WO2013073234A1

WO2013073234A1 - Vibrating device

Info

Publication number: WO2013073234A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/068831
Authority: WO
Inventors: 山崎　修; 克典熊坂; 善幸阿部; 光晴千葉
Original assignee: Ｎｅｃトーキン株式会社
Priority date: 2011-11-17
Filing date: 2012-07-25
Publication date: 2013-05-23
Also published as: TW201324279A; JP5211267B1; JPWO2013073234A1

Abstract

This vibrating device propagates vibrations to an attached subject (for example, a touch panel). The vibrating device is provided with two support units, a vibrating plate, a vibrating element (for example, a piezoelectric element), and a spindle. The two support elements are respectively provided to two positions that differ from each other in the lengthwise direction. The two ends of the vibrating plate in the lengthwise direction are respectively supported by the two support elements. The vibrating element is attached to the center portion in the lengthwise direction of the bottom surface of the vibrating plate. The spindle has: two free ends respectively positioned at the two ends in the lengthwise direction; and an affixed section positioned between the free ends. The affixed section is affixed to the top surface of the vibrating plate. When the vibrating element is not being driven, the free ends are each spaced from the top surface of the vibrating plate.

Description

Excitation device

The present invention relates to a vibration device capable of propagating vibration to an attached object.

Vibrating devices of this type are disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a support structure of a piezoelectric bimorph element (excitation element) constituting an excitation device. The piezoelectric bimorph element of Patent Document 1 is attached to a touch panel (target object) of an electronic device. An icon is displayed on the touch panel. When a finger touches an icon of the touch panel (that is, part of the touch panel), a predetermined signal is output to the piezoelectric bimorph element, whereby the piezoelectric bimorph element vibrates. The piezoelectric bimorph element and the touch panel are connected by a connecting member having a high elastic modulus. For this reason, the touch panel vibrates effectively. According to Patent Document 1, the finger touching the touch panel can obtain a good switch feeling (i.e., a touch feeling as if the switch was pressed).

The excitation apparatus disclosed in FIG. 4 of Patent Document 2 includes a disc-like piezoelectric bender (excitation element), a mass portion (weight), and a damping pad made of an elastic material. The mass portion is attached to the central portion of the piezoelectric bender so as to sandwich the damping pad. The periphery of the piezoelectric bender is attached to the panel (object) of the speaker. The piezoelectric bender vibrates when it receives an acoustic signal and sends a flexural wave to the panel.

JP, 2005-303937, A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-512256

The piezoelectric bimorph element and the touch panel of Patent Document 1 are bonded to the opposite side of the connecting member. For this reason, there is a possibility that the touch panel and the piezoelectric bimorph element may receive a large stress from the connecting member due to an error that occurs when assembling the entire electronic device or an error in the size of each member. For example, when the piezoelectric bimorph element has a thickness of the maximum value of tolerance, the touch panel may be subjected to a large stress.

When only the peripheral portion of the vibrating element is attached to the object as in the piezoelectric bender of Patent Document 2, the above-described stress hardly occurs. The above-described stress problem can be solved by attaching a mass portion to the central portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element of Patent Document 1 with a damping pad interposed therebetween and sending a bending wave from the end portion of the piezoelectric bimorph element to the touch panel.

However, electronic devices having a touch panel are required to be smaller and thinner. Therefore, it is necessary to miniaturize and thin the vibration device (in particular, the vibration element and the weight). In addition, even in the case of using the vibration exciter in an electronic device that does not have a touch panel, it is preferable that the vibration exciter be small and thin. When a weight is provided only in the central portion of a small and thin vibrating element, it is difficult to obtain a weight for sufficient vibration. Therefore, sufficient vibration can not be sent to the attached object (for example, the touch panel or the entire electronic device). In other words, it is not preferable to attach a small and thin vibrating element to an object as in Patent Document 2.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively propagate the vibration to the attached object even when the size is reduced and the thickness is reduced, and the stress is not excessively applied to the object. The purpose is to provide a vibration device.

One aspect of the present invention provides a vibratory apparatus capable of propagating vibration to an attached object. The excitation device includes a diaphragm, an excitation element, and a weight. The diaphragm has two supported portions respectively positioned in the vicinity of both ends in the length direction, and first and second main surfaces in the vertical direction orthogonal to the length direction. The vibrating element vibrates when driven. The vibrating element is attached to the first main surface of the diaphragm so as to have a distance from each of the supported portions in the longitudinal direction. The weight has two free ends respectively located at both ends in the length direction, and a fixed part located between the free ends in the length direction. The fixed portion is fixed to the second main surface of the diaphragm. In the non-driven state in which the vibrating element is not driven, each of the free ends is away from the second main surface of the diaphragm in the vertical direction.

According to the present invention, the weight is fixed to the diaphragm between two free ends in the length direction, so that the weight can be elongated (i.e., made heavier) in the length direction. Therefore, even when the vibration device is miniaturized and thinned, the vibration can be effectively transmitted to the attached object.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the vibration of the vibrating element can be propagated to the object via the supported portion of the diaphragm. In other words, the vibration of the vibration element can be propagated to the object without directly contacting the vibration element and the object. Therefore, it is possible not to apply excessive stress to the object.

The objects of the present invention will be properly understood and will be more fully understood by considering the following description of the best embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an excitation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the length direction, the up-down direction, and the width direction indicate three directions orthogonal to each other (the same applies to the following drawings). It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the oscillation apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vibration apparatus of FIG. 1 along the line III-III. Here, the attachment portion of the lower case is not drawn (the same applies to the drawings after FIG. 4). It is a schematic sectional drawing which expands and shows the edge part vicinity (part enclosed by the broken line A) of the vibration exciter of FIG. 3 partially. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the modification of the site | part shown in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows another modification of the site | part shown in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the edge part vicinity (part corresponding to the site | part shown by FIG. 4) of the oscillation apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the oscillation apparatus by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vibration excitation apparatus of FIG. 8 along line IX-IX. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a vibration excitation apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention along a line corresponding to the line IX-IX in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the modification of the oscillation apparatus of FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an excitation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention along a line corresponding to the line III-III in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the modification of the oscillation apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows another modification of the oscillation apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the excitation apparatus by the 6th Embodiment of this invention in the state which is not accommodated in the case. It is a perspective view which shows the vibration excitation apparatus of FIG. 15 in the state which removed the cover. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vibration apparatus of FIG. 16 along line XVII-XVII. Here, a portion of the electrode extending upward is not drawn. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a center portion (portion enclosed by a broken line B) of the vibration excitation apparatus of FIG. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vibration exciter of FIG. 17 with a cover attached and housed in a case. Here, a portion of the electrode extending upward is not drawn. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the modification of the oscillation apparatus of FIG. Here, a portion of the electrode extending upward is not drawn. FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing, in a partially enlarged manner, the vicinity of an end portion (a portion surrounded by a broken line C) of the vibration excitation apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the modification of the site | part shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the oscillation apparatus of FIG. FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vibration excitation apparatus of FIG. 23 along the line XXIV-XXIV. Here, a portion of the electrode extending upward is not drawn. It is a perspective view showing the vibration exciter by a 7th embodiment of the present invention in the state where it is not stored in a storage case. FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vibration exciter of FIG. 25 along the line XXVI-XXVI with the cover removed.

Although the present invention can be realized in various modifications and various forms, a specific embodiment as shown in the drawings will be described in detail below as an example. The drawings and embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed herein, but rather to all variations, equivalents, and alternatives that can be made within the scope of the appended claims. It shall be included in the subject.

First Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the vibration exciter 10 a according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a piezoelectric element (vibration exciter) 200, a metal mass (weight) 300, and an elastic body. And a holding member 500 made of an insulating material such as resin, and a case 600 made of metal. The vibration device 10a can be attached to, for example, a touch panel (not shown) of an electronic device (not shown). The vibration device 10a can propagate vibration to an attached object (for example, a touch panel).

As shown in FIG. 2, the vibrating element 200 according to the present embodiment is a piezoelectric element 200 made of a piezoelectric material, and vibrates when a drive voltage is supplied (ie, driven). However, the vibrating element 200 may be made of a material (material) other than the piezoelectric material as long as it generates vibration when driven. The piezoelectric element 200 has a flat plate shape which is thin in the vertical direction and elongated in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the piezoelectric element 200 has two end portions (supporting portions) 202 in the length direction, and an upper surface 204 and a lower surface 205 in the vertical direction. As understood from the above description, the piezoelectric element 200 according to the present embodiment is configured to vibrate in the vertical direction.

As understood from FIGS. 2 and 3, the weight 300 adds weight in the vertical direction (downward according to the present embodiment) to the piezoelectric element 200, whereby the piezoelectric element 200 is more effective. Can vibrate. In order to miniaturize the weight 300 of the vibrating device 10a, it is preferable that the weight 300 be formed of a material (for example, metal) having a high volume density. Furthermore, the material of the weight 300 preferably has excellent corrosion resistance. More specifically, the weight 300 is preferably formed of a corrosion-resistant metal (for example, brass or stainless steel) having a volume density of 7 × 10 ³ kg / m ³ or more. It is further preferable that the weight 300 be formed of a corrosion resistant metal (for example, tungsten) having a volume density of 19 × 10 ³ kg / m ³ or more.

The weight 300 generally has a flat plate shape which is thin in the vertical direction and elongated in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the weight 300 has a main portion 310 extending in the longitudinal direction and two projecting portions 320 provided on the main portion 310. Each of the protrusions 320 is formed at a central portion (that is, an intermediate portion) of the main portion 310 in the longitudinal direction. The two protrusions 320 respectively protrude in the width direction from the main portion 310 so as to be separated from each other. The weight 300 has an opposing surface 315 which is one surface in the vertical direction. The opposing surface 315 according to the present embodiment is the lower surface of the main portion 310.

The weight 300 has two free ends 302 and one fixed portion 304. The free ends 302 are respectively located at both ends of the weight 300 in the longitudinal direction. The free end 302 according to the present embodiment is also an end of the main portion 310. The fixed part 304 is located between the free ends 302 in the longitudinal direction. The to-be-fixed part 304 by this Embodiment is a part of opposing surface 315. FIG.

As understood from FIGS. 2 and 3, the piezoelectric element 200 and the weight 300 according to the present embodiment are bonded to each other so as to sandwich the bonding member 400 in the vertical direction, whereby the opposing surface 315 of the weight 300 is The upper surface 204 of the piezoelectric element 200 is vertically opposed. Specifically, the bonding member 400 couples the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 200 and the fixed portion 304 of the weight 300 (that is, the middle portion in the lengthwise direction of the weight 300).

As described above, the piezoelectric element 200 and the weight 300 are bonded with the bonding member 400 (that is, a bonding portion made of an elastic body) interposed therebetween. In other words, the piezoelectric element 200 is not directly bonded to the weight 300 (ie, rigid body). According to the present embodiment, when the piezoelectric element 200 vibrates, the vibration in the middle portion of the piezoelectric element 200 is absorbed by the bonding member 400. More specifically, when the middle portion of the piezoelectric element 200 vibrates, the bonding member 400 is elastically deformed. Therefore, the vibration of the piezoelectric element 200 is not inhibited.

Bonding member 400 according to the present embodiment has a rectangular shape. However, the joining member 400 may have any shape as long as the above-described effect is exhibited. The bonding member 400 is preferably formed of a rubber-based material such as silicone resin (eg, silicone rubber). However, the bonding member 400 has a sufficient strength for bonding the piezoelectric element 200 and the weight 300, and is not a rubber-based material (for example, epoxy resin) as long as the piezoelectric element 200 is not excessively stressed. It may be formed of

As understood from FIGS. 2 and 3, the holding member 500 according to the present embodiment supports and holds the piezoelectric element 200 so as to sandwich the piezoelectric element 200 in the length direction. Specifically, each of the holding members 500 according to the present embodiment has a rectangular plate shape orthogonal to the length direction. The holding member 500 is provided with a support portion 510. The support portion 510 according to the present embodiment is a recess formed on the inner side in the longitudinal direction of the holding member 500. The two ends 202 of the piezoelectric element 200 are inserted into the support portion 510, whereby the piezoelectric element 200 is supported and held so as to be capable of vibrating in the vertical direction. In other words, the vibration applying device 10a according to the present embodiment includes two support portions 510 provided at mutually different positions in the length direction, thereby supporting the piezoelectric element 200.

In the holding member 500, a holding portion 550 is further provided. The holding portion 550 according to the present embodiment is a recess formed on the outer side in the length direction of the holding member 500.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the case 600 according to the present embodiment is composed of a lower case 610 and an upper case 650. The lower case 610 and the upper case 650 are vertically connected to form an accommodation space (housing portion) 602 inside the case 600 (see FIG. 3). The piezoelectric element 200 and the weight 300 joined to each other by the joining member 400 and the holding member 500 (that is, the main part of the vibration excitation device 10a) are accommodated in the housing portion with the piezoelectric element 200 supported by the holding member 500. It is accommodated in 602. More specifically, the upper case 650 is connected to the lower case 610 after the main portion of the above-described vibration applying device 10a is received by the lower case 610, whereby the main portion of the vibration applying device 10a is a housing It is accommodated in 602.

The size in the longitudinal direction of the housing portion 602 is set to be slightly larger (that is, approximately the same) than the distance between the two holding members 500 that support the piezoelectric element 200. . Furthermore, the size (i.e., width) in the width direction and the size (i.e., height) in the vertical direction of the housing portion 602 are each slightly larger than the width and height of the holding member 500 (i.e., substantially the same. To be set). Therefore, in the receiving state in which the main part of the excitation device 10a is received by the lower case 610, the movement in the length direction and the width direction of the holding member 500 is restricted. Specifically, in the receiving state, the inward movement of the holding member 500 in the longitudinal direction is restricted by the piezoelectric element 200, and the outward movement of the holding member 500 in the lengthwise direction is restricted by the lower case 610, thereby the holding member 500. Is temporarily fixed.

The lower case 610 according to the present embodiment is provided with two attachment portions 620. The attachment portion 620 is used, for example, when attaching the lower case 610 to a substrate for supplying a drive voltage (except for FIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment portion 620 is not drawn). The lower case 610 is further provided with two holding holes 616 and two lower held pieces 618 that respectively correspond to the holding portion 550 of the holding member 500. In detail, a part of the side surface in the length direction of the lower case 610 is cut away and bent into the inside of the accommodation portion 602, whereby the holding hole 616 and the lower held piece 618 are formed. The lower held piece 618 is bent so as to be inserted into the holding portion 550 of the holding member 500 in the receiving state.

Furthermore, in the upper case 650 according to the present embodiment, two upper held pieces 656 respectively corresponding to the holding portion 550 of the holding member 500 are provided. Specifically, the upper case 650 is mounted on the lower case 610 in the receiving state. Both side portions in the length direction of the upper case 650 are respectively bent downward. A part of the above-described downwardly bent portion is further bent toward the inside of the housing portion 602, whereby the upper held piece 656 is formed. The upper held piece 656 passes through the holding hole 616 and is inserted into the holding portion 550 of the holding member 500 received by the lower case 610.

