Impactive vibration generating apparatus and application apparatus using same

An impactive vibration generating apparatus includes a rotary unit having a shaft and a coil arranged around the shaft; a fixing unit surrounding the rotary unit and having a magnet therein; a commutator arranged along the circumference of the shaft connected to the coil; a pair of brushes to slidably contacting the commutator; a protrusion attached to one part of the rotary unit; and a stopper contacting the protrusion when the rotary unit rotates so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit. According to the impactive vibration generating apparatus, a sharp and strong single impactive vibration or only a few impactive vibrations can be generated. Further, a strong vibration can be caused by continuous impactive vibrations, and the frequency or cycle of the generation of the impactive vibrations can be adjusted.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/KR2013/004601, filed May 27, 2013, which claims the benefit of South Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0057030, filed May 29, 2012, and South Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0001400, filed Jan. 7, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an impactive vibration generating apparatus, and more particularly, to an impactive vibration generating apparatus which can be used as an interface means for the transmission of several signals and communications between various devices such as a multimedia device, game device and a communication device, etc. and a user by freely generating an impactive vibration.

Background Art

Generally, a vibration generating apparatus is embedded into an electronic device such as a mobile phone, and it serves a function to inform a user of the reception of a call or an arrival of a long or short character message through vibration instead of a bell sound. Additionally, a vibration generating apparatus is embedded in a game operation device to provide reality in a game to a user by generating a vibration effective sound, thereby increasing enjoyment and interest in the game.

Further, as technology is developed, a person can also enjoy not only communication but also playback and sending/receiving of multimedia, internet, game, etc., with a mobile phone. Furthermore, internet or playback of moving pictures is available with a game device. Playback of music or moving pictures, internet and games are also available with a moving picture reproducer. Most of these devices have vibration generating devices on the inside so as to multiply interest and such conventional vibration generating devices are using a small vibration motor.

Meanwhile, a vibration motor is classified generally as either a flat type vibration motor or a bar type vibration motor depending on its shape, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. In a conventional vibration motor, a vibration is mainly produced by the rotation of an eccentric weight body.

FIG. 1shows schematically a conventional flat type vibration motor disclosed in Korean Patent No. 389,631, wherein an eccentric rotary unit2including a coil6and a bearing7rotates around a shaft1with rotational force generated by the current flowing through a coil6and the magnetic field of a permanent magnet3, thereby to produce vibration due to eccentricity. The current flowing through the coil6is controlled via a commutator5and a brush4, thereby to produce smoothly rotational force. In this vibration motor, when motor power on, a vibration is produced by the rotation of the eccentric rotational part2and then it stops when motor power off.

Further,FIG. 2shows schematically a conventional bar type vibration motor disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2005-0086150, wherein a rotary unit including a shaft20, a coil19, a commutator18and an eccentric pendulum13rotates due to an operation of current flowing through a permanent magnet17and the coil19to produce vibration by the eccentric pendulum13. At this time, the current supplied to the coil19rotating is controlled by the commutator18and the brush16so as to produce smooth rotational force. A vibration is produced by the rotation of the eccentric pendulum13due to the rotation of the rotational part when a power source is applied to the motor and then it stops when the power source is cut off.

FIG. 3shows schematically a vibration generating device using reciprocating motion among the conventional flat type vibration motors, which is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2005-0122101. In the device shown inFIG. 3, when a current is applied to a coil35with a weight pendulum34fixed to a spring31, a magnetic circuit running through a permanent magnet36, a yoke32and the coil35is formed. At this time, an attractive force and a repulsive force are produced between the permanent magnet36and the wound coil35, and the part including the weight pendulum34is moved by the attractive force and the repulsive force while it hangs on the spring31. Here, when the current is applied inversely to the coil35, the weight pendulum34is moved up and down, thereby producing a vibration. In cases of the conventional vibration generating devices using the rotation of a member having eccentricity as described above, they use the rotation of a motor. However, since the rotation number of a motor is determined in accordance with its design, a motor used in the vibration generating devices rotates only for a predetermined time period when a current is applied to produce a vibration. Accordingly, On/Off for producing the vibration can be controlled, but the frequency and amplitude of the vibration may not be controlled freely and further it is extremely difficult to produce a single vibration.

Additionally,FIG. 4shows schematically a conventional device having a structure capable of being impactive-vibrated, which is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 1,084,715. In this device, the direction of a current flowing through a coil41is controlled and an attractive force and a repulsive force between the coil and a magnet42facing to the coil exist, thereby the magnet42collides with the coil41and a support plate43to produce a vibration. Here, the magnet42reciprocates while it42serves as a weight pendulum. In the case of such a reciprocating type device, the intensity of the vibration is small as compared to the volume of the device, and also there is a limitation to using it on a resonance region.

FIG. 5shows an example of a method for controlling the amount of vibration in a conventional portable communication terminal. InFIG. 5, an ON/OFF signal coding portion50of a portable communication terminal produces a signal to be applied to a vibration motor52and the voltage to be applied to the vibration motor52is on/off in accordance with the signal at a switch portion54to rotate/stop the vibration motor52. Accordingly, the vibration is produced while the voltage is applied, whereas the vibration is not produced while the voltage is not applied.

FIG. 6shows a configuration of a conventional game device disclosed in Korean Patent No. 563,391. As shown inFIG. 6, an image output device64is connected to a game console60that runs the game contents and controls the game, the game is executed through a plurality of operation buttons, and a game controller62for sending and receiving data is connected to the game console. Further, a vibration motor66for producing vibration is embedded in the game controller. In this device, the vibration motor rotates at a high speed to produce vibration when voltage is applied to the vibration motor in accordance with the signal produced from the game console60,

According to a related art, control of a vibration in a portable terminal or a game controller is mainly carried out by changing the voltage to produce different vibrations, but there is no other technology for controlling vibration in the portable terminal or the game controller.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Generally, according to a related art, a vibration is provided by using either the vibration produced by rotating an eccentric weight body of with a vibration motor or the vibration produced due to a reciprocating motion of a weight body at a resonance region. However, when using the eccentric weight body, since the vibration magnitude is very small while the vibration motor starts and reaches a normal speed, it is not practical to use. Further, since the vibration motor rotates at a constant speed after reaching a normal state, it is difficult to produce the vibration within a short start-on time of the vibration motor and it is also very difficult to control the cycle or the frequency of vibration generations. Moreover, in case of using the vibration motor, it is extremely difficult to produce a single vibration where the vibration occurs instantly.

