to a plane. Here, the stator may for example have the shape of a cylinder, in the interior of which the oscillator is arranged.

The electromagnet of the stator is in a particularly preferred embodiment, a coil. Preferably, it is a coil which has a cylindrical, for example annular or rectangular shape. The winding of the coil consists of one or more wires, which in particular comprise copper. There are also several windings and the use of different wire materials possible.

In particular, a current with alternating current direction is applied to the stator. If the oscillator has an electromagnet instead of a permanent magnet or the like, an alternating current can likewise be applied to it. Due to the alternating current direction on the stator, the stator has an alternating polarity. Thus, the north and south poles change their position. In the case of a stator which has a coil which is in particular cylindrical, the north and south poles thus alternately lie on one cylinder opening and alternately on the other cylinder opening. by virtue of The alternating polarity of the stator change the north and south poles of the stator respectively their position. The oscillator, which in particular has a permanent magnet, preferably has a magnetic orientation direction which is perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction of the stator whose north and south pole alternate alternately. The north pole of the oscillator is attracted by the south pole of the stator, which alternately changes its position. In contrast, the south pole of the oscillator is attracted by the north pole of the stator, which changes its position opposite to the south pole of the stator. Due to this alternating polarity or attraction, a reciprocating movement of the south and north pole sides of the oscillator and thus a tilting movement of the oscillator takes place. Thus, one side of the oscillator is oriented in the direction of the north pole and another side in the direction of the south pole of the stator. The tilting movement preferably takes place in such a way that the axis of symmetry which lies between the north pole and the south pole of the oscillator also corresponds to the tilt axis. The tilting axis here refers to that axis which lies between the part of the oscillator, which is attracted in one direction and thus in particular tilts there, and the part of the oscillator which is attracted in the other direction and thus in particular tilts in that direction.

In a further embodiment, although the tilting axis undergoes a rotation, but not in particular linear, ie along the field lines of the stator extending, displacement. Preferably, the position of the tilting axis is fixed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an alternating current with different alternating frequencies, that is to say a number of changes in the current direction per unit time, is applied to the stator or to the coil of the stator. This makes it possible to influence the frequency of tilting of the oscillator per unit of time. The more frequently the current direction is changed, ie the higher the alternating frequency, the faster the oscillator tilts. As a result, the frequency of the pulses and in particular the frequency of the vibration of the feedback element can be influenced. Another advantage of the present invention is that due to the tilting movement and the frequency of change a particularly comfortable feedback for a user can be generated. If the feedback is a vibration, then research has shown that especially frequencies around 200 Hz are perceived as pleasant for users.

However, the actuator of the present invention is by no means limited to particular frequencies nor to specific intervals. Rather, the particular entire perception spectrum of haptic perception ca 1-1000 Hz can be covered and a design of the effects individually according to the requirements.

Furthermore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a current with alternating voltage is applied to the stator or to the coil of the stator. As a result, the current intensity and thus the magnetic field strength of the stator can be influenced. By changing the magnetic field strength, the attraction of the coil and thus the action on the oscillator changes. Thus, the greater the voltage applied to the stator, the more the oscillator is influenced by the stator, that is, attracted or repelled. Accordingly, the voltage applied also changes the tilting movement of the oscillator, in particular its deflection. As a result, for example, the intensity of the pulses of the oscillator to the feedback element and thereby the intensity of the emitted vibration can be influenced.

With the help of the freely selectable frequency and intensity, it is possible to generate almost any vibration and thus to give, for example, different vibration signals. In this case, a vibration signal is not limited to a continuous oscillation, but oscillations with different amplitudes and different period lengths can be generated, which can be varied at any time. Thus, a wide variety of vibration signals can be generated. Also it is possible to get a feedback, for example a vibration, which corresponds to the feedback of other, in particular mechanical components. Thus, the feel and / or the feedback of other components, such as switches, simulate or imitate. By means of a specific vibration that generates a vibration, for example, the vibration character of a microswitch can be adjusted.

