阅读说明：本技术 电磁致动器和包括电磁致动器的振动发生器 (Electromagnetic actuator and vibration generator including the same ) 是由 丰田直树 粟生仁志 于 2021-05-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：电磁致动器和包括电磁致动器的振动发生器。本发明沿与移动方向相反的方向以非接触的方式向可移动部施加驱动力。致动器A1包括线圈100、由磁性物质构成的不可移动部200和包括永磁体310的可移动部300。不可移动部200相对于线圈100位于Z方向侧,且永磁体310相对于线圈100位于Z’方向侧。在中立位置,永磁体310的第一端部311在X-X’方向上相对于不可移动部200的第一端201位于X方向侧。向线圈100施加电流产生使永磁体310在X方向上移动的第一驱动力,且可移动部300在X方向上移动。随着可移动部300在X方向上移动,作为永磁体310的相对于第一端201位于X方向侧的部分的第一扩大部分逐渐扩大。第一扩大部分被朝向不可移动部200磁吸引,使得可移动部300在X’方向上移动。(An electromagnetic actuator and a vibration generator including the electromagnetic actuator. The present invention applies a driving force to a movable portion in a non-contact manner in a direction opposite to a moving direction. The actuator a1 includes a coil 100, a non-movable portion 200 composed of a magnetic substance, and a movable portion 300 including a permanent magnet 310. The immovable portion 200 is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the coil 100, and the permanent magnet 310 is located on the Z' -direction side with respect to the coil 100. In the neutral position, the first end 311 of the permanent magnet 310 is located on the X-direction side in the X-X' direction with respect to the first end 201 of the immovable portion 200. Applying a current to the coil 100 generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction, and the movable part 300 moves in the X direction. As the movable portion 300 moves in the X direction, the first enlarged portion, which is a portion of the permanent magnet 310 located on the X direction side with respect to the first end 201, gradually enlarges. The first enlarged portion is magnetically attracted toward the immovable portion 200, so that the movable portion 300 moves in the X' direction.)

1. An electromagnetic actuator, comprising:

a first coil;

a first immovable portion that is made of a magnetic substance, extends in a first direction, is located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end on one side in the first direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction; and

a movable part including a permanent magnet and movable in the first direction, which is a moving direction of the movable part, wherein,

the permanent magnet extending in the first direction, being located at the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and including a first end portion at the one side in the first direction, the first end portion having a first end at the one side in the first direction,

the movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the first end of the first immovable portion or such that the first end of the permanent magnet is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction,

Applying a current to the first coil generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the one side in the first direction, and the first driving force linearly moves the movable portion relatively from the neutral position to a first position located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position with respect to the first coil and the first immovable portion,

a first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet located on the side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the side in the first direction, and

the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction.

2. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 1, further comprising:

a second coil; and

a second immovable portion that is made of a magnetic substance, extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and includes a first end on the one side in the first direction,

The first coil is disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil is disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction,

the movable portion is disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction, and the movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the first end of the second immovable portion or such that the first end of the permanent magnet is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction,

applying a current to the second coil generates a second driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the one side in the first direction,

the first and second driving forces cause the movable portion to relatively linearly move from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the first and second coils and the first and second immovable portions,

The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet, which is also located on the side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion, is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the side in the first direction, and

the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves toward the other side in the first direction.

3. An electromagnetic actuator, comprising:

a first coil;

a first immovable portion that is made of a magnetic substance, extends in a first direction, is located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end on one side in the first direction and a second end on the other side in the first direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction; and

a movable part including a permanent magnet and movable in the first direction, which is a moving direction of the movable part, wherein,

the permanent magnet extending in the first direction, being located at the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and including a first end portion at the one side in the first direction and a second end portion at the other side in the first direction, the first end portion having a first end at the one side in the first direction, the second end portion having a second end at the other side in the first direction,

The movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the first end of the first immovable portion or such that the first end of the permanent magnet is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction, and such that the second end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the second end of the first immovable portion or such that the second end of the permanent magnet is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the first immovable portion in the first direction,

applying a current to the first coil, the polarity of which is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the one side in the first direction and a third driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the other side in the first direction, and the first driving force and the third driving force cause the movable portion to relatively linearly move with respect to the first coil and the first immovable portion alternately from a second position, which is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position, to a first position, which is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position, and from the first position to the second position, which is located between the first position and the second position in the first direction,

A first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the one side in the first direction,

a second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction,

the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction, and

the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the one side in the first direction.

4. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 3, further comprising:

a second coil; and

a second immovable portion that is made of a magnetic substance, extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and includes a first end on the one side in the first direction and a second end on the other side in the first direction,

The first coil is disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil is disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction,

the movable portion is disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction,

the movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the first end of the second immovable portion or such that the first end of the permanent magnet is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction, and such that the second end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the second end of the second immovable portion or such that the second end of the permanent magnet is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the second immovable portion in the first direction,

applying a current of which polarity is repeatedly inverted at predetermined intervals to the second coil alternately generates a second driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the one side in the first direction and a fourth driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the other side in the first direction,

The first driving force and the second driving force and the third driving force and the fourth driving force that are alternately generated cause the movable portion to relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position with respect to the first coil and the second coil and the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion alternately,

the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the one side in the first direction,

the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the second immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction,

the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction, and

The second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the one side in the first direction.

5. An electromagnetic actuator, comprising:

a first coil;

a first immovable portion that is configured by a permanent magnet, extends in a first direction, is located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end on one side in the first direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction; and

a movable portion fixed to the first coil, movable together with the first coil in the first direction, and including a magnetic member composed of a magnetic substance, the first direction being a moving direction of the movable portion, wherein,

the magnetic member extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end portion on the one side in the first direction, the first end portion having a first end on the one side in the first direction,

The movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end of the magnetic member is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the first end of the first immovable portion or such that the first end of the magnetic member is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction,

applying a current to the first coil generates a first driving force that moves the magnetic member to the one side in the first direction, and the first driving force relatively linearly moves the movable portion and the first coil with respect to the first immovable portion from the neutral position to a first position located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position,

a first enlarged portion of the magnetic member located on the one side in the first direction with respect to a first end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the one side in the first direction, and

the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction.

6. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 5, further comprising:

a second coil; and

a second immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet, extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and includes a first end on the one side in the first direction,

the first coil is disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil is disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction,

the movable portion is fixed to the second coil and disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction,

the movable portion in the neutral position is provided such that the first end portion of the magnetic member is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the first end of the second immovable portion or such that the first end portion of the magnetic member is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction,

Applying a current to the second coil generates a second driving force that moves the magnetic member to the one side in the first direction,

the first driving force and the second driving force relatively linearly move the movable portion and the first coil and the second coil with respect to the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion from the neutral position to the first position,

the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member, which is also located on the side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion, is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the side in the first direction, and

the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction.

7. An electromagnetic actuator, comprising:

a first coil;

a first immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet, extends in a first direction, is located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end on one side in the first direction and a second end on the other side in the first direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction; and

A movable portion fixed to the first coil, movable together with the first coil in the first direction, and including a magnetic member composed of a magnetic substance, the first direction being a moving direction of the movable portion, wherein,

the magnetic member extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end portion on the one side in the first direction and a second end portion on the other side in the first direction, the first end portion having a first end on the one side in the first direction, the second end portion having a second end on the other side in the first direction,

the movable portion in the neutral position is provided such that the first end of the magnetic member is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the first end of the first immovable portion or such that the first end of the magnetic member is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction, and such that the second end of the magnetic member is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the second end of the first immovable portion or such that the second end of the magnetic member is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the first immovable portion in the first direction,

Applying a current to the first coil, the polarity of which is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a first driving force that moves the magnetic member to the one side in the first direction and a third driving force that moves the magnetic member to the other side in the first direction, and the first driving force and the third driving force cause the movable portion and the first coil to relatively linearly move with respect to the first immovable portion alternately from a second position, which is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position, to a first position, which is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position, and from the first position to the second position, which is located between the first position and the second position in the first direction,

a first enlarged portion of the magnetic member located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the one side in the first direction,

A second enlarged portion of the magnetic member located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction,

the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction, and

the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the one side in the first direction.

8. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 7, further comprising:

a second coil; and

a second immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet, extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and includes a first end on the one side in the first direction and a second end on the other side in the first direction,

the first coil is disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil is disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction,

The movable portion is fixed to the second coil and disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction, and

the movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end of the magnetic member is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the first end of the second immovable portion or such that the first end of the magnetic member is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction, and such that the second end of the magnetic member is at a relative position in the first direction that coincides with the second end of the second immovable portion or such that the second end of the magnetic member is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the second immovable portion in the first direction,

applying a current to the second coil, the polarity of which is repeatedly inverted at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a second driving force that moves the magnetic member to the one side in the first direction and a fourth driving force that moves the magnetic member to the other side in the first direction,

The first and second driving forces and the third and fourth driving forces alternately cause the movable portion and the first and second coils to alternately relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position with respect to the first and second immovable portions,

the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member located on the side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the side in the first direction,

the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the second immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction,

the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction, and

The second enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the one side in the first direction.

9. An electromagnetic actuator, comprising:

a first coil;

a first immovable portion that is made of a magnetic substance, that extends in a first direction, that is located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and that has an opening that extends through the first immovable portion in the second direction, the opening including a first edge portion of one side of the opening in the first direction and a second edge portion of the other side of the opening in the first direction, the first edge portion of the opening including a first edge of the one side of the opening in the first direction, the second edge portion of the opening including a second edge of the other side of the opening in the first direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction; and

a movable part including a permanent magnet and movable in the first direction, which is a moving direction of the movable part, wherein,

The permanent magnet extending in the first direction, being located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and including a first portion and a second portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first portion,

the movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, such that the second portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the second edge portion of the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, and such that an end portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet on the one side in the first direction and an end portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet on the one side in the first direction coincide with the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion, respectively, in the first direction,

applying a current to the first coil generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the one side in the first direction, and the first driving force linearly moves the movable portion relatively from the neutral position to a first position located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position with respect to the first coil and the first immovable portion,

A first enlarged portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet located on the side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the opening of the first immovable portion and a second enlarged portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet located on the side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion are gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the side in the first direction, and

the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves toward the other side in the first direction.

10. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 9, further comprising:

a second coil; and

a second immovable portion that is composed of a magnetic substance, extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and has an opening that extends through the second immovable portion in the second direction, the opening of the second immovable portion including a first edge portion of one side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction and a second edge portion of the other side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction, the first edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion including a first edge of the one side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction, the second edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion including a first edge of the other side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction The two edges of the two edges are provided with a plurality of grooves,

The first coil is disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil is disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction,

the movable portion is disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction,

the movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the second portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the second edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, and such that an end portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction and an end portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction coincide with the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the second immovable portion, respectively, in the first direction,

applying a current to the second coil generates a second driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the one side in the first direction,

The first and second driving forces cause the movable portion to relatively linearly move from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the first and second coils and the first and second immovable portions,

as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the one side in the first direction, the first enlarged portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet, which is also located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the opening of the second immovable portion, and the second enlarged portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet, which is also located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the opening of the second immovable portion, gradually enlarge, and

the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, respectively, so that the movable portion moves toward the other side in the first direction.

11. An electromagnetic actuator, comprising:

a first coil;

A first immovable portion that is made of a magnetic substance, that extends in a first direction, that is located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and that has an opening that extends through the first immovable portion in the second direction, the opening including a first edge portion of one side of the opening in the first direction and a second edge portion of the other side of the opening in the first direction, the first edge portion of the opening including a first edge of the one side of the opening in the first direction, the second edge portion of the opening including a second edge of the other side of the opening in the first direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction; and

a movable part including a permanent magnet and movable in the first direction, which is a moving direction of the movable part, wherein,

the permanent magnet extending in the first direction, being located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and including a first portion, a second portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first portion, a third portion on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first portion, and a fourth portion between the first portion and the second portion,

The movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the second portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the second edge portion of the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the third portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the first edge portion of the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the fourth portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the end portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet on the one side in the first direction and the end portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet on the one side in the first direction are disposed in the first direction and the first direction, respectively The first edge and the second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion coincide with each other, and an end of the other side of the third portion of the permanent magnet and an end of the other side of the fourth portion of the permanent magnet in the first direction coincide with the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion, respectively, in the first direction, and

Applying a current to the first coil, the polarity of which is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the one side in the first direction and a third driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the other side in the first direction, and the first driving force and the third driving force cause the movable portion to relatively linearly move with respect to the first coil and the first immovable portion alternately from a second position, which is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position, to a first position, which is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position, and from the first position to the second position, which is located between the first position and the second position in the first direction,

a first enlarged portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the opening of the first immovable portion and a second enlarged portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion are gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the one side in the first direction,

A third enlarged portion of the third portion of the permanent magnet located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the opening of the first immovable portion and a fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the permanent magnet located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion are gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction,

the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction, and

the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the one side in the first direction.

12. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 11, further comprising:

a second coil; and

a second immovable portion that is composed of a magnetic substance, extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and has an opening that extends through the second immovable portion in the second direction, the opening of the second immovable portion including a first edge portion of one side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction and a second edge portion of the other side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction, the first edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion including a first edge of the one side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction, the second edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion including a first edge of the other side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction The two edges of the two edges are provided with a plurality of grooves,

The first coil is disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil is disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction,

the movable portion is disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction,

the movable portion at the neutral position is disposed such that the first portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the second portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the second edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the third portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the first edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the fourth portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the end portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet on the side in the first direction and the end portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet on the side in the first direction are disposed in the first direction Respectively, and such that the end portion of the other side in the first direction of the third portion of the permanent magnet and the end portion of the other side in the first direction of the fourth portion of the permanent magnet coincide with the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction, respectively,

Applying a current of which polarity is repeatedly inverted at predetermined intervals to the second coil alternately generates a second driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the one side in the first direction and a fourth driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the other side in the first direction,

the first driving force and the second driving force and the third driving force and the fourth driving force that are alternately generated cause the movable portion to relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position with respect to the first coil and the second coil and the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion alternately,

the first enlarged portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet located on the side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the opening of the second immovable portion and the second enlarged portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet located on the side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the opening of the second immovable portion are gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the side in the first direction,

As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction, the third enlarged portion of the third portion of the permanent magnet, which is also located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the opening of the second immovable portion, and the fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the permanent magnet, which is also located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the opening of the second immovable portion, gradually enlarge,

the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the second immovable portion so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction, and

the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the second immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the one side in the first direction.

13. An electromagnetic actuator, comprising:

a first coil;

a first immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet, extends in a first direction including one side and the other side, is located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a third portion and a fourth portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the third portion, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction; and

A movable portion including a magnetic member composed of a magnetic substance, fixed to the first coil, and movable together with the first coil in the first direction, the first direction being a moving direction of the movable portion, wherein,

the magnetic member extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and has an opening extending through the magnetic member in the second direction,

the opening includes a first edge portion of one side of the opening in the first direction and a second edge portion of the other side of the opening in the first direction, the first edge portion of the opening includes a first edge of the one side of the opening in the first direction, and the second edge portion of the opening includes a second edge of the other side of the opening in the first direction,

the movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the third portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, such that the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the fourth portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, and such that the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member are respectively overlapped with an end portion of the third portion of the first immovable portion on the other side in the first direction and an end portion of the fourth portion of the first immovable portion on the other side in the first direction,

Applying a current to the first coil generates a first driving force that moves the magnetic member to the one side in the first direction, and the first driving force relatively linearly moves the movable portion and the first coil with respect to the first immovable portion from the neutral position to a first position located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position,

a third enlarged portion of the third portion of the first immovable portion and a fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the first immovable portion that is on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion are gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the one side in the first direction

The third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the first immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction.

14. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 13, further comprising:

A second coil; and

a second immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet, extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and includes a third portion and a fourth portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the third portion of the second immovable portion,

the first coil is disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil is disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction,

the movable portion is fixed to the second coil and disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction,

the movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the third portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the fourth portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, and such that the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member are respectively overlapped with an end portion of the third portion of the second immovable portion on the other side in the first direction and an end portion of the fourth portion of the second immovable portion on the other side in the first direction,

Applying a current to the second coil generates a second driving force that moves the magnetic member to the one side in the first direction,

the first driving force and the second driving force relatively linearly move the movable portion and the first coil and the second coil with respect to the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion from the neutral position to the first position,

a third enlarged portion of the third portion of the second immovable portion and a fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the second immovable portion that is on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion are gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the one side in the first direction

The third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the second immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction.

15. An electromagnetic actuator, comprising:

A first coil;

a first immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet, extends in a first direction including one side and the other side, is located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first portion, a second portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first portion, a third portion on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first portion, and a fourth portion between the first portion and the second portion, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction; and

a movable portion including a magnetic member composed of a magnetic substance, fixed to the first coil, and movable together with the first coil in the first direction, the first direction being a moving direction of the movable portion, wherein,

the magnetic member extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and has an opening extending through the magnetic member in the second direction,

the opening includes a first edge portion of one side of the opening in the first direction and a second edge portion of the other side of the opening in the first direction, the first edge portion of the opening includes a first edge of the one side of the opening in the first direction, and the second edge portion of the opening includes a second edge of the other side of the opening in the first direction,

The movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the third portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the fourth portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the first portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the second edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the second portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member are disposed in spaced relation to the second portion of the first immovable portion in the first direction, respectively, the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member are disposed in the first direction in spaced relation to the other side of the third portion of the first immovable portion in the first direction An end portion and an end portion of the other side in the first direction of the fourth portion of the first immovable portion are coincident with each other, and the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member are made to coincide with an end portion of the one side in the first direction of the first portion of the first immovable portion and an end portion of the one side in the first direction of the second portion of the first immovable portion, respectively, in the first direction,

Applying a current to the first coil, the polarity of which is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a first driving force that moves the magnetic member to the one side in the first direction and a third driving force that moves the magnetic member to the other side in the first direction, and the first driving force and the third driving force cause the movable portion and the first coil to relatively linearly move with respect to the first immovable portion alternately from a second position, which is located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position, to a first position, which is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position, and from the first position to the second position, which is located between the first position and the second position in the first direction,

a third enlarged portion of the third portion of the first immovable portion located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the movable portion and a fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the first immovable portion located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion are gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the one side in the first direction,

A first enlarged portion of the first immovable portion located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the movable portion and a second enlarged portion of the second portion of the first immovable portion located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion are gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction,

the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the first immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction, and

the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the first immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member, so that the movable portion moves to the one side in the first direction.

16. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 15, further comprising:

a second coil; and

a second immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet, extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and includes a first portion, a second portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first portion of the second immovable portion, a third portion on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first portion of the second immovable portion, and a fourth portion between the first portion and the second portion of the second immovable portion,

The first coil is disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil is disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction,

the movable portion is fixed to the second coil and disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction,

the movable portion at the neutral position is disposed such that the first edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the third portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the fourth portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the first portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the second edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the second portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member are disposed in spaced relation to the other one of the third portion of the second immovable portion in the first direction, respectively, in the first direction A side end portion and an end portion of the other side of the fourth portion of the second immovable portion in the first direction are coincident with each other, and the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member are made to coincide with an end portion of the one side of the first portion of the second immovable portion and an end portion of the one side of the second portion of the second immovable portion in the first direction, respectively, in the first direction,

Applying a current to the second coil, the polarity of which is repeatedly inverted at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a second driving force that moves the magnetic member to the one side in the first direction and a fourth driving force that moves the magnetic member to the other side in the first direction,

the first and second driving forces and the third and fourth driving forces alternately cause the movable portion and the first and second coils to alternately relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position with respect to the first and second immovable portions,

a third enlarged portion of the third portion of the second immovable portion located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the movable portion and a fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the second immovable portion located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion are gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the one side in the first direction,

A first enlarged portion of the first portion of the second immovable portion that is also on the one side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the movable portion and a second enlarged portion of the second immovable portion that is also on the one side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion are gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction,

the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the second immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction, and

the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the second immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member, so that the movable portion moves to the one side in the first direction.

17. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16, wherein a first distance from the first immovable portion to the movable portion in the second direction is equal to a second distance from the second immovable portion to the movable portion in the second direction.

18. The electromagnetic actuator according to claim 1, 5, 9 or 13, wherein a current having one of two polarities is intermittently applied to the first coil.

19. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 2, 6, 10 or 14, wherein the first coil and the second coil are intermittently applied with a current having one of two polarities.

20. The electromagnetic actuator according to claim 1, 3, 9 or 11, further comprising a housing, wherein the first coil and the first immovable portion are directly or indirectly fixed to the housing.

21. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 2, 4, 10, or 12, further comprising a housing,

wherein the first and second coils and the first and second immovable portions are directly or indirectly fixed to the housing.

22. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 5, 7, 13, or 15, further comprising a housing,

wherein the first immovable portion is fixed to the housing directly or indirectly.

23. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 6, 8, 14 or 16, further comprising a housing,

Wherein the first and second immovable portions are directly or indirectly fixed to the housing.

24. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 20 or 22, wherein,

the housing includes a first facing portion facing the first coil in the second direction,

the first facing portion includes an inner face facing the first coil in the second direction, an outer face opposing the inner face in the second direction, and an inner portion between the inner face and the outer face, and

the first immovable portion is fixed to the outer face or the inner face of the first facing portion or embedded in the inner portion of the first facing portion.

25. The electromagnetic actuator according to claim 21 or 23, wherein,

the housing includes a first facing portion facing the first coil in the second direction and a second facing portion facing the second coil in the second direction,

the first facing portion includes an inner face facing the first coil in the second direction, an outer face opposing the inner face in the second direction, and an inner portion between the inner face and the outer face,

The second facing portion includes an inner face facing the second coil in the second direction, an outer face opposing the inner face of the second facing portion in the second direction, and an inner portion between the inner face and the outer face of the second facing portion,

the first immovable portion is fixed to the outer face or the inner face of the first facing portion or embedded in the inner portion of the first facing portion, and

the second immovable portion is fixed to the outer face or the inner face of the second facing portion or embedded in the inner portion of the second facing portion.

26. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 2, 4, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, or 25, further comprising at least one support between the first and second immovable portions in the second direction, the at least one support configured to support the first and second immovable portions.

27. The electromagnetic actuator of claim 26, further comprising:

a housing for housing the first coil, the second coil and the movable portion,

Wherein the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion hold the housing between the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction.

28. The electromagnetic actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising a guide configured to guide the movable portion to enable the movable portion to move in the first direction.

29. A vibration generator comprising the electromagnetic actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 18,

wherein the vibration generator is configured to generate vibration by moving the movable part.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator and a vibration generator including the electromagnetic actuator.

Background

A conventional vibration generator is disclosed in japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2011-97747. The electromagnetic actuator includes a magnet, first and second yokes, an annular coil, first and second weights, first and second shafts, first, second, third, and fourth coil springs, and first and second spring receivers.

The magnet is a plate extending in a first direction. The magnet includes a first face on one side in the second direction and a second face on an opposite side thereof. The second direction is a thickness direction of the magnet and is orthogonal to the first direction. The first yoke is a plate extending in a first direction, and is fixed to a first face of the magnet. The first yoke includes a dimension in the first direction that is greater than a dimension of the magnet in the first direction. The second yoke includes a flat plate and a pair of plates. The flat plate extends in the first direction and faces the second face of the magnet with a gap in the second direction. The plates extend in a second direction from opposite ends of the flat plate in the first direction to be fixed to opposite ends of the first yoke in the first direction. The coil is disposed between the magnet and the flat plate.

The first counterweight and the second counterweight extend in a third direction. Each of the first weight and the second weight includes a first end portion on one side in the third direction, a second end portion on the other side in the third direction, and an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. The intermediate portion of the first weight is fixed to the first yoke and the second yoke and is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the magnet and the coil. The first and second ends of the first balance weight extend farther to one side and the other side in the third direction than the first and second yokes. The intermediate portion of the second weight is fixed to the first yoke and the second yoke and is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the magnet and the coil. The first end portion and the second end portion of the second balance weight extend farther to one side and the other side in the third direction than the first yoke and the second yoke.

The first shaft extends in the first direction to be located on one side in the third direction with respect to the first and second yokes, the magnet, and the coil. A first shaft extends in a first direction through first ends of the first and second counterweights. The second shaft extends in the first direction to be located on the other side in the third direction with respect to the first and second yokes, the magnet, and the coil. A second shaft extends in the first direction through the second ends of the first and second counterweights. The first and second weights, the first and second yokes, and the magnet (these will be collectively referred to as movable portions) are movable along the first and second axes.

The first spring receiver is fixed in a first direction at a location between the first end of the first counterweight and the first end of the second counterweight and receives the first shaft therethrough. The second spring receiver is fixed in a position between the second end of the first counterweight and the second end of the second counterweight in the first direction and receives the second shaft therethrough.

The first coil spring is disposed around the first shaft so as to be located between the first end of the first balance weight and the first spring receiver. The second coil spring is disposed around the first shaft so as to be located between the first end portion of the second balance weight and the first spring receiver. The third coil spring is disposed around the second shaft so as to be located between the second end of the first balance weight and the second spring receiver. The fourth coil spring is disposed around the second shaft so as to be located between the second end of the second balance weight and the second spring receiver.

The conventional vibration generator is configured to generate vibration by applying a square wave or sine wave current to the coil so that the movable portion repeatedly reciprocates in the first direction along the first axis and the second axis in the following manner. When the movable part moves to one side in the first direction, the second coil spring is compressed between the first spring receiver and the first end of the second weight of the movable part, and the fourth coil spring is compressed between the second spring receiver and the second end of the second weight. The compressed second coil spring urges the first end portion of the second weight of the movable portion toward the other side in the first direction, and the compressed fourth coil spring urges the second end portion of the second weight of the movable portion toward the other side in the first direction. When the movable part moves to the other side in the first direction, the first coil spring is compressed between the first spring receiver and the first end of the first weight of the movable part, and the third coil spring is compressed between the second spring receiver and the first end of the second weight of the movable part. The compressed first coil spring urges the first end portion of the first weight of the movable portion to one side in the first direction, and the compressed third coil spring urges the first end portion of the second weight of the movable portion to one side in the first direction. In short, the first to fourth coil springs, the first and second weights, and the first and second spring receivers apply such driving force to move the movable portion, which has moved to one side or the other side in the first direction, in the opposite direction.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

The second coil spring abuts the first spring receiver and the first end of the second counterweight, the fourth coil spring abuts the second spring receiver and the second end of the second counterweight, the first coil spring abuts the first spring receiver and the first end of the first counterweight, and the third coil spring abuts the second spring receiver and the first end of the second counterweight.

