JP7321066B2 - Tactile presentation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tactile presentation device.

In recent years, mobile information terminals such as smartphones, smart watches, and tablet PCs, and electronic devices such as in-vehicle navigation systems, have incorporated tactile sensation presentation devices that present tactile sensations through vibrations in response to operator operations. There are many cases.

For example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, when a fingertip touches a contact panel arranged on the front side of a touch panel, the shape memory alloy wire is used to momentarily move the contact panel, thereby There is known a tactile sensation presentation device that simulates a dynamic operation sensation (a so-called click sensation).
The contact panel covers the touch panel and is supported by the housing so as to be movable in the in-plane direction of the contact panel. Therefore, when the contact panel is touched with a fingertip, it is possible to move only the contact panel using the shape memory alloy wire.

WO2012/023606

However, in the conventional tactile sensation presentation device described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to move the contact panel with respect to the housing, so there is no choice but to leave a slight gap between the contact panel and the housing. . Therefore, there is a possibility that dust or moisture may enter through the gap, and there is room for improvement. In particular, the scope of use is limited from the viewpoint of waterproofness and the like.

Furthermore, when the conventional tactile sensation presentation device is applied to a mobile information terminal such as a smart phone, it is difficult to use the touch panel as a vibration source for notifying the reception of an incoming call or e-mail. be. Therefore, it is necessary to separately provide a vibration source such as a vibration motor or a vibration actuator, which tends to cause an increase in the number of parts and an increase in cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and its object is to simulate a dynamic operation feeling for the operation of the operator while preventing the intrusion of dust, moisture, etc. To provide a tactile sense presentation device capable of generating a vibration as necessary independently of an operator's operation.

(1) A tactile sensation presentation device according to the present invention includes a casing having an operation panel operated with a fingertip, a movable substrate accommodated in the casing and movable along a movable direction, the casing and the an actuator provided between the movable substrate and the movable substrate for instantaneously displacing the movable substrate in the movable direction with respect to the casing, wherein the actuator applies an inertial force to the casing based on the displacement of the movable substrate. The actuator is arranged between a stator attached to the casing, a mover attached to the movable substrate, the stator and the mover, and has a length depending on the temperature. a shape memory alloy wire that changes, the shape memory alloy wire changes the distance between the mover and the stator by expansion and contraction caused by electrical heating, and the space between the casing and the moveable substrate is: An elastic member is provided for urging the movable substrate along the movable direction so that the movable element approaches toward the stator.

According to the tactile sensation presentation device of the present invention, the actuator can be used to instantaneously displace the movable substrate with respect to the casing instead of a so-called weight or the like. can be moved along the movable direction. As a result, the inertial force (thrust force) of the movable substrate can be applied to the entire casing based on the displacement of the movable substrate. Therefore, it is possible to give a pseudo mechanical operation feeling to the fingertip touching the operation panel, and it is possible to give a tactile sensation as if giving a click feeling to the fingertip.

In particular, since the structure displaces the movable substrate accommodated in the casing, there is no need to provide a gap between, for example, the operation panel and the casing as in the conventional art. Therefore, the inside of the casing can be easily sealed, and dust, moisture, etc. can be prevented from entering the casing. Therefore, no special dustproof or waterproof structure is required, and the casing can be sealed with a simple structure.
Therefore, the tactile sensation presentation device can be excellent in usability, and can be suitably used, for example, as a mobile information terminal such as a smart phone or a smart watch. Furthermore, it is also possible to vibrate the casing, for example, by displacing the movable substrate as needed, independently of the operator's operation. As a result, it becomes possible to notify the operator of incoming calls or e-mails, for example, and there is no need to provide a dedicated vibration source (for example, a vibration motor, etc.) therefor. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the configuration and reduce the cost.

Furthermore , by energizing the shape memory alloy wire, the shape memory alloy wire can be contracted, for example, instantaneously, and the mover can be separated from the stator. As a result, the movable substrate provided with the mover can be instantaneously moved along the movable direction with respect to the casing. Therefore, the inertial force (thrust force) of the movable substrate can be applied to the entire casing, and a tactile sensation such as a click sensation can be applied to the fingertip touching the operation panel.
Furthermore, the heat generated by the electrical heating is dissipated from the shape memory alloy wire, so that the shape memory alloy wire can be extended, for example, momentarily, and the mover can be brought closer to the stator side. As a result, it is possible to instantaneously move the movable substrate on which the mover is provided in the opposite direction along the movable direction with respect to the casing. A tactile sensation as if it were given can be made to act.

Therefore, it is possible to vibrate the movable substrate in the movable direction by utilizing the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire. In particular, it is possible to generate an impulse-like vibration, and for example, it is possible to apply a tactile sensation similar to that of a mechanical switch or a tactile sensation different from that of a vibration motor or the like. In addition, shape memory alloys generally have excellent reproducibility and responsiveness of expansion and contraction, so for example, when the fingertip touches the operation panel, it gives a click feeling. It is possible to act stably.
Furthermore, the elastic restoring force (biasing force) of the elastic member is used to bias the movable substrate so as to bring the movable element closer to the stator side. After the child is separated from the stator, the mover can be reliably brought closer to the stator by utilizing the biasing force of the elastic member as the shape memory alloy wire expands and contracts.

( 2 ) The actuator may include a heat conductor arranged to contact the shape memory alloy wire, and the stator and the mover may function as the heat conductor .

In this case, the heat conductor can be used to efficiently dissipate heat from, for example, the shape memory alloy wire, and the temperature of the shape memory alloy wire heated by electric heating can be quickly lowered. As a result, the shape memory alloy wire can be provided with good heat dissipation characteristics, and the responsiveness of the expansion and contraction can be enhanced. Therefore, the tactile sensation can be applied to the fingertip with better response.