Further, in the case of a conventional reciprocating type vibration motor, a driving control circuit is provided and thus it is possible to control the frequency of vibrations within a defined range. However, the intensity of the vibration is small as compared to the volume of the motor and the size of a magnet becomes large, thereby increasing its cost. Additionally, in the conventional reciprocating type vibration motor, power consumption is increased greatly in order to increase the magnitude of vibration and thus there is a limitation to use the motor at a resonance region. Further, a manufacturing process of the motor to correspond with the resonance region is also difficult, thereby decreasing productivity. Additionally, when the motor is moved resonantly, it is difficult to control the cycle or the frequency of vibrations. Thus, in a related art, the reciprocating type vibration motor is driven only by on-offing a power source at a resonance region.

A vibration control in a related art uses a rotation speed change due to a control of voltage or On/Off of vibration generating due to On/Off of a power source, thus it is difficult to control the cycle or the frequency of vibration generations, and the vibration remains even after the power source is cut off and the remaining vibration disappears gradually.

Also, according to a related art, it is difficult to produce a single vibration and it is difficult to produce a sharp and strong instant vibration such as an impactive vibration.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above drawbacks and an object of the present invention relates to providing an impactive vibration generating apparatus and application devices using the same, wherein according to the present invention, a sharp and strong vibration, i.e., an impactive vibration, can be produced with a simple configuration and the generating cycle and frequency of impactive vibrations can be controlled freely, thereby increasing interest and reality for a person who uses a game device, a portable communication terminal such as a cellular phone, or a multimedia player, etc.

Technical Solution

In order to achieve the above object, an impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a fixing unit in which an opening is formed and on the outer circumference of which a coil is arranged; a rotary unit in which a shaft is arranged in the opening of the fixing unit and a magnet is installed on the inner circumferential surface, surrounding the fixing unit, and a center connected to the shaft rotates around the fixing unit; at least one protrusion that is attached to one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates.

An impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a shaft; a rotary unit which is arranged around the shaft and includes a coil rotating together with the shaft; a fixing unit which surrounds the rotary unit and is provided with a magnet therein; a commutator which is arranged coaxially on a circumference of the shaft and is connected to the coil; at least one pair of brushes to slidably contact the commutator; one protrusion that is attached to one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and a stopper that contacts the protrusion so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates.

An impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a fixing unit in which an opening is formed and on an outer circumference of which a coil is arranged; a rotary unit in which a shaft is arranged in the opening of the fixing unit, a magnet is arranged to form an air gap in an axial direction of the rotation with the coil, and a center of which is connected to the shaft and rotates around the fixing unit; a protrusion which is attached to one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and a stopper that contacts the protrusion so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates.

An impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a rotary unit in which an opening is formed and a coil is arranged on the outer circumference and rotates; a fixing unit in which a shaft is arranged in the opening of the rotary unit and a magnet is installed to form an air gap in an axial direction of the rotation with the coil; a commutator which is arranged coaxially with the shaft and is connected to the coil; at least one pair of brushes to slidably contact the commutator; at least one protrusion that is attached one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates.

An impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a shaft; a rotary unit in which the shaft is arranged at its center and a magnet is arranged around the shaft to rotate; a fixing unit in which a coil is installed to support the shaft and form an air gap in a radial direction of rotation with the magnet; at least one protrusion that is attached to one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates.

An impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a shaft; a rotary unit in which the shaft is arranged at its center and a coil is arranged around the shaft to rotate; a fixing unit in which a magnet is installed to surround the rotary unit and to form an air gap in a radial direction of the rotation with the coil; a commutator which is arranged coaxially to the shaft on the circumference of the shaft and connected to the coil; at least one pair of brushes to slidably contact the commutator; at least one protrusion that is attached to one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion when the rotary unit rotates so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit.

An impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a shaft; a rotary unit in which the shaft is arranged at its center and a magnet is arranged around the shaft to rotate; a fixing unit in which a coil is installed to support the shaft and form an air gap in an axial direction of rotation with the magnet; at least one protrusion that is attached to one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion when the rotary unit rotates so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit.

An impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a shaft; a rotary unit in which the shaft is arranged at its center and a coil is arranged around the shaft to rotate; a fixing unit in which a magnet is installed to support the shaft and form an air gap in an axial direction of rotation with the coil; commutator which is arranged coaxially to the shaft on the circumference of the shaft and connected to the coil; at least one pair of brushes to slidably contact the commutator; at least one protrusion that is attached to one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates.

Further, an impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a bearing arranged on an outer circumference of a shaft and the magnet may be an electro-magnet around which a coil is wound.

In an impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the coil may be wound around a winding-core, at least one of the protrusions and the stopper may be provided as a plurality, an elastic member may be provided to at least one of the protrusions and the stopper or at least one of the protrusions and the stopper may be made of elastic material, and the stopper may be provided outside the impactive vibration generating apparatus.

An impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a circuit board which is connected electrically to the coil in the fixing unit, and an effect sound may be produced by the contact sound between the protrusion and the stopper.

A game controller according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of game operating buttons to produce game operating signals; a controller which transmits the operating data acquired from the plurality of game operating buttons and receiving the transmission data; and an impactive vibration generating apparatus to produce impactive vibration in accordance with the signal from the controller.

A game device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a console which controls a game state, processes data, and transmits and receives a signal to and from the surrounding devices; an output unit which is connected to the console and outputs an image or sound; a game controller which transmits and receives a signal to and from the console and produces a signal by an operation of a user; and an impactive vibration generating apparatus which produces the impactive vibration in accordance with the signal from the game controller.

A communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a controller for processing a signal and controlling device; an input unit for transmitting an input signal to the controller; a sending/receiving unit which transmits and receives a signal and is connected to the controller; an output unit which is connected to the controller and outputs an image or sound; and an impactive vibration generating apparatus which produces an impactive vibration in accordance with the signal from the controller.

A game controller according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of game operating buttons to produce game operating signals; a controller which transmits the operating data acquired from the plurality of game operating buttons and receiving the transmission data; and an impactive vibration generating apparatus to produce an impactive vibration in accordance with the signal from the controller, wherein the impactive vibration generating apparatus includes: a fixing unit; a rotary unit which rotates with respect to the fixing unit; at least one protrusion that is attached to one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion when the rotary unit rotates so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit.

A game device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a console which controls a game state, processes data, and transmits and receives a signal to and from the surrounding devices; an output unit which is connected to the console and outputs an image or sound; a game controller which transmits and receives a signal to and from the console and produces a signal by an operation of a user; and an impactive vibration generating apparatus which produces the impactive vibration in accordance with the signal from the game controller, wherein the impactive vibration generating apparatus includes: a fixing unit; a rotary unit which rotates with respect to the fixing unit; at least one protrusion that is attached one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion when the rotary unit rotates so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit.

A communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a controller for processing a signal and controlling device; an input unit for transmitting an input signal to the controller; a sending/receiving unit which transmits and receives a signal and is connected to the controller; an output unit which is connected to the controller and outputs an image or sound; and an impactive vibration generating apparatus which produces an impactive vibration in accordance with the signal from the controller, wherein the impactive vibration generating apparatus includes: a fixing unit; a rotary unit which rotates with respect to the fixing unit; at least one protrusion that is attached to one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion when the rotary unit rotates so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit.

A multimedia player device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a controller for processing a signal and controlling device; an input unit for transmitting an input signal to the controller; a sending/receiving unit which transmits and receives a signal and is connected to the controller; an output unit which is connected to the controller and outputs image or sound; and an impactive vibration generating apparatus which produces an impactive vibration in accordance with the signal from the controller, wherein the impactive vibration generating apparatus includes; a fixing unit; a rotary unit which rotates with respect to the fixing unit; at least one protrusion that is attached one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion when the rotary unit rotates so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit.

An input device for a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an impactive vibration generating apparatus, wherein the impactive vibration generating apparatus includes; a fixing unit; a rotary unit which rotates with respect to the fixing unit; at least one protrusion that is attached to one part of the rotary unit and rotates together with the rotary unit; and at least one stopper that contacts the protrusion so as to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates. The input device for a computer may comprise a mouse.

Advantageous Effects

According to an impactive vibration generating apparatus, sharp and strong impactive vibrations are produced by using a principle where when an object moves at a certain speed and contacts another object, an impactive vibration is produced in proportion to the speed and weight of the moving object, and it is possible to produce a single impactive vibration, only a small number of impactive vibrations, or a strong vibration due to continuous impactive vibrations. In addition, the frequency or the cycle of the generation of the impactive vibrations can be adjusted, thereby to enable communication or signal transmission which is performed in a game console, a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, or a multimedia player devices.

Further, according to an impactive vibration generating apparatus of the present invention, a single impactive vibration or continuous vibrations can be produced corresponding to an input signal from a button, a key pad or a touch screen, etc. by using a single impactive vibration. In addition, in case the impactive vibration generating apparatus is applied to a game, the impactive vibration corresponding to the contents of a game is felt instead of a simple vibration, thereby maximizing the reality between the game and a user.

Additionally, according to an impactive vibration generating apparatus of the present invention, it is used as vibration means allowing a user to feel really a physical vibration corresponding to the contents executed by controlling the cycle and the frequency of the impactive vibration generation. It is not only vibration means vibrated simply. Thus, it can increase the reality and interest in the multimedia contents in an application device using the impactive vibration generating apparatus of the present invention.

Additionally, the impactive vibration generating apparatus of the present invention can be used as an inexpensive signal means for the blind by converting the physical feeling into a signal through the control of the cycle and the frequency of the impactive vibrations.

BEST MODE FOR THE INVENTION

The objects, features and advantageous effects as stated above will be obvious through the following embodiments of the present invention, which will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The special configurations and functional descriptions are merely exemplary for describing the embodiments according to the present invention, and further the embodiments of the present invention may be replaced by various modifications, and thus should not be construed as limiting thereto.

The embodiments according to a concept of the present invention may be changed variously and have various types and thus the special embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification. However, the embodiments according to a concept of the present invention are not limited to the specifically disclosed types and thus it should be understood that it includes all modifications and equivalents or replacements included within a spirit and a scope of the present invention.

Although terms like a first and a second are used to describe various components, the components are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only to differentiate one component from another, for example, the first component can be referred to as the second component, or the second component can be referred to as the first component, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It also should be understood that when it is stated that one component is “connected” or “coupled” to another component, even though the one component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, there may be other components between them. However, it has to be understood that when it is stated that one component is “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another component, there is no intermediate component between them. The terms used for describing a relation among other components, that is, “between”, “right between”, “adjacent to” or “directly adjacent to” have to be construed similarly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting to the embodiments. As used herein, unless otherwise defined, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Unless the context indicates otherwise, it will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “having” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, parts or combination thereof.

All terms including technical or scientific terminology used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Hereinafter, reference numerals will be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

An impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention uses an impact phenomenon produced when an object moves at a certain speed to contact another object. When the object moves at a certain speed and contacts another object, the impact force is generated due to a collision to produce a sharp and strong vibration, i.e., an impactive vibration. The magnitude of the impactive vibration is determined by a weight and the speed. In the impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the impactive force of two objects is generated as needed, thereby to achieve the purpose of the present invention. Further, a motor is used as the means for moving an object and the impactive vibration is produced in proportion to a weight and a rotation speed of a rotary unit which rotates in the motor.

