JP7613630B2 - Support device, vibration device and electronic device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a support device for supporting a vibrated member, a vibration device, and an electronic device.

A known example of an invention related to a conventional support device is the vibration device described in Patent Document 1. The vibration device described in Patent Document 1 is used in an electronic device that includes an electronic device main body and an operation object that comes into contact with a part of the user's body to operate the electronic device.

International Publication No. 2021/261470

However, in the vibration device described in Patent Document 1, there is a demand to prevent the vibration device from being pinched between the electronic device body and the object to be operated when the user presses it, thereby inhibiting the vibration of the vibration device.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a support device, a vibration device, and an electronic device that can prevent the vibration of the vibration device, which generates vibrations when pressed by a user, from being pinched between the electronic device main body and the object to be operated, and inhibit the vibration of the vibration device from being hindered.

A support device according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
A support device attached to a vibrated member to which a user applies force, the vibrated member having upper and lower principal surfaces aligned in a vertical direction,
A support member is provided,
A part of the user's body or an operation member contacts the upper main surface,
the support member includes a supported portion supported by a housing and a supporting portion connected to the supported portion,
The support portion overlaps the vibrated member when viewed in the up-down direction and is located below the lower main surface.

In the following, X and Y are parts or members of the support device. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, each part of X is defined as follows: The upper part of X means the upper half of X. The upper end of X means the upper end of X. The upper end part of X means the upper end of X and its vicinity. This definition also applies to directions other than the upward direction.

In addition, the first corner of X means the first corner of X and its vicinity. This definition also applies to corners other than the first corner.

Furthermore, "X is located above Y" means that X is located directly above Y. Therefore, when viewed in the vertical direction, X overlaps with Y. "X is located above Y" means that X is located directly above Y, and that X is located diagonally above Y. Therefore, when viewed in the vertical direction, X may or may not overlap with Y. This definition also applies to directions other than the upward direction.

In this specification, "X and Y are electrically connected" means that electricity is conducted between X and Y. Therefore, X and Y may or may not be in contact with each other. When X and Y are not in contact with each other, a conductive Z is disposed between X and Y.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the vibration device from being pinched between the electronic device body and the object to be operated by the user's pressure, thereby preventing the vibration of the vibration device from being hindered.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of a housing 1, a vibrated member 2, an actuator 4 and a support device 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20 according to the first embodiment, viewed downward. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20 taken along line BB according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the second elastic connecting member 332 according to the first embodiment viewed downward. FIG. 5 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the second sensor 52 according to the first embodiment in a state in which the second sensor 52 is developed on a plane. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20a according to the second embodiment, viewed downward. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the housing first portion 1a, the vibrated member 2, the support member 3, the sensor 5 and the cushion member 6 according to the second embodiment, viewed in the front direction. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20b according to the third embodiment, viewed downward. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20c according to the fourth embodiment, viewed downward. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20d according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from below. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20e according to the sixth embodiment, viewed downward. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20f according to the first modified example. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20g according to the second modified example, viewed downward. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20g according to the second modified example. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20h according to the third modified example, viewed downward. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20i according to the fourth modified example. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20j according to the fifth modified example, viewed downward. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20k according to the sixth modified example, viewed downward. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4 and the support device 20k according to the sixth modified example.

[First embodiment]
The support device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20 taken along line A-A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20 taken along line B-B according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20 taken along line B-B according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the second elastic connecting member 332 taken along line B-B according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the second sensor 52 taken along line B-B according to the first embodiment when the second sensor 52 is unfolded on a plane.

In this specification, directions are defined as follows. The up-down direction is the direction in which the normal to the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 extends. The left-right direction is the direction in which the long side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 extends. The left-right direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction. The front-rear direction is the direction in which the short side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 extends. The front-rear direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction. Note that the up-down direction, left-right direction and front-rear direction in this embodiment do not have to coincide with the up-down direction, left-right direction and front-rear direction when the support device 20 is in use.

1, the support device 20 is used, for example, in an actuator unit that provides haptic feedback to the user 100 by vibrating the vibrated member 2 when the user 100 presses the vibrated member 2. As a result, when the user 100 presses the vibrated member 2, the vibrated member 2 vibrates, allowing the user 100 to feel that he or she has pressed the vibrated member 2.

In this embodiment, the housing 1 is a box having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As an example, the housing 1 includes a housing first part 1a, a housing second part 1b, and a housing third part 1c, as shown in FIG. 1. The housing first part 1a is the top surface of the housing 1. The housing third part 1c is the bottom surface of the housing 1. The housing second part 1b is a side surface of the housing 1. The housing second part 1b is located between the housing first part 1a and the housing third part 1c when viewed in the front-to-rear direction.

The housing 1 has an opening OP as shown in Figures 1 and 2. More specifically, the opening OP has a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction as shown in Figure 2. The opening OP penetrates the housing first part 1a in the vertical direction as shown in Figure 1. As a result, the housing first part 1a has a rectangular frame shape as shown in Figure 2.

In this embodiment, the vibrated member 2 has a plate shape as shown in FIG. 1 as an example. As a result, the vibrated member 2 has an upper main surface S1 and a lower main surface S2 aligned in the vertical direction. The upper main surface S1 is located on the lower main surface S2. In this embodiment, the upper main surface S1 and the lower main surface S2 are parallel. In this embodiment, each of the upper main surface S1 and the lower main surface S2 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. In addition, each of the upper main surface S1 and the lower main surface S2 has a long side extending in the left-right direction and a short side extending in the front-rear direction. That is, the upper main surface S1 has a rectangular shape with a front side located at the front end of the upper main surface S1, a rear side located at the rear end of the upper main surface S1, a left side located at the left end of the upper main surface S1, and a right side located at the right end of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction. In addition, the upper main surface S1 has a first angle formed by the front side and the left side, a second angle formed by the front side and the right side, a third angle formed by the rear side and the left side, and a fourth angle formed by the rear side and the right side.

In this embodiment, the vertical position of the vibrated member 2 is the same as the vertical position of the first housing part 1a. The vibrated member 2 is located within the opening OP when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. This allows the user 100 to touch the upper main surface S1, as shown in Figure 1. In other words, a part of the body of the user 100 comes into contact with the upper main surface S1. This allows the user 100 to apply a force to the vibrated member 2. In addition, the vibrated member 2 is not in contact with the housing 1.

In this embodiment, the actuator 4 includes a first film 41, a first electrode (not shown), and a second electrode (not shown). The actuator 4 has a film shape.

In this embodiment, the first film 41 includes a piezoelectric body. That is, the actuator 4 includes a piezoelectric body. The first film 41 also has an upper surface and a lower surface. The first electrode is provided on the upper surface of the first film 41 (not shown). The second electrode is provided on the lower surface of the first film 41 (not shown). The first electrode and the second electrode are, for example, metal coatings formed by vapor deposition.