( 3 ) The shape memory alloy wire may be electrically connected to the movable substrate.

In this case, for example, by using the movable substrate as a control substrate or the like on which a circuit pattern or the like is formed, it becomes possible to easily energize the shape memory alloy wire, leading to simplification of the configuration. can.

( 4 ) The elastic member is formed so that the elastic modulus in the movable direction is lower than the elastic modulus in two directions orthogonal to the movable direction, and the difference in elastic modulus causes the movable substrate to move in the movable direction. You may guide so that it can move along.

In this case, the elastic member is likely to be elastically deformed in the movable direction, and is difficult to be elastically deformed in two directions orthogonal to the movable direction. Therefore, the elastic member can be used to smoothly move the movable substrate along the movable direction with little rattling, and the desired tactile sensation can be reliably applied to the fingertip.

( 5 ) The stator includes a fixed plate arranged along the movable direction, and a plurality of fixed pins attached to the fixed plate so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the movable substrate; are arranged along the movable direction and are arranged such that at least a portion thereof faces the fixed plate in the thickness direction of the movable substrate; and projecting in the thickness direction of the movable substrate. a plurality of movable pins attached to the movable plate such that the plurality of fixed pins and the plurality of movable pins extend along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the movable direction and the thickness direction. The shape memory alloy wires are arranged alternately at intervals, and the shape memory alloy wires are arranged in a wavy pattern in the orthogonal direction while alternately contacting the fixed pins and the movable pins. It may be sandwiched between the movable pin.

In this case, the shape memory alloy wires are arranged in a wavy (zigzag) pattern so as to weave between the fixed pins and the movable pins while alternately contacting the fixed pins and the movable pins. It is sandwiched between the pins in a wavy shape. Therefore, the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire can change the distance between the plurality of fixed pins and the plurality of movable pins in the movable direction. As a result, the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire can be used to instantaneously displace the movable substrate to which the mover is attached in the movable direction.

The portions of the stator and mover that come into contact with the shape memory alloy wires are required to have insulation and have a predetermined thermal conductivity. In this regard, since the stator is configured by attaching the fixing pins to the fixing plate, it is sufficient that at least the fixing pins have insulating properties and a predetermined thermal conductivity, and the stator can be easily configured. It is possible to Therefore, the stator can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, the fixing plate can be made of a material different from that of the fixing pin, such as a synthetic resin material.
It should be noted that since the mover also has a moveable pin, it is possible to achieve the same effect as that of the stator described above.

( 6 ) A guide member may be provided in the casing for movably guiding the movable substrate in the movable direction.

In this case, since the guide member can be used to smoothly move the movable substrate along the movable direction with little rattling, it is easy to reliably provide the intended tactile sensation to the fingertip.

( 7 ) At least part of the actuator may be arranged so as to overlap with the movable substrate in the thickness direction of the movable substrate, and the movable direction may be a direction parallel to the plane of the movable substrate. good.

In this case, it is possible to suppress the length of the casing from increasing in the moving direction of the movable substrate, and it is easy to reduce the size of the entire tactile sensation presentation device.

( 8 ) The actuator and the movable substrate may be arranged side by side in the movable direction, and the movable direction may be a direction parallel to the plane of the movable substrate.

In this case, it is possible to prevent the casing from becoming thicker in the thickness direction of the movable substrate, and it is easy to reduce the thickness of the entire tactile sensation presentation device.

( 9 ) A display panel provided in the casing for displaying information through the operation panel; and a control section mounted on the movable substrate for controlling display of the display panel according to operation of the operation panel. can be

In this case, when operating the operation panel with a fingertip while viewing information displayed on the display panel, the user can operate the operation panel while feeling a tactile sensation such as a click sensation. Therefore, for example, it can be suitably used as a mobile information terminal such as a smart phone or a smart watch.

According to the present invention, it is possible to simulate a dynamic operation feeling to the operation of the operator while preventing the intrusion of dust, moisture, etc. can generate vibrations.

1 is an external perspective view showing a first embodiment of a portable information terminal (tactile sensation presentation device) according to the present invention; 2 is an exploded perspective view of the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a plan view of the portable information terminal in a state in which the control board shown in FIG. 2 is accommodated in a casing; FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the portable information terminal along line AA shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator shown in FIG. 3; FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation of the actuator shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 4 is a plan view of the portable information terminal in a state where the control board has moved from the state shown in FIG. 3 so that the mover is separated from the stator; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the portable information terminal (tactile sensation presentation device) according to the present invention, and is a plan view of the portable information terminal in a state in which the control board is accommodated in the casing. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 8; FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the portable information terminal taken along line BB shown in FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is a plan view of the mobile information terminal (tactile sensation presentation device) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, with the control board accommodated in the casing. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the portable information terminal (tactile sensation presentation device) according to the present invention, and is a plan view of the portable information terminal in a state in which the control board is accommodated in the casing. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the portable information terminal taken along line CC shown in FIG. 13; FIG. FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the portable information terminal taken along line DD shown in FIG. 13; 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator shown in FIG. 13; FIG. 1 is an external view when a tactile sense presentation device according to the present invention is applied to a smartwatch; FIG.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of a tactile presentation device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a mobile information terminal such as a smart phone will be described as an example of a tactile sensation presentation device.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the portable information terminal 1 of the present embodiment includes a casing 3 having a touch panel (an operation panel according to the present invention) 2 operated with a fingertip, and a casing 3 that accommodates and moves. and an actuator 5 provided between the casing 3 and the control board 4 for instantaneously displacing the control board 4 with respect to the casing 3. ing.