In a further embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator has a damper. This damper prevents the oscillator from making direct contact with the stator or the feedback element, thus touching the stator or the feedback element. The oscillator can accordingly have a damping layer or a damping jacket. Also, the stator or the feedback element may include a damping coating, a damping surface, a damping jacket, or the like. This damper can be arranged and designed such that this pulse, for example, triggered by shocks of the oscillator to the damper, transmits to the feedback element and this is a feedback, in particular a vibration is generated.

The touch element according to the invention, which is provided, for example, for operating an electrical device, has a feedback element according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

The touch element is preferably a touch element of a mobile phone, a tablet, a touchpad, a smartwatch, a game console and in particular a switching element, for example for an electrical device, in particular a touch element, for a light switch. Due to the design of the feedback element according to the embodiments listed above, the touch element can thus experience in particular a vibration and pass on a feedback to a user. Another advantage of the invention is that due to the touch element according to the invention an optimal haptic feedback can be transmitted to the user.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Show it :

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator in the initial state

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator in tilting motion

Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the electromagnetic

Actuator in the initial state

Fign. 4-7 different embodiments of the electromagnetic

Actuator in the initial state

8 is a schematic perspective view of the touch element in FIG

using state

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the electromagnetic actuator 2 according to the invention has a feedback element 4, which is embodied here as a rectangular surface or membrane. In this case, a stator 6 is arranged in the illustrated embodiment, which has a coil 8. The coil 8 is connected to a power source, not shown. This is in particular a household power supply or a portable power source, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. It is preferred that a control unit, not shown, is arranged on the coil or between the coil and the energy source. With the help of this control unit could influence the current applied to the stator. For example, the voltage or current intensity, the duration over which a current is applied and / or the alternating frequency or the current direction can be influenced. Inside the coil is shown in the Embodiment, an elastic support member 18 disposed on the feedback element 4. The support member 18 of the embodiment is formed as a spring element which is connected at one end to the feedback element 4 and at the other end to an oscillator 10.

In an illustrated embodiment, the oscillator 10 has a magnet 12. This is designed in the most preferred embodiment as a disc magnet with diametrically poled magnetization, so that one half of a south pole 14 and the other half has a north pole 16. Preferably, the magnet 12 is a permanent magnet. The magnetic orientation direction 36 of this magnet 12, that is to say the connecting line between the south pole 14 and the north pole 16, is arranged in a form illustrated here parallel to the feedback element 4 or to its surface. In addition, the magnetic orientation direction 36 of the oscillator 10 or the magnet 12 is perpendicular to the lateral surface of the stator 6.

When an electrical current is applied to the stator 6 or the coil 8, a current flows through the conductor of the coil 8, in particular through the wound copper wire, so that a magnetic field builds up in the vicinity of the coil 8 and the stator 6. The magnetic field lines of the coil 8 extend within the coil 8 linearly from one to the other opening of the coil 8. Depending on the technical direction of current is thus the north pole 26 of the coil 8 at one opening of the coil, and the south pole 24 of the coil 8 at the other opening of the coil. When changing the technical direction of current, for example by applying an alternating current, the position of the south pole 24 and the north pole 26 of the coil changes 8. The magnetic field lines of the coil 8 are accordingly within the coil linearly from the north pole 26 to the south pole 24. Depending on the technical Current direction and the resulting position of the north pole 26 and the south pole 24 extend the magnetic field lines from one opening to the other opening of the coil 8 or vice versa. In particular, the magnetic field lines of the coil 8 thus extend parallel to the lateral surface of the stator 6. The magnetic field lines of the coil 8 continue to run perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction 36 of the magnet 12. Thus, the magnetic orientation direction 36 of the oscillator 10 is perpendicular to the magnetic orientation direction 38 (shown in FIG. 3) of the stator 6.

