Patent Description:
Patent Document <NUM> discloses a vibration source drive device that has an object to generate sound and vibration exclusively.

However, even if adopting the vibration source drive device disclosed in Patent Document <NUM>, it is difficult to generate sound and vibration that are sufficiently separated.

The present disclosure has an object to provide a vibration generating device capable of presenting sound and vibration that are sufficiently separated.

<CIT> discloses a multifunction acoustic device comprising a frame, a speaker diaphragm supported in the frame, a voice coil secured to the speaker diaphragm, a rotor having a central permanent magnet and a cylindrical hub provided around the central permanent magnet, and rotatably supported in the frame, a motor annular permanent magnet disposed around the rotor, the voice coil being disposed in the gap formed between the central permanent magnet and the hub.

<CIT> discloses an oscillation generating device capable of allowing oscillation operation of an oscillator to be stabled.

<CIT> discloses a vibration generator that can generate vibration by rhythm in accordance with music information.

The present invention provides a vibration generating device as defined in independent claim <NUM>. Further advantageous aspects of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims.

According to the present disclosure, a vibration generating device is provided that includes a housing; a diaphragm supported by the housing, and configured to generate sound by vibrating in a first direction; and a vibration providing part attached to the housing, and configured to vibrate the housing, wherein the vibration providing part vibrates the housing in the first direction at a first frequency, and vibrates the housing in a second direction at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The invention is described in claim <NUM>.

According to the present disclosure, sound and vibration that are sufficiently separated can be presented.

In the following, embodiments in the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that throughout the description and the drawings, for elements having substantially the same functional configurations, duplicate descriptions may be omitted by attaching the same reference codes.

First, a first embodiment will be described. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are diagram illustrating a configuration of a vibration generating device <NUM> according to a first embodiment. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view; <FIG> is a plan view; and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along a I-I line in <FIG>. Note that the directions in each figure are defined as X1 being left, X2 being right, Y1 being front, Y2 being rear, Z1 being upward, and Z2 being downward.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the vibration generating device <NUM> according to the first embodiment has a lower case <NUM>, a vibration providing part <NUM>, an upper case <NUM>, and a diaphragm <NUM>. The lower case <NUM> and the upper case <NUM> are included in a housing <NUM>. The lower case <NUM> has a disk-shaped bottom plate <NUM> and a cylinder-shaped side plate <NUM> extending upward from an edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. The vibration providing part <NUM> is fixed to the top surface of the bottom plate <NUM> by a double-sided tape <NUM>. The upper case <NUM> has a ring-shaped bottom plate <NUM> having an opening <NUM> formed at the center, and a guide part <NUM> provided at an edge of the bottom plate <NUM> to guide the diaphragm <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> has a disk shape, and is fixed to the top surface of the bottom plate <NUM> by a ring-shaped double-sided tape <NUM> inside the guide part <NUM>, to be held by the upper case <NUM>. For example, the upper case <NUM> is fixed to the lower case <NUM> so that the diaphragm <NUM> is positioned on the upside with respect to the upper case <NUM>. The upper case <NUM> may be fixed to the lower case <NUM> so that the diaphragm <NUM> is positioned on the lower side with respect to the upper case <NUM>. The upper case <NUM> is an example of a holder.

The diaphragm <NUM> is supported by the housing <NUM>, and generates sound by vibrating in a first direction (the Z1-Z2 direction). The vibration providing part <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM>, to vibrate the housing <NUM>. The vibration providing part <NUM> vibrates the housing <NUM> in the first direction at the first frequency f1, and vibrates the housing <NUM> in a second direction at a second frequency f2 that is lower than the first frequency f1. For example, the second direction is a direction different from the first direction, and favorably is a direction (the X1-X2 direction or the Y1-Y2 direction) orthogonal to the first direction (the Z1-Z2 direction).

For example, the diaphragm <NUM> can be integrally formed with the housing <NUM>. For example, the diaphragm <NUM> can be integrally formed with the upper case <NUM>. Also, for example, the housing <NUM> and the diaphragm <NUM> are made of synthetic resin or made of metal.

In the vibration generating device <NUM>, the housing <NUM> vibrating in the first direction causes the diaphragm <NUM> to vibrate in the first direction, and the diaphragm <NUM> vibrating the surrounding air generates sound. The first frequency f1 is not limited in particular, and may be set to be, for example, greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>; in particular, it is favorable that the range is set to be, for example, greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM> that can be easily detected by the auditory perception of a person. Even if the housing <NUM> vibrates at a frequency in a range that can be easily detected by the auditory perception of a person, the vibration is hardly detected by the person through the tactile perception. Therefore, vibration at the first frequency f1 in the first direction can present sound to a person without causing the person to feel the vibration substantially.

Also, the second frequency f2 is not limited in particular, and may be set to be, for example, less than or equal to <NUM>; in particular, it is favorable that the range is set to be, for example, greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM> that can be easily detected by the tactile perception of a person. Even in the case where the first frequency f1 is greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>, the second frequency f2 simply needs to be lower than the first frequency f1. In some cases, the auditory perception of a person can detect frequencies of sound that are easily detected by the tactile perception; however, when vibrating in the second direction, the diaphragm <NUM> hardly vibrates in the first direction, and thereby, the diaphragm <NUM> does not generate sound. Therefore, vibration at the second frequency f2 in the second direction can present vibration to a person without causing the person to feel sound substantially.