In the present embodiment, the two directions perpendicular to the thickness direction L1 of the casing 3 in plan view of the casing 3 are referred to as a first direction L2 and a second direction L3.
The casing 3 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view with a length along the first direction L2 longer than a length along the second direction L3, and is formed in a thin cylindrical shape with a bottom. A cover glass 6 is integrally combined with the casing 3 so as to overlap the casing 3 in the thickness direction L1. The opening of the casing 3 is closed with this cover glass 6 .
In the thickness direction L1, the direction from the bottom wall portion 10 of the casing 3 toward the cover glass 6 is called upward, and the opposite direction is called downward.

The casing 3 is formed in a bottomed tubular shape having a bottom wall portion 10 and four peripheral wall portions 11 surrounding the bottom wall portion 10 and protruding upward from the bottom wall portion 10, and is open upward. ing. Of the four peripheral wall portions 11 , a pair of peripheral wall portions 11 facing each other in the first direction L<b>2 are called a front wall portion 12 and a rear wall portion 13 , and a pair of peripheral wall portions 11 facing each other in the second direction L<b>3 are called a side wall portion 14 .
Note that the casing 3 does not have to be a single component, and may be configured by combining a plurality of components into one, for example.

The cover glass 6 is integrally combined with the casing 3 so as to close the opening of the casing 3 from above. At this time, predetermined dustproof and waterproof measures are taken between the cover glass 6 and the casing 3 . Thereby, the inside of the casing 3 is kept in a sealed state.

The control board 4 is, for example, a printed board on which various electronic components (not shown) are mounted for operating the portable information terminal 1 and circuit patterns (not shown) are formed on both sides. It is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view whose length along the first direction L2 is longer than the length along the second direction L3.
The control board 4 has an external size smaller than the size of the casing 3 so that a predetermined gap is formed between the control board 4 and the peripheral wall portion 11 of the casing 3 . Also, the control board 4 is movable in the first direction L2, which is the in-plane direction of the control board 4 . Therefore, the movable direction of the control board 4 coincides with the first direction L2. Further, the control board 4 is arranged in the center of the casing 3 in the thickness direction L1 while being supported by a support member (not shown) so as to be movable in the first direction L2, which is the movable direction.

A guide projection (a guide member according to the present invention) 15 protruding toward the side wall portion 14 is formed on each side edge portion 4a of the control board 4 facing the side wall portion 14 of the casing 3 .
Two guide projections 15 are formed at intervals in the first direction L2 on each side edge portion 4a. Therefore, in the illustrated example, a total of four guide projections 15 are formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the number of guide protrusions 15 may be changed as appropriate.

The guide protrusion 15 is formed in a semicircular shape in plan view and protrudes toward the side wall portion 14 , and is in sliding contact with the side wall portion 14 from the inside of the casing 3 . As a result, the guide projection 15 can slidably contact the side wall portion 14 and movably guide the control board 4 in the movable direction with little rattling.
The guide projection 15 does not need to be formed integrally with the control board 4. For example, the guide projection 15 is formed so as to protrude from the side wall portion 14 side of the casing 3 toward the control board 4 side. It may be in sliding contact with 4a.

The actuator 5 plays the role of instantaneously displacing the control board 4 in the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, and applying an inertial force (thrust force) to the casing 3 based on the displacement.
Specifically, the actuator 5 is attached to the stator 20 attached to the casing 3 and the control board 4, and is arranged to face the stator 20 in the first direction L2, which is the movable direction. It is provided with a child 30 and a shape memory alloy wire 40 which is arranged between the stator 20 and the mover 30 and whose length changes according to temperature.

As shown in FIG. 5, the stator 20 is fixed to the central portion of the front wall portion 12 of the casing 3 in the second direction L3. In addition, in FIG. 5, the stator 20 and the mover 30 are illustrated in a state of being separated from each other in order to make the drawing easier to see.
The stator 20 includes a base portion 21 extending along the second direction L3 and a plurality of projecting portions 22 projecting from the base portion 21 toward the mover 30 side. The plurality of protrusions 22 are arranged at regular intervals in the second direction L3 and are formed to protrude toward the mover 30 by a predetermined amount of protrusion. A tip portion of each protrusion 22 is formed in a rounded shape, for example, an arc shape in a plan view.
Although the stator 20 has three protrusions 22 in the illustrated example, the number of protrusions 22 is not limited to this.

The mover 30 is fixed to the upper surface of the control board 4 on the side of the front edge portion 4 b facing the front wall portion 12 of the casing 3 . The mover 30 is arranged in the central portion of the control board 4 in the second direction L3 and is arranged at the same height as the stator 20 . Thereby, as described above, the stator 20 and the mover 30 are arranged to face each other in the movable direction.

The mover 30 includes a base portion 31 extending along the second direction L3 and a plurality of projecting portions 32 projecting from the base portion 31 toward the stator 20 side. The length of the base portion 31 along the second direction L3 is the same as the length of the base portion 21 of the stator 20 .
The plurality of protrusions 32 are arranged at regular intervals in the second direction L3 and are formed to protrude toward the stator 20 by a predetermined amount of protrusion. The tip of each protrusion 32 is formed in a rounded shape, for example, an arc shape in plan view, similarly to the stator 20 side.
In the illustrated example, the mover 30 has four protrusions 32, but the number of protrusions 32 is not limited to this.

The interval between the projections 22 on the stator 20 side and the interval between the projections 32 on the mover 30 side are the same interval (pitch). Furthermore, the projection amount of each projection 22 on the stator 20 side and the projection amount of each projection 32 on the mover 30 side are made equal. The stator 20 and the mover 30 are arranged to face each other so that the protrusions 22 of the stator 20 are inserted between the protrusions 32 of the mover 30 . As a result, the protrusions 32 on the mover 30 side and the protrusions 22 on the stator 20 side are arranged in a comb shape.