Hereinafter, an impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 7is a sectional view and appearance view illustrating schematically an impactive vibration generating apparatus in an outer part rotation type according to an embodiment of the present invention. The impactive vibration generating apparatus is provided with a rotary unit at the center thereof, in which a shaft71is arranged. The rotary unit may include a rotation-case72and a magnet73. In more detail, the rotary unit may include the shaft71to be extended in a lengthwise direction and the rotation-case72to form an inner space such that the shaft71is arranged to coincide with a central axis thereof. Further, a magnet73is connected to the rotation-case72such that the magnet is arranged around the shaft71to be rotated. Preferably, the magnet73is connected to an inner peripheral surface of the rotation-case72to be rotated together with the rotation-case72. Additionally, the rotation-case72is provided with a protrusion74that may be connected to the shaft71, etc., such that the protrusion rotates together with the rotation-case72or the shaft71. Here, since the protrusion74may be configured to be rotated together with the rotary unit, the protrusion74may be connected to other elements that can rotate. However, the protrusion74has to be arranged such that it is separated from a stopper79, which will be described later.

Meanwhile, a fixing unit for supporting the rotary unit may include a holder76and a coil78. In more detail, the fixing unit is provided with the holder76on which the shaft71is supported at the center of the fixing unit to arrange the shaft71thereof, and the coil78is connected to the holder76such that it is arranged around the shaft71to face the magnet73. The shaft71may be supported by an opening formed in the holder76to save costs; however, it may be supported by a separate member that is connected to the center of the holder76. Further, the holder76may be provided with a bearing75having an opening into which the shaft71is inserted, wherein the bearing75can be received in the opening formed at a center of the holder76. The coil78may be wound around a winding-core77that supports the coil78and is made of a magnetic material, thereby to maximize magnetic efficiency. However, the winding-core77may be made of a non-magnetic material or omitted so as to save costs or miniaturize the device. Additionally, a stopper79may be provided in the fixing unit to be in contact with the protrusion74when the rotary unit rotates, thereby interfering with the rotation of the rotary unit. Here, the stopper79may be arranged at any location of the fixing unit, it only needs to be in contact with the protrusion74and interferes with the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates.

The shaft71arranged at the center of the rotary unit is supported by the fixing unit. Preferably, the shaft71is inserted into the bearing75that is arranged at the center of the holder76and the rotation-case72to which the magnet73of the rotary unit is connected surrounds the coil78of the fixing unit. Further, the magnet73of the rotary unit faces the coil78of the fixing unit to form an air gap in the radial direction of rotation. In an impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention as configured above, the stopper79is configured to contact the protrusion74when the rotary unit rotates to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit.

Here, a clearance that is formed by facing the magnet73of the rotary unit and the coil78of the fixing unit refers to as “an air gap”, wherein a flow of magnetic flux produced in the magnet73is formed in the air gap. Further, when the coil78is wound around the winding-core77, the air gap is formed between the magnet73and the winding-core77. The flow of the magnetic flux formed in the air gap is directed toward the coil78from the magnet73as indicated as a solid arrow inFIG. 7when a polarity of the magnet73is N pole. On the contrary, the flow of the magnetic flux is directed toward the magnet73from the coil78as indicated by a dotted arrow inFIG. 7when a polarity of the magnet73is S pole. As indicated with the solid arrow and the dotted arrow inFIG. 7, the flow of magnetic flux running through the air gap is formed in a radial direction of rotation, that is, a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis, wherein it is referred to as “a radial air gap”. Further, as indicated with the solid arrow and the dotted arrow inFIG. 13, which will be described later, the flow of magnetic flux is formed in the rotation axial direction, that is, a direction in parallel with a rotation axis, wherein it is referred to as an axial air gap. A rotation electric device, i.e., a motor or a generator is provided with the air gap, the flow of magnetic flux capable of producing rotational force between a fixing unit and a rotary unit is formed in the air gap. Here, the air gap is classified as a radial air gap and an axial air gap. This has been well known to persons who work in the industrial fields of motors or generators and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted. As shown inFIG. 10, the wound-coils face said magnet to form the air gaps and at least three wound-coils are arranged with an equal spacing in order to smoothly rotate the rotary unit.

Further, the bearing75may be arranged on an outer surrounding of the shaft71, wherein firstly an outer wheel of the bearing75may be connected to an inner peripheral surface of the holder76and then the shaft71may be connected to an inner peripheral surface of an inner wheel of the bearing75. Additionally, firstly an inner peripheral surface of the bearing75may be connected to an outer peripheral surface of the shaft71and then an outer wheel of the bearing75may be connected to an inner peripheral surface of the holder76. Further, the stopper79may be formed integrally with the holder76by varying a part of the holder. In addition, the holder76may be provided separately from a center to support the shaft71and two portions that are extended in a radial direction. Meanwhile, the protrusion74may be provided integrally with the rotation-case72by varying a part of the rotation-case, or provided as a separate member that is connected to the shaft71.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bare conceptual views illustrating the operation of the impactive generating apparatus as shown inFIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 8A, when the rotary unit is rotated counter clockwise, the protrusion74rotates together with the rotation-case72counter clockwise to collide with the stopper79at a rotation speed. Thus, the impactive vibration is generated due to the impact in proportion to the speed and weight of the rotary unit. Further, as shown inFIG. 8B, when the rotary unit is rotated clockwise, the protrusion74rotates together with the rotation-case72clockwise to collide with the stopper79, thereby generating the impactive vibration. In this case, the energy that the rotary unit has while it rotates is consumed due to the collision of the protrusion74and the stopper79, thereby eliminating inertial force. Thus, the rotary unit can be rotated or reversely rotated easily. Additionally, since the impactive vibration can be generated due to the impact of the collision of the stopper79and the protrusion74, the vibration is generated instantly and strongly. As apparent from FIGS. SA and SB, the rotary unit can rotate less than one revolution, i.e., less than 360 degrees. Further, it is preferable to rotate the rotary unit at a large angle over 180 degrees in order to enlarge an acceleration area of the rotary unit.