Here, the vibration providing part <NUM> according to the first example of the vibration providing part <NUM> not forming part of the claimed invention will be described. <FIG> are first explanatory diagrams illustrating a configuration of the vibration providing part <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of the vibration providing part <NUM>; and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the vibration providing part <NUM> in a state of a cover <NUM> being removed. <FIG> is a second explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the vibration providing part <NUM>, and is an exploded perspective view of the vibration providing part <NUM>. <FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the vibrator <NUM> in the vibration providing part <NUM>, and is a perspective view of the vibrator <NUM>.

<FIG> are first explanatory diagrams illustrating a configuration of the holder <NUM> and the elastic supporter <NUM> in the vibration providing part <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the holder <NUM> and the elastic supporter <NUM>; and <FIG> is a front view of the holder <NUM> and the elastic supporter <NUM> in the vibration providing part <NUM>. <FIG> are second explanatory diagrams illustrating a configuration of the holder <NUM> and the elastic supporter <NUM> in the vibration providing part <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view in the case of viewing the holder <NUM> and the elastic supporter <NUM> from the right; and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a cross section of <FIG> along a cross section A1-A1. <FIG> are explanatory diagrams illustrating a configuration of the permanent magnet in the vibration providing part <NUM>. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the permanent magnet <NUM> on the rear side; <FIG> is a front view of the permanent magnet <NUM> on the rear side.

<FIG> are explanatory diagrams illustrating driving directions of the magnetic drive part <NUM> in the vibration providing part <NUM>, in which the magnetic core <NUM> is viewed from the front. <FIG> illustrates a direction of a magnetic force exerted by the permanent magnet <NUM> on the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> when the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> is magnetized to be an N pole; and <FIG> illustrates a direction of a magnetic force exerted by the permanent magnet <NUM> on the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> when the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> is magnetized to be an S pole. In <FIG>, a solid-line arrow indicates a direction of a magnetic force acting on the magnetic core <NUM>.

<FIG> are explanatory diagram illustrating vibration directions of the vibrator <NUM> in the vibration providing part <NUM>, in which the vibrator <NUM>, the holder <NUM>, and the elastic supporter <NUM> are viewed from the front. <FIG> illustrates a vibration direction of the vibrator <NUM> when the electromagnet <NUM> generates an alternating magnetic field at the same frequency as the first natural frequency; and <FIG> illustrates a vibration direction of the vibrator <NUM> when the electromagnet <NUM> generates an alternating magnetic field at the same frequency as the second natural frequency. In <FIG>, a solid-line arrow indicates a direction in which it is easier for the vibrator <NUM> to generate vibration, namely, the vibration direction of the vibrator <NUM>, and a dashed-line arrow indicates a direction in which it is difficult for the vibrator <NUM> to generate vibration.

In the vibration providing part <NUM> according to the first example, the Z1-Z2 direction is an example of a first direction; the X1-X2 direction is an example of a second direction; and the Y1-Y2 direction is an example of a third direction.

First, a configuration of the vibration providing part <NUM> will be described by using <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the vibration providing part <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, the vibrator <NUM>, the holder <NUM>, the two elastic supporters <NUM>, and the magnetic drive part <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is constituted by combining a main body <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The main body <NUM> is a box-like member having generally a rectangular shape formed by processing a metal plate, and has a container 11a as a recessed part that is generally a rectangular parallelepiped, and recessed downward from an upper end 11b of the main body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is a plate-like member having generally rectangular shape formed by processing a metal plate, and is attached to the upper end 11b of the main body <NUM> to cover the container 11a from the top. The housing <NUM> is an example of an inside housing.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the vibrator <NUM> is a member having generally a rectangular shape contained in the container 11a of the housing <NUM>. In the vibrator <NUM>, the electromagnet <NUM> as part of the magnetic drive part <NUM> is arranged.

The holder <NUM> and the elastic supporter <NUM> are integrally formed by processing a metal plate having a spring property, to have a predetermined shape. As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the holder <NUM> is a box-like part being generally a rectangular parallelepiped. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the holder <NUM>, the lower part of the vibrator <NUM> is contained to be held.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the elastic supporter <NUM> is a plate spring formed by folding a metal plate extending in the left-right direction multiple times so as to have the folds extend along the front-back direction. Among the two elastic supporters <NUM>, one extends from the left end <NUM> of the holder <NUM> to the left side, and the other extends from the right end 30R of the holder <NUM> to the right side. In the following, the elastic supporter <NUM> extending from the left end <NUM> of the holder <NUM> to the left side will be referred to as the elastic supporter <NUM> on the left side; and the elastic supporter <NUM> extending from the right end 30R of the holder <NUM> to the right side will be referred to as the elastic supporter <NUM> on the right side.

Also, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the elastic supporter <NUM> has three folded parts <NUM>, two flat parts <NUM>, and an attachment <NUM>. The folded part <NUM> is a part at which the metal plate is folded along a folds. The flat part <NUM> is a part having generally a rectangular shape extending from one of the three folded parts <NUM> to another, and has sides along the direction of the folds and sides along the extending direction. Further, the elastic supporter <NUM> is formed so as to make a dimension along the direction of the folds of the flat part <NUM> (referred to as the width dimension of the flat part <NUM>, hereafter) greater than a dimension along the extending direction of the flat part <NUM> (referred to as the length dimension of the flat part <NUM>, hereafter). Also, an opening 42a having generally a rectangular shape is formed at a position away from the outer periphery of the flat part <NUM>.