In this embodiment, the actuator 4 has a first main surface S3 and a second main surface S4, as shown in FIG. 1. The first main surface S3 is located on the second main surface S4. The first main surface S3 is the upper surface of the first electrode. The second main surface S4 is the lower surface of the second electrode. More specifically, the first main surface S3 and the second main surface S4 each have a rectangular shape when viewed in the up-down direction. The first main surface S3 and the second main surface S4 each have a long side extending in the left-right direction and a short side extending in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the first main surface S3 and the second main surface S4 are parallel to each other. In addition, the upper main surface S1, the lower main surface S2, the first main surface S3, and the second main surface S4 are each parallel to each other.

As shown in Figure 1, the actuator 4 is attached to the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2. That is, the actuator 4 is attached to the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2. More specifically, in this embodiment, the actuator 4 is attached to the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2 in a state where it is slightly stretched in the left-right direction. The right end of the actuator 4 is attached to the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2 via an adhesive (not shown).

As an example, the support device 20 includes a support member 3 and four sensors 5, as shown in Figure 2.

As shown in Fig. 2, the support member 3 includes a supported portion 31, a supporting portion 32, and four elastic connecting members 33. As shown in Fig. 2, the support member 3 has a frame shape surrounding the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

In this embodiment, the supported portion 31 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed in the vertical direction. The supported portion 31 has a front long side, a rear long side, a right short side, and a left short side. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the supported portion 31 has a first portion P1 that does not overlap with the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. The first portion P1 is the front half of the front long side of the supported portion 31, the rear half of the rear long side of the supported portion 31, the left half of the left long side of the supported portion 31, and the right half of the right long side of the supported portion 31. The first portion P1 is located under the housing first portion 1a. And, the first portion P1 is supported by the housing 1 as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. More specifically, the first portion P1 is supported by the housing first portion 1a of the housing 1 as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. As a result, the supported portion 31 is supported by the housing 1.

The support portion 32 is connected to the supported portion 31 as shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, the support portion 32 protrudes rightward from the left short side of the inner edge of the support member 3. As a result, the support portion 32 overlaps with the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the up-down direction as shown in FIG. 2. Also, the support portion 32 is located below the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2 as shown in FIG. 1. The actuator 4 is attached to the support portion 32 as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the left end portion of the actuator 4 is attached to the upper surface of the support portion 32 via an adhesive (not shown). As described above, the support portion 32 supports the actuator 4.

In this embodiment, the actuator 4 expands and contracts in the left-right direction when an AC voltage is applied to the actuator 4. More specifically, the first film 41 expands and contracts in the left-right direction when a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode. For example, the actuator 4 expands in the left-right direction when a positive voltage is applied to the actuator 4. On the other hand, the actuator 4 contracts in the left-right direction when a negative voltage is applied to the actuator 4. That is, the actuator 4 vibrates in the left-right direction when an AC voltage is applied to the actuator 4. As a result, the actuator 4 vibrates the vibrated member 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vibrated member 2 vibrates in the left-right direction. The AC voltage is a voltage that periodically changes between positive and negative.

The vibrated member 2 is supported on the housing 1 via the support member 3. More specifically, the vibrated member 2 is elastically connected to the housing 1 via four elastic connecting members 33. This allows the vibrated member 2 to vibrate in any direction relative to the housing 1. The any direction may be the up-down direction, the left-right direction, the front-back direction, etc.

Here, the four elastic connecting members 33 are respectively referred to as a first elastic connecting member 331, a second elastic connecting member 332, a third elastic connecting member 333, and a fourth elastic connecting member 334. In this embodiment, the first elastic connecting member 331 overlaps with a first corner formed by the front side and the left side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 2. Also, the second elastic connecting member 332 overlaps with a second corner formed by the front side and the right side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 2. Also, the third elastic connecting member 333 overlaps with a third corner formed by the rear side and the left side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. Also, the fourth elastic connecting member 334 overlaps with a fourth corner formed by the rear side and the right side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 2.

The first elastic connecting member 331 has a structure that is symmetrical with the second elastic connecting member 332. The third elastic connecting member 333 has a structure that is point-symmetric with the second elastic connecting member 332. The fourth elastic connecting member 334 has a structure that is symmetrical with the second elastic connecting member 332. Therefore, the following description will focus on the second elastic connecting member 332, and descriptions of the first elastic connecting member 331, the third elastic connecting member 333, and the fourth elastic connecting member 334 will be omitted.

The second elastic connecting member 332 is attached to the supported part 31 as shown in Figure 3. The second elastic connecting member 332 protrudes from the right front corner of the supported part 31 in the left rear direction. The left rear end of the second elastic connecting member 332 is fixed to the vibrated member 2. As a result, the support member 3 is attached to the vibrated member 2 via the second elastic connecting member 332. In other words, the support device 20 is attached to the vibrated member 2.

The second elastic connecting member 332 elastically connects the vibrated member 2 and the supported portion 31. More specifically, the second elastic connecting member 332 is an elastic member. The material of the second elastic connecting member 332 is, for example, metal or resin. Therefore, the second elastic connecting member 332 elastically deforms. More specifically, the second elastic connecting member 332 includes an elastic deformation portion P33 that elastically deforms as shown in FIG. 4. The elastic deformation portion P33 elastically deforms, and the second elastic connecting member 332 elastically deforms. This allows the vibrated member 2 to vibrate in any direction relative to the housing 1. In this embodiment, when the user 100 applies a force F in the vertical direction to the vibrated member 2, the vertical component of the deformation amount of the second elastic connecting member 332 is greater than the maximum value of the deformation amount in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vibrated member 2.

Here, the four sensors 5 are respectively the first sensor 51, the second sensor 52, the third sensor 53, and the fourth sensor 54. In this embodiment, the first sensor 51 is attached to the first elastic connecting member 331 as shown in FIG. 2. The second sensor 52 is attached to the second elastic connecting member 332 as shown in FIG. 2. The third sensor 53 is attached to the third elastic connecting member 333 as shown in FIG. 2. The fourth sensor 54 is attached to the fourth elastic connecting member 334 as shown in FIG. 2. That is, the sensor 5 is attached to the elastic connecting member 33. The sensor 5 may be attached to at least one of the first elastic connecting member 331, the second elastic connecting member 332, the third elastic connecting member 333, and the fourth elastic connecting member 334.

The first sensor 51 has a structure that is symmetrical with the second sensor 52. The third sensor 53 has a structure that is point-symmetrical with the second sensor 52. The fourth sensor 54 has a structure that is symmetrical with the second sensor 52. Therefore, the following description will focus on the second sensor 52, and descriptions of the first sensor 51, the third sensor 53, and the fourth sensor 54 will be omitted.

