阅读说明：本技术 惯性力赋予装置和触感提示装置 (Inertial force applying device and tactile sensation presenting device ) 是由 饭野朗弘 里馆贵之 于 2020-02-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明能够导致防止尘埃或水分等的侵入,并且能够针对操作者的操作而使力学上的操作感觉疑似性地起作用,而且除了操作者的操作以外,还根据需要使振动发生。提供惯性力赋予装置(5),其具备：固定件(30)；可动件(40),其以能够相对于固定件而沿可动方向(L2)相对移动的方式配置；重锤(50),其装配于可动件；致动器部(60),其具有在固定件与可动件之间设置的形状记忆合金丝(61),使可动件沿可动方向瞬间地位移,并且基于该位移而使惯性力对外部起作用；以及弹性部件(70),其对可动件朝向固定件侧沿着可动方向施力；形状记忆合金丝根据温度而长度变化,并且通过伴随着通电加热的伸缩而使可动件与固定件之间的间隔变化。(The present invention can prevent the invasion of dust, moisture, and the like, can make the mechanical operation feel pseudo-act against the operation of an operator, and can generate vibration as needed in addition to the operation of the operator. Provided is an inertial force imparting device (5) comprising: a fixing member (30); a movable element (40) that is disposed so as to be movable relative to the stationary element in a movable direction (L2); a weight (50) attached to the movable member; an actuator unit (60) having a shape memory alloy wire (61) provided between the fixed member and the movable member, instantaneously displacing the movable member in the movable direction, and causing an inertial force to act on the outside based on the displacement; and an elastic member (70) that urges the movable element toward the fixed element side in the movable direction; the shape memory alloy wire changes in length according to the temperature, and changes the distance between the movable element and the fixed element by expansion and contraction accompanying electrical heating.)

1. An inertial force applying device is characterized by comprising:

a fixing member;

a movable element that is disposed so as to be movable relative to the stationary element in a movable direction;

a weight mounted to the movable member;

an actuator unit having a shape memory alloy wire provided between the stator and the movable element, instantaneously displacing the movable element in the movable direction, and causing an inertial force to act on the outside based on the displacement; and

an elastic member that urges the movable element toward the fixed element side in the movable direction,

the shape memory alloy wire changes in length according to temperature, and changes the distance between the movable element and the fixed element by expansion and contraction accompanying electrical heating.

2. The inertial force imparting device according to claim 1,

the actuator portion includes a heat transfer body disposed in contact with the shape memory alloy wire.

3. The inertial force imparting device according to claim 1 or 2,

the elastic member is formed so that an elastic modulus in the movable direction is lower than an elastic modulus in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the movable direction, and the movable element is guided so as to be movable in the movable direction due to a difference in the elastic moduli.

4. The inertial force imparting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the weight is attached to the movable element in such a manner that the following positional relationship is established: at least a part of the elastic member overlaps with at least one of the movable element, the shape memory alloy wire, the elastic member, and the fixed element in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the movable direction.

5. The inertial force imparting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the elastic member is provided so as to have the following positional relationship: at least a part of the shape memory alloy wires is overlapped with the shape memory alloy wires in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the movable direction.

6. The inertial force imparting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the mobile device is provided with a guide member that guides the mobile device so as to be movable in the movable direction.

7. The inertial force imparting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the movable element is made of the same material as the weight and is formed integrally with the weight.

8. The inertial force imparting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the fixing member includes a fixed plate disposed along the movable direction, and a plurality of fixing pins attached to the fixed plate so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the movable direction,

the movable element includes a movable plate disposed along the movable direction and disposed so that at least a part of the movable plate is opposed to the fixed plate in the orthogonal direction, and a plurality of movable pins attached to the movable plate so as to protrude in the orthogonal direction,

the plurality of fixed pins and the plurality of movable pins are arranged alternately in parallel at a predetermined interval in a direction orthogonal to the movable direction and the orthogonal direction,

the shape memory alloy wire is alternately in contact with the fixed pin and the movable pin, and is sandwiched between the fixed pin and the movable pin in a wave shape.

9. A tactile sensation presentation device is characterized by comprising:

the inertial force imparting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8;

a housing having an operation panel operated with a fingertip and accommodating the inertial force imparting device inside;

a display panel provided in the housing and configured to display information through the operation panel; and

and a control unit which is housed in the housing and controls display of the display panel in accordance with an operation of the operation panel.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an inertial force applying device and a tactile sensation presenting device.

Background

In recent years, there are many cases as follows: a tactile sensation presenting device that presents a tactile sensation by vibration in response to an operation by an operator is incorporated in a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, or a tablet PC, or an electronic device such as an in-vehicle navigation system.

For example, the following tactile indication devices are known: as shown in patent document 1, when a touch panel disposed on the front surface side of the touch panel is touched with a fingertip, the touch panel is instantaneously moved by a shape memory alloy wire, and a mechanical operation feeling (so-called click feeling) acts pseudo on the fingertip.

The touch panel is supported by the housing so as to be movable in an in-plane direction of the touch panel while covering the touch panel. Therefore, when the touch panel is touched with a fingertip, only the touch panel can be moved by the shape memory alloy wire.

Prior art documents

Patent document

Patent document 1: international publication No. 2012/023606.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the conventional tactile sensation presenting apparatus described in patent document 1, the touch panel needs to be moved relative to the housing, and therefore a small gap has to be provided between the touch panel and the housing. Therefore, for example, dust or moisture may enter through the gap, and there is room for improvement. In particular, the range of use is limited from the viewpoint of waterproofness and the like.

Further, when the conventional tactile sensation presentation device is applied to a portable information terminal such as a smart phone, for example, it is difficult to use a touch panel as a vibration source for notifying an incoming call such as a telephone call or a mail. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a vibration source such as a vibration motor or a vibration actuator separately, which tends to increase the number of components and increase the cost.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an inertial force applying device and a tactile sensation presenting device as follows: the present invention can prevent the intrusion of dust, moisture, and the like, can make a mechanical operation feel pseudo-responsive to the operation of an operator, and can generate vibration as needed in addition to the operation of the operator.

Means for solving the problems

(1) An inertial force applying device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a fixing member; a movable element disposed so as to be movable relative to the stationary element in a movable direction; a weight mounted on the movable member; an actuator unit having a shape memory alloy wire provided between the stator and the movable element, for instantaneously displacing the movable element in the movable direction and causing an inertial force to act on the outside based on the displacement; and an elastic member that biases the movable element toward the fixed element side in the movable direction, wherein the shape memory alloy wire changes in length according to temperature, and changes the distance between the movable element and the fixed element by expansion and contraction accompanying electrical heating.

According to the inertial force applying device of the present invention, the movable element to which the weight is attached can be instantaneously displaced by the actuator unit, and the movable element can be moved in the movable direction at a predetermined acceleration, for example. Specifically, the shape memory alloy wire can be instantaneously contracted, for example, by energizing the shape memory alloy wire, and the movable element can be separated from the stationary element. Thus, the movable element to which the weight is attached can be instantaneously moved in the movable direction, and the inertial force (thrust force) of the movable element and the weight can be applied to the outside based on the displacement (movement) of the movable element. Therefore, the mechanical operation feeling can be caused to act pseudo-like on the fingertip of the operator by the inertial force, and a tactile sensation such as a click feeling can be caused to act on the fingertip.

Further, the heat generated by the energization heating is radiated from the shape memory alloy wire, so that the shape memory alloy wire can be instantaneously stretched, for example, and the movable element can be brought close to the fixed element side. In this case, the movable element can be biased by the elastic restoring force (urging force) of the elastic member, and thus the movable element can be reliably moved toward the fixed element side in association with the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire. Therefore, the movable element can be instantaneously moved in the opposite direction along the movable direction, and the tactile sensation such as the click feeling can be applied to the fingertip of the operator.