For example, if a DC current is applied to the coil 8, which flows through the coil in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2 from bottom to top, the north pole 26 is located at the upper opening of the coil 8 and the south pole 24 at the lower opening of the coil eighth Thus, the south pole 14 of the magnet 12, which is designed here as a permanent magnet, attracted by the north pole 26 of the coil 8 and aligns one side of the oscillator 10 upwards. The north pole 16 of the magnet 12 is attracted by the south pole 24 of the coil 8 and thus aligns another side of the oscillator 10 down. The oscillator 10 is thus inclined and performs a tilting movement along the direction shown by arrow 32, in particular about the tilting axis 34. The tilting axis 34 of this tilting movement in this case passes through the center or the center of the magnet 12. The support member 18 undergoes a force or a deflection by the tilting movement, which is transmitted as an impulse to the feedback element 4. If a further tilting movement takes place after the first tilting movement, then it is possible that this tilting movement does not extend around the tilting axis 34 shown along the arrow 32, but takes place, for example, about a tilting axis which is orthogonal to the tilting axis 34. Such a tilting axis runs as the tilting axis 34 parallel to the surface of the feedback element 4, but instead, as shown, a right-left-side tilting movement according to arrow 32, there is a forward / backward tilting movement. Thus, the oscillator 10 as a whole describes a tumbling motion. This wobbling movement takes place about a wobble center 35, which is shown in the center or in the center of the magnet 12. During the entire tumbling movement of this tumbling center 35 does not change its position relative to the coil 8. Also, the tumbling center 34 always lies within the magnet 12, that is, during the entire tumbling motion. In another embodiment, one side of the oscillator 10 may be due to the Tilting impinge on the surface of the feedback element 4 and also generate a pulse about this.

If an alternating current is applied to the coil 8 instead of a direct current, the position of the north pole 26 of the coil 8 and of the south pole 24 of the coil 8 changes alternately. Accordingly, the oscillator 10 executes a particularly continuous tilting movement along arrow 32, in which alternately a first side of the oscillator 10 tilts down and another second side of the oscillator 10 upwards. When changing the current direction tilts a second side of the oscillator 10 down and a first side of the oscillator 10 upwards. Thus, there is an alternating and in particular continuous tilting movement of the oscillator 10 with magnet 12 along arrow 32. In this way, pulses are transmitted to the feedback element 4, which generate a haptic and / or acoustic feedback, such as a vibration, and feedback element 4 be delivered. This feedback, in particular this vibration, can be perceived, for example, by a touch of a user, preferably via one or more fingers.

Depending on the alternating frequency, ie frequency of change, the current direction and depending on the voltage applied to the stator 6, the feedback, in particular the vibration, can thus vary. On the one hand this affects the frequency and on the other hand the intensity of the feedback, preferably the vibration. If, for example, the current direction is changed 200 times per second, the oscillator 10 thus executes 200 tilting movements per second and 200 pulses per second are transmitted to the feedback element 4. This thus emits a vibration with a frequency of 200 Hz. When stopping the flow of current and the movement, in particular the tilting movement of the oscillator 10 is stopped and thus generates no feedback. In addition, there is the possibility that, for example, a sustained DC current is applied to the coil 8 and thus a continuous tilting movement and thus, for example triggered vibration abruptly stopped and further movements of the oscillator 10 can be prevented. If the application of a high voltage to the stator 6, oscillator 10 is deflected correspondingly far and there is the transmission of a strong pulse to the feedback element 4. This is, for example, from an intense vibration to a user. As a result, in particular, the intensity of the vibration can be varied by varying the voltage applied to the stator 6.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the electromagnetic actuator 2 of the embodiment described above. The oscillator 10 in this case has an optional damper, designed here as a damping sleeve 20, which surrounds the magnet 12. As a result, direct contact of the magnet 10 with the stator 6 or the coil 8 and the feedback element 4 can be prevented. Preferably, the damping sheath 20 elastomers, plastic or textile.

Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the electromagnetic actuator 2. Here, the support member 18 is not connected to the feedback element 4, but with a holding device 28, for example a wall. The support member 18 is formed here, for example, as an elastic spring element. The arrangement of the oscillator 10 to the feedback element 4 is in this case selected such that the oscillator 10 during the tilting movement with the feedback element 4 comes into connection, or in particular continuously abuts with alternating sides of the oscillator 10 to the feedback element 4 , As a result, pulses are transmitted to the feedback element 4 and this gives a feedback, in particular a vibration.