The shape memory alloy wire 40 is, for example, a wire made of a nickel-titanium alloy, and is interposed in a wavy shape between each protrusion 32 on the mover 30 side and each protrusion 22 on the stator 20 side. The material of the shape memory alloy wire 40 is not limited to the nickel-titanium alloy, and may be changed as appropriate.
Both ends of the shape memory alloy wire 40 are connected to connection terminals 41 provided on the upper surface of the control board 4 . The connection terminal 41 is electrically connected to a circuit pattern (not shown) on the control board 4 . Thereby, the shape memory alloy wire 40 is electrically connected to the control substrate 4 via the connection terminal 41, and is energized by applying a predetermined voltage.

The shape memory alloy wire 40 contracts instantaneously by being heated by energization. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the shape memory alloy wire 40 shifts from the loosened state to the stretched state, so that the movable element 30 is moved away from the stator 20 along the first direction L2, which is the movable direction. It is possible to move
In this way, the shape memory alloy wire 40 is capable of changing the distance between the mover 30 and the stator 20 by expansion and contraction caused by heating.

Note that the stator 20 and the mover 30 described above are made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the shape memory alloy wire 40 . Specifically, the stator 20 and the mover 30 are made of an aluminum material, and an anodized film serving as an insulating film is formed on the surface thereof by alumite treatment or the like.
Therefore, the stator 20 and the mover 30 are arranged so as to be in contact with the shape memory alloy wire 40, and also function as a radiator (a heat conductor according to the present invention) for dissipating heat from the shape memory alloy wire 40. do.

As shown in FIG. 3, the actuator 5 configured as described above is arranged such that at least the mover 30 and the shape memory alloy wire 40 overlap the control substrate 4 in the thickness direction L1.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, between the casing 3 and the control board 4, the control board 4 is moved in the first direction L2, which is the moving direction, so that the mover 30 approaches toward the stator 20 side. A coil spring (elastic member) 45 is provided for urging along.
The coil spring 45 is arranged in a compressed state between the rear wall portion 13 of the casing 3 and the rear edge portion 4 c of the control board 4 facing the rear wall portion 13 . One end side of the coil spring 45 is connected to the rear wall portion 13 , and the other end side of the coil spring 45 is connected to the rear edge portion 4 c of the control board 4 . As a result, the coil spring 45 urges the entire control board 4 toward the stator 20 by using elastic restoring force (biasing force).
Note that the number of coil springs 45 is not limited to one, and a plurality of coil springs 45 may be arranged at intervals in the second direction L3, for example.

Since the control board 4 is biased toward the stator 20 as described above, the shape memory alloy wire 40 is sandwiched between the mover 30 and the stator 20 as shown in FIG. It is said that Further, the control board 4 biased by the coil spring 45 is suppressed by the shape memory alloy wire 40 from further displacing toward the stator 20, and is positioned as shown in FIG. .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the touch panel 2 is arranged below the cover glass 6 so as to overlap the cover glass 6 . The touch panel 2 is a thin transparent panel made of a synthetic resin material or a glass material, and has a known contact detection function such as a resistance film method, a capacitance method, an optical method, or the like. Thereby, the touch panel 2 can detect the location touched by the fingertip through the cover glass 6 . Therefore, the upper surface of the touch panel 2 serves as an operation surface operated by an operator's fingertip or the like through the cover glass 6, that is, a so-called tactile sensation presentation surface 2a.

A display panel 46 is arranged below the touch panel 2 so as to overlap the touch panel 2 . The display panel 46 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and can display various information through the touch panel 2 and the cover glass 6 .
As a result, by touching the touch panel 2 with a fingertip through the cover glass 6 corresponding to various information displayed on the display panel 46, an input signal (command signal) based on the operation content corresponding to the touched place is sent to the control unit. sent to 47.

The control unit 47 is a CPU or the like that comprehensively controls the portable information terminal 1 and is mounted on the control board 4 . Furthermore, various storage units such as flash memory, a small speaker, a small microphone, a small camera, and the like are mounted on the control board 4 . Note that the storage unit, speaker, microphone, camera, and the like are omitted from the drawing.
In particular, the control unit 47 controls the display of the display panel 46 based on the input signal accompanying the operation of the touch panel 2 . Further, the control unit 47 applies a predetermined voltage to the shape memory alloy wire 40 via the connection terminal 41 based on the operation of the touch panel 2 to control the energization of the shape memory alloy wire 40 .
Further, in the casing 3, a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to various components is arranged, and a removable memory cart (not shown) is arranged. Note that the power supply unit is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery or the like.

(Function of portable information terminal)
The operation when using the mobile information terminal 1 configured as described above will be described.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, while viewing the information displayed on the display panel 46 through the touch panel 2 and the cover glass 6, by operating the touch panel 2 with a fingertip through the cover glass 6, the touched place You can perform operations corresponding to As a result, various functions of the portable information terminal 1 can be used as appropriate.

In particular, by operating the touch panel 2 through the cover glass 6, the actuator 5 can be used to instantaneously displace the control board 4 with respect to the casing 3. It can be moved along the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, by acceleration. As a result, the inertial force (thrust force) of the control board 4 can be applied to the entire casing 3 based on the displacement of the control board 4 . Therefore, it is possible to give a pseudo mechanical operation feeling to the fingertip that touches the touch panel 2, and it is possible to give a tactile sensation as if giving a click feeling to the fingertip.