The timing, frequency and speed of the collision of the protrusion74and the stopper79are controlled by the rotation time, the reciprocal rotation frequency and the rotation speed of the rotary unit. Thus, the impactive vibration may be controlled freely using the relation between the rotary unit and the collision. In an impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a single impactive vibration may be generated by stopping the rotation of the rotary unit by cutting off current flowing to the coil78after the protrusion74is in contact with the stopper79one time. The frequency of impactive vibration generation may be controlled by controlling the cycle or the frequency of the single impactive vibration generation. The frequency of impactive vibration generation may also be controlled by controlling the number of rotating or reverse-rotating the rotary unit. Further, the frequency of the impactive vibration may be controlled by controlling the generation frequency of the impactive vibration through the adjustment of the collision frequency of the stopper79and the protrusion74.

FIG. 9is a sectional view illustrating schematically an impactive vibration generating apparatus in an inner part rotation type according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, a conceptual view illustrating the configuration of the impactive vibration generating apparatus is shown based on a section taken along A-A inFIG. 9. Referring toFIG. 9, a shaft85is arranged at the center thereof, and a rotary unit that may include a coil86arranged around the shaft85is provided, wherein current flows through the coil. Further, a commutator88is provided on the outer surrounding of the shaft85to be arranged coaxially with the shaft85. The commutator88is connected to the coil86to apply current thereto such that it rotates together with the coil86. Here, the coil86may be wound around a winding-core87that supports the coil86and is made of a magnetic material, thereby increasing magnetic efficiency. However, the winding-core87may be made of a non-magnetic material or omitted so as to save cost or miniaturize the device. Additionally, a protrusion89may be provided to rotate together with the coil86. Here, it is enough that the protrusion89is provided to rotate together with the rotary unit and thus it may be connected to other elements that can be rotated. However, the protrusion89needs to be separated from the stopper97, which will be described later.

A fixing unit to support the shaft85may include a frame92and a magnet93. In more detail, the frame92may form an inner space to surround the rotary unit and one part of the frame may support the shaft85. The magnet93is connected to the frame92. Preferably, the magnet93is connected to an inside of the frame92and arranged as if it surrounds the rotary unit. Further, a bearing91may be provided, having an opening into which the rotation shaft85is inserted therein. The bearing91is connected to one part of the frame92to support the shaft85and a receiving unit for receiving the bearing91may be formed integrally on one part of the frame92. Additionally, a brush94slidably contacts the commutator and supplies current to the coil86and the brush may be provided as at least one pair. Further, a brush holder95for fixing the brush may be provided. The brush holder95may be connected to the frame92or a support plate96which will be described later. In addition, the support plate96for supporting the shaft85may be connected to the frame92to form an inner space together with the frame. A receiving unit for the bearing91may be provided at the center of the support plate96to support the shaft85and the bearing91may be arranged therein. Further, the support plate96is provided with the stopper97to contact the protrusion89, thereby interfering with the rotation of the rotary unit. The stopper97may be formed integrally with the brush holder95, the frame92or the support plate96by varying a part of them. The stopper97does not necessarily need to be arranged at a specific location, and the stopper may be arranged at any location if it can interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit together with the protrusion89.

The shaft85arranged at the center of the rotary unit is supported rotatably by the frame92, and the rotary unit may be arranged inside the frame92of the fixing unit such that the magnet93faces the coil86to form an air gap in the radial direction of rotation. The brush94may be connected slidably to the commutator88. Further, the protrusion89contacts the stopper97to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates. The support plate96is connected to the shaft to surround the rotary unit together with the frame92while it supports one part of the shaft85.

Further, the bearing91may be received into the frame92and the support plate96. The bearing may also be received into a separate receiving space. The magnet93is preferably made from a permanent magnet, however, it may be made from an electro-magnet around which coils are wound.

According to an impactive vibration generating apparatus as configured above, the protrusion89contacts the stopper97to produce the impactive vibration in proportion to the weight and the rotational speed of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates, wherein the principle of producing the impactive vibration is identical to that as described inFIG. 8.

FIG. 11is a sectional view illustrating an impactive vibration generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the protrusion112is provided differently from that inFIG. 9. The impactive vibration generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIG. 11, includes: a shaft110extending in a lengthwise direction; a rotary unit in which a coil is arranged around the shaft110and current flows through which the coil; a protrusion112connected to the shaft110; a stopper113for interfering with of the rotation of the rotary unit together with the protrusion112when the rotary unit rotates; and a circuit board115provided with a driving circuit for supplying current necessary for the coil114through the brush111and the commutator116. According to the impactive vibration generating apparatus as configured above, the protrusion112contacts the stopper113to produce the impactive vibration in proportion to the weight and the rotational speed of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates, wherein the principle of producing the impactive vibration is identical to that described inFIG. 8.

FIG. 12is a perspective view illustrating schematically an impactive vibration generating apparatus in an outer part rotation type according to another embodiment of the present invention. The impactive vibration generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIG. 12, includes: a shaft119extending in the lengthwise direction; a rotary unit including a rotation-case118and a magnet127; a cover121for surrounding the rotary unit; a stopper122provided on the cover121; and a protrusion123to contact the stopper122and interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates. According to the impactive vibration generating apparatus shown inFIG. 12of the present invention, the cover121protects the rotary unit and blocks noise produced when the stopper122contacts the protrusion123, thereby reducing operation noise. Further, a circuit board124is provided around a holder126and the circuit board124includes a driving circuit for driving the rotary unit. Further, a magnetic pole location detection element for the rotary unit, such as a Hall element, may be provided in the circuit board124to constitute a circuit for controlling the current flowing through the coil125. However, the circuit board124may be provided separately from the impactive vibration generating apparatus.