The embodiment shown in Figure 5 shows an electromagnetic actuator 2, which instead of an elastic support member 18 has a rigid support member. This is connected at one side to the oscillator 10 and connected to the other side movable with a ball joint 22 with the feedback element 4. It is next to the illustrated embodiment, instead of the movable connection the support member 18 with the feedback element 4, also a movable connection of the support member 18 with the oscillator 10, for example via a ball or hinge joint conceivable. In a tilting movement of the oscillator 10, sides of the oscillator 10 contact a damper surface 30, which is connected to the feedback element 4, in particular arranged thereon. The pulses that are generated by the impact of the oscillator on the damper surface 30, transferred to the feedback element 4, thereby giving off a feedback, in particular a vibration. Of course, it is not mandatory that the damper surface 30 and it is also a direct impact of the oscillator 10 on the feedback element 4 possible.

Consequently, it is conceivable that a damper surface 30, as shown in Figure 5, is also used in another embodiment of the electromagnetic actuator 2. Likewise, the rigid support element 18 can logically be connected to a holding device instead of the feedback element 4 on the basis of the exemplary embodiment from FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the electromagnetic actuator 2. This embodiment has no carrier element, but the oscillator 10 is connected directly to a, in particular elastic, feedback element 4. Pulses, triggered by tilting movements of the oscillator 10, are thus transmitted directly to the feedback element 4 and this thus, for example, vibrated. It is also conceivable that the elastic feedback element 4 surrounds the oscillator 10 and possibly the stator 6 partially or completely. Pulses triggered by tilting of the oscillator 10 are thus also passed directly to the feedback element 4 and this particular vibration.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the electromagnetic actuator 2, in which the oscillator 10 is arranged loosely within the feedback element 4, which is designed as a chamber. Here, the oscillator 10 is connected with no components. The stator 6 has an optional Damper sleeve 24 which is disposed within the stator 6. This damper sleeve 24 prevents direct contact of the oscillator 10 with the stator 6 and the coil 8. Also, a damper surface, not shown, can be used on the feedback element, which covers the inside of the feedback element. If the oscillator 10 is excited by the coil 8 and set in tilting motion, there is an impulsive impulse transmission of the oscillator 10 to the feedback element 4. This gives thereby a feedback, in particular a vibration. By applying a certain current, such as a direct current, the oscillator 10 can be placed in a rest position and held therein due to the magnetic attraction.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the touch element 40. The touch element 40 may be, for example, a touch screen of a mobile phone or a tablet, a touchpad of a laptop, a display of a smartwatch, a controller of game consoles, an outer wall of a remote control, to a control panel for a switch, in particular a control panel for a light switch, or the like act. The illustrated embodiment of the touch element 40 will be explained below by way of example with reference to a control panel for a light switch. The control panel 40 of the light switch is a control surface with capacitive sensor technology. By touching with a finger 42, for example, by a short touch, an unillustrated light can be switched on and off. A moving touch, also called stroking, can be used to perform a dimming function and thus influence the brightness of the light. For example, if the control panel 40 is touched by the finger 42 and moved to the right while touching the fingers, the brightness increases. This function is referred to as dimming in the context of this document. Moving to the left decreases the brightness of the light. This feature is referred to in this document as Dunkeidimmen. Consequently, it is possible that a switched off light does not have to be turned on before the Dimming function is used, but by the moving touch also the light is turned on.

These four exemplary functions, power on, power off, dimming, and dimming, of the control panel light switch 40 may be confirmed to a user as haptic feedback through the use of an electromagnetic actuator 2. Thus, inputs of a user are passed through fingers 42 via the not shown capacitive sensor of the light switch or the control panel 40 to a control unit, not shown. On the one hand, this regulates the functions described above, switching on, switching off, dimming and dark dimming. On the other hand, it controls the alternating frequency and the voltage of the current which is applied to the stator 6 or to the coil 8. Thus, depending on the user's input, the feedback element returns a specific feedback, in particular a specific vibration, to the user, in particular to his finger 42. In particular, it is possible to vary between the duration, frequency and intensity of the feedback, preferably the vibration. For example, the single touch of the control panel 40, which triggers the switching on of the light, can be confirmed via a short, less intense vibration with a frequency of 200 Hz. The re-touching, which for example causes a switching off of the light, could be confirmed by a long, intense vibration with a frequency of 200 Hz. In contrast, the dimming function could be confirmed by a sustained vibration at 200 Hz until the moving touch of the user with finger 42 and thus the dimming process has been completed. In addition, a swipe to the right, light dimming, could be confirmed by an increasing intensity of the vibration. Accordingly, a reduction in brightness, darkness, would be haptically transmitted to the user, in particular fingers 42, by a decreasing intensity of vibration.