Note that a plate spring having such a folded structure as in the elastic supporter <NUM>, has a feature in that elastic deformation occurs more easily in directions orthogonal to the folds (the left-right direction and the up-down direction). In other words, such a plate spring can be elastically deformed along the left-right direction due to expansion and contraction, and elastically deformed along the up-down direction by deflection. On the other hand, such a plate spring also has a feature in that deformation hardly occurs in the direction along the folds (in the front-back direction), and hence, is suitable as a member for suppressing movement along the front-back direction.

Also, in a plate spring having such a folded structure, elastic deformation along the left-right direction due to expansion and contraction is normally more likely to occur, compared to elastic deformation along the up-down direction due to deflection. Therefore, defining the modulus of elasticity of the elastic supporter <NUM> in the left-right direction as the first modulus of elasticity, and defining the modulus of elasticity of the elastic supporter <NUM> in the up-down direction as the second modulus of elasticity, then, the first modulus of elasticity and the second modulus of elasticity take values different from each other.

The attachment <NUM> is formed at the tip of the elastic supporter <NUM>. An engaging claw part 43a is formed at a predetermined position of the attachment <NUM>. Further, by having of the engaging claw part 43a engaged with the main body <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the elastic supporter <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM>. Further, by elastic deformation along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction, the elastic supporter <NUM> supports the vibrator <NUM> to be capable of vibrating along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction.

Note that being supported by the elastic supporter <NUM>, the vibrator <NUM> vibrates along the left-right direction at the first natural frequency that is determined according to the first modulus of elasticity and the mass of the vibrator <NUM>, and vibrates along the up-down direction at the second natural frequency that is determined according to the second modulus of elasticity and the mass of the vibrator <NUM>. Further, as the first modulus of elasticity and the second modulus of elasticity take different values from each other, the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency take different values from each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetic drive part <NUM> is configured to include the electromagnet <NUM> arranged facing the vibrator <NUM> (a first magnetic field generating part), and the two permanent magnets <NUM> arranged facing the housing <NUM> (a second magnetic field generating part). As illustrated in <FIG>, the electromagnet <NUM> has a magnetic core <NUM>, a bobbin <NUM>, a coil <NUM>, and a terminal <NUM>. The magnetic core <NUM> is a member having a prismatic shape made of a ferromagnetic material, and extends along the front-back direction. The bobbin <NUM> is a member having a cylindrical shape made of an insulator, and covers the outer periphery of the core <NUM>. The coil <NUM> is formed by winding a wire around the outer periphery of the bobbin <NUM>. The terminal <NUM> connects both ends of the coil <NUM> to an external circuit (not illustrated) via a member for wiring (not illustrated).

The electromagnet <NUM> generates a magnetic field along the front-back direction by causing an alternating current to flow through the coil <NUM>, to magnetize the front edge 61F and the rear edge 61R of the core <NUM> to have different poles. Further, by adopting an alternating current as the current flowing through the coil <NUM>, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet <NUM> is an alternating magnetic field in which the direction of the magnetic field changes in response to change in the direction of the current. Further, when the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> is serving as an S pole, the rear edge 61R is serving as an N pole, and when the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> is serving as an N pole, the rear edge 61R is serving as an S pole. The timing and the frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by the electromagnet <NUM> are controlled by the external circuit described above.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the permanent magnet <NUM> is a plate-like magnet being generally a rectangular parallelepiped. The two permanent magnets <NUM> are arranged on the front edge side and on the rear edge side of the housing <NUM>, respectively, so as to be positioned on an extended line in the front-back direction of the magnetic core <NUM> included in the electromagnet <NUM> of the vibrator <NUM> (refer to as the extended line in the front-back direction of the vibrator <NUM>, hereafter). Also, as illustrated in <FIG>, the permanent magnet <NUM> has a magnetized face <NUM> that is formed to have generally a rectangular shape, and edges along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction. Further, the magnetized face <NUM> of the permanent magnet <NUM> is opposite to the magnetic core <NUM> of the electromagnet <NUM> in in the frond-back direction.

Also, the permanent magnet <NUM> has a slit <NUM> that is formed to extend diagonally from the upper left to the lower right of the magnetized face <NUM>. Further, the magnetized face <NUM> is partitioned into two magnetized regions <NUM> by the slit <NUM>, and the two magnetized regions <NUM> are magnetized to be magnetic poles different from each other. In this way, the permanent magnet <NUM> is magnetized to have different magnetic poles aligned along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction, respectively.

In the following, the permanent magnet <NUM> arranged on the front edge side of the housing <NUM> will be referred to as the permanent magnet <NUM> on the front side; and the permanent magnet <NUM> arranged on the rear edge side of the housing <NUM> will be referred to as the permanent magnet <NUM> on the rear side. Also, among the two magnetized regions <NUM>, a region on the lower left side will be referred to as the first magnetized region 73a; and a region on the upper right side will be referred to as the second magnetized region 73b. Further, it is assumed in the following description that in the permanent magnet <NUM> on the front side, the first magnetized region 73a becomes an S pole and the second magnetized region 73b becomes an N pole; and in the permanent magnet <NUM> on the rear side, the first magnetized region 73a becomes an N pole and the second magnetized region 73b becomes an S pole.

Also, a yoke <NUM> as a member made of a ferromagnetic material is attached to the permanent magnet <NUM>, for directing the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet <NUM> toward the electromagnet <NUM>. The vibration providing part <NUM> has a configuration like this.