The present invention provides an electromagnetic actuator and a vibration generator capable of applying a driving force to a movable portion in a non-contact manner in a direction opposite to a moving direction.

Solution to the problem

A first electromagnetic actuator according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first coil, a first immovable portion, and a movable portion that is movable in a first direction and includes a permanent magnet. The first direction is a moving direction of the movable portion. The first immovable portion is formed of a magnetic substance and extends in a first direction. The first immovable portion is located on one side in the second direction with respect to the first coil and includes a first end on one side in the first direction. The second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The permanent magnet of the movable part extends in a first direction. The permanent magnet of the movable portion is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end portion on one side in the first direction. The first end portion of the permanent magnet of the movable portion has a first end on one side in the first direction. The movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction or such that the first end of the permanent magnet is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction.

Applying a current to the first coil generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet to one side in the first direction, and the first driving force linearly moves the movable portion relatively from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the first coil and the first immovable portion. The first position is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position. The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet on the side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the side in the first direction.

The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction. In this aspect, when the first driving force moves the movable portion from the neutral position to the first position, the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet of the movable portion is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to the other side in the first direction.

The first electromagnetic actuator may further include a second coil and a second immovable portion. The second immovable portion may be formed of a magnetic substance and extend in the first direction. The second immovable portion may be located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil and include a first end on one side in the first direction. The first coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction. The movable portion may be disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction. The movable portion in the neutral position may be disposed such that the first end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction, or such that the first end of the permanent magnet is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction.

Applying a current to the second coil may generate a second driving force that moves the permanent magnet to one side in the first direction. The first driving force and the second driving force may relatively linearly move the movable portion to a first position from a neutral position with respect to the first coil and the second coil and the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion. The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet, which may also be located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion, may be gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction.

The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet may be magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion so that the movable portion may move to the other side in the first direction.

A second electromagnetic actuator according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first coil, a first immovable portion, and a movable portion that is movable in a first direction and includes a permanent magnet. The first immovable portion may have a configuration similar to that of the first electromagnetic actuator, but may be different in that the first immovable portion of the second electromagnetic actuator further includes a second end on the other side in the first direction. The permanent magnet of the movable part may have a similar configuration to that of the first electromagnetic actuator, but may be different in that the permanent magnet of the second electromagnetic actuator further includes a second end portion on the other side in the first direction and the second end portion includes a second end on the other side in the first direction.

The movable portion in the neutral position is provided such that the first end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction or such that the first end of the permanent magnet is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction, and such that the second end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the second end of the first immovable portion in the first direction or such that the second end of the permanent magnet is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the first immovable portion in the first direction.

A current of which polarity is repeatedly inverted at predetermined intervals is applied to the first coil. Applying such a current to the first coil alternately generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet to one side in the first direction and a third driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the other side in the first direction. The first driving force and the third driving force cause the movable portion to relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position alternately with respect to the first coil and the first immovable portion. The first position is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position. The second position is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position. The neutral position is located between the first position and the second position in the first direction. The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet on the side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the side in the first direction. The second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction.

The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction. The second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to one side in the first direction. In this aspect, when the first driving force moves the movable portion from the second position to the first position, the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to the other side in the first direction. When the third driving force moves the movable portion from the first position to the second position, the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to one side in the first direction.

The second electromagnetic actuator may further include a second coil and a second immovable portion. The second immovable portion may have a configuration similar to that of the first electromagnetic actuator, but may be different in that the second immovable portion of the second electromagnetic actuator further includes a second end on the other side in the first direction. The first coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction. The movable portion may be disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction. The movable portion in the neutral position may be disposed such that the first end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction or such that the first end of the permanent magnet is located at one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction, and such that the second end of the permanent magnet is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the second end of the second immovable portion in the first direction or such that the second end of the permanent magnet is located at the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the second immovable portion in the first direction.

A current, the polarity of which may be repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, may be applied to the second coil. Applying such a current to the second wire may alternately generate a second driving force that moves the permanent magnet to one side in the first direction and a fourth driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the other side in the first direction. The first driving force and the second driving force, and the third driving force and the fourth driving force, which are alternately generated, may cause the movable portion to alternately relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position with respect to the first coil and the second coil, and the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion. The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet, which may also be located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion, may be gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction. The second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet, which may also be located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the second immovable portion, may be gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction.

The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet may be magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion so that the movable portion may move to the other side in the first direction. The second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet may be magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion so that the movable portion may move to one side in the first direction.

A third electromagnetic actuator according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first coil, a first immovable portion constituted by a permanent magnet, and a movable portion movable together with the first coil in a first direction. The first immovable portion extends in the first direction, is located on one side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end on one side in the first direction. The movable portion is fixed to the first coil and includes a magnetic member. The magnetic member extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end portion on one side in the first direction. The first end portion has a first end on one side in the first direction. The movable portion in the neutral position is provided such that the first end of the magnetic member is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction or such that the first end of the magnetic member is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction.

Applying a current to the first coil generates a first driving force that moves the magnetic member to one side in the first direction. The first driving force linearly moves the movable portion and the first coil relatively with respect to the first immovable portion from the neutral position to the first position. The first position is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position. The first enlarged portion of the magnetic member on the side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the side in the first direction.

The first enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction. In this aspect, when the first driving force moves the movable portion from the neutral position to the first position, the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to the other side in the first direction.

The third electromagnetic actuator may further include a second coil and a second immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet and extends in the first direction. The second immovable portion may be located at the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil and may include a first end at one side in the first direction. The first coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction. The second coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction. The movable part may be fixed to the second coil and disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction. The movable portion in the neutral position may be disposed such that the first end of the magnetic member is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction or such that the first end of the magnetic member is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction.

Applying a current to the second coil may generate a second driving force that moves the magnetic member to one side in the first direction. The first and second driving forces may cause the movable portion and the first and second coils to relatively linearly move from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the first and second immovable portions. The first enlarged portion of the magnetic member, which may also be located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion, may be gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction.

The first enlarged portion of the magnetic member may be magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, so that the movable portion may move to the other side in the first direction.

A fourth electromagnetic actuator according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first coil, a first immovable portion constituted by a permanent magnet, and a movable portion movable together with the first coil in a first direction. The first immovable portion extends in the first direction, is located on one side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end on one side in the first direction and a second end on the other side in the first direction. The movable portion is fixed to the first coil and includes a magnetic member composed of a magnetic substance. The magnetic member extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first end portion on one side in the first direction and a second end portion on the other side in the first direction. The first end portion has a first end on one side in the first direction. The second end portion has a second end on the other side in the first direction. The movable portion in the neutral position is provided such that the first end of the magnetic member is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction or such that the first end of the magnetic member is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion in the first direction, and such that the second end of the magnetic member is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the second end of the first immovable portion in the first direction or such that the second end of the magnetic member is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the first immovable portion in the first direction.

Applying a current, which is repeatedly reversed in polarity at predetermined intervals, to the first coil alternately generates a first driving force that moves the magnetic member to one side in the first direction and a third driving force that moves the magnetic member to the other side in the first direction. The first driving force and the third driving force cause the movable portion and the first coil to alternately relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and relatively linearly move from the first position to the second position with respect to the first immovable portion. The first position is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position, the second position is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position, and the neutral position is located between the first position and the second position in the first direction. The first enlarged portion of the magnetic member on the side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the first immovable portion is gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the side in the first direction. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction, the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the first immovable portion gradually enlarges,

The first enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction. The second enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to one side in the first direction. In this aspect, when the movable portion is moved from the second position to the first position by the first driving force, the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to the other side in the first direction. When the movable portion is moved from the first position to the second position by the third driving force, the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to one side in the first direction.

The fourth electromagnetic actuator may further include a second coil and a second immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet and extends in the first direction. The second immovable portion may be located at the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and may include a first end at one side in the first direction and a second end at the other side in the first direction. The first coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction. The second coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction.

The movable portion may be fixed to the second coil and disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction. The movable portion in the neutral position may be provided such that the first end of the magnetic member is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction or such that the first end of the magnetic member is located at one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion in the first direction and such that the second end of the magnetic member is at a relative position substantially coinciding with the second end of the second immovable portion in the first direction or such that the second end of the magnetic member is located at the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the second immovable portion in the first direction.

Applying a current, which may be repeatedly polarity-reversed at predetermined intervals, to the second coil may alternately generate a second driving force to move the magnetic member to one side in the first direction and a fourth driving force to move the magnetic member to the other side in the first direction. The first and second driving forces and the third and fourth driving forces generated alternately may cause the movable portion and the first and second coils to alternately move linearly relatively from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position with respect to the first and second immovable portions. The first enlarged portion of the magnetic member, which may also be located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first end of the second immovable portion, may be gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction. The second enlarged portion of the magnetic member, which may be located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second end of the second immovable portion, may be gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction.

The first enlarged portion of the magnetic member may be magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, so that the movable portion may move to the other side in the first direction. The second enlarged portion of the magnetic member may be magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, so that the movable portion may move to one side in the first direction.

A fifth electromagnetic actuator according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first coil, a first immovable portion composed of a magnetic substance, and a movable portion that is movable in a first direction and includes a permanent magnet. The first immovable portion extends in the first direction, is located on one side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and has an opening extending through the first immovable portion in the second direction. The opening includes a first edge portion of one side of the opening in the first direction and a second edge portion of the other side of the opening in the first direction. The first edge portion of the opening includes a first edge of one side of the opening in the first direction. The second edge portion of the opening includes a second edge of the other side of the opening in the first direction. The permanent magnet extends in a first direction, is located on the other side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first portion and a second portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first portion. The movable portion at the neutral position is disposed such that the first portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the second portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the second edge portion of the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, and an end portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction and an end portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction coincide with the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion, respectively, in the first direction.

Applying a current to the first coil generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet to one side in the first direction, and the first driving force linearly moves the movable portion relatively from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the first coil and the first immovable portion. The first position is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction, a first enlarged portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet located on one side in the first direction with respect to a first edge of the opening of the first immovable portion and a second enlarged portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet located on one side in the first direction with respect to a second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion are gradually enlarged.

The first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction. In this aspect, when the first driving force moves the movable portion from the neutral position to the first position, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to the other side in the first direction.

The fifth electromagnetic actuator may further include a second coil and a second immovable portion that is made of a magnetic substance and extends in the first direction. The second immovable portion may be located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil and may have an opening extending through the second immovable portion in the second direction. The opening of the second immovable portion may include a first edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion on one side in the first direction and a second edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion on the other side in the first direction. The first edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion may include a first edge of one side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction. The second edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion may include a second edge of the other side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction. The first coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction. The second coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction. The movable portion may be disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction. The movable portion at the neutral position may be disposed such that the first portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the second portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the second edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, and such that an end portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction and an end portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction substantially coincide with the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the second immovable portion, respectively, in the first direction.

Applying a current to the second coil may generate a second driving force that moves the permanent magnet to one side in the first direction. The first driving force and the second driving force may relatively linearly move the movable portion to a first position from a neutral position with respect to the first coil and the second coil and the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction, the first edge of the first portion of the permanent magnet with respect to the opening of the second immovable portion may also be located at the first enlarged portion of one side in the first direction and the second edge of the second portion of the permanent magnet with respect to the opening of the second immovable portion may also be gradually enlarged.

The first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet may be magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, respectively, so that the movable portion may move to the other side in the first direction.

A sixth electromagnetic actuator according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first coil, a first immovable portion made of a magnetic substance, and a movable portion that is movable in a first direction and includes a permanent magnet. The first immovable portion is formed of a magnetic substance, extends in the first direction, is located on one side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and has an opening extending through the first immovable portion in the second direction. The opening includes a first edge portion of one side of the opening in the first direction and a second edge portion of the other side of the opening in the first direction. The first edge portion of the opening includes a first edge of one side of the opening in the first direction. The second edge portion of the opening includes a second edge of the other side of the opening in the first direction. The permanent magnet extends in a first direction, is located on the other side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first portion, a second portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first portion, a third portion on one side in the first direction with respect to the first portion, and a fourth portion between the first portion and the second portion. The movable portion at the neutral position is disposed such that the first portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the second portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the second edge portion of the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the third portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the first edge portion of the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, the fourth portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the first immovable portion in the second direction, an end portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction and an end portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction are substantially overlapped with the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion, respectively, and an end portion of the third portion of the permanent magnet on the other side in the first direction and a fourth edge of the permanent magnet The end portions of the other side of the portion in the first direction substantially coincide with the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion, respectively, in the first direction.

Applying a current to the first coil that is repeatedly reversed in polarity at predetermined intervals alternately generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet to one side in the first direction and a third driving force that moves the permanent magnet to the other side in the first direction, and the first driving force and the third driving force cause the movable portion to alternately relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and relatively linearly move from the first position to the second position with respect to the first coil and the first immovable portion. The first position is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position. The second position is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position. The neutral position is located between the first position and the second position in the first direction. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction, a first enlarged portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction with respect to a first edge of the opening of the first immovable portion and a second enlarged portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction with respect to a second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion are gradually enlarged. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction, a third enlarged portion of the third portion of the permanent magnet located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the opening of the first immovable portion and a fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the permanent magnet located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the opening of the first immovable portion are gradually enlarged.

The first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction. The third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion, so that the movable portion moves to one side in the first direction. In this aspect, when the first driving force moves the movable portion from the second position to the first position, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to the other side in the first direction. When the movable portion is moved from the first position to the second position by the third driving force, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to one side in the first direction.

The sixth electromagnetic actuator may further include a second coil and a second immovable portion that is made of a magnetic substance and extends in the first direction. The second immovable portion may be formed of a magnetic substance, extend in the first direction, may be located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and may have an opening extending through the second immovable portion in the second direction. The opening of the second immovable portion may include a first edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion on one side in the first direction and a second edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion on the other side in the first direction. The first edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion may include a first edge of one side of the opening of the second immovable portion in the first direction. The second edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion may include a second edge of the opening of the second immovable portion on the other side in the first direction. The first coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction. The second coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction. The movable portion may be disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction. The movable portion at the neutral position may be disposed such that the first portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, the second portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the second edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, the third portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the first edge portion of the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, the fourth portion of the permanent magnet is disposed in spaced relation to the opening of the second immovable portion in the second direction, the end portion of the first portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction and the end portion of the second portion of the permanent magnet on one side in the first direction are substantially coincident with the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the second immovable portion, respectively, in the first direction, and an end portion of the third portion of the permanent magnet on the other side in the first direction and an end portion of the fourth portion of the permanent magnet on the other side in the first direction are made to substantially coincide with a first edge and a second edge of the opening of the second immovable portion, respectively, in the first direction.

Applying a current, which may be repeatedly polarity-reversed at predetermined intervals, to the second coil may alternately generate a second driving force to move the permanent magnet to one side in the first direction and a fourth driving force to move the permanent magnet to the other side in the first direction. The first driving force and the second driving force and the third driving force and the fourth driving force, which are alternately generated, may cause the movable portion to alternately relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and relatively linearly move from the first position to the second position with respect to the first coil and the second coil and the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction, a first edge of the first portion of the permanent magnet with respect to the opening of the second immovable portion may also be located at one side in the first direction and a second edge of the second portion of the permanent magnet with respect to the opening of the second immovable portion may also be gradually enlarged. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction, a first edge of the third portion of the permanent magnet with respect to the opening of the second immovable portion may also be located on the other side in the first direction and a second edge of the fourth portion of the permanent magnet with respect to the opening of the second immovable portion may also be gradually enlarged.

The first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet may be magnetically attracted toward the second immovable portion, so that the movable portion may move to the other side in the first direction. The third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet may be magnetically attracted toward the second immovable portion, so that the movable portion may move to one side in the first direction.

A seventh electromagnetic actuator according to an aspect of the present invention may include a first coil, a first immovable portion constituted by a permanent magnet, and a movable portion movable together with the first coil in a first direction. The first immovable portion extends in a first direction including one side and the other side, is located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a third portion and a fourth portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the third portion, and the second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The movable portion includes a magnetic member made of a magnetic substance, and is fixed to the first coil. The magnetic member extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and has an opening extending through the magnetic member in the second direction. The opening includes a first edge portion of one side of the opening in the first direction and a second edge portion of the other side of the opening in the first direction. The first edge portion of the opening includes a first edge of one side of the opening in the first direction. The second edge portion of the opening includes a second edge of the other side of the opening in the first direction. The movable portion in the neutral position is disposed such that the first edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the third portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, such that the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the fourth portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, and such that the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member substantially coincide with an end portion of the third portion of the first immovable portion on the other side in the first direction and an end portion of the fourth portion of the first immovable portion on the other side in the first direction, respectively, in the first direction.

Applying a current to the first coil generates a first driving force that moves the magnetic member to one side in the first direction, and the first driving force relatively linearly moves the movable portion and the first coil from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the first immovable portion. The first position is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction, a third enlarged portion of the third portion of the first immovable portion, which is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the movable portion, and a fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the first immovable portion, which is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion, are gradually enlarged.

The third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the first immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction. In this aspect, when the movable portion is moved from the neutral position to the first position by the first driving force, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the first immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to the other side in the first direction.

The seventh electromagnetic actuator may further include a second coil and a second immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet and extends in the first direction. The second immovable portion may be located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and may include a third portion and a fourth portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the third portion of the second immovable portion. The first coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction. The second coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction. The movable part may be fixed to the second coil and disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction. The movable portion in the neutral position may be disposed such that a first edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to a third portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to a fourth portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, and such that the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member substantially coincide with an end portion of the third portion of the second immovable portion on the other side in the first direction and an end portion of the fourth portion of the second immovable portion on the other side in the first direction, respectively, in the first direction.

Applying a current to the second coil may generate a second driving force that moves the magnetic member to one side in the first direction. The first and second driving forces may cause the movable portion and the first and second coils to relatively linearly move from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the first and second immovable portions. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction, a third enlarged portion of the third portion of the second immovable portion, which may be located at the other side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the movable portion, and a fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the second immovable portion, which may be located at the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion, may be gradually enlarged.

The third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the second immovable portion may magnetically attract the magnetic member so that the movable portion may move to the other side in the first direction.

An eighth electromagnetic actuator according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first coil, a first immovable portion constituted by a permanent magnet, and a movable portion movable together with the first coil in a first direction. The first immovable portion extends in a first direction including one side and the other side, is located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first coil, and includes a first portion, a second portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first portion, a third portion on one side in the first direction with respect to the first portion, and a fourth portion between the first portion and the second portion, the second direction being substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The movable portion includes a magnetic member made of a magnetic substance, and is fixed to the first coil. The magnetic member extends in the first direction, is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first coil, and has an opening extending through the magnetic member in the second direction. The opening includes a first edge portion of one side of the opening in the first direction and a second edge portion of the other side of the opening in the first direction. The first edge portion of the opening includes a first edge of one side of the opening in the first direction. The second edge portion of the opening includes a second edge of the other side of the opening in the first direction. The movable portion at the neutral position is disposed such that a first edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the third portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, such that the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the fourth portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, such that the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the first portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, such that a second edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the second portion of the first immovable portion in the second direction, such that a first edge and a second edge of the opening of the magnetic member in the first direction substantially coincide with an end portion of the third portion of the first immovable portion on the other side in the first direction and an end portion of the fourth portion of the first immovable portion on the other side in the first direction, respectively, and such that a first edge and a second edge of the opening of the magnetic member substantially coincide with an end portion of the first immovable portion on one side in the first direction and an end portion of the second portion of the first immovable portion on one side in the first direction, respectively, in the first direction.

Applying a current to the first coil, the polarity of which is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a first driving force that moves the magnetic member to one side in the first direction and a third driving force that moves the magnetic member to the other side in the first direction, and the first driving force and the third driving force cause the movable portion and the first coil to alternately relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and relatively linearly move from the first position to the second position with respect to the first immovable portion. The first position is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position. The second position is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the neutral position. The neutral position is located between the first position and the second position in the first direction. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction, a third enlarged portion of the third portion of the first immovable portion, which is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the movable portion, and a fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the first immovable portion, which is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion, are gradually enlarged. As the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction, a first enlarged portion of the first immovable portion located on one side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the movable portion and a second enlarged portion of the second portion of the first immovable portion located on one side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion are gradually enlarged.

The third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the first immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member, so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction. The first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the first immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member, so that the movable portion moves to one side in the first direction. In this aspect, when the first driving force moves the movable portion from the second position to the first position, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the first immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to the other side in the first direction. The first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the first immovable portion magnetically attract the magnetic member when the movable portion is moved from the first position to the second position by the third driving force. Therefore, the driving force is applied to the movable portion in a non-contact manner, thereby moving the movable portion to one side in the first direction.

The eighth electromagnetic actuator may further include a second coil and a second immovable portion that is constituted by a permanent magnet and extends in the first direction. The second immovable portion may be located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the second coil, and may include a first portion, a second portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first portion of the second immovable portion, a third portion on one side in the first direction with respect to the first portion of the second immovable portion, and a fourth portion between the first portion and the second portion of the second immovable portion. The first coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the first immovable portion in the second direction, and the second coil may be disposed between the movable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction. The movable part may be fixed to the second coil and disposed between the first coil and the second coil in the second direction. The movable portion at the neutral position may be disposed such that a first edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to a third portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to a fourth portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the first portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that a second edge portion of the opening of the magnetic member is disposed in spaced relation to the second portion of the second immovable portion in the second direction, such that the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member in the first direction substantially coincide with an end portion of the third portion of the second immovable portion on the other side in the first direction and an end portion of the fourth portion of the second immovable portion on the other side in the first direction, respectively, and the first edge and the second edge of the opening of the magnetic member are made to substantially coincide with an end portion on one side in the first direction of the first portion of the second immovable portion and an end portion on one side in the first direction of the second portion of the second immovable portion, respectively, in the first direction.

Applying a current, which may be repeatedly polarity-reversed at predetermined intervals, to the second coil may alternately generate a second driving force to move the magnetic member to one side in the first direction and a fourth driving force to move the magnetic member to the other side in the first direction. The first and second driving forces and the third and fourth driving forces, which are alternately generated, may cause the movable portion and the first and second coils to alternately relatively linearly move from the second position to the first position and relatively linearly move from the first position to the second position with respect to the first and second immovable portions. The third enlarged portion of the third portion of the second immovable portion, which may be located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the movable portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion of the second immovable portion, which may be located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion, may be gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to one side in the first direction. The first enlarged portion of the first portion of the second immovable portion may be located at one side in the first direction with respect to the first edge of the movable portion and the second enlarged portion of the second immovable portion may be located at one side in the first direction with respect to the second edge of the movable portion may be gradually enlarged as the movable portion moves from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction.

The third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the second immovable portion may magnetically attract the magnetic member so that the movable portion moves to the other side in the first direction. The first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the second immovable portion may magnetically attract the magnetic member so that the movable portion may move to one side in the first direction.

A first distance in the second direction from the first immovable portion to the movable portion may be substantially equal to a second distance in the second direction from the second immovable portion to the movable portion, but the first distance may be different from the second distance.

A current having one of two polarities may be intermittently applied to the first coil.

A current having one of two polarities may be intermittently applied to the second coil.

Any one of the first to fourth electromagnetic actuators of the above aspect may further include a housing. The first coil and the first immovable portion may be directly or indirectly fixed to the housing.

In addition to the first coil and the first immovable portion, the second coil and the second immovable portion may also be directly or indirectly fixed to the housing.

Any one of the first to eighth electromagnetic actuators of the above aspect may further include a housing. The first immovable portion may be directly or indirectly fixed to the housing. Alternatively, the first and second immovable portions may be fixed to the housing directly or indirectly.

The housing may include a first facing portion facing the first coil in the second direction. The first facing portion may include an inner face facing the first coil in the second direction, an outer face opposite to the inner face in the second direction, and an inner portion between the inner face and the outer face. The first immovable portion may be fixed to an outer face or an inner face of the first facing portion or embedded in an inner portion of the first facing portion.

The housing may further include a second facing portion facing the second coil in the second direction. The second facing portion may include an inner face facing the second coil in the second direction, an outer face opposite to the inner face of the second facing portion in the second direction, and an inner portion between the inner face and the outer face of the second facing portion. The second immovable portion may be fixed to an outer face or an inner face of the second facing portion or embedded in an inner portion of the second facing portion.

Any one of the first to eighth electromagnetic actuators of the above aspect may further include at least one support. The at least one support may be disposed between the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction, and may be configured to support the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion.

The housing may house the first coil, the second coil, and the movable portion.

The first immovable portion and the second immovable portion may hold the housing between the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion in the second direction.

The electromagnetic actuator of any one of the above aspects may further include a guide configured to guide the movable portion so as to be movable in the first direction.

A vibration generator of an aspect of the present invention includes the electromagnetic actuator of any one of the above aspects, and may be configured to generate vibration by moving the movable portion.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a front view, a top view, a right side view of a vibration generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a rear view, a bottom view, and a left side view of the vibration generator of the first embodiment.

Fig. 2A is a sectional view of the vibration generator of the first embodiment taken along line 2A-2A in fig. 1A, wherein the movable portion of the vibration generator is in a neutral position.

Fig. 2B is a sectional view of the vibration generator of the first embodiment taken along line 2B-2B in fig. 1A, wherein the movable portion of the vibration generator is in a neutral position.

Fig. 2C is a sectional view of the vibration generator of the first embodiment taken along line 2C-2C in fig. 1A, wherein the movable portion of the vibration generator is in a neutral position.

Fig. 3 is a front view, a top view, a right side view of the vibration generator of the first embodiment, in which the second housing is removed from the first housing.

Fig. 4A is an exploded view, a front view, a top view, and a right side view of the vibration generator of the first embodiment.

Fig. 4B is an exploded view, a rear view, a bottom view, and a left side view of the vibration generator of the first embodiment.

Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator corresponding to the first embodiment of fig. 2B, wherein the movable part of the vibration generator is in a first position.

Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generator corresponding to the first embodiment of fig. 2B, wherein the movable portion of the vibration generator is in the second position.

Fig. 6A is a sectional view illustrating a first modification of the vibration generator corresponding to the first embodiment of fig. 2B, in which the movable portion of the vibration generator is in a neutral position.

Fig. 6B is a sectional view of a vibration generator corresponding to the first design modification of the first embodiment of fig. 2B, in which the movable portion of the vibration generator is in the first position.

Fig. 6C is a sectional view of a vibration generator corresponding to the first design modification of the first embodiment of fig. 2B, in which the movable portion of the vibration generator is in the second position.

Fig. 7A is a front view, a top view, a right side view of a vibration generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7B is a rear view, a bottom view, and a left side view of the vibration generator of the second embodiment.

Fig. 8A is a sectional view of the vibration generator of the second embodiment, taken along line 8A-8A in fig. 7A, with the movable portion of the vibration generator in a neutral position.

Fig. 8B is a sectional view of the vibration generator of the second embodiment, taken along line 8B-8B in fig. 7A, with the movable portion of the vibration generator in a neutral position.

Fig. 8C is a sectional view of the vibration generator of the second embodiment, taken along line 8C-8C in fig. 7A, with the movable portion of the vibration generator in a neutral position.

Fig. 9 is a front view, a top view, a right side view of the vibration generator of the second embodiment, in which the second housing is removed from the first housing.

Fig. 10A is an exploded view, a front view, a top view, a right side view of the vibration generator of the second embodiment.

Fig. 10B is an exploded view, a rear view, a bottom view, and a left side view of the vibration generator of the second embodiment.

Fig. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator corresponding to the second embodiment of fig. 8B, wherein the movable portion of the vibration generator is in the first position.

Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator corresponding to the second embodiment of fig. 8B, wherein the movable portion of the vibration generator is in a second position.

Fig. 12A is a front view, a top view, a right side view of a vibration generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12B is a rear view, a bottom view, and a left side view of the vibration generator of the third embodiment.

Fig. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generator of the third embodiment taken along line 13A-13A in fig. 12A, with the movable portion of the vibration generator in a neutral position.

Fig. 13B is a sectional view of the vibration generator of the third embodiment, taken along line 13B-13B in fig. 12A, with the movable portion of the vibration generator in a neutral position.

Fig. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generator of the third embodiment, taken along line 13C-13C in fig. 12A, with the movable portion of the vibration generator in a neutral position.

Fig. 14A is a front view, a top view, a right side view of the vibration generator of the third embodiment, in which the second immovable portion is removed.

Fig. 14B is a rear view, a bottom view, and a left side view of the vibration generator of the third embodiment, in which the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion are removed.

Fig. 14C is a front view, a top view, a right side view of the vibration generator of the third embodiment, in which the first and second immovable portions and the second housing are removed.

Fig. 15A is an exploded view, a front view, a top view, and a right side view of the vibration generator of the third embodiment.

Fig. 15B is an exploded view, a rear view, a bottom view, and a right side view of the vibration generator of the third embodiment.

Fig. 16A is a sectional view of a vibration generator corresponding to the third embodiment of fig. 13B, in which a movable portion of the vibration generator is in a first position.

Fig. 16B is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator corresponding to the third embodiment of fig. 13B, wherein the movable portion of the vibration generator is in the second position.

Fig. 17A is a sectional view of a vibration generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to fig. 2B, in which a movable portion of the vibration generator is in a neutral position.

Fig. 17B is a sectional view of a first modification of the vibration generator corresponding to the fourth embodiment of fig. 2B, in which the movable portion of the vibration generator is in a neutral position.

Fig. 18A is a sectional view of a vibration generator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable portion of the vibration generator is in a neutral position, corresponding to fig. 13B.

Fig. 18B is a sectional view of the vibration generator corresponding to the fifth embodiment of fig. 13B, in which the movable portion of the vibration generator is in the first position.

Fig. 18C is a sectional view of the vibration generator corresponding to the fifth embodiment of fig. 13B, in which the movable portion of the vibration generator is in the second position.

Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a positional relationship among the movable portion, the first and second coils, and the first and second immovable portions of the second modification of the vibration generator of the first embodiment, in which the movable portion of the vibration generator is in a neutral position.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

B1: vibration generator

A1: electromagnetic actuator

100: first coil and second coil

200: a first immovable part and a second immovable part

201: a first end; 202: second end

300: movable part

310: a permanent magnet; 310' magnetic component

311: a first end portion; 311 a: first end

312: a second end portion; 312 a: second end

320: retainer

321: a first end portion; 322: second end portion

323: a first slideway; 324: second slideway

400: shell body

410: first shell

411: first facing part

411 a: an inner face; 411 b: an outer face; 411 c: inner part

412: first and second support recesses

413: holding part

420: second shell

421: second facing part

421 a: an inner face; 421 b: an outer face; 421 c: inner part

422: holding part

500: first and second guide rails

600: circuit board

Detailed Description

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described, including a first embodiment, a second embodiment, and a third embodiment, and modifications thereof. The constitutions of the embodiments to be described and modifications thereof may be combined in any possible manner. The materials, shapes, sizes, numbers, arrangements, and the like of the constitutions of the various aspects of the embodiments and modifications thereof will be discussed below by way of example only, and modifications may be made as long as they achieve similar functions.

First embodiment

A vibration generator B1 according to embodiments of the present invention including a first embodiment and modifications thereof is described below with reference to fig. 1A to 6C. Fig. 1A to 5B illustrate a vibration generator B1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 6A to 6C illustrate a vibration generator B1 of a first modification of the first embodiment. The vibration generator B1 includes an electromagnetic actuator a1 (which may be referred to simply as actuator a 1). The actuator a1 includes first and second coils 100, first and second immovable portions 200, and a movable portion 300. Fig. 2B to 5B show an X-X' direction, which is a moving direction of the movable part 300 and corresponds to the first direction. The X-X 'direction includes an X direction corresponding to one side in the first direction and an X' direction corresponding to the other side in the first direction. Fig. 2A to 2B and 3 to 5B show a Z-Z 'direction which is substantially orthogonal to the X-X' direction and corresponds to the second direction. The Z-Z 'direction includes a Z direction corresponding to one side in the second direction and a Z' direction corresponding to the other side in the second direction. Fig. 2A and 2C to 4B show a Y-Y ' direction which is substantially orthogonal to the X-X ' direction and the Z-Z ' direction and corresponds to a third direction.

The movable portion 300 is disposed between the first coil 100 and the second coil 100 in a spaced relationship from the first coil 100 and the second coil 100 in the Z-Z' direction. The movable part 300 includes a permanent magnet 310 extending in the X-X' direction. The permanent magnet 310 is a plate or a column having a circular or polygonal cross section. The permanent magnet 310 includes a portion on the Z-direction side and a portion on the Z' -direction side. The permanent magnet 310 may be composed of a single permanent magnet. In this case, the portion of the permanent magnet 310 on the Z-direction side is half of the single permanent magnet on the Z-direction side, and the portion of the permanent magnet 310 on the Z '-direction side is the other half of the single permanent magnet on the Z' -direction side. The permanent magnet 310 is magnetized on the X-direction side and the X' -direction side of the Z-direction side portion so as to form a south pole and a north pole, respectively; and the permanent magnet 310 is magnetized on the X-direction side and the X '-direction side of the Z' -direction side portion so as to form the north pole and the south pole, respectively. Alternatively, the permanent magnet 310 may be composed of two separate permanent magnets bonded together in the Z-Z' direction. In this case, the part of the permanent magnet 310 on the Z-direction side is constituted by one of the two permanent magnets, and the part of the permanent magnet 310 on the Z' -direction side is constituted by the other permanent magnet. The permanent magnet 310 forms a south pole and a north pole on the X-direction side and the X' -direction side of the Z-direction side portion, respectively; and the permanent magnet 310 forms north and south poles on the X-direction side and the X '-direction side of the portion on the Z' -direction side, respectively. For convenience of description, the portions of the Z-direction-side portions of the permanent magnet 310, in which the south pole and the north pole are respectively formed, may be referred to as a first magnetic pole portion and a second magnetic pole portion, respectively; and the portions of the Z' -direction side portions of the permanent magnet 310 that form the north pole and the south pole, respectively, may be referred to as a third magnetic pole portion and a fourth magnetic pole portion, respectively. The permanent magnet 310 may be modified such that the first and second pole portions form north and south poles, respectively, and the third and fourth pole portions form south and north poles, respectively.

The size of the permanent magnet 310 in the X-X' direction may or may not be substantially equal to or greater than the size of each of the first and second coils 100 and 100. A size of the permanent magnet 310 in the X-X' direction may or may not be substantially equal to or greater than a size of each of the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200.

The permanent magnet 310 includes a first end 311 on the X-direction side and a second end 312 on the X' -direction side. The first end portion 311 includes a first end 311a on the X direction side. The second end 312 includes a second end 312a on the X' direction side.

The permanent magnet 310 is disposed between the first coil 100 and the second coil 100 in a spaced relationship with the first coil 100 and the second coil 100 in the Z-Z' direction. In other words, the permanent magnet 310 is disposed in spaced relation to the first coil 100 on the Z' -direction side and in spaced relation to the second coil 100 on the Z-direction side.

The movable portion 300 is linearly movable at least between a neutral position (see fig. 2A to 2C and 6A) and a first position (see fig. 5A and 6B). The first position is located on the X direction side with respect to the neutral position. The movable part 300 may be linearly movable between a first position and a second position (see fig. 5B and 6C). The second position is located on the X 'direction side with respect to the neutral position, and the neutral position is between the first position and the second position in the X-X' direction. In this case, the movable portion 300 passes through the neutral position so as to move from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the "first movement aspect" refers to an aspect in which the movable portion 300 moves between the first position and the second position, and the "second movement aspect" refers to an aspect in which the movable portion 300 moves between the neutral position and the first position.

The movable portion 300 may further include a retainer 320. The holder 320 is made of a non-magnetic substance such as synthetic resin, and holds the permanent magnet 310. For example, the holder 320 may be an annular body (see fig. 2B to 4B) fitted around the permanent magnet 310, a block of any shape in which the permanent magnet 310 is in-molded, or a box containing the permanent magnet 310. The holder 320 includes a first end 321 on the Y-direction side and a second end 322 on the Y' -direction side. The retainer 320 may be omitted.

Actuator a1 may also include a housing 400. The housing 400 includes a first housing 410 and a second housing 420. The first case 410 and the second case 420 are each composed of a non-magnetic substance such as synthetic resin. The first case 410 may be provided with an accommodation recess. In the case where the first case 410 is combined with the second case 420, the receiving recess is closed by the second case 420 to form a receiving space of the case 400. Alternatively, the first and second cases 410 and 420 are each provided with an accommodation recess. In the case where the first case 410 is combined with the second case 420, the accommodation recess of the first case 410 and the accommodation recess of the second case 420 form an accommodation space of the case 400 in combination. In either case, the housing space of the case 400 houses at least the movable portion 300 and the first and second coils 100 and 100.

The first housing 410 may include walls of the accommodation recess at the X-direction side and the X' -direction side. Each of the walls on the X-direction side and the X '-direction side includes a portion on the Y-direction side and a portion on the Y' -direction side.

The first case 410 includes a first facing portion 411 facing the first coil 100 in the Z-Z' direction. The second housing 420 includes a second facing portion 421 facing the second coil 100 in the Z-Z' direction. The first facing portion 411 includes an inner face 411a facing the first coil 100 in the Z-Z 'direction, an outer face 411b opposite to the inner face 411a in the Z-Z' direction, and an inner portion 411c between the inner face 411a and the outer face 411 b. The inner face 411a may be a bottom surface of the receiving recess of the first case 410. The second facing portion 421 includes an inner face 421a facing the second coil 100 in the Z-Z 'direction, an outer face 421b opposed to the inner face 421a in the Z-Z' direction, and an inner portion 421c between the inner face 421a and the outer face 421 b. In the case where the second case 420 includes the accommodation recess, the inner face 421a may form a bottom surface of the accommodation recess of the second case 420.

The first case 410 may further include a holding portion 413 to hold the first coil 100. The second housing 420 may further include a holding portion 422 to hold the second coil 100. The holding portion 413 may include one or more protrusions provided on the inner face 411a of the first facing portion 411 (see fig. 2A and 4A to 4B) and fitted in the first coil 100. The holding part 422 may include one or more protrusions provided on an inner face 421a of the second facing part 421 (see fig. 2A and 4A to 4B) and fitted in the second coil 100. Alternatively, the holding portion 413 may be provided with a recess to fittingly receive the first coil 100, and the holding portion 422 may be provided with a recess to fittingly receive the second coil 100. It should be understood that the first and second coils 100 and 100 may be coupled to the first and second cases 410 and 420, respectively, in which case the holding portions 413 and 422 may be omitted.

Actuator a1 may also include a guide. The guide is configured to guide the movable portion 300 to be movable in the X-X' direction. For example, the guide and the movable portion 300 may have any of the following configurations (1) to (4).

(1) The guide includes a first rail 500 and a second rail 500 (see fig. 2A to 6C). The first guide 500 and the second guide 500 are shafts or the like provided separately from the housing 400 and attached to the first housing 410 of the housing 400. Each of the first and second guide rails 500 and 500 extends in the X-X 'direction and includes a first end on the X-direction side and a second end on the X' -direction side. Portions of the walls of the first housing 410 on the X-direction side and the X' -direction side on the Y-direction side are provided with a pair of first supporting recesses 412 to receive and support the first and second ends of the first guide rail 500. Portions of the walls of the first housing 410 on the X-direction side and the X '-direction side on the Y' -direction side are provided with a pair of second supporting recesses 412 to receive and support the first and second ends of the second guide rail 500. The movable portion 300 further includes at least one first slide (runner)323 and at least one second slide 324. In the case where the holder 320 is provided, at least one first slide 323 and at least one second slide 324 are provided on the first end 321 and the second end 322 of the holder 320, respectively (see fig. 2A, 2C, and 3 to 4B). In the case where the holder 320 is omitted, at least one first slide 323 and at least one second slide 324 are provided on the ends of the permanent magnet 310 on the Y-direction side and the Y' -direction side, respectively. In either case, the dimension of the at least one first runner 323 in the X-X 'direction is less than the dimension of the first rail 500 in the X-X' direction, and the dimension of the at least one second runner 324 in the X-X 'direction is less than the dimension of the second rail 500 in the X-X' direction. The or each first slide 323 has a slot or aperture extending through the or each first slide 323 in the X-X 'direction and receiving the first rail 500 such that the or each first slide 323 is moveable along the first rail 500 in the X-X' direction. Likewise, the or each second runner 324 has a slot or aperture extending through the or each second runner 324 in the X-X 'direction and receiving the second rail 500 such that the or each second runner 324 is movable along the second rail 500 in the X-X' direction.

(2) The first rail 500 and the second rail 500 have similar configurations to the first rail 500 and the second rail 500 of the above configuration (1), but are different in that the first rail 500 and the second rail 500 of the configuration (2) are ridge portions (not illustrated) provided in the first housing 410, protruding toward the at least one first slide 323 side and the at least one second slide 324 of the movable portion 300, respectively, and extending in the X-X' direction. The at least one first runner 323 and the at least one second runner 324 of configuration (2) are similar to the at least one first runner 323 and the at least one second runner 324 of configuration (1) above, but differ in that the or each first runner 323 has a slot extending therethrough in the X-X 'direction, open to the first rail 500, and receiving the first rail 500 such that the or each first runner 323 is movable along the first rail 500 in the X-X' direction. Likewise, the or each second runner 324 has a slot extending through the or each second runner 324 in the X-X 'direction, open towards the second rail 500 and receiving the second rail 500, such that the or each second runner 324 is moveable along the second rail 500 in the X-X' direction.

(3) The guide member includes a first guide groove and a second guide groove (not illustrated). The first and second guide grooves are provided in the first housing 410, open to the at least one first slide 323 and the at least one second slide 324 of the movable part 300, respectively, and extend in the X-X' direction. The at least one first runner 323 of configuration (3) is similar to the at least one first runner 323 of configuration (1) above, but differs in that the or each first runner 323 projects towards, is received in, and is movable along the first guide slot in the X-X' direction. The at least one second runner 324 of configuration (3) is similar to the at least one second runner 324 of configuration (1) above, but differs in that the or each second runner 324 protrudes towards, is received in, and is movable along the second guide slot in the X-X' direction.

The above configurations (1) and (2) may be modified such that only one of the first guide rail 500 and the second guide rail 500 is provided and the other is omitted, and only either one of the at least one first slide 323 or the at least one second slide 324 is provided and the other is omitted. The above configuration (3) may be modified such that only one of the first guide groove and the second guide groove is provided and the other is omitted, and only one of the at least one first slide 323 and the at least one second slide 324 is provided and the other is omitted.

(4) The guide comprises a notch in the first housing 410 or a pair of ridges on the first housing 410. The notches or ridges extend in the X-X' direction. The dimension of the recess or ridge in the X-X 'direction is greater than the dimension of the movable portion 300 in the X-X' direction. The movable portion 300 is disposed in the recess and movable in the X-X 'direction, or alternatively, the movable portion 300 is disposed between the ridges and movable in the X-X' direction. In either case, the first slide 323 and the second slide 324 of the movable portion 300 are omitted.

Each of the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 is a plate or a column having a circular or polygonal cross section, extends in the X-X' direction, and is composed of a magnetic substance such as soft iron (yoke). Each of the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 includes a first end 201 on the X-direction side and a second end 202 on the X' -direction side.

The first immovable portion 200 is provided on the Z-direction side with respect to the first coil 100 in spaced relation to the first coil 100, and the second immovable portion 200 is provided on the Z' -direction side with respect to the second coil 100 in spaced relation to the second coil 100. The first immovable portion 200 is provided on the Z-direction side of the movable portion 300 in spaced relation to the movable portion 300, and the distance from the first immovable portion 200 to the movable portion 300 is greater than the distance from the first immovable portion 200 to the first coil 100. The second immovable portion 200 is provided on the Z' -direction side of the movable portion 300 in spaced relation to the movable portion 300, and the distance from the second immovable portion 200 to the movable portion 300 is greater than the distance from the second immovable portion 200 to the second coil 100. A first magnetic field is generated between the first non-movable part 200 and the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300. A second magnetic field is generated between the second non-movable part 200 and the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300.

A first distance D1 in the Z-Z 'direction from the first immovable part 200 to the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 may be substantially equal to a second distance D2 in the Z-Z' direction from the second immovable part 200 to the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 (see fig. 2B and 6A). In this case, the magnetic attractive force attracting the permanent magnet 310 in the Z direction toward the first immovable portion 200 is cancelled by the magnetic attractive force attracting the permanent magnet 310 in the Z' direction toward the second immovable portion 200. The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 may be different from each other.

The first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 are fixed to the case 400. For example, the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 may be fixed to the case 400 in any one of the following manners (5) to (8).

(5) The first immovable portion 200 is fixed to an outer face 411B of the first facing portion 411 of the first case 410, and the second immovable portion 200 is fixed to an outer face 421B of the second facing portion 421 of the second case 420 (see fig. 1A to 2B and 6A to 6C). (6) The first immovable portion 200 is fixed to an inner face 411a of the first facing portion 411 of the first case 410, and the second immovable portion 200 is fixed to an inner face 421a of the second facing portion 421 of the second case 420. In this case, the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 are also accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 400. (7) The first immovable part 200 is embedded in the inner portion 411c of the first facing portion 411 of the first case 410 by in-molding, and the second immovable part 200 is embedded in the inner portion 421c of the second facing portion 421 of the second case 420 by in-molding. (8) The first immovable part 200 is securely received in a first recess in the inner part 411c of the first facing portion 411 of the first housing 410, and the second immovable part 200 is securely received in a second recess in the inner part 421c of the second facing portion 421 of the second housing 420. The first and second recesses are open at least in the Y-direction. The first recess may be open in the Y-direction and the Z-direction, and the second recess may be open in the Y-direction and the Z' -direction.

In the first movement aspect, the movable portion 300 and the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 may have the following configuration (a) or (B) and also the following configuration (C) or (D) in a state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position.

(A) The movable portion 300 in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end 311a of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 is in a relative position substantially coinciding with the first end 201 of the first immovable portion 200 and the first end 201 of the second immovable portion 200 in the X-X' direction (see fig. 6A). In other words, the movable part 300 in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end 311a of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is disposed along a first imaginary line L1 extending in the Z-Z' direction along the first end 201 of the first immovable part 200 and the first end 201 of the second immovable part 200. As the movable portion 300 moves in the X direction from the neutral position, a portion (may be referred to as a first enlarged portion) of the permanent magnet 310 located on the X direction side with respect to the first end 201 of the first immovable portion 200 and the first end 201 of the second immovable portion 200 (i.e., with respect to the first imaginary line L1) is gradually enlarged (see fig. 6B). In a state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the permanent magnet 310 has no first enlarged portion (see fig. 6A). In a state where the movable part 300 has moved from the neutral position to the first position, the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 becomes maximum (see fig. 6B). The largest first enlarged portion includes all of the first end 311 of the permanent magnet 310 or a part thereof on the X-direction side.

(B) The movable portion 300 in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end portion 311 of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 is located on the X-direction side in the X-X' direction with respect to the first end 201 of the first immovable portion 200 and the first end 201 of the second immovable portion 200 (see fig. 2B). In other words, the movable portion 300 in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end 311 of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 is located on the X-direction side with respect to the first imaginary line L1. As the movable portion 300 moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is gradually enlarged (see fig. 5A). In a state where the movable part 300 is in the neutral position, the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is smallest, which includes the first end 311 of the permanent magnet 310 (see fig. 2B). In a state where the movable part 300 has moved from the neutral position to the first position, the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 becomes maximum (see fig. 5A). The largest first enlarged portion includes the entire first end 311 of the permanent magnet 310 and a portion of the permanent magnet 310 on the X' direction side with respect to the first end 311.

(C) The movable portion 300 in the neutral position is disposed such that the second end 312a of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 is in a relative position substantially coinciding with the second end 202 of the first immovable portion 200 and the second end 202 of the second immovable portion 200 in the X-X' direction (see fig. 6A). In other words, the movable part 300 in the neutral position is disposed such that the second end 312a of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is disposed along a second imaginary line L2 extending in the Z-Z' direction along the second end 202 of the first immovable part 200 and the second end 202 of the second immovable part 200. As the movable portion 300 moves in the X 'direction from the neutral position, a portion (may be referred to as a second enlarged portion) of the permanent magnet 310 located on the X' direction side with respect to the second end 202 of the first immovable portion 200 and the second end 202 of the second immovable portion 200 (i.e., with respect to the second imaginary line L2) gradually expands (see fig. 6C). In a state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the permanent magnet 310 does not have the second enlarged portion (see fig. 6A). In a state where the movable part 300 has moved from the neutral position to the second position, the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 becomes maximum (see fig. 6C). The largest second enlarged portion includes all of the second end 312 of the permanent magnet 310 or a part thereof on the X' direction side.

(D) The movable portion 300 in the neutral position is disposed such that the second end 312 of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 is located on the X 'direction side in the X-X' direction with respect to the second end 202 of the first immovable portion 200 and the second end 202 of the second immovable portion 200 (see fig. 2B). In other words, the movable portion 300 in the neutral position is disposed such that the second end 312 of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 is located on the X' direction side with respect to the second imaginary line L2. As the movable part 300 moves in the X' direction from the neutral position, the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is gradually enlarged (see fig. 5B). In a state where the movable part 300 is in the neutral position, the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is smallest, which includes the second end 312 of the permanent magnet 310 (see fig. 2B). In a state where the movable part 300 has moved from the neutral position to the second position, the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 becomes maximum (see fig. 5B). The largest second enlarged portion includes the entire second end 312 of the permanent magnet 310 and a portion of the permanent magnet 310 on the X-direction side with respect to the second end 312.

Regardless of whether the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200 have the above configuration (a) or (B), the first enlarged part of the permanent magnet 310 is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable part 200 in a diagonal direction (the diagonal direction may be referred to as an X 'Z direction) including components of the X' direction and the Z direction, and the first enlarged part of the permanent magnet 310 is magnetically attracted toward the second immovable part 200 in a diagonal direction (the diagonal direction may be referred to as an X 'Z' direction) including components of the X 'direction and the Z' direction (see fig. 5A and 6B). For convenience of description, the former magnetic attractive force in the X ' Z direction may be referred to as a first magnetic attractive force, and the latter magnetic attractive force in the X ' Z ' direction may be referred to as a second magnetic attractive force. Accordingly, the first enlarged portion magnetically attracts the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200. Since the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200 are fixed to the case 400, the magnetic attraction force in the X 'direction included in the first and second magnetic attraction forces applied by the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 functions as a force that relatively moves the movable part 300 in the X' direction with respect to the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200.

In the case where the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200 have the above configuration (a), the permanent magnet 310 does not have the first enlarged portion in the state where the movable part 300 is in the neutral position, and thus the first and second magnetic attractive forces will not be generated. In the case where the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200 have the above configuration (B), the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 includes the first end 311 of the permanent magnet 310 in the state where the movable part 300 is in the neutral position, and thus the first and second magnetic attractive forces are minimum. On the other hand, regardless of whether the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200 have the above configurations (a) or (B), the first and second magnetic attractive forces become larger as the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is enlarged, and both become maximum in a state where the movable part 300 is moved to the first position.

Regardless of whether the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200 have the above configuration (C) or (D), the second enlarged part of the permanent magnet 310 is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable part 200 in a diagonal direction (the diagonal direction may be referred to as an XZ direction) including components of the X direction and the Z direction, and the second enlarged part of the permanent magnet 310 is magnetically attracted toward the second immovable part 200 in a diagonal direction (the diagonal direction may be referred to as an XZ 'direction) including components of the X direction and the Z' direction (see fig. 5B and 6C). For convenience of description, the former magnetic attractive force in the XZ direction may be referred to as a third magnetic attractive force, and the latter magnetic attractive force in the XZ' direction may be referred to as a fourth magnetic attractive force. Thus, the second enlarged portion magnetically attracts the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200. Since the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 are fixed to the case 400, the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the third and fourth magnetic attraction forces applied by the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 acts as a force to relatively move the movable portion 300 in the X direction with respect to the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200.