FIG. 13is a perspective view illustrating schematically an impactive vibration generating apparatus in a flat type where a magnet rotates according to another embodiment of the present invention. The impactive vibration generating apparatus as shown inFIG. 13is provided with a shaft130and a rotary unit including a rotation-case139and a magnet137. In more detail, the impactive vibration generating apparatus is provided with the shaft130extending in a lengthwise direction and the rotation-case139arranged coaxially with the shaft. Further, in the impactive vibration generating apparatus, the magnet137is connected to the rotation-case139to be arranged around the shaft such that the magnet137rotates together with the rotation-case139. Additionally, the impactive vibration generating apparatus is provided with a protrusion136that is connected to the rotation-case139or the shaft130and the protrusion is rotated together with the magnet137. Here, if the protrusion136is rotated together with the rotary unit, the protrusion136may be connected to other elements that can rotate. However, the protrusion136needs to be provided separately from a stopper135which will be described later.

The impactive vibration generating apparatus is provided with a fixing unit for supporting the rotary unit wherein the fixing unit may include a fixing plate132and a coil131. In more detail, the shaft130is supported at the center of the fixing plate132, and the coil131through which current flows are arranged around the center of the fixing plate132to face the magnet137. Here, the shaft130may be supported by an opening formed in the fixing plate132to save costs; however, it may be supported by a separate member that is connected to the center of the fixing plate132. Further, a bearing133may be provided, having an opening into which the shaft130is inserted therein. The bearing133can be received in the separate receiving space that is provided at the center of the fixing plate132. Here, the coil131may be wound around a winding-core that supports the coil131and made of a magnetic material to maximize a magnetic efficiency. However, the winding-core may be omitted so as to save costs or miniaturize the device. Additionally, a stopper135may be provided in the fixing unit to contact the protrusion136when the rotary unit rotates, thereby interfering with the rotation of the rotary unit. Here, the stopper135may be arranged at any location of the fixing unit if the stopper contacts the protrusion136to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates.

The shaft130arranged at the center of the rotary unit is arranged at the center of the fixing unit, and preferably the shaft130is inserted into the opening of the bearing133such that the magnet137of the rotary unit faces the coil131to form an air gap in the axial direction of rotation. The stopper135contacts the protrusion136when the rotary unit rotates, thereby interfering with the rotation of the rotary unit.

Here, the clearance that is formed by facing the magnet137of the rotary unit and the coil131of the fixing unit refers to as “an air gap”, wherein a flow of magnetic flux produced in the magnet137is formed in the air gap inFIG. 13. Further, when the coil131is wound around the winding-core, the air gap is formed between the magnet137and the winding-core. The flow of the magnetic flux formed in the air gap is directed toward the coil131from the magnet137as indicated as a solid arrow inFIG. 13when a polarity of the magnet137is N pole. On the contrary, the flow of the magnetic flux is directed toward the magnet137from the coil131as indicated by a dotted arrow inFIG. 13when a polarity of the magnet137is S pole. As indicated with the solid arrow and dotted arrow inFIG. 13, the flow of magnetic flux running through the air gap is formed in the direction of a shaft, i.e., a direction perpendicular to a shaft, wherein it refers to as a axial air gap. As shown inFIG. 10, the wound-coils face said magnet to form the air gaps and at least three wound-coils are arranged with an equal spacing in order to smoothly rotate the rotary unit.

Further, the impactive vibration generating apparatus is provided with a cover138to protect the rotary unit by surrounding it. In addition, a circuit board134may include a driving circuit for driving the rotary unit. Further, a magnetic pole location detection element for the rotary unit such as a Hall element is provided in the circuit board134to constitute a circuit for controlling the current flowing through the coil131. Additionally, the stopper135may be formed integrally with the fixing plate132by varying a part of the fixing plate, and the protrusion136may be formed integrally with the rotation-case139by varying a part of the rotation-case. Further, the stopper135may be formed as a separate member connected to the shaft130. The part for receiving the bearing133may be formed integrally with the fixing plate132and the bearing133may be connected to the fixing plate132without the part for receiving the bearing. Meanwhile, the bearing133may be arranged on an outer circumference of the shaft130, and thus the shaft130may be connected to the fixing plate132and the bearing133may be connected to the rotation-case139.

According to the impactive vibration generating apparatus as shown inFIG. 13, the protrusion136contacts the stopper135to produce the impactive vibration in proportion to the weight and the rotational speed of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates, wherein the principle of producing the impactive vibration is identical to that described inFIG. 8.

FIG. 14is a perspective view illustrating schematically an impactive vibration generating apparatus in a flat type where a coil rotates according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the impactive vibration generating apparatus as shown inFIG. 14, a shaft150is arranged at the center thereof, a rotary unit rotating around a fixing unit is provided, wherein the rotary unit may include a rotation frame149and a coil147. In more detail, in the impactive vibration generating apparatus, the shaft150is arranged at the center of the frame149, and the coil147through which current flows is arranged around the shaft within the rotation frame149, to be rotated together with the frame149. The shaft150may be arranged in an opening formed within the frame149. Further, a bearing140may be provided, having an opening into which the shaft150is inserted therein and the bearing may be connected coaxially with the frame149. In addition, a commutator143connected to the coil147to apply current thereto is arranged coaxially with a rotation center of the rotation frame149to rotate together with the coil147. Further, the impactive vibration generating apparatus as shown inFIG. 14is provided with a protrusion146to be connected to the rotation frame149, wherein the protrusion146rotates together with the coil147. Here, the protrusion146may rotate together with the rotary unit and thus the protrusion146may be connected to other rotator elements. However, the protrusion146needs to be separated from a stopper145, which will be described later. The frame149may be molded of plastic material and specially, the frame149may be molded by using an insert injection method such that the coil147, etc. are embedded therein.