Next, operations of the vibration providing part <NUM> will be described by using <FIG>, <FIG>. As described earlier, the magnetic drive part <NUM> includes the electromagnet <NUM> arranged facing the vibrator <NUM>, and the two permanent magnets <NUM> arranged facing the housing <NUM>. Further, the electromagnet <NUM> generates an alternating magnetic field by causing an alternating current to flow through the coil <NUM>, to magnetize the front edge 61F and the rear edge 61R of the core <NUM>. Also, the permanent magnet <NUM> is arranged on the housing <NUM> side so to be opposite the electromagnet <NUM> in front and in the rear. Further, on the magnetized surface <NUM> of the permanent magnet <NUM>, the first magnetized region 73a and the second magnetized region 73b that are magnetized to be different magnetic poles.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> is magnetized to be an N pole, the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> attracts the first magnetized region 73a of the permanent magnet <NUM> on the front side to each other, and repels the second magnetized region 73b from each other. Although not illustrated, when the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> is magnetized to be an N pole, the rear edge 61R of the core <NUM> is magnetized to be an S pole; and the rear edge 61R of the core <NUM> attracts the first magnetized region 73a of the permanent magnet <NUM> on the rear side to each other, and repels the second magnetized region 73b from each other. As a result, the magnetic forces act on the vibrator <NUM> in the left direction and in the downward direction.

Also, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> is magnetized to be an S pole, the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> repels the first magnetized region 73a of the permanent magnet <NUM> on the front side from each other, and attracts the second magnetized region 73b to each other. Although not illustrated, when the front edge 61F of the core <NUM> is magnetized to be an S pole, the rear edge 61R of the core <NUM> is magnetized to be an N pole; and the rear edge 61R of the magnetic core <NUM> repels the first magnetized region 73a of the permanent magnet <NUM> on the rear side from each other, and attracts the second magnetized region 73b to each other. As a result, the magnetic forces act on the vibrator <NUM> in the right direction and in the UP direction.

In this way, in the magnetic drive part <NUM>, every time the direction of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet <NUM> is inverted, the front edge 61F and the rear edge 61R of the magnetic core <NUM> of the electromagnet <NUM> attract or repel the first magnetized region 73a of the permanent magnet <NUM> to or from each other, and repel or attract the second magnetized region 73b from or to each other. Further, the magnetic drive part <NUM> uses the magnetic forces between the electromagnet <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM>, to drive the vibrator <NUM> in the left-right direction and in the up-down direction.

On the other hand, as described earlier, the vibrator <NUM> is supported by the elastic supporter <NUM>, to be capable of vibrating along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction. Further, the vibrator <NUM> vibrates along the left-right direction at the first natural frequency that is determined according to the first modulus of elasticity and the mass of the vibrator <NUM>, and vibrates along the up-down direction at the second natural frequency that is determined according to the second modulus of elasticity and the mass of the vibrator <NUM>.

Therefore, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the electromagnet <NUM> generates an alternating magnetic field at the same frequency as the first natural frequency, for the vibrator <NUM>, it becomes easier to vibrate in the left-right direction, and harder to vibrate in the up-down direction. As a result, the vibrator <NUM> starts vibrating along the left-right direction. Also, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the electromagnet <NUM> generates an alternating magnetic field at the same frequency as the second natural frequency, for the vibrator <NUM>, it becomes easier to vibrate in the up-down direction, and harder to vibrate in the left-right direction. As a result, the vibrator <NUM> starts vibrating along the up-down direction.

By using such a relationship between the frequency of the alternating magnetic field and the easiness of vibration of the vibrator <NUM>, the magnetic drive part <NUM> vibrates the vibrator <NUM> along the left-right direction by the alternating magnetic field at the same frequency as the first natural frequency, and vibrates the vibrator <NUM> along the up-down direction by the alternating magnetic field at the same frequency as the second natural frequency. In the following, vibrating the vibrator <NUM> along the left-right direction by the alternating magnetic field at the same frequency as the first natural frequency, will be referred as to driving the vibrator <NUM> in the left-right direction at the first natural frequency; and vibrating the vibrator <NUM> along the up-down direction by the alternating magnetic field at the same frequency as the second natural frequency, will be referred as to driving the vibrator <NUM> in the up-down direction at the second natural frequency.

Next, a method of stabilizing vibrating operations of the vibrator <NUM> will be described. As described earlier, a plate spring having such a folded structure like the elastic supporter <NUM>, has a feature in that elastic deformation occurs easier in a direction orthogonal to the folds, whereas deformation hardly occurs in the direction along the folds. Therefore, in the vibration providing part <NUM>, by using the feature of the plate spring, deformation of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the front-back direction is suppressed; and thereby, movement of the vibrator <NUM> along the front-back direction is suppressed, and vibrating operations of the vibrator <NUM> along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction are stabilized.

Moreover, in the plate spring having such a folded structure, a width dimension of the flat part <NUM> greater than the length dimension of the flat part <NUM> makes deformation along the folds more difficult. In the vibration providing part <NUM>, by using the feature of the plate spring having such a folded structure, the elastic supporter <NUM> is formed so as to have the width dimension of the flat part <NUM> greater than the length dimension of the flat part <NUM>, and thereby, deformation of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the front-back direction can be suppressed more easily.

Also, in the plate spring having such a folded structure, although the outer periphery of the flat part <NUM> greatly influences the difficulty of deformation of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the folds, the influence of part of the flat part <NUM> away from the outer periphery (part closer to the center) is smaller than the influence of the outer periphery of the flat part <NUM>. On the other hand, by forming the opening 42a at a part away from the outer periphery of the flat part <NUM>, the mechanical strength in directions orthogonal to the folds of the flat part <NUM> (in the left-right direction and in the up-down direction) can be reduced, and thereby, the elastic supporter <NUM> can be made elastically deformable more easily in the directions orthogonal to the folds.