In the case where the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200 have the above configuration (C), the permanent magnet 310 does not have the second enlarged portion in the state where the movable part 300 is in the neutral position, and thus the third and fourth magnetic attractive forces will not be generated. In the case where the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200 have the above configuration (D), the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 includes the second end 312 of the permanent magnet 310 in the state where the movable part 300 is in the neutral position, and thus the third and fourth magnetic attractive forces are minimum. On the other hand, regardless of whether the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200 have the above configuration (C) or (D), the third and fourth magnetic attractive forces become larger as the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is enlarged, and both become maximum in a state where the movable part 300 is moved to the second position.

The first coil 100 is disposed between the movable portion 300 and the first immovable portion 200 in the Z-Z' direction, and is disposed in spaced relation to the movable portion 300 and the first immovable portion 200. The first coil 100 is, for example, a helical coil disposed in the first magnetic field between the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 and the first immovable part 200 such that the wire of the first coil 100 penetrates the first magnetic field. The second coil 100 is arranged between the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 and the second immovable part 200 in the Z-Z' direction and in spaced relation to the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 and the second immovable part 200. The second coil 100 is, for example, a helical coil that is disposed in the second magnetic field between the movable portion 300 and the second immovable portion 200 such that the wire of the second coil 100 penetrates the second magnetic field. The first and second coils 100 and 100 may be wound in the same direction or in opposite directions.

Actuator a1 may also include circuit board 600. The circuit board 600 may be fixed to the case 400 and connected to the first coil 100 and the second coil 100.

The first coil 100 and the second coil 100 may be electrically connected to a first oscillation circuit and a second oscillation circuit, respectively, which are provided outside the vibration generator B1. In this case, the circuit board 600 may be omitted. The first oscillation circuit and the second oscillation circuit may be provided in the actuator a1 of the vibration generator B1, instead of being provided outside the vibration generator B1. In this case, the first oscillation circuit and the second oscillation circuit may be mounted on the circuit board 600. The first oscillation circuit and the second oscillation circuit of either aspect are configured to apply a square wave current or a sine wave current in the same direction to the first coil 100 and the second coil 100, respectively.

In the first movement aspect, the current applied to the first coil 100 is repeatedly polarity-reversed at predetermined intervals, and the current applied to the second coil 100 is repeatedly polarity-reversed at predetermined intervals. Applying such a current to the first coil 100 alternately generates a first driving force (lorentz force) for moving the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) for moving the permanent magnet 310 in the X' direction. Specifically, a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X' direction are alternately generated by electromagnetic interaction between the first magnetic field and a current that flows through the first coil 100 to intersect the first magnetic field. Applying a current to the second coil 100 alternately generates a second driving force (lorentz force) for moving the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction and a fourth driving force (lorentz force) for moving the permanent magnet 310 in the X' direction. Specifically, the second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction and the fourth driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X' direction are alternately generated by electromagnetic interaction between the second magnetic field and the current that flows through the second coil 100 to intersect the second magnetic field. The alternately generated first and second driving forces and third and fourth driving forces cause the movable part 300 to alternately repeat the relative linear movement from the second position to the first position and the relative linear movement from the first position to the second position with respect to the first and second coils 100 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200. This alternately repeated linear movement of the movable portion 300 from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position results in the generation of vibrations.

The sum of the first driving force and the second driving force (i.e., the total driving force to move the movable portion 300 in the X direction) is greater than the sum of the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum first magnetic attraction force and the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum second magnetic attraction force (i.e., the total magnetic attraction force to move the movable portion 300 in the X ' direction). Therefore, the first driving force and the second driving force oppose the resultant force of the two magnetic attractive forces in the X' direction, causing the movable portion 300 to move linearly from the second position to the first position. The sum of the third driving force and the fourth driving force (i.e., the total driving force to move the movable portion 300 in the X' direction) is greater than the sum of the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum third magnetic attraction force and the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum fourth magnetic attraction force (i.e., the total magnetic attraction force to move the movable portion 300 in the X direction). Therefore, the third driving force and the fourth driving force linearly move the movable portion 300 from the first position to the second position against the resultant force of the two magnetic attractive forces in the X direction. In the movement of the movable part 300 from the first position to the second position, the movable part 300 is biased by the first magnetic attractive force and the second magnetic attractive force during the movement of the movable part 300 from the first position to the neutral position. In the movement of the movable part 300 from the second position to the first position, the movable part 300 is biased by the third magnetic attractive force and the fourth magnetic attractive force during the movement of the movable part 300 from the second position to the neutral position.

On the other hand, in the second movement aspect, the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200 have the above configurations (a) or (B), omitting the above configurations (C) and (D). The current applied to the first coil 100 is a positive polarity or a negative polarity, and the current applied to the second coil 100 is a positive polarity or a negative polarity. A current of positive polarity or negative polarity is intermittently applied to the first coil 100 and the second coil 100. Applying a current to the first coil 100 intermittently generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction. Specifically, the first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction is intermittently generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the first magnetic field and the electric current that flows through the first coil 100 to intersect the first magnetic field. Applying a current to the second coil 100 intermittently generates a second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction. Specifically, the second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction is intermittently generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the second magnetic field and the current that flows through the second coil 100 to intersect the second magnetic field. The first and second driving forces cause the movable portion 300 to intermittently linearly move relatively from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the first and second coils 100 and the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200. While intermittently suspending the application of current to the first and second coils 100 and 100, the first and second magnetic attractive forces bias the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 to intermittently move from the first position toward the neutral position. In short, the movable portion 300 alternately repeats the linear movement from the neutral position to the first position caused by the first driving force and the second driving force and the linear movement from the first position to the neutral position caused by the first magnetic attractive force and the second magnetic attractive force in the X direction, so that the vibration is generated.

The actuator a1 and the vibration generator B1 described above provide the following technical features and effects.

Technical features and effects (1)

In the first movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force in the X direction acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 move the movable part 300 from the second position to the first position. Accordingly, the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is enlarged. Then, the first enlarged portion is magnetically attracted toward the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200, and the third and fourth driving forces in the X 'direction, which act on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300, move the movable portion 300 in the X' direction from the first position in a non-contact manner. The third driving force and the fourth driving force in the X' direction acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 move the movable part 300 from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is enlarged. Then, the second enlarged portion is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200, and the first driving force and the second driving force acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 move the movable portion 300 in the X direction from the second position in a non-contact manner. The actuator a1 and the vibration generator B1 of this aspect apply driving forces in the X 'direction and the X direction, respectively, to the movable section 300 that alternately moves in the X direction and the X' direction in a non-contact manner.

In the second movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 move the movable part 300 from the neutral position to the first position. Accordingly, the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is enlarged. Then, the first enlarged portion is magnetically attracted in a non-contact manner toward the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200, so that the movable portion 300 moves in the X' direction from the first position. The actuator a1 and the vibration generator B1 of this aspect intermittently apply a driving force in the X' direction to the movable section 300 intermittently moving in the X direction in a non-contact manner.

Technical features and effects (2)

In the first movement aspect, the actuator a1 and the vibration generator B1 are configured to apply driving forces in the X 'direction and the X direction, respectively, to the movable section 300 that alternately moves in the X direction and the X' direction in a non-contact manner by using the permanent magnet 310 of the movable section 300 and the first immovable section 200 and the second immovable section 200 (yoke). This configuration reduces the number of parts of the actuator a1 and the vibration generator B1, as compared to a conventional device configured to apply a driving force with a spring or the like.

In the second moving aspect, the actuator a1 and the vibration generator B1 are configured to intermittently apply a driving force in the X' direction to the movable section 300 intermittently moving in the X direction in a non-contact manner by using the permanent magnet 310 of the movable section 300 and the first and second immovable sections 200 and 200 (yokes). This configuration also reduces the number of components of the actuator a1 and the vibration generator B1 as compared to conventional devices.

Technical features and effects (3)

In the first movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force (i.e., two driving forces) in the X direction acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 move the movable part 300 from the second position to the first position. The third driving force and the fourth driving force (i.e., two driving forces) in the X' direction acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 move the movable part 300 from the first position to the second position. Therefore, it is possible to maximize the vibration generated by the movable portion 300 moving alternately in the X direction and the X' direction.

Technical features and effects (4)

In the case where the first distance D1 is substantially equal to the second distance D2, the magnetic attractive force attracting the permanent magnet 310 toward the first immovable portion 200 in the Z direction is cancelled by the magnetic attractive force attracting the permanent magnet 310 toward the second immovable portion 200 in the Z' direction. Therefore, friction between the movable portion 300 and the guide may be reduced.

Technical features and effects (5)

In the first movement aspect, the guide is provided separately from the arrangement in which the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is magnetically attracted toward the first and second immovable parts 200 and the arrangement in which the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is magnetically attracted toward the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200. Thus, these arrangements can be designed and adjusted with increased flexibility.

In the second movement aspect, the guide is provided separately from the arrangement in which the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200. Thus, the arrangement may be designed and adjusted with increased flexibility.

Second embodiment

A vibration generator B2 according to embodiments of the present invention including a second embodiment and modifications thereof is described below with reference to fig. 7A to 11B. Fig. 7A to 11B illustrate a vibration generator B2 according to a second embodiment. Fig. 8B to 11B show the X-X' direction in a similar manner to fig. 2B to 5B. Fig. 8A to 8B and 9 to 11B show the Z-Z' direction in a similar manner to fig. 2A, 2B and 3 to 5B. Fig. 8A and 8C to 10B show the Y-Y' direction in a similar manner to fig. 2A and 2C to 4B.

The vibration generator B2 includes an electromagnetic actuator a2 (which may be referred to simply as actuator a 2). Actuator a2 has a similar configuration to that of actuator a1, but differs in that actuator a2 further includes at least one support C1. Now, the actuator a2 will be described with emphasis on the difference from the actuator a1, and the repeated description will be omitted.

In the case where the guide and movable portion 300 has the above configuration (1), the pair of first supporting recesses 412 and the pair of second supporting recesses 412 of the first housing 410 may be omitted, alternatively, the portion of the Y-direction side of the wall of the second housing 420 on the X-direction side and the X ' direction side may be provided with the pair of first supporting recesses 423 to receive and support the first end and the second end of the first guide rail 500, and the portion of the Y ' -direction side of the wall of the second housing 420 on the X-direction side and the X ' direction side may be provided with the pair of second supporting recesses 423 to receive and support the first end and the second end of the second guide rail 500. Alternatively, the actuator a2 may be provided with a pair of first supporting recesses 412 and a pair of second supporting recesses 412 instead of the pair of first supporting recesses 423 and the pair of second supporting recesses 423. Likewise, the actuator a1 may be provided with a pair of first supporting recesses 423 and a pair of second supporting recesses 423 instead of the pair of first supporting recesses 412 and the pair of second supporting recesses 412.

Each of the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 further includes a third end portion on the Y-direction side and a fourth end portion on the Y' -direction side.

The at least one strut C1 may be a single strut C1 or a plurality of struts C1. The or each support C1, C1 is a plate or column having a circular or polygonal cross-section and extending in the X-X' direction. The support C1 or each support C1 is disposed between the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 in the X-X' direction and is configured to support the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200. The or each support C1 or C1 may be integral with the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 or separate from the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200. The or each support C1, C1 includes a first end on the Z-direction side and a second end on the Z' -direction side.

In the case where a single support C1 is provided integrally with the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200, the support C1 extends from the third end of the first immovable portion 200 to the third end of the second immovable portion 200. The first end of the support C1 is integral with and meets the third end of the first immovable portion, and the second end of the support C1 is integral with and meets the third end of the second immovable portion. In this case, the support piece C1, the first immovable portion 200, and the second immovable portion 200 form a clip piece C having a substantially U-shape, and the support piece C1 elastically supports the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 so as to keep a direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z' direction from the first immovable portion 200 to the second immovable portion 200 at a predetermined distance (see fig. 7A to 11B). The first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 of the clip C are fixed to the first facing portion 411 of the first housing 410 and the second facing portion 421 of the second housing 420 in any of the above-described manners (5) to (8).

In the case where two supports C1 (a first support C1 and a second support C1) are provided, the first support C1 is integrated with the first immovable portion 200 and the second support C1 is integrated with the second immovable portion 200, the first support C1 extends in the Z 'direction from the third end of the first immovable portion 200, and the second support C1 extends in the Z' direction from the fourth end of the second immovable portion 200. The first end of the first support C1 is integral with and meets the third end of the first immovable portion, the second end of the second support C1 is integral with and meets the fourth end of the second immovable portion, one of the second end of the first support C1 and the third end of the second immovable portion is provided with a first engaging projection and the other is provided with a first engaging recess, and one of the first end of the second support C1 and the fourth end of the first immovable portion is provided with a second engaging projection and the other is provided with a second engaging recess. The first engaging protrusion is fitted in the first engaging recess so that the second end portion of the first support C1 is fixed to the third end portion of the second immovable portion. The second engaging protrusion is fitted in the second engaging recess such that the first end of the second support C1 is fixed to the fourth end of the first immovable portion. In this case, the first and second supports C1 and C1 and the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 form a clamp C having a substantially O-shape, and the first and second supports C1 and C1 support the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 so as to maintain a direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z' direction from the first immovable portion 200 to the second immovable portion 200 at a predetermined distance (not illustrated). The first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 of the retainer C are fixed to the first facing portion 411 of the first housing 410 and the second facing portion 421 of the second housing 420 in any of the above-described manners (5) to (8).

In the case where two supports C1 (a first support C1 and a second support C1) are provided integrally with the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200, respectively, the first support C1 extends from the third end of the first immovable portion 200 to the third end of the second immovable portion 200, and the second support C1 extends from the fourth end of the first immovable portion 200 to the fourth end of the second immovable portion 200. The first end of the first support C1 is integral with and meets the third end of the first immovable portion, the second end of the first support C1 is integral with and meets the third end of the second immovable portion, the first end of the second support C1 is integral with and meets the fourth end of the first immovable portion, and the second end of the second support C1 is integral with and meets the fourth end of the second immovable portion. In this case, the first and second supports C1 and C1 and the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 form a clamp C having a substantially O-shape, and the first and second supports C1 and C1 support the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 so as to maintain a direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z' direction from the first immovable portion 200 to the second immovable portion 200 at a predetermined distance (not illustrated). The first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 of the clamp C are fixed to the first facing portion 411 of the first case 410 and the second facing portion 421 of the second case 420 in the above-described manner (5).

In the case where the single support piece C1 is provided separately from the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200, one of the first end of the support piece C1 and the third end of the first immovable portion is provided with a first engaging protrusion and the other is provided with a first engaging recess, and one of the second end of the support piece C1 and the third end of the second immovable portion is provided with a second engaging protrusion and the other is provided with a second engaging recess. The first engaging protrusion is fitted in the first engaging recess, and the second engaging protrusion is fitted in the second engaging recess, so that the first end of one support C1 is fixed to the third end of the first immovable portion and the second end of one support C1 is fixed to the third end of the second immovable portion. In this case, the support C1, the first immovable portion 200, and the second immovable portion 200 form a clamp C having a substantially U-shape, and the support C1 elastically supports the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 so as to maintain a direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z' direction from the first immovable portion 200 to the second immovable portion 200 at a predetermined distance (not illustrated). The first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 of the clip C are fixed to the first facing portion 411 of the first case 410 and the second facing portion 421 of the second case 420 in any of the above-described manners (5) to (8).

In the case where the two supports C1 (the first support C1 and the second support C1) are provided separately from the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200, one of the first end portion of the first support C1 and the third end portion of the first immovable portion is provided with a first engaging protrusion and the other is provided with a first engaging recess, one of the second end portion of the first support C1 and the third end portion of the second immovable portion is provided with a second engaging protrusion and the other is provided with a second engaging recess, one of the first end portion of the second support C1 and the fourth end portion of the first immovable portion is provided with a third engaging protrusion and the other is provided with a third engaging recess, and one of the second end portion of the second support C1 and the fourth end portion of the second immovable portion is provided with a fourth engaging protrusion and the other is provided with a fourth engaging recess. The first engaging protrusion is fitted in the first engaging recess, and the second engaging protrusion is fitted in the second engaging recess, so that the first end of the first support C1 is fixed to the third end of the first immovable portion, and the second end of the first support C1 is fixed to the third end of the second immovable portion. The third engaging protrusion is fitted in the third engaging recess, and the fourth engaging protrusion is fitted in the fourth engaging recess, so that the first end of the second stay C1 is fixed to the fourth end of the first immovable portion, and the second end of the second stay C1 is fixed to the fourth end of the second immovable portion. In this case, the first and second supports C1 and C1 and the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 form a clamp C having a substantially O-shape, and the first and second supports C1 and C1 support the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 so as to maintain a direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z' direction from the first immovable portion 200 to the second immovable portion 200 at a predetermined distance (not illustrated). The first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 of the retainer C are fixed to the first facing portion 411 of the first housing 410 and the second facing portion 421 of the second housing 420 in any of the above-described manners (5) to (8).

The above-mentioned predetermined distance is defined as a direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z 'direction from the first immovable portion 200 to the second immovable portion 200 in a state before the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 are magnetically attracted in the Z direction and the Z' direction by the permanent magnets 310, respectively. The predetermined distance may be set in any manner, and may be set as follows, for example.

In the case where the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 are fixed to the outer face 411b of the first facing portion 411 of the first case 410 and the outer face 421b of the second facing portion 421 of the second case 420 in the above-described manner (5), the predetermined distance may be substantially equal to, slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than a direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z' direction from the outer face 411b to the outer face 421 b.

The first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 are embedded in the inner portion 411c of the first facing portion 411 of the first housing 410 and the inner portion 421c of the second facing portion 421 of the second housing 420 in the above-described manner (7), and the predetermined distance may be substantially equal to, slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than a direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z 'direction from an interface on the Z' direction side between the inner portion 411c and the first immovable portion 200 to an interface on the Z direction side between the inner portion 421c and the second immovable portion 200.

In the case where the first immovable portion 200 is securely received in the first recess 411d of the first facing portion 411 of the first housing 410 and the second immovable portion 200 is securely received in the second recess 421d of the inner portion 421c of the second facing portion 421 of the second housing 420 in the above-described manner (8), the predetermined distance may be substantially equal to, slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than a direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z' direction from the bottom of the first recess 411d to the bottom of the second recess 421 d.

The actuator a2 and the vibration generator B2 described above provide the same technical features and effects as those of the actuator a1 and the vibration generator B1. In addition, the actuator a2 and the vibration generator B2 are configured to keep the direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z 'direction from the first immovable portion 200 to the second immovable portion 200 the same as before the permanent magnets 310 apply the magnetic attractive forces in the Z direction and the Z' direction to the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200, respectively (i.e., to the predetermined distances described above). The maintenance of the direct distance is not affected by the magnetic attraction forces in the Z direction and the Z 'direction of the permanent magnets 310 acting on the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200, because in any of the above aspects, at least one support C1 is interposed between the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200 in the X-X' direction. This arrangement reduces the possibility that the direct distance (shortest distance) in the Z-Z 'direction from the first immovable portion 200 to the second immovable portion 200 becomes smaller than the predetermined distance due to the magnetic attractive forces in the Z direction and the Z' direction of the permanent magnets 310 acting on the first immovable portion 200 and the second immovable portion 200, so that the magnetic characteristics of the actuator a2 are affected. In addition, this arrangement prevents or reduces separation of the first and second cases 410 and 420 in the Z-Z 'direction in the case where the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 of the clamp C hold the first and second cases 410 and 420 between the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200 in the Z-Z' direction.

Third embodiment

A vibration generator B3 according to embodiments of the present invention including a third embodiment and modifications thereof is described below with reference to fig. 12A to 16B. Fig. 12A to 16B illustrate a vibration generator B3 of the third embodiment. The vibration generator B3 includes an electromagnetic actuator A3 (which may be referred to simply as actuator A3). The actuator a3 includes first and second coils 100, first and second immovable portions 200', and a movable portion 300. Fig. 13B to 16B show an X-X' direction, which is a moving direction of the movable part 300 and corresponds to the first direction. The X-X 'direction includes an X direction corresponding to one side in the first direction and an X' direction corresponding to the other side in the first direction. Fig. 13A to 13B and fig. 14A to 16B show a Z-Z 'direction which is substantially orthogonal to the X-X' direction and corresponds to a second direction. The Z-Z 'direction includes a Z direction corresponding to one side in the second direction and a Z' direction corresponding to the other side in the second direction. Fig. 13A and 13C to 15B show a Y-Y ' direction which is substantially orthogonal to the X-X ' direction and the Z-Z ' direction and corresponds to a third direction.

Each of the first immovable portion 200 ' and the second immovable portion 200 ' is a plate extending in the X-X ' direction and is made of a magnetic substance such as soft iron (yoke). The first immovable portion 200 'may have an opening 210' extending therethrough in the Z-Z 'direction, and the second immovable portion 200' may have an opening 210 'extending therethrough in the Z-Z' direction. The openings 210 ' of the first and second immovable portions 200 ' and 200 ' may be polygonal (e.g., rectangular as shown in fig. 12A to 16B), circular, or any other shape. The openings 210 ' of the first and second immovable portions 200 ' and 200 ' may have the same shape or different shapes. The position of the opening 210 'of the first immovable portion 200' in the X-X 'and/or Y-Y' direction may be the same as or different from the position of the opening 210 'of the second immovable portion 200' in the X-X 'and/or Y-Y' direction. Each of the first and second immovable portions 200 ' and 200 ' further includes a first edge portion 211 ' of the opening 210 ' on the X-direction side and a second edge portion 212 ' of the opening 210 ' on the X ' -direction side. Each first edge portion 211 ' includes a first edge 211a ' of the opening 210 ' on the X-direction side. Each of the second edge portions 212 'includes a second edge 212 a' of the opening 210 'on the side of the X' direction.

The first immovable portion 200 'is provided on the Z-direction side with respect to the first coil 100, and the second immovable portion 200' is provided on the Z-direction side with respect to the second coil 100. There may or may not be a gap between the first immovable portion 200' and the first coil 100. There may or may not be a gap between the second immovable portion 200' and the second coil 100. In the absence of a gap, the first immovable portion 200 'may be fixed to the first coil 100 with an adhesive or other means, and the second immovable portion 200' may be fixed to the second coil 100 with an adhesive or other means. The first immovable portion 200 ' is provided on the Z-direction side of the movable portion 300 in spaced relation to the movable portion 300, and the distance from the first immovable portion 200 ' to the movable portion 300 is greater than the distance from the first immovable portion 200 ' to the first coil 100. The second immovable portion 200 'is disposed on the Z' -direction side of the movable portion 300 in spaced relation to the movable portion 300, and the distance from the second immovable portion 200 'to the movable portion 300 is greater than the distance from the second immovable portion 200' to the second coil 100. A first magnetic field is generated between the first immovable part 200' and the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300. A second magnetic field is generated between the second non-movable part 200' and the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300.

A first distance D1 in the Z-Z 'direction from the first immovable part 200' to the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 may be substantially equal to a second distance D2 in the Z-Z 'direction from the second immovable part 200' to the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 (see fig. 13B). In this case, the magnetic attractive force attracting the permanent magnet 310 toward the first immovable portion 200 ' in the Z direction is cancelled by the magnetic attractive force attracting the permanent magnet 310 toward the second immovable portion 200 ' in the Z ' direction. The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 may be different from each other.

The actuator a3 may also include at least one support C1 of any of the above aspects. The at least one support C1 may be omitted.

The movable part 300 is disposed between the first coil 100 and the second coil 100 in the Z-Z' direction and in spaced relation to the first coil 100 and the second coil 100. The movable part 300 includes a permanent magnet 310 extending in the X-X' direction. The permanent magnet 310 is a plate or a column having a circular or polygonal cross section. The permanent magnet 310 includes a portion on the Z-direction side and a portion on the Z' -direction side. The permanent magnet 310 may be composed of a single permanent magnet. In this case, the portion on the Z-direction side of the permanent magnet 310 is half of the Z-direction side of the single permanent magnet, and the portion on the Z '-direction side of the permanent magnet 310 is the other half of the Z' -direction side of the single permanent magnet. Alternatively, the permanent magnet 310 may be composed of two separate permanent magnets joined together in the Z-Z' direction. In this case, the part on the Z-direction side of the permanent magnet 310 is constituted by one of the two permanent magnets, and the part on the Z' -direction side of the permanent magnet 310 is constituted by the other permanent magnet. In either case, the X-direction side and the X' -direction side of the portion of the permanent magnet 310 on the Z-direction side are magnetized so as to form the south pole and the north pole, respectively; and the X-direction side and the X '-direction side of the portion of the permanent magnet 310 on the Z' -direction side are magnetized so as to form the north pole and the south pole, respectively. For the sake of convenience of description, the portions of the permanent magnet 310 that form the south pole and the north pole, respectively, in the portions on the Z-direction side will be referred to as a first magnetic pole portion and a second magnetic pole portion, respectively; and the portions of the permanent magnet 310 that form the north pole and the south pole, respectively, in the portions on the Z' -direction side will be referred to as a third magnetic pole portion and a fourth magnetic pole portion, respectively. The permanent magnet 310 may be modified such that the first and second pole portions form north and south poles, respectively, and the third and fourth pole portions form south and north poles, respectively.

The size of the permanent magnet 310 in the X-X' direction may or may not be substantially equal to or greater than the size of each of the first and second coils 100 and 100. A size of the permanent magnet 310 in the X-X' direction may be smaller than, substantially equal to, or larger than a size of each of the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200.

The permanent magnet 310 is disposed between the first coil 100 and the second coil 100 in the Z-Z' direction and in spaced relation to the first coil 100 and the second coil 100. In other words, the permanent magnet 310 is disposed in a spaced relationship with the first coil 100 on the Z' -direction side and in a spaced relationship with the second coil 100 on the Z-direction side.

The movable portion 300 is linearly movable at least between a neutral position (see fig. 13A to 13C) and a first position (see fig. 16A). The first position is located on the X direction side with respect to the neutral position. The movable portion 300 may be linearly movable between a first position and a second position (see fig. 16B). The second position is located on the X 'direction side with respect to the neutral position, and the neutral position is between the first position and the second position in the X-X' direction. In this case, the movable portion 300 passes through the neutral position so as to move from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the "first movement aspect" refers to an aspect in which the movable portion 300 moves between the first position and the second position, and the "second movement aspect" refers to an aspect in which the movable portion 300 moves between the neutral position and the first position.

In the first movement aspect, the permanent magnet 310 includes a first portion 301, a second portion 302, a third portion 303, and a fourth portion 304, which are denoted by dotted lines in fig. 13B and 16A to 16B. Each of the first portion 301 and the third portion 303 is disposed in the first magnetic pole portion and the third magnetic pole portion. Each of the second portion 302 and the fourth portion 304 is disposed on the second pole portion and the fourth pole portion.