The impactive vibration generating apparatus, as shown inFIG. 14, is provided with a fixing unit to support the shaft150, wherein the fixing unit may include a magnet141and a fixing plate144. In more detail, the shaft150is supported at the center of the fixing plate144to connect the shaft150, and the magnet141is arranged around the shaft150such that it is connected to the fixing plate144to be faced with the coil147. An opening may be formed at the center of the fixing plate144to support the shaft150, however, a separate member may be provided to be connected to the fixing plate144so as to support the shaft150. Further, a brush142may slidably contact the commutator143and supply current to the coil147. The brush142may be supported by the fixing plate144and it is provided as at least one pair. Additionally, a stopper145may be provided to contact the protrusion146, thereby interfering with the rotation of the rotary unit. The stopper145may be arranged at any location of the fixing unit if the stopper contacts the protrusion146to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates.

The shaft150supported at the center of the fixing unit is arranged at the center of the frame149. Preferably, the shaft150is inserted into the opening of the bearing140. The magnet141of the fixing unit faces the coil147of the rotary unit to form an air gap in the axial direction. The stopper145contacts the protrusion146to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit rotates. Further, the stopper145may be formed integrally with the fixing plate144by varying a part of the fixing plate. In addition, in the fixing plate144, a part for supporting the shaft150and a part extending to a radial direction may be formed as separate parts. Meanwhile, the protrusion146may be provided integrally with the rotation frame149by varying a part of the rotation frame, or provided as a separate member to be connected to one part of the rotary unit. In addition, the bearing140may be arranged on an outer circumference of the shaft150, and thus may be connected to the fixing plate144to receive the shaft150. The shaft150may be connected to the opening formed at the center of the rotary unit. Further, the impactive vibration generating apparatus may be provided with a cover148to support stably the shaft150and protect the rotary unit by surrounding it and Additionally, the magnet141is preferably made from a permanent magnet, however, it may be made from an electro-magnet around which coils is wound.

FIG. 15is a conceptual view illustrating schematically an impactive vibration generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment, at least one element of a protrusion and a stopper is two or more. For example, one protrusion153and two stoppers151,152are provided. A first stopper152and a second stopper151are provided and a protrusion153is disposed between the first stopper152and the second stopper151, and the first protrusion153contacts the first stopper152and the second stopper151when the rotary unit rotates to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit. For example, in case the rotary unit of the impactive vibration generating apparatus rotates clockwise, the protrusion contacts the first stopper152to produce impactive vibrations. On the contrary, in case the rotary unit rotates counter clockwise, the protrusion contacts the second stopper151to produce impactive vibrations. At this time, a reciprocating motion speed of the rotary unit is determined, the time required for moving reciprocally the distance between the first stopper152and the second stopper151is determined. Therefore, it is able to determine a generating frequency of the impactive vibration.

Additionally, in the impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIG. 16, elastic members155,156may be provided on a protrusion157and a stopper154, respectively.FIG. 16is a conceptual view illustrating schematically elastic members provided in both the stopper154and the protrusion157. The elastic members155,156may reduce the noise that is produced when the stopper154contacts the protrusion157. For example, the elastic members155,156may be made of rubber, resin, cloth, spring, etc. and further the stopper154and the protrusion157themselves may be made of an elastic material. In addition, the elastic members155,156may be provided on both the stopper154and the protrusion157, or on only one of them.

Further, according to an impactive vibration generating apparatus of an embodiment as shown inFIG. 17, a stopper162is provided on a corresponding object159outside the impactive vibration generating apparatus, wherein a protrusion163is provided on the rotary unit158of the impactive vibration generating apparatus, and thus the stopper162contacts the protrusion163when the rotary unit158rotates, thereby to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit158. For example, in case the impactive vibration generating apparatus is provided in a portable terminal or a game controller, the stopper162may be provided on a case or a frame to which the impactive vibration generating apparatus is connected and thus the protrusion163contacts the stopper162to produce impactive vibrations when the rotary unit rotates together with the protrusion.

Additionally, in an impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, different noises are produced when the protrusion contacts the stopper, depending on kinds of materials the stopper and the protrusion consist of. Thus, the materials of the protrusion and the stopper may be selected corresponding to the sound, or the members corresponding to the sound may be provided on the protrusion and the stopper so that the sound produced at the time the protrusion contacts the stopper may be used as an effect sound, thereby increasing reality for a user.

Further, an impactive vibration generating apparatus may be configured by combining randomly the features as described above and thus it may be configured by combining at least one of the following features (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E):

(A) The number of the protrusion and/or the stopper is two or more.

(B) An elastic member is provided on at least one of the protrusion and the stopper.

(C) The stopper is provided in the outside of the impactive vibration generating apparatus.

(D) The winding coil is wound around a winding-core.

(E) A circuit board connected electrically to the coil is provided in the fixing unit.

Additionally, the impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to a game console, a game controller, a portable phone, a portable communication device and a multimedia player. Thus, the sharp and strong vibration (i.e., the impactive vibration) may be controlled to produce a single impactive vibration or a small number of vibrations, or strong vibration due to continuous impactive vibrations to maximize the reality for a user of the devices to which the impactive vibration generating apparatus of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 18Ais a conceptual view illustrating a game controller according to an embodiment of the present invention and it shows a block diagram for controlling a game controller.FIG. 18Bis an external conceptual view of a game controller.FIG. 18Cis a conceptual view of an impactive vibration generating apparatus164. The game controller is provided with an input unit including a plurality of game operation buttons such as a button, lever, or switch, etc., to produce game operation signals by operating it with hands. Further, a controller160may be provided on the game controller to transmit and receive the signal produced in the input unit. An impactive vibration generating apparatus164is operated in accordance with the signal transmitted from the controller160. The impactive vibration generating apparatus164includes a fixing unit165and a rotary unit166rotating with respect to the fixing unit165. A stopper167is provided on the fixing unit165and a protrusion168is provided on the rotary unit166, wherein the protrusion168contacts the stopper167when the rotary unit166rotates to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit. The stopper167may be attached to one part of the fixing unit165, however, it is not limited thereto and it may be attached to other elements in addition to the fixing unit165. The impactive vibration generating apparatus according to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 7, 9, 11 to 17, or combination thereof may be used as the impactive vibration generating apparatus164for the game controller. According to the game controller as described above, the controller160transmits a signal to the impactive vibration generating apparatus164, corresponding to the contents of a game, and the impactive vibration generating apparatus164produces a single impactive vibration or continuous impactive vibrations corresponding to the signal, thereby increasing the reality of a user.