By using the feature of the plate spring having such a folded structure, the vibration providing part <NUM> according to the first example is configured to have the opening 42a formed at a position away from the outer periphery of the flat part <NUM>, so as to have elastic deformation occur easier along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction, while the deformability of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the front-back direction is suppressed. Further, by adjusting the dimensions of the opening 42a, the elastic deformability of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction can be adjusted.

Next, effects of the vibration providing part <NUM> will be described. In the vibration providing part <NUM>, the elastic supporter <NUM> is a plate spring formed to have the multiple folded parts <NUM> in which the folds are folded along the front-back direction (third direction) orthogonal to the left-right direction (first direction) and to the up-down direction (second direction), and the two flat parts <NUM> that have generally a rectangular shape and extend from one of the multiple folded parts <NUM> to another. A plate spring having such a folded structure, has a feature in that elastic deformation occurs easier in a direction orthogonal to the folds, whereas deformation hardly occurs in the direction along the folds. Therefore, elastic deformation of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction can occur easily, and deformability of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the front-back direction can be suppressed. As a result, even when a force along the front-back direction acts on the vibrator <NUM> by a magnetic force between the electromagnet <NUM> (the first magnetic field generating part) and the permanent magnet <NUM> (the second magnetic field generating part), movement of the vibrator <NUM> along the front-back direction can be suppressed, and vibrating operations along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction of the vibrator <NUM> can be stabilized.

Also, in the vibration providing part <NUM>, by forming the opening 42a at a position away from the outer periphery of the flat part <NUM>, while suppressing the deformability of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the front-back direction, elastic deformation can occur easier along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction. Further, by adjusting the dimensions of the opening 42a, the elastic deformability of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction can be adjusted. As a result, while stabilizing the vibrating operations of the vibrator <NUM>, the vibrator <NUM> can be easily vibrated along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction, and the easiness of vibration of the vibrator <NUM> can be adjusted.

Also, in the vibration providing part <NUM>, by forming the elastic supporter <NUM> so as to have the width dimension of the flat part <NUM> (the dimension in the direction along the folds)greater than the length dimension of the flat part <NUM> (the dimension along the extending direction), the deformation of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the front-back direction can be further suppressed, and the vibrating operations of the vibrator <NUM> can be further stabilized.

Also, in the vibration providing part <NUM>, the magnetic drive part <NUM> driving the vibrator <NUM> at the first natural frequency corresponding to the first modulus of elasticity and the mass of the vibrator <NUM>, makes the vibrator <NUM> easily vibrated along the left-right direction, and hardly vibrated along the up-down direction. Also, the magnetic drive part <NUM> driving the vibrator <NUM> at the second natural frequency corresponding to the second modulus of elasticity and the mass of the vibrator <NUM>, makes the vibrator <NUM> easily vibrated along the up-down direction, and hardly vibrated along the left-right direction. As a result, while stabilizing the vibrating operations of the vibrator <NUM>, desired vibrating operations of the vibrator <NUM> along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction can be implemented.

Also, in the vibration providing part <NUM>, by the alternating magnetic field generated by the electromagnet <NUM>, the magnetic core <NUM> on the electromagnet <NUM> side can be attracted to or repelled from the first magnetized region 73a as one of the magnetic poles on the permanent magnet <NUM> side, and the core <NUM> can be repelled from or attracted to the second magnetized region 73b as the other pole on the permanent magnet <NUM> side. Further, by using the magnetic forces between the electromagnet <NUM> and the permanent magnets <NUM>, the vibrator <NUM> can be easily vibrated along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction. Moreover, even when the magnetic forces act between the permanent magnets <NUM> and the electromagnet <NUM>, deformation of the elastic supporter <NUM> along the front-back direction is suppressed; therefore, the vibrating operations of the vibrator <NUM> can be stabilized. Therefore, such a vibration providing part <NUM> is suitable in the case of driving the vibrator <NUM> by using the magnetic forces between the electromagnet <NUM> and the permanent magnets <NUM>.

Such a vibration providing part <NUM> can be used, for example, by attaching the lower end of the main body <NUM> or the cover <NUM> to the bottom plate <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

As long as the predetermined functions can be implemented, the configuration of the vibration providing part <NUM> may be changed appropriately. For example, two elastic supporters <NUM> may be attached directly to the vibrator <NUM>. In this case, the holder <NUM> becomes unnecessary. Also, the vibration providing part <NUM> may further include members other than those described above.

Also, as long as the predetermined functions can be implemented, the materials and/or the shapes of the housing <NUM>, the holder <NUM>, and the elastic supporter <NUM> may be changed appropriately. For example, the number of folds of the plate spring as the elastic supporter <NUM> may be a number other than that described above. Also, the shape of the flat part <NUM> and/or the shape of the opening 42a may be shapes other than those described above. Also, the elastic supporter <NUM> may be formed using a separate member from the holder <NUM>, and then, combined with the holder <NUM>.

Also, as long as the predetermined functions can be implemented, the configuration of the magnetic drive part <NUM> may be changed appropriately. For example, the permanent magnet <NUM> may be arranged on either one of the front edge side or the rear edge side of the housing <NUM>. Also, as long as different magnetic poles are arranged along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction, respectively, the shape of the slit <NUM> may be other than that described above. Also, multiple permanent magnets magnetized to be different magnetic poles along the left-right direction and along the up-down direction may be arranged in the housing <NUM>.