As described above, after the holding member 500 is received and temporarily fixed to the lower case 610, it is held by the lower held piece 618 and the upper held piece 656 (ie, by the lower case 610 and the upper case 650). It is completely fixed. The completely fixed holding member 500 can not be removed from the case 600 unintentionally. In other words, the piezoelectric element 200 is stably supported in the storage state in which the main part of the vibration excitation device 10a is stored in the storage portion 602.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, notches 612 are respectively provided on both side surfaces in the width direction of the lower case 610. The notch 612 is formed in an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the lower case 610 so as to correspond to the protrusion 320 of the weight 300. Similarly, notches 652 are respectively provided on both sides in the width direction of the upper case 650. The notch 652 is formed in an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the upper case 650 so as to correspond to the protrusion 320 of the weight 300. According to this embodiment, in the accommodated state, the protrusion 320 of the weight 300 can be visually recognized through the hole formed of the notch 612 and the notch 652.

As shown in FIG. 3, the weight 300 is such that the facing surface 315 faces the top surface 204 (i.e., the facing surface 315) of the piezoelectric element 200 as approaching the free end 302 from the fixed portion 304 (i.e., the middle portion). It has a shape away from the surface). More specifically, the weight 300 and the piezoelectric element in an undriven state in which the piezoelectric element 200 is not driven (that is, in a stationary state in which the piezoelectric element 200 is not supplied with a driving voltage and not supplied). The distance between the upper surface 204 and the upper surface 204 in the vertical direction is set to increase as the fixed portion 304 approaches the free end 302 in the length direction. That is, in the undriven state, each of the free end portions 302 is separated from the upper surface 204 in the vertical direction, and the weight 300 is supported only at the fixed portion 304.

As described above, the weight 300 and the piezoelectric element 200 are configured to be separated from the fixed portion 304 as they approach the free end portion 302. Therefore, even if the distance between the weight 300 and the piezoelectric element 200 is largely reduced, the weight 300 (particularly, the easily displaceable free end portion 302) and the piezoelectric element 200 in the driven state in which the piezoelectric element 200 is driven. It is possible to prevent contact. In other words, according to the present embodiment, the distance between the weight 300 and the piezoelectric element 200 in the vertical direction in the undriven state is other than the fixed portion 304 of the weight 300 when the piezoelectric element 200 is driven. Is set so as not to collide with the piezoelectric element 200.

The opposite surface 315 of the weight 300 according to the present embodiment is linearly inclined from the fixed portion 304 toward the free end 302. However, the opposing surface 315 may be inclined in a curvilinear manner. Specifically, the opposing surface 315 is preferably a curved surface having a shape when the piezoelectric element 200 vibrates and is bent the most.

According to the present embodiment, since the weight 300 is fixed to the piezoelectric element 200 between the two free ends 302 in the length direction, the weight 300 is elongated (that is, made heavier) in the length direction. be able to. Furthermore, the distance between the weight 300 and the piezoelectric element 200 can be made as small as possible. Therefore, while setting the weight 300 to have a sufficiently large weight, it is possible to miniaturize and reduce the thickness of the vibration apparatus 10a. In other words, even if the vibrating device 10a according to the present embodiment is miniaturized and thinned, it effectively propagates a large vibration to the attached portion (that is, to an object not shown). Can.

Furthermore, the vibration of the piezoelectric element 200 is propagated to the object (not shown) via the support portion 510. In other words, the vibration of the piezoelectric element 200 can be propagated to the object without directly contacting the piezoelectric element 200 with the object. For example, by fixing the bottom of the case 600 to a touch panel (not shown), vibration can be transmitted to the touch panel. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the vibration applying device 10a from applying an excessive stress to the object. That is, the vibration excitation apparatus 10a according to the present embodiment can be suitably used as a vibration excitation apparatus that generates low frequency vibration.

The frequency of vibration of the piezoelectric element 200 (that is, the frequency for vibration) is set, for example, by the size of the piezoelectric element 200. The excitation frequency is preferably set in a range not perceived as noise. More specifically, it is preferable that the excitation frequency is 100 Hz or less (not including 0) which is a frequency hardly heard by humans. It is further preferable that the excitation frequency is 20 Hz or less (not including 0) which is a frequency that human beings can not hear more. However, the vibration frequency may be greater than 100 Hz and less than or equal to 300 Hz as long as it generates a vibration whose magnitude is such that human beings do not feel uncomfortable as noise. When the excitation frequency is greater than 100 Hz and less than or equal to 300 Hz, a clearer sense of touch can be obtained. In order to make the sense of touch clear, it is more preferable to set the vibration frequency to 150 Hz or more and 250 Hz or less.

As understood from FIGS. 1 to 3, the vibrating device 10 a can be assembled, for example, by the following first assembling method. First, the weight 300 is bonded (for example, bonded) to the middle portion of the piezoelectric element 200 so as to sandwich the bonding member 400. Next, the end 202 of the piezoelectric element 200 is supported by the support 510 of the holding member 500. Through the above steps, the main part of the vibration excitation device 10a can be assembled. Next, after the main part of the vibration device 10a is inserted into the lower case 610, the lower held piece 618 of the lower case 610 is bent and inserted into the holding portion 550 of the holding member 500, thereby the piezoelectric element 200 and the holding The member 500 is fixed to the lower case 610 (that is, the main part of the vibrating device 10a). Next, after placing the upper case 650 on the lower case 610, the upper held piece 656 of the upper case 650 is bent, passes through the holding hole 616, and is inserted into the holding portion 550 of the holding member 500. The device 10a is assembled. As described above, the protrusion 320 of the weight 300 can be visually recognized even after the vibration excitation device 10a is assembled. Therefore, after assembling the excitation device 10a, the position where the weight 300 is fixed can be confirmed (see FIG. 1).

Furthermore, since the weight 300 according to the present embodiment has the projecting portion 320 configured as described above, the weight 300 can be joined to the piezoelectric element 200 by a method different from the method described above. . In other words, the vibration device 10a can be assembled by a method different from the first assembling method (for example, the second assembling method described below). According to the second assembly method, first, the end portion 202 of the piezoelectric element 200 is supported by the support portion 510 of the holding member 500. Next, the piezoelectric element 200 supported by the support portion 510 is put into the lower case 610. Next, the lower held piece 618 of the lower case 610 is bent and inserted into the holding portion 550 of the holding member 500, whereby the piezoelectric element 200 and the holding member 500 are fixed to the lower case 610. Next, the weight 300 is bonded to the intermediate portion of the piezoelectric element 200 so as to sandwich the bonding member 400 while positioning the protrusion 320 with, for example, a jig (not shown). Next, similar to the first assembling method, the upper case 650 is fixed to the lower case 610, whereby the vibration excitation device 10a is assembled.

According to the second assembly method, the weight 300 can be joined to the piezoelectric element 200 while confirming the positional relationship between the lower case 610 and the weight 300. Therefore, the yield in the assembly process of the vibration exciter 10a can be improved. Furthermore, according to the second assembly method, the space between the lower case 610 and the weight 300 can be designed to be smaller in the lengthwise direction and the widthwise direction. In other words, the length and width of the weight 300 can be made larger. Therefore, the weight of the weight 300 can be further increased, and thus, a larger vibration can be transmitted to the attached portion.