In a state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the first portion 301 is a portion of the permanent magnet 310 that is located on the Z ' -direction side with respect to the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and in spaced relation to the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and that is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' and in spaced relation to the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 '. The first portion 301 includes an end 301a on the X direction side, and the end 301a substantially coincides with the first edge 211a ' of the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and the first edge 211a ' of the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' in the X-X ' direction. In other words, in the neutral position, the end 301a of the first portion 301 on the X-direction side is disposed along the third imaginary line L3, and the third imaginary line L3 extends in the Z-Z ' direction along the first edge 211a ' of the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and the first edge 211a ' of the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 '.

The second portion 302 is a portion of the permanent magnet 310 located on the X' direction side with respect to the first portion 301. In the state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the second portion 301 is located on the Z ' -direction side with respect to the second edge portion 212 ' of the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and in spaced relation to the second edge portion 212 ' of the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the second edge portion 212 ' of the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' and in spaced relation to the second edge portion 212 ' of the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 '. The second portion 302 includes an end 302a on the X-direction side, the end 302a substantially coinciding with the second edge 212a ' of the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and the second edge 212a ' of the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' in the X-X ' direction. In other words, in the neutral position, the end 302a of the second portion 302 on the X-direction side is disposed along the fourth imaginary line L4, and the fourth imaginary line L4 extends in the Z-Z ' direction along the second edge 212a ' of the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and the second edge 212a ' of the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 '.

The third portion 303 is a portion of the permanent magnet 310 that is disposed beside the first portion 301 and on the X-direction side with respect to the first portion 301. In the state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the third portion 303 is located on the Z ' -direction side with respect to the first edge portion 211 ' of the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and in spaced relation to the first edge portion 211 ' of the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the first edge portion 211 ' of the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' and in spaced relation to the first edge portion 211 ' of the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 '. The third portion 303 includes an end portion 303a on the X 'direction side, the end portion 303a substantially coinciding with the first edge 211 a' of the opening 210 'of the first immovable portion 200' and the first edge 211a 'of the opening 210' of the second immovable portion 200 'in the X-X' direction. An end 303A of the third portion 303 on the X' direction side overlaps with an end 301a of the first portion 301 on the X direction side (see fig. 13A and 13B). In other words, in the neutral position, the end 301a on the X-direction side of the first portion 301 and the end 303a on the X' -direction side of the third portion 303 are disposed along the third imaginary line L3.

The fourth portion 304 is a portion of the permanent magnet 310 located between the first portion 301 and the second portion 302 in the X-X' direction, and is located beside the second portion 302 of the permanent magnet 310 and on the X-direction side with respect to the second portion 302 of the permanent magnet 310. In the state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the fourth portion 304 is located on the Z ' direction side relative to the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' in spaced relation to the opening 210 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and on the Z direction side relative to the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' in spaced relation to the opening 210 ' of the second immovable portion 200 '. The fourth portion 304 includes an end portion 304a on the side of the X 'direction, the end portion 304a substantially coinciding with the second edge 212 a' of the opening 210 'of the first immovable portion 200' and the second edge 212a 'of the opening 210' of the second immovable portion 200 'in the X-X' direction. An end portion 304a on the X' direction side of the fourth portion 304 overlaps with an end portion 302a on the X direction side of the second portion 302 (see fig. 13A and 13B). In other words, in the neutral position, the end 302a on the X-direction side of the second portion 302 and the end 304a on the X' -direction side of the fourth portion 304 are disposed along the fourth imaginary line L4.

In a second movement aspect, the permanent magnet 310 comprises the first and second portions 301 and 302 described above, omitting the third and fourth portions 303 and 304. In the state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the positions of the first portion 301 and the second portion 302 are as described above.

It should be understood that the above-described end 301a of the first portion 301 on the X-direction side is not a physical end, but only a portion of the permanent magnet 310 that substantially coincides with the first edge 211a ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and the first edge 211a ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' in the X-X ' direction at the neutral position; the above-mentioned end 302a of the second portion 302 on the X-direction side is not a physical end, but only a portion of the permanent magnet 310 that substantially coincides with the second edge 212a ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and the second edge 212a ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' in the X-X ' direction at the neutral position; the end 303a of the third portion 303 on the X 'direction side is not a physical end, but only a portion of the permanent magnet 310 that substantially coincides with the first edge 211 a' of the first immovable portion 200 'and the first edge 211 a' of the second immovable portion 200 'in the X-X' direction at the neutral position; and the above-mentioned end 304a of the fourth portion 304 on the X 'direction side is not a physical end, but only a portion of the permanent magnet 310 substantially coinciding with the second edge 212 a' of the first immovable portion 200 'and the second edge 212 a' of the second immovable portion 200 'in the X-X' direction at the neutral position.

As the movable part 300 moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the first portion 301 of the permanent magnet 310 moves in the X direction past the first edge 211a 'of the opening 210' of the first immovable part 200 'and the first edge 211 a' of the opening 210 'of the second immovable part 200' (i.e., past the third imaginary line L3). Therefore, the portion (may be referred to as a first enlarged portion) of the first portion 301 of the permanent magnet 310, which is located on the X-direction side with respect to the first edge 211a 'of the first immovable portion 200' and the first edge 211a 'of the second immovable portion 200' (i.e., with respect to the third imaginary line L3), is gradually enlarged. In a state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the first portion 301 of the permanent magnet 310 has no first enlarged portion (see fig. 13B). On the other hand, in a state where the movable portion 300 has moved from the neutral position to the first position, the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 becomes maximum (see fig. 16A).

In a state where the first enlarged portion has appeared in the first portion 301 of the permanent magnet 310, the first enlarged portion is magnetically attracted toward the first edge 211a 'of the first immovable portion 200' in a diagonal direction (the diagonal direction may be referred to as an X 'Z direction) including components of the X' direction and the Z direction, and is also magnetically attracted toward the first edge 211a 'of the second immovable portion 200' in a diagonal direction (the diagonal direction may be referred to as an X 'Z' direction) including components of the X 'direction and the Z' direction. For convenience of description, the former magnetic attraction force in the X ' Z direction may be referred to as a first magnetic attraction force, and the latter magnetic attraction force in the X ' Z ' direction may be referred to as a second magnetic attraction force. Thus, the first enlarged portion magnetically attracts the first edge 211a 'of the first immovable portion 200' and the first edge 211a 'of the second immovable portion 200'. Since the first and second immovable portions 200 'and 200' are fixed in position in a manner to be described, the magnetic attraction force in the X 'direction included in the first and second magnetic attraction forces exerted by the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 acts as a force to relatively move the movable portion 300 in the X' direction with respect to the first and second immovable portions 200 'and 200'. In the state where the movable part 300 is in the neutral position, the permanent magnet 310 does not have the first enlarged portion, and thus the first and second magnetic attractive forces will not be generated. On the other hand, as the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is enlarged, the first and second magnetic attractive forces become stronger and become strongest in a state where the movable part 300 has moved to the first position.

As the movable part 300 moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the second portion 302 of the permanent magnet 310 moves in the X direction past the second edge 212a 'of the opening 210' of the first immovable part 200 'and the second edge 212 a' of the opening 210 'of the second immovable part 200' (i.e., past the fourth imaginary line L4). Therefore, a portion (may be referred to as a second enlarged portion) of the second portion 302 of the permanent magnet 310, which is located on the X-direction side with respect to the second edge 212a 'of the first immovable portion 200' and the second edge 212a 'of the second immovable portion 200' (i.e., with respect to the fourth imaginary line L4), is gradually enlarged. In the state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the second portion 302 of the permanent magnet 310 does not have the second enlarged portion (see fig. 13B). On the other hand, in a state where the movable portion 300 has moved from the neutral position to the first position, the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 becomes maximum (see fig. 16B).

In a state where the second enlarged portion has occurred in the second portion 302 of the permanent magnet 310, the second enlarged portion is magnetically attracted toward the second edge 212a ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' in the X ' Z direction, and is also magnetically attracted toward the second edge 212a ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' in the X ' Z ' direction. For convenience of description, the former magnetic attractive force in the X ' Z direction may be referred to as a third magnetic attractive force, and the latter magnetic attractive force in the X ' Z ' direction may be referred to as a fourth magnetic attractive force. Thus, the second enlarged portion magnetically attracts the second edge 212a 'of the first immovable portion 200' and the second edge 212a 'of the second immovable portion 200'. Since the first and second immovable portions 200 'and 200' are fixed in position in a manner to be described, the magnetic attraction force in the X 'direction included in the third and fourth magnetic attraction forces exerted by the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 acts as a force to relatively move the movable portion 300 in the X' direction with respect to the first and second immovable portions 200 'and 200'. In the state where the movable part 300 is in the neutral position, the permanent magnet 310 does not have the second enlarged portion, and thus the third magnetic attractive force and the fourth magnetic attractive force will not be generated. On the other hand, as the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is enlarged, the third and fourth magnetic attractive forces become stronger and become strongest in a state where the movable part 300 has moved to the first position.

Assuming that in a state where the movable part 300 has been moved to the first position, the first portion 301 of the permanent magnet 310 is located on the Z '-direction side with respect to the first edge portion 211' of the first immovable part 200 'and in spaced relation to the first edge portion 211' of the first immovable part 200 'and on the Z-direction side with respect to the first edge portion 211' of the opening 210 'of the second immovable part 200' and in spaced relation to the first edge portion 211 'of the opening 210' of the second immovable part 200 ', the first enlarged portion of the first portion 301 of the permanent magnet 310 is not magnetically attracted in the X' Z direction toward the first edge 211a 'of the first immovable part 200' and is not magnetically attracted in the X 'Z' direction toward the first edge 211a 'of the second immovable part 200', and instead, the second magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 comes close, and magnetically attracted in the XZ direction toward the first edge 211a ' of the first immovable portion 200 ', and the fourth magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 approaches and is magnetically attracted in the XZ ' direction toward the first edge 211a ' of the second immovable portion 200 '. In this case, the magnetic attraction force in the XZ direction of the second magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 and the magnetic attraction force in the XZ 'direction of the fourth magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 will be balanced with the magnetic attraction force in the X' Z direction of the first enlarged portion of the first part 301 of the permanent magnet 310 and the magnetic attraction force in the X 'Z' direction of the second enlarged portion of the second part 302 of the permanent magnet 310, resulting in that the neutral position of the movable part 300 will be displaced. In view of this, the first position of the movable part 300 should be a position where the second magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 will not be magnetically attracted in the XZ direction toward the first edge 211a ' of the first immovable part 200 ' and the fourth magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 will not be magnetically attracted in the XZ ' direction toward the first edge 211a ' of the second immovable part 200 '. For this purpose, the size of the opening 210 ' in the X-X ' direction and the distance from the second and fourth magnetic pole portions of the permanent magnet 310 at the first position to the first edge 211a ' of the first immovable part 200 and the first edge 211a ' of the second immovable part 200 ' may be adjusted.

In the case where the permanent magnet 310 is provided with the third portion 303, as the movable portion 300 moves in the X 'direction from the neutral position, the third portion 303 of the permanent magnet 310 moves in the X' direction past the first edge 211a 'of the opening 210' of the first immovable portion 200 'and the first edge 211 a' of the opening 210 'of the second immovable portion 200' (i.e., past the third imaginary line L3). Therefore, the portion (which may be referred to as a third enlarged portion) of the third portion 303 of the permanent magnet 310, which is located on the X ' direction side with respect to the first edge 211a ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and the first edge 211a ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' (i.e., with respect to the third imaginary line L3), is gradually enlarged. In the state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the third portion 303 of the permanent magnet 310 does not have the third enlarged portion (see fig. 13B). On the other hand, in a state where the movable part 300 has moved from the neutral position to the second position, the third enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 becomes maximum (see fig. 16B).

In a state where the third enlarged portion has appeared in the third portion 303 of the permanent magnet 310, the third enlarged portion is magnetically attracted toward the first edge 211a 'of the first immovable portion 200' in a diagonal direction (the diagonal direction may be referred to as an XZ direction) including components of the X direction and the Z direction, and is also magnetically attracted toward the first edge 211a 'of the second immovable portion 200' in a diagonal direction (the diagonal direction may be referred to as an XZ 'direction) including components of the X direction and the Z' direction. For convenience of description, the former magnetic attractive force in the XZ direction may be referred to as a fifth magnetic attractive force, and the latter magnetic attractive force in the XZ' direction may be referred to as a sixth magnetic attractive force. Thus, the third enlarged portion magnetically attracts the first edge 211a 'of the first immovable portion 200' and the first edge 211a 'of the second immovable portion 200'. Since the first and second immovable portions 200 'and 200' are fixed in position in a manner to be described, the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the fifth and sixth magnetic attraction forces exerted by the third enlarged portions of the permanent magnets 310 acts as a force that relatively moves the movable portion 300 in the X direction with respect to the first and second immovable portions 200 'and 200'. In the state where the movable part 300 is in the neutral position, the permanent magnet 310 does not have the third enlarged portion, and thus the fifth and sixth magnetic attractive forces will not be generated. On the other hand, as the third enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is enlarged, the fifth and sixth magnetic attractive forces become stronger and become strongest in a state where the movable part 300 has moved to the second position.

In the case where the permanent magnet 310 is provided with the fourth portion 304 of the permanent magnet 310, as the movable portion 300 moves in the X 'direction from the neutral position, the fourth portion 304 of the permanent magnet 310 moves in the X' direction past the first edge 212a 'of the opening 210' of the first immovable portion 200 'and the first edge 212 a' of the opening 210 'of the second immovable portion 200' (i.e., past the fourth imaginary line L4). Therefore, a portion (which may be referred to as a fourth enlarged portion) of the fourth portion 304 of the permanent magnet 310, which is located on the X ' direction side with respect to the second edge 212a ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and the second edge 212a ' of the second immovable portion 200 ' (i.e., with respect to the fourth imaginary line L4), is gradually enlarged. In a state where the movable portion 300 is in the neutral position, the fourth portion 304 of the permanent magnet 310 does not have the fourth enlarged portion (see fig. 13B). On the other hand, in a state where the movable portion 300 has moved from the neutral position to the second position, the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 becomes maximum (see fig. 16B).

In a state where the fourth enlarged portion has appeared in the fourth portion 304 of the permanent magnet 310, the fourth enlarged portion is magnetically attracted in the XZ direction toward the second edge 212a ' of the first immovable portion 200 ' and also magnetically attracted in the XZ ' direction toward the second edge 212a ' of the second immovable portion 200 '. For convenience of description, the former magnetic attractive force in the XZ direction may be referred to as a seventh magnetic attractive force, and the latter magnetic attractive force in the XZ' direction may be referred to as an eighth magnetic attractive force. Thus, the fourth enlarged portion magnetically attracts the second edge 212a 'of the first immovable portion 200' and the second edge 212a 'of the second immovable portion 200'. Since the first and second immovable portions 200 'and 200' are fixed in position in a manner to be described, the magnetic attractive force in the X direction, of the seventh and eighth magnetic attractive forces exerted by the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310, acts as a force that relatively moves the movable portion 300 with respect to the first and second immovable portions 200 'and 200' in the X direction. In the state where the movable part 300 is in the neutral position, the permanent magnet 310 does not have the fourth enlarged portion, and therefore the seventh magnetic attractive force and the eighth magnetic attractive force will not be generated. On the other hand, as the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is enlarged, the seventh and eighth magnetic attractive forces become stronger and become strongest in a state where the movable portion 300 has moved to the second position.

Assuming that, in a state where the movable part 300 has been moved to the second position, the fourth portion 304 of the permanent magnet 310 is located on the Z '-direction side with respect to the second edge 212 a' of the first immovable part 200 'and in spaced relation to the second edge 212 a' of the first immovable part 200 'and on the Z-direction side with respect to the opening 210' of the second immovable part 200 'and in spaced relation to the second edge portion 212' of the opening 210 'of the second immovable part 200', the fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion 304 of the permanent magnet 310 is not magnetically attracted in the XZ direction toward the second edge 212a 'of the first immovable part 200' and is not magnetically attracted in the XZ '-direction toward the second edge 212 a' of the second immovable part 200 ', and instead, the first pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 approaches and is magnetically attracted in the X' -Z direction toward the second edge 212a 'of the first immovable part 200', and the third magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 approaches and is magnetically attracted toward the second edge 212a 'of the second immovable part 200' in the X 'Z' direction. In this case, the magnetic attraction force in the X 'Z direction of the first magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 and the magnetic attraction force in the X' Z 'direction of the third magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 will be balanced with the magnetic attraction force in the XZ direction of the third enlarged portion of the third portion 303 of the permanent magnet 310 and the magnetic attraction force in the XZ' direction of the fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion 304 of the permanent magnet 310, resulting in that the neutral position of the movable part 300 will be displaced. In view of this, the second position of the movable part 300 should be a position where the first magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 will not be magnetically attracted in the X 'Z direction toward the second edge 212 a' of the first immovable part 200 'and the third magnetic pole portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 will not be magnetically attracted in the X' Z 'direction toward the second edge 212 a' of the second immovable part 200. For this purpose, the size of the opening 210 'in the X-X' direction and the distance from the first and third magnetic pole portions of the permanent magnet 310 in the second position to the second edges 212a 'and 212 a' of the first and second immovable portions 200 'and 200' may be adjusted.

In the first movement aspect, the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 'and 200' may also have the above configuration (a) or (B) and the above configuration (C) or (D). In the second movement aspect, the movable part 300 and the first and second immovable parts 200 'and 200' may also have the above configuration (a) or (B).

The movable portion 300 may further include a retainer 320. The holder 320 is made of a non-magnetic substance such as synthetic resin, and holds the permanent magnet 310. For example, the holder 320 may be an annular body (see fig. 13B to 15B) fitted around the permanent magnet 310, a block of any shape in which the permanent magnet 310 is injection molded, or a box containing the permanent magnet 310. The holder 320 includes a first end 321 on the Y-direction side and a second end 322 on the Y' -direction side. The retainer 320 may be omitted.

The first coil 100 is disposed between the movable portion 300 and the first immovable portion 200 'in the Z-Z' direction. The first coil 100 is, for example, a helical coil disposed in the first magnetic field between the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 and the first immovable part 200' such that the wire of the first coil 100 intersects the first magnetic field. The second coil 100 is arranged between the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 and the second immovable part 200 'in the Z-Z' direction. The second coil 100 is, for example, a helical coil disposed in the second magnetic field between the movable part 300 and the second immovable part 200' such that the wire of the second coil 100 penetrates the second magnetic field. The first and second coils 100 and 100 may be wound in the same direction or in opposite directions.

The first coil 100 and the second coil 100 are electrically connected to a first oscillation circuit and a second oscillation circuit, respectively, which are provided outside the vibration generator B3. The first oscillation circuit and the second oscillation circuit may be provided in the actuator A3 of the vibration generator B3, instead of being provided outside the vibration generator B3. In this case, the first oscillation circuit and the second oscillation circuit may be mounted on a circuit board (not illustrated) of the actuator a 3. The first oscillation circuit and the second oscillation circuit of either aspect are configured to apply a square wave current or a sine wave current in the same direction to the first coil 100 and the second coil 100, respectively.

In the first movement aspect, the current applied to the first coil 100 is repeatedly polarity-reversed at predetermined intervals, and the current applied to the second coil 100 is repeatedly polarity-reversed at predetermined intervals. Applying a current to the first coil 100 alternately generates a first driving force (lorentz force) for moving the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) for moving the permanent magnet 310 in the X' direction. Specifically, a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X' direction are alternately generated by electromagnetic interaction between the first magnetic field and a current that flows through the first coil 100 so as to intersect the first magnetic field. Applying a current to the second coil 100 alternately generates a second driving force (lorentz force) for moving the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction and a fourth driving force (lorentz force) for moving the permanent magnet 310 in the X' direction. Specifically, the second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction and the fourth driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X' direction are alternately generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the second magnetic field and the electric current that flows through the second coil 100 so as to intersect the second magnetic field. The alternately generated first and second driving forces and third and fourth driving forces cause the movable part 300 to alternately repeat the relative linear movement from the second position to the first position and the relative linear movement from the first position to the second position with respect to the first and second coils 100 and the first and second immovable parts 200 and 200. This alternately repeated linear movement of the movable portion 300 from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position results in the generation of vibration.

The sum of the first driving force and the second driving force (i.e., the total driving force to move the movable portion 300 in the X direction) is greater than the sum of the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum first magnetic attraction force, the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum second magnetic attraction force, the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum third magnetic attraction force, and the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum fourth magnetic attraction force (i.e., the total magnetic attraction force to move the movable portion 300 in the X ' direction). Therefore, the first driving force and the second driving force linearly move the movable portion 300 from the second position to the first position against the resultant force of the above-described four magnetic attractive forces in the X' direction. The sum of the third driving force and the fourth driving force (i.e., the total driving force to move the movable portion 300 in the X' direction) is greater than the sum of the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum fifth magnetic attraction force, the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum sixth magnetic attraction force, the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum seventh magnetic attraction force, and the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum eighth magnetic attraction force (i.e., the total magnetic attraction force to move the movable portion 300 in the X direction). Therefore, the third driving force and the fourth driving force linearly move the movable portion 300 from the first position to the second position against the resultant force of the above-described four magnetic attractive forces in the X direction. In the movement of the movable part 300 from the first position to the second position, during the movement of the movable part 300 from the first position to the neutral position, the first part 301 of the movable part 300 is biased by the first magnetic attractive force and the second magnetic attractive force, and the second part 302 of the movable part 300 is biased by the third magnetic attractive force and the fourth magnetic attractive force. In the movement of the movable part 300 from the second position to the first position, during the movement of the movable part 300 from the second position to the neutral position, the third part 303 of the movable part 300 is biased by the fifth magnetic attractive force and the sixth magnetic attractive force, and the fourth part 304 of the movable part 300 is biased by the seventh magnetic attractive force and the eighth magnetic attractive force.

On the other hand, in the second movement aspect, the current applied to the first coil 100 is positive or negative, and the current applied to the second coil 100 is positive or negative. A current of positive polarity or negative polarity is intermittently applied to the first coil 100 and the second coil 100. Applying a current to the first coil 100 intermittently generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction. Specifically, the first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction is intermittently generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the first magnetic field and the electric current that flows through the first coil 100 so as to intersect the first magnetic field. Applying a current to the second coil 100 intermittently generates a second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction. Specifically, the second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 in the X direction is intermittently generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the second magnetic field and the electric current that flows through the second coil 100 so as to intersect the second magnetic field. The first and second driving forces cause the movable portion 300 to intermittently linearly move relatively from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the first and second coils 100 and the first and second immovable portions 200 and 200. The first to fourth magnetic attractive forces bias the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 to intermittently move from the first position toward the neutral position while intermittently suspending the application of current to the first and second coils 100 and 100. In short, the movable portion 300 alternately repeats the linear movement from the neutral position to the first position caused by the first to fourth driving forces and the linear movement from the first position to the neutral position caused by the first and second magnetic attractive forces in the X direction, so that the vibration is generated.

Actuator a3 may also include a housing 400'. The housing 400 ' includes a first housing 410 ' and a second housing 420 '. The first case 410 'and the second case 420' are each made of a non-magnetic substance such as synthetic resin. The first case 410' may be provided with a receiving recess. In the case where the first case 410 'is combined with the second case 420', the receiving recess is closed by the second case 420 'to form a receiving space of the case 400'. Alternatively, the first and second cases 410 'and 420' are each provided with a receiving recess. In the case where the first housing 410 ' is combined with the second housing 420 ', the receiving recess of the first housing 410 ' and the receiving recess of the second housing 420 ' form a receiving space of the housing 400 ' in combination. In either case, the accommodating space of the case 400' accommodates at least the movable part 300 and the first and second coils 100 and 100 such that the movable part 300 is movable in the first or second movement. The first and second housings 410 'and 420' may be configured as shown in fig. 12A through 15B, but need not be so. More specifically, the first case 410 ' may be provided with a plurality of engaging protrusions 414 ' protruding in the Z ' direction, the second case 420 ' may be provided with a plurality of engaging holes 423 ', and the engaging protrusions 414 ' may be fitted in the corresponding engaging holes 423 ', so that the first case 410 ' may be combined to the second case 420 '. Alternatively, the first case 410 'may be provided with a plurality of engagement holes 423', and the second case 420 'may be provided with a plurality of engagement protrusions 414' protruding in the Z-direction.

The first case 410 'may include walls of the receiving recess at the X-direction side and the X' -direction side. Each of the walls on the X-direction side and the X '-direction side includes a portion on the Y-direction side and a portion on the Y' -direction side.

The first case 410 ' includes a first wall 411 ', and the first wall 411 ' is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the movable portion 300 within the accommodation space. The second housing 420 'includes a second wall 421', and the second wall 421 'is located at the Z' -direction side with respect to the movable portion 300 in the accommodation space. The first wall 411 'may be a bottom of the receiving recess of the first case 410'. The first wall 411 'is provided with a first accommodation hole 411 a'. The first receiving hole 411 a' has a shape and size corresponding to the outer shape and size of the first coil 100. The first coil 100 is securely received in the first receiving hole 411 a'. The first receiving hole 411a may be a through hole extending through the first wall 411 ' in the Z-Z ' direction, or may be a blind hole opened only in the Z ' direction. The second wall 421 'is provided with a second receiving hole 421 a'. The second receiving hole 421 a' has a shape and a size corresponding to the outer shape and the size of the second coil 100. The second coil 100 is securely received in the second receiving hole 421 a'. The second receiving hole 421a ' may be a through hole extending through the second wall 421 ' in the Z-Z ' direction, or may be a blind hole opened only in the Z direction. In the case where the second case 420 ' includes the receiving recess, the second wall 421 ' may form a bottom surface of the receiving recess of the second case 420 '.

The inner face of the first wall 411 'may be provided not with the first accommodation hole 411 a', but with a holding portion 413 for holding the first coil 100; and the inner face of the second wall 421 'may be provided not with the second accommodation hole 421 a', but with the holding portion 422 for holding the second coil 100. Alternatively, the first wall 411 ' may be provided without the first accommodation hole 411a ' and configured to couple the first coil 100 to the first wall 411 '; and the second wall 421 ' may be provided without the second receiving hole 421a ' and configured to couple the second coil 100 to the second wall 421 '. In these cases, the accommodation space of the case 400' accommodates not only the movable portion 300 but also the first coil 100 and the second coil 100.

Actuator a3 may also include a guide. The guide is configured to guide the movable portion 300 to be movable in the X-X' direction. For example, the guide and the movable portion 300 may have any of the following configurations (1) to (4).

(1) The guide includes a first rail 500 and a second rail 500 (see fig. 13A to 15B). The first guide rail 500 and the second guide rail 500 are shafts or the like provided separately from the housing 400 ' and attached to the first housing 410 ' of the housing 400 '. Each of the first and second guide rails 500 and 500 extends in the X-X 'direction and includes a first end on the X-direction side and a second end on the X' -direction side. Portions of the walls of the first housing 410 on the X-direction side and the X '-direction side on the Y-direction side are provided with a pair of first support holes 412' to receive and support the first and second ends of the first guide rail 500. Portions of the walls of the first housing 410 on the X-direction side and the X ' -direction side on the Y ' -direction side are provided with a pair of second support holes 412 ' to receive and support the first end and the second end of the second guide rail 500. The movable portion 300 includes at least one first slide 323 and at least one second slide 324. With the retainer 320 provided, at least one first runner 323 and at least one second runner 324 are provided on the first end 321 and the second end 322 of the retainer 320, respectively (see fig. 13A, 13C, and 14A-15B). In the case where the holder 320 is omitted, at least one first slide 323 and at least one second slide 324 are provided on the ends of the Y-direction side and the Y' -direction side of the permanent magnet 310, respectively. In either case, the dimension of the at least one first runner 323 in the X-X 'direction is less than the dimension of the first rail 500 in the X-X' direction, and the dimension of the at least one second runner 324 in the X-X 'direction is less than the dimension of the second rail 500 in the X-X' direction. The or each first slide 323 has a slot or aperture extending through the or each first slide 323 in the X-X 'direction and receiving the first rail 500 such that the or each first slide 323 is moveable along the first rail 500 in the X-X' direction. Likewise, the or each second runner 324 has a slot or aperture extending through the or each second runner 324 in the X-X 'direction and receiving the second rail 500 such that the or each second runner 324 is movable along the second rail 500 in the X-X' direction.

(2) The first rail 500 and the second rail 500 have similar configurations to the first rail 500 and the second rail 500 of the above configuration (1), but are different in that the first rail 500 and the second rail 500 of the configuration (2) are ridge portions (not illustrated) provided in the first housing 410, protruding toward the at least one first slide 323 side and the at least one second slide 324 of the movable portion 300, respectively, and extending in the X-X' direction. The at least one first ramp 323 and the at least one second ramp 324 of configuration (2) are similar to the at least one first ramp 323 and the at least one second ramp 324 of configuration (1) above, but differ in that the or each first ramp 323 has a slot extending therethrough in the X-X 'direction, open toward the first rail 500, and receiving the first rail 500, such that the or each first ramp 323 is movable along the first rail 500 in the X-X' direction. Likewise, the or each second runner 324 has a slot extending through the or each second runner 324 in the X-X 'direction, open towards the second rail 500 and receiving the second rail 500, such that the or each second runner 324 is movable along the second rail 500 in the X-X' direction.

(3) The guide member includes a first guide groove and a second guide groove (not illustrated). The first and second guide grooves are provided in the first housing 410, open toward the at least one first slide 323 and the at least one second slide 324 of the movable part 300, respectively, and extend in the X-X' direction. The at least one first runner 323 of configuration (3) is similar to the at least one first runner 323 of configuration (1) above, but differs in that the or each first runner 323 projects towards, is received in, and is movable along the first guide slot in the X-X' direction. The at least one second runner 324 of configuration (3) is similar to the at least one second runner 324 of configuration (1) above, but differs in that the or each second runner 324 protrudes towards, is received in, and is movable along the second guide slot in the X-X' direction.

The above configurations (1) and (2) may be modified such that only one of the first guide rail 500 and the second guide rail 500 is provided and the other is omitted, and only either one of the at least one first slide 323 or the at least one second slide 324 is provided and the other is omitted. The above configuration (3) may be modified such that only one of the first guide groove and the second guide groove is provided and the other is omitted, and only one of the at least one first slide 323 and the at least one second slide 324 is provided and the other is omitted.

(4) The guide comprises a groove in the first housing 410 'or a pair of ridges on the first housing 410'. The groove or pair of ridges extends in the X-X' direction. The dimension of the groove or pair of ridges in the X-X 'direction is greater than the dimension of the movable portion 300 in the X-X' direction. The movable portion 300 is received in the groove and is movable in the X-X 'direction, or alternatively, the movable portion 300 is disposed between the ridges and is movable in the X-X' direction. In either case, the first slide 323 and the second slide 324 of the movable portion 300 are omitted.

The first and second immovable portions 200 ' and 200 ' are fixed to the case 400 '. For example, the first immovable portion 200 ' and the second immovable portion 200 ' may be fixed to the housing 400 ' in any one of the following manners (5) to (8).

(5) The first immovable portion 200 ' is fixed to the outside of the first wall 411 ' of the first case 410 ' and the second immovable portion 200 is fixed to the outside of the second wall 421 ' of the second case 420 ', for example, in one of the following manners (5-1) to (5-3). (5-1) the outer face of the first wall 411 'is provided with a plurality of engaging protrusions 413', the outer face of the second wall 421 'of the second housing 420' is provided with a plurality of engaging recesses 422 ', and each of the first and second immovable portions 200' and 200 'is provided with a plurality of engaging holes 220'. In this case, the engaging protrusion 413 ' is fitted in the corresponding engaging hole 220 ' of the first immovable portion 200 ', and the engaging protrusion 422 ' is fitted in the engaging hole 220 ' of the second immovable portion 200 ', so that the first immovable portion 200 ' is fixed to the outside of the first wall 411 ' of the first housing 410 ' and the second immovable portion 200 is fixed to the outside of the second wall 421 ' of the second housing 420 ' (see fig. 12A to 15B). (5-2) the outside of the first wall 411 'of the first case 410' is provided with a plurality of engaging holes 220 ', the outside of the second wall 421' of the second case 420 'is provided with a plurality of engaging holes 220', and each of the first and second immovable parts 200 'and 200' is provided with a plurality of engaging protrusions 422 'to be fitted in the engaging holes 220'. (5-3) the first immovable portion 200 'is coupled and thus fixed to the outside of the first wall 411' of the first case 410 ', and the second immovable portion 200' is coupled and thus fixed to the outside of the second wall 421 'of the second case 420'. (6) The first immovable portion 200 'is fixed to an inner face of the first wall 411' of the first case 410 ', and the second immovable portion 200' is fixed to an inner face of the second wall 421 'of the second case 420'. In this case, the first and second immovable portions 200 ' and 200 ' are also accommodated in the accommodation space of the case 400 '. (7) The first immovable portion 200 'is embedded in the inner portion 411c of the first wall 411' of the first housing 410 'by in-molding, and the second immovable portion 200' is embedded in the inner portion 421c of the second wall 421 'of the second housing 420' by in-molding. (8) The first immovable portion 200 ' is securely received in a first recess in the inner portion 411c of the first wall 411 ' of the first housing 410 and the second immovable portion 200 ' is securely received in a second recess in the inner portion 421c of the second wall 421 ' of the second housing 420 '. The first recess and the second recess are open at least in the Y-direction. The first recess may be open in the Y-direction and the Z-direction, and the second recess may be open in the Y-direction and the Z' -direction. The first and second immovable portions 200 ' and 200 ' are fixed to the housing 400 ' and thus fixed in place in any of the following ways.

The actuator a3 may further include a first fixed member 700 and a second fixed member 700, each of the first fixed member 700 and the second fixed member 700 being substantially L-shaped in cross-sectional view in the Y-Y' direction and including a first plate and a second plate. The first plate of the first fixing member 700 is provided with two first engaging holes to receive two of the engaging protrusions 413 ' of the first case 410 ' at the Y ' direction side. The second plate of the first fixing member 700 is provided with a second engaging hole to receive an engaging protrusion of the second housing 420 'protruding in the Y' direction. The first plate of the second fixing member 700 is provided with two first engaging holes to receive two of the engaging protrusions 422 ' of the second housing 420 ' at the Y ' direction side. The second plate of the second fixing member 700 is provided with a second engaging hole to receive an engaging protrusion of the first housing 410 'protruding in the Y' direction. In a state where the first housing 410 'is coupled to the second housing 420' as described above, the two first engagement holes of the first fixing member 700 receive the above two engagement protrusions 413 'of the first housing 410', the second engagement hole of the first fixing member 700 receives the engagement protrusion of the second housing 420 ', the two first engagement holes of the second fixing member 700 receive the above two engagement protrusions 422' of the second housing 420 ', and the second engagement hole of the second fixing member 700 receives the engagement protrusion of the first housing 410'. Accordingly, the first case 410 'is firmly coupled to the second case 420' in the above-described manner. In this case, as described with respect to the above configuration (5), the first immovable portion 200 'is fixed to the outer face 411b of the first facing portion 411' of the first case 410 ', and the second immovable portion 200' is fixed to the outer face 421b of the second facing portion 421 'of the second case 420'. The first and second fixing members 700 and 700 may be omitted.

The actuator a3 and the vibration generator B3 described above provide the following technical features and effects.

Technical features and effects (1)

In the first movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force in the X direction acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 move the movable part 300 from the second position to the first position. Accordingly, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 are enlarged. Then, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200 'and the second immovable portion 200', and the third driving force and the fourth driving force in the X 'direction acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 move the movable portion 300 in the X' direction from the first position in a non-contact manner. The third driving force and the fourth driving force in the X' direction acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 move the movable part 300 from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 are enlarged. Then, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200 'and the second immovable portion 200', and the first driving force and the second driving force acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable portion 300 move the movable portion 300 in the X direction from the second position in a non-contact manner. The actuator a3 and the vibration generator B3 of this aspect apply driving forces in the X 'direction and the X direction to the movable section 300 that alternately moves in the X direction and the X' direction, respectively, in a non-contact manner.

In the second movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 move the movable part 300 from the neutral position to the first position. Accordingly, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 are enlarged. Then, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200 ' and the second immovable portion 200 ', so that the movable portion 300 moves in the X ' direction from the first position in a non-contact manner. The actuator a3 and the vibration generator B3 of this aspect intermittently apply a driving force in the X' direction to the movable section 300 that intermittently moves in the X direction in a non-contact manner.

Technical features and effects (2)

In the first movement aspect, the actuator a3 and the vibration generator B3 are configured to apply driving forces in the X 'direction and the X direction to the movable section 300 that alternately move in the X direction and the X' direction, respectively, in a non-contact manner by using the permanent magnet 310 of the movable section 300 and the first immovable section 200 and the second immovable section 200 (yokes). This configuration reduces the number of parts of the actuator a3 and the vibration generator B3, as compared to a conventional device configured to apply a driving force with a spring or the like.

In the second moving aspect, the actuator a3 and the vibration generator B3 are configured to intermittently apply a driving force in the X' direction to the movable section 300 intermittently moving in the X direction in a non-contact manner by using the permanent magnet 310 of the movable section 300 and the first and second immovable sections 200 and 200 (yokes). This configuration also reduces the number of components of the actuator a3 and the vibration generator B3 as compared to conventional devices.

Technical features and effects (3)

In the first movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force (i.e., two driving forces) in the X direction acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 move the movable part 300 from the second position to the first position. The third driving force and the fourth driving force (i.e., two driving forces) in the X' direction acting on the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 move the movable part 300 from the first position to the second position. Therefore, it is possible to maximize the vibration generated due to the alternate movement of the movable portion 300 in the X direction and the X' direction.

Technical features and effects (4)

In the case where the first distance D1 is substantially equal to the second distance D2, the magnetic attractive force attracting the permanent magnet 310 in the Z direction toward the first immovable part 200 ' is cancelled by the magnetic attractive force attracting the permanent magnet 310 in the Z ' direction toward the second immovable part 200 '. Therefore, friction between the movable portion 300 and the guide may be reduced.

Technical features and effects (5)

In the first movement aspect, the guide is separately provided from an arrangement in which the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is magnetically attracted toward the first and second immovable parts 200 'and 200', an arrangement in which the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is magnetically attracted toward the first and second immovable parts 200 'and 200', an arrangement in which the third enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is magnetically attracted toward the first and second immovable parts 200 'and 200', and an arrangement in which the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is magnetically attracted toward the first and second immovable parts 200 'and 200'. Thus, these arrangements can be designed and adjusted with increased flexibility.

In the second movement aspect, the guide is provided separately from the arrangement in which the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is magnetically attracted toward the first and second immovable parts 200 ' and the arrangement in which the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 of the movable part 300 is magnetically attracted toward the first and second immovable parts 200 ' and 200 '. Thus, these arrangements can be designed and adjusted with increased flexibility.

Technical characteristics and effects (6)

Each of the first and second immovable portions 200 ' and 200 ' is provided with an opening 210 '. By changing the area of each opening 210 ', that is, by changing only the configurations of the first immovable portion 200 ' and the second immovable portion 200 ' of the actuator a3, the resonance frequency of the vibration generator B3 can be adjusted. For example, a decrease in the size of each opening 210 'in the X-X' direction results in a decrease in the resonant frequency of vibration generator B3, while an increase in the size of each opening 210 'in the X-X' direction results in an increase in the resonant frequency of vibration generator B3.

Fourth embodiment

A vibration generator B4 according to embodiments of the present invention including a fourth embodiment and modifications thereof is described below with reference to fig. 17A and 17B. Fig. 17A illustrates a vibration generator B4 of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 17B illustrates a first modification of the vibration generator B4 of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 17A and 17B show the X-X 'direction and the Z-Z' direction in a similar manner to fig. 2B.

The vibration generator B4 includes an electromagnetic actuator a4 (which may be referred to simply as actuator a 4). The actuator a4 has a configuration similar to that of the actuator a1, but differs in the following points. The first immovable portion 200 "and the second immovable portion 200" are constituted by permanent magnets instead of magnetic substances; the movable portion 300 'does not include the permanent magnet 310, but includes a magnetic member 310' made of a magnetic substance; and the first coil 100 and the second coil 100 are fixed to the movable portion 300'. Hereinafter, only the differences will be described in detail, and the description of the actuator a4, which is repeated with the description of the actuator a1, will be omitted.

Similar to the permanent magnet 310 of any of the above aspects of the actuator a1, each of the first and second immovable portions 200 ", 200" may be constructed of one or two permanent magnets and include first to fourth magnetic pole portions. Similar to the first and second immovable portions 200, 200 of the actuator a1, the first and second immovable portions 200 ", 200" are fixed in place, particularly to the housing 400. Each of the first and second immovable portions 200 ", 200" further includes a first end 201 and a second end 202.

A first distance D1 in the Z-Z 'direction from the first immovable portion 200 "to the magnetic member 310' of the movable portion 300 'may be substantially equal to a second distance D2 in the Z-Z' direction from the second immovable portion 200" to the magnetic member 310 'of the movable portion 300' (see fig. 17A and 17B). The magnetic attraction force in the Z direction applied to the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable part 300 ' by the first immovable part 200 ″ is cancelled by the magnetic attraction force in the Z ' direction applied to the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable part 300 ' by the second immovable part 200 ″. The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 may be different from each other.

The movable part 300 'may have a configuration similar to that of the movable part 300, but a difference may be that the movable part 300' includes a magnetic member 310 'instead of the permanent magnet 310, and the first and second coils 100 and 100 are fixed to the movable part 300'. The first coil 100 and the second coil 100 are fixed to the faces of the magnetic member 310 'on the Z-direction side and the Z' -direction side, respectively, with an adhesive or other means, and the magnetic member 310 'is located between the first coil 100 and the second coil 100 in the Z-Z' direction. A first magnetic field is generated between the first immovable portion 200 "and the magnetic member 310 'of the movable portion 300', and a second magnetic field is generated between the second immovable portion 200" and the magnetic member 310 'of the movable portion 300'. The first coil 100 is arranged in the first magnetic field such that the wire of the first coil 100 penetrates the first magnetic field between the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable part 300 ' and the first immovable part 200 '. The second coil 100 is arranged in the second magnetic field such that the wire of the second coil 100 penetrates the second magnetic field between the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable part 300 ' and the second immovable part 200 '. In the case where the movable part 300 'is provided with the holder 320, the holder 320 holds the magnetic member 310' similarly to the permanent magnet 310. The magnetic member 310' includes a first end 311 and a second end 312.

In the first movement aspect, in a state where the movable portion 300 'is in the neutral position, the movable portion 300' and the first and second immovable portions 200 ″ and 200 ″ may have the following configuration (a ') or (B') and also the following configuration (C ') or (D').

(a ') the movable portion 300 ' in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end 311a of the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 ' is in a relative position substantially coinciding with the first end 201 of the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the first end 201 of the second immovable portion 200 ″ in the X-X ' direction (see fig. 17B). In other words, the movable portion 300 'in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end 311a of the magnetic member 310' of the movable portion 300 'is disposed along a first imaginary line L1 extending in the Z-Z' direction along the first end 201 of the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the first end 201 of the second immovable portion 200 ″. As the movable portion 300 'moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the portion (which may be referred to as a first enlarged portion) of the magnetic member 310' located on the X direction side with respect to the first end 201 of the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the first end 201 of the second immovable portion 200 ″ (i.e., with respect to the first imaginary line L1) gradually enlarges. In a state where the movable portion 300 'is at the neutral position, the magnetic member 310' does not have the first enlarged portion (see fig. 17B). In a state where the movable portion 300 'has moved from the neutral position to the first position, the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310' becomes maximum. The largest first enlarged portion includes all of the first end portion 311 of the magnetic member 310' or a part thereof on the X-direction side.

(B ') the movable portion 300 ' in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end portion 311 of the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 ' is located on the X-direction side in the X-X ' direction with respect to the first end 201 of the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the first end 201 of the second immovable portion 200 ″ (see fig. 17A). In other words, the movable portion 300 ' in the neutral position is disposed such that the first end 311 of the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 ' is located on the X-direction side with respect to the first imaginary line L1. As the movable portion 300 'moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310' is gradually enlarged. In the state where the movable portion 300 ' is at the neutral position, the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 ' is smallest, which includes the first end 311 of the magnetic member 310 ' (see fig. 17A). In a state where the movable portion 300 'has moved from the neutral position to the first position, the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310' becomes maximum. The largest first enlarged portion includes the entire first end 311 of the magnetic member 310 ' and a portion on the X ' direction side with respect to the first end 311 of the magnetic member 310 '.

(C ') the movable portion 300 ' in the neutral position is disposed such that the second end 312a of the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 ' is in a relative position substantially coinciding with the second end 202 of the first immovable portion 200 "and the second end 202 of the second immovable portion 200" in the X-X ' direction (see fig. 17B). In other words, the movable portion 300 'in the neutral position is disposed such that the second end 312a of the magnetic member 310' of the movable portion 300 'is disposed along the second imaginary line L2 extending in the Z-Z' direction along the second ends 202 and 202 of the first and second immovable portions 200 "and 200". As the movable portion 300 'moves in the X' direction from the neutral position, the portion (which may be referred to as a second enlarged portion) of the magnetic member 310 'located on the X' direction side with respect to the second end 202 of the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the second end 202 of the second immovable portion 200 ″ (i.e., with respect to the second imaginary line L2) is gradually enlarged. In a state where the movable portion 300 'is at the neutral position, the magnetic member 310' does not have the second enlarged portion (see fig. 17B). In a state where the movable portion 300 'has moved from the neutral position to the second position, the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310' becomes maximum. The largest second enlarged portion includes all of the second end 312 of the magnetic member 310 'or a portion thereof on the X' direction side.

(D ') the movable portion 300' in the neutral position is disposed such that the second end 312 of the magnetic member 310 'of the movable portion 300' is located on the X 'direction side in the X-X' direction with respect to the second end 202 of the first immovable portion 200 "and the second end 202 of the second immovable portion 200" (see fig. 17A). In other words, the movable portion 300 'in the neutral position is disposed such that the second end 312 of the magnetic member 310' of the movable portion 300 'is located on the X' direction side with respect to the second imaginary line L2. As the movable portion 300 ' moves in the X ' direction from the neutral position, the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 ' is gradually enlarged. In the state where the movable portion 300 ' is in the neutral position, the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 ' is smallest, which includes the second end 312 of the magnetic member 310 ' (see fig. 17A). In a state where the movable portion 300 'has moved from the neutral position to the second position, the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310' becomes maximum. The largest second enlarged portion includes the entire second end 312 of the magnetic member 310 'and a portion on the X-direction side with respect to the second end 312 of the magnetic member 310'.

Regardless of whether the movable part 300 ' and the first and second immovable parts 200 ″ and 200 ″ have the above configuration (a ') or (B '), since the first and second immovable parts 200 ″ and 200 ″ are fixed to the case 400, the first enlarged part of the magnetic member 310 ' is magnetically attracted by the first immovable part 200 ″ in a diagonal direction (which may be referred to as X ' Z direction) including components of the X ' direction and the Z direction, and the first enlarged part of the magnetic member 310 ' is magnetically attracted by the second immovable part 200 ″ in a diagonal direction (which may be referred to as X ' Z ' direction) including components of the X ' direction and the Z ' direction. In other words, the fixed first immovable portion 200 "magnetically attracts the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 ' in the X ' Z direction, and the fixed second immovable portion 200" magnetically attracts the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 ' in the X ' Z ' direction. For ease of description, the former magnetic attraction force in the X ' Z direction may be referred to as a first magnetic attraction force, and the latter magnetic attraction force in the X ' Z ' direction may be referred to as a second magnetic attraction force. The magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the first magnetic attraction force of the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the second magnetic attraction force of the second immovable portion 200 ″ act as a force to relatively move the movable portion 300 ' in the X ' direction with respect to the first and second immovable portions 200 ″ and 200 '.

Regardless of whether the movable portion 300 ' and the first and second immovable portions 200 ″ and 200 ″ have the above configuration (C ') or (D '), the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 ' is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion 200 ″ in a diagonal direction (which may be referred to as an XZ direction) including components of the X and Z directions, and the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 ' is magnetically attracted by the second immovable portion 200 ″ in a diagonal direction (which may be referred to as an XZ ' direction) including components of the X and Z ' directions. In other words, the fixed first immovable portion 200 ″ magnetically attracts the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 ' in the XZ direction, and the fixed second immovable portion 200 ″ magnetically attracts the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 ' in the XZ ' direction. For ease of description, the former magnetic attractive force in the XZ direction may be referred to as a third magnetic attractive force, and the latter magnetic attractive force in the XZ' direction may be referred to as a fourth magnetic attractive force. The magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the third magnetic attraction force of the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the fourth magnetic attraction force of the second immovable portion 200 ″ act as a force to relatively move the movable portion 300' in the X direction with respect to the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ″.

In the first movement aspect, applying a current to the first coil 100, the polarity of which is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a first driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ' in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ' in the X ' direction. Specifically, a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ' in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ' in the X ' direction are alternately generated by electromagnetic interaction between the first magnetic field and the current that flows through the first coil 100 so as to intersect the first magnetic field. In addition, applying a current to the second coil 100, the polarity of which is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a second driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ' in the X direction and a fourth driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ' in the X ' direction. Specifically, the second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ' in the X direction and the fourth driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ' in the X ' direction are alternately generated by electromagnetic interaction between the second magnetic field and the current that flows through the second coil 100 so as to intersect the second magnetic field. The alternately generated first and second driving forces and third and fourth driving forces cause the movable part 300' to alternately repeat the relative linear movement from the second position to the first position and the relative linear movement from the first position to the second position with respect to the first and second immovable parts 200 "and 200". This alternately repeated linear movement of the movable part 300' and the first and second coils 100, 100 from the second position to the first position and vice versa results in the generation of vibrations.

The sum of the first driving force and the second driving force (i.e., the total driving force to move the movable portion 300 ' in the X direction) is greater than the sum of the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum first magnetic attraction force and the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum second magnetic attraction force (i.e., the total magnetic attraction force to move the movable portion 300 ' in the X ' direction). Therefore, the first driving force and the second driving force oppose the resultant force of the two magnetic attractive forces in the X 'direction, causing the movable portion 300' to move linearly from the second position to the first position. The sum of the third driving force and the fourth driving force (i.e., the total driving force to move the movable portion 300 ' in the X ' direction) is greater than the sum of the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum third magnetic attraction force and the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum fourth magnetic attraction force (i.e., the total magnetic attraction force to move the movable portion 300 ' in the X direction). Therefore, the third driving force and the fourth driving force linearly move the movable portion 300' from the first position to the second position against the resultant force of the two magnetic attractive forces in the X direction. In the movement of the movable part 300 ' from the first position to the second position, the movable part 300 ' is biased by the first and second magnetic attractive forces during the movement of the movable part 300 ' from the first position to the neutral position. In the movement of the movable part 300 ' from the second position to the first position, the movable part 300 ' is biased by the third magnetic attractive force and the fourth magnetic attractive force during the movement of the movable part 300 ' from the second position to the neutral position.

On the other hand, in the second movement aspect, the movable portion 300 ' and the first and second immovable portions 200 ″ have the above configurations (a ') or (B '), and the above configurations (C ') and (D ') are omitted. The intermittent application of the positive or negative polarity current to the first coil 100 intermittently generates a first driving force (lorentz force) to move the magnetic member 310' in the X direction. Specifically, the first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310' in the X direction is intermittently generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the first magnetic field and the electric current flowing through the first coil 100 so as to intersect the first magnetic field. Intermittently applying a current of positive or negative polarity to the second coil 100 intermittently generates a second driving force (lorentz force) to move the magnetic member 310' in the X direction. Specifically, the second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310' in the X direction is intermittently generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the second magnetic field and the electric current that flows through the second coil 100 so as to intersect the second magnetic field. The first and second driving forces intermittently relatively linearly move the movable portion 300' from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the first and second immovable portions 200 ″ and 200 ″. The first and second magnetic attractive forces bias the magnetic member 310 'of the movable portion 300' to intermittently move from the first position to the neutral position while intermittently suspending the application of current to the first and second coils 100 and 100. In short, the movable portion 300' and the first and second coils 100 and 100 alternately repeat the linear movement from the neutral position to the first position in the X direction caused by the first and second driving forces and the linear movement from the first position to the neutral position caused by the first and second magnetic attractive forces, so that the vibration is generated.