Also, as long as the predetermined functions can be implemented, the magnetic drive part <NUM> may drive the vibrator <NUM> at a vibration frequency other than the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency. For example, the magnetic drive part <NUM> not only drives the vibrator <NUM> along the left-right direction at the first natural frequency and drives the vibrator <NUM> along the up-down direction at the second natural frequency, but also may drive the vibrator <NUM> in an oblique direction at an intermediate vibration frequency between the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency.

Next, a vibration providing part <NUM> according to a second example of the vibration providing part <NUM> forming part of the claimed invention will be described. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating a configuration of the vibration providing part <NUM>; <FIG> is a plan view in which the movable yoke and the permanent magnet are removed from <FIG>; and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the vibration providing part <NUM>. <FIG> corresponds to a cross sectional view along a line I-I in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the vibration providing part <NUM> according to the second example, the Z1-Z2 direction is an example of a first direction; and the Y1-Y2 direction is an example of a second direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the vibration providing part <NUM> includes a fixed yoke <NUM>, a movable yoke <NUM>, a first excitation coil 130A, a second excitation coil 130B, a first rubber 140A, a second rubber 140B, and a permanent magnet <NUM>. The fixed yoke <NUM> has a plate-shaped base <NUM> having a generally rectangular planar shape. The axial core direction of the first excitation coil 130A and the second excitation coil 130B is parallel to the Z1-Z2 direction. The movable yoke <NUM> is an example of a first yoke, the fixed yoke <NUM> is an example of a second yoke, and the first rubber 140A and the second rubber 140B are examples of elastic support members.

The fixed yoke <NUM> further includes a central protruding part <NUM> protruding upward (on the Z1 side) from the center of the base <NUM>; a first side protruding part 114A protruding upward from an edge (front edge) of the base <NUM> on the Y1 side in the longitudinal direction; and a second side protruding part 114B protruding upward from an edge (rear edge) of the base <NUM> on the Y2 side in the longitudinal direction. The first side protruding part 114A and the second side protruding part 114B are arranged at positions between which the central protruding parts <NUM> is interposed in the X1-X2 direction. The fixed yoke <NUM> further includes a first iron core 113A protruding upward from the base <NUM>, between the central protruding part <NUM> and the first side protruding part 114A; and a second iron core 113B protruding upward from the base <NUM>, between the central protruding part <NUM> and the second side protruding part 114B. The first excitation coil 130A is wound around the first iron core 113A, and the second excitation coil 130B is wound around the second iron core 113B. The first rubber 140A is arranged on the first side protruding part 114A, and the second rubber 140B is arranged on the second side protruding part 114B. The central protruding part <NUM> is an example of a first protruding part, and the first side protruding part 114A and the second side protruding part 114B are examples of second protruding parts.

The movable yoke <NUM> is plate-shaped, and has a generally rectangular planar shape. The movable yoke <NUM> contacts the first rubber 140A and the second rubber 140B at its edges in the longitudinal direction. The permanent magnet <NUM> is attached to a surface of the movable yoke <NUM> on the fixed yoke <NUM> side. The permanent magnet <NUM> includes a first region <NUM>, a second region <NUM> positioned on the Y1 side of the first region <NUM>, and a third region <NUM> positioned on the Y2 side of the first region <NUM>. For example, the first region <NUM> is magnetized to be an S pole, and the second and third regions <NUM> and <NUM> are magnetized to be N poles. Furthermore, the permanent magnet <NUM> is attached to the movable yoke <NUM> at substantially the center in plan view, so that the first region <NUM> is opposite to the central protruding part <NUM>; a boundary <NUM> between the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> is opposite to the first excitation coil 130A; and a boundary <NUM> between the first region <NUM> and the third region <NUM> is opposite to the second excitation coil 130B. Also, the boundary <NUM> is positioned on the Y2 side relative to the axial core of the first excitation coil 130A, and the boundary <NUM> is positioned on the Y1 side relative to the axial core of the second excitation coil 130B. In other words, the boundary <NUM> is positioned on the Y2 side relative to the center of first iron core 113A, and the boundary <NUM> is positioned on the Y1 side relative to the center of second iron core 113B. The permanent magnet <NUM> magnetizes the fixed yoke <NUM> and the movable yoke <NUM>, and the magnetic attractive force biases the movable yoke <NUM> in the Z1-Z2 direction toward the fixed yoke <NUM>. Also, the magnetic attractive force biases both ends of the movable yoke <NUM> in the Y1-Y2 direction to approach the first side protruding part 114A and the second side protruding part 114B, respectively.

When vibration is generated in the housing <NUM>, the vibration providing part <NUM> is driven so that the directions of respective currents flowing in the first excitation coil 130A and the second excitation coil 130B are inverted alternately. In other words, by alternately inverting the direction of the current flowing in each of the first excitation coil 130A and the second excitation coil 130B, the pole on a surface of the first iron core 113A facing the movable yoke <NUM> and the pole on a surface of the second iron core 113B facing the movable yoke <NUM> are to alternately inverted independently from each other. As a result, according to the direction of a current flowing through the first excitation coil 130A, and the direction of a current flowing through the second excitation coil 130B, the permanent magnet <NUM> and the movable yoke <NUM> reciprocate in the Y1-Y2 direction or the Z1-Z2 direction. A relationship between directions of currents and directions of motions will be described later.

