JPH08256488A - Vibration motor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To effectively make use of the maximum amplitude generated in the ring part by supporting an vibrator with simple structure so that it may not drop the efficiency of a motor, and especially, by making the ring part of the vibration free. CONSTITUTION: An vibrating motor 10, which is equipped with a vibrator of annular structure consisting of an elastic body 31 and an electromechanical converting element 35 for generating vibration in the elastic body 31 and a relative motion member 20 of annular structure being brought into contact, by pressure, with the elastic body 31 and being driven by the vibration generated in the elastic body 31, has a support member 50b for supporting the vibrator 30 by the annular contact part, being positioned between the vibrator 30 and a support 40b, and the outside diameter of the contact part of the supporting member 50b is smaller than that of the vibrator 30.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vibrator including an elastic body and an electromechanical conversion element that causes the elastic body to generate vibration, and is driven by the vibration generated in the elastic body by being brought into pressure contact with the elastic body. And a relative movement member that is used. A surface wave motor is known as such a vibration motor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional surface wave motor having the above-described structure, when a vibrator or a relative motion member is carried on a support, a vibration absorbing material is applied to the entire contact surface between the support and the vibrator or the relative motion member. There is also a method of fixing via a method of supporting through vibration, or a method of supporting by providing a support structure for absorbing or blocking vibration on the neutral axis of the vibrator or the relative motion member (the part that has the least adverse effect on vibration).

[0003]

However, in such a conventional surface wave motor, in the former case, a considerable compressive force is applied from both sides so that the oscillator and the relative motion member are in pressure contact with each other. Since the vibration absorbing material is arranged on the entire contact surface between the support and the vibrator or relative motion member, the vibration of the electromechanical transducer element of the vibrator is hindered by pressurization, and the efficiency of the surface wave motor is improved. However, there was a problem that

Particularly in a vibrator having an annular structure, the amplitude on the outer diameter side of the vibrator is larger than that on the inner diameter side. Therefore, when the vibrator is supported in a state where the outer diameter portion of the vibrator is in contact with another member such as a vibration absorbing material, the degree of decrease in the efficiency of the motor increases.

In the latter case, since a support structure for absorbing or blocking vibration is formed in a narrow area near the neutral axis, the strength becomes severe and the structure becomes complicated and the cost is high. There was a problem that it became a thing.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a conventional problem and supports the vibrator with a simple structure so as not to reduce the efficiency of the motor, and particularly, the outer diameter portion of the vibrator. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vibration motor in which the maximum amplitude generated in the outer diameter portion can be effectively used by making the free end.

[0007]

The gist of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is to provide an elastic body (31) and an electromechanical conversion element (35) for generating vibration in the elastic body (31). An oscillator (30) having an annular structure consisting of
A vibration motor (10) comprising: a relative movement member (20) having an annular structure that is pressed into contact with the elastic body (31) and driven by vibration generated in the elastic body (31),
The vibrator (30) includes a support member (50b) that supports the vibrator (30) by a ring-shaped contact portion between the vibrator (30), and the outer diameter of the contact portion of the support member (50b) is The vibration motor (10) is characterized by being smaller than the outer diameter of the vibrator (30).

Next, the operation will be described. According to the solving means, the electromechanical conversion element (35) of the vibrator (30) vibrates to generate vibration in the elastic body (31) of the vibrator (30),
This drives the relative motion member (20). The vibrator (30) is supported by the support member (50b),
The vibration of the electromechanical conversion element (35) that causes the vibration is
It is received by the ring-shaped contact portion of the support member (50b) that is in contact with the vibrator (30). The contact part and the vibrator (3
0) has a small contact area with the electromechanical conversion element (3
5) The vibration of the vibration motor (1
0) operates with high efficiency.

The vibrator (30) has an annular structure, and the outer diameter side of the vibrator (30) has a larger amplitude than the inner diameter side. By the way, since the outer diameter of the contact portion of the support member (50b) is smaller than the outer diameter of the vibrator (30), the outer diameter portion of the vibrator (30) is a free end. Therefore, the maximum amplitude generated in the outer diameter portion of the vibrator (30) is not suppressed by touching the contact portion, the maximum amplitude can be effectively used, and the efficiency of the vibration motor (10) is further improved. It is possible to improve.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments representing the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts in each embodiment, and the duplicated description will be omitted.