As understood from FIG. 4, the end portion 202 of the piezoelectric element 200 according to the present embodiment is in surface contact with the support portion 510. The end 202 may be fitted (or inserted) into the support 510. However, by integrally forming the end portion 202 of the piezoelectric element 200 and the support portion 510, the end portion 202 can be configured as described above without being inserted into the support portion 510. More specifically, the piezoelectric element 200 and the holding member 500 are integrally formed such that the support portion 510 holds the end 202 of the piezoelectric element 200 (for example, insert molding of the piezoelectric element 200 in resin or the like). can do.

As shown in FIG. 5, the end 202 of the piezoelectric element 200 may be held by a holding member 500 '. The holding member 500 ′ is formed with a supporting portion 510 ′ slightly different from the supporting portion 510. More specifically, the plurality of convex portions 512 'are formed in the support portion 510'. Each of the protrusions 512 'has an arc-shaped cross section in a plane orthogonal to the width direction. The convex portion 512 ′ protrudes respectively toward the upper surface 204 and the lower surface 205 of the piezoelectric element 200 and the end surface in the length direction, whereby each tip of the convex portion 512 ′ is an end portion 202 of the piezoelectric element 200. It is in contact.

As understood from FIG. 5, the support portion 510 ′ of the holding member 500 ′ is in line contact with the end 202 of the piezoelectric element 200. Therefore, the restraining force (holding force) at which the support portion 510 ′ holds the end portion 202 (that is, the convex portion 512 ′) is smaller than the holding force at which the support portion 510 of the holding member 500 holds the end portion 202. Therefore, even when the protrusion amount of the convex portion 512 'is large, the end portion 202 of the piezoelectric element 200 can be relatively easily inserted into the support portion 510'. Furthermore, the end 202 inserted into the support 510 'can be fixed securely. Since the holding member 500 'is configured as described above, it can be formed of a material (for example, an epoxy resin) having a high Young's modulus. When the Young's modulus of the material of the holding member 500 'is high, the vibration of the piezoelectric element 200 can be more effectively prevented from being attenuated by the holding member 500. For this reason, a bigger vibration can be propagated to the attached location.

As shown in FIG. 6, the vibration exciter 10 a may be provided with a vibration exciter (piezoelectric element) 200 ′ ′ and a holding member 500 ′ ′ instead of the piezoelectric element 200 and the holding member 500. The piezoelectric element 200 ′ ′ has an end (supported portion) 202 ′ ′. The tip of the end 202 ′ ′ has a semi-cylindrical shape projecting outward in the longitudinal direction. The holding member 500 ′ ′ has a support 510 ′ ′. The upper and lower surfaces of the support 510 ′ ′ Each has an arc-shaped cross section in a plane orthogonal to the width direction. Specifically, the upper and lower surfaces of the support portion 510 ′ ′ extend longitudinally inward while gradually separating in the vertical direction. The end 202 ′ ′ and the support portion 510 ′ ′ of the piezoelectric element 200 ′ ′ are configured as described above. As a result, the end 202 "can be inserted relatively easily into the support 510". Furthermore, the holding member 500 ′ ′ can be formed by pulling out a mold (not shown) in the lengthwise direction. Therefore, the holding member 500 ′ ′ is made of a material having a high Young's modulus, rather than the holding member 500 ′. It can be easily formed.

Second Embodiment
As understood from FIG. 7, the vibration excitation apparatus 10 b according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured in the same manner as the vibration excitation apparatus 10 a (see FIGS. 1 to 4). However, the end in the longitudinal direction of the excitation device 10b has a different structure from the corresponding end of the excitation device 10a.

More specifically, the excitation device 10b includes the same piezoelectric element 200 as the excitation device 10a, but includes a holding member 500b different from the holding member 500 of the excitation device 10a. The upper surface 204 of the piezoelectric element 200 is provided with a positive electrode (electrode) 206 b and a negative electrode (electrode) 207 b which are external electrodes for driving the piezoelectric element 200. Specifically, one of the

electrodes

206 b and 207 b is formed on the upper surface 204 of the piezoelectric element 200, and the other of the

electrodes

206 b and 207 b is formed on the lower surface 205. One of the

electrodes

206 b and 207 b formed on the lower surface 205 is, for example, drawn to the upper surface 204 along the side surface of the piezoelectric element 200.

The holding member 500 b is provided at one of the end portions in the longitudinal direction of the vibration excitation device 10 b. A holding member 500 is provided on the other end of the vibration device 10b in the lengthwise direction (see FIG. 3). The holding member 500 b is fixed to the lower case 610 similarly to the holding member 500.

A support portion 510 is formed on the holding member 500 b. The support portion 510 holds one of the end portions 202 of the piezoelectric element 200 such that the positive electrode 206 b and the negative electrode 207 b are located on the support portion 510. The holding member 500b further holds the anisotropic conductor 520b, the two terminal electrodes 530b, and the two lead wires 540b. The anisotropic conductor 520b according to the present embodiment has conductivity in the vertical direction. The anisotropic conductor 520b is mounted on the positive electrode 206b and the negative electrode 207b so as to be in contact with the positive electrode 206b and the negative electrode 207b. The terminal electrode 530b is placed on the anisotropic conductor 520b so as to correspond to the positive electrode 206b and the negative electrode 207b, respectively. More specifically, the two terminal electrodes 530b are disposed at positions corresponding to the positive electrode 206b and the negative electrode 207b, respectively. The lead wire 540b is connected to the terminal electrode 530b, respectively. As understood from the above description, the lead wire 540b supplies a drive voltage to the positive electrode 206b and the negative electrode 207b.

Since one of the end portions 202 of the excitation device 10b and the holding member 500b are configured as described above, the drive voltage can be supplied to the piezoelectric element 200 only by supporting the end portion 202 by the support portion 510. it can. According to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to perform a complicated process of soldering the lead wire 540b to the piezoelectric element 200. Therefore, the time required for manufacturing can be shortened as compared with the case of soldering the lead wire 540b.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the drive voltage is supplied via the anisotropic conductor 520b. The anisotropic conductor 520b (ie, a part of the portion supporting the end portion 202) can be formed of, for example, a conductive elastic body (eg, anisotropic conductive rubber). When the anisotropic conductor 520b has elasticity, the end 202 can be supported more flexibly. Therefore, the drive voltage can be supplied more reliably (that is, with high reliability) without interfering with the vibration of the piezoelectric element 200.

The holding member 500b can be integrally molded of an insulating elastic material. For example, the holding member 500b can be integrally molded such that the anisotropic conductor 520b, the terminal electrode 530b, and the lead wire 540b are built in the holding member 500b. In this case, the end portion 202 provided with the positive electrode 206b and the negative electrode 207b may be inserted into the support portion 510 of the formed holding member 500b.

Third Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the vibration exciter 10c according to the third embodiment of the present invention is configured by adding a weight 300 and a joining member 400 to the vibration exciter 10a (see FIG. 3). It is done. The added weight 300 is disposed on the lower surface 205 of the piezoelectric element 200. More specifically, the weight 300 is joined to the lower surface 205 of the piezoelectric element 200 of the vibration exciter 10 c so as to sandwich the joining member 400. The weight 300 is joined to an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the lower surface 205. In other words, the vibration device 10a includes only one weight 300, whereas the vibration device 10c has two weights 300 joined to the middle portion of the upper surface 204 and the middle portion of the lower surface 205, respectively. Have.

According to the present embodiment, when vibration occurs along the plate surface of the piezoelectric element 200 (for example, when the vibration excitation device 10c is shaken in the length direction), the piezoelectric element 200 is sandwiched in the vertical direction. The two arranged weights 300 vibrate symmetrically with respect to the piezoelectric element 200 (that is, with respect to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction). Thereby, abnormal vibration (that is, undesirable vibration) in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction of the piezoelectric element 200 can be suppressed.