Therefore, the movable element can be vibrated in the movable direction by the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire, and thus vibration can be generated as needed. In addition, it is possible to generate the impact type vibration, and for example, it is possible to cause a tactile sensation close to the mechanical switch or a tactile sensation different from that of the vibration motor or the like.

Further, the inertial force applying device is accommodated in, for example, the housing, and the inertial force of the movable element and the weight can be applied to the entire housing. Therefore, for example, as in the conventional technique, it is not necessary to provide a gap between the operation panel and the housing, and even if the inside of the housing is kept sealed, a tactile sensation such as a click sensation can be made to act on, for example, the fingertip of the operator touching the housing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust, moisture, and the like from entering the housing. Therefore, the housing can be sealed with a simple structure without requiring a special dustproof and waterproof structure, and can be used for various applications without being limited by the use environment.

(2) The actuator unit may include a heat transfer member disposed in contact with the shape memory alloy wire.

In this case, for example, the heat of the shape memory alloy wire can be efficiently dissipated by the heat conductor, and the temperature of the shape memory alloy wire heated by the energization heating can be rapidly lowered. Therefore, the shape memory alloy wire can have good heat dissipation characteristics, and the responsiveness of the stretching action can be improved.

(3) The elastic member may be formed so that an elastic modulus in the movable direction is lower than an elastic modulus in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the movable direction, and the movable element may be guided so as to be movable in the movable direction due to a difference in the elastic modulus.

In this case, the elastic member becomes easy to elastically deform in the movable direction, and becomes difficult to elastically deform in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the movable direction. Therefore, the movable element can be moved more smoothly with less rattling in the movable direction by the elastic member.

(4) The weight may be attached to the movable element in the following positional relationship: at least a part of the elastic member is overlapped with at least one of the movable element, the shape memory alloy wire, the elastic member and the fixed element in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the movable direction.

In this case, the weight can be designed larger, and thus the weight can be increased further accordingly. Therefore, a larger inertial force can be made to act on the outside, and for example, a tactile sensation such as causing a more noticeable click feeling can be effectively made to act on the fingertip of the operator. Further, since at least a part of the weight is disposed so as to overlap in the orthogonal direction with respect to at least one of the movable element, the shape memory alloy wire, the elastic member, and the fixed element, the weight, the movable element, the shape memory alloy wire, the elastic member, and the fixed element can be disposed compactly in the movable direction, and the size of the entire inertial force applying device can be prevented from increasing in the movable direction. Therefore, the weight of the weight can be increased while preventing the size of the entire inertial force applying device from being increased in the movable direction.

(5) The elastic member may be provided so as to have the following positional relationship: at least a part of the shape memory alloy wire is overlapped with the shape memory alloy wire in a direction orthogonal to the movable direction.

In this case, since at least a part of the elastic member is disposed so as to overlap the shape memory alloy wire in the orthogonal direction, the elastic member and the shape memory alloy wire can be disposed compactly in the movable direction. Therefore, it is easy to more effectively prevent the size of the entire inertial force applying device from becoming larger in the movable direction.

(6) The movable member may be provided with a guide member that guides the movable member so as to be movable in the movable direction.

In this case, the movable element can be moved more smoothly with less rattling in the movable direction by the guide member.

(7) The movable element may be formed of the same material as the weight and may be formed integrally with the weight.

In this case, since the movable element itself can be used as the weight, the weight of the entire movable element and the weight can be increased. Therefore, a larger inertial force can be made to act on the outside.

(8) The stator may include a fixed plate disposed along the movable direction, and a plurality of anchor pins attached to the fixed plate so as to project in a direction orthogonal to the movable direction, the movable element may include a movable plate disposed along the movable direction and disposed so that at least a part of the movable plate faces the fixed plate in the orthogonal direction, and a plurality of movable pins attached to the movable plate so as to protrude in the orthogonal direction, wherein the plurality of fixed pins and the plurality of movable pins are arranged alternately in parallel at a predetermined interval in a direction orthogonal to the movable direction and the orthogonal direction, and the shape memory alloy wire is alternately in contact with the fixed pins and the movable pins and sandwiched between the fixed pins and the movable pins in a wavy manner.

In this case, the shape memory alloy wire is alternately in contact with the fixed pin and the movable pin, and is sandwiched between the fixed pin and the movable pin in a wavy (zigzag) shape. Therefore, the shape memory alloy wire expands and contracts, and the distance between the plurality of fixed pins and the plurality of movable pins can be changed in the movable direction. Thus, the movable element to which the weight is attached can be instantaneously displaced in the movable direction by the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire.

The portions of the stator and the movable element that are in contact with the shape memory alloy wire are required to have insulation properties and to have predetermined thermal conductivity. In this regard, since the fixing member is configured by attaching the fixing pins to the fixing plate, at least the fixing pins need to have insulation properties and a predetermined thermal conductivity, and the fixing member can be configured easily. Therefore, the mount can be manufactured at low cost. Further, since the fixing plate can be formed of a material (e.g., a synthetic resin material) different from the fixing pin, the degree of freedom in material selection can be increased, and further cost reduction can be easily achieved.

Further, since the movable pin is provided also to the movable element, the same operational effects as those of the above-described fixed element can be obtained.

(9) The tactile sensation presenting device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: the inertial force imparting device; a housing having an operation panel operated by a fingertip and accommodating the inertial force applying device therein; a display panel provided on the housing and displaying information through the operation panel; and a control unit accommodated in the housing and controlling display of the display panel in accordance with an operation of the operation panel.

According to the tactile sensation presenting device of the present invention, when the operation panel is operated with the fingertips while visually recognizing the information displayed on the display panel, the inertial force of the movable element and the weight can be applied to the entire housing based on the instantaneous displacement of the movable element in the inertial force applying device housed inside the housing. Therefore, the mechanical operation feeling can be caused to act pseudo to the fingertip touching the operation panel, and the tactile sensation such as the click feeling can be caused to act to the fingertip.

In particular, since the housing can be sealed as described above, the present invention can be used for various applications without being limited by the use environment. Therefore, the tactile sensation presenting device can be suitably used as a portable information terminal such as a smart phone or a smart watch, for example, for providing a tactile sensation presenting device with excellent usability. Further, in addition to the operation by the operator, the movable element can be displaced as necessary, thereby vibrating, for example, the housing. This makes it possible to notify the operator of, for example, an incoming call or mail, and it is not necessary to provide a vibration source (for example, a vibration motor) dedicated to this purpose. This can simplify the structure and reduce the cost.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of dust, moisture, and the like, to make the mechanical operation feel pseudo-effective for the operation of the operator, and to generate vibration as needed in addition to the operation of the operator.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing a first embodiment of a portable information terminal (tactile indication device) according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the portable information terminal shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the portable information terminal along the line a-a shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the inertial force applying device shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the inertial force applying device shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the inertial force imparting device taken along the line B-B shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the actuator unit shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the inertial force applying device in a state where the movable element moves away from the fixed element from the state shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment according to the present invention, and is a plan view of an inertial force applying device.

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the inertial force imparting device taken along the line C-C shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a third embodiment according to the present invention, and is a plan view of an inertial force applying device.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the inertial force applying device shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the third embodiment, and is a plan view of the inertial force applying device.

Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment according to the present invention, and is a perspective view of an inertial force applying device.

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the inertial force imparting device taken along the line D-D shown in fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a vertical sectional view showing the inertial force applying device in a state where the movable element is moved away from the stator from the state shown in fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment according to the present invention, and is a perspective view of an inertial force applying device.

Fig. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the inertial force imparting device taken along the line E-E shown in fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a vertical sectional view showing the inertial force applying device in a state where the movable element is moved away from the stator from the state shown in fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a view showing a sixth embodiment according to the present invention, and is a perspective view of an inertial force applying device.