The second sensor 52 is a sensor that detects the force applied to the vibrated member 2. In this embodiment, the second sensor 52 includes a film 521, a third electrode 52F, a fourth electrode 52B, a charge amplifier 522, and an integrating circuit 523, as shown in Fig. 5. The second sensor 52 has a film shape.

5, the second sensor 52 has a third main surface S5 and a fourth main surface S6. Each of the third main surface S5 and the fourth main surface S6 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the up-down direction when the second sensor 52 is unfolded on a plane. Each of the third main surface S5 and the fourth main surface S6 has a long side extending in the left-right direction and a short side extending in the front-back direction when the second sensor 52 is unfolded on a plane. In this embodiment, the third main surface S5 and the fourth main surface S6 are parallel. In addition, the third main surface S5 is located on the fourth main surface S6.

5, the film 521 has an upper surface and a lower surface. In this embodiment, the film 521 includes a piezoelectric body. That is, the second sensor 52 includes a piezoelectric body. Also, the film 521 is a piezoelectric film. More specifically, in this embodiment, the film 521 is a PLLA film.

The film 521 generates an electric charge according to the differential value of the displacement of the film 521. The film 521 has a characteristic that the polarity of the electric charge generated when the film 521 is stretched in the left-right direction is the opposite of the polarity of the electric charge generated when the film 521 is stretched in the front-back direction. Specifically, the film 521 is a film formed from a chiral polymer. An example of a chiral polymer is polylactic acid (PLA), particularly L-type polylactic acid (PLLA). PLLA, which is made of a chiral polymer, has a helical main chain structure. PLLA has piezoelectricity in which the molecules are oriented when stretched uniaxially. The film 521 has a piezoelectric constant of d14.

In this embodiment, the uniaxial stretching axis OD of the film 521 forms an angle of 45 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the left-right direction and an angle of 45 degrees clockwise with respect to the front-back direction. That is, the film 521 is stretched in at least one axial direction. This 45 degrees includes, for example, an angle of about 45 degrees ±10 degrees. As a result, the film 521 generates electric charges when the film 521 is deformed so as to be expanded in the left-right direction or compressed in the left-right direction. For example, the film 521 generates a positive electric charge when it is deformed so as to be expanded in the left-right direction. For example, the film 521 generates a negative electric charge when it is deformed so as to be compressed in the left-right direction. The magnitude of the generated electric charge depends on the differential value of the displacement of the film 521 due to the expansion or compression.

The third electrode 52F is a signal electrode. As shown in FIG. 5, the third electrode 52F is provided on the upper surface of the film 521. The third electrode 52F covers the upper surface of the film 521. In other words, the third principal surface S5 is the upper surface of the third electrode 52F. The third electrode 52F is, for example, a metal coating formed by vapor deposition.

The fourth electrode 52B is a ground electrode. The fourth electrode 52B is connected to a ground potential. The fourth electrode 52B is provided on the lower surface of the film 521 as shown in FIG. 5. The fourth electrode 52B covers the lower surface of the film 521. In other words, the fourth principal surface S6 is the lower surface of the fourth electrode 52B. The fourth electrode 52B is, for example, a metal coating formed by vapor deposition.

The charge amplifier 522 converts the charge generated by the film 521 into a voltage signal. After conversion, the charge amplifier 522 outputs the voltage signal to the integration circuit 523.

The integration circuit 523 integrates the voltage signal over time. This causes the second sensor 52 to output a first detection signal that indicates the relationship between the amount of deformation of the film 521 and time.

In this embodiment, the second sensor 52 detects the force applied to the vibrated member 2 by detecting the deformation amount of the second elastic connecting member 332. More specifically, the second sensor 52 is attached to the second elastic connecting member 332 as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the third main surface S5 of the second sensor 52 is attached to the lower surface of the second elastic connecting member 332, for example, via an insulating adhesive (not shown). As a result, in this embodiment, the second sensor 52 obtains a first detection signal indicating the relationship between the deformation amount of the second elastic connecting member 332 and time. As a result, the second sensor 52 can detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 by detecting the deformation amount of the second elastic connecting member 332.

[effect]
According to the support device 20, the vibration device that generates vibrations is sandwiched between the electronic device body and the operation target object by the user's pressure, and the vibration of the vibration device can be suppressed from being inhibited. More specifically, the support device 20 includes a support section 32. The support section 32 overlaps with the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction, and is located below the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2. The actuator 4 is attached to the support section 32 and the vibrated member 2. As a result, the actuator 4 does not protrude from the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the user 100 applies a large pressure, the support device 20 can suppress the actuator 4 from being sandwiched between the vibrated member 2 and the supported section 31, and the vibration of the actuator 4 is inhibited. As a result, according to the support device 20, the vibration device that generates vibrations is sandwiched between the electronic device body and the operation target object by the user's pressure, and the vibration of the vibration device can be suppressed from being inhibited.

The support device 20 allows the support device 20 to be supported on the housing 1. More specifically, the support member 3 includes a supported portion 31. The supported portion 31 has a first portion P1 that does not overlap with the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the up-down direction. The first portion P1 is supported on the housing 1. This allows the supported portion 31 to be supported on the housing 1. Therefore, the support member 3 is supported on the housing 1. As a result, the support device 20 allows the support device 20 to be supported on the housing 1.

According to the support device 20, it is possible to detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 without attaching a sensor to the vibrated member 2. More specifically, the support member 3 includes an elastic connecting member 33 that elastically connects the vibrated member 2 and the supported portion 31. The elastic connecting member 33 deforms when a force is applied to the vibrated member 2. The sensor 5 is attached to the elastic connecting member 33. The sensor 5 detects the force applied to the vibrated member 2. Specifically, the sensor 5 detects the force applied to the vibrated member 2 by detecting the amount of deformation of the elastic connecting member 33. As a result, according to the support device 20, it is possible to detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 without attaching a sensor to the vibrated member 2.

According to the support device 20, it is possible to detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 with higher accuracy without attaching a sensor to the vibrated member 2. More specifically, the material of the elastic connecting member 33 is metal or resin. The elastic connecting member 33 also includes an elastic deformation portion P33 that elastically deforms. By attaching the sensor 5 to the elastic deformation portion P33, it becomes easier to detect the amount of deformation of the elastic connecting member 33, and it is possible to detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 with higher accuracy. As a result, according to the support device 20, it is possible to detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 with higher accuracy without attaching a sensor to the vibrated member 2.

According to the support device 20, it is possible to detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 with higher accuracy without attaching a sensor to the vibrated member 2. When the user 100 applies a force F in the vertical direction to the vibrated member 2, the vertical component of the deformation amount of the elastic connecting member 33 is greater than the maximum deformation amount in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vibrated member 2. The sensor 5 detects the force applied to the vibrated member 2 by detecting the deformation amount of the elastic connecting member 33. As a result, since the sensor 5 is attached to the elastic connecting member 33, it is possible to detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 with higher accuracy than if the sensor 5 were attached to the vibrated member 2. As a result, according to the support device 20, it is possible to detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 with higher accuracy without attaching a sensor to the vibrated member 2.