According to the present embodiment, the two weights 300 are in mutually symmetrical positions with respect to the piezoelectric element 200 in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the two weights 300 are formed of the same material (that is, the material having the same volume density), the two weights 300 having the same weight are located at symmetrical positions with respect to the piezoelectric element 200. It can be arranged as you do. By arranging the two weights 300 in this manner, the above-mentioned abnormal vibration of the piezoelectric element 200 can be suppressed more effectively. In other words, the effect of suppressing abnormal vibration can be further improved.

Fourth Embodiment
As understood from FIG. 10, the vibration applying device 10d according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes two mass bodies (weights) 300d different from the weight 300 and one connecting portion 330d. Except for the same as the vibration exciter 10c (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

The weight 300 d is configured the same as the weight 300. More specifically, each of the weights 300 d has an opposing surface 315 d having the same shape as the opposing surface 315 (see FIG. 8). The opposing surfaces 315 d of the two weights 300 d are respectively joined to the upper surface 204 and the lower surface 205 of the piezoelectric element 200. Furthermore, the two weights 300d are connected to each other by the connecting portion 330d. In other words, the connecting portion 330 d mechanically connects the two weights 300 d disposed above and below the piezoelectric element 200. The two weights 300 d and the connecting portion 330 d can be integrally formed of, for example, a metal material (i.e., a rigid body).

According to the present embodiment, since the upper and lower weights 300d of the piezoelectric element 200 are fixed by the connecting portion 330d, the two weights 300d are relative to each other when vibration occurs along the plate surface of the piezoelectric element 200. Not displace (ie, do not vibrate relatively). For this reason, the vibration of the weight 300d due to the vibration along the plate surface of the piezoelectric element 200 is further firmly prevented. In other words, the above-mentioned abnormal vibration of the piezoelectric element 200 can be suppressed more effectively.

According to the present embodiment, two weights 300 d joined (ie, fixed) to the upper surface 204 and the lower surface 205 of the piezoelectric element 200 are connected by the connecting portion 330 d. In other words, the two weights 300 d according to the present embodiment are joined to the piezoelectric element 200 so as to sandwich the piezoelectric element 200 by the connecting portion 330 d. Therefore, the bonding strength between the weight 300d and the piezoelectric element 200 is improved, and the reliability of the vibration device 10d is improved.

It is also possible to fix only one of the two weights 300 d to the upper surface 204 or the lower surface 205 of the piezoelectric element 200 instead of the present embodiment. For example, it is also possible to fix the upper weight 300 d to the upper surface 204 of the piezoelectric element 200 and not fix the lower weight 300 d to the piezoelectric element 200. However, in order to fix the two weights 300 d more securely, it is preferable to configure as in the present embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, only one side of the weight 300 d in the width direction is connected. In other words, the connecting portion 330 d is provided only on one side of the weight 300 d in the width direction. However, as described below, it is also possible to configure differently.

As shown in FIG. 11, an excitation device 10d 'according to the modification of the fourth embodiment includes two mass bodies (weights) 300d' whose both sides in the width direction are connected. The excitation device 10d 'further includes two coupling portions 330d. The weight 300d 'has the same shape as the weight 300d (see FIG. 10), and an opposing surface 315d' similar to the opposing surface 315d is formed. The two connecting portions 330 d are provided on both sides in the width direction of the two weights 300 d ′. Since the vibration device 10d 'is configured as described above, the effect of suppressing abnormal vibration and the bonding strength of the weight 300d' and the piezoelectric element 200 can be further improved.

Fifth Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 12, an excitation device 10e according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is configured generally in the same manner as the excitation device 10a (see FIG. 3). In more detail, the excitation device 10 e includes a weight 300, a joining member 400, two holding members 500, and a case 600 as in the case of the excitation device 10 a. However, instead of the piezoelectric element 200, the excitation device 10e includes an excitation element (piezoelectric element) 200e.

The piezoelectric element 200 e generally has a flat plate shape. Specifically, the piezoelectric element 200e is configured of one metal plate (diaphragm) 220e and four piezoelectric plates 210e made of a piezoelectric material. The metal plate 220 e is elongated in the longitudinal direction so as to have the upper surface 224 e and the lower surface 225 e. Each of the piezoelectric plates 210e has a flat plate shape. Piezoelectric plates 210e are attached to both end portions of the upper surface 224e of the metal plate 220e in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, piezoelectric plates 210e are attached to both end portions of the lower surface 225e of the metal plate 220e in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the portion excluding the middle portion of the metal plate 220e is bonded to the piezoelectric plate 210e. A part of the middle portion of the upper surface 224 e of the metal plate 220 e (that is, the upper surface 224 e of the piezoelectric element 200 e) is joined to the weight 300 with the joining member 400 interposed therebetween.

The piezoelectric element 200e has two end portions (supporting portions) 202e at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The end 202 e is composed of the end of the metal plate 220 e and the end of the piezoelectric plate 210 e sandwiching the metal plate 220 e in the vertical direction. The end 202 e is held (or supported) by the support 510 of the holding member 500.

According to the present embodiment, since the piezoelectric plate 210e and the weight 300 are not joined, the stress on the piezoelectric plate 210e is reduced. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the piezoelectric plate 210e is not provided at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the metal plate 220e. In other words, the middle portion of the piezoelectric element 200e (that is, the portion where stress is concentrated when the piezoelectric element 200e vibrates and is thereby most greatly deformed) is formed only of the metal plate 220e. For this reason, it is possible to suppress that the piezoelectric plate 210e inhibits the vibration. More specifically, since the middle portion of the piezoelectric element 200e is easily bent, the piezoelectric element 200e can be driven to vibrate with a large amplitude. In other words, the amplitude of the vibration of the piezoelectric element 200e can be further increased, and a larger vibration can be propagated to the attached portion.

The piezoelectric element 200e according to the fifth embodiment described above (and hence the vibration device 10e) can be variously modified as described below.

As shown in FIG. 13, an excitation apparatus 10e 'according to the modification of the fifth embodiment is an excitation apparatus except that it includes an excitation element (piezoelectric element) 200e' instead of the piezoelectric element 200e. It is comprised similarly to the apparatus 10e (refer FIG. 12). The piezoelectric element 200e 'is composed of one metal plate 220e and two piezoelectric plates 210e. Piezoelectric plates 210e are attached to both end portions of the metal plate 220e in the lengthwise direction of the lower surface 225e. On the other hand, piezoelectric plates 210e are not provided at both end portions of the upper surface 224e of the metal plate 220e in the longitudinal direction.

The piezoelectric element 200e 'has two end portions (supported portions) 202e' at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The end 202 e ′ is composed of the end of the metal plate 220 e and the end of the piezoelectric plate 210 e. The end 202 e ′ is held (or supported) by the support 510 of the holding member 500.

According to this modification, the piezoelectric plate 210e is provided only on the lower surface 225e of the metal plate 220e. Therefore, the piezoelectric element 200e 'has a simpler structure than the piezoelectric element 200e (see FIG. 12), and hence can be manufactured at lower cost. Furthermore, the insulation between the weight 300 and the piezoelectric plate 210e joined to the metal plate 220e can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 14, an excitation device 10 e ′ ′ according to another modification of the fifth embodiment is generally configured the same as the excitation device 10 e ′ (see FIG. 13). The vibration device 10e ′ ′ includes a vibrating element (piezoelectric element) 200e ′ ′ and a mass body (weight) 300e ′ ′ instead of the piezoelectric element 200e ′ and the weight 300. Like the piezoelectric element 200e ', the piezoelectric element 200e "is composed of one metal plate 220e and two piezoelectric plates 210e. However, the piezoelectric plate 210e is not a lower surface 225e of the metal plate 220e, but a metal plate The piezoelectric element 200e ′ ′ is provided at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 224e of 220e (ie, only on the upper surface 224e). The piezoelectric element 200e ′ ′ has two end portions 202e ′ ′ at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The end 202 e ′ ′ is composed of the end of the metal plate 220 e and the end of the piezoelectric plate 210 e. The end 202 e ′ ′ is held by the support 510 of the holding member 500.