Fig. 21 is a plan view of the inertial force applying device shown in fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view of the inertial force applying device taken along the line F-F shown in fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view of the inertial force applying device taken along the line G-G shown in fig. 21.

Fig. 24 is an external view of a case where the tactile sensation presentation device according to the present invention is applied to a smart watch.

Detailed Description

(first embodiment)

Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone is described as an example of the tactile sensation presentation device.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the portable information terminal 1 of the present embodiment includes: a housing 3 having a touch panel (operation panel according to the present invention) 2 operated by a fingertip; a control board 4 housed in the case 3; and an inertial force applying device 5 housed in the case 3 and attached to the control board 4.

In fig. 2 and 3, the inertial force applying device 5 is simplified in illustration.

In the present embodiment, two directions orthogonal to each other with respect to the thickness direction L1 of the housing 3 in a plan view of the housing 3 are referred to as a first direction L2 and a second direction L3. Therefore, the first direction L2 and the second direction L3 are orthogonal directions orthogonal to the thickness direction L1 of the housing 3.

The housing 3 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view in which the length along the first direction L2 is longer than the length along the second direction L3, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with a small thickness. The protective cover 6 disposed so as to overlap the housing 3 in the thickness direction L1 is integrally combined with the housing 3. The opening of the housing 3 is closed by the protective cover 6.

The direction from the bottom wall 10 of the housing 3 toward the protective cover 6 in the thickness direction L1 is referred to as "upward", and the opposite direction is referred to as "downward".

The housing 3 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having a bottom wall portion 10 and four peripheral wall portions 11 surrounding the periphery of the bottom wall portion 10 and projecting upward from the bottom wall portion 10, and is opened upward. Of the four peripheral wall portions 11, a pair of peripheral wall portions 11 opposing in the first direction L2 are referred to as a front wall portion 12 and a rear wall portion 13, and a pair of peripheral wall portions 11 opposing in the second direction L3 are referred to as side wall portions 14.

The housing 3 does not need to be a single component, and may be formed by integrally combining a plurality of components, for example.

The protective cover 6 is a thin transparent cover such as glass, and is integrally combined with the housing 3 so as to close the opening of the housing 3 from above. At this time, predetermined measures against dust and water are taken between the protective cover 6 and the housing 3. Thereby, the inside of the case 3 is sealed.

The material of the protective cover 6 is not limited to glass, and may be appropriately selected from, for example, transparent synthetic resins (acrylic resins, polycarbonate resins, and the like).

The control board 4 is, for example, a printed board on which various electronic components, not shown, for operating the portable information terminal 1 are mounted and on both surfaces of which circuit patterns, not shown, are formed, and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view in which the length along the first direction L2 is longer than the length along the second direction L3 in accordance with the shape of the housing 3. The control board 4 is stably supported in the housing 3 by a support member not shown.

The touch panel 2 is disposed below the protective cover 6 so as to overlap the protective cover 6. The touch panel 2 is a thin transparent panel made of a synthetic resin material or a glass material, and has a well-known touch detection function such as a resistive film system, a capacitive system, or an optical system. This enables the touch panel 2 to detect a portion touched with a fingertip by the protective cover 6. Therefore, the upper surface 2a of the touch panel 2 is an operation surface, a so-called tactile indication surface, which is operated by the fingertip of the operator through the protective cover 6.

A display panel 15 is disposed below the touch panel 2 so as to overlap the touch panel 2. The Display panel 15 is a Liquid Crystal Display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and can Display various information through the touch panel 2 and the protective cover 6. Accordingly, in accordance with various information displayed on the display panel 15, the touch panel 2 is touched with a fingertip by the protective cover 6, and an input signal (command signal) based on the operation content corresponding to the touched position is transmitted to the control unit 16.

The control unit 16 is a CPU or the like that comprehensively controls the portable information terminal 1, and is mounted on the control board 4. Various storage units such as a flash memory, a small speaker, a small microphone, a small camera, and the like are mounted on the control board 4. Note that illustration of these storage units, speakers, microphones, cameras, and the like is omitted.

Specifically, the control section 16 controls the display of the display panel 15 based on the input signal described above in association with the operation of the touch panel 2. The control unit 16 applies a predetermined voltage to the shape memory alloy wire 61, which will be described later, via the connection terminal 62, which will be described later, based on the operation of the touch panel 2, and controls the energization to the shape memory alloy wire 61.

A power supply unit, not shown, for supplying electric power to various components is disposed in the housing 3, and a removable memory card, not shown, is disposed. The power supply unit is, for example, a rechargeable battery that can be charged and discharged.

(inertial force imparting device)

As shown in fig. 4 to 6, the inertial force applying device 5 is mounted on the upper surface of the central portion of the control board 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the inertial force applying device 5 may be attached to the lower surface side of the control board 4, for example. In fig. 5, the control board 4 is not shown.

The inertial force applying device 5 includes: a base 20; a fixing member 30 fixed to the base 20; a movable element 40 that is mounted on the base 20 so as to be movable relative to the stator 30 in a first direction L2 that is a movable direction; a weight 50 mounted to the movable member 40; an actuator unit 60 that instantaneously displaces the movable element 40 in the first direction L2 and causes an inertial force (thrust force) to act on the housing 3 based on the displacement; a coil spring (elastic member according to the present invention) 70 that biases the movable element 40 toward the fixed element 30 side in the first direction L2; and a guide bar (guide member according to the present invention) 75 that guides the movable element 40 so as to be movable in the first direction L2.

The base 20 includes a bottom plate 21 attached to the upper surface of the control board 4 and a rear plate 22 extending upward from the bottom plate 21, and is formed in an L-shape in side view. However, the shape of the base 20 is not limited to this case, and may be appropriately changed.

The bottom plate 21 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view having a length along the first direction L2 shorter than a length along the second direction L3, and is immovably fixed to the upper surface of the control board 4. However, the shape of the bottom plate 21 is not limited to this, and may be formed in a rectangular shape in plan view in which the length along the first direction L2 is longer than the length along the second direction L3, for example.

The rear plate 22 is formed on the rear end portion side of the bottom plate 21 on the rear wall portion 13 side of the housing 3, and is erected so as to stand vertically with respect to the bottom plate 21. Further, the length of the rear panel 22 in the second direction L3 is the same as the length of the bottom panel 21 in the second direction L3.

The inertial force applying device 5 of the present embodiment is configured such that the stator 30, the movable element 40, the actuator unit 60, the coil spring 70, and the guide rod 75 are disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 21. Therefore, a cover member, not shown, which covers the base 20 from above, for example, may be integrally combined with the base 20 so as to accommodate the stator 30, the mover 40, the actuator portion 60, the coil spring 70, and the guide rod 75 inside.

The fixing member 30 is fixed to the upper surface of the front end portion side of the front wall portion 12 side of the housing 3 in the bottom plate 21.

The fixing member 30 includes: a base 31 extending along the second direction L3 and having a shorter length than the bottom plate 21; and a plurality of protrusions 32 protruding from the base 31 toward the movable piece 40 side. The plurality of protrusions 32 are arranged at a constant interval in the second direction L3, and are formed to protrude toward the movable element 40 by a predetermined protruding amount. The distal end of each protrusion 32 is formed in a rounded shape in plan view, for example, in an arc shape.

In the illustrated example, the fixing member 30 has four protrusions 32, but the number of protrusions 32 is not limited to this case.

The guide bar 75 is fitted between the fixing member 30 and the rear plate 22.

Specifically, the guide rods 75 are formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction L2, and are disposed at both ends of the base 31 in the second direction L3. Therefore, a pair of guide rods 75 is provided so as to sandwich the plurality of protrusions 32. The guide rods 75 are integrally combined with the base 31 and the rear plate 22 with a gap from the upper surface of the bottom plate 21.

The movable element 40 is slidably supported on the upper surface of the base plate 21 in the first direction L2, and is disposed to face the fixed element 30 in the first direction L2.