1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is a rotary vibration motor. In the vibration motor 10, the ring-shaped rotary relative movement member 20 and the vibrator 30 are arranged above and below the support 4 in the drawing.
It is sandwiched and supported by 0a and 40b.

The vibrator 30 includes an elastic body 31 and an elastic body 31.
The electromechanical conversion element 35 for exciting is attached, the surface of the elastic body 31 of the vibrator 30 is in contact with the relative motion member 20, and the contact surface 21 of the relative motion member 20 is the elastic body 31.
On the other hand, a substance having a large friction coefficient is formed (for example, coated).

The relative motion member 20 and the vibrator 30 are in contact with each other and are pressed against each other by the supports 40a and 40b.
O-rings 50a, 50b made of a rubber material having elasticity as a supporting member are provided at pressure contact portions with the supporting bodies 40a, 40b.
The support 40a, which is in contact with the relative motion member 20, is rotatable about the center of the ring shape by a rolling mechanism (not shown) so that the relative motion member 20 is pressed against the vibrator 30. Is held.

The O-ring 50a between the relative motion member 20 and the support 40a passes through the central portion of the contact surface between the relative motion member 20 and the vibrator 30 and is perpendicular to the contact surface in the cross section of the relative motion member 20. A fitting groove 22 formed on or in the vicinity of a straight line (hereinafter referred to as a center line) z and formed on the relative motion member 20, and a support body 40a formed on the circumference facing the fitting groove 22. Both sides fit into the formed fitting groove 41,
Both sides of the O-ring 50a are fixed to the fitting target with adhesives.

The O-ring 50b between the vibrator 30 and the support 40b is arranged on one side of the fitting groove 42 formed on the support 40b on the center line z or in the vicinity of the center line z like the O-ring 50a. Is fitted and adhered, and the ring-shaped contact portion on the other side is the electromechanical conversion element 35 of the vibrator 30.
It is pressed and adhered to. The O-rings 50a and 50b have a thin ring shape, and the O-rings 50a and 50b, which are supporting members thereof, linearly abut the relative motion member 20 and the vibrator 30 and carry the entire circumference thereof on the support members 40a and 40b. are doing.

Next, the operation will be described. When the electromechanical conversion element 35 of the vibrator 30 is energized, the electromechanical conversion element 35 vibrates, thereby generating a surface wave in the elastic body 31, and the relative motion member 20 in pressure contact with the elastic body 31 moves by the surface wave. It is made to rotate. This rotation is taken as an output from the relative movement member 20 itself or the support 40a supporting the relative movement member 20.

The elastic body 31, the electromechanical conversion element 35 and the relative motion member 20 of the vibrator 30 are the electromechanical conversion element 35.
The O-ring 50a elastically deforms and allows the vibration or displacement of the relative motion member 20, and the O-ring 50b resists the vibration or displacement of the vibrator 30. Elastically deforms and allows it, and vibration and displacement are not hindered.

As described above, the vibrator 30 has the O-ring 50b.
However, since the contact area between the ring-shaped contact portion of the O-ring 50b and the vibrator 30 is extremely small, the vibration of the electromechanical conversion element 35 is not suppressed, and the vibration motor 10 is highly efficient. Operate.

The vibrator 30 has an annular structure, and the amplitude on the outer diameter side of the vibrator 30 is larger than that on the inner diameter side.
By the way, since the outer diameter of the contact portion of the O-ring 50b is obviously smaller than the outer diameter of the vibrator 30, the outer diameter portion (outer edge portion) of the vibrator 30 is a free end.
Therefore, the maximum amplitude generated in the outer diameter portion of the vibrator 30 is not suppressed by touching the contact portion, the maximum amplitude can be effectively used, and the efficiency of the vibration motor 10 can be further improved. .

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the support structure of the relative motion member 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the support structure of the vibrator 30 is different.

That is, the electromechanical conversion element 35 of the vibrator 30 is located inside the center line z, and the elastic body 31 is projected so as to have a stepped shape.
0 is formed on the neutral surface, while an inward step 43 is formed in the support 40b carrying the vibrator 30, and an outward step 32 of the vibrator 30 and an inward direction of the support 40b are formed. The O-ring 50b is held in the space formed between the step 43 and the step 43. The O-ring 50b is located on or near the center line z.