A more detailed description will be given.
When the touch panel 2 is operated with a fingertip through the cover glass 6 , the controller 47 energizes the shape memory alloy wires 40 through the connection terminals 41 . Thereby, the shape memory alloy wire 40 can be heated and contracted instantaneously. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the shape memory alloy wires 40 sandwiched between the protrusions 22 of the stator 20 and the protrusions 32 of the mover 30 should be stretched from the loosened state. , and the mover 30 can be separated from the stator 20 against the elastic restoring force (biasing force) of the coil spring 45 .

As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, while the coil spring 45 is elastically deformed, the control board 4 provided with the mover 30 is momentarily moved along the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, with respect to the casing 3. It can be moved. Therefore, the inertial force (thrust force) of the control board 4 can be applied to the entire casing 3, and the fingertip touching the touch panel 2 can be given a click feeling.

Furthermore, the heat generated by the electric heating is dissipated from the shape memory alloy wire 40, so that the shape memory alloy wire 40 can be stretched, for example, instantaneously, and can be changed from a stretched state to a loosened state. .
At this time, the control board 4 is urged by the elastic restoring force (biasing force) of the coil spring 45 so that the mover 30 approaches the stator 20 side. Therefore, along with the extension of the shape memory alloy wire 40, the biasing force of the coil spring 45 can be used to bring the mover 30 closer toward the stator 20 without fail. Therefore, the control board 4 provided with the mover 30 can be instantaneously moved in the opposite direction along the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, with respect to the casing 3, thereby returning to the state shown in FIG. be able to. At the time of this return, a tactile sensation such as a click sensation can be applied to the fingertip touching the touch panel 2 in the same manner as before.

Therefore, it is possible to vibrate the control board 4 in the movable direction by utilizing the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 40 . In particular, it is possible to generate an impulse-like vibration, and for example, it is possible to apply a tactile sensation similar to that of a mechanical switch or a tactile sensation different from that of a vibration motor or the like. Furthermore, since shape memory alloys generally have excellent reproducibility of expansion and contraction and responsiveness, the tactile sensation of giving a click feeling at the moment when the fingertip touches the touch panel 2 is stabilized. It is possible to act effectively.

Furthermore, since the portable information terminal 1 of the present embodiment has a structure in which the control board 4 accommodated in the casing 3 is displaced, a gap is provided between the casing 3 and the touch panel 2 and the cover glass 6 as in the conventional art. No need to set. Therefore, the inside of the casing 3 can be easily sealed, and dust, moisture, etc. can be prevented from entering the casing 3 . Therefore, a special dustproof and waterproof structure or the like is not required, and the casing 3 can be sealed with a simple structure, and can be used for various purposes without being subject to restrictions on the usage environment. Therefore, it is easy to use and can be suitably used as the portable information terminal 1 .

Moreover, it is possible to vibrate the casing 3, for example, by displacing the control board 4 as required, independently of the operator's operation. As a result, it becomes possible to notify the operator of incoming calls or e-mails, for example, and there is no need to provide a dedicated vibration source (for example, a vibration motor, etc.) therefor. Therefore, it is also possible to simplify the configuration and reduce the cost.

As described above, according to the portable information terminal 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a pseudo dynamic operation feeling to the operator's operation while preventing dust, moisture, etc. from entering. , vibration can be generated as needed, independently of the operator's operation.

Furthermore, in the portable information terminal 1 of the present embodiment, the stator 20 and the mover 30 also function as radiators for dissipating heat from the shape memory alloy wires 40, so that the shape memory alloy wires 40 can be efficiently dissipated. The temperature of the shape memory alloy wire 40 heated by electric heating can be rapidly lowered. As a result, the shape memory alloy wire can be provided with good heat dissipation characteristics, and the responsiveness of the expansion and contraction can be enhanced. Therefore, the tactile sensation can be applied to the fingertip with better response.

In the present embodiment, the instantaneous displacement of the control board 4 accompanying expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 40 is performed, for example, by displacing the control board 4 at a speed of 4 m/s to 8 m/s and a displacement of 50 μm to 10 μm. is possible. Further, the time for which the shape memory alloy wire 40 is energized is, for example, several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds, and the shrinkage rate of the shape memory alloy wire 40 due to the energization is, for example, several percent.

Furthermore, since the shape memory alloy wire 40 is electrically connected to the control board 4 via the connection terminal 41, it is possible to easily conduct electricity to the shape memory alloy wire 40, which contributes to the simplification of the configuration. can be connected. In addition, since the control board 4 can be moved smoothly along the movable direction by using the guide projections 15 with little rattling, it is easy to reliably give a desired tactile sensation to the fingertips.
Furthermore, since the actuator 5 is arranged so that the mover 30 and the shape memory alloy wire 40 overlap with the control board 4 in the thickness direction L1, the casing moves in the first direction L2, which is the direction in which the control board 4 moves. 3 can be prevented from becoming long, and the overall size of the portable information terminal 1 can be easily reduced.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of a tactile presentation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as the constituent elements in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the control board 4 is used as a guide member in the movable direction, and the guide protrusion 15 is formed integrally with the control board 4. located on the side.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, a portable information terminal (a tactile sensation presentation device according to the present invention) 50 of the present embodiment includes a side wall portion 14 of the casing 3 and a pair of guides for guiding the control board 4 along the movable direction. A guide member 51 is provided respectively. The guide members 51 are arranged to face each other in the second direction L3 with the control board 4 interposed therebetween, and are fixed inside the side wall portion 14 of the casing 3 .