With the aid of the freely adjustable frequency and intensity of the feedback, in particular the vibration, it is also possible to generate feedback which a user already receives from mechanical components, preferably switches, knows. Thus, for example, the typical vibration character of a switch, in particular a microswitch, be simulated by means of an individual vibration and thus the user feedback are given that feels natural to him, because he already knows, for example, of a light switch or the like.

Claims

claims

1. Electromagnetic actuator (2) with

an oscillator (10) with a magnet (12),

a stator (6) having an electromagnet (8) which surrounds the oscillator at least partially and

a feedback element (4), which is acted upon by the oscillator (10), in that a

the oscillator (10) when excited by the stator (6) performs a tilting movement acting on the feedback element (6).

2. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the oscillator (10), in particular completely, within the stator (6) is arranged.

3. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1 - 2, characterized in that the center of the oscillator (10) in the center of the stator (6).

4. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the center of the magnetic field of the oscillator (10) in the center of the magnetic field of the stator (6).

5. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of claims 1 - 4, characterized by a substantially relative to the electromagnetic actuator (2) fixed tilting axis (34) about which the tilting movement of the oscillator (10), wherein the tilting axis (34) in particular through the center of the oscillator (10).

6. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized by a wobble center of the oscillator (10), wherein the oscillator (10) in a plurality of tilting movements a tumbling motion essentially takes place about the wobble center, wherein preferably the wobble center is stationary relative to the stator (6) and / or lies in the center of the oscillator (10).

7. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the feedback element (4) has a surface, in particular a membrane.

8. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the feedback element (4) is a haptic and / or acoustic feedback element.

9. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the oscillator (10) via a carrier element (18) with the feedback element (4) is connected, wherein the carrier element (18) is in particular elastic and is preferably designed as a spring element.

10. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the oscillator (10) due to the excitation by the stator (6), a deformation and / or movement of the carrier element (18) and / or the feedback Elements (4) causes.

11. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the feedback element (4) due to the tilting movement of the oscillator (10) experiences a vibration.

12. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that the oscillator (10) has a to the particular flat surface of the feedback element (4) parallel magnetic orientation direction (36).

13. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the magnetic orientation direction (36) of the oscillator (10) perpendicular to the magnetic field, in particular to the magnetic orientation direction (38) of the stator (6).

14. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the magnet (12) of the oscillator (10) is a diametrically-poled magnet and / or a permanent magnet.

15. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that the stator (6) surrounds the oscillator (10), preferably annular, oval or rectangular, in particular completely.

16. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that the stator (6), in particular the electromagnet (8) has a coil.

17. Electromagnetic actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that on the stator (6) a current with alternating current direction and / or different voltage is applied.

18. Electromagnetic actuator according to one of claims 1-17, characterized by a damper (20, 24, 30), which prevents the oscillator (10), the feedback element (4) and / or the stator (6) directly touches ,

19. Touch element (40) with

a touch-sensitive, in particular capacitive surface, and an actuator according to one of claims 1-18.

20. Touch element (40) according to claim 19, characterized in that it is the touch element (40) is a switching element, in particular a light switch.

21. A method for generating a vibration by means of an electromagnetic actuator (2) with a stator (6) and an oscillator (10), with

a movement of the oscillator (10) in a tilting and / or wobbling motion, wherein the tilting axis (34) of the tilting movement and / or the tumbling center of the tumbling motion, in particular stationary, in the center of the oscillator (10).

22. A method for generating a vibration according to claim 21, characterized in that the method by means of the features of an electromagnetic actuator (2) according to one of claims 1 to 20 takes place.