Actuator a4 may also include at least one support C1. The at least one support C1 may be a single support C1 or two supports C1. At least one support C1 has a similar configuration to that of at least one support C1 of the actuator a2, but differs in that the support C1 or each support C1 of the actuator a4 is disposed between the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ″ in the X-X' direction, and is configured to support the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ″. The at least one support C1 may be omitted.

The actuator a4 and the vibration generator B4 described above provide the following technical features and effects.

Technical features and effects (1)

In the first movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force in the X direction acting on the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 ' move the movable portion 300 ' from the second position to the first position. Accordingly, the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 'of the movable portion 300' is enlarged. Then, the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ″ magnetically attract the first enlarged portion, and the third driving force and the fourth driving force in the X ' direction, which act on the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 ', move the movable portion 300 ' in the X ' direction from the first position in a non-contact manner. The third driving force and the fourth driving force in the X 'direction acting on the magnetic member 310' of the movable part 300 'move the movable part 300' from the first position to the second position. Thus, the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 'of the movable portion 300' is enlarged. Then, the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ″ magnetically attract the second enlarged portion, and the first driving force and the second driving force acting on the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 ' move the movable portion 300 ' in the X direction from the second position in a non-contact manner. The actuator a4 and the vibration generator B4 of this aspect apply driving forces in the X ' direction and the X direction to the movable section 300 ' that alternately moves in the X direction and the X ' direction, respectively, in a non-contact manner.

In the second movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force acting on the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 ' move the movable portion 300 ' from the neutral position to the first position. Accordingly, the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 'of the movable part 300' is enlarged. Then, the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ″ magnetically attract the first enlarged portion, so that the movable portion 300 'moves in the X' direction from the first position in a non-contact manner. The actuator a4 and the vibration generator B4 of this aspect intermittently apply a driving force in the X 'direction to the movable section 300' that intermittently moves in the X direction in a non-contact manner.

Technical features and effects (2)

In the first movement aspect, the actuator a4 and the vibration generator B4 are configured to apply driving forces in the X ' direction and the X direction to the movable section 300 ' that alternately move in the X direction and the X ' direction, respectively, in a non-contact manner by using the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable section 300 ' and the first immovable section 200 ″ and the second immovable section 200 ″. This configuration reduces the number of parts of the actuator a4 and the vibration generator B4, as compared to a conventional device configured to apply a driving force with a spring or the like.

In the second movement aspect, the actuator a4 and the vibration generator B4 are configured to intermittently apply a driving force in the X 'direction to the movable section 300' intermittently moving in the X direction in a non-contact manner, by using the magnetic member 310 'of the movable section 300' and the first and second immovable sections 200 ″ and 200 ″. This configuration also reduces the number of parts of the actuator a4 and the vibration generator B4 as compared to the conventional device.

Technical features and effects (3)

In the first movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force (i.e., two driving forces) in the X direction acting on the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 ' move the movable portion 300 ' from the second position to the first position. The third driving force and the fourth driving force (i.e., two driving forces) in the X 'direction acting on the magnetic member 310' of the movable part 300 'move the movable part 300' from the first position to the second position. Therefore, it is possible to maximize the vibration generated by the alternate movement of the movable portion 300 'in the X direction and the X' direction.

Technical features and effects (4)

In the case where the first distance D1 is substantially equal to the second distance D2, the magnetic attractive force in the Z direction exerted by the first immovable portion 200 ″ on the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 ' is cancelled by the magnetic attractive force in the Z ' direction exerted by the second immovable portion 200 ″ on the magnetic member 310 ' of the movable portion 300 '. Therefore, friction between the movable portion 300' and the guide may be reduced.

Technical features and effects (5)

In the first movement aspect, the guide is provided separately and independently from the arrangement in which the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ″ magnetically attract the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 'of the movable portion 300' and the arrangement in which the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ″ magnetically attract the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 'of the movable portion 300'. Thus, these arrangements can be designed and adjusted with increased flexibility.

In the second moving aspect, the guide is provided separately from the arrangement in which the first immovable portion 200 ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ″ magnetically attract the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 'of the movable portion 300'. Thus, the arrangement may be designed and adjusted with increased flexibility.

Fifth embodiment

A vibration generator B5 according to embodiments of the present invention including a fifth embodiment and modifications thereof is described below with reference to fig. 18A to 18C. Fig. 18A to 18C illustrate a vibration generator B5 of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 18A and 18C illustrate the X-X 'direction and the Z-Z' direction in a similar manner to fig. 2B.

The vibration generator B5 includes an electromagnetic actuator a5 (which may be referred to simply as actuator a 5). The actuator a5 has a configuration similar to that of the actuator A3, but differs in the following points. The first immovable portion 200 "'and the second immovable portion 200"' are not constituted by a magnetic substance but constituted by a permanent magnet; the movable part 300 "does not include the permanent magnet 310, but includes the magnetic member 310 made of a magnetic substance; and the first coil 100 and the second coil 100 are fixed to the movable portion 300 ″. Hereinafter, only the differences will be described in detail, and the description of the actuator a5, which is repeated with the description of the actuator A3, will be omitted.

The movable part 300 "may have a similar configuration to that of the movable part 300, but may differ in that the movable part includes a magnetic member 310" instead of the permanent magnet 310, and the magnetic member 310 "includes an opening 311". The first coil 100 and the second coil 100 are fixed to the faces of the magnetic member 310 ″ on the Z direction side and the Z 'direction side, respectively, with an adhesive or other means, and the magnetic member 310 ″ is located between the first coil 100 and the second coil 100 in the Z-Z' direction. In the case where the movable portion 300 ″ is provided with the holder 320 (not illustrated in fig. 18A to 18C), the holder 320 holds the magnetic member 310 ″ similarly to the permanent magnet 310. The opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" extends through the magnetic member 310 "in the Z-Z' direction. The opening 311 "may be polygonal (e.g., rectangular as shown in fig. 18A-18C), circular, or any other shape. The magnetic member 310 "further includes a first edge portion 312" of the opening 311 "on the X-direction side and a second edge portion 313" of the opening 311 "on the X' -direction side. The first edge portion 312 ″ includes the first edge 312a ″ of the opening 311 ″ on the X direction side. The second edge portion 313 ″ includes the second edge 313a ″ of the opening 311 ″ on the X' direction side.

Each of the first immovable portion 200 "'and the second immovable portion 200"' is constituted by one or two permanent magnets similarly to the permanent magnet 310 of any of the above-described aspects of the actuator a 3. For convenience of description, portions of the first immovable portion 200 '″ that form north and south poles, respectively, in portions on the Z' direction side may be referred to as a first magnetic pole portion and a second magnetic pole portion, respectively; portions of the first immovable portion 200' ″ that form south and north poles, respectively, in portions on the Z-direction side may be referred to as a third magnetic pole portion and a fourth magnetic pole portion, respectively; portions of the second immovable portion 200 '″ that form north and south poles, respectively, in portions on the Z' direction side may be referred to as a first magnetic pole portion and a second magnetic pole portion, respectively; and the portions of the second immovable portion 200' ″ that form the south pole and the north pole, respectively, in the portions on the Z-direction side may be referred to as a third magnetic pole portion and a fourth magnetic pole portion, respectively. The first immovable part 200' ″ may be modified such that the first and second magnetic pole portions form a south pole and a north pole, respectively, and the third and fourth magnetic pole portions form a north pole and a south pole, respectively. Likewise, the second immovable portion 200' ″ may be modified such that the first and second magnetic pole portions form a south pole and a north pole, respectively, and the third and fourth magnetic pole portions form a north pole and a south pole, respectively. Similar to the first and second immovable portions 200 ', 200 ' of the actuator a3, the first and second immovable portions 200 "' and 200" ' are fixed in place, particularly to the housing 400 '. The housing 400' is not illustrated in fig. 18A to 18C. A first magnetic field is generated between the first immovable portion 200 "'and the magnetic member 310" of the movable portion 300 ", and a second magnetic field is generated between the second immovable portion 200"' and the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300". The first coil 100 is arranged in a first magnetic field such that the wire of the first coil 100 intersects the first magnetic field between the magnetic member 310 "of the movable part 300" and the first immovable part 200 "'. The second coil 100 is arranged in the second magnetic field such that the wire of the second coil 100 penetrates the second magnetic field between the magnetic member 310 "of the movable part 300" and the second immovable part 200 "'.

A first distance D1 in the Z-Z 'direction from the first immovable part 200 "' to the magnetic member 310" of the movable part 300 "may be substantially equal to a second distance D2 in the Z-Z 'direction from the second immovable part 200"' to the magnetic member 310 "of the movable part 300" (see fig. 18A). The magnetic attraction force in the Z direction exerted by the first immovable part 200 "' on the magnetic member 310" of the movable part 300 "is counteracted by the magnetic attraction force in the Z ' direction exerted by the second immovable part 200" ' on the magnetic member 310 "of the movable part 300". The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 may be different.

In the first movement aspect, each of the first immovable portion 200 "'and the second immovable portion 200"' includes a first portion 201 "', a second portion 202"', a third portion 203 "', and a fourth portion 204"' that are denoted by broken lines in fig. 18A to 18C. In each of the first and second immovable portions 200 ' ″, each of the first and third portions 201 ' ″ and 203 ' ″ is disposed in the first and third magnetic pole portions, and each of the second and fourth portions 202 ' ″ and 204 ' ″ of the first and second immovable portions 200 ' ″ and 200 ' ″ is disposed in the second and fourth magnetic pole portions.

In the state in which the movable part 300 "is in the neutral position, the first portion 201 '" of the first immovable part 200' "is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable part 300" and in spaced relation to the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable part 300 ", and includes, on the X-direction side, an end portion 201a '" that substantially coincides with the first edge 312a "of the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable part 300" in the X-X' direction. Further, in a state where the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the first portion 201 '" of the second immovable portion 200 ' "is located on the Z ' -direction side with respect to the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" and in spaced relation to the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable portion 300 ", and includes, on the X-direction side, an end portion 201a '" that substantially coincides with the first edge 312a "of the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" in the X-X ' direction. In the neutral position, the end 201a '″ on the X direction side of the first portion 201' ″ of the first immovable portion 200 '″ and the end 201 a' ″ on the X direction side of the first portion 201 '″ of the second immovable portion 200' ″ are disposed along a third imaginary line L3 extending in the Z-Z 'direction along the first edge 312a ″ of the opening 311' of the magnetic member 310 ″ of the movable portion 300 ″.

In each of the first immovable portion 200 ' ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ' ″, the second portion 202 ' ″ is a portion located on the X ' direction side with respect to the first portion 201 ' ″. In a state where the movable part 300 "is in the neutral position, the second portion 202 '" of the first immovable part 200' "is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the second edge portion 313" of the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable part 300 "and in spaced relation to the second edge portion 313" of the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable part 300 ", and includes an end portion 202a '" on the X-direction side that substantially coincides with the second edge 313a "of the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable part 300" in the X-X' direction. Further, in a state where the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the second portion 202 '" of the second immovable portion 200 ' "is located on the Z ' -direction side with respect to the second edge portion 313" of the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable portion 300 "and in a spaced relationship with the second edge portion 313" of the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable portion 300 ", and includes an end portion 202a '" substantially coinciding with the second edge 313a "of the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" in the X-X ' direction on the X-direction side. In the neutral position, the end 202a ' "on the X-direction side of the second portion 202 '" of the first immovable portion 200 ' "and the end 202a '" on the X-direction side of the second portion 202 ' "of the second immovable portion 200 '" are disposed along a fourth imaginary line L4 extending in the Z-Z ' direction along the second edge 313a "of the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300".

In each of the first immovable portion 200 ' ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ' ″, the third portion 203 ' ″ is a portion that is disposed beside the first portion 201 ' ″ and is located on the X-direction side with respect to the first portion 201 ' ″. In the state in which the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the third portion 203 '" of the first immovable portion 200 ' "is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the first edge portion 312" of the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable portion 300 "and in spaced relation to the first edge portion 312" of the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable portion 300 ", and includes, on the X ' -direction side, an end portion 203a '" that substantially coincides with the first edge 312a "of the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" in the X-X ' -direction. In addition, in the state in which the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the third portion 203 '" of the second immovable portion 200' "is located on the Z 'direction side with respect to the first edge portion 312" of the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable portion 300 "and in spaced relation from the first edge portion 312" of the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable portion 300 ", and includes, on the X' direction side, an end portion 203a '" that substantially coincides with the first edge 312a "of the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" in the X-X' direction. An end 203a '″ of the third portion 203' ″ of the first immovable portion 200 '″ on the X' direction side overlaps an end 201a '″ of the first portion 201' ″ of the first immovable portion 200 '″ on the X direction side, and an end 203 a' ″ of the third portion 203 '″ of the second immovable portion 200' ″ on the X 'direction side overlaps an end 201 a' ″ of the first portion 201 '″ of the second immovable portion 200' ″ on the X direction side (see fig. 18A). In the neutral position, an end 201a '"on the X-direction side of the first portion 201'" and an end 203a '"on the X' -direction side of the third portion 200 '" of the first immovable portion 200' "and an end 201a '" on the X-direction side of the first portion 201' "and an end 203a '" on the X' -direction side of the third portion 200 '"of the second immovable portion 200'" are disposed along the third imaginary line L3.

In each of the first immovable portion 200 '″ and the second immovable portion 200' ″, the fourth portion 204 '″ is a portion located between the first portion 201' ″ and the second portion 202 '″ in the X-X' direction, beside the second portion 202 '″ and located on the X-direction side with respect to the second portion 202' ″. In the state where the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the fourth portion 204 '" of the first immovable portion 200 ' "is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" and in spaced relation to the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable portion 300 ", and includes, on the X ' -direction side, an end portion 204a '" that substantially coincides with the second edge 313a "of the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" in the X-X ' -direction. In addition, in the state in which the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the fourth portion 204 '" of the second immovable portion 200' "is located on the Z 'direction side with respect to the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" and in spaced relation to the opening 311 "of the magnetic member 310" of the movable portion 300 ", and includes, on the X' direction side, an end portion 204a '" that substantially coincides with the second edge 313a "of the opening 311" of the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" in the X-X' direction. An end 204a '″ of the fourth portion 204' ″ of the first immovable portion 200 '″ on the X' direction side overlaps an end 202a '″ of the second portion 202' ″ of the first immovable portion 200 '″ on the X direction side, and an end 204 a' ″ of the fourth portion 204 '″ of the second immovable portion 200' ″ on the X 'direction side overlaps an end 202 a' ″ of the second portion 202 '″ of the second immovable portion 200' ″ on the X direction side. An end 202a '"on the X direction side of the second portion 202'" and an end 204a '"on the X' direction side of the fourth portion 204 '" of the first immovable portion 200' "and an end 202a '" on the X direction side of the second portion 202' "and an end 204a '" on the X' direction side of the fourth portion 204 '"of the second immovable portion 200'" are arranged along a fourth imaginary line L4.

In a second movement aspect, each of the first and second immovable portions 200 "'and 200"' includes a third portion 203 "'and a fourth portion 204"', omitting the first and second portions 201 "'and 202"'. In the state where the movable portion 300 "is at the neutral position, the positions of the third and fourth portions 203" 'and 204 "' of the first and second immovable portions 200" 'and 200 "' are as described above.

It should be understood that the above-mentioned end 201a ' "of the first portion 201 '" of the first immovable portion 200 ' "on the X-direction side and the above-mentioned end 201a '" of the first portion 201 ' "of the second immovable portion 200 '" on the X-direction side are not physical ends, but only portions of the first immovable portion 200 ' "and the second immovable portion 200 '" that substantially coincide with the first edge 312a "of the movable portion 300" in the neutral position in the X-X ' direction; the above-mentioned end 202a ' "on the X direction side of the second portion 202 '" of the first immovable portion 200 ' "and the above-mentioned end 202a '" on the X direction side of the second portion 202 ' "of the second immovable portion 200 '" are not physical ends, but only portions of the first immovable portion 200 ' "and the second immovable portion 200 '" that substantially coincide with the second edge 313a "of the movable portion 300" at the neutral position in the X-X ' direction; the above-mentioned end 203a ' "on the X ' direction side of the third portion 203 '" of the first immovable portion 200 ' "and the above-mentioned end 203a '" on the X ' direction side of the third portion 203 ' "of the second immovable portion 200 '" are not physical ends, but only portions of the first immovable portion 200 ' "and the second immovable portion 200 '" that substantially coincide with the first edge 312a "of the movable portion 300" at the neutral position in the X-X ' direction; and the above-mentioned end portion 204a ' "of the fourth portion 204 '" of the first immovable portion 200 ' "on the X ' direction side and the above-mentioned end portion 204a '" of the fourth portion 204 ' "of the second immovable portion 200 '" on the X ' direction side are not physical end portions, but only portions of the first immovable portion 200 ' "and the second immovable portion 200 '" that substantially coincide with the second edge 313a "of the movable portion 300" at the neutral position in the X-X ' direction.

As the movable portion 300 "moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the third portion 203 '" of the first immovable portion 200 ' "and the third portion 203 '" of the second immovable portion 200 ' "relatively move in the X ' direction past the first edge 312 a" of the opening 311 "of the movable portion 300" (i.e., past the third imaginary line L3) (see fig. 18B). Therefore, the portions (which may be referred to as third enlarged portions) of the third portion 203 ' "of the first immovable portion 200 '" and the third portion 203 ' "of the second immovable portion 200 '" that are located on the X ' direction side with respect to the first edge 312a "(i.e., with respect to the third imaginary line L3) of the movable portion 300" are gradually enlarged. In the state in which the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the third portion 203" 'of the first immovable portion 200 "' and the third portion 203" 'of the second immovable portion 200 "' do not have respective third enlarged portions (see fig. 18A). On the other hand, when the movable portion 300 "has moved from the neutral position to the first position, the third enlarged portion of the first immovable portion 200 '" and the third enlarged portion of the second immovable portion 200' "become maximum (see fig. 18B).

In a state where the third enlarged portions are present in the respective third portions 203 "'of the first and second immovable portions 200"' and 200 "', the third enlarged portions magnetically attract the first edges 312 a" of the movable portions 300 "in the X' Z direction and the X 'Z' direction. For convenience of description, the former magnetic attractive force in the X ' Z direction may be referred to as a fifth magnetic attractive force, and the latter magnetic attractive force in the X ' Z ' direction may be referred to as a sixth magnetic attractive force. Since the first and second immovable portions 200 '″ and 200' ″ are fixed in the above-described manner, the magnetic attraction force in the X 'direction included in the fifth magnetic attraction force exerted by the third enlarged portions of the first and second immovable portions 200' ″ and the magnetic attraction force in the X 'direction included in the sixth magnetic attraction force act to relatively move the movable portion 300 ″ with respect to the first and second immovable portions 200' ″ and 200 '″ in the X' direction. In the state where the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the first and second immovable portions 200 '" and 200' "do not have the third enlarged portion, and thus the fifth and sixth magnetic attractive forces will not be generated. On the other hand, as the third enlarged portion of the first immovable portion 200 '″ and the third enlarged portion of the second immovable portion 200' ″ are enlarged, the fifth magnetic attractive force and the sixth magnetic attractive force become stronger and become strongest in a state where the movable portion 300 ″ has been moved to the first position.

As the movable portion 300 "moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the fourth portion 204 '" of the first immovable portion 200 ' "and the fourth portion 204 '" of the second immovable portion 200 ' "relatively move in the X ' direction past the second edge 313 a" of the opening 311 "of the movable portion 300" (i.e., past the fourth imaginary line L4) (see fig. 18B). Therefore, the portions (which may be referred to as fourth enlarged portions) of the fourth portion 204 ' "of the first immovable portion 200 '" and the fourth portion 204 ' "of the second immovable portion 200 '" that are located on the X ' direction side with respect to the second edge 313a "of the movable portion 300" (i.e., with respect to the fourth imaginary line L4) are gradually enlarged. In the state in which the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the fourth portion 204" 'of the first immovable portion 200 "' and the fourth portion 204" 'of the second immovable portion 200 "' do not have corresponding fourth enlarged portions (see fig. 18A). On the other hand, in a state where the movable portion 300 "has moved from the neutral position to the first position, the fourth enlarged portion of the first immovable portion 200 '" and the fourth enlarged portion of the second immovable portion 200' "become maximum (see fig. 18B).

In a state where the fourth enlarged portions are present in the respective fourth portions 204 "'of the first and second immovable portions 200"' and 200 "', the fourth enlarged portions magnetically attract the second edges 313 a" of the movable portions 300 "in the X' Z direction and the X 'Z' direction. For convenience of description, the former magnetic attractive force in the X ' Z direction may be referred to as a seventh magnetic attractive force, and the latter magnetic attractive force in the X ' Z ' direction may be referred to as an eighth magnetic attractive force. Since the first and second immovable portions 200 ' ″ and 200 ' ″ are fixed in the above-described manner, the magnetic attractive force in the X ' direction included in the magnetic attractive force in the seventh magnetic attractive force applied by the fourth enlarged portion of the first immovable portion 200 ' ″ and the fourth enlarged portion of the second immovable portion 200 ' ″ and the magnetic attractive force in the X ' direction included in the eighth magnetic attractive force act to relatively move the movable portion 30 ″ with respect to the first and second immovable portions 200 ' ″ and 200 ' ″ in the X ' direction. In the state where the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, since the first immovable portion 200 '" and the second immovable portion 200' "do not have the fourth enlarged portion, the seventh magnetic attractive force and the eighth magnetic attractive force will not be generated. On the other hand, as the fourth enlarged portions of the first and second immovable portions 200 '″ and 200' ″ are enlarged, the seventh and eighth magnetic attractive forces become stronger and become strongest in a state where the movable portion 300 ″ has moved to the first position.

Assuming that the fourth portion 204 "' of the first immovable portion 200" ' and the fourth portion 204 "' of the second immovable portion 200" ' are located on the Z direction side and the Z ' direction side with respect to the second edge portion 313 "of the movable portion 300" and in spaced relation to the second edge portion 313 "of the movable portion 300" in a state where the movable portion 300 "has been moved to the first position, the fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion 204" ' of the first immovable portion 200 "' and the fourth enlarged portion of the fourth portion 204" ' of the second immovable portion 200 "' magnetically attract the second edge 313 a" of the movable portion 300 "neither in the X ' Z direction nor in the X ' Z ' direction, and instead the first magnetic pole portion of the first immovable portion 200" ' and the first magnetic pole portion of the second immovable portion 200 "' are magnetically attracted relatively close to the second edge 313 a" of the movable portion 300 "and magnetically attract the second magnetic pole portion of the movable portion 300" in the XZ direction and the XZ ' direction Edge 313a ". In this case, the magnetic attraction forces in the XZ direction and the XZ 'direction of the first magnetic pole portion of the first immovable portion 200 "' and the first magnetic pole portion of the second immovable portion 200" 'will be balanced with the magnetic attraction forces in the X' Z direction and the X 'Z' direction of the third enlarged portion of the third portion 203 "'of the first immovable portion 200"' and the third enlarged portion of the third portion 203 "'of the second immovable portion 200"', resulting in that the neutral position of the movable portion 300 "will be displaced. In view of this, the first position of the movable part 300 "should be a position where the first magnetic pole portion of the first immovable part 200" ' and the first magnetic pole portion of the second immovable part 200 "' will not magnetically attract the second edge 313 a" of the movable part 300 "in the XZ direction and the XZ ' direction. For this purpose, the size of the opening 311 "of the movable part 300" in the X-X ' direction and the distance from the first magnetic pole part of the first and second immovable parts 200 "' and 200" ' in the first position to the second edge 313a "of the movable part 300" may be adjusted.

In the case where the first immovable portion 200 ' ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ' ″ are provided with the respective first portions 201 ' ″, as the movable portion 300 ″ moves in the X ' direction from the neutral position, the first portions 201 ' ″ and 201 ' ″ of the first and second immovable portions 200 ' ″ relatively move in the X direction past the first edge 312a (i.e., past the third imaginary line L3) of the opening 311 ″ of the movable portion 300 ″ (see fig. 18C). Therefore, the portions (which may be referred to as first enlarged portions) of the first portion 201 '"of the first immovable portion 200'" and the first portion 201 '"of the second immovable portion 200'" that are located on the X-direction side with respect to the first edge 312a "of the movable portion 300" (i.e., with respect to the third imaginary line L3) are gradually enlarged. In the state where the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the first portion 201" 'of the first immovable portion 200 "' and the first portion 201" 'of the second immovable portion 200 "' do not have the first enlarged portion (see fig. 18A). On the other hand, in a state where the movable portion 300 "has moved from the neutral position to the second position, the first enlarged portion of the first immovable portion 200 '" and the first enlarged portion of the second immovable portion 200' "become maximum (see fig. 18C).

In a state where the first enlarged portions are present in the respective first portions 201 "'of the first and second immovable portions 200"' and 200 "', the first enlarged portions magnetically attract the first edges 312 a" of the movable portions 300 "in the XZ direction and the XZ' direction, respectively. For convenience of description, the former magnetic attractive force in the XZ direction may be referred to as a first magnetic attractive force, and the latter magnetic attractive force in the XZ' direction may be referred to as a second magnetic attractive force. Since the first immovable portion 200 "'and the second immovable portion 200"' are fixed in the above-described manner, the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the first magnetic attraction force and the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the second magnetic attraction force applied by the first enlarged portion of the first immovable portion 200 "'and the first enlarged portion of the second immovable portion 200"' act as a force that relatively moves the movable portion 300 "in the X direction with respect to the first immovable portion 200" 'and the second immovable portion 200 "'. In the state where the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the first and second immovable portions 200 '" and 200' "do not have the first enlarged portion, and thus the first and second magnetic attractive forces will not be generated. On the other hand, as the first enlarged portion of the first immovable portion 200 '″ and the first enlarged portion of the second immovable portion 200' ″ are enlarged, the first magnetic attractive force and the second magnetic attractive force become stronger and become strongest in a state where the movable portion 300 ″ has moved to the second position.

In the case where the first immovable portion 200 ' ″ and the second immovable portion 200 ' ″ are provided with the respective second portions 202 ' ″, as the movable portion 300 ″ moves in the X ' direction from the neutral position, the second portions 202 ' ″ and 202 ' ″ of the first and second immovable portions 200 ' ″ relatively move in the X direction past the second edge 313a of the opening 311 ″ of the movable portion 300 ″ (i.e., past the fourth imaginary line L4) (see fig. 18C). Therefore, the portions (which may be referred to as second enlarged portions) of the second portion 202 "'of the first immovable portion 200"' and the second portion 202 "'of the second immovable portion 200"' that are located on the X-direction side with respect to the second edge 313a "of the movable portion 300" (i.e., with respect to the fourth imaginary line L4) are gradually enlarged. In the state where the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the second portion 202" 'of the first immovable portion 200 "' and the second portion 202" 'of the second immovable portion 200 "' do not have the second enlarged portion (see fig. 18A). On the other hand, in a state where the movable portion 300 "has moved from the neutral position to the second position, the second enlarged portion of the first immovable portion 200 '" and the second enlarged portion of the second immovable portion 200' "become maximum (see fig. 18C).