The guide member 51 is formed to be thicker than the control board 4 and is formed to extend along the first direction L2. An upper flange piece 53 and a lower flange piece 54 are formed so as to protrude from 52 toward the control board 4 side along the second direction L3 and are arranged so as to sandwich the control board 4 from the thickness direction L1. I have.

The length of the base portion 52 along the first direction L2 is shorter than the length of the control board 4 along the first direction L2. However, it is not limited to this case, and the length of the base portion 52 may be equal to the length of the control board 4 .
The upper flange piece 53 and the lower flange piece 54 are formed to have the same length as the base portion 52, and are formed to face each other in the thickness direction L1 with the control board 4 interposed therebetween. The lower surface of the upper flange piece 53 is in sliding contact with the upper surface of the control board 4 , and the upper surface of the lower flange piece 54 is in sliding contact with the lower surface of the control board 4 .

A space between the upper flange piece 53 and the lower flange piece 54 serves as a guide hole 55 that opens in the first direction L2 and opens toward the control board 4 side. The control board 4 is supported by the guide member 51 while being inserted into the guide hole 55, and is guided so as to be movable in the first direction L2. Further, the control board 4 is supported by the upper flange piece 53 and the lower flange piece 54 while being positioned in the thickness direction L1.

Each of the upper flange pieces 53 of the pair of guide members 51 configured as described above has a support projection 56 projecting in the second direction L3 from a portion of the upper flange piece 53 located on the mover 30 side. formed. Each support protrusion 56 is arranged so as to face each other in the second direction L3.
On the upper surface of the control board 4, a leaf spring member ( An elastic member 57 according to the present invention is arranged.

The plate spring member 57 has a thickness equivalent to that of the support projection 56, the upper flange piece 53 and the mover 30, and is curved in a convex shape so as to protrude from both end portions toward the center portion toward the mover 30 side. there is The plate spring member 57 has elastic springs between the mover 30 and the support projection 56 so that both ends contact the support projection 56 from the mover 30 side and the central portion contacts the mover 30 . Placed in a deformed state. Thus, the leaf spring member 57 always urges the mover 30 toward the stator 20 by utilizing the elastic restoring force (biasing force).

(Function of portable information terminal)
Even in the case of the mobile information terminal 50 configured as described above, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.
In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the leaf spring member 57 is formed to have the same thickness as the upper flange piece 53 and the mover 30, and is arranged to overlap the control board 4 in the thickness direction L1. Therefore, the length of the casing 3 in the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, can be made shorter than the mobile information terminal 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, further miniaturization of the portable information terminal 50 can be achieved.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of a tactile presentation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as the components in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the actuators 5 are arranged so as to overlap with the control board 4 in the thickness direction L1. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the portable information terminal (tactile sensation presentation device according to the present invention) 60 of the present embodiment, the actuator 5 and the control board 4 are arranged in the first direction L2, which is the movable direction. It is
A mover 30 that constitutes the actuator 5 is formed to have the same thickness as the control board 4 in the thickness direction L<b>1 and is attached to the front edge portion 4 b of the control board 4 . The stator 20 that constitutes the actuator 5 is formed to have the same thickness as the mover 30, and is attached to the front wall portion 12 of the casing 3 so as to face the first direction L2, which is the direction in which the mover 30 moves. there is
In this embodiment, illustration of the connection terminals 41 to which both ends of the shape memory alloy wire 40 are connected is omitted.

Further, in this embodiment, the control board 4 is biased in the movable direction so that the mover 30 approaches the stator 20 side between the side edge portion 4a of the control board 4 and the side wall portion 14 of the casing 3. A leaf spring member (an elastic member according to the present invention) 61 is arranged.

Two leaf spring members 61 are formed on each side edge portion 4a with a gap therebetween in the first direction L2. Therefore, in the illustrated example, a total of four leaf spring members 61 are formed. However, it is not limited to this case, and the number of leaf spring members 61 may be changed as appropriate.

The leaf spring member 61 is formed, for example, to have a thickness equivalent to that of the control board 4, and is formed in the shape of a leaf whose width along the first direction L2 is smaller than its thickness. The other end side is connected to the side edge portion 4 a of the control board 4 . The leaf spring member 61 always urges the entire control board 4 toward the stator 20 side by using elastic restoring force (biasing force).

In particular, the leaf spring member 61 of the present embodiment has an elastic modulus in the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, in two directions perpendicular to the first direction L2, that is, the elastic moduli in the second direction L3 and the thickness direction L1. The difference in elastic modulus also serves to guide the control board 4 so as to be movable along the first direction L2, which is the movable direction.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the guide protrusion 15 in the first embodiment and the guide member 51 in the second embodiment are not required. Further, the control board 4 is supported by the leaf spring member 61 while being positioned also in the thickness direction L1. However, in this embodiment, for example, the guide protrusion 15 in the first embodiment or the guide member 51 in the second embodiment may be further provided.

(Function of portable information terminal)
Even in the case of the portable information terminal 60 configured as described above, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.
In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the actuator 5 and the control board 4 are arranged along the first direction L2, which is the movable direction. It is easy to reduce the thickness of the portable information terminal 60 as a whole. Furthermore, by using the leaf spring member 61, the control board 4 can be moved smoothly along the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, with little rattling, so that the desired tactile sensation can be reliably obtained with respect to the fingertip. Easy to work.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of a tactile presentation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as the constituent elements in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the stator 20 is formed to have projections 22 projecting from the base 21 toward the mover 30 side, and has projections 32 projecting from the base 31 toward the stator 20 side. However, in this embodiment, the stator has a plurality of fixed pins and the mover has a plurality of movable pins.

As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, a portable information terminal (tactile sensation presentation device according to the present invention) 70 of this embodiment includes a stator 80 having a plurality of fixed pins 81 and a mover having a plurality of movable pins 91. 90 and an actuator 71 comprising a.