The movable element 40 includes a base portion 41 extending in the second direction L3, and a plurality of protruding portions 42 protruding from the base portion 41 toward the fixed element 30. The length of the base portion 41 in the second direction L3 is the same as the length of the base portion 31 in the fixing 30.

The plurality of protrusions 42 are disposed at a constant interval in the second direction L3, and protrude toward the fixing member 30 by a predetermined protruding amount. The distal end portion of each protrusion 42 is formed in a rounded shape, for example, an arc shape in plan view, similarly to the anchor 30 side.

In the illustrated example, the movable member 40 has three protrusions 42, but the number of protrusions 42 is not limited to this case.

The interval between the respective protrusions 32 on the fixed member 30 side and the interval between the respective protrusions 42 on the movable member 40 side are the same interval (pitch). The amount of projection of each projection 32 on the fixed member 30 side is the same as the amount of projection of each projection 42 on the movable member 40 side. The stator 30 and the movable element 40 are arranged to face each other such that the respective protrusions 32 on the stator 30 side enter between the respective protrusions 42 on the movable element 40 side. Thereby, the respective projections 42 on the movable element 40 side and the respective projections 32 on the stationary element 30 side are arranged in a comb-tooth shape.

Guide holes 43 penetrating the base portion 41 in the first direction L2 are formed in both ends of the base portion 41 of the movable element 40 in the second direction L3 with the plurality of protrusions 42 interposed therebetween. The movable element 40 is slidably supported on the upper surface of the base plate 21 in a state where the guide rods 75 are inserted through the guide holes 43. Thereby, the movable element 40 can be guided (guided) by the guide bar 75 in the first direction L2, and can move linearly with little rattling in the first direction L2.

Further, on the rear surface side of the base portion 41 opposed to the rear plate 22, an accommodation recess 44 recessed toward the fixing member 30 side is formed so as to be provided in connection with the guide hole 43. The accommodation recess 44 is formed in a circular shape larger than the diameter of the guide hole 43 in a rear view viewed from the rear plate 22 side, and is formed coaxially with the guide hole 43.

The actuator unit 60 is disposed between the fixed member 30 and the movable member 40, and includes a shape memory alloy wire 61 whose length changes according to temperature.

The shape memory alloy wire 61 is, for example, a wire made of a nickel-titanium alloy, and is sandwiched in a wavy manner between the respective protrusions 42 on the movable element 40 side and the respective protrusions 32 on the fixed element 30 side. The material of the shape memory alloy wire 61 is not limited to the nickel-titanium alloy, and may be appropriately changed.

Both end portions of the shape memory alloy wire 61 are connected to connection terminals 62 provided at the base portion 41 of the movable piece 40. The connection terminal 62 is formed, for example, so as to protrude from the base portion 41 toward the base portion 31 on the fixing member 30 side, and is formed so as to be positioned between the guide bar 75 and the protrusion portion 32 on the fixing member 30 side.

The connection terminal 62 is electrically connected to a circuit pattern, not shown, formed on the control board 4 through the movable element 40 and the base 20. Thus, the shape memory alloy wire 61 is electrically connected to the control unit 16 mounted on the control board 4 via the connection terminal 62, and can be energized by applying a predetermined voltage. The connection terminal 62 functions as a part of the actuator unit 60.

The shape memory alloy wire 61 is instantaneously contracted by heating with energization. As a result, as shown in fig. 7, the shape memory alloy wire 61 is transitioned from the relaxed state to the tensioned state, and thus the movable element 40 can be moved in the first direction L2 as the movable direction so as to be separated from the fixed element 30. In this way, the shape memory alloy wire 61 can change the distance between the movable element 40 and the stationary element 30 by expansion and contraction with electrical heating.

Further, the above-described fixed member 30 and movable member 40 are formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than that of the shape memory alloy wire 61. Specifically, the stator 30 and the movable element 40 are formed of an aluminum material, and an anodized film serving as an insulating film is formed on the surfaces thereof by alumite treatment or the like. Therefore, the stator 30 and the movable element 40 are disposed in contact with the shape memory alloy wire 61, and also function as a radiator (heat conductor according to the present invention) for radiating heat from the shape memory alloy wire 61.

Further, as the material having a higher thermal conductivity than that of the shape memory alloy wire 61, an aluminum material subjected to alumite treatment is exemplified, but the material is not limited to this, and for example, other metal materials may be used, and synthetic resin or the like may be used.

As shown in fig. 4 to 6, the weight 50 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape (block shape) extending along the second direction L3, and is fixed to the rear surface of the base portion 41 of the movable element 40 by adhesion, welding, or the like. Thus, the weight 50 is integrally combined with the movable element 40, and can move in the first direction L2 together with the movable element 40 along with the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 61.

The weight 50 has the same thickness as the base 41 of the movable element 40, and is disposed between the pair of guide rods 75. The weight 50 is disposed at an appropriate interval from the rear plate 22. Thus, the weight 50 is prevented from contacting the rear plate 22 during movement in the first direction L2 accompanying expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 61.

The material of the weight 50 is not particularly limited, but for example, tungsten, which is a metal material having a high specific gravity, can be suitably used. However, the material of the weight 50 is not limited to this case, and may be formed of another metal material. Further, a metal material having a high specific gravity and excellent workability is preferably used.

The coil springs 70 are disposed in a compressed state between the base 41 of the movable element 40 and the rear plate 22 in a state of being externally inserted into the pair of guide rods 75, respectively. One end portion side of the coil spring 70 is accommodated in the accommodating recess portion 44 formed in the base portion 41, and the other end portion side of the coil spring 70 is in contact with the rear plate 22. Thereby, the coil spring 70 biases the movable element 40 toward the fixed element 30 side by the elastic restoring force (urging force).

As described above, since the mover 40 is biased toward the stator 30 side, the shape memory alloy wire 61 is sandwiched between the mover 40 and the stator 30 as shown in fig. 5. Further, the movable element 40 biased by the coil spring 70 is restrained from further displacement to the fixed element 30 side by the shape memory alloy wire 61, and is positioned as shown in fig. 5.

(action of Portable information terminal)

The operation of the portable information terminal 1 including the inertial force applying device 5 configured as described above will be described.

In this case, as shown in fig. 1, information displayed on the display panel 15 is visually recognized by the touch panel 2 and the protective cover 6, and the touch panel 2 is operated by a fingertip by the protective cover 6, so that an operation corresponding to a touched portion can be performed. This enables various functions of the portable information terminal 1 to be used appropriately.

In particular, by operating the touch panel 2 through the protective cover 6, the movable element 40 to which the weight 50 is attached can be instantaneously displaced by the actuator portion 60 in the inertial force applying device 5, and therefore, the movable element 40 can be moved in the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, for example, at a predetermined acceleration within the housing 3. Thus, the inertial force (thrust force) of the movable element 40 and the weight 50 can be applied to the entire housing 3 based on the displacement of the movable element 40. Therefore, the mechanical operation feeling can be caused to act pseudo to the fingertip touching the touch panel 2, and the tactile sensation such as the click feeling can be caused to act to the fingertip.

As described in more detail.

When the touch panel 2 is operated with the fingertips through the protective cover 6, the control section 16 energizes the shape memory alloy wire 61 through the connection terminal 62. This can heat the shape memory alloy wire 61 to instantaneously contract the shape memory alloy wire 61. Therefore, the shape memory alloy wire 61 shown in fig. 5 sandwiched between the respective projecting portions 32 of the stator 30 and the respective projecting portions 42 of the movable element 40 can be changed from the relaxed state to the tensioned state as shown in fig. 8, and the movable element 40 can be separated from the stator 30 against the elastic restoring force (urging force) of the coil spring 70.