The weight 300 e ′ ′ is formed with an opposing surface 315 e ′ ′ having a shape different from that of the weight 300 (see FIG. 13). More specifically, a step is provided at an intermediate portion in the length direction of the opposing surface 315e ′ ′, thereby reducing the distance between the opposing surface 315e ′ ′ of the weight 300e ′ ′ and the metal plate 220e. According to this modification, since the weight 300 e ′ ′ and the metal plate 220 e can be brought closer to each other, the weight of the weight 300 e ′ ′ can be increased.

Sixth Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, an excitation device 10f according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention comprises a piezoelectric element 200, two weights 300, a joint member 400f having elasticity, and an elastic body. The two second elastic members (elastic members) 450f, the two metal diaphragms 700, and the metal cover 800 are provided. The vibration device 10f is used to propagate vibration to an attached object (not shown) as in the first to fifth embodiments. For example, the vibration exciter 10f can be housed in a case and attached to an object (see FIG. 19).

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a diaphragm 700 is attached to the upper surface 204 and the lower surface 205 of the piezoelectric element 200 so as to sandwich the bonding member 400f. In other words, the piezoelectric element 200 is fixed between the two diaphragms 700 with the bonding member 400f interposed therebetween. The diaphragm 700 is formed of an elastically deformable material. Therefore, when the piezoelectric element 200 vibrates in the vertical direction, the diaphragm 700 vibrates in the vertical direction.

Specifically, each of the diaphragms 700 has a first main surface (main surface) 720 and a second main surface (main surface) 730 in the vertical direction. Each of the first major surface 720 and the second major surface 730 is a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. Each of the diaphragms 700 further includes two supported portions 710 positioned near both ends in the length direction.

According to the present embodiment, the two diaphragms 700 are arranged such that the first major surfaces 720 face each other in the height direction. The piezoelectric element 200 is attached to the first main surface 720 of the diaphragm 700 so as to have a distance from each of the supported portions 710 in the length direction. According to the present embodiment, both sides of the piezoelectric element 200 in the height direction (that is, the upper surface 204 and the lower surface 205) are attached to the first main surface 720 of the diaphragm 700, respectively. In other words, the piezoelectric element 200 is located at an intermediate portion in the length direction of the first major surface 720 while being sandwiched by the two first major surfaces 720. As understood from the above description, when the piezoelectric element 200 is driven to vibrate, the diaphragm 700 vibrates. In particular, since the supported portion 710 is not fixed to the piezoelectric element 200, it easily vibrates.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, each of the bonding members 400 f is disposed between the piezoelectric element 200 and the first main surface 720 of the diaphragm 700. In other words, the bonding member 400 f is provided on the first major surface 720 of the diaphragm 700. The bonding member 400f according to the present embodiment is configured of a first elastic member (elastic member) 410f made of an elastic body such as silicone resin and a form holding tape 420f (for example, a PET tape) (see FIG. 18). . The first elastic member 410 f is in contact with the piezoelectric element 200. The form holding tape 420 f is adhered to the first major surface 720 of the diaphragm 700. The first elastic member 410f is backed by the form holding tape 420f as described above, whereby the strength of the joint member 400f is improved. Therefore, even when the first elastic member 410f is thin, it can be attached to the diaphragm 700 quickly and reliably.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the fixed portions 304 (that is, the weights 300) of the weight 300 are fixed to the second main surface 730 of the diaphragm 700 respectively. In the undriven state (that is, the stationary state) in which the piezoelectric element 200 is not driven, each of the free ends 302 is separated from the second main surface 730 of the diaphragm 700 in the vertical direction. That is, as in the first to fifth embodiments, each of the weights 300 is supported only at the fixed portion 304.

According to the present embodiment, when the piezoelectric element 200 is driven, the distance between the weight 300 and the second main surface 730 of the diaphragm 700 in the undriven state is the fixed portion of the weight 300. A portion other than the portion 304 is set so as not to collide with the second major surface 730 of the diaphragm 700. More specifically, the weight 300 has a shape in which the facing surface 315 is separated from the second major surface 730 as the fixed portion 304 approaches the free end 302. In other words, the distance between the opposite surface 315 of the weight 300 in the undriven state and the second main surface 730 of the diaphragm 700 in the vertical direction approaches the free end 302 from the fixed portion 304 in the length direction. It is set to be large.

The weight 300 may have a large width that protrudes from the diaphragm 700 or the piezoelectric element 200. By increasing the width of the weight 300, the weight of the weight 300 can be increased, whereby the vibration device 10f propagates a larger vibration. In other words, the excitation force of the excitation device 10f is improved. When the width of the weight 300 is increased, the whole of the vibration applying device 10f may not be plane-symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to the width direction. For example, the weight 300 may protrude from only one of the ends of the diaphragm 700 in the width direction.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the piezoelectric element 200, the weight 300, the bonding member 400f, and the diaphragm 700 (that is, the main part of the vibration exciter 10f) configured as described above are accommodated in the cover 800. ing. The cover 800 according to the present embodiment includes an upper cover 810 and a lower cover 820. The upper cover 810 and the lower cover 820 are joined so as to cover the side of the main part of the vibration device 10f. Three through holes 812 are formed in the upper cover 810 according to the present embodiment. The lower cover 820 is formed with one through hole (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, on the upper surface 204 and the lower surface 205 of the piezoelectric element 200, a positive electrode (electrode) 206f and a negative electrode (electrode) 207f are provided, respectively. The

electrodes

206 f and 207 f extend along the surface of the weight 300. The

electrodes

206f and 207f respectively project to the outside of the cover 800 from two through holes 812 located on both sides in the length direction (see FIG. 15).

According to the present embodiment, the two second elastic members 450 f are attached to the two weights 300 respectively. The second elastic member 450 f is provided at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the weight 300. According to the present embodiment, the second elastic member 450f is attached to the weight 300 so as to sandwich the two diaphragms 700, the piezoelectric element 200 and the two weights 300 in the height direction. One of the second elastic members 450f is exposed to the outside of the cover 800 through the through hole 812 located at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 15). The other one of the second elastic members 450f is exposed to the outside of the cover 800 through a through hole formed in the lower cover 820 (not shown).

The bonding member 400 f can be fixed to the piezoelectric element 200 by pressing the two second elastic members 450 f inward in the vertical direction. For example, the two second elastic members 450f may be vertically held by the case, thereby compressing the bonding member 400f and fixing it to the piezoelectric element 200 (see FIG. 19). In this case, the piezoelectric element 200 and the diaphragm 700 are pressed so as to sandwich the bonding member 400 f in the vertical direction, whereby the piezoelectric element 200 is fixed to the diaphragm 700. In other words, the piezoelectric element 200 and the bonding member 400f can be fixed to each other without being bonded, for example, by an adhesive. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the piezoelectric element 200 from being subjected to an undesirable stress due to adhesion and fixation. Furthermore, by the two second elastic members 450f, for example, it is possible to absorb an impact generated by a drop, thereby preventing damage to the vibration device 10f.