The stator 80 includes a fixed plate 82 arranged parallel to the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, and a plurality of fixed pins 81 attached to the fixed plate 82 so as to protrude in the thickness direction L1. there is
The fixing plate 82 is a plate-like plate formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, the length along the second direction L3 being longer than the length along the first direction L2. It is fixed to the central portion in the second direction L3. At this time, the fixing plate 82 is fixed so as to be positioned above the control board 4 .

The fixing pin 81 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is attached to the fixing plate 82 so as to protrude downward from the fixing plate 82 . Specifically, the fixing pin 81 is fixed to the fixing plate 82 by press fitting.
However, the method of attaching the fixing pin 81 to the fixing plate 82 is not limited to this case, and may be fixed by adhesion or the like. Furthermore, for example, when the fixing plate 82 is made of a synthetic resin material and the fixing pin 81 is made of a metal material, the fixing plate 82 and the fixing pin 81 may be integrally combined by insert molding.

A tip (lower end) of the fixing pin 81 is formed in a rounded hemispherical shape. However, it is not limited to this case, and the tip portion of the fixing pin 81 may be formed flat.
The fixing pin 81 is formed with a length such that the lower end portion is close to a movable plate 92 described later, or a length that ensures a slight gap between the lower end portion and the movable plate 92 .

The fixing pins 81 described above are arranged at regular intervals in a second direction L3 that is orthogonal to the first direction L2 that is the movable direction and the thickness direction L1. In the illustrated example, three fixing pins 81 are attached to the fixing plate 82 . However, the number of fixing pins 81 is not limited to this case.

The movable element 90 includes a movable plate 92 arranged parallel to the first direction L2, which is the movable direction, and a plurality of movable pins 91 attached to the movable plate 92 so as to protrude in the thickness direction L1. there is
The movable plate 92 is a plate-like plate formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, the length along the second direction L3 being longer than the length along the first direction L2. 4b is fixed to the central portion in the second direction L3. Therefore, the movable plate 92 is arranged below the fixed plate 82 and arranged side by side with the control board 4 in the first direction L2. At least a portion of the movable plate 92 faces the fixed plate 82 in the thickness direction L1.

The movable pin 91 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is attached to the movable plate 92 so as to protrude upward from the movable plate 92 . Specifically, the movable pin 91 is fixed to the movable plate 92 by press fitting.
However, the method of attaching the movable pin 91 to the movable plate 92 is not limited to this case, and may be fixed by adhesion or the like. Furthermore, for example, when the movable plate 92 is made of a synthetic resin material and the movable pin 91 is made of a metal material, the movable plate 92 and the movable pin 91 may be integrally combined by insert molding.

The upper end (tip) of the movable pin 91 is formed in a rounded hemispherical shape. However, it is not limited to this case, and the tip portion of the movable pin 91 may be formed flat.
The movable pin 91 is formed with a length such that the upper end portion is close to the fixed plate 82 or a length such that a slight gap is secured between the upper end portion and the fixed plate 82 .

The movable pins 91 described above are arranged at regular intervals in a second direction L3 that is orthogonal to the first direction L2 that is the movable direction and the thickness direction L1. In the illustrated example, four movable pins 91 are attached to the movable plate 92 . However, the number of movable pins 91 is not limited to this case.

The interval between the plurality of fixed pins 81 and the interval between the plurality of movable pins 91 are the same interval (pitch). Furthermore, the length of the fixed pin 81 and the length of the movable pin 91 are made equal. Thereby, the fixed pins 81 and the movable pins 91 are alternately arranged at regular intervals along the second direction L3.

Although the material of the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91 is not particularly limited, they are made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the shape memory alloy wire 40, for example. Specifically, the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91 are made of an aluminum material, and an anodized film, which serves as an insulating film, is formed on the surface thereof by alumite treatment or the like.
However, the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91 may be made of a metal material other than aluminum, such as brass, or may be made of a synthetic resin material.

In addition, the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91 of the present embodiment are arranged so as to be in contact with the shape memory alloy wire 40, and a radiator (a heat conductor according to the present invention) for dissipating heat from the shape memory alloy wire 40. ).

With respect to the stator 80 and the mover 90 configured as described above, the shape memory alloy wire 40 is alternately in contact with the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91, and is moved between the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91. are arranged in a wave shape (zigzag shape) in the second direction L3 so as to weave. Thereby, the shape memory alloy wire 40 is sandwiched between the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91 in a wavy shape.
Both ends of the shape memory alloy wire 40 are connected to connection terminals 41 attached to the movable plate 92 . The connection terminal 41 is electrically connected to a circuit pattern (not shown) on the control board 4 via a wiring portion (not shown).

(Function of portable information terminal)
Even in the case of the portable information terminal 70 configured as described above, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.
That is, since the shape memory alloy wire 40 is sandwiched between the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91 in a wavy shape, the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 40 causes the gap between the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91 to increase to the third. It can be changed in one direction L2. As a result, the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy wire 40 can be used to instantaneously displace the control board 4 to which the mover 90 is attached in the first direction L2. Therefore, a tactile sensation such as a click sensation can be applied to the fingertip touching the touch panel 2 .

Thus, even in the case of the actuator 71 using the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91, it is possible to achieve the same effect as in the first embodiment.
The lower end of the fixed pin 81 and the upper end of the movable pin 91 are both rounded. Proximity or a slight gap is ensured. Therefore, even when the fixed pin 81 and the movable pin 91 are used, the movement of the mover 90 and the control board 4 is not hindered, and the control board 4 can be moved smoothly.