According to the support device 20, the force applied to the vibrated member 2 can be detected with high accuracy without attaching a sensor to the vibrated member 2. More specifically, the upper main surface S1 or the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2 has a rectangular shape having a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side when viewed in the vertical direction. In addition, the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps at least one of the first corner formed by the front side and the left side, the second corner formed by the front side and the right side, the third corner formed by the rear side and the left side, or the fourth corner formed by the rear side and the right side when viewed in the vertical direction. As a result, when the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps with the first corner when viewed in the vertical direction, the sensor 5 can detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 with high accuracy when the user 100 applies force to the first corner of the vibrated member 2. Furthermore, when the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps with the second corner portion when viewed in the vertical direction, the sensor 5 can detect with high accuracy the force applied to the vibrated member 2 when the user 100 applies force to the second corner portion of the vibrated member 2. Furthermore, when the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps with the third corner portion when viewed in the vertical direction, the sensor 5 can detect with high accuracy the force applied to the vibrated member 2 when the user 100 applies force to the third corner portion of the vibrated member 2. Furthermore, when the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps with the fourth corner portion when viewed in the vertical direction, the sensor 5 can detect with high accuracy the force applied to the vibrated member 2 when the user 100 applies force to the fourth corner portion of the vibrated member 2. As a result, according to the support device 20, it is possible to detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 with higher accuracy without attaching a sensor to the vibrated member 2.

The support device 20 can stabilize the support of the vibrated member 2. More specifically, the support member 3 has a frame shape surrounding the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. This allows the support device 20 to support the outer periphery of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. As a result, the support device 20 can stabilize the support of the vibrated member 2.

Second Embodiment
A support device 20a according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20a according to the second embodiment, viewed downward. Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the housing first part 1a, the vibrated member 2, the support member 3, the sensor 5, and the cushion member 6 according to the second embodiment, viewed forward. Regarding the support device 20a according to the second embodiment, only the parts different from the support device 20 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20a differs from support device 20 in that the mounting position of support portion 32 is different, the mounting positions of first elastic connecting member 331, second elastic connecting member 332, third elastic connecting member 333 and fourth elastic connecting member 334 are different, each of the four elastic connecting members 33 includes a second portion P2 extending in the vertical direction, and support device 20a further includes four cushion members 6.

In this embodiment, the support portion 32 is located in front of the support portion 32 according to the first embodiment. As a result, the actuator 4 is located in front of the actuator 4 according to the first embodiment. Even in this case, the actuator 4 vibrates the vibrated member 2.

In this embodiment, the first elastic connecting member 331 protrudes in the rear direction from the front long side of the supported portion 31. As a result, the first elastic connecting member 331 overlaps with the midpoint of the front side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 6. The second elastic connecting member 332 protrudes in the front direction from the rear long side of the supported portion 31. As a result, the second elastic connecting member 332 overlaps with the midpoint of the rear side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 6. The third elastic connecting member 333 protrudes in the right direction from the left short side of the supported portion 31. As a result, the third elastic connecting member 333 overlaps with the midpoint of the left side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. The fourth elastic connecting member 334 protrudes in the left direction from the right short side of the supported portion 31. As a result, the fourth elastic connecting member 334 overlaps with the midpoint of the right side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 6.

Each of the first elastic connecting member 331, the second elastic connecting member 332, the third elastic connecting member 333 and the fourth elastic connecting member 334 includes a second portion P2 extending in the up-down direction, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the second portion P2 is located above the elastic deformation portion P33. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the second portion P2 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the up-down direction.

Each of the four cushion members 6 is made of a material that is easily deformed when subjected to an external force. Each of the four cushion members 6 is, for example, a foam material.

Here, the four cushion members 6 are respectively a first cushion member 61, a second cushion member 62, a third cushion member 63, and a fourth cushion member 64. In this embodiment, the first cushion member 61 is attached to the first elastic connecting member 331 as shown in FIG. 6. More specifically, the vibrated member 2, the first cushion member 61, and the second part P2 of the first elastic connecting member 331 have parts located at the same position in the vertical direction. In addition, the first cushion member 61 is attached between the vibrated member 2 and the second part P2 of the first elastic connecting member 331. As a result, the second part P2 of the first elastic connecting member 331 supports the vibrated member 2 from the front direction via the first cushion member 61.

As shown in Figure 6, the second cushion member 62 is attached to the second elastic connecting member 332. More specifically, the vibrated member 2, the second cushion member 62 and the second part P2 of the second elastic connecting member 332 have parts located at the same position in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the second cushion member 62 is attached between the vibrated member 2 and the second part P2 of the second elastic connecting member 332. As a result, the second part P2 of the second elastic connecting member 332 supports the vibrated member 2 from the rear direction via the second cushion member 62.

The third cushion member 63 is attached to the third elastic connecting member 333 as shown in Figure 6. More specifically, the vibrated member 2, the third cushion member 63 and the second part P2 of the third elastic connecting member 333 have parts located at the same position in the up-down direction as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, the third cushion member 63 is attached between the vibrated member 2 and the second part P2 of the third elastic connecting member 333 as shown in Figure 7. As a result, the second part P2 of the third elastic connecting member 333 supports the vibrated member 2 from the left direction via the third cushion member 63.

The fourth cushion member 64 is attached to the fourth elastic connecting member 334 as shown in Figure 6. More specifically, the vibrated member 2, the fourth cushion member 64 and the second portion P2 of the fourth elastic connecting member 334 have portions located at the same position in the up-down direction as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, the fourth cushion member 64 is attached between the vibrated member 2 and the second portion P2 of the fourth elastic connecting member 334 as shown in Figure 7. As a result, the second portion P2 of the fourth elastic connecting member 334 supports the vibrated member 2 from the right direction via the fourth cushion member 64.

According to the support device 20a, it is possible to detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 with high accuracy without attaching a sensor to the vibrated member 2. More specifically, the upper main surface S1 or the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2 has a rectangular shape having a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side when viewed in the vertical direction. In addition, the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps with at least one of the midpoint of the front side, the midpoint of the rear side, the midpoint of the left side, or the right side when viewed in the vertical direction. As a result, when the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps with the midpoint of the front side when viewed in the vertical direction, the sensor 5 can detect with high accuracy the force applied to the vibrated member 2 when the user 100 applies force to the front side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2. In addition, when the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps with the midpoint of the rear side when viewed in the vertical direction, the sensor 5 can detect with high accuracy the force applied to the vibrated member 2 when the user 100 applies force to the rear side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2. Furthermore, when the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps with the midpoint of the left side when viewed in the vertical direction, the sensor 5 can detect with high accuracy the force applied to the vibrated member 2 when the user 100 applies force to the left side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2. Furthermore, when the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps with the midpoint of the right side when viewed in the vertical direction, the sensor 5 can detect with high accuracy the force applied to the vibrated member 2 when the user 100 applies force to the right side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2. As a result, the support device 20 can detect the force applied to the vibrated member 2 with higher accuracy without attaching a sensor to the vibrated member 2.