In a state in which the second enlarged portions are present in the respective second portions 202 "'of the first and second immovable portions 200"' and 200 "', the second enlarged portions magnetically attract the second edges 313 a" of the movable portions 300 "in the XZ direction and the XZ' direction, respectively. For convenience of description, the former magnetic attractive force in the XZ direction may be referred to as a third magnetic attractive force, and the latter magnetic attractive force in the XZ' direction may be referred to as a fourth magnetic attractive force. Since the first immovable portion 200 "'and the second immovable portion 200"' are fixed in the above-described manner, the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the third magnetic attraction force of the second enlarged portion of the first immovable portion 200 "'and the second magnetic attraction force of the second enlarged portion of the second immovable portion 200"' acts as a force that relatively moves the movable portion 300 "with respect to the first immovable portion 200" 'and the second immovable portion 200 "' in the X direction. In the state where the movable portion 300 "is in the neutral position, the first immovable portion 200 '" and the second immovable portion 200' "do not have the first enlarged portion, and thus the third magnetic attractive force and the fourth magnetic attractive force will not be generated. On the other hand, as the second enlarged portions of the first and second immovable portions 200 '″ and 200' ″ are enlarged, the third and fourth magnetic attractive forces become stronger and become strongest in a state where the movable portion 300 ″ has moved to the second position.

Assuming that in the state where the movable portion 300 "is moved to the second position, when the first portion 201" ' of the first immovable portion 200 "' and the first portion 201" ' of the second immovable portion 200 "' are located on the Z-direction side and the Z ' -direction side with respect to the first edge portion 312" of the movable portion 300 "and in spaced relation to the first edge portion 312" of the movable portion 300 ", the first enlarged portion of the first portion 201" ' of the first immovable portion 200 "' and the first enlarged portion of the first portion 201" ' of the second immovable portion 200 "' magnetically attract the first edge 312 a" of the movable portion 300 "neither in the XZ direction nor in the XZ ' direction, and instead, the fourth magnetic pole portion of the first immovable portion 200" ' and the fourth magnetic pole portion of the second immovable portion 200 "' are relatively close to the first edge 312 a" of the movable portion 300 "and magnetically attract the first magnetic pole portion of the movable portion 300" in the X ' Z direction and the X ' Z ' direction An edge 312a ". In this case, the magnetic attractive forces in the X 'Z direction and the X' Z 'direction of the fourth magnetic pole portion of the first immovable portion 200 "' and the fourth magnetic pole portion of the second immovable portion 200" 'will be balanced with the magnetic attractive forces in the XZ direction and the XZ' direction of the second enlarged portion of the second portion 202 "'of the first immovable portion 200"' and the second enlarged portion of the second portion 202 "'of the second immovable portion 200"', resulting in that the neutral position of the movable portion 300 "will be displaced. In view of this, the second position of the movable part 300 "should be a position where the fourth magnetic pole portion of the first immovable part 200" ' and the fourth magnetic pole portion of the second immovable part 200 "' will not magnetically attract the first edge 312 a" of the movable part 300 "in the X ' Z direction and the X ' Z ' direction. For this purpose, the size of the opening 311 "of the movable part 300" in the X-X ' direction and the distance from the fourth magnetic pole portions of the first and second immovable parts 200 "' and 200" ' in the second position to the first edge 312a "of the movable part 300" may be adjusted.

In the first movement aspect, applying a current to the first coil 100, the polarity of which is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a first driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X' direction. Specifically, a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X' direction are alternately generated by electromagnetic interaction between the first magnetic field and the current that flows through the first coil 100 so as to intersect the first magnetic field. In addition, applying a current to the second coil 100, the polarity of which is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a second driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X direction and a fourth driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X' direction. Specifically, the second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X direction and the fourth driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X' direction are alternately generated by electromagnetic interaction between the second magnetic field and the current that flows through the second coil 100 so as to intersect the second magnetic field. The first and second driving forces and the third and fourth driving forces alternately generated cause the movable part 300 "to alternately repeat the relative linear movement from the second position to the first position and the relative linear movement from the first position to the second position with respect to the first and second immovable parts 200" 'and 200 "'. This alternately repeated linear movement of the movable part 300 "and the first and second coils 100, 100 from the second position to the first position and vice versa results in the generation of vibrations.

The sum of the first driving force and the second driving force (i.e., the total driving force that moves the movable portion 300 ″ in the X direction) is greater than the sum of the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum fifth magnetic attraction force, the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum sixth magnetic attraction force, the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction included in the maximum seventh magnetic attraction force, and the magnetic attraction force in the X ' direction of the maximum eighth magnetic attraction force (i.e., the total magnetic attraction force that moves the movable portion 300 ″ in the X ' direction). Therefore, the first driving force and the second driving force oppose the resultant force of the above-described four magnetic attractive forces in the X' direction, causing the movable portion 300 ″ to move linearly from the second position to the first position. The sum of the third driving force and the fourth driving force (i.e., the total driving force to move the movable portion 300 ″ in the X' direction) is greater than the sum of the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum first magnetic attraction force, the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum second magnetic attraction force, the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum third magnetic attraction force, and the magnetic attraction force in the X direction included in the maximum fourth magnetic attraction force (i.e., the total magnetic attraction force to move the movable portion 300 ″ in the X direction). Therefore, the third driving force and the fourth driving force linearly move the movable portion 300 ″ from the first position to the second position against the resultant force of the above-described four magnetic attractive forces in the X direction. In the movement of the movable part 300 ", the movable part 300" is biased by the fifth to eighth magnetic attractive forces during the movement of the movable part 300 "from the first position to the neutral position. In the movement of the movable part 300 "from the second position to the first position, the movable part 300" is biased by the first to fourth magnetic attractive forces during the movement of the movable part 300 "from the second position to the neutral position.

On the other hand, in the second movement aspect, intermittent application of a positive or negative polarity current to the first coil 100 intermittently generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X direction. Specifically, the first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X direction is intermittently generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the first magnetic field and the electric current flowing through the first coil 100 so as to intersect the first magnetic field. Intermittently applying a current of positive or negative polarity to the second coil 100 intermittently generates a second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X direction. Specifically, the second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the magnetic member 310 ″ in the X direction is intermittently generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the second magnetic field and the current flowing through the second coil 100 so as to intersect the second magnetic field. The first and second driving forces cause the movable portion 300 "to intermittently move linearly from the neutral position to the first position relatively with respect to the first and second immovable portions 200" 'and 200 "'. While intermittently suspending the application of the current to the first and second coils 100 and 100, the fifth to eighth magnetic attractive forces bias the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" to intermittently move from the first position to the neutral position. In short, the movable portion 300 ″ and the first and second coils 100 and 100 alternately repeat the linear movement from the neutral position to the first position in the X direction caused by the first and second driving forces and the linear movement from the first position to the neutral position caused by the fifth to eighth magnetic attractive forces, thereby generating the vibration.

In the first movement aspect, the movable part 300 ″ and the first and second immovable parts 200 '″ and 200' ″ may also have the above configuration (a ') or (B') and the above configuration (C ') or (D'). In the second movement aspect, the movable portion 300 ″ and the first and second immovable portions 200 '″ and 200' ″ may also have the above configuration (a ') or (B').

Actuator a5 may also include at least one support C1. The at least one support C1 may be a single support C1 or two supports C1. At least one support C1 has a similar configuration to that of at least one support C1 of actuator a2, but differs in that the or each support C1 or C1 of actuator a5 is disposed between the first and second immovable portions 200 "'and 200"' in the X-X 'direction and is configured to support the first and second immovable portions 200 "'. The at least one support C1 may be omitted.

The actuator a5 and the vibration generator B5 described above provide the following technical features and effects.

Technical features and effects (1)

In the first movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force in the X direction acting on the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" move the movable portion 300 "from the second position to the first position. Accordingly, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of each of the first immovable portion 200 '″ and the second immovable portion 200' ″ are enlarged. Then, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion magnetically attract the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300", and the third driving force and the fourth driving force in the X 'direction, which act on the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300", move the movable portion 300 "in the X' direction from the first position in a non-contact manner. The third driving force and the fourth driving force in the X' direction acting on the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" move the movable portion 300 "from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of each of the first immovable portion 200 '″ and the second immovable portion 200' ″ are enlarged. Then, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion magnetically attract the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300", and the first driving force and the second driving force acting on the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" move the movable portion 300 "in the X direction from the second position in a non-contact manner. The actuator a5 and the vibration generator B5 of this aspect apply driving forces in the X 'direction and the X direction to the movable section 300 ″ that alternately moves in the X direction and the X' direction, respectively, in a non-contact manner.

In the second movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force acting on the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" move the movable portion 300 "from the neutral position to the first position. Accordingly, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of each of the first immovable portion 200 '″ and the second immovable portion 200' ″ are enlarged. Then, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion magnetically attract the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300", so that the movable portion 300 "moves in the X' direction from the first position in a non-contact manner. The actuator a5 and the vibration generator B5 of this aspect intermittently apply a driving force in the X' direction to the movable section 300 ″ that intermittently moves in the X direction in a non-contact manner.

Technical features and effects (2)

In the first movement aspect, the actuator a5 and the vibration generator B5 are configured to apply driving forces in the X 'direction and the X direction to the movable section 300 ″ that alternately move in the X direction and the X' direction, respectively, in a non-contact manner by using the magnetic member 310 ″ of the movable section 300 ″ and the first immovable section 200 '"and the second immovable section 200'". This configuration reduces the number of parts of the actuator a5 and the vibration generator B5, as compared with a conventional device configured to apply a driving force with a spring or the like.

In the second movement aspect, the actuator a5 and the vibration generator B5 are configured to intermittently apply the driving force in the X 'direction to the movable section 300 ″ intermittently moving in the X direction in a non-contact manner by using the magnetic member 310 ″ of the movable section 300 ″ and the first and second immovable sections 200' ″. This configuration also reduces the number of components of the actuator a5 and the vibration generator B5 as compared to conventional devices.

Technical features and effects (3)

In the first movement aspect, the first driving force and the second driving force (i.e., two driving forces) in the X direction acting on the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" move the movable portion 300 "from the second position to the first position. The third driving force and the fourth driving force (i.e., the two driving forces) in the X' direction acting on the magnetic member 310 "of the movable portion 300" move the movable portion 300 "from the first position to the second position. Therefore, it is possible to maximize the vibration generated due to the alternate movement of the movable portion 300 in the X direction and the X' direction.

Technical features and effects (4)

In case the first distance D1 is substantially equal to the second distance D2, the magnetic attraction force in the Z direction exerted by the first immovable part 200 "' on the magnetic member 310" of the movable part 300 "is counteracted by the magnetic attraction force in the Z ' direction exerted by the second immovable part 200" ' on the magnetic member 310 "of the movable part 300". Thus, friction between the movable portion 300 ″ and the guide may be reduced.

Technical features and effects (5)

In the first movement aspect, the guide is provided separately from the arrangement in which the third and fourth enlarged-portion magnetically-attractive movable portions 300 "of each of the first and second immovable portions 200" ' and the arrangement in which the first and second enlarged-portion magnetically-attractive movable portions 300 "of each of the first and second immovable portions 200" ' and 200 "'. Thus, these arrangements can be designed and adjusted with increased flexibility.

In the second movement aspect, the guide is provided separately from the arrangement in which the third and fourth enlarged portions of each of the first and second immovable portions 200 "'and 200"' magnetically attract the movable portion 300 ". Thus, the arrangement may be designed and adjusted with increased flexibility.

The electromagnetic actuator and the vibration generator of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, but may be appropriately modified within the scope of the claims. In the following, some examples of modifications are described. Fig. 19 illustrates another modification of the vibration generator B1 of the first embodiment.

One or each of the first and second immovable portions of any of the above aspects of the actuator a1, a2, or a4 of any of the above aspects may be provided with a cutout that is open in the X direction and extends through the corresponding immovable portion in the Z-Z' direction. In this case, in one or each of the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, the first end portion on the X-direction side may be an edge portion on the X' -direction side of the cutout. In this case, in one or each of the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, the first end portion on the X-direction side may be an end portion of an edge portion of the cutout. One or each of the first and second immovable portions of any of the above aspects of the actuators a1, a2, or a4 of any of the above aspects may be provided with a cutout that is open in the X 'direction and extends through the or each immovable portion in the Z-Z' direction. In this case, in one or each of the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, the second end portion on the X' direction side may be an edge portion on the X direction side of the cutout. In this case, in one or each of the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion, the second end portion on the X' direction side may be an end portion of an edge portion of the cutout.

In the actuator a1, a2, or A3 of any one of the above aspects, the permanent magnet 310 may include a plurality of sets of first to fourth magnetic pole portions instead of the first to fourth magnetic pole portions (see fig. 19). The groups are arranged side by side in the X-X' direction in the permanent magnet 310. In this case, the plurality of first coils 100 and the plurality of second coils 100 are provided in accordance with the number of groups in the permanent magnet 310. Each of the first coils 100 is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the first and second magnetic pole portions of the corresponding group of the permanent magnets 310 in spaced relation from the first and second magnetic pole portions of the corresponding group of the permanent magnets 310. Each of the second coils 100 is located on the Z' -direction side with respect to the third and fourth magnetic pole portions of the corresponding group of the permanent magnets 310 in spaced relation to the third and fourth magnetic pole portions of the corresponding group of the permanent magnets 310.

In the actuator a4 or a5 of any of the above aspects, each of the first immovable part 200 "or 200" 'and the second immovable part 200 "or 200"' may include a plurality of sets of first to fourth magnetic pole portions instead of the first to fourth magnetic pole portions. These groups are arranged side by side along the X-X ' direction in each of the first immovable portion 200 "or 200 '" and the second immovable portion 200 "or 200 '". In this case, the plurality of first coils 100 and the plurality of second coils 100 are provided in accordance with the number of groups in each of the first immovable portion 200 "or 200 '" and the second immovable portion 200 "or 200'". Each of the first coils 100 is located on the Z ' -direction side with respect to the first and second magnetic pole portions of the corresponding group of the first immovable portion 200 "or 200 '", and in spaced relation to the first and second magnetic pole portions of the corresponding group of the first immovable portion 200 "or 200 '". Each of the second coils 100 is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the first and second magnetic pole portions of the corresponding group of the first immovable portion 200 "or 200 '", and in spaced relation to the first and second magnetic pole portions of the corresponding group of the first immovable portion 200 "or 200'".

The or each first coil of any of the above aspects may be any coil configured such that application of a current to the first coil generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet or the magnetic member of the movable portion of any of the above aspects in the X direction. For example, the or each first coil 100 may be constituted by a tubular solenoid coil extending in the X-X' direction. In this case, the or each first coil may be configured such that: applying a current to the or each first coil generates a first driving force that moves the permanent magnet or magnetic member of the movable portion of any of the above aspects in the X direction, intermittently applying a current of positive or negative polarity to the or each first coil 100 generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 or magnetic member 310 'in the X direction, or applying a current to the or each first coil 100 that repeatedly reverses polarity at predetermined intervals alternately generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 or magnetic member 310' in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 or magnetic member 310 'in the X' direction.

The or each second coil of any of the above aspects may be any coil configured such that application of current to the second coil generates a second driving force that moves the permanent magnet or magnetic member of the movable part of any of the above aspects in the X direction. For example, the or each second coil may be constituted by a solenoidal coil extending in the X-X' direction. In this case, the or each second coil may be configured such that: applying a current to the or each second coil generates a second driving force that moves the permanent magnet or the magnetic member of the movable portion of any of the above aspects in the X direction, intermittently applying a current of positive or negative polarity to the or each second coil 100 intermittently generates a second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 or the magnetic member 310 'in the X direction, or applying a current to the or each second coil 100 that repeatedly reverses polarity at predetermined intervals alternately generates a second driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 or the magnetic member 310' in the X direction and a fourth driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet 310 or the magnetic member 310 'in the X' direction.

The second coil of any of the above aspects and/or the second immovable portion of any of the above aspects may be omitted. In the case where both the second coil and the second immovable portion are omitted, the or each first coil and the movable portion of any of the above aspects may have the following configuration (I) or (II).

(I) Applying an electric current to the or each first coil 100, the polarity of which is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, alternately generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet or magnetic member of the movable portion of any one of the above aspects in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet or magnetic member of the movable portion of any one of the above aspects in the X' direction. The alternating generation of the first and third driving forces causes the permanent magnet or magnetic member of the movable part of any of the above aspects to alternately repeat the relative linear movement from the second position to the first position and the relative linear movement from the first position to the second position with respect to the or each first coil 100 and the first immovable part or with respect to the first immovable part. In the actuator a1, a2, or a4, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 or the magnetic member 310 ' are gradually enlarged as the movable part 300 or 300 ' is moved in the X direction and the X ' direction from the neutral position. The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200, or alternatively, the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 'is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion 200 ″, and the magnetic attraction causes the movable portion 300 to move in the X' direction. The second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200, or alternatively, the second enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310' is magnetically attracted by the first immovable portion 200 ″, and the magnetic attraction moves the movable portion 300 in the X direction. In the actuator a3, as the movable portion 300 moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 are gradually enlarged. The first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200 ', and the magnetic attraction causes the movable portion 300 to move in the X' direction. As the movable portion 300 moves in the X' direction from the neutral position, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 are gradually enlarged. The third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200', and the magnetic attraction causes the movable portion 300 to move in the X direction. In the case of the actuator a5, as the movable portion 300 "moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the third and fourth enlarged portions of the first immovable portion 200'" gradually enlarge. The third and fourth enlarged portions magnetically attract the magnetic member 310 ", and this magnetic attraction moves the movable portion 300" in the X' direction. As the movable portion 300 "moves in the X 'direction from the neutral position, the first and second enlarged portions of the first immovable portion 200'" are gradually enlarged. The first and second enlarged portions magnetically attract the magnetic member 310 ″, and this magnetic attraction moves the movable portion 300 ″ in the X direction.

(II) intermittently applying a positive or negative polarity current to the or each first coil 100 intermittently generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that moves the permanent magnet or magnetic member of the movable part of any of the above aspects in the X direction, and the first driving force intermittently linearly moves the permanent magnet or magnetic member of the movable part of any of the above aspects relatively from the neutral position to the first position with respect to the or each first coil and the first immovable part or with respect to the first immovable part. In the actuator a1, a2, or a4, the first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 or the magnetic member 310' is gradually enlarged. The first enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200, or alternatively, the first enlarged portion of the magnetic member 310 ' is magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200 "by the first immovable portion 200", and the magnetic attraction moves the movable portion 300 or 300 ' in the X ' direction. In the actuator a3, as the movable portion 300 moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 gradually enlarge. The first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion of the permanent magnet 310 are magnetically attracted toward the first immovable portion 200 ', and the magnetic attraction causes the movable portion 300 to move in the X' direction. In the actuator a5, as the movable portion 300 ″ moves in the X direction from the neutral position, the third enlarged portion and the fourth enlarged portion of the first immovable portion 200 '″ and the second immovable portion 200' ″ are gradually enlarged. The third and fourth enlarged portions magnetically attract the magnetic member 310 ″, and this magnetic attraction moves the movable portion 300 ″ in the X' direction.

In the actuator a4 of any of the above aspects, the second coil 100 and the second immovable portion 200 ″ may be omitted, and instead, two movable portions 300', two first coils 100, and two guide members may be provided. In this case, the actuator a4 of any one of the above aspects has a configuration similar to that of the actuator a4 of any one of the above aspects, but differs in the following points. For convenience of description, one of the two movable parts 300 ' may be referred to as "one movable part 300 '", and the other may be referred to as "the other movable part 300 '"; one of the two first coils 100 may be referred to as "one first coil 100", and the other may be referred to as "the other first coil 100"; one of the two guides may be referred to as "one guide" and the other may be referred to as "the other guide". One immovable portion 300 'is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the first immovable portion 200 "and in spaced relation to the first immovable portion 200", and the other immovable portion 300' is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the first immovable portion 200 "and in spaced relation to the first immovable portion 200". One first coil 100 is fixed to one movable portion 300 'and disposed between the one movable portion 300' and the first immovable portion 200 ", and the other first coil 100 is fixed to the other movable portion 300 'and disposed between the other movable portion 300' and the first immovable portion 200". One guide and one movable portion 300 'have any of the above-described configurations (1) to (4), and the other guide and the other movable portion 300' have any of the above-described configurations (1) to (4). In the first movement aspect, applying a current, whose polarity is repeatedly inverted at predetermined intervals, to one first coil 100 alternately generates a first driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ' of one movable part 300 ' in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ' of one movable part 300 ' in the X ' direction. In addition, applying a current, whose polarity is repeatedly inverted at predetermined intervals, to the other first coil 100 alternately generates a first driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ' of the other movable portion 300 ' in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 ' of the other movable portion 300 ' in the X ' direction. In this first movement aspect, one movable part 300 'and the first immovable part 200 ″ have the above configuration (a') or (B ') and the above configuration (C') or (D '), and the other movable part 300' and the first immovable part 200 ″ have the above configuration (a ') or (B') and the above configuration (C ') or (D'). On the other hand, in the second movement aspect, intermittently applying a current of positive or negative polarity to one first coil 100 generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that intermittently moves the magnetic member 310 'of one movable portion 300' in the X direction, and intermittently applying a current of positive or negative polarity to the other first coil 100 generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that intermittently moves the magnetic member 310 'of the other movable portion 300' in the X direction. In the second moving aspect, the movable portion 300 ' and the first immovable portion ″ have the above configuration (a ') or (B ').

In the actuator a5 of any of the above aspects, the second coil 100 and the second immovable portion 200' ″ may be omitted, and instead, two movable portions 300 ″, two first coils 100, and two guide pieces may be provided. In this case, the actuator a5 of any one of the above aspects has a configuration similar to that of the actuator a5 of any one of the above aspects, but differs in the following points. For convenience of description, one of the two movable parts 300 "may be referred to as" one movable part 300 "and the other may be referred to as" the other movable part 300 "; one of the two first coils 100 may be referred to as "one first coil 100", and the other may be referred to as "the other first coil 100"; one of the two guides may be referred to as "one guide" and the other may be referred to as "the other guide". One immovable portion 300 "is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the first immovable portion 200 '" and in spaced relation to the first immovable portion 200 ' ", and the other immovable portion 300" is located on the Z ' -direction side with respect to the first immovable portion 200 ' "and in spaced relation to the first immovable portion 200 '". One first coil 100 is fixed to one movable portion 300 "and disposed between the one movable portion 300" and the first immovable portion 200 ", and the other first coil 100 is fixed to the other movable portion 300" and disposed between the other movable portion 300 "and the first immovable portion 200". One guide and one movable portion 300 ″ have any one of the above-described configurations (1) to (4), and the other guide and the other movable portion 300 ″ have any one of the above-described configurations (1) to (4). In the first movement aspect, application of a current, which is repeatedly polarity-reversed at predetermined intervals, to one first coil 100 alternately generates a first driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 "of one movable portion 300" in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 "of one movable portion 300" in the X' direction. In addition, applying a current, whose polarity is repeatedly reversed at predetermined intervals, to the other first coil 100 alternately generates a first driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 "of the other movable portion 300" in the X direction and a third driving force (lorentz force) for moving the magnetic member 310 "of the other movable portion 300" in the X' direction. In a first movement aspect, the first immovable portion 200 "' includes a first portion 201" ', a second portion 202 "', a third portion 203" ', and a fourth portion 204 "'. On the other hand, in the second moving aspect, intermittently applying a current of positive or negative polarity to one first coil 100 generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that intermittently moves the magnetic member 310 "of one movable portion 300" in the X direction, and intermittently applying a current of positive or negative polarity to the other first coil 100 generates a first driving force (lorentz force) that intermittently moves the magnetic member 310 "of the other movable portion 300" in the X direction. In a second movement aspect, the first immovable portion 200 "' includes a third portion 203" ' and a fourth portion 204 "'.

In any of the above cases, the permanent magnet 310, the first immovable portion 200 "or 200 '" and the second immovable portion 200 "or 200 '" may be magnetized as described above, or magnetized such that the X-direction side and the X ' -direction side thereof form a north pole and a south pole, respectively.

The current applied to the first coil of any of the above aspects may be any current that can be applied to the first coil and thereby provide a driving force that moves the permanent magnet at least from the neutral position to the first position. The current applied to the second coil of either of the above aspects may be any current that can be applied to the second coil and thereby provide a driving force that moves the permanent magnet at least from the neutral position to the first position.

The housing of any of the above aspects may comprise only the first housing. In a case where the second coil and the second immovable portion are omitted, the first housing may be configured to hold the first coil and the first immovable portion of any of the above aspects. In the case where the second coil and the second immovable portion are provided, the first housing may be configured to hold the first coil and the second coil and the first immovable portion and the second immovable portion of any of the above aspects. In any of these cases, the accommodation recess may be omitted in the first housing.

The electromagnetic actuator of any of the above aspects may further comprise a first biasing member and/or a second biasing member. The first biasing member may be a spring or a member made of an elastic substance such as rubber, and may be configured to directly or indirectly bias the movable portion in any of the above aspects in the first position in the X' direction. For example, the housing may be provided with a first receiving portion located on the X-direction side with respect to the movable portion of any of the above aspects, and the first biasing member may be interposed between the movable portion and the first receiving portion and configured to bias the movable portion at the first position in the X' direction. The second biasing member may be a spring or a member made of an elastic substance such as rubber, and may be configured to directly or indirectly bias the movable portion in any of the above aspects at the second position in the X direction. For example, the housing may be provided with a second receiving portion located on the X' direction side with respect to the movable portion of any of the above aspects, and the second biasing member may be interposed between the movable portion and the second receiving portion and configured to bias the movable portion at the second position in the X direction. In short, the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which a driving force in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the movable portion is applied to the movable portion only in a non-contact manner.

The electromagnetic actuator of any of the above aspects is applicable to devices other than the vibration generator. For example, the electromagnetic actuator of the present invention is applicable to an electromagnetic valve or the like that opens and closes a solenoid or a valve by moving a movable portion.