For example, the first rubber 140A and the second rubber 140B have a rectangular planar shape whose longitudinal direction corresponds to the X1-X2 direction. The first rubber 140A is interposed between the first side protruding part 114A and the movable yoke <NUM>, and the second rubber 140B is interposed between the second side protruding part 114B and the movable yoke <NUM>. In other words, the first rubber 140A and the second rubber 140B are interposed between the fixed yoke <NUM> and the movable yoke <NUM>. Therefore, unless intentionally disassembled, the first rubber 140A and the second rubber 140B are held between the fixed yoke <NUM> and the movable yoke <NUM>. Note that the first rubber 140A may be fixed to the top surface of the first side protruding part 114A, fixed to the bottom surface of the movable yoke <NUM>, or fixed to the both; and the second rubber 140B may be fixed to the upper surface of the second side protruding part 114B, fixed to the bottom surface of the movable yoke <NUM>, or fixed to the both.

Here, a relationship between directions of currents and directions of motions will be described. In total, there are four types of combinations in terms of the direction of a current flowing through the first excitation coil 130A, and the direction of a current flowing through the second excitation coil 130B.

In the first combination, when viewed from the Z1 side, currents flow through the first excitation coil 130A and the second excitation coil 130B counter-clockwise. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the directions of the currents and the directions of motions in the first combination. In the first combination, as illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetic pole of the first iron core 113A facing the movable yoke <NUM> becomes an N pole, the magnetic pole of the second iron core 113B facing the movable yoke <NUM> also becomes an N pole. On the other hand, the poles of the central protruding part <NUM>, the first side protruding part 114A, and the second side protruding part 114B on the surfaces facing the movable yoke <NUM> become S poles. As a result, a repulsive force acts between the central protruding part <NUM> and the first region <NUM>, a repulsive force acts between the first iron core 113A and the second region <NUM>, and a repulsive force acts between the second iron core 113B and the third region <NUM>. Therefore, a force 190U directed toward the Z1 side acts on the movable yoke <NUM>.

In the second combination, when viewed from the Z1 side, currents flow through the first excitation coil 130A and the second excitation coil 130B clockwise. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the directions of the currents and the directions of motions in the second combination. In the second combination, as illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetic pole of the first iron core 113A facing the movable yoke <NUM> becomes an S pole, the magnetic pole of the second iron core 113B facing the movable yoke <NUM> also becomes an S pole. On the other hand, the poles of the central protruding part <NUM>, the first side protruding part 114A, and the second side protruding part 114B on the surfaces facing the movable yoke <NUM> become N poles. As a result, an attractive force acts between the central protruding part <NUM> and the first region <NUM>; an attractive force acts between the first iron core 113A and the second region <NUM>; and an attractive force acts between the second iron core 113B and the third region <NUM>. Therefore, a force 190D directed toward the Z2 side acts on the movable yoke <NUM>.

Therefore, by repeating the first combination and the second combination so that currents flows through the first excitation coil 130A and the second excitation coil 130B in the same direction, the movable yoke <NUM> reciprocates in the Z1-Z2 direction. In other words, by energizing the first excitation coil 130A and the second excitation coil 130B, the movable yoke <NUM> vibrates in the Z1-Z2 direction with the neutral position being the position in the initial state.

In the third combination, when viewed from the Z1 side, a current flows through the first excitation coil 130A counter-clockwise, and a current flows through the second excitation coil 130B clockwise. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the directions of the currents and the directions of motions in the third combination. In the third combination, as illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetic pole of the first iron core 113A facing the movable yoke <NUM> becomes an N pole, and the magnetic pole of the second iron core 113B facing the movable yoke <NUM> becomes an S pole. Also, the magnetic pole of the first side protruding part 114A facing the movable yoke <NUM> becomes an S pole, and the magnetic pole of the second side protruding part 114B facing the movable yoke <NUM> becomes an N pole. As a result, an attractive force acts between the first side protruding part 114A and the second region <NUM>; an attractive force acts between the first iron core 113A and the first region <NUM>; a repulsive force acts between the second iron core 113B and the first region <NUM>; and a repulsive force acts between the second side protruding part 114B and the third region <NUM>. Therefore, a force <NUM> directed toward the Y1 side acts on the movable yoke <NUM>.

In the fourth combination, when viewed from the Z1 side, a current flows through the first excitation coil 130A clockwise, and a current flows through the second excitation coil 130B counter-clockwise. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the directions of the currents and the directions of motions in the fourth combination. In the fourth combination, as illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetic pole of the first iron core 113A facing the movable yoke <NUM> becomes an N pole, and the magnetic pole of the second iron core 113B facing the movable yoke <NUM> becomes an S pole. Also, the magnetic pole of the first side protruding part 114A facing the movable yoke <NUM> becomes an S pole, and the magnetic pole of the second side protruding part 114B facing the movable yoke <NUM> becomes an N pole. As a result, a repulsive force acts between the first side protruding part 114A and the second region <NUM>; a repulsive force acts between the first iron core 113A and the first region <NUM>; an attractive force acts between the second iron core 113B and the first region <NUM>; and an attractive force acts between the second side protruding part 114B and the third region <NUM>. Therefore, a force 190R directed toward the Y2 side acts on the movable yoke <NUM>.

Therefore, by repeating the third combination and the fourth combination so that currents flows through the first excitation coil 130A and the second excitation coil 130B in the opposite directions, the movable yoke <NUM> reciprocates in the Y1-Y2 direction. In other words, by energizing the first excitation coil 130A and the second excitation coil 130B, the movable yoke <NUM> vibrates in the Y1-Y2 direction with the neutral position being the position in the initial state.