In this embodiment, since there is nothing to directly support the electromechanical conversion element 35, its vibration is not hindered, and the O-ring 50b has the step 32 of the vibrator 30 facing outward and the support 40b. Since it is sandwiched by the inwardly facing step 43, the position is easily determined, and the O-ring 50 can be attached without bonding.
b can be held.

Further, according to the supporting method of each embodiment, there is almost no inclination of the contact surface caused by the pressure contact between the vibrator 30 and the relative motion member 20, and the contact surface can be effectively used. Further, in the second embodiment, since there is nothing for restraining the electromechanical conversion element 35 of the vibrator 30, the structure vibrates effectively, and the O-ring 50b as a supporting member can be easily positioned and does not require adhesion. There is an advantage that can be.

In each of the above embodiments, an O-ring having a generally circular cross section is used as the supporting member, but the oval or polygonal shape is not limited to the circular cross section, and in short it is essential. Any element may be used as long as it abuts on the vibrator 30 in an annular shape. It is effective if the vibrator 30 is carried through such a supporting member 50b. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a direct drive type vibration motor.

[0025]

According to the vibration motor of the present invention, the vibrating motor has a supporting member for supporting the vibrator by means of an annular contact portion between the vibrating motor and the outer diameter of the contact portion of the supporting member. Since it is smaller than the outer diameter of the vibrator, the vibration and displacement of the vibrator are not hindered, and in particular, the maximum amplitude generated in the outer diameter portion of the vibrator is not suppressed at all, and the maximum amplitude is The vibration motor can be effectively used and can rotate with high efficiency. Also, the structure is simple, so the cost is reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing a vibration motor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a relative motion member that constitutes the vibration motor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing one side portion of the vibration motor according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an enlarged manner from FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view showing a vibration motor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 ... Vibration motor 20 ... Relative motion member 30 ... Oscillator 31 ... Elastic body 35 ... Electromechanical conversion element 40a, 40b ... Support body 50a, 50b ... O-ring (support member)

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] February 27, 1996

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Claims]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0007]

The gist of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is to provide an elastic body (31) and an electromechanical conversion element (35) for generating vibration in the elastic body (31). An oscillator (30) having an annular structure consisting of
A vibration motor (10) comprising: a relative movement member (20) having an annular structure that is pressed into contact with the elastic body (31) and driven by vibration generated in the elastic body (31),
A support member (50b) for supporting the vibrator (30) by an annular contact portion between the vibrator (30) and
The vibration motor (10) is characterized in that the outer diameter of the contact portion of the support member (50b) is smaller than the outer diameter of the vibrator (30).

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Next, the operation will be described. According to the solving means, the electromechanical conversion element (35) of the vibrator (30) vibrates to generate vibration in the elastic body (31) of the vibrator (30),
This drives the relative motion member (20). The vibrator (30) is supported by the support member (50b),
The vibration of the electromechanical conversion element (35) that causes the vibration is
It is received by an annular contact portion with the support member (50b) that is in contact with the vibrator (30).

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The vibrator 30 includes an elastic body 31 and an elastic body 31.
A piezoelectric body 35 as an electromechanical conversion element for exciting the element is attached, and the surface of the elastic body 31 of the vibrator 30 is in contact with the relative motion member 20.
A material 1 having a large friction coefficient is formed (coated, for example) on the elastic body 31.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The O-ring 50b between the vibrator 30 and the support 40b is arranged on one side of the fitting groove 42 formed on the support 40b on the center line z or in the vicinity of the center line z like the O-ring 50a. Is fitted and adhered, and the annular contact portion on the other side is pressed against and adhered to the piezoelectric body 35 of the vibrator 30. The O-rings 50a and 50b have a thin ring shape, and the O-rings 50a and 50, which are support members thereof, are formed.
The reference character b linearly abuts the relative motion member 20 and the vibrator 30, and carries the entire circumferences thereof on the supports 40a and 40b.

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0016

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Next, the operation will be described. When the piezoelectric body 35 of the vibrator 30 is energized, the piezoelectric body 35 vibrates, thereby generating a surface wave in the elastic body 31, and the relative motion member 20 pressed against the elastic body 31 is moved by the surface wave to rotate. To do. This rotation is caused by the relative motion member 20 itself or the relative motion member 2
It is taken out as an output from the support 40a supporting 0. Although it is supported by the rail on the vehicle body side so as to be swung to and displaced from the position, the engagement / disengagement member may be supported so as to be slid and displaced between the restraint position and the restraint release.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The elastic body 31, the piezoelectric body 35 and the relative motion member 20 of the vibrator 30 are displaced by the vibration of the piezoelectric body 35,
Alternatively, the O-ring 50a elastically deforms and allows the vibration or displacement of the relative motion member 20, and the O-ring 50b elastically deforms and responds to the vibration or displacement of the vibrator 30. And vibration and displacement are not hindered.

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0018

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As described above, the vibrator 30 has the O-ring 50b.
However, since the contact area between the ring-shaped contact portion of the O-ring 50b and the vibrator 30 is extremely small, the vibration of the piezoelectric body 35 is not suppressed and the vibration motor 10 is supported.
Operates with high efficiency.

[Procedure Amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

That is, the piezoelectric body 35 of the vibrator 30 is located inside the center line z, and the elastic body 31 is projected to have a stepped shape, and the flat portion 32a of the stepped portion 32 is formed on the neutral surface of the vibrator 30. On the other hand, the support 40 carrying the vibrator 30 is provided.
An inward step 43 is formed in b, and the outward step 32 of the vibrator 30 and the inward step 43 of the support body 40b are opposed to each other from the inside and outside, and the space formed between them is O. It holds the ring 50b. The O-ring 50b is located on or near the center line z.

[Procedure Amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0022

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In this embodiment, since there is nothing that directly supports the piezoelectric body 35, its vibration is not disturbed,
Since the O-ring 50b is sandwiched between the outwardly facing step 32 of the vibrator 30 and the inwardly facing step 43 of the support body 40b, the position is easily determined, and the O-ring 50b can be held without being adhered. You can

[Procedure Amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0023

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, according to the supporting method of each embodiment, there is almost no inclination of the contact surface caused by the pressure contact between the vibrator 30 and the relative motion member 20, and the contact surface can be effectively used. Further, in the second embodiment, the piezoelectric body 35 of the vibrator 30 is used.
Since there is nothing that restrains, there is an advantage that the structure vibrates effectively, the O-ring 50b serving as the supporting member is easily positioned, and the bonding is not required.

[Procedure Amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0024

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In each of the above embodiments, an O-ring having a generally circular cross section is used as the supporting member, but the oval or polygonal shape is not limited to the circular cross section, and in short it is essential. It may be anything that comes into contact with the vibrator 30 in an annular shape. It is effective if the vibrator 30 is carried through such a supporting member 50b. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a direct drive type vibration motor.

[Procedure Amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0025

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0025]

According to the vibration motor of the present invention, the vibrator has a support member for supporting the vibrator by an annular contact portion between the vibrator, and the outer diameter of the contact portion of the support member is Since it is smaller than the outer diameter of the vibrator, the vibration and displacement of the vibrator are not hindered, and the maximum amplitude generated in the outer diameter of the vibrator is not suppressed at all, and the maximum amplitude is effective. It can be used as a vibration motor that rotates with high efficiency. Also, the structure is simple, so the cost is reduced.

[Procedure Amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Explanation of code

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Explanation of reference numerals] 10 ... Vibration motor 20 ... Relative movement member 30 ... Oscillator 31 ... Elastic body 35 ... Piezoelectric body 40a, 40b ... Support body 50a, 50b ... O-ring (support member)

[Procedure Amendment 15]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A vibrator having an annular structure composed of an elastic body and an electromechanical conversion element for generating vibration in the elastic body, and an annular ring driven by the vibration generated in the elastic body under pressure contact with the elastic body. In a vibration motor including a relative movement member having a structure, the vibrator includes a support member that supports a ring-shaped contact portion between the vibrator and an outer diameter of the contact portion of the support member, A vibration motor having an outer diameter smaller than that of the vibrator.