Thereby, the movable element 40 to which the weight 50 is attached can be instantaneously moved in the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, with respect to the housing 3 while elastically deforming the coil spring 70. Therefore, the inertial force (thrust force) of the movable element 40 and the weight 50 can be applied to the entire housing 3, and a tactile sensation such as a click sensation can be applied to the fingertip touching the touch panel 2.

Further, the heat generated by the energization heating is radiated from the shape memory alloy wire 61, so that the shape memory alloy wire 61 can be instantaneously elongated, for example, and the shape memory alloy wire 61 can be transitioned from the tensioned state to the relaxed state.

At this time, the movable element 40 is biased by the elastic restoring force (urging force) of the coil spring 70 so that the movable element 40 approaches the stationary element 30 side. Therefore, the movable element 40 can be reliably moved toward the fixed element 30 by the biasing force of the coil spring 70 as the shape memory alloy wire 61 is extended. Therefore, the movable element 40 to which the weight 50 is attached can be instantaneously moved in the reverse direction along the first direction L2 as the movable direction, and can be returned to the state shown in fig. 5. In the resetting, a tactile sensation such as a click sensation can be applied to the fingertip touching the touch panel 2 in the same manner as in the previous case.

Therefore, the movable element 40 can be vibrated in the first direction L2 by the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 61. In particular, the impact type vibration can be generated, and for example, a tactile sensation close to the mechanical switch or a tactile sensation different from that of the vibration motor or the like can be made to act. Further, since the shape memory alloy generally has excellent reproducibility and responsiveness of expansion and contraction, it is possible to stably act a tactile sensation such as a click feeling at the moment when a fingertip is touched to the touch panel 2.

In addition, in the portable information terminal 1 according to the present embodiment, the inertial force applying device 5 is accommodated in the housing 3, and the inertial force of the movable element 40 and the weight 50 can be applied to the entire housing 3. Therefore, for example, as in the related art, it is not necessary to provide a gap between the touch panel 2 and the protective cover 6 and the housing 3, and even if the housing 3 is kept sealed, a tactile sensation such as a click sensation can be applied to the fingertip touching the touch panel 2. This can prevent dust, moisture, and the like from entering the housing 3.

Therefore, the housing 3 can be sealed with a simple structure without requiring a special dustproof and waterproof structure, and can be used for various applications without being limited by the use environment. Therefore, the portable information terminal 1 is excellent in usability and can be suitably used.

In addition to the operation by the operator, for example, the housing 3 can be vibrated by displacing the movable element 40 as necessary. This makes it possible to notify the operator of, for example, an incoming call or mail, and it is not necessary to provide a vibration source (for example, a vibration motor) dedicated to this purpose. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

As described above, according to the inertial force applying device 5 and the portable information terminal 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of dust, moisture, and the like, to make the dynamic operation feel pseudo to the operation of the operator, and to generate vibration as needed in addition to the operation of the operator.

Further, since the stator 30 and the movable element 40 also function as a radiator for radiating heat from the shape memory alloy wire 61, the heat can be efficiently radiated from the shape memory alloy wire 61, and the temperature of the shape memory alloy wire 61 heated by energization heating can be rapidly lowered. This enables the shape memory alloy wire 61 to have good heat dissipation characteristics, and the responsiveness of the expansion and contraction operation to be improved. Therefore, the tactile sensation can be further reflected to the fingertip.

In the present embodiment, the instantaneous displacement of the movable element 40 accompanying the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 61 can be performed, for example, by displacing the movable element 40 at a speed of 4 to 8m/s and a displacement of 50 to 10 μm. The energization time of the shape memory alloy wire 61 is, for example, several milliseconds to several tens milliseconds, and the contraction rate of the shape memory alloy wire 61 caused by the energization is, for example, several percent.

Further, since the shape memory alloy wire 61 is electrically connected to the control unit 16 via the connection terminal 62, the shape memory alloy wire 61 can be easily energized, which can lead to simplification of the configuration. Further, since the movable element 40 can be smoothly moved along the first direction L2 with little rattling by the pair of guide rods 75, it is easy to reliably apply a sense of sight to the fingertip.

(second embodiment)

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

In the first embodiment, the weight 50 is disposed between the movable element 40 and the rear plate 22, but the weight of the present embodiment is attached to the movable element 40 in the following positional relationship: at least a part of the shape memory alloy wire 61 overlaps the movable element 40, the shape memory alloy wire 61, and the stator 30 in the thickness direction L1 which is a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the first direction L2 (movable direction).

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, in the inertial force applying device 80 of the present embodiment, the weight 81 is formed in an L-shape in side view. The weight 81 includes: a first weight portion 82 fixed with respect to a rear surface of the base portion 41 in the movable member 40; and a second weight portion 83 that is integrally formed with respect to the first weight portion 82 and protrudes from the first weight portion 82 toward the fixing member 30 side. In fig. 9, the control board 4 is not shown.

The first weight portion 82 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the second direction L3, and is fixed to the rear surface of the base portion 41 by adhesion, welding, or the like in a state of being arranged between the pair of guide rods 75. The first weight portion 82 is formed to protrude upward from the movable element 40.

The second weight portion 83 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view in which the length along the second direction L3 is longer than the length along the first direction L2, and is integrally connected to an upper end portion of the first weight portion 82 that protrudes upward beyond the movable element 40 in a state of being arranged parallel to the bottom plate 21.

Thus, the second weight portion 83 is disposed so as to cover a part of the movable element 40, the shape memory alloy wire 61, and a part of the stationary element 30 from above. Further, the length of the second weight portion 83 in the second direction L3 is the same as the length of the first weight portion 82 in the second direction L3.

Since the weight 81 is configured as described above, the weight 81 is attached to the movable element 40 so as to have the following positional relationship: the second weight portion 83 overlaps the movable element 40, the shape memory alloy wire 61, and the fixed element 30 in the thickness direction L1.

(action of inertial force imparting means)

Even in the case of the inertial force applying device 80 configured as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, since the weight 81 can be designed to be large to the extent of the second weight portion 83, the weight 81 can be increased in weight more than in the case of the first embodiment. Therefore, a larger inertial force can be applied to the housing 3 by the instantaneous movement of the movable element 40, and a tactile sensation such as a more noticeable click sensation can be effectively applied to the operator's fingertip.

Further, since the weight 81 is fixed to the movable element 40 such that the second weight portion 83 overlaps the movable element 40, the shape memory alloy wire 61, and the stator 30 in the thickness direction L1, the weight 81, the movable element 40, the shape memory alloy wire 61, and the stator 30 can be compactly arranged in the first direction L2, and the size of the entire inertial force applying device 80 can be prevented from increasing in the first direction L2.

Therefore, according to the inertial force applying device 80 of the present embodiment, the weight 81 can be further increased in weight while preventing the entire size from increasing in the first direction L2.

(third embodiment)

Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the first embodiment, the guide rod 75 and the coil spring 70 are both provided, but in the present embodiment, the plate spring member has a function of guiding the movable element 40 so as to be movable in the first direction L2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the guide bar 75 is not provided.

As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the inertial force applying device 90 of the present embodiment includes a base 20 having a pair of side plates 23. In fig. 11, the control board 4 is not shown.

The pair of side plates 23 are formed on the side end portions of the bottom plate 21 on the side of the side wall portion 14 of the housing 3, and stand upright on the bottom plate 21. Thereby, the pair of side plates 23 are disposed so as to face the second direction L3. Further, the length of the side panel 23 in the first direction L2 is the same as the length of the bottom panel 21 in the first direction L2.

The base 20 of the present embodiment does not include the rear plate 22 of the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the base 20 may include the rear plate 22 in addition to the pair of side plates 23.

A leaf spring member (elastic member according to the present invention) 91 that biases the movable element 40 in the first direction L2 so as to approach the fixed element 30 side is disposed between the pair of side plates 23 and the movable element 40.