The support device 20a can support the vibrated member 2 without hindering the vibration of the vibrated member 2. More specifically, the vibrated member 2, the cushion member 6, and the second part P2 of the elastic connecting member 33 have parts located at the same position in the vertical direction. The cushion member 6 is attached between the vibrated member 2 and the second part P2 of the elastic connecting member 33. Here, the cushion member 6 is made of a material that is easily deformed when subjected to an external force. As a result, the cushion member 6 does not hinder the vibration of the vibrated member 2. The second part P2 of the elastic connecting member 33 supports the vibrated member 2 via the cushion member 6. As a result, the support device 20a can support the vibrated member 2 without hindering the vibration of the vibrated member 2.

[Third embodiment]
A support device 20b according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20b according to the third embodiment, viewed from below. Regarding the support device 20b according to the third embodiment, only the parts that are different from the support device 20a according to the second embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20b differs from support device 20a in that the mounting position of support portion 32 is different, the mounting positions of first elastic connecting member 331, second elastic connecting member 332, third elastic connecting member 333 and fourth elastic connecting member 334 are different, and the shape of second portion P2.

In this embodiment, the support portion 32 is located at the same position as the support portion 32 in the first embodiment. As a result, the mounting position of the actuator 4 is the same as that of the actuator 4 in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the first elastic connecting member 331 protrudes in the right rear direction from the left front corner of the supported portion 31. As a result, the first elastic connecting member 331 overlaps with the first corner formed by the front side and the left side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 8. The second elastic connecting member 332 protrudes in the left rear direction from the right front corner of the supported portion 31. As a result, the second elastic connecting member 332 overlaps with the second corner formed by the front side and the right side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 8. The third elastic connecting member 333 protrudes in the right front direction from the left rear corner of the supported portion 31. As a result, the third elastic connecting member 333 overlaps with the third corner formed by the rear side and the left side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. Moreover, the fourth elastic connecting member 334 protrudes in the left front direction from the right rear corner of the supported portion 31. As a result, the fourth elastic connecting member 334 overlaps with the fourth corner formed by the rear side and the right side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the up-down direction, as shown in Fig. 8. In other words, the respective attachment positions of the first elastic connecting member 331, the second elastic connecting member 332, the third elastic connecting member 333 and the fourth elastic connecting member 334 are the same as the respective attachment positions of the first elastic connecting member 331, the second elastic connecting member 332, the third elastic connecting member 333 and the fourth elastic connecting member 334 according to the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the second portion P2 has an L-shape when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 8. More specifically, the second portion P2 of the first elastic connecting member 331 is located to the left of the first corner as shown in FIG. 8. The second portion P2 of the first elastic connecting member 331 is located to the left of the first corner as viewed in the vertical direction and has a portion that extends in the front-rear direction. The second portion P2 of the first elastic connecting member 331 is located in front of the first corner as viewed in the vertical direction and has a portion that extends in the left-right direction. As a result, the second portion P2 of the first elastic connecting member 331 supports the vibrated member 2 from the left front direction via the first cushion member 61.

8, the second portion P2 of the second elastic connecting member 332 is located to the right of the second corner. When viewed in the up-down direction, the second portion P2 of the second elastic connecting member 332 is located to the right of the second corner and has a portion extending in the front-rear direction. When viewed in the up-down direction, the second portion P2 of the second elastic connecting member 332 is located in front of the second corner and has a portion extending in the left-right direction. As a result, the second portion P2 of the second elastic connecting member 332 supports the vibrated member 2 from the front right direction via the second cushion member 62.

As shown in Figure 8, the second portion P2 of the third elastic connecting member 333 is located to the left and rear of the third corner. When viewed in the up-down direction, the second portion P2 of the third elastic connecting member 333 is located to the left of the third corner and has a portion extending in the front-to-rear direction. When viewed in the up-down direction, the second portion P2 of the third elastic connecting member 333 is located behind the third corner and has a portion extending in the left-to-right direction. As a result, the second portion P2 of the third elastic connecting member 333 supports the vibrated member 2 from the left and rear direction via the third cushion member 63.

As shown in Figure 8, the second portion P2 of the fourth elastic connecting member 334 is located to the right of the fourth corner. When viewed in the vertical direction, the second portion P2 of the fourth elastic connecting member 334 is located to the right of the fourth corner and has a portion extending in the front-to-rear direction. When viewed in the vertical direction, the second portion P2 of the fourth elastic connecting member 334 is located behind the fourth corner and has a portion extending in the left-to-right direction. As a result, the second portion P2 of the fourth elastic connecting member 334 supports the vibrated member 2 from the right rear direction via the fourth cushion member 64.

The support device 20b as described above also has the same effect as the support device 20a.

[Fourth embodiment]
A support device 20c according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20c according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from below. Regarding the support device 20c according to the fourth embodiment, only the parts that are different from the support device 20a according to the second embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20c differs from support device 20a in that the mounting position of support portion 32 is different and the mounting positions of first elastic connecting member 331, second elastic connecting member 332, third elastic connecting member 333 and fourth elastic connecting member 334 are different.

In this embodiment, the support portion 32 is located at the same position as the support portion 32 according to the first embodiment. As a result, the mounting position of the actuator 4 is the same as that of the actuator 4 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the vibration direction VD of the vibrated member 2 is the left-right direction as shown in FIG. 9. As a result, each of the left and right sides intersects with the vibration direction VD of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the up-down direction. On the other hand, each of the front and rear sides does not intersect with the vibration direction VD of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the up-down direction.

In this embodiment, the first elastic connecting member 331 protrudes to the right from the left short side of the inner edge of the support member 3. As a result, the first elastic connecting member 331 overlaps with the left side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 9. The second elastic connecting member 332 protrudes to the left from the right short side of the inner edge of the support member 3. As a result, the second elastic connecting member 332 overlaps with the right side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 9. The third elastic connecting member 333 protrudes to the right from the left short side of the inner edge of the support member 3. As a result, the third elastic connecting member 333 overlaps with the left side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. The fourth elastic connecting member 334 protrudes to the left from the right short side of the inner edge of the support member 3. As a result, the fourth elastic connecting member 334 overlaps with the right side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the up-down direction, as shown in FIG.

The support device 20c described above also has the same effect as the support device 20a.

[Fifth embodiment]
A support device 20d according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20d according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from below. Regarding the support device 20d according to the fifth embodiment, only the parts that are different from the support device 20b according to the third embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20d differs from support device 20b in that the mounting position of the first elastic connecting member 331 is different and in that it does not include a second elastic connecting member 332, a second sensor 52, or a second cushion member 62.

In this embodiment, the first elastic connecting member 331 protrudes rearward from the front long side of the inner edge of the support member 3. As a result, the first elastic connecting member 331 overlaps with the midpoint of the front side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the up-down direction, as shown in FIG.

Here, the front edge and the rear edge are in an opposite side relationship. Also, the left edge and the right edge are in an opposite side relationship. As shown in Figure 10, the third elastic connecting member 333 overlaps with the left end portion (first end portion) of the rear edge of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. Also, as shown in Figure 10, the fourth elastic connecting member 334 overlaps with the right end portion (second end portion) of the rear edge of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

The support device 20d described above also has the same effect as the support device 20b.

Sixth embodiment
A support device 20e according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20e according to the sixth embodiment, viewed from below. Regarding the support device 20e according to the sixth embodiment, only the parts that are different from the support device 20b according to the third embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20e differs from support device 20b in that it does not include a second elastic connecting member 332, a second sensor 52, or a second cushion member 62, and in that it does not include a third elastic connecting member 333, a third sensor 53, or a third cushion member 63.

The first elastic connecting member 331 overlaps with the first corner when viewed in the vertical direction. The fourth elastic connecting member 334 overlaps with the fourth corner when viewed in the vertical direction. The first corner and the fourth corner are in a diagonal relationship. The second corner and the third corner are in a diagonal relationship.

The support device 20e described above also has the same effect as the support device 20b.

[First Modification]
A support device 20f according to a first modified example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20f according to the first modified example taken along line A-A. In addition, only the parts of the support device 20f according to the first modified example that are different from the support device 20 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20f differs from support device 20 in the shape of the first housing part 1a, the position of the vibrated member 2, and in that it is provided with a fifth cushion member 65 and a sixth cushion member 66.

In this embodiment, the first housing part 1a has a part that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the first housing part 1a, as shown in Fig. 12. The first part P1 of the supported part 31 is attached to the part that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the first housing part 1a, as shown in Fig. 12. In this way, the supported part 31 is supported by the housing 1.

The first housing part 1a overlaps with the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. More specifically, the vertical position of the vibrated member 2 is lower than the vertical position of the first housing part 1a, as shown in FIG. 12.

Each of the fifth cushion member 65 and the sixth cushion member 66 is made of a material that is easily deformed when subjected to an external force. Each of the fifth cushion member 65 and the sixth cushion member 66 is, for example, a foam material.

The fifth cushion member 65 overlaps with the first housing part 1a and the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the up-down direction. Moreover, the fifth cushion member 65 is attached between the first housing part 1a and the vibrated member 2 as shown in Fig. 12. The sixth cushion member 66 overlaps with both the vibrated member 2 and the supported portion 31 when viewed in the up-down direction. Moreover, the sixth cushion member 66 is attached between the vibrated member 2 and the supported portion 31 as shown in Fig. 12.

The support device 20f described above also has the same effect as the support device 20b.

[Second Modification]
A support device 20g according to a second modified example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20g according to the second modified example, viewed downward. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20g according to the second modified example taken along line CC. In addition, only the parts of the support device 20g according to the second modified example that are different from the support device 20f according to the first modified example will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20g differs from support device 20 in that it does not have a sensor 5, the support member 3 does not include four elastic connecting members 33, and has four fasteners 7.

The support device 20g is supported on the housing 1 by four fasteners 7. More specifically, the four fasteners 7 are located at the left front, right front, left rear, and right rear of the support member 3 when viewed in the up-down direction as shown in Fig. 13. Each of the four fasteners 7 is, for example, a retaining screw.

As shown in FIG. 14, each of the four fasteners 7 supports the supported portion 31 of the support member 3 on the first housing portion 1a of the housing 1. As shown in FIG. 14, each of the four fasteners 7 is provided with a seventh cushion member 81 and an eighth cushion member 82 that surround the four fasteners 7. Each of the seventh cushion member 81 and the eighth cushion member 82 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 14, the vertical length of the seventh cushion member 81 is longer than the horizontal length of the seventh cushion member 81. As shown in FIG. 14, the horizontal length of the eighth cushion member 82 is longer than the vertical length of the eighth cushion member 82.

Even with the support device 20f described above, when the user presses it, the vibration device that generates vibrations can be prevented from being pinched between the electronic device main body and the object to be operated, thereby preventing the vibration of the vibration device from being hindered.

[Third Modification]
The support device 20h according to the third modified example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 15 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20h according to the third modified example, viewed downward. In Fig. 15, only representative resin balls 8 among the multiple resin balls 8 are labeled with reference numerals. Also, for the support device 20h according to the third modified example, only the parts that are different from the support device 20g according to the second modified example will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20h differs from support device 20g in that it is equipped with a plurality of resin balls 8.

Each of the multiple resin balls 8 is provided around the vibrated member 2 as shown in Figure 15 when viewed in the vertical direction. Also, each of the multiple resin balls 8 overlaps with the supported portion 31 of the support member 3 when viewed in the vertical direction.

The support device 20h described above also has the same effect as the support device 20g.

[Fourth Modification]
The support device 20i according to the fourth modified example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20i according to the fourth modified example taken along line CC. Regarding the support device 20i according to the fourth modified example, only the differences from the support device 20g according to the second modified example will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20i differs from support device 20g in that it further comprises a plate-shaped member 9.

The plate-shaped member 9 is made of a metal such as SUS (Stainless Used Steel). As shown in Fig. 16, the plate-shaped member 9 is attached between the vibrated member 2 and the supported portion 31. As shown in Fig. 16, the plate-shaped member 9 supports the vibrated member 2.

Each of the four fasteners 7 supports the supported portion 31 of the support member 3 and the plate-shaped member 9 on the first housing part 1a of the housing 1, as shown in FIG. 16.

The support device 20i as described above also has the same effect as the support device 20g.

[Fifth Modification]
The following describes a support device 20j according to a fifth modified example of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Fig. 17 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20j according to the fifth modified example, viewed downward. Regarding the support device 20j according to the fifth modified example, only the parts that are different from the support device 20g according to the second modified example will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20j differs from support device 20g in that it includes a plurality of ninth cushion members 83. Each of the plurality of ninth cushion members 83 is made of a material that is easily deformed when subjected to an external force. Each of the plurality of ninth cushion members 83 is, for example, a foam material.

17, each of the multiple ninth cushion members 83 is located in front of the front edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, behind the rear edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, to the left of the left edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, and to the right of the right edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2. Each of the multiple ninth cushion members 83 is attached to the upper surface of the supported portion 31. As a result, each of the multiple ninth cushion members 83 is in contact with the front edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, the rear edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, the left edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, and the right edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2.

The support device 20j described above also has the same effect as the support device 20g.

[Sixth Modification]
The support device 20k according to the sixth modified example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 18 is a plan view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20k according to the sixth modified example, viewed downward. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 1, the vibrated member 2, the actuator 4, and the support device 20k according to the sixth modified example, taken along line CC. In addition, only the parts of the support device 20k according to the sixth modified example that are different from the support device 20f according to the first modified example will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

Support device 20k differs from support device 20 in that it does not include a sensor 5, the support member 3 does not include four elastic connecting members 33, it includes a plurality of ninth cushion members 83, it includes four fasteners 7 and four spacers 10, and it does not include a fifth cushion member 65.

Each of the ninth cushion members 83 is made of a material that is easily deformed when subjected to an external force. Each of the ninth cushion members 83 is, for example, a foam material.

As shown in FIG. 18, each of the multiple ninth cushion members 83 is located at the front edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, the rear edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, the left edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, and the right edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. Also, each of the multiple ninth cushion members 83 overlaps with the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 18. Also, it is attached to the upper surface of the supported portion 31. As a result, each of the multiple ninth cushion members 83 is in contact with the front edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, the rear edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, the left edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2, and the right edge of the lower main surface S2 of the vibrated member 2.

The support device 20k is supported on the housing 1 by four fasteners 7. More specifically, the four fasteners 7 are located at the left front, right front, left rear, and right rear of the support member 3 when viewed in the up-down direction as shown in Fig. 18. Each of the four fasteners 7 is, for example, a retaining screw.

As shown in FIG. 19, each of the four fasteners 7 supports the supported portion 31 of the support member 3 on the housing first portion 1a of the housing 1. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, each of the four fasteners 7 supports the vibrated member 2 on the housing first portion 1a of the housing 1. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, each of the four fasteners 7 is provided with one of four spacers 10 surrounding the periphery of each of the four fasteners 7. Each of the four spacers 10 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. Each of the four spacers 10 is, for example, metal.

Even with the support device 20k as described above, when the user presses it, the vibration device that generates vibrations can be prevented from being pinched between the electronic device main body and the object to be operated, thereby preventing the vibration of the vibration device from being hindered.

[Other embodiments]
The supporting device according to the present invention is not limited to the supporting devices 20, 20a to 20k, and may be modified within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the configurations of the supporting devices 20, 20a to 20k may be combined in any manner.

The upper main surface S1 and the lower main surface S2 do not have to be parallel to each other. Furthermore, the upper main surface S1, the lower main surface S2, the first main surface S3, and the second main surface S4 do not have to be parallel to each other.

In addition, the lower main surface S2 may have a rectangular shape having a front edge located at the front end of the upper main surface S1, a rear edge located at the rear end of the upper main surface S1, a left edge located at the left end of the upper main surface S1, and a right edge located at the right end of the upper main surface S1, when viewed in the vertical direction. In addition, the lower main surface S2 may have a first angle formed by the front edge and the left edge, a second angle formed by the front edge and the right edge, a third angle formed by the rear edge and the left edge, and a fourth angle formed by the rear edge and the right edge, in addition to the upper main surface S1.

In addition, the upper main surface S1 may be contacted by an operating member, not just a part of the user's 100 body.

In addition, the support member 3 does not have to have a frame shape surrounding the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

In addition, the supported portion 31 does not have to have a first portion P1 that does not overlap with the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

In addition, in the support device 20, the number of elastic connecting members 33 is not limited to four, and may be one or more. In this case, when viewed in the vertical direction, the elastic connecting member 33 may overlap at least one of the following: a first corner formed by the front edge and left edge of the upper main surface S1, a second corner formed by the front edge and right edge of the upper main surface S1, a third corner formed by the rear edge and left edge of the upper main surface S1, or a fourth corner formed by the rear edge and right edge of the upper main surface S1.

In addition, in the support device 20a, the number of elastic connecting members 33 is not limited to four, and may be one or more. In this case, it is sufficient that the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps at least one of the midpoint of the front side of the upper main surface S1, the midpoint of the rear side of the upper main surface S1, the midpoint of the left side of the upper main surface S1, or the midpoint of the right side of the upper main surface S1 when viewed in the vertical direction.

In addition, in the support device 20c, the number of elastic connecting members 33 is not limited to four, and may be one or more. In this case, it is sufficient that the elastic connecting member 33 overlaps at least one of the front edge of the upper main surface S1, the rear edge of the upper main surface S1, the left edge of the upper main surface S1, and the right edge of the upper main surface S1, which intersect with the vibration direction VD of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction, when viewed in the vertical direction.

In addition, in the support device 20d, the first elastic connecting member 331 may overlap the midpoint of the rear edge of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this case, the third elastic connecting member 333 may overlap the left end of the front edge of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. Moreover, the fourth elastic connecting member 334 may overlap the right end of the front edge of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

In addition, in the support device 20d, the first elastic connecting member 331 may overlap the midpoint of the left side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this case, the third elastic connecting member 333 may overlap the front end of the right side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. Moreover, the fourth elastic connecting member 334 may overlap the rear end of the right side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

In addition, in the support device 20d, the first elastic connecting member 331 may overlap the midpoint of the right side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this case, the third elastic connecting member 333 may overlap the front end of the left side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. Moreover, the fourth elastic connecting member 334 may overlap the rear end of the left side of the upper main surface S1 of the vibrated member 2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

In the support device 20e, the first elastic connecting member 331 only needs to overlap, when viewed in the vertical direction, a first corner formed by the front edge and left edge of the upper main surface S1, a second corner formed by the front edge and right edge of the upper main surface S1, a third corner formed by the rear edge and left edge of the upper main surface S1, or a fourth corner formed by the rear edge and right edge of the upper main surface S1. In this case, the fourth elastic connecting member 334 only needs to overlap, when viewed in the vertical direction, with the diagonal corner of the corner overlapped by the first elastic connecting member 331.

The material of the elastic connecting member 33 may be, for example, acrylic resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), SUS (Steel Use Stainless), glass, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), or silicon.

The elastic connecting member 33 is not essential. In this case, the support device 20 may be attached to the vibrated member 2 by attaching the support part 32 to the vibrated member 2.

Note that the elastic deformation portion P33 is not essential.

The actuator 4 does not have to include a piezoelectric material. The actuator 4 may be, for example, a Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA).

The direction in which the actuator 4 vibrates the vibrated member 2 is not limited to the left-right direction. The direction in which the actuator 4 vibrates the vibrated member 2 may be, for example, the front-back direction, or any other direction.

In addition, the actuator 4 does not have to have the first main surface S3 and the second main surface S4.

Note that actuator 4 is not required.

Note that sensor 5 is not required.

As shown in Figure 1, the support device 20 and the vibrated member 2 may be modularized to form a vibration device 30.

As shown in Figure 1, the support device 20 and the actuator 4 may be modularized to form a vibration device 40.

As shown in FIG. 1, the support device 20 and the housing 1 may be modularized to form an electronic device 50.

1: Housing 1a: Housing first part 1b: Housing second part 1c: Housing third part 2: Vibrated member 3: Support member 4: Actuator 5: Sensor 6: Cushion member 7: Fastener 8: Resin ball 9: Plate-shaped member 10: Spacers 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g, 20h, 20i, 20j, 20k: Support device 30: Vibration device 31: Supported part 32: Support part 33: Elastic connecting member 40: Vibration device 41: First film 50: Electronic device 51: First sensor 52: Second sensor 52F: Third electrode 52B: Fourth electrode 53: Third sensor 54: Fourth sensor 61: First cushion member 62: Second cushion member 63: Third cushion member 64: Fourth cushion member 65: Fifth cushion member 66: Sixth cushion member 81: Seventh cushion member 82: Eighth cushion member 83: Ninth cushion member 100: User 331: First elastic connecting member 332: Second elastic connecting member 333: Third elastic connecting member 334: Fourth elastic connecting member 521: Film 522: Charge amplifier 523: Integration circuit F: Force OD: Uniaxial stretching axis OP: Opening P1: First portion P2: Second portion P33: Elastic deformation portion S1: Upper main surface S2: Lower main surface S3: First main surface S4: Second main surface S5: Third main surface S6: Fourth main surface VD: Vibration direction

Claims (18)

A support device attached to a vibrated member to which a user applies force, the vibrated member having upper and lower principal surfaces aligned in a vertical direction,
A support member is provided,
A part of the user's body or an operation member contacts the upper main surface,
the support member includes a supported portion supported by a housing and a supporting portion connected to the supported portion,
the support portion overlaps with the vibrated member when viewed in the up-down direction and is located below the lower main surface,
the supported portion has a first portion that does not overlap with the vibrated member when viewed in the up-down direction,
The length of the first portion in the vertical direction is longer than the length of the support portion in the vertical direction,
An actuator for vibrating the vibrated member is attached to the lower main surface,
The actuator is attached to the support.
Support device. The first portion is supported by the housing.
The support device of claim 1 . A sensor for detecting a force applied to the vibrated member is further provided,
the support member includes one or more elastic connecting members that elastically connect the vibrated member and the supported portion,
The one or more elastic connecting members are attached to the supported portion,
the sensor is attached to the one or more resilient coupling members;
The support device according to claim 1 or 2. the one or more elastic connecting members are made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal and resin;
The one or more elastic connecting members include an elastic deformation portion that is elastically deformed.
4. The support device of claim 3 . when the user applies the force in the vertical direction to the vibrated member, the vertical component of the deformation amount of the one or more elastic connecting members is larger than a maximum value of the deformation amount of the vibrated member in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction,
The sensor detects the force applied to the vibrated member by detecting the deformation amount of the one or more elastic connecting members.
4. The support device of claim 3 . Further comprising a cushion member,
The one or more elastic connecting members include a second portion extending in the vertical direction,
the vibrated member, the cushion member and the second portion have portions that are positioned at the same position in the up-down direction,
The cushion member is attached between the vibrated member and the second portion.
4. The support device of claim 3 . The upper principal surface or the lower principal surface has a rectangular shape having a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side when viewed in the up-down direction,
The one or more elastic connecting members overlap at least one of a midpoint of the front side, a midpoint of the rear side, a midpoint of the left side, or a midpoint of the right side when viewed in the up-down direction.
4. The support device of claim 3 . The upper principal surface or the lower principal surface has a rectangular shape having a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side when viewed in the up-down direction,
The one or more elastic connecting members overlap at least one of the front side, the rear side, the left side, and the right side that intersect with the vibration direction of the vibrated member when viewed in the vertical direction.
4. The support device of claim 3 . The upper principal surface or the lower principal surface has a rectangular shape having a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side when viewed in the up-down direction,
When viewed in the up-down direction, the one or more elastic connecting members overlap at least one of a first corner formed between the front side and the left side, a second corner formed between the front side and the right side, a third corner formed between the rear side and the left side, or a fourth corner formed between the rear side and the right side.
4. The support device of claim 3 . The one or more elastic connecting members include a first elastic connecting member, a second elastic connecting member and a third elastic connecting member,
the first elastic connecting member overlaps with any one of a midpoint of the front side, a midpoint of the rear side, a midpoint of the left side, and a midpoint of the right side when viewed in the up-down direction,
When viewed in the up-down direction, the second elastic connecting member overlaps with a first end of a side of the upper main surface opposite to the side on which the first elastic connecting member overlaps,
The third elastic connecting member overlaps with the second end of the opposite side when viewed in the up-down direction.
8. The support device of claim 7 . the one or more elastic connecting members include a first elastic connecting member and a second elastic connecting member;
the first elastic connecting member overlaps any one of the first corner portion, the second corner portion, the third corner portion, and the fourth corner portion when viewed in the up-down direction,
When viewed in the up-down direction, the second elastic connecting member overlaps with a corner portion diagonally opposite to the corner portion overlapped by the first elastic connecting member.
10. The support device of claim 9 . The support member has a frame shape surrounding the vibrated member when viewed in the up-down direction.
The support device according to claim 1 or 2. A support device attached to a vibrated member to which a user applies force, the vibrated member having upper and lower principal surfaces aligned in a vertical direction,
A support member;
a sensor for detecting a force applied to the vibrated member;
A part of the user's body or an operation member contacts the upper main surface,
The support member is
a supported portion supported by a housing and a supporting portion connected to the supported portion;
one or more elastic connecting members that elastically connect the vibrated member and the supported portion;
Including,
the support portion overlaps with the vibrated member when viewed in the up-down direction and is located below the lower main surface,
the supported portion has a first portion that does not overlap with the vibrated member when viewed in the up-down direction,
The length of the first portion in the vertical direction is longer than the length of the support portion in the vertical direction,
The one or more elastic connecting members are attached to the supported portion,
the sensor is attached to the one or more resilient coupling members;
Support device. A supporting device according to claim 1 , claim 2 or claim 13 ;
The vibrated member,
Vibration device. A supporting device according to claim 1 , claim 2 or claim 13 ;
an actuator for vibrating the vibrated member, the actuator being attached to the lower main surface and the support portion;
Vibration device. A support device attached to a vibrated member to which a user applies force, the vibrated member having upper and lower principal surfaces aligned in a vertical direction,
A support member is provided,
A part of the user's body or an operation member contacts the upper main surface,
the support member includes a supported portion supported by a housing and a supporting portion connected to the supported portion,
the support portion overlaps with the vibrated member when viewed in the up-down direction and is located below the lower main surface,
the supported portion has a first portion that does not overlap with the vibrated member when viewed in the up-down direction,
a support device, wherein a length of the first portion in the vertical direction is longer than a length of the support portion in the vertical direction;
an actuator for vