VIBRATION MOTOR

A vibration motor includes a stator and a vibrator that is capable of vibrating in a first direction. The stator includes a coil and a housing. The coil opposes the vibrator in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The housing accommodates the coil and the vibrator. The vibrator includes a mass body, a magnet, and a sliding portion. The mass body extends in the first direction. The magnet is fixed to the mass body and opposes the coil in the second direction. The sliding portion is located on an end surface of the mass body in a direction intersecting the first direction, and slides on an inner side surface of the housing when coming into contact with the inner side surface of the housing during vibration of the vibrator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-138597, filed on Aug. 31, 2022, Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-138601, filed on Aug. 31, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-026364, filed on Feb. 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a vibration motor.

Conventionally, a vibration motor that vibrates in one direction is known. For example, the vibration motor includes a housing, a vibrator, and a guide shaft. Both ends of the vibrator are provided with the guide shafts. The vibrator is arranged in a space formed in the housing and vibrates along the guide shaft.

Conventionally, the vibration motor that vibrates in one direction is known. For example, the vibration motor includes a vibration member provided in a case and an elastic connection portion for hanging the vibration member on the case. One end of the elastic connection portion is welded to a side surface of the vibration member. The other end is welded to the case.

By vibrating the vibrator along the guide shaft, the attitude of the vibrator can be controlled. For example, movement of the vibrator in a direction other than the vibration direction is prevented, and contact between the vibrator and the housing is prevented. Rotational shaking of the vibrator about an axis parallel to a direction intersecting the vibration direction is suppressed. In the above case, it is difficult to connect the vibrator to the side surface of the vibration member, and it may be difficult to increase the vibration range of the vibrator. Therefore, the inventor of the present application has examined attaching an elastic portion to the end in the vibration direction. At this time, by forming a portion engaged with the elastic portion on a mass body of the vibration member, positioning and connection of the elastic portion are made easy.

However, when the attitude of vibration of the vibrator is controlled by the guide shaft, it is necessary to reduce the volume of the vibrator to secure a space for arranging the guide shaft. Therefore, the weight of the vibrator is significantly reduced. The weight of the vibrator greatly affects the vibration performance of the vibration motor. Therefore, it is desirable to control the attitude of the vibrator with a simple configuration without requiring the arrangement of the guide shaft.

A coil for reciprocating the vibrator is arranged in the vibration motor. Normally, the end (i.e., an extraction wire) of a conductor that starts to be wound around a predetermined axis at the time of manufacturing the coil is arranged on an axially outer side relative to a winding portion of the coil. Therefore, when the extraction wire is arranged between the vibrator and the winding portion of the coil, the interval between the two increases. Therefore, the Lorentz force acting on the vibrator is hardly increased by a magnetic flux of the coil, and there is a possibility of failing to increase output of the vibration motor. When the above-described extraction wire is arranged between the coil and the housing for fixing the coil, a gap is formed between the two, and thus, there is a possibility that downsizing of the vibration motor becomes difficult.

In the vibration motor, a metal material having a high specific gravity such as tungsten is used for the mass body in order to further improve the performance of the vibrator in a limited space. Tungsten is high in hardness and therefore low in machinability. Therefore, it is difficult to form the portion engaged with the elastic portion in the mass body. Therefore, it may be difficult to connect the elastic portion to the mass body.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of a vibration motor of the present disclosure includes a stator and a vibrator that is capable of vibrating in a first direction. The stator includes a coil and a housing. The coil opposes the vibrator in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The housing accommodates the coil and the vibrator. The vibrator includes a mass body, a magnet, and a sliding portion. The mass body extends in the first direction. The magnet is fixed to the mass body and opposes the coil in the second direction. The sliding portion is arranged on an end surface of the mass body in a direction intersecting the first direction, and slides on an inner side surface of the housing when coming into contact with the inner side surface of the housing during vibration of the vibrator.

An example embodiment of a vibration motor of the present disclosure includes a stator and a vibrator that is capable of vibrating in a first direction. The stator includes a coil and a housing. The coil opposes the vibrator in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The housing accommodates the coil and the vibrator. The vibrator includes a mass body and a magnet. The mass body extends in the first direction. The magnet is fixed to the mass body and opposes the coil in the second direction. The coil includes an extraction wire drawn out from a winding portion including a coil-shaped conductive wire and arranged on the housing side in the second direction relative to the winding portion. The housing includes an opening to accommodate the extraction wire.

An example embodiment of a vibration motor of the present disclosure includes a stator, a vibrator, and an elastic portion. The vibrator is capable of vibrating in at least a first direction. The elastic portion connects the vibrator and the stator. The stator includes a coil. The coil opposes the vibrator in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The vibrator includes a mass body, a magnet, and a connection portion. The mass body extends in the first direction. The magnet is fixed to the mass body and opposes the coil in the second direction. The connection portion connects the mass body and the elastic portion. The material of the connection portion is different from that of the mass body.

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will be further clarified by the following example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings hereinafter.

In the present description, in the drawings, the long direction of a vibration motor100is defined as an X axis direction.

In the X axis direction, the left of the drawing is indicated by X1, and the right is indicated by X2. The short direction of the vibration motor100is defined as a Y axis direction. In the Y axis direction, the front side of the drawing is indicated by Y1, and the rear side is indicated by Y2. A thickness direction of the vibration motor100is defined as a Z axis direction. In the Z axis direction, the upper side of the drawing is indicated by Z1, and the lower side is indicated by Z2. The X axis direction, the Y axis direction, and the Z axis direction are orthogonal to one another.

The X axis direction is an example of the “first direction” of the present disclosure, and is called “left-right direction” in the present description. The Y axis direction is an example of the “third direction” of the present disclosure, and is called “front-rear direction” in the present description. The Z axis direction is an example of the “second direction” of the present disclosure, and is called “up-down direction” in the present description.

In a positional relationship between any of orientation, line, and surface and another one of them, “parallel” includes not only a state where the two never cross each other at all no matter how long they extend but also a state where the two are substantially parallel. In addition, “perpendicular” and “orthogonal” include not only a state where the two intersect each other at 90 degrees but also a state where they are substantially perpendicular and a state where they are substantially orthogonal, respectively. That is, “parallel”, “perpendicular”, and “orthogonal” each include a state where the positional relationship between the two has an angular deviation to an extent that does not depart from the gist of the present disclosure.

Note that these are merely used for description, and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationship, direction, name, and the like.

FIG.1is a perspective view of the vibration motor100according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of the vibration motor100taken along one-dot chain line II-II inFIG.1.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the vibration motor100taken along one-dot chain line III-III inFIG.1.FIG.4is an exploded perspective view of the vibration motor100ofFIG.1. InFIG.1, a lid11described later is displayed in a transparent manner.

The vibration motor100is what is called a transverse linear vibration motor capable of generating vibration in the left-right direction. The vibration motor100includes a stator101, a vibrator102, and an elastic portion103.

The stator101includes a housing1, a substrate2, a coil3, and a protection portion4.

The housing1accommodates the coil3, the vibrator102, and the like. The housing1is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. However, the material of the housing1is not limited to this example, and may be a resin.

The housing1includes the lid11and a base plate12. The housing1is formed by attaching the lid11to the base plate12from above. The lid11has a rectangular shape with a lower side opened. The lid11includes a top surface111, a front side surface112, a rear side surface113, a left side surface114, and a right side surface115. The top surface111has a plate shape expanding in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, and faces the vibrator102at an interval in the up-down direction. The front side surface112, the rear side surface113, the left side surface114, and the right side surface115extend downward from an edge of the top surface111. The front side surface112and the rear side surface113have a plate shape extending in the left-right direction, and face the vibrator102at an interval in the front-rear direction. The front side surface112is arranged forward relative to the rear side surface113. The left side surface114and the right side surface115have a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction, and face the vibrator102at an interval in the left-right direction. The left side surface114is arranged leftward relative to the right side surface115. The base plate12is a plate-like member expanding in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, and faces the vibrator102at an interval in the up-down direction. The vibrator102, the coil3, the protection portion4, and the elastic portion103are accommodated inside a space surrounded by the lid11and the base plate12.

The substrate2is, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC). However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the substrate2is not an FPC. For example, the substrate2may be a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy substrate.

The substrate2includes a base21and bent portions22and23bent with respect to the base21. The base plate12has a protrusion piece121protruding forward from a front edge.

The base21is arranged on the protrusion piece121. The bent portions22and23are arranged along the front side surface112of the lid11. The coil3is electrically connected to the substrate2. Specifically, the substrate2is mounted with wiring (not illustrated) electrically connected to the coil3. The vibration motor100includes the substrate2. The substrate2is provided to supply the coil3with a current.

The coil3faces the vibrator102in the up-down direction perpendicular to the left-right direction. The coil3includes a first coil31and a second coil32. The first coil31is arranged upward relative to the second coil32. The first coil31and the second coil32are configured by winding a conductive wire around an axis along the up-down direction. When a current is supplied to the first coil31and the second coil32, lines of magnetic force are generated.

Preferably, the front-rear direction width of (the winding portion of) the coil3is larger than the front-rear direction width of the magnet portion7. For example, the front-rear direction width of (the winding portion of) at least any of the first coil31and the second coil32is wider than the front-rear direction width of the magnet portion7. This can further lengthen the portion extending in the front-rear direction in the winding portion of the coil3. Therefore, since it is possible to further increase the Lorentz force acting on the magnet portion7when the coil3is energized, it is possible to further increase the moving speed and the amplitude of the vibrator102. However, this example does not exclude the configuration in which the front-rear direction width of (the winding portion of) the coil3is equal to or smaller than the front-rear direction width of the magnet portion7.

The extraction wire of the coil3is drawn out from a winding portion301to the outside of the housing1through an extraction port (reference numeral omitted) provided in the front side surface112of the lid11, and is connected to electrodes22A and23A provided in the bent portions22and23of the substrate2. The electrode22A is connected to an electrode21A provided on the base21by wiring (not illustrated) provided on the substrate2. The electrode23A is connected to an electrode21B provided on the base21by wiring (not illustrated) provided on the substrate2. The current supplied to the coil3flows through the electrode21A (or21B)→the electrode22A (or23A)→the coil3→the electrode23A (or22A)→the electrode21B (or21A) in this order. The coil3includes the first coil31and the second coil32. The first coil31is arranged upward relative to the second coil32. The first coil31and the second coil32are configured by winding a conductive wire around an axis along the up-down direction.

The protection portion4covers an end of the coil3at least in the left-right direction. As mentioned earlier, the stator101includes the protection portion4. In the present example embodiment, the protection portion4is made of, for example, resin, and surrounds and protects the coil3. The protection portion4includes a first protection portion41and a second protection portion42. The first protection portion41surrounds the first coil31. The first coil31and the first protection portion41are arranged on the lower surface of the top surface111of the lid11and face the vibrator102at an interval in the up-down direction. The second protection portion42surrounds the second coil32. The second coil32and the second protection portion42are arranged on the upper surface of the base plate12and face the vibrator102at an interval in the up-down direction.

The end of the protection portion4on the vibrator102side in the up-down direction is arranged on the vibrator102side in the up-down direction relative to the coil3. For example, the lower end of the first protection portion41is arranged downward relative to the lower end of the first coil31. The upper end of the second protection portion42is arranged upward relative to the upper end of the second coil32. This can prevent contact with the coil3by the protection portion4coming into contact with the vibrator102even if the vibrator102is shaken in the up-down direction. The protection portion4slides on third sliding portions93U and93D described later, whereby the vibrator102can be stably vibrated.

The vibrator102is capable of vibrating at least in the left-right direction. The vibrator102includes a mass body6, the magnet portion7, a connection portion8, and a sliding portion9. The sliding portion9will be described later.

The mass body6is made of, for example, tungsten or an alloy thereof, and increases the vibration output of the vibration motor100by increasing the weight of the vibrator102. The mass body6extends in the left-right direction. The mass body6expands in the front-rear direction and has a thickness in the up-down direction. For example, the width of the up-down direction of the mass body6is narrower than the width of the front-rear direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction. This can thin the vibration motor100in the up-down direction.

The mass body6has a center61and two side body portions621and622. Hereinafter, the side body portions621and622may be collectively referred to as “side body portion62”. The center61and the side body portions621and622each have a rectangular shape as viewed from the up-down direction. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which at least any of the center61and the side body portions621and622is not in a rectangular shape. The center61and the side body portions621and622are only required to have a shape that does not contradict the gist of the present disclosure.

The center61and the side body portions621and622are integrated and are a single member. The center61is a center portion of the mass body6in the left-right direction. The side body portion621on the left side protrudes leftward from the center61. The left end of the side body portion621faces the left side surface114at a sufficient interval in the left-right direction. The right side body portion622on the right side protrudes rightward from the center61. The right end of the side body portion622faces the right side surface115at a sufficient interval in the left-right direction. Each of the front ends of the side body portions621and622is arranged rearward relative to the front end of the center61. Each of the rear ends of the side body portions621and622is arranged forward relative to the rear end of the center61.

The mass body6has grooves64U and64D. The grooves64U and64D are arranged at the left-right direction center of the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the mass body6, and extend in the front-rear direction. The groove64U is arranged on an upper surface601of the center61and is recessed downward. The groove64D is arranged on a lower surface602of the center61and is recessed upward. The front ends of the grooves64U and64D each reach the front end of the center61. The rear ends of the grooves64U and64D each reach the rear end of the center61.

The first coil31and the first protection portion41are arranged inside the groove64U and face, at an interval in the up-down direction, a bottom surface641U facing upward of the groove64U. The second coil32and the second protection portion42are arranged inside the groove64D and face, at an interval in the up-down direction, a bottom surface641D facing downward of the groove64D. This can further thin the vibration motor100. Since an electromagnetic force can be obtained by the upper and lower coils3, the vibration output is improved.

The mass body6has a through hole65. The through hole65has a polygonal shape as viewed from the up-down direction, and accommodates the magnet portion7. For example, the through hole65has a rectangular shape as viewed from the up-down direction, and penetrates in the up-down direction between the bottom surfaces641U and641D of the grooves64U and64D facing each other in the up-down direction. Note that this example does not exclude a configuration in which the shape viewed from the up-down direction of the through hole65is other than a polygonal shape. For example, the through hole65may have a circular shape as viewed from the up-down direction. The upper end of the through hole65opens to the bottom surface641U facing upward of the groove64U. The lower end of the through hole65opens to the bottom surface641D facing downward of the groove64D.

The magnet portion7is fixed to the mass body6and faces the coil3in the up-down direction. The magnet portion7is arranged in the mass body6inside the grooves64U and64D as viewed in the up-down direction, and specifically, is fixed inside the through hole65with an adhesive or the like. This can thin the vibration motor100as compared with a case of providing the magnet portion7on the bottom surfaces641U and641D of the grooves64U and64D.

The magnet portion7has magnetic poles in the left-right direction. That is, the magnet portion7has an N pole on the left and an S pole on the right, or has the S pole on the left and the N pole on the right.

The magnet portion7faces the coil3in the up-down direction. For example, as mentioned earlier, the coil3includes the first coil31and the second coil32. The first coil31and the first protection portion41are arranged upward relative to the magnet portion7. The second coil32and the second protection portion42are arranged downward relative to the magnet portion7.

By arranging the coils3on both sides of the magnet portion7in the up-down direction, a drive force of vibration is generated on the both sides of the magnet portion7. Therefore, as compared with a case where the drive force is generated only on one side of the magnet portion7using the coil3, the vibrator102is less likely to shake, for example, in the up-down direction, and therefore the vibrator102can be stably vibrated in the left-right direction.

The arrangement of the magnet portion7can be simplified. Since it is not necessary to maximize the magnetic field intensity on one side (coil3side on one side) of the magnet portion7in the up-down direction, for example, it is not necessary to configure the magnet portion7with a plurality of magnet pieces in a Halbach array.

The connection portion8connects the mass body6and the elastic portion103. The connection portion8is made of a material (e.g., stainless steel) different from that of the mass body6, and is fixed to the mass body6using a means such as an adhesive, brazing, welding, or diffusion bonding. In the present example embodiment, the connection portion8includes four connection portions81,82,83, and84. The four connection portions81,82,83, and84are respectively arranged at both ends in the front-rear direction at both ends in the left-right direction of the center61.

The elastic portion103connects the vibrator102and the stator101. As mentioned earlier, the vibration motor100includes the elastic portion103. The elastic portion103is stretchable in the left-right direction.

The elastic portion103is arranged between both ends of the mass body6in the left-right direction and an inner surface of housing1. The elastic portions103are arranged at both ends in the front-rear direction at respective ends in the left-right direction of the mass body6. The front-rear direction is a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction. In the present example embodiment, the elastic portion103includes four elastic portions1031,1032,1033, and1034.

For example, in the present example embodiment, the two elastic portions1031and1032are arranged between the left side surface114and the left end of the vibrator102. At the left end of the mass body6, the right end of the elastic portion1031is fixed to the front end of the center61via the connection portion81. The right end of the elastic portion1032is fixed to the rear end of the center61via the connection portion82. The left ends of the elastic portions1031and1032are fixed to an inner surface of the left side surface114of the lid11.

The two elastic portions1033and1034are arranged between the right side surface115and the right end of the vibrator102. At the right end of the mass body6, the left end of the elastic portion1033is fixed to the front end of the center61via the connection portion83. The left end of the elastic portion1034is fixed to the rear end of the center61via the connection portion84. The right ends of the elastic portions1033and1034are fixed to an inner surface of the right side surface115of the lid11.

By arranging the elastic portion103as described above, it is possible to reduce shaking of the vibrator102in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, it is difficult for the vibrator102to rotate around a predetermined axis parallel to the left-right direction during vibration. Therefore, the vibrator102can stably vibrate.

However, the number of the elastic portions103is not limited to the above example. The number of the elastic portions103arranged on the left side and the right side of the vibrator102may be singular or plural of three or more.

The elastic portion103is a coil spring stretchable in the left-right direction. In the vibration motor100that is thin in the up-down direction, it is suitable to adopt a coil spring. For example, when a leaf spring having a V shape as viewed from above is adopted, it is necessary to reduce the up-down direction width of the leaf spring in the vibration motor100that is thin. However, this has a risk that the leaf spring is repeatedly bent, resulting in a decrease in mechanical strength of the leaf spring due to fatigue. On the other hand, when a coil spring in which a wire rod is formed in a coil shape is adopted, even in the vibration motor100thin in the up-down direction, it is only necessary to reduce the outer diameter of the coil spring, and it is not necessary to reduce the thickness of the wire rod constituting the coil spring. Therefore, the elastic portion103can maintain sufficient strength.

Preferably, the material of the coil spring is a piano wire. That is, the elastic portion103is formed of the piano wire. The piano wire has higher reliability in strength, durability, and the like as compared with a hard steel wire, a stainless steel wire, and the like. Therefore, use of the piano wire can improve the life of the elastic portion103. Note that the above-described example does not exclude a configuration in which the material of the coil spring is other than the piano wire. For example, the material may be a hard steel wire, a stainless steel wire, or the like.

The above-described example does not exclude a configuration in which at least any of the elastic portions103is other than a coil spring. For example, at least any of the elastic portions103may be a leaf spring.

In the vibration motor100configured as described above, by supplying a current to the coil3via the substrate2, lines of magnetic force are generated in the coil3, and the vibrator102can be driven in the left-right direction by interaction with the lines of magnetic force generated by the magnet portion7. Vibration in the left-right direction is generated in the vibration motor100by appropriate control of current supply to the coil3and the elastic force of the elastic portion103.

Next, the sliding portion9will be described with reference toFIGS.1to4.

The sliding portion9is arranged on an end surface of the mass body6in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. The sliding portion9slides on the inner side surface of the housing1when coming into contact with the inner side surface of the housing1during vibration of the vibrator102. In this manner, even if the vibrator102vibrating in the left-right direction shakes and comes into contact with the inner surface of the housing1, the sliding portion9smoothly slides on the inner surface. This can suppress or prevent an increase in shake of the vibrator102and rotation shake around a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction even if a shaft that guides vibration of the vibrator102, for example, is not arranged. The sliding portion9is arranged on the end surface of the mass body6in the direction intersecting the left-right direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to decrease the size of the vibrator102or increase the size of the vibration motor100by securing the space for arranging the sliding portion9. Therefore, the vibrator102can be stably vibrated with a simple configuration.

The sliding portion9is a film-shaped body. This can suppress an increase in the size of the mass body6in the direction intersecting the left-right direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress contact between the vibrator102and the inner surface of the housing1, and it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the vibration motor100.

In the present example embodiment, the sliding portion9has a film shape and is attached to the surface of the mass body6. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and may have a thin band-like tape shape. This can easily arrange the sliding portion9onto the surface of the mass body6.

In the present example embodiment, the material of the sliding portion9is fluororesin. This can improve the sliding characteristics of the sliding portion9. Note that the material of the sliding portion9is not limited to this example. The material of the sliding portion9is only required to be a material low in friction coefficient and excellent in slidability. Alternatively, the sliding portion9may be a coating layer using a material having good lubricity such as molybdenum disulfide.

The sliding portion9is arranged on an end surface facing the up-down direction of the mass body6and an end surface facing the front-rear direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction of the mass body6. For example, the sliding portion9is arranged on at least any of the upper surface601and the lower surface602of the mass body6and at least any of a front surface603and a rear surface604. This facilitates sliding of the sliding portion9in the vibration direction (i.e., the left-right direction). It is possible to effectively prevent whirling of the mass body6having a rectangular shape, for example.

In the present example embodiment, the sliding portion9is arranged on the both end surfaces601and602of the mass body6in the up-down direction and the both end surfaces603and604of the mass body6in the front-rear direction. This can more reliably prevent the rotation shake about the up-down direction and the rotation shake about the front-rear direction. It is possible to prevent the mass body6from directly sliding with respect to the inner surface of the housing1or the like, generation of noise during sliding, and the like.

For example, the sliding portion9includes first sliding portions91U and91D and second sliding portions92F and92B.

The first sliding portion91U is arranged on the upper surface601of the mass body6. Specifically, two first sliding portions91U are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The first sliding portion91U on the left side is arranged in a region601L on the left side relative to the groove64U in the upper surface601of the mass body6. The first sliding portion91U on the left side covers at least a portion of the region601L. The first sliding portion91U on the right side is arranged in a region601R on the right side relative to the groove64U in the upper surface601of the mass body6. The first sliding portion91U on the right side covers at least a portion of the region601R. The arrangement of the first sliding portions91U enables the vibrator102to smoothly slide on the inner side surface of the top surface111even when coming into contact with the inner side surface of the top surface111during vibration, for example. Therefore, even if the vibrator102is shaken upward, the influence of the vibrator102on the vibration can be reduced.

The first sliding portion91D is arranged on the lower surface602of the mass body6. Specifically, two first sliding portions91D are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The first sliding portion91D on the left side is arranged in a region602L on the left side relative to the groove64D in the lower surface602of the mass body6. The first sliding portion91U on the left side covers at least a portion of the region601L. The first sliding portion91D on the right side is arranged in a region602R on the right side relative to the groove64D in the lower surface602of the mass body6. The first sliding portion91U on the right side covers at least a portion of the region601R. The arrangement of the first sliding portions91D enables the vibrator102to smoothly slide on the inner side surface of the base plate12even when coming into contact with the inner side surface of the base plate12during vibration, for example. Therefore, even if the vibrator102is shaken downward, the influence of the vibrator102on the vibration can be reduced.

The second sliding portion92F is arranged on the front surface603of the mass body6and covers at least a portion of the front surface603. The arrangement of the second sliding portion92F enables the vibrator102to smoothly slide on the inner side surface of the front side surface112even when coming into contact with the inner side surface of the front side surface112during vibration, for example. Therefore, even if the vibrator102is shaken forward, the influence of the vibrator102on the vibration can be reduced.

The second sliding portion92B is arranged on the rear surface604of the mass body6and covers at least a portion of the rear surface604. The arrangement of the second sliding portion92B enables the vibrator102to smoothly slide on the inner side surface of the rear side surface113even when coming into contact with the inner side surface of the rear side surface113during vibration, for example. Therefore, even if the vibrator102is shaken rearward, the influence of the vibrator102on the vibration can be reduced.

Preferably, the sliding portion9is arranged at both ends at least in the left-right direction on the end surface of the mass body6in the direction intersecting the left-right direction. Arranging the sliding portions9at both ends in the vibration direction makes it possible to more reliably prevent whirling of the vibrator102.

For example, the first sliding portion91U on the left side is arranged at least at the left end (e.g., see part L1surrounded by a broken line inFIG.1) in the region601L on the upper surface of the mass body6. The first sliding portion91U on the right side is arranged at least at the right end (e.g., see a part R1surrounded by a broken line inFIG.1) in the region601R on the upper surface of the mass body6.

Similarly, the first sliding portion91D on the left side is arranged at least at the left end in the region602L on the lower surface of the mass body6. The first sliding portion91D on the right side is arranged at least at the right end in the region602R on the lower surface of the mass body6.

The second sliding portion92F is arranged at least at the left end (e.g., see a part L2surrounded by a broken line inFIG.1) and the right end (e.g., see a part R2surrounded by a broken line inFIG.1) in the front surface603of the mass body6. Similarly, the second sliding portion92B is arranged at least at the left end and the right end in the rear surface604of the mass body6.

Preferably, as viewed from the normal direction of each sliding portion9, the ends of the sliding portion9in the left-right direction have chamfered portions94in which corners are chamfered. In other words, the end of the sliding portion9in the left-right direction has an edge in a curved shape protruding outward at a corner viewed from the normal direction. By round-chamfering the corner of the sliding portion9arranged at the end in the vibration direction, the sliding portion9becomes hardly peeled off from the mass body6when sliding with the inner surface of the housing1. Therefore, the life of the sliding portion9arranged on the surface of the mass body6can be extended.

For example, as viewed from the up-down direction, corners are round-chamfered at the chamfered portions94at ends of the first sliding portions91U and91D in the left-right direction. In this corner, one end of the curved shape protruding outward as viewed in the up-down direction is connected to an edge extending in the left-right direction. The other end is connected to an edge extending in the front-rear direction.

In the chamfered portions94at the ends in the left-right direction of the second sliding portions92F and92B as viewed from the front-rear direction, corners are round-chamfered. In this corner, one end of the curved shape protruding outward as viewed in the front-rear direction is connected to an edge extending in the left-right direction. The other end is connected to an edge extending in the up-down direction.

However, the above-described example does not exclude a configuration in which at least one corner of the end of the at least one sliding portion9in the left-right direction is not chamfered as viewed from the normal direction of the at least one sliding portion9.

Preferably, the sliding portion9is arranged at both ends at least in the front-rear direction on the end surface facing the up-down direction of the mass body6. This can prevent the rotation shake of the vibrator102around a predetermined axis parallel to the vibration direction.

For example, the first sliding portion91U on the left side is arranged at least at the front end (e.g., see part L3surrounded by a broken line inFIG.1) and the rear end (e.g., see part L4surrounded by a broken line inFIG.1) in the region601L on the upper surface601of the mass body6. The first sliding portion91U on the right side is arranged at least at the front end (e.g., see a part R3surrounded by a broken line inFIG.1) and the rear end (e.g., see a part R4surrounded by a broken line inFIG.1) in the region601R on the upper surface of the mass body6.

Similarly, the first sliding portion91D on the left side is arranged at least at the front end and the rear end in the region602L on the lower surface of the mass body6. The first sliding portion91D on the right side is arranged at least at the front end and the rear end in the region602R on the lower surface of the mass body6.

Note that this example does not exclude a configuration in which the sliding portion9is not arranged at both ends in the front-rear direction on the end surface of the mass body6facing the up-down direction. For example, at least any of the second sliding portions92F and92B may be omitted.

The third sliding portion93U is arranged on the bottom surface641U facing upward of the groove64U and covers the bottom surface641U. The arrangement of the third sliding portion93U enables the first protection portion41to smoothly slide on the third sliding portion93U even when coming into contact with the lower end of the first protection portion41and the vibrator102during vibration of the vibrator102, for example. Therefore, the influence of the vibrator102on the vibration can be reduced.

Note that in the third sliding portion93U, the edge of the opening overlaps the edge of the upper end of the through hole63as viewed from the up-down direction. Alternatively, the edge of the opening is arranged outward relative to the edge of the upper end of the through hole63as viewed from the up-down direction. Due to this, the upper surface of the magnet portion7in the through hole63is exposed inside the housing1without being covered with the third sliding portion93U. This can prevent the third sliding portion93U from affecting the magnetic interaction between the first coil31and the magnet portion7.

The third sliding portion93D is arranged on the bottom surface641D facing downward of the groove64D and covers the bottom surface641D. The arrangement of the third sliding portion93D enables the second protection portion42to smoothly slide on the third sliding portion93D even when coming into contact with the upper end of the second protection portion42and the vibrator102during vibration of the vibrator102, for example. Therefore, the influence of the vibrator102on the vibration can be reduced.

Note that in the third sliding portion93D, the edge of the opening overlaps the edge of the lower end of the through hole63as viewed from the up-down direction. Alternatively, the edge of the opening is arranged outward relative to the edge of the lower end of the through hole63as viewed from the up-down direction. Due to this, the lower surface of the magnet portion7in the through hole63is exposed inside the housing1without being covered with the third sliding portion93D. This can prevent the third sliding portion93D from affecting the magnetic interaction between the second coil32and the magnet portion7.

However, the above-described example does not exclude a configuration in which the sliding portion9does not include at least any of the third sliding portions93U and93D. For example, at least any of the third sliding portions93U and93D may be omitted.

Next, a variation of the example embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.5to7.FIG.5is a perspective view of the vibration motor100according to the variation of the example embodiment.FIG.6is a cross-sectional view of the vibration motor100taken along one-dot chain line VI-VI inFIG.5.FIG.7is an exploded perspective view of the vibration motor100ofFIG.5. InFIG.5, a first housing13described later is displayed in a transparent manner. Hereinafter, the configurations of the variation different from those of the above-described example embodiment will be described. The components similar to those in the above-described example embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The stator101includes the housing1, the substrate2, and the coil3. That is, in the variation, the protection portion4is omitted. However, the following variation does not exclude a configuration in which the stator101includes the protection portion4.

The housing1includes the first housing13and a second housing14. The second housing14is attached below the first housing13. That is, the first housing13is attached from above the second housing14to constitute the housing1. The coil3, the vibrator102, and the elastic portion103are accommodated inside a space surrounded by the first housing13and the second housing14.

The first housing13has a top surface131. The top surface131has a plate shape and expands in a direction intersecting the up-down direction. For example, the top surface131has a plate shape expanding in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, and faces the vibrator102at an interval in the up-down direction. The first coil31is fixed to the lower surface of the top surface131.

The first housing13further includes a front side surface132and a rear side surface133. The front side surface132and the rear side surface133extend downward from the edge of the top surface131in the front-rear direction. The front side surface132and the rear side surface133have plate shapes extending in the left-right direction, and face the vibrator102at an interval in the front-rear direction. The front side surface132is arranged forward relative to the rear side surface133. The bent portions22and23of the substrate2are arranged on the front side surface132.

The first housing13has a recess1311. The recess1311is arranged at both ends in the left-right direction of the top surface131, and is recessed toward (the inside of) the left-right direction.

The first housing13has a first opening1312. The first opening1312is arranged on the top surface131. The first opening1312penetrates the top surface131in the up-down direction, extends in the front-rear direction, and further opens toward the front end of the top surface131. As illustrated inFIG.1and the like, the front end of the first opening1312is continuous to the extraction port of the front side surface132.

The second housing14has a bottom surface141. The bottom surface141has a plate shape and expands in a direction intersecting the up-down direction. For example, the bottom surface141is a plate-like member expanding in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, and faces the vibrator102at an interval in the up-down direction. The second coil32is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom surface141.

The second housing14further includes a left side surface142and a right side surface143. Hereinafter, the left side surface142and the right side surface143may be collectively referred to as “side surfaces142and143”. For example, the side surfaces142and143extend upward from both edges, respectively, in the left-right direction of the bottom surface141. The left side surface142and the right side surface143have plate shapes extending in the front-rear direction, and face the vibrator102at an interval in the left-right direction. The left side surface142is arranged leftward relative to the right side surface143.

The second housing14has a second opening1411. The second opening1411is arranged on the bottom surface141. The second opening1411penetrates the bottom surface141in the up-down direction, extends in the front-rear direction, and extends toward the front end of the bottom surface141, for example.

The second housing14has a protrusion144fitted into the recess1311. The protrusion144is arranged at the upper end of the left side surface142and the upper end of the right side surface143, and protrudes upward.

In the housing1ofFIGS.5and7, the recess1311is arranged on the top surface131, and the protrusion144is arranged on the side surfaces142and143. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the recess1311may be arranged on the side surfaces142and143and the protrusion144may be arranged on the top surface131. That is, the recess1311may be arranged at one of the end in the left-right direction of the top surface131and the upper end of the side surfaces142and143. The protrusion144to be fitted into the recess1311may be arranged on the other of the end in the left-right direction of the top surface131and the upper end of the side surfaces142and143.

According to the configuration of the housing1as described above, since the housing1can be easily formed, manufacturing cost can be reduced, and productivity of the housing1can be improved. For example, the first housing13can be formed by forming (and bending downward the both ends in the front-rear direction), onto a plate material, the first opening1312and one of the recess1311and the protrusion144. The second housing14can be formed by bending upward the both ends in the left-right direction of another plate material on which the second opening1411and the other of the recess1311and the protrusion144are formed. The first housing13can be attached to the second housing14by fitting the protrusion144into the recess1311at both ends in the left-right direction of the top surface131.

The second housing14has a protrusion piece145. The protrusion piece145extends toward the outside of the housing1at an end in one direction perpendicular to the up-down direction of the second housing14and holds the substrate2.

For example, the protrusion piece145protrudes forward from the front edge of the bottom surface141and expands in the left-right direction. The base21of the substrate2is arranged on the protrusion piece145.

Next, the coil3includes the winding portion301and an extraction wire302. The winding portion301is formed of a coil-shaped conductive wire. The extraction wire302is drawn out from the winding portion301and arranged on the housing1side in the up-down direction relative to the winding portion301. The extraction wire302is accommodated in the openings1312and1411of the housing1. In the first housing13, the openings1312and1411are a collective term for the first opening1312and the second opening1411.

Accordingly, since the extraction wire302of the coil3is arranged on the housing1side in the up-down direction relative to the winding portion301, the interval between the magnet portion7and the winding portion301of the coil3can be further reduced. Therefore, since it is possible to further increase the Lorentz force acting on the magnet portion7when the coil3is energized, it is possible to further increase the moving speed and the amplitude of the vibrator102. Since the extraction wire302is accommodated in the openings1312and1411arranged in the housing1, it is not necessary to provide a gap between the housing1and the coil3. This can further reduce the up-down direction size of the vibration motor100. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the output of the vibration motor100while downsizing the vibration motor100.

At this time, an insulating member such as a resin material or an adhesive may be arranged in the openings1312and1411for accommodating the extraction wire302. That is, the openings1312and1411may be filled with the above-described insulating material. This can prevent the coil3from being exposed to the outside of the housing1through the openings1312and1411. Therefore, the electrical insulation of the vibration motor100can be improved. It is possible to prevent entry of dust or the like into the housing1through the openings1312and1411. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent the vibrator102from becoming immovable due to interposition of dust or the like between the stator101and the vibrator102.

The shape of the openings1312and1411viewed from the up-down direction is not limited to that inFIGS.5to7. The shape may be an elliptical shape extending in the front-rear direction, a regular circular shape, or an n-sided polygon shape (n is an integer of 3 or more) extending in the front-rear direction.

For example, the first coil31has a first extraction wire302U. The first extraction wire302U is drawn out from the winding portion301of the first coil31and arranged upward relative to the winding portion301. The winding portion301of the first coil31is an example of the “first winding portion” of the present disclosure. The first extraction wire302U is accommodated in the first opening1312. As mentioned earlier, the first housing13has the first opening1312.

The second coil32includes a second extraction wire302D. The second extraction wire302D is drawn out from the winding portion301of the second coil32and arranged downward relative to the winding portion301. The winding portion301of the second coil32is an example of the “second winding portion” of the present disclosure. The second extraction wire302D is accommodated in the second opening1411. As mentioned earlier, the second housing14has the second opening1411.

This eliminates the need for providing a gap between the first housing13and the first coil31, and it is possible to further reduce the interval between the magnet portion7and the winding portion301of the first coil31. It is not necessary to provide a gap between the second housing14and the second coil32, and it is possible to further reduce the interval between the magnet portion7and the winding portion301of the second coil32. Therefore, even with the configuration in which the coils3are arranged on both sides of the magnet portion7in the up-down direction, it is possible to further increase the output of the vibration motor100while further reducing the up-down direction size of the vibration motor100.

Here, the first opening1312is further opened to face one direction at an end in the one direction perpendicular to the up-down direction of the first housing13. For example, the first opening1312is further opened to face forward at an end on the front side perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction. This enables the first extraction wire302U to be easily drawn out of the housing1.

The left-right direction width of the front end of the first opening1312is larger than the left-right direction width of the rear side portion of the first opening1312as illustrated inFIG.5and the like. For example, the left end at the front end of the first opening1312is arranged leftward relative to the left end of the rear side portion of the first opening1312. In other words, the first housing13has a left recess (reference numeral omitted) recessed leftward from the front end of the first opening1312. The right end at the front end of the first opening1312is arranged rightward relative to the right end of the rear side portion of the first opening1312. In other words, the first housing13has a right recess (reference numeral omitted) recessed rightward from the front end of the first opening1312. This makes the substrate side of first extraction wire302U less likely to hit the top surface131of the first housing13. Therefore, the first extraction wire302U can be hardly disconnected.

A portion of the second opening1411is arranged in the protrusion piece145and is positioned inside relative to the outer edge of the protrusion piece145. For example, the front end of the second opening1411is arranged in the protrusion piece145and is positioned inside relative to the outer edge (particularly, the front end) of the protrusion piece145. This enables the second extraction wire302D to be easily drawn out of the housing1. Since the second opening1411does not reach the outer edge of the protrusion piece145, it is possible to suppress a decrease in strength of the protrusion piece145.

Preferably, when the vibration motor100is stopped, the center positions of the openings1312and1411in the left-right direction are arranged to be shifted on the extraction wire302side from the center position of the winding portion301in the left-right direction. For example, as illustrated inFIG.6, when the vibration motor100is stopped, the center position of the first opening1312in the left-right direction is arranged to be shifted on the first extraction wire302U side from the center position of the winding portion301of the first coil31in the left-right direction. The center position of the second opening1411in the left-right direction is arranged to be shifted on the second extraction wire302D side from the center position of the winding portion301of the second coil32in the left-right direction.

The extraction wire302arranged on the housing1side in the up-down direction relative to the winding portion301is usually an end of a conductor started to be wound at the time of manufacturing the winding portion301, and is drawn out of the housing1from a position (e.g., an outer edge of a cavity formed at the center of the coil-shaped winding portion301) shifted from the center position of the winding portion301. Therefore, by shifting the center positions of the openings1312and1411as described above, the extraction wire302extending in the front-rear direction can be easily arranged at the center positions of the openings1312and1411in the left-right direction when the vibration motor100is stopped. Therefore, when the vibration motor100is driven, it is possible to suppress or prevent the extraction wire302from hitting the housing1(the portion along the outer edges of the openings1312and1411).

However, the arrangement positions of the openings1312and1411in the left-right direction are not limited to the above example, and are only required to be arranged at positions overlapping the coil3in the up-down direction, for example.

In the variation, the material of the mass body6of the vibrator102is a metal such as, for example, aluminum or iron, or an alloy thereof. However, the material of the mass body6is not limited to this example, and may be a high-density metal such as tungsten or an alloy thereof.

Preferably, the mass body6further includes a plurality of corner recesses66. Each of the corner recesses66is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction from each corner of the through hole65. For example, inFIGS.5and7, the through hole65has a rectangular shape as viewed from the up-down direction. As viewed in the up-down direction, the corner recesses66are arranged respectively at the four corners of the rectangular through hole65, and are recessed in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (e.g., the left-right direction and/or the front-rear direction) toward the outside of the through hole65. In this way, each corner of the through hole65needs not be a pin corner (corner having a tip in a pointed shape) as viewed from the up-down direction. Therefore, even if the magnet portion7has the same polygonal shape (e.g., rectangular shape) as the through hole65as viewed from the up-down direction, the through hole65for accommodating the magnet portion7can be easily formed. Note that this example does not exclude a configuration in which the corner recess66is not arranged at least at any corner of the polygonal through hole65as viewed from the up-down direction.

Preferably, the mass body6further includes a protrusion67. The protrusion67protrudes in the front-rear direction and faces the housing1in the front-rear direction at the center portion in the left-right direction of an end on at least one side in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction. For example, the mass body6has at least any of the protrusion67on the front side and the protrusion67on the rear side. The protrusion67on the front side protrudes forward and faces the front side surface132of the first housing13in the front-rear direction at the center in the left-right direction of the front end of the mass body6. The protrusion67on the rear side protrudes rearward and faces the rear side surface133of the first housing13in the front-rear direction at the center in the left-right direction of the rear end of the mass body6.

In this manner, even if vibrator102vibrating in the left-right direction moves in the front-rear direction, the protrusion67abuts on the housing1, whereby the corner (front-rear direction end) of the left-right direction end of the mass body6can be prevented from hitting the housing1. Therefore, the vibrator102can vibrate smoothly. It is possible to reduce or prevent the influence on the members (e.g., the connection portion8and the elastic portion103) arranged near the corners of the end in the left-right direction of the mass body6.

In the variation, the front-rear direction end of the mass body6at the left-right direction end is provided a step. The step includes a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface. The first surface is arranged at the front-rear direction end of the mass body6and faces the up-down direction. The second surface is arranged at the front-rear direction center of the mass body6and faces the up-down direction. The third surface connects the front-rear direction inner end of the first surface and the front-rear direction outer end of the second surface.

The connection portions8are arranged on the front-rear direction outer side relative to the step at the front-rear direction both ends at the left-right direction both ends of the center61. That is, the connection portion8is arranged in contact with the first surface. At this time, the connection portion8is arranged away outward in the front-rear direction from the third surface. Thus, even if no pin corner is formed between the first surface and the third surface, the connection portion8can come into contact with the first surface without floating from the first surface. Therefore, it is possible to improve the attachment strength of the connection portion8to the center61of the mass body6.

Next, the vibrator102of the variation further includes a cushioning portion B. The cushioning portion B is arranged at least any of the left-right direction both ends of the mass body6. Thermoplastic polyurethane is used as a material of the cushioning portion B. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and a material having a high cushioning property can be used for the cushioning portion B. For example, the material of the cushioning portion B may be a deformable porous body such as a resin foam, or may be an elastic portion such as rubber. This can prevent the mass body6from hitting the housing1in at least any of the left-right direction. Even when the vibrator102hits the housing1in at least any of the left-right direction, it is possible to suppress or prevent generation of an impact sound at that time.

The vibration motor100according to the first and second example embodiments described earlier can be mounted on an electronic device200schematically illustrated inFIG.8, for example. That is, the electronic device200includes the vibration motor100. The electronic device200is a device that gives tactile stimulation to a person who operates the electronic device200by vibration of the vibration motor100. While the electronic device200illustrated inFIG.8is a smartphone as an example, a tablet, a game device, a wearable terminal, and the like can also be adopted.

In the case of the electronic device200as illustrated inFIG.8, the vibration motor100outputs vibration, whereby various notifications such as an incoming call can be given to the operator or tactile feedback can be given to the operator. As the tactile feedback, for example, when a recess201illustrated inFIG.8is pressed, the vibration motor100outputs vibration, whereby the operator can have a feeling as if pressing a button. In particular, use of the vibration motor100of the example embodiment described earlier makes it possible to protect the coil3, and it is possible to suppress a failure of vibration of the electronic device200due to a failure of the coil3.

The example embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. It is to be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example embodiments. The present disclosure is implemented by adding various changes to the above-described example embodiments within a range not departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The matters described in the above-described example embodiments are arbitrarily combined together as appropriate within a range where no inconsistency occurs.

For example, the vibration motor100(e.g., seeFIG.1) of the example embodiment does not have the protrusion67(e.g., seeFIG.5) of the variation, but is not limited to this example, and may have the protrusion67. At this time, preferably, the second sliding portions92F and92B are arranged on the front-rear direction outer side surface of the protrusion67. The vibration motor100of the example embodiment (e.g., seeFIG.1) does not have the cushioning portion B (e.g., seeFIG.5) of the variation, but is not limited to this example, and may have the cushioning portion B.

The example embodiments described so far will be collectively described hereinafter.

For example, the vibration motor disclosed in the present description has a configuration (first configuration) including a stator, and a vibrator that is capable of vibrating in a first direction, in which the stator includes a coil facing the vibrator in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a housing accommodating the coil and the vibrator, and the vibrator includes a mass body extending in the first direction, a magnet fixed to the mass body and facing the coil in the second direction, and a sliding portion that is arranged on an end surface of the mass body in a direction intersecting the first direction and slides on an inner side surface of the housing when coming into contact with the inner side surface of the housing during vibration of the vibrator.

Alternatively, the vibration motor disclosed in the present description has a configuration (second configuration) including a stator, and a vibrator that is capable of vibrating in a first direction, in which the stator includes a coil facing the vibrator in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a housing accommodating the coil and the vibrator, the vibrator includes a mass body extending in the first direction, and a magnet fixed to the mass body and facing the coil in the second direction, the coil includes an extraction wire drawn out from a winding portion including a coil-shaped conductive wire and arranged on the housing side in the second direction relative to the winding portion, and the housing has an opening to accommodate the extraction wire.

Note that the vibration motor of the second configuration may have a configuration (third configuration), in which the vibrator further includes a sliding portion arranged on an end surface of the mass body in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the sliding portion is slidable on an inner side surface of the housing when coming into contact with the inner side surface of the housing during vibration of the vibrator.

The vibration motor of the first or third configuration may have a configuration (fourth configuration), in which the sliding portion is arranged on an end surface of the mass body facing the second direction, and an end surface of the mass body facing a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

The vibration motor of the fourth configuration may have a configuration (fifth configuration), in which the sliding portion is arranged on both end surfaces of the mass body in the second direction and both end surfaces of the mass body in the third direction.

The vibration motor of any of the first and third to fifth configurations may have a configuration (sixth configuration), in which on an end surface of the mass body in a direction intersecting the first direction, the sliding portion is arranged at both ends at least in the first direction.

The vibration motor of any of the first and third to sixth configurations may have a configuration (seventh configuration), in which a width of the mass body in the second direction is narrower than a width in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and on an end surface of the mass body facing the second direction, the sliding portion is arranged at both ends at least in the third direction.

The vibration motor of any of the first and third to seventh configurations may have a configuration (eighth configuration), in which the sliding portion is a film-shaped body.

The vibration motor of the eighth configuration may have a configuration (ninth configuration), in which as viewed from a normal direction of the sliding portion, an end of the sliding portion in the first direction has a chamfered portion in which a corner is chamfered.

The vibration motor of any of the first and third to ninth configurations may have a configuration (tenth configuration), in which a material of the sliding portion is fluororesin.

The vibration motor of any of the first to tenth configurations may have a configuration (eleventh configuration), in which the stator further includes a protection portion covering an end of the coil at least in the first direction, and an end of the protection portion closer to the vibrator in the second direction is arranged closer to the vibrator in the second direction relative to the coil.

The vibration motor of any of the first to eleventh configurations may have a configuration (twelfth configuration), in which the coil includes a first coil arranged on one side in the second direction relative to the magnet, and a second coil arranged on another side in the second direction relative to the magnet.

The vibration motor of any of the second to eleventh configurations may have a configuration (thirteenth configuration), in which the coil includes a first coil arranged on one side in the second direction relative to the magnet, and a second coil arranged on the other side in the second direction relative to the magnet, the first coil includes a first extraction wire drawn out from a first winding portion and arranged on one side in the second direction relative to the first winding portion, the second coil includes a second extraction wire drawn out from a second winding portion and arranged on the other side in the second direction relative to the second winding portion, and the housing includes a first housing having a first opening to accommodate the first extraction wire, and a second housing having a second opening to accommodate the second extraction wire and attached on the other side in the second direction of the first housing.

The vibration motor of the thirteenth configuration may have a configuration (fourteenth configuration), in which the first housing includes a top surface having a plate shape expanding in a direction intersecting the second direction, the second housing includes a bottom surface having a plate shaped expanding in a direction intersecting the second direction, and a side surface extending in one of the second direction from each of both ends in the first direction of the bottom surface, a recess is arranged at one of the first direction end of the top surface and the second direction one end of the side surface, and a protrusion fitted into the recess is arranged on the other of the first direction end of the top surface and the second direction one end of the side surface.

The vibration motor of the thirteenth or fourteenth configuration may have a configuration (fifteenth configuration), in which the first opening is further opened to face one direction at an end of the first housing in the one direction perpendicular to the second direction.

The vibration motor of any of the thirteenth to fifteenth configurations may have a configuration (sixteenth configuration) further including a substrate on which a wiring electrically connected to the coil is mounted, in which the second housing has a protrusion piece extending toward the outside of the housing and holding the substrate at an end of the second housing in one direction perpendicular to the second direction, and a portion of the second opening is arranged in the protrusion piece and positioned inside relative to an outer edge of the protrusion piece.

The vibration motor of any of the thirteenth to sixteenth configurations may have a configuration (seventeenth configuration), in which when the vibration motor is stopped, a center position of the opening in the first direction is arranged to be shifted on the extraction wire side from a center position of the winding portion in the first direction.

The vibration motor of any of the first to seventeenth configurations may have a configuration (eighteenth configuration) further including an elastic portion connecting the vibrator and the stator, in which the elastic portion is arranged between both ends in the first direction of the mass body and an inner surface of the housing, and arranged at each end in the first direction of the mass body at both ends in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

The vibration motor of any of the first to eighteenth configurations may have a configuration (nineteenth configuration) further including an elastic portion connecting the vibrator and the stator, in which the elastic portion is a coil spring stretchable in the first direction.

The vibration motor of the nineteenth configuration may have a configuration (twentieth configuration), in which a material of the coil spring is a piano wire.

The vibration motor of any of the first to twentieth configurations may have a configuration (twenty first configuration), in which the mass body includes a through hole having a polygonal shape as viewed from the second direction and accommodating the magnet, and a plurality of corner recesses recessed in a direction perpendicular to the second direction from each corner of the through hole.

The vibration motor of any of the first to twenty first configurations may have a configuration (twenty second configuration), in which the mass body further includes a protrusion protruding in a third direction and facing the housing in the third direction at a first direction center of an end on at least one side in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

The vibration motor of any of the first to twenty second configurations may have a configuration (twenty third configuration), in which a third direction width of the coil is wider than a third direction width of the magnet.

The vibration motor of any of the first to twenty third configurations may have a configuration (twenty fourth configuration), in which the vibrator further includes a cushioning portion arranged at least any of both ends in the first direction of the mass body.

Example embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings hereinafter.

A vibration motor including a stator, a vibrator that is capable of vibrating in at least a first direction, and an elastic portion connecting the vibrator and the stator, in which the stator includes a coil facing the vibrator in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the vibrator includes a mass body extending in the first direction, a magnet fixed to the mass body and facing the coil in the second direction, and a connection portion connecting the mass body and the elastic portion, and a material of the connection portion is different from a material of the mass body.

The vibration motor according to (1), in which at least any of hardness and rigidity of a material of the connection portion is smaller than that of the mass body.

The vibration motor according to (1), in which the connection portion is fixed to the mass body with a first adhesive.

The vibration motor according to any one of (1) to (3), in which one of the elastic portion and the connection portion includes a protrusion, and the other includes an accommodation accommodating the protrusion.

The vibration motor according to (4), in which the connection portion includes the protrusion and a hole in which a second adhesive is arranged, and at least a portion of the hole opens toward the elastic portion in a fixing portion of the elastic portion and the connection portion.

The vibration motor according to (5), in which the hole is a through hole.

The vibration motor according to (5), in which the connection portion further includes a groove arranged around the protrusion and extending along an outer periphery of the protrusion, the third adhesive is arranged in the groove, and the groove opens toward the elastic portion in the fixing portion of the elastic portion and the connection portion.

The vibration motor according to (7), in which the groove is continuous to the hole.

The vibration motor according to (7), in which a portion of the elastic portion is fitted in the groove.

The vibration motor according to any one of (1) to (3), in which the elastic portion is a coil spring stretchable in the first direction.

The vibration motor according to any one of (1) to (3), in which the elastic portion is a coil spring stretchable in the first direction, and the connection portion includes a tube protruding in the first direction and accommodating an end of the coil spring in the first direction.

In the present description, in the drawings, the long direction of a vibration motor100is defined as an X axis direction, and is denoted as X. In the X axis direction, the left of the drawing is indicated by X1, and the right is indicated by X2. The short direction of the vibration motor100is defined as a Y axis direction, and is denoted as Y. In the Y axis direction, the front side of the drawing is indicated by Y1, and the rear side is indicated by Y2. A thickness direction of the vibration motor100is defined as a Z axis direction. In the Z axis direction, the upper side of the drawing is indicated by Z1, and the lower side is indicated by Z2. The X axis direction, the Y axis direction, and the Z axis direction are orthogonal to one another.

The X axis direction is an example of the “first direction” of the present disclosure, and is called “left-right direction” in the present description. The Y axis direction is an example of the “third direction” of the present disclosure, and is called “front-rear direction” in the present description. The Z axis direction is an example of the “second direction” of the present disclosure, and is called “up-down direction” in the present description.

In a positional relationship between any of orientation, line, and surface and another one of them, “parallel” includes not only a state where the two never cross each other at all no matter how long they extend but also a state where the two are substantially parallel. In addition, “perpendicular” and “orthogonal” include not only a state where the two intersect each other at 90 degrees but also a state where they are substantially perpendicular and a state where they are substantially orthogonal, respectively. That is, “parallel”, “perpendicular”, and “orthogonal” each include a state where the positional relationship between the two has an angular deviation to an extent that does not depart from the gist of the present disclosure.

Note that these are merely used for description, and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationship, direction, name, and the like.

FIG.1is a perspective view of the vibration motor100according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view of the vibration motor100taken along one-dot chain line II-II inFIG.1.FIG.10is an exploded perspective view of the vibration motor100. InFIG.1, a lid11described later is displayed in a transparent manner.

The vibration motor100is what is called a transverse linear vibration motor capable of generating vibration in the left-right direction. The vibration motor100includes a stator101, a vibrator102, and an elastic portion103.

The stator101includes a housing1, a substrate2, a coil3, and a protection portion4.

The housing1accommodates the coil3, the vibrator102, and the like. The housing1is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. However, the material of the housing1is not limited to this example, and may be a resin.

The housing1includes the lid11and a base plate12. The housing1is formed by attaching the lid11to the base plate12from above. The lid11has a rectangular shape with a lower side opened. The lid11includes a top surface111, a front side surface112, a rear side surface113, a left side surface114, and a right side surface115. The top surface111has a plate shape expanding in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, and faces the vibrator102at an interval in the up-down direction. The front side surface112, the rear side surface113, the left side surface114, and the right side surface115extend downward from an edge of the top surface111. The front side surface112and the rear side surface113have a plate shape extending in the left-right direction, and face the vibrator102at an interval in the front-rear direction. The front side surface112is arranged forward relative to the rear side surface113. The left side surface114and the right side surface115have a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction, and face the vibrator102at an interval in the left-right direction. The base plate12is a plate-like member expanding in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, and faces the vibrator102at an interval in the up-down direction. The left side surface114is arranged leftward relative to the right side surface115. The vibrator102, the coil3, the protection portion4, and the elastic portion103are accommodated inside a space surrounded by the lid11and the base plate12.

The substrate2is, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC). However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the substrate2is not an FPC. For example, the substrate2may be a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy substrate.

The housing1includes the base21and the bent portions22and23bent with respect to the base21. The base plate12has a protrusion piece121protruding forward from a front edge. The base21is arranged on the protrusion piece121. The bent portions22and23are arranged along the front side surface112of the lid11. The coil3is electrically connected to the substrate2. The substrate2is provided to supply the coil3with a current.

The coil3faces the vibrator102in the up-down direction perpendicular to the left-right direction. The coil3includes a first coil31and a second coil32. The first coil31is arranged upward relative to the second coil32. The first coil31and the second coil32are configured by winding a conductive wire around an axis along the up-down direction. When a current is supplied to the first coil31and the second coil32, lines of magnetic force are generated.

The extraction wire of the coil3is drawn out to the outside from the extraction port provided in the front side surface112of the lid11, and is connected to the electrodes22A and23A provided in the bent portions22and23of the substrate2. The electrode22A is connected to an electrode21A provided on the base21by wiring (not illustrated) provided on the substrate2. The electrode23A is connected to an electrode21B provided on the base21by wiring (not illustrated) provided on the substrate2. The current supplied to the coil3flows through the electrode21A (or21B)→the electrode22A (or23A)→the coil3→the electrode23A (or22A)→the electrode21B (or21A) in this order.

The protection portion4covers an end of the coil3at least in the left-right direction. In the present example embodiment, the protection portion4is made of, for example, resin, and surrounds and protects the coil3. The protection portion4includes a first protection portion41and a second protection portion42. The first protection portion41surrounds the first coil31. The first coil31and the first protection portion41are arranged on the lower surface of the top surface111of the lid11and face the vibrator102at an interval in the up-down direction. The second protection portion42surrounds the second coil32. The second coil32and the second protection portion42are arranged on the upper surface of the base plate12and face the vibrator102at an interval in the up-down direction.

The end of the protection portion4on the vibrator102side in the up-down direction is arranged on the vibrator102side in the up-down direction relative to the coil3. For example, the lower end of the first protection portion41is arranged downward relative to the lower end of the first coil31. The upper end of the second protection portion42is arranged upward relative to the upper end of the second coil32. This can prevent contact with the coil3by the protection portion4coming into contact with the vibrator102even if the vibrator102is shaken in the up-down direction. The protection portion4slides on the sliding portion9described later, whereby the vibrator102can be stably vibrated.

The vibrator102is capable of vibrating at least in the left-right direction. The vibrator102includes a mass body6, the magnet7, a connection portion8, and a sliding portion9.

The mass body6is made of, for example, tungsten or an alloy thereof, and increases the vibration output of the vibration motor100by increasing the weight of the vibrator102. The mass body6extends in the left-right direction. The mass body6expands in the front-rear direction and has a thickness in the up-down direction. For example, the width of the up-down direction of the mass body6is narrower than the width of the front-rear direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction. This can thin the vibration motor100in the up-down direction.

The mass body6has a center61and two side body portions621and622. Hereinafter, the side body portions621and622may be collectively referred to as “side body portion62”. The center61and the side body portions621and622each have a rectangular shape as viewed from the up-down direction. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which at least any of the center61and the side body portions621and622is not in a rectangular shape. The center61and the side body portions621and622are only required to have a shape that does not contradict the gist of the present disclosure.

The center61and the side body portions621and622are integrated and are a single member. The center61is a center portion of the mass body6in the left-right direction. The side body portion621on the left side protrudes leftward from the center61. The left end of the side body portion621faces the left side surface114at a sufficient interval in the left-right direction. The right side body portion622on the right side protrudes rightward from the center61. The right end of the side body portion622faces the right side surface115at a sufficient interval in the left-right direction. Each of the front ends of the side body portions621and622is arranged rearward relative to the front end of the center61. Each of the rear ends of the side body portions621and622is arranged forward relative to the rear end of the center61.

The mass body6has grooves64U and64D. The grooves64U and64D are arranged at the left-right direction center of the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the mass body6, and extend in the front-rear direction. The groove64U is arranged on an upper surface601of the center61and is recessed downward. The groove64D is arranged on a lower surface602of the center61and is recessed upward. The front ends of the grooves64U and64D each reach the front end of the center61. The rear ends of the grooves64U and64D each reach the rear end of the center61. The first coil31and the first protection portion41are arranged inside the groove64U and face, at an interval in the up-down direction, a bottom surface641U facing upward of the groove64U. The second coil32and the second protection portion42are arranged inside the groove64D and face, at an interval in the up-down direction, a bottom surface641D facing downward of the groove64D. This can further thin the vibration motor100. Since an electromagnetic force can be obtained by the upper and lower coils3, the vibration output is improved.

The mass body6has a through hole65. The through hole65penetrates in the up-down direction between the bottom surfaces641U and641D of the grooves64U and64D facing each other in the up-down direction. The upper end of the through hole65opens to the bottom surface641U facing upward of the groove64U. The lower end of the through hole65opens to the bottom surface641D facing downward of the groove64D.

The mass body6further includes a plurality of recesses66. The recesses66are arranged at the lower ends of both ends in the front-rear direction at both ends in the left-right direction of the center61. Each of the recesses66is recessed upward from the lower surface602of the center61, and is open at the end in the left-right direction and the end in the front-rear direction.

The magnet7is fixed to the mass body6and faces the coil3in the up-down direction. The magnet7is arranged in the mass body6inside the grooves64U and64D as viewed in the up-down direction, and specifically, is fixed inside the through hole65with an adhesive or the like. This can thin the vibration motor100as compared with a case of providing the magnet7on the bottom surfaces641U and641D of the grooves64U and64D.

The magnet7has magnetic poles in the left-right direction. That is, the magnet7has an N pole on the left and an S pole on the right, or has the S pole on the left and the N pole on the right.

The magnet7faces the coil3in the up-down direction. For example, as mentioned earlier, the coil3includes the first coil31and the second coil32. The first coil31and the first protection portion41are arranged upward relative to the magnet7. The second coil32and the second protection portion42are arranged downward relative to the magnet7.

By arranging the coils3on both sides of the magnet7in the up-down direction, a drive force of vibration is generated on the both sides of the magnet7. Therefore, as compared with a case where the drive force is generated only on one side of the magnet7using the coil3, the vibrator102is less likely to shake, for example, in the up-down direction, and therefore the vibrator102can be stably vibrated in the left-right direction.

The arrangement of the magnet7can be simplified. Since it is not necessary to maximize the magnetic field intensity on one side (coil3side on one side) of the magnet7in the up-down direction, for example, it is not necessary to configure the magnet7with a plurality of magnet pieces in a Halbach array.

The connection portion8connects the mass body6and the elastic portion103. In the present example embodiment, the connection portion8includes four connection portions81,82,83, and84. Note that a further configuration of the connection portion8will be described later.

The sliding portion9is arranged on the end surface of the mass body6in the direction intersecting the left-right direction. For example, the sliding portion9is arranged on each of the upper surface601, the lower surface602, the front surface and the rear surface (reference numeral omitted), and the bottom surfaces641U and641D of the grooves64U and64D of the mass body6. The sliding portion9may be further arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the connection portion8. In this manner, even if the vibrator102vibrating in the left-right direction shakes and comes into contact with the inner surface of the housing1, the protection portion4, and the like, the sliding portion9smoothly slides on the surface thereof. This can suppress or prevent rotation shake around a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction of the vibrator102due to an increase in shake. Therefore, the vibrator102can be stably vibrated with a simple configuration. The sliding portion9is arranged on the end surface of the mass body6in the direction intersecting the left-right direction. Therefore, the vibrator102can be stably vibrated with a simple configuration.

In the present example embodiment, the sliding portion9is a film-shaped body, for example, a film shape or a tape shape made of fluororesin. This can suppress an increase in the size of the mass body6in the direction intersecting the left-right direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress contact between the vibrator102and the inner surface of the housing1, and it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the vibration motor100. It is possible to easily arrange the sliding portion9onto the surface of the mass body6. The sliding portion9easily slides in the vibration direction (i.e., the left-right direction).

The elastic portion103connects the vibrator102and the stator101. The elastic portion103is stretchable in the left-right direction and is arranged between both ends of the mass body6in the left-right direction and the inner surface of the housing1. The elastic portions103are arranged at both ends in the front-rear direction at respective ends in the left-right direction of the mass body6. The front-rear direction is a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction. In the present example embodiment, the elastic portion103includes four elastic portions1031,1032,1033, and1034.

For example, in the present example embodiment, the two elastic portions1031and1032are arranged between the left side surface114and the left end of the vibrator102. At the left end of the mass body6, the right end of the elastic portion1031is fixed to the front end of the center61via the connection portion81. The right end of the elastic portion1032is fixed to the rear end of the center61via the connection portion82. The left ends of the elastic portions1031and1032are fixed to an inner surface of the left side surface114of the lid11.

The two elastic portions1033and1034are arranged between the right side surface115and the right end of the vibrator102. At the right end of the mass body6, the left end of the elastic portion1033is fixed to the front end of the center61via the connection portion83. The left end of the elastic portion1034is fixed to the rear end of the center61via the connection portion84. The right ends of the elastic portions1033and1034are fixed to an inner surface of the right side surface115of the lid11.

By arranging the elastic portion103as described above, it is possible to reduce shaking of the vibrator102in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, it is difficult for the vibrator102to rotate around a predetermined axis parallel to the left-right direction during vibration. Therefore, the vibrator102can stably vibrate.

However, the number of the elastic portions103is not limited to the above example. The number of the elastic portions103arranged on the left side and the right side of the vibrator102may be singular or plural of three or more.

The elastic portion103is a coil spring stretchable in the left-right direction. Use of the coil spring can further increase the vibration range of the vibrator102in the left-right direction. This coil spring extends in the left-right direction. The inside of the coil spring is a cavity and functions as an accommodation1030accommodating a protrusion803described later of the connection portion8.

Preferably, the material of the coil spring is a piano wire. That is, the elastic portion103is formed of the piano wire. The piano wire has higher reliability in strength, durability, and the like as compared with a hard steel wire, a stainless steel wire, and the like. Therefore, use of the piano wire can improve the life of the elastic portion103. Note that the above-described example does not exclude a configuration in which the material of the coil spring is other than the piano wire. For example, the material may be a hard steel wire, a stainless steel wire, or the like.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above example, and at least any of the elastic portions103may be other than the coil spring, and may be for example, a leaf spring or a rubber member.

In the vibration motor100configured as described above, by supplying a current to the coil3via the substrate2, lines of magnetic force are generated in the coil3, and the vibrator102can be driven in the left-right direction by interaction with the lines of magnetic force generated by the magnet7. Vibration in the left-right direction is generated in the vibration motor100by appropriate control of current supply to the coil3and the elastic force of the elastic portion103.

Next, the connection portion8will be described with reference toFIGS.1to11.FIG.1is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a connection portion of the mass body6and the elastic portion103via the connection portion8. InFIG.11, adhesives B1and B2described later are not illustrated. The same applies toFIGS.12to14described later.

In the present example embodiment, the connection portion8is fixed to the mass body6via the first adhesive B1(see, for example,FIGS.1and9). Specifically, the four connection portions81,82,83, and84are respectively fixed at both ends in the front-rear direction at both ends in the left-right direction of the center61. Use of the first adhesive B1makes it possible to easily fix the connection portion8while suppressing an increase in the size of the fixing portion. However, the connection portion8is not limited to this example, and may be fixed to the mass body6by using means such as brazing, welding, or diffusion bonding. The number of the connection portions8is determined according to the number of the elastic portions103.

The material of the connection portion8is, for example, stainless steel, unlike the mass body6. However, the material of the connection portion8is not limited to this example, and may be other than stainless steel.

By connecting the mass body6and the elastic portion via the connection portion8made of a material different from that of the mass body6, the mass body6and the elastic portion103can be easily connected. For example, a high-density material is used for the mass body6. In a case where it is necessary to form a portion connecting the elastic portion103to the vibrator102, even if the mass body6is formed of a material difficult to process, the connection portion8is only required to be formed of a material easier to process than the mass body6, and the connection portion8is only required to be arranged in the portion of the mass body6. This makes it easy to connect the mass body6and the elastic portion103via the connection portion8.

As a material of the connection portion8, a material having better machinability than that of the mass body6is adopted. The machinability includes, for example, bending workability, press workability, and cutting performance. Preferably, at least any of hardness and rigidity of the material of the connection portion8is smaller than that of the mass body6. The hardness can be evaluated by, for example, any of Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Shore hardness, Knoop hardness, and Mohs hardness. The rigidity can be evaluated by, for example, Young's modulus and elastic modulus.

Thus, the connection portion8becomes easily formed thanks to the improvement in machinability. For example, use of a material lower in rigidity than the mass body6for the connection portion8makes it easy to perform bending process, press process, and the like of the connection portion8. Therefore, the connection portion8can be more easily deformed into a desired shape. Use of a material lower in hardness than the mass body6for the connection portion8makes it easy to perform cutting processing and the like of the connection portion8. Therefore, the protrusion803, a hole804, and the like described later can be more easily formed in the connection portion8.

The connection portion8includes a platform801, a plate802, and the protrusion803.

The platform801is arranged on an end surface610in the left-right direction of the center61of the mass body6, and expands in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. By arranging the platform801on the end surface610, it is possible to position the connection portion8in the left-right direction.

The plate802extends from the lower end of the platform801on the center61side in the left-right direction and expands in the front-rear direction. The plate802is arranged on a bottom surface661facing downward of the recess66of the mass body6. This makes it possible to position the connection portion8in the up-down direction.

Preferably, an end on the side body portion62side in the front-rear direction of at least any of the platform801and the plate802is in contact with an end surface620of the side body portion62in the front-rear direction or fixed to the end surface620via the first adhesive B1. The end surface620includes an inner side surface662facing the front-rear direction of the recess66. This makes it possible to position the connection portion8in the front-rear direction. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which both ends on the side body portion62side in the front-rear direction of the platform801and the plate802are arranged away from the end surface620.

Preferably, the lower surface of the plate802is upward relative to the lower surface602of the mass body6or at the same up-down direction position as the lower surface602. In this way, the plate802does not protrude downward relative to the lower surface602of the mass body6. Therefore, the lower surface of the plate802becomes less likely to come into contact with the upper surface of the base plate12. It is possible to prevent an increase in size of the vibrator102(an increase in size in the up-down direction). Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress contact between the vibrator102and the inner surface of the housing1. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the lower surface of the plate802is arranged downward relative to the lower surface602of the mass body6.

The protrusion803is arranged on the platform801and protrudes on the elastic portion103side in the left-right direction. The protrusion803is accommodated in the accommodation1030(i.e., the inside of the coil spring) in the elastic portion103. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the protrusion803may be arranged on the elastic portion103side, and the accommodation1030may be arranged on the platform801side. For example, an end of the coil spring on the platform801side may function as a protrusion, and a recess recessed in the left-right direction and functioning as an accommodation may be arranged on the platform801. That is, a configuration where one of the elastic portion103and the connection portion8may include the protrusion803, and the other may include the accommodation1030accommodating the protrusion803only needs to be adopted. Thus, the connection position of the elastic portion103with respect to the connection portion8can be easily determined.

As viewed from the left-right direction, the outer edge of the protrusion803is configured by an arc shape and a straight line connecting both ends of the arc shape. That is, the protrusion803has a columnar shape having a plane8031on a radially outer side surface. The plane8031is arranged at the lower end of the protrusion803and expands in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction.

Preferably, the outer diameter of the protrusion803is smaller than the diameter size of the accommodation1030(e.g., the inner diameter of the coil spring) to such an extent that the protrusion803can be press-fitted into the accommodation1030. In other words, the outer side surface of the protrusion803is a radially outer side surface of the protrusion803with respect to the central axis of the protrusion803parallel to the left-right direction, for example, and is in contact with the inner side surface of the accommodation1030. In the present example embodiment, the inner side surface of the accommodation1030is an inner side surface of a coil spring that is the elastic portion103. Thus, the connection strength between the connection portion8and the elastic portion103can be improved by fitting the protrusion803into the accommodation1030. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the outer side surface of the protrusion803does not come into contact with the inner side surface of the accommodation1030.

Next, preferably, the connection portion8further includes the hole804. The hole804is recessed from the end surface on the elastic portion103side in the left-right direction of the platform801to the opposite side. The second adhesive B2is arranged in the hole804(see, for example,FIG.9). In the fixing portion of the elastic portion103and the connection portion8, at least a portion of the hole804opens toward the elastic portion103. For example, in the present example embodiment, the hole804overlaps the end on the platform801side of the coil spring as viewed from the left-right direction. This enables the second adhesive B2to be brought into contact with the elastic portion103from the opening of the hole804. This enables the elastic portion103to be bonded to the connection portion8. Furthermore, when the elastic portion103is connected to the connection portion8, the hole804is arranged vertically upward relative to the protrusion803. That is, for example, inFIG.9, Z2becomes vertically upward and Z1becomes vertically downward. By arranging the second adhesive B2in the hole804, the second adhesive B2flows vertically downward (Z1direction) from the hole804toward the protrusion803. Therefore, the second adhesive B2can be impregnated between the elastic portion103and the connection portion8. Therefore, since the adhesion area of the elastic portion103and the connection portion8can be further widened, the adhesion strength between them can be improved.

The hole804is arranged in the vicinity of the plane8031of the protrusion803as viewed from the left-right direction. Due to this, a portion of the hole804overlaps a portion of the accommodation1030of the elastic portion103as viewed from the left-right direction. In other words, a portion of the hole804opens toward the accommodation1030. This enables the second adhesive B2to be arranged between at least the plane8031of the radially outer side surface of the protrusion803and the inner side surface of the accommodation1030of the elastic portion103. Therefore, it is possible to bond between the plane8031and the inner side surface of the accommodation1030. Furthermore, the second adhesive B2is impregnated between a region of the plane8031on the radially outer side surface of the protrusion803and the inner side surface of the accommodation1030, whereby both can be bonded to each other. Therefore, the elastic portion103can be more firmly connected to the connection portion8.

Preferably, the hole804is a through hole. Thus, the hole804can be easily formed in the connection portion8. The elastic portion103can be bonded to both the connection portion8and the center61via the second adhesive B2. For example, by arranging the same adhesive on the surface of the connection portion8facing the center61side and the hole804, it is possible to bond between the center61and the connection portion8and between the connection portion8and the elastic portion103with the same adhesive. That is, the first adhesive B1can be the same member as the second adhesive B2. Therefore, the elastic portion103can be more easily connected to the mass body6via the connection portion8. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the first adhesive B1is different from the second adhesive B2even if the hole804is a through hole.

The hole804extends downward in the platform801and extends on the center61side from the end on the elastic portion103side in the left-right direction of the plate802. That is, a portion of the hole804is arranged on the platform801. The remaining portion of the hole804is arranged on the plate802.

However, the above-described example does not exclude a configuration in which the plane8031is omitted. The protrusion803may have a columnar shape. The above-described example does not exclude a configuration in which the protrusion803does not have a columnar shape. The protrusion803can adopt an arbitrary columnar shape, and may have, for example, an n-prism shape (n is an integer of 3 or more). The above-described example does not exclude a configuration in which the hole804is not a through hole and a configuration in which a portion of the hole804is not arranged on the plate802. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the example of the present example embodiment, and the plate802may be omitted. The above-described example does not exclude a configuration in which the connection portion8does not have the hole804. That is, the hole804may be omitted.

As mentioned earlier, the connection portion8is fixed to the mass body6via the first adhesive B1. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the connection portion8is fixed to the mass body6by means other than the first adhesive B1. For example, the connection portion8may be fixed by any means such as brazing using silver wax or the like, welding, diffusion bonding, or the like.

As mentioned earlier, the elastic portion103is connected to the connection portion8via the second adhesive B2. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the elastic portion103is connected to the connection portion8by means other than the second adhesive B2. For example, the elastic portions103may be connected by any means such as brazing using silver wax or the like, welding, diffusion bonding, or the like.

Next, the first to third variations of the connection portion8will be described. Note that the above-described example embodiment and the following first to third variations can be arbitrarily combined as long as there is no particular contradiction.

FIG.12is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first variation of the connection portion8. In the first variation, the connection portion8further includes a plate802a. The plate802aextends on the center61side in the left-right direction from the upper end of the platform801and is arranged on the upper surface of the center61. This enables the center61to be held and arranged between the plates802and802a, and hence, the connection portion8to be more stably attached to the mass body6.

Preferably, the mass body6has a plurality of the recesses66aarranged on the upper surface of the center61. The recesses66aare arranged at upper ends of both ends in the front-rear direction at both ends in the left-right direction of the center61. Each of the recesses66ais recessed downward from the upper surface601of the center61, and is open at the end in the left-right direction and the end in the front-rear direction. The plate802ais arranged on the bottom surface facing upward of the recess66a. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the connection portion8does not have the plate802and a configuration in which the mass body6does not have the recess66a.

Preferably, an end on the side body portion62side in the front-rear direction of at least any of the platform801, the plate802, and the plate802ais in contact with the end surface620in the front-rear direction of the side body portion62or fixed to the end surface620via the first adhesive B1. This makes it possible to position the connection portion8in the front-rear direction. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which all of the ends on the side body portion62side in the front-rear direction of the platform801, the plate802, and the plate802aare arranged away from the end surface620.

Preferably, the upper surface of the plate802ais downward relative to the upper surface601of the mass body6or at the same up-down direction position as the upper surface601. Thus, the plate802adoes not protrude upward relative to the upper surface601of the mass body6. Therefore, the upper surface of the plate802ais less likely to come into contact with the lower surface of the top surface111of the lid11. It is possible to prevent an increase in size of the vibrator102(an increase in size in the up-down direction). Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress contact between the vibrator102and the inner surface of the housing1. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the upper surface of plate802ais arranged upward relative to the upper surface601of the mass body6.

FIG.13is an exploded perspective view illustrating the second variation of the connection portion8. In the second variation, the connection portion8further includes a groove805. The groove805is arranged around the protrusion803and extends along the outer periphery of the protrusion803. Specifically, the groove805is arranged on the platform801and extends along the outer periphery of the root of the protrusion803. As illustrated inFIG.13, the groove805may have a continuous annular shape. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the groove805has a singularity or a plurality of arc shapes.

A third adhesive B3is arranged in the groove805. In the fixing portion of the elastic portion103and the connection portion8, the groove805opens toward the elastic portion103. This allows the second adhesive B3to be brought into contact with the elastic portion103from the opening of the groove805. This enables the third adhesive B3to bond the elastic portion103and the connection portion8more firmly and reliably.

Preferably, the groove805is continuous to the hole804. This enables the second adhesive B2to be arranged in the groove805as the third adhesive B3. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the groove805is not continuous to the hole804and a configuration in which the second adhesive B2is different from the third adhesive B3.

Preferably, a portion of the elastic portion103is fitted in the groove805. For example, an end on the connection portion8side of the elastic portion103(e.g., a coil spring) is arranged in the groove805. By fitting a portion of the elastic portion103into the groove805in which the third adhesive B3is arranged, it is possible to more firmly fix the elastic portion103to the connection portion8. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which a portion of the elastic portion103is not fitted into the groove805.

FIG.14is an exploded perspective view illustrating the third variation of the connection portion8. In the third variation, the connection portion8includes a tube806instead of the protrusion803(seeFIGS.9to11and the like). The tube806protrudes in the left-right direction and accommodates the end of the coil spring (the elastic portion103) in the left-right direction. The tube806is arranged on the platform801and protrudes on the elastic portion103side in the left-right direction. The coil spring can be easily positioned with respect to the connection portion8by accommodating, into the tube806, the end in the left-right direction of the coil spring. It is possible to suppress the stretch of the coil spring from shaking in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction. Furthermore, by arranging the adhesive in the tube806, it is possible to more firmly connect the coil spring to the connection portion8.

The vibration motor100according to the above-described example embodiment can be mounted on the electronic device200schematically illustrated inFIG.8, for example. That is, the electronic device200includes the vibration motor100. The electronic device200is a device that gives tactile stimulation to a person who operates the electronic device200by vibration of the vibration motor100. While the electronic device200illustrated inFIG.8is a smartphone as an example, a tablet, a game device, a wearable terminal, and the like can also be adopted.

In the case of the electronic device200as illustrated inFIG.8, the vibration motor100outputs vibration, whereby various notifications such as an incoming call can be given to the operator or tactile feedback can be given to the operator. As the tactile feedback, for example, when a recess201illustrated inFIG.8is pressed, the vibration motor100outputs vibration, whereby the operator can have a feeling as if pressing a button. In particular, use of the vibration motor100of the example embodiment described earlier makes it possible to protect the coil3, and it is possible to suppress a failure of vibration of the electronic device200due to a failure of the coil3.

The example embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. It is to be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example embodiments. The present disclosure is implemented by adding various changes to the above-described example embodiments within a range not departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The matters described in the above-described example embodiments are arbitrarily combined together as appropriate within a range where no inconsistency occurs.

The example embodiments described so far will be collectively described hereinafter.

For example, the vibration motor disclosed in the present description has a configuration (first configuration) including a stator, a vibrator that is capable of vibrating in at least a first direction, and an elastic portion connecting the vibrator and the stator, in which the stator includes a coil facing the vibrator in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the vibrator includes a mass body extending in the first direction, a magnet fixed to the mass body and facing the coil in the second direction, and a connection portion connecting the mass body and the elastic portion, and a material of the connection portion is different from a material of the mass body.

The vibration motor of the first configuration may have a configuration (second configuration), in which at least any of hardness and rigidity of a material of the connection portion is smaller than that of the mass body.

The vibration motor of the first or second configuration may have a configuration (third configuration), in which the connection portion is fixed to the mass body with a first adhesive.

The vibration motor of any of the first to third configurations may have a configuration (fourth configuration), in which one of the elastic portion and the connection portion includes a protrusion, and the other includes an accommodation accommodating the protrusion.

The vibration motor of the fourth configuration may have a configuration (fifth configuration), in which the connection portion includes the protrusion and a hole in which a second adhesive is arranged, and at least a portion of the hole opens toward the elastic portion in a fixing portion of the elastic portion and the connection portion.

The vibration motor of the fifth configuration may have a configuration (sixth configuration), in which the hole is a through hole.

The vibration motor of the fifth or sixth configuration may have a configuration (seventh configuration), in which the connection portion further includes a groove arranged around the protrusion and extending along an outer periphery of the protrusion, the third adhesive is arranged in the groove, and the groove opens toward the elastic portion in the fixing portion of the elastic portion and the connection portion.

The vibration motor of the seventh configuration may have a configuration (eighth configuration), in which the groove is continuous to the hole.

The vibration motor of the seventh or eighth configuration may have a configuration (ninth configuration), in which a portion of the elastic portion is fitted in the groove.

The vibration motor of any of the first to ninth configurations may have a configuration (tenth configuration), in which the elastic portion is a coil spring stretchable in the first direction.

The vibration motor of any of the first to third configurations may have a configuration (eleventh configuration), in which the elastic portion is a coil spring stretchable in the first direction, and the connection portion includes a tube protruding in the first direction and accommodating an end of the coil spring in the first direction.

The present disclosure is useful for a vibration motor mounted on various devices, for example.