In particular, in the case of this embodiment, the stator 80 is configured by attaching the fixing pins 81 to the fixing plate 82, so at least the fixing pins 81 need only have insulation and a predetermined thermal conductivity. It is possible to configure the stator 80 simply. Therefore, the stator 80 can be manufactured at low cost.
For example, after finishing a solid aluminum bar to a predetermined outer diameter, it can be used as the fixing pin 81 by cutting it to a predetermined length and processing the tip so as to be rounded. Therefore, the stator 80 can be manufactured at low cost.

In addition, the fixing plate 82 can be made of a material different from that of the fixing pin 81, such as a synthetic resin material.
Since the mover 90 also has the moveable pin 91, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the stator 80 described above.

In the above-described fourth embodiment, the fixing plate 82 is arranged above the control board 4 and the fixing pin 81 is formed so as to protrude downward, but it is not limited to this case. For example, the fixing plate 82 may be arranged below the control board 4 and the fixing pins 81 may be formed to protrude upward. In this case, the movable pin 91 may be formed so as to protrude downward from the movable plate 92 .

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Embodiments and modifications thereof include, for example, those that can be easily imagined by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those within an equivalent range.

For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the tactile sensation presentation device is applied to a mobile information terminal such as a smart phone. However, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to portable information terminals, and may be applied to, for example, car navigation systems for vehicles, and may be applied to various electronic devices, etc. that simulate a physical operational tactile sensation on fingertips when touched. I do not care.

Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, a case where a shape memory alloy wire is used as an example of an actuator has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, a piezoelectric actuator using a piezoelectric element, a solenoid type electromagnetic actuator, a voice coil type electromagnetic actuator (for example, a linear motor), or the like may be used.

Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the control board was described as an example of the movable board, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and a dedicated movable board having a predetermined weight may be used.
However, it is preferable to use the control board as in each embodiment because the configuration can be simplified. Particularly in this case, it is preferable to integrally combine a power supply section such as a secondary battery with the control board to increase the weight of the entire movable object including the power supply section and the control board. By doing so, a clearer tactile sensation can be applied to the fingertip.

Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the control board is moved (displaced) in the first direction along the plane of the control board has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, it may be moved (displaced) in the thickness direction of the control substrate.

L2... First direction (movable direction)
L3... second direction (perpendicular direction)
1, 50, 60, 70... Portable information terminal (tactile presentation device)
2... Touch panel (operation panel)
3... Casing 4... Control board (movable board)
5, 71... Actuator 15... Guide protrusion (guide member)
20... Stator, heat conductor 30... Mover, heat conductor 40... Shape memory alloy wire 45... Coil spring (elastic member)
46... Display panel 47... Control unit 51... Guide member 57, 61... Plate spring member (elastic member)
80... Stator 90... Mover 81... Fixed pin, heat conductor 91... Movable pin, heat conductor 100... Smart watch (tactile presentation device)

Claims (9)

a casing having an operation panel operated with a fingertip;
a movable substrate housed in the casing and movable along the movable direction;
an actuator provided between the casing and the movable substrate for instantaneously displacing the movable substrate in the movable direction with respect to the casing;
the actuator applies an inertial force to the casing based on the displacement of the movable substrate ;
The actuator is
a stator attached to the casing;
a movable element attached to the movable substrate;
A shape memory alloy wire that is arranged between the stator and the mover and whose length changes according to temperature,
The shape memory alloy wire changes the distance between the mover and the stator by expansion and contraction due to electrical heating,
An elastic member is provided between the casing and the movable substrate for urging the movable substrate along the movable direction so as to bring the mover toward the stator. A tactile presentation device characterized by: In the tactile sensation presentation device according to claim 1 ,
The actuator comprises a heat conductor arranged to contact the shape memory alloy wire ,
The tactile sense presentation device , wherein the stator and the mover function as the heat conductor . In the tactile sensation presentation device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The tactile sensation presentation device, wherein the shape memory alloy wire is electrically connected to the movable substrate. In the tactile sensation presentation device according to claim 1 ,
The elastic member is formed so that the elastic modulus in the movable direction is lower than the elastic modulus in two directions orthogonal to the movable direction, and the difference in elastic modulus causes the movable substrate to move in the movable direction. A tactile presentation device that guides movement. In the tactile sensation presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The stator includes a fixed plate arranged along the movable direction, and a plurality of fixed pins attached to the fixed plate so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the movable substrate,
The movable plate is arranged along the movable direction and at least a part of the movable plate is arranged to face the fixed plate in the thickness direction of the movable substrate; comprising a plurality of movable pins attached to the movable plate so as to protrude into
The plurality of fixed pins and the plurality of movable pins are arranged alternately at regular intervals along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the movable direction and the thickness direction,
The shape memory alloy wire is sandwiched between the fixed pin and the movable pin by being alternately in contact with the fixed pin and the movable pin and arranged in a wave shape in the orthogonal direction. Device. In the tactile sensation presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A tactile sensation presentation device, wherein a guide member is provided in the casing for movably guiding the movable substrate in the movable direction. In the tactile sensation presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
at least part of the actuator is arranged to overlap with the movable substrate in a thickness direction of the movable substrate;
The tactile sensation presentation device, wherein the movable direction is a direction parallel to the plane of the movable substrate. In the tactile sensation presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
the actuator and the movable substrate are arranged side by side in the movable direction,
The tactile sensation presentation device, wherein the movable direction is a direction parallel to the plane of the movable substrate. In the tactile sensation presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
a display panel provided in the casing for displaying information through the operation panel;
A tactile sensation presentation device, comprising: a control unit mounted on the movable substrate and configured to control display of the display panel according to operation of the operation panel.

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