The plate spring member 91 is formed in, for example, the same thickness as the base portion 41 in the movable piece 40, and is formed in a plate shape having a width smaller than the thickness along the first direction L2. Also, one end side of the plate spring member 91 is connected to the side plate 23, and the other end side is connected to a side surface of the base portion 41 which is opposite to the side plate 23. The plate spring member 91 constantly biases the movable element 40 toward the fixed element 30 by an elastic restoring force (urging force).

In particular, the plate spring member 91 is formed such that the elastic modulus in the first direction L2 as the movable direction is lower than the elastic modulus in the orthogonal direction (i.e., the second direction L3 and the thickness direction L1) orthogonal to the first direction L2, and also realizes a function of guiding the movable piece 40 movably in the first direction L2 as the movable direction due to the difference in the elastic modulus.

(action of inertial force imparting means)

Even in the case of the inertial force applying device 90 configured as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, since the movable element 40 can be smoothly moved by the leaf spring member 91 with little rattling along the first direction L2 as the movable direction, it is easy to make the sense of sight reliably act on the fingertips. Further, since the guide bar 75 is not necessary, the structure can be simplified easily. Further, since the lengths of the movable element 40 and the fixed element 30 along the second direction L3 can be shortened to such an extent that the guide bar 75 is not provided, it is easy to miniaturize the entire inertial force applying device 90.

In the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, for example, as shown in fig. 13, a weight 81 having an L-shape in side view may be provided with a first weight 82 and a second weight 83.

Further, the first weight portion 82 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length along the second direction L3 longer than the movable piece 40. Thus, the second weight portion 83 is disposed so as to cover the plate spring member 91 from above, in addition to a part of the movable element 40, the shape memory alloy wire 61, and a part of the stationary element 30. Therefore, the weight 81 is attached to the movable element 40 in the following positional relationship: the second weight portion 83 overlaps the movable element 40, the shape memory alloy wire 61, the fixed element 30, and the plate spring member 91 in the thickness direction L1.

In the case where the weight 81 is configured as described above, in addition to the operational effect of the first embodiment, since the weight 81 can be designed to be large enough for the second weight portion 83, the weight 81 can be increased in weight more than that of the first embodiment. Therefore, a larger inertial force can be applied to the housing 3 by the instantaneous movement of the movable element 40, and a tactile sensation such as a more noticeable click sensation can be effectively applied to the operator's fingertip.

(fourth embodiment)

Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the first embodiment, the movable element 40 is moved in the first direction L2 along the plane of the control board 4, but in the present embodiment, the movable element 40 is moved in the thickness direction L1 of the housing 3, which is a direction perpendicular to the control board 4.

As shown in fig. 14 and 15, the inertial force applying device 100 of the present embodiment includes: a bottomed cylindrical fixing member 110 attached to an upper surface of the control board 4; a movable element 120 disposed so as to be movable relative to the fixed element 110 in the thickness direction L1 of the housing 3; a weight 130 fitted to the movable member 120; an actuator portion 60 having a shape memory alloy wire 61 provided between the stator 110 and the movable element 120, instantaneously displacing the movable element 120 in the thickness direction L1, and causing an inertial force (thrust force) to act on the housing 3 based on the displacement; a coil spring 70 that biases the movable element 120 toward the fixed element 110 side in the thickness direction L1; and a guide bar 75 that guides the movable member 120 so as to be movable in the thickness direction L1. In fig. 14, the control board 4 is not shown.

The stator 110 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an axis O perpendicular to the control board 4 as the center. In addition, a direction intersecting the axis O in a plan view as viewed from the axis O direction is referred to as a radial direction, and a direction rotating around the axis O is referred to as a circumferential direction.

The fixing member 110 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape including a bottom wall portion 111 formed in a circular shape in plan view and a peripheral wall portion 112 provided upright from an outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom wall portion 111 toward an upper side, and is opened upward. The guide rod 75 is erected at the central portion of the bottom wall 111 in a state of being disposed coaxially with the axis O. Further, the guide rod 75 slightly protrudes upward from the peripheral wall portion 112.

A cover plate 113 having a circular shape in plan view, which closes the opening of the peripheral wall 112 from above, is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall 112. Thereby, for example, the inside of the fixing member 110 can be sealed. In addition, a through hole 114 penetrating the lid plate 113 in the thickness direction L1 is formed in the central portion of the lid plate 113. The cover plate 113 is attached to the upper end of the peripheral wall 112 with the guide rod 75 inserted through the through hole 114. Further, the upper end surfaces of the guide rods 75 are coplanar with respect to the upper end surface of the cover plate 113.

The movable element 120 is formed in a double-tube shape, and is accommodated inside the peripheral wall portion 112 of the stationary element 110 in a state of being disposed coaxially with the axis O.

The movable element 120 includes: an inner cylinder portion 121 surrounding the guide bar 75 from the outside in the radial direction; an outer cylinder portion 122 that further surrounds the inner cylinder portion 121 from the outside in the radial direction; a circular closing portion 123 for closing the lower end opening of the inner tube 121 in a plan view; an annular connecting ring 124 that connects an upper end portion of the inner cylinder portion 121 and an upper end portion of the outer cylinder portion 122 in the radial direction; and an annular flange 125 projecting outward in the radial direction from the lower end of the outer cylinder 122.

A guide hole 126 penetrating the closing portion 123 in the thickness direction L1 is formed in the center of the closing portion 123. The movable element 120 is accommodated inside the peripheral wall portion 112 with the guide rod 75 inserted through the guide hole 126. Therefore, the movable piece 120 can be guided by the guide bar 75 while linearly moving in the thickness direction L1.

The inner side of the inner tube portion 121 forms a first accommodation portion 127 that opens upward. An annular second accommodating portion 128 that opens downward is formed between the inner tube portion 121 and the outer tube portion 122.

The shape memory alloy wire 61 of the present embodiment is formed in a spiral shape (coil shape) with the axis O as the center, and is accommodated in the second accommodation portion 128 coaxially with the axis O. The upper end portion of the shape memory alloy wire 61 contacts from below with respect to the connection ring 124 in the movable member 120, and the lower end portion contacts from above with respect to the bottom wall portion 111 in the stationary member 110. Thereby, the movable element 120 is supported from below by the coil-shaped shape memory alloy wire 61.

The shape memory alloy wire 61 of the present embodiment is configured to be instantaneously elongated as shown in fig. 16 by being heated by energization. Thus, the shape memory alloy wire 61 moves the mover 120 so as to push upward along the thickness direction L1 as the movable direction, and the mover 120 can be separated from the bottom wall portion 111 of the stator 110.

Subsequently, the shape memory alloy wire 61 contracts due to heat dissipation, and is reset to the original state as shown in fig. 15. In this way, the shape memory alloy wire 61 can change the distance between the movable element 120 and the fixed element 110 due to expansion and contraction caused by energization and heating.

Further, the above-described fixed element 110 and movable element 120 are formed of a material having a thermal conductivity higher than that of the shape memory alloy wire 61, as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the stator 110 and the movable element 120 are formed of an aluminum material, and an anodized film serving as an insulating film is formed on the surfaces thereof by alumite treatment or the like. Therefore, the stator 110 and the movable element 120 are disposed in contact with the shape memory alloy wire 61, and also function as a radiator (heat conductor according to the present invention) for radiating heat from the shape memory alloy wire 61.

Note that, in fig. 15 and 16, the connection terminal 62 is not illustrated. The connection terminal 62 is formed, for example, in the bottom wall portion 111 of the fixing member 110.

Further, as the material having a higher thermal conductivity than that of the shape memory alloy wire 61, an aluminum material subjected to alumite treatment is exemplified, but as described in the first embodiment, the material is not limited to this, and for example, another metal material may be used, or a synthetic resin or the like may be used.

As shown in fig. 15, the coil spring 70 is accommodated in the first accommodation portion 127 coaxially with the axis O and is arranged in a compressed state. The upper end of the coil spring 70 is in contact with the cover plate 113 from below, and the lower end is in contact with the closing portion 123 of the movable element 120 from above.

Thereby, the coil spring 70 biases the movable element 120 toward the bottom wall portion 111 side of the stationary element 110 by the elastic restoring force (urging force).

As described above, since the movable element 120 is biased toward the bottom wall portion 111 side of the stationary element 110, the movable element 120 is sandwiched between the shape memory alloy wire 61 and the coil spring 70. Further, the movable element 120 biased by the coil spring 70 is restrained from further displacement to the bottom wall portion 111 side of the stationary element 110 by the shape memory alloy wire 61, and is positioned as shown in fig. 15.

The weight 130 is formed in a ring shape surrounding the outer cylinder portion 122 of the mover 120 from the outside in the radial direction, and is integrally combined with the outside of the outer cylinder portion 122 in a state of being in contact with the flange portion 125 from above. Therefore, the weight 130 can move in the thickness direction L1 together with the movable element 120 along with the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 61.

The weight 130 may be integrally combined with the outer tube portion 122 of the movable element 120 by, for example, adhesion, welding, fitting, or the like. In addition, when the movable element 120 is formed of synthetic resin, the movable element 120 and the weight 130 may be integrally combined by so-called insert molding in which the weight 130 is used as an insert part and the movable element 120 is molded by injection molding of the weight 130.

Since the inertial force applying device 100 is configured as described above, the weight 130 is attached to the movable element 120 so as to have the following positional relationship: the movable element 120, the shape memory alloy wire 61, the coil spring 70, and the guide bar 75 are overlapped in orthogonal directions (a first direction L2 and a second direction L3) which are radial directions orthogonal to the thickness direction L1 (movable direction).

(action of inertial force imparting means)

Even in the inertial force applying device 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the direction in which the movable element 120 is moved is different from that of the first embodiment, and the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Specifically, by energizing the shape memory alloy wire 61, the shape memory alloy wire 61 can be heated and the shape memory alloy wire 61 can be instantaneously elongated. As a result, as shown in fig. 16, the movable element 120 can be pushed upward by the shape memory alloy wire 61, and the movable element 120 can be separated from the bottom wall portion 111 of the stationary element 110 against the elastic restoring force (urging force) of the coil spring 70.

Therefore, the movable element 120 to which the weight 130 is attached can be instantaneously moved in the thickness direction L1, which is the movable direction, while elastically deforming the coil spring 70, so that the inertial force (thrust force) of the movable element 120 and the weight 130 can be applied to the entire housing 3, and a tactile sensation such as a click sensation can be applied to the fingertip touching the touch panel 2.

Then, the heat generated by the energization heating is radiated from the shape memory alloy wire 61, and the shape memory alloy wire 61 can be instantaneously contracted, for example. Therefore, the movable element 120 can be instantaneously moved in the opposite direction (downward) along the thickness direction L1 as the movable direction by the biasing force of the coil spring 70 in accordance with the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 61, and can be returned to the state shown in fig. 15.

In the resetting, a tactile sensation such as a click sensation can be applied to the fingertip touching the touch panel 2 in the same manner as in the previous case.

Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, the movable element 120 can be vibrated in the thickness direction L1 by the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 61, and the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, since the movable element 120, the shape memory alloy wire 61, the coil spring 70, the guide rod 75, and the weight 130 are arranged so as to overlap in the radial direction, the entire inertial force applying device 100 can be configured more compactly, and it is easy to achieve thinning and downsizing. In addition, since the weight 130 can be formed in a ring shape having a large diameter, the weight can be easily increased. Therefore, the inertial force of the movable element 120 and the weight 130 can be made to act more effectively on the housing 3, and the tactile sensation such as the click feeling can be made to act effectively on the fingertip.

(fifth embodiment)

Next, a fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, the movable element 120 and the weight 130 are formed separately, but in the present embodiment, the movable element and the weight are formed integrally.

As shown in fig. 17 and 18, in the inertial force applying device 140 of the present embodiment, two guide rods 75 are provided in parallel to the axis O so as to be arranged in the radial direction across the axis O. In fig. 17, the control board 4 is not shown.

The movable element 150 is formed in a ring shape surrounding the two guide rods 75 from the outside in the radial direction, and is accommodated inside the peripheral wall portion 112 of the fixed element 110 in a state of being arranged coaxially with the axis O. The weight 160 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a length along the thickness direction L1 shorter than the diameter, and is disposed inside the movable element 150.

The movable element 150 is made of the same material as the weight 160 (for example, tungsten), and is formed integrally with the weight 160. Thus, in the present embodiment, the movable element 150 can be used as the weight 160. Further, the movable piece 150 is formed integrally with the center portion in the thickness direction L1 of the weight 160.

The weight 160 has two guide holes 161 formed therein, which penetrate the weight 160 in the thickness direction L1 and allow the guide rods 75 to be inserted therein. Thereby, the weight 160 and the movable piece 150 can be linearly moved in the thickness direction L1 while being guided (guided) by the guide bar 75. Further, since the two guide rods 75 are formed, the weight 160 and the movable element 150 can move in the thickness direction L1 while stopping the rotation in the circumferential direction.

The shape memory alloy wire 61 is disposed coaxially with the axis O between the movable element 150 and the bottom wall 111 of the stationary element 110 in a state of surrounding the weight 160 from the outside in the radial direction. The upper end of the shape memory alloy wire 61 contacts the movable element 150 from below, and the lower end contacts the bottom wall 111 of the stationary element 110 from above. Thereby, the movable element 150 is supported from below by the coil-shaped shape memory alloy wire 61.

The coil spring 70 is disposed coaxially with the axis O in a compressed state between the movable element 150 and the cover plate 113 in a state of surrounding the weight 160 from the outside in the radial direction. The upper end of the coil spring 70 is in contact with the cover plate 113 from below, and the lower end is in contact with the movable element 150 from above.

Thereby, the coil spring 70 biases the movable element 150 toward the bottom wall portion 111 side of the stationary element 110 by the elastic restoring force (urging force).

As described above, since the movable element 150 is biased toward the bottom wall portion 111 side of the stationary element 110, the movable element 150 is sandwiched between the shape memory alloy wire 61 and the coil spring 70 as shown in fig. 18. Further, the movable element 150 urged by the coil spring 70 is restrained from further displacement to the bottom wall portion 111 side of the stationary element 110 by the shape memory alloy wire 61, and is positioned as shown in fig. 18.

In the present embodiment, the weight 160 is also configured to have the following positional relationship: the movable member 150, the shape memory alloy wire 61, the coil spring 70, and the guide bar 75 are overlapped in orthogonal directions (a first direction L2 and a second direction L3) which are radial directions orthogonal to the thickness direction L1 (movable direction).

(action of inertial force imparting means)

Even in the inertial force applying device 140 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the shape memory alloy wire 61 is instantaneously extended by energizing the shape memory alloy wire 61, and the movable element 150 can be pushed upward as shown in fig. 19.

Therefore, the inertial force applying device 140 of the present embodiment can provide the same operational advantages as those of the fourth embodiment.

In the case of the present embodiment, since the movable element 150 can be used as the weight 160, the weight of the weight 160 and the movable element 150 as a whole can be increased as compared with the case of the fourth embodiment. Therefore, the inertial force of the movable element 150 and the weight 160 can be made to act more effectively on the housing 3, and the tactile sensation such as the click feeling can be made to act more effectively on the fingertip.

Further, as compared with the case of the fourth embodiment, the size of the entire inertial force applying device 140 can be reduced in diameter, and further reduction in size is facilitated.

(sixth embodiment)

Next, a sixth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the first embodiment, the stator 30 is formed to have the protrusion 32 protruding from the base 31 toward the movable element 40 side, and the movable element 40 is formed to have the protrusion 42 protruding from the base 41 toward the stator 30 side.

As shown in fig. 20 to 23, the inertial force applying device 170 of the present embodiment includes a stator 180 having a plurality of fixing pins 181 and a mover 190 having a plurality of moving pins 191. In fig. 21, the control board 4 is not shown.

The fixing member 180 includes: a base 20 disposed along a first direction L2 as a movable direction; and a plurality of fixing pins 181 fitted to the bottom plate 21 in the base 20 in such a manner as to protrude in the thickness direction L1. In the present embodiment, the base 20 in the first embodiment also functions as the fixing member 180.

The fixing pin 181 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is attached to the bottom plate 21 so as to protrude upward from the bottom plate 21. Specifically, the fixing pin 181 is fixed to the base plate 21 by press fitting.

However, the method of attaching the fixing pin 181 to the base plate 21 is not limited to this case, and may be fixed by, for example, adhesion. Further, for example, in the case where the base 20 including the bottom plate 21 is formed of a synthetic resin material and the fixing pin 181 is formed of a metal material, the bottom plate 21 and the fixing pin 181 may be integrally combined by insert molding.

The tip (upper end) of the fixing pin 181 is formed in a rounded hemispherical shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the distal end of the fixing pin 181 may be formed flat.

The anchor pin 181 is formed to have a length such that the tip end thereof is close to the movable plate 192, which will be described later, or such that a small gap is secured between the tip end and the movable plate 192.

The above-described fixing pin 181 is disposed at a constant interval along a first direction L2 as a movable direction and a second direction L3 orthogonal to a thickness direction L1 as a direction orthogonal to the movable direction. In the illustrated example, four fixing pins 181 are fitted with respect to the base plate 21. However, the number of the fixing pins 181 is not limited to this case.

The movable member 190 is slidably carried on the upper surface of the base plate 21 in the first direction L2. The movable element 190 includes: a base 41 extending along a second direction L3; a movable plate 192 that protrudes forward from the upper end of the base 41 and covers the plurality of anchor pins 181 from above; and a plurality of movable pins 191 fitted to the movable plate 192 so as to project in the thickness direction L1.

The movable plate 192 has the same length as the base 41 in the second direction L3, and is disposed parallel to the bottom plate 21 in the first direction L2. Therefore, the movable plate 192 is disposed above the bottom plate 21 and is disposed so as to face the bottom plate 21 in the thickness direction L1.

Movable pin 191 is formed in a columnar shape, and is fitted to movable plate 192 so as to protrude downward from movable plate 192. Specifically, the movable pin 191 is fixed to the movable plate 192 by press fitting.

However, the method of attaching movable pin 191 to movable plate 192 is not limited to this case, and may be fixed by, for example, adhesion or the like. For example, in the case where movable plate 192 and base 41 are formed of a synthetic resin material and movable pin 191 is formed of a metal material, movable plate 192 and movable pin 191 may be integrally combined by insert molding.

The tip (lower end) of the movable pin 191 is formed in a rounded hemispherical shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the distal end portion of the movable pin 191 may be formed flat.

The movable pin 191 is formed to have a length such that the tip end thereof is close to the bottom plate 21 or a length such that a small gap is secured between the tip end and the bottom plate 21.

The movable pins 191 are arranged at a constant interval in the second direction L3. In the illustrated example, three movable pins 191 are fitted with respect to the movable plate 192. However, the number of the movable pins 191 is not limited to this case.

The intervals between the plurality of fixed pins 181 and the intervals between the plurality of movable pins 191 are the same intervals (pitches). Also, the length of the fixed pin 181 is the same as that of the movable pin 191. Thus, the fixed pins 181 and the movable pins 191 are alternately arranged at a constant interval along the second direction L3.

The material of the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191 is not particularly limited, but is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity higher than that of the shape memory alloy wire 61, for example. Specifically, the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191 are formed of an aluminum material, and an anodized film serving as an insulating film is formed on the surfaces thereof by alumite treatment or the like.

However, the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191 may be formed of a metal material (e.g., brass) other than aluminum, or may be formed of a synthetic resin material.

The fixing pin 181 and the movable pin 191 of the present embodiment are disposed in contact with the shape memory alloy wire 61, and also function as a heat radiator (heat conductor according to the present invention) for radiating heat from the shape memory alloy wire 61.

With the stator 180 and the movable element 190 configured as described above, the shape memory alloy wire 61 is alternately in contact with the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191 while being arranged in a wavy (zigzag) shape along the second direction L3 so as to pass between the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191. Thereby, the shape memory alloy wire 61 is sandwiched in a wave shape between the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191.

Further, both end portions of the shape memory alloy wire 61 are connected to connection terminals 62 fitted to the base portion 41.

(action of inertial force imparting means)

Even in the case of the inertial force applying device 170 configured as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

That is, since the shape memory alloy wire 61 is sandwiched in a wave-like manner between the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191, the distance between the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191 can be changed in the first direction L2 by the shape memory alloy wire 61 expanding and contracting. Thereby, the movable piece 190 to which the weight 50 is attached can be instantaneously displaced in the first direction L2 by the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 61. Therefore, a tactile sensation such as a click sensation can be made to act on the fingertip touching the touch panel 2.

In this way, even when the inertial force applying device 170 using the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191 can provide the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment.

Further, the upper end of the fixed pin 181 and the lower end of the movable pin 191 are formed to be rounded, and close or small gaps are secured between the fixed pin 181 and the movable plate 192 and between the movable pin 191 and the base plate 21. Therefore, even when the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191 are used, the movement of the movable element 190 can be smoothly moved without being obstructed.

In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, since the fixing pin 181 is attached to the bottom plate 21 to form the fixing member 180, at least the fixing pin 181 only has to have insulation and a predetermined thermal conductivity, and the fixing member 180 can be simply formed. Therefore, the fixing member 180 can be manufactured at low cost.

For example, a solid aluminum bar material may be used as the fixing pin 181 by finishing it to a predetermined outer diameter, cutting it to a predetermined length, and rounding the distal end portion. Therefore, the fixing member 180 can be manufactured at low cost.

In addition, since the base 20 including the bottom plate 21 can be formed of a material (e.g., a synthetic resin material) different from the fixing pins 181, the degree of freedom in material selection can be increased, and further cost reduction can be easily achieved.

Since the movable pin 191 is also provided to the movable element 190, the same operational effects as those of the above-described stator 180 can be obtained.

In the sixth embodiment, the case where the fixed pin 181 and the movable pin 191 are used instead of the protrusion 32 of the stator 30 and the protrusion 42 of the movable element 40 in the first embodiment has been described as an example, but they may be used in the second and third embodiments.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiments may be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Examples of the embodiment and modifications thereof include those which can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, substantially the same, and equivalent ranges.

For example, in the above embodiments, the case where the tactile sensation presentation device is applied to the portable information terminal 1 such as a smartphone is described as an example, but the tactile sensation presentation device may be applied to a smart watch 200 as shown in fig. 24, for example. Further, the present invention is not limited to the portable information terminal, and may be applied to, for example, an in-vehicle car navigation system, and various electronic devices that pseudo-act a physical operation feeling on a fingertip when touched.

Description of the symbols

L1 … … thickness direction (Movable direction)

L2 … … first Direction (Movable Direction)

1 … … Portable information terminal (touch prompting device)

2 … … touch panel (operation panel)

5. 80, 90, 100, 140, 170 … … inertia force imparting device

15 … … display panel

16 … … control part

30. 110 … … fixing member and heat transfer body

40. 120, 150 … … movable element, heat transfer body

50. 81, 130, 160 … … weight

60 … … actuator part

61 … … shape memory alloy wire

70 … … spiral spring (elastic component)

75 … … guide bar (guide component)

91 … … leaf spring component (elastic component)

180 … … fastener

181 … … fixing pin and heat transfer body

190 … … movable member

191 … … fixing pin and heat transfer body

200 … … smart watch (tactile alert device).