When the piezoelectric element 200 configured as described above is driven, the diaphragm 700 can be vibrated as described above. At this time, a portion of the piezoelectric element 200 fixed by the first elastic member 410 f (that is, a portion in contact with the first elastic member 410 f) directly contributes to the vibration of the diaphragm 700. Therefore, in order to cause the diaphragm 700 to vibrate largely, it is preferable to increase the size (that is, the area) of the portion (that is, the contact portion) of the piezoelectric element 200 in contact with the first elastic member 410f.

When the piezoelectric element 200 has a large size in a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction, the area of the above-described contact portion can be increased. More specifically, when the piezoelectric element 200 protrudes from the first elastic member 410f (that is, the bonding member 400f) in a plane (that is, the traveling direction of the vibration wave of the piezoelectric element 200) orthogonal to the vertical direction The area of the portion is the same as the area of the bonding member 400f (ie, the upper limit value is obtained). Even when the piezoelectric element 200 protrudes from the bonding member 400f, the protruding portion does not affect the vibration characteristics of the diaphragm 700 (that is, does not inhibit the vibration of the diaphragm 700). Therefore, it is preferable that the piezoelectric element 200 protrudes from the bonding member 400 f in both the length direction and the width direction. However, the piezoelectric element 200 may protrude from the bonding member 400 f only in the length direction. By configuring as described above, the variation of the resonant frequency of the vibration excitation device 10f due to the variation of the size of the piezoelectric element 200 is improved.

Specifically, the piezoelectric element 200 is formed of a sintered piezoelectric ceramic. The shrinkage of the piezoelectric ceramic due to sintering causes the size of the piezoelectric element 200 to vary. It is difficult to control the size of the piezoelectric element 200 precisely. The bonding member 400f can be made of, for example, an adhesive tape. It is relatively easy to accurately cut the adhesive tape so that the bonding member 400f has a predetermined shape and size. In other words, it is relatively easy to precisely control the size of the bonding member 400f. For example, the size of the piezoelectric element 200 may be designed so that the lower limit value of the tolerance of the size of the piezoelectric element 200 matches the upper limit value of the tolerance of the size of the bonding member 400f. By manufacturing the piezoelectric element 200 in this manner, the piezoelectric element 200 can be slightly protruded from the bonding member 400 f. Therefore, the variation in the resonance frequency of the vibration device 10f is improved. Furthermore, the amount of material used for the piezoelectric element 200 can be minimized.

As shown in FIG. 19, the vibration exciter 10 f configured as described above (that is, the diaphragm 700, the piezoelectric element 200 and the weight 300) has a case 600 f similar to the vibration exciter 10 a (see FIG. 3). Can be housed in In other words, the excitation device 10f may further include a case 600f.

Case 600f according to the present embodiment includes lower case 610 and upper case 650f. Both end surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the lower case 610 and the upper case 650f are partially cut away, thereby forming a support portion 510f. The support portion 510 f according to the present embodiment is an edge formed on the end face of the case 600 f. In other words, the excitation apparatus 10f according to the present embodiment further includes at least two support portions 510f provided at mutually different positions in the length direction. The supported portion 710 of the diaphragm 700 is supported by a supporting portion 510f which is a part of the case 600f, and protrudes outside the case 600f. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the supported portion 710 of the diaphragm 700 is supported by the end face of the case 600 f. However, the supported portion 710 of the diaphragm 700 may be fixed to the inner wall of the case 600 f.

As understood from FIG. 19, the second elastic member 450 f is pressed inward in the vertical direction by the upper case 650 f and the lower case 610. As a result, as described above, the first elastic member 410f (see FIG. 18) is compressed, and the bonding member 400f is fixed to the piezoelectric element 200.

The vibration excitation apparatus 10f which accommodated the diaphragm 700, the piezoelectric element 200, and the weight 300 in case 600f can be attached on a touch panel (not shown), for example. When a drive voltage is supplied to the piezoelectric element 200 via the positive electrode 206 f and the negative electrode 207 f, the piezoelectric element 200 vibrates. The vibration of the piezoelectric element 200 is transmitted to the case 600 f via the supported portion 710 of the diaphragm 700. For this reason, the touch panel vibrates and gives, for example, a feeling of switch (that is, a feeling of pressing a switch) to a finger touching the touch panel. As understood from the above description, according to the present embodiment, as in the first to fifth embodiments, not the vibration itself of the piezoelectric element 200 but the inertial force generated by the vibration causes the vibration device to generate vibration. 10f acts on the attached object. Therefore, the stress to the attached object (for example, touch panel) can be largely reduced.

The vibration applying apparatus 10f according to the sixth embodiment described above can be variously modified as described below.

As shown in FIG. 20, an excitation device 10f 'according to a modification of the sixth embodiment is configured generally the same as the excitation device 10f. However, the excitation device 10 f ′ does not have the cover 800 (see FIG. 19). Furthermore, the excitation device 10f 'is provided with a support structure different from the excitation device 10f. More specifically, vibration applying apparatus 10f 'includes case 600f' and a diaphragm 700 'each having a shape slightly different from case 600f and diaphragm 700, respectively. Furthermore, the vibrating device 10f 'includes two holding members 500f' which are not included in the vibrating device 10f and two connecting blocks 750 made of a rigid body (for example, a metal material or a hard resin).

The case 600f 'is composed of a lower case 610f' and an upper case 650f '. The end faces in the length direction of the lower case 610 f ′ and the upper case 650 f ′ are not cut out. As in the case of the vibration device 10a (see FIG. 3), the main part (in the present modification, the diaphragm 700 ', the piezoelectric element 200, the weight 300 and the holding member 500f') of the vibration device 10f ' It is housed in '.

Each of the two diaphragms 700 'has two supported portions 710' at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The diaphragm 700 'according to this modification is formed in a planar shape orthogonal to the height direction, including the supported portion 710'. Therefore, the vibration exciter 10f ′ includes two pairs of two supported portions 710 ′ facing each other in the vertical direction. The two supported portions 710 ′ facing each other in the vertical direction are vertically connected by the connection block 750. Specifically, each of the connection blocks 750 has an upper surface and a lower surface in the vertical direction. The connection blocks 750 are disposed such that the upper and lower surfaces of the connection block 750 respectively contact the supported portions 710 'of the diaphragm 700'. The diaphragm 700 ′ and the connection block 750 may be integrally formed, or may be separately connected and fixed after being separately formed.

Similar to the holding member 500, the holding member 500f 'can be formed of various elastic bodies (for example, silicone rubber). The holding member 500 f ′ has a rectangular flat plate shape orthogonal to the length direction. According to the present embodiment, the two holding members 500f 'are held inside the case 600f' so as to be in contact with the end in the longitudinal direction of the case 600f '.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the surface facing inward in the lengthwise direction of the holding member 500f 'is partially recessed outward in the lengthwise direction, whereby the holding portion 500f' is supported by the support portion 510f. 'Is provided. The supported portion 710 'connected by the connection block 750 is held by the support portion 510f' of the holding member 500f '. In other words, the holding member 500 f ′ sandwiches the connection block 750 in the top-bottom direction with the supported portion 710 ′ therebetween. According to the present embodiment, the supported portion 710 'is fixed to the support portion 510f', whereby the two holding members 500f 'sandwich the diaphragm 700' in the length direction, thereby the diaphragm 700 '. Support and hold

The vibration applying apparatus 10f 'according to this modification has the above-described support structure, so that the impact can be absorbed by the support portion 510f', for example, when an impact due to a drop is applied. Therefore, according to this modification, breakage of the piezoelectric element 200 and the diaphragm 700 'can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 22, the vibration exciter 10f 'may include a holding member 500f "instead of the holding member 500f' (see FIG. 21). The holding member 500f" is the same as the holding member 500f '. The supporting portion 510 f ′ ′ is provided, but the supporting portion 510 f ′ ′ is not a recess but a through hole penetrating the holding member 500 f ′ ′ in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the holding member 500 f "" Is held inside the case 600f 'so as to be away from the longitudinal end of the case 600f'. The two supported portions 710 'vertically connected by the connection block 750 extend to the end outside the lengthwise direction of the support portion 510f' '. The piezoelectric element 200 and the vibration are also generated by the above-described support structure. Damage to the plate 700 'can be prevented.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, an excitation device 10f ′ ′ according to another modification of the sixth embodiment generally includes a weight on the lower side from the excitation device 10f (see FIGS. 16 and 17). 300 is configured to remove the bonding member 400f and the diaphragm 700. In other words, the vibration excitation device 10f ′ ′ includes only one weight 300, one bonding member 400f, and one diaphragm 700. The lower second elastic member 450 f is attached to the piezoelectric element 200. The vibration exciter 10 f ′ ′ configured as described above exhibits the same effect as the vibration exciter 10 f.