Such a vibration providing part <NUM> can be used, for example, by attaching a surface of the movable yoke <NUM> on the Z1 side to the bottom plate <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in terms of the relationship between the housing and the diaphragm. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a vibration generating device according to the second embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a vibration generating device <NUM> according to the second embodiment includes a housing <NUM>; a diaphragm <NUM> that is supported by the housing <NUM> and generates sound by vibrating in the first direction (the Z1-Z2 direction); and a vibration providing part <NUM> that is attached to the housing <NUM> to vibrate the housing <NUM>. The vibration providing part <NUM> vibrates the housing <NUM> in the first direction at a first frequency f1, and vibrates the housing <NUM> in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction (the X1-X2 direction or the Y1-Y2 direction), at a second frequency f2 that is lower than the first frequency f1. The vibration generating device <NUM> further includes a coupling part <NUM> that couples the housing <NUM> with the diaphragm <NUM>. The coupling part <NUM> is thinner than part of the housing <NUM> connected with the coupling part <NUM>. The other elements are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the vibration generating device <NUM>, the housing <NUM> vibrating in the first direction causes the diaphragm <NUM> to vibrate in the first direction through the deflection of the coupling part <NUM>, and the diaphragm <NUM> vibrating the surrounding air generates sound. Also, when vibrating in the second direction, the diaphragm <NUM> hardly vibrates in the first direction, and hence, the diaphragm <NUM> does not generate sound.

Therefore, as in the first embodiment, by vibration at the first frequency f1 in the first direction, sound can be presented to a person with virtually no vibration felt by the person, and by vibration at the second frequency f2 in the second direction, vibration can be presented to the person with virtually no sound felt by the person.

For example, the diaphragm <NUM> can be integrally formed with the coupling part <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Also, for example, the housing <NUM>, the coupling part <NUM>, and the diaphragm <NUM> are made of synthetic resin. The diaphragm <NUM> may be have a thickness equivalent to the thickness of the coupling part <NUM>, or may be thinner or thicker than the coupling part <NUM>.

The application of the vibration generating device in the present disclosure is not limited in particular, and can be used, for example, for presenting vibration and sound to persons who are riding in an automobile. For example, presentation for alerting only the driver to a low-urgency matter can be provided by vibration in the driver's seat, whereas presentation for alerting all occupants in the automobile to a high-urgency matter can be provided by sound spreading throughout the entire interior of the automobile. The location at which the vibration generating device in the present disclosure is installed is not limited in particular, and can be embedded, for example, in the bearing surface or the backrest of the driver's seat.

Also, vibration and sound may be presented from multiple vibration generating devices to a single user. For example, by using multiple vibration generating devices to present the vibration or sound in multiple directions, lively presentation can be provided.

Also, according to the first and second embodiments, although sound and vibration can be adequately separated when being presented to the user, in some applications, sound and vibration may be intentionally mixed when being presented to the user.

Also, as signals input into the vibration generating device in the present disclosure, a signal at the first frequency f1 (high-frequency signal) and a signal at the second frequency f2 (low-frequency signal) may be input separately, or a signal in which the signal at the first frequency f1 and the signal at the second frequency f2 are superimposed (superimposed signal) may be input. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a signal at the first frequency f1. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a signal at the second frequency f2. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a superimposed signal in which the signal of the first frequency f1 and the signal of the second frequency f2 are superimposed. Here, the first frequency f1 is set to <NUM>×f0 and the second frequency f2 is set to f0. For example, by providing a signal processor in the vibration providing part to separate the superimposed signal illustrated in <FIG> into the high-frequency signal illustrated in <FIG> and the low-frequency signal illustrated in <FIG>, the housing can be vibrated in the first direction at the first frequency f1 and in the second direction at the second frequency f2.

As described above, the favorable embodiments and the like have been described in detail; note that the embodiments and the like can be changed and replaced in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claim 1:
A vibration generating device comprising:
a housing (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a diaphragm (<NUM>, <NUM>) supported by the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>), and configured to generate sound by vibrating in a first direction; and
a vibration providing part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) attached to the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>), and configured to vibrate the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the vibration providing part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to vibrate the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the first direction at a first frequency, and to vibrate the housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a second direction at a second frequency lower than the first frequency.
characterised in that
the vibration providing part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) includes:
a first yoke (<NUM>),
a second yoke (<NUM>) arranged to be opposite to the first yoke (<NUM>) in the first direction,
a permanent magnet (<NUM>) attached to a surface of the first yoke (<NUM>) facing a second yoke (<NUM>), and
a first excitation coil (130A) and a second excitation coil (130B) attached to the second yoke (<NUM>) to generate magnetic flux when being energized,
wherein the second yoke (<NUM>) includes
a base (<NUM>), and
a first protruding part (<NUM>) protruding from the base (<NUM>) toward the first yoke (<NUM>), between the first excitation coil and the second excitation coil,
wherein the first excitation coil (130A) and the second excitation coil (130B) are arranged to have the first protruding part (<NUM>) interposed in-between in the second direction,
wherein an axial core direction of the first excitation coil (130A) and the second excitation coil (130B) is parallel to the first direction,
wherein the permanent magnet (<NUM>) includes
a first region (<NUM>),
a second region (<NUM>) positioned on one side of the first region (<NUM>) in the second direction, and
a third region (<NUM>) positioned on another side of the first region (<NUM>) in the second direction (<NUM>),
wherein the first region (<NUM>) is magnetized to be a first magnetic pole,
wherein the second region (<NUM>) and the third region (<NUM>) are magnetized to be second magnetic poles,
wherein the first region (<NUM>) is opposite to the first protruding part (<NUM>),
wherein a boundary between the first region (<NUM>) and the second region (<NUM>) is opposite to the first excitation coil (130A), and
wherein a boundary between the first region (<NUM>) and the third region (<NUM>) is opposite to the second excitation coil (130B).