FIG. 19Ais a conceptual view illustrating a game console andFIG. 19Bis a conceptual view illustrating an impactive vibration generating apparatus174according to an embodiment of the present invention. A game console170may be provided for executing the game contents, controlling the progress or the state of a game and transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the surrounding devices by processing data. Further, an output unit172may be provided which is connected to the game console and outputs an image or sound in accordance with the game contents or the signal produced if necessary, from the game console. The output unit172may include an image device or a speaker, etc. Meanwhile, a game controller171may be provided for transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the game console170and producing a signal with the operation of the game by a user, wherein the game controller may be provided with a plurality of game operation buttons175capable of producing a game operation signal by a user. Further, a case176may be provided for supporting the game operation button175and protecting internal members. Further, the impactive vibration generating apparatus174may be provided inside the case176and the impactive vibration generating apparatus174may be provided with a fixing unit177and a rotary unit178rotating with respect to the fixing unit177. A stopper179may be provided on the fixing unit177and a protrusion180may be provided on the rotary unit178, wherein the protrusion180contacts the stopper179to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit178rotates. The stopper179may be attached to one part of the fixing unit177, however, it is not limited thereto and it may be attached to other elements in addition to the fixing unit177. The impactive vibration generating apparatus according to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 7, 9, 11 to 17, or combination thereof may be used as the impactive vibration generating apparatus174for the game console. The impactive vibration generating apparatus174produces a single impactive vibration or continuous impactive vibrations corresponding to the game contents executed in the game console170, thereby increasing the reality for a user.

FIG. 20Ais a block diagram of a communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 20Bis a conceptual view illustrating an impactive vibration generating apparatus184according to an embodiment of the present invention. A controller185may be provided for processing a signal and data, executing or controlling the contents and controlling devices. Further, an input unit181may be provided for transmitting a signal to the controller185by a user and the input unit may include a button, a touch panel and a mike, etc. In addition, a sending/receiving unit182for sending/receiving radio waves may be provided to be connected to the controller185. Meanwhile, an output unit183for outputting an image or sound may be provided to be connected to the controller185wherein the output unit183may include an image device and a speaker, etc. The impactive vibration generating apparatus may be operated in accordance with the signal from the controller185and the impactive vibration generating apparatus184may be provided with a fixing unit186and a rotary unit187rotating with respect to the fixing unit186. A stopper188may be provided on the fixing unit186and a protrusion189may be provided on the rotary unit187, wherein the protrusion189contacts the stopper188to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit187rotates. The stopper188may be attached to one part of the fixing unit186, however, it is not limited thereto and it may be attached to other elements in addition to the fixing unit186. The impactive vibration generating apparatus according to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 7, 9, 11 to 17, or combination thereof may be used as the impactive vibration generating apparatus184for the communication terminal. The impactive vibration generating apparatus184produces a single impactive vibration or continuous impactive vibrations in accordance with the signal from the controller185corresponding to the arrival signal of a telephone or a message, an input signal from the input unit181, or the contents executed in the communication terminal, thereby increasing the reality for a user.

FIG. 21Ais a block diagram of a multimedia player according to an embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 21Bis a conceptual view illustrating an impactive vibration generating apparatus194according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multimedia player may include a controller190for processing a signal and controlling devices and an input unit191for transmitting a signal from a user to the controller190. The input unit191may include a button, a mike, a touch panel, etc. In addition, a sending/receiving unit192for sending/receiving a signal such as sound or data may be provided to be connected to the controller190. Further, an output unit193for outputting an image or sound may be provided to be connected to the controller190, wherein the output unit193may include an image device, a speaker, etc. The impactive vibration generating apparatus194may be operated in accordance with the signal from the controller190and it may be provided with a fixing unit195and a rotary unit196rotating with respect to the fixing unit195. A stopper197may be provided on the fixing unit195and a protrusion198may be provided on the rotary unit196, wherein the protrusion198contacts the stopper197to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit196rotates. The stopper197may be attached to one part of the fixing unit195, however, it is not limited thereto and it may be attached to other elements in addition to the fixing unit195. The impactive vibration generating apparatus according to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 7, 9, 11 to 17, or combination thereof may be used as an impactive vibration generating apparatus184for the multimedia player. The impactive vibration generating apparatus194produces physical impactive vibrations such as a single impactive vibration or continuous impactive vibrations in accordance with the signal from the controller190, thereby increasing the reality for a user.

FIG. 22Ais a view illustrating a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 22Bis a conceptual view illustrating an impactive vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. An impactive vibration generating apparatus200may be included in a mouse as one of the input devices for a computer through movement on a desk, then a cursor appearing on a picture is moved and a button of which is pushed to select order words or execute a program. The impactive vibration generating apparatus200may be provided with a fixing unit201and a rotary unit202rotating with respect to the fixing unit201. A stopper203may be provided on the fixing unit201and a protrusion204may be provided on the rotary unit202, wherein the protrusion204contacts the stopper203to interrupt the rotation of the rotary unit when the rotary unit202rotates. The stopper203may be attached to one part of the fixing unit201, however, it is not limited thereto, but may be attached to other elements in addition to the fixing unit201. The impactive vibration generating apparatus according to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 7, 9, 11 to 17, or combination thereof may be used as an impactive vibration generating apparatus184for the mouse.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The foregoing is illustrative of example embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although example embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in example embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of example embodiments. Further, it is to be understood clearly that various combinations, variations and modified embodiments within equivalents can be made easily by using the features described above in (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). Therefore, the true technical protection scope has to be defined as the following claims.