Seventh Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, the vibration exciter 10g according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention has a positive electrode (electrode) 206g and a negative electrode instead of the positive electrode 206f, the negative electrode 207f and the upper cover 810. The structure is the same as that of the vibration device 10f except that the (electrode) 207g and the upper cover 810g are provided (see FIGS. 15 and 17).

More specifically, the positive electrode 206g and the negative electrode 207g are respectively provided on the upper surface 204 and the lower surface 205 of the piezoelectric element 200, similarly to the negative electrode 207f and the positive electrode 206f. However, the positive electrode 206 g and the negative electrode 207 g pass between the two diaphragms 700 and extend in the length direction beyond the supported portion 710 of the diaphragm 700. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide the upper cover 810g with the through holes 812 corresponding to the positive electrode 206g and the negative electrode 207g (see FIGS. 15 and 19).

The present invention relates to Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-251219 filed on November 17, 2011, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-122757 filed on May 30, 2012, to the Japanese Patent Office. The contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Although the best embodiment of the present invention has been described, as is apparent to those skilled in the art, the embodiment can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such an embodiment can be It belongs to the scope of the present invention.

10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e ′, 10e ′, 10e ′ ′, 10f, 10f ′, 10f ′ ′, 10

g Excitation devices

200, 200 ′ ′, 200 e, 200 e ′, 200 e ′ ′ Excitation elements (piezoelectric elements)
202, 202 ", 202e, 202e", 202e "end (supported portion)
204 upper surface 205

lower surface

206b, 206f, 206g positive electrode (electrode)
207b, 207f, 207g negative electrode (electrode)
210e Piezoelectric plate 220e Metal plate (diaphragm)
224 e upper surface 225 e

lower surface

300, 300 d, 300 d ′, 300 e ′ ′ mass (weight)
302 free end 304 fixed portion 310

main portion

315, 315 d, 315 d ', 315 e ′ ′ facing surface 320 projecting portion 330

d connecting portion

400, 400 f joining member 410 f first elastic member (elastic member)
420f Form retention tape 450f Second elastic member (elastic member)
500, 500 ′, 500 ′ ′, 500 b, 500 f ′, 500 f ′

′ Holding members

510, 510 ′, 510 ′ ′, 510 f, 510 f ′, 510 f ′ ′ Support portion 512 ′ Convex portion 520 b Anisotropic conductor 530 b Terminal electrode 540 b Lead wire 550

Holding portion

600, 600f, 600f ′ Case 602, housing space (housing portion)
610, 610f, 610f 'lower case 612 notch 616 holding hole 618 lower held piece 620

attachment portion

650, 650f, 650f' upper case 652 notched 656 upper held piece 700, 700 'diaphragm 710, 710' supported Part 720 first main surface (main surface)
730 Second main surface (main surface)
750 connection block 800

cover

810, 810 g top cover 812 through hole 820 bottom cover

Claims

A vibrating device capable of propagating vibration to an attached object, wherein
A diaphragm having two supported portions respectively positioned near both ends in the length direction, and a first main surface and a second main surface in the vertical direction orthogonal to the length direction;
A vibrating element that generates a vibration when driven, the vibrating element being attached to the first main surface of the diaphragm so as to provide a distance between each of the supported portions in the longitudinal direction; Vibration element,
A weight having two free ends respectively positioned at both ends in the length direction and a fixed portion positioned between the free ends in the length direction, the fixed portion being the diaphragm The free end portion is separated from the second main surface of the diaphragm in the vertical direction in the undriven state where the vibration element is not driven. An excitation apparatus comprising the weight.
The vibration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The vibration device wherein the weight is supported only at the fixed portion.
It is an excitation apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2, Comprising:
And a bonding member having elasticity provided on the first main surface of the diaphragm.
The vibration exciter and the diaphragm are pressed so as to sandwich the joining member in the vertical direction, whereby the vibration exciter is fixed to the diaphragm.
It is an excitation apparatus of Claim 3, Comprising:
At least one part of the said excitation element is an excitation apparatus which has protruded from the said joining member in the plane orthogonal to the said up-down direction.
It is an excitation apparatus of Claim 4, Comprising:
The vibrating device in which the vibrating element protrudes from the joining member only in the longitudinal direction.
An excitation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
The distance between the weight in the non-driven state and the second main surface of the diaphragm in the vertical direction is a portion other than the fixed portion of the weight when the vibration element is driven. The excitation apparatus set so that it may not collide with the said 2nd main surface of the said diaphragm.
The vibration exciter according to claim 6, wherein
The distance between the weight in the undriven state and the second main surface of the diaphragm in the vertical direction is set to increase in the length direction as the fixed portion approaches the free end. Excitation device being done.
An excitation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
The excitation apparatus provided with only one said weight.
An excitation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
One of the vibration element, two of the weights, and two of the diaphragms;
The diaphragms are disposed such that the first main surfaces face each other in the vertical direction,
Both sides of the vibrating element in the vertical direction are respectively attached to the first main surface of the diaphragm,
The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the weight is fixed to the second main surface of the diaphragm.
The vibration exciter according to claim 9, wherein
It further comprises two elastic members,
The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is attached to the weight so as to sandwich the diaphragm, the vibration element and the weight in the vertical direction.
The vibration apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein
And at least two support portions respectively provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction,
An excitation apparatus wherein each of the supported portions of the diaphragm is supported by any of the support portions.
It is an excitation apparatus of Claim 11, Comprising:
It is further equipped with a case,
The diaphragm, the excitation element and the weight are accommodated in the case,
The excitation apparatus in which the support portion is a part of the case.
It is an excitation apparatus of Claim 11, Comprising:
The apparatus further comprises two holding members provided with the support portions respectively.
The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the supported portion is fixed to the support portion, whereby the holding member supports and holds the diaphragm so as to sandwich the diaphragm in the length direction.
14. The excitation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein
It further comprises two connection blocks having an upper surface and a lower surface in the vertical direction,
Each of the connection blocks is disposed such that the upper surface and the lower surface of the connection block are respectively in contact with the supported portions of the diaphragm.
The vibrating device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is made of an elastic body, and the connection block is sandwiched in the vertical direction with the supported portion interposed therebetween.
An excitation apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein
It is further equipped with a case,
The diaphragm, the excitation element and the weight are accommodated in the case,
The said holding member is an excitation apparatus currently hold | maintained inside the said case.
The vibration exciter according to claim 15, wherein
The vibrating device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is held inside the case so as to be separated from an end of the case in the longitudinal direction.
An excitation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein
The excitation apparatus wherein the excitation element is a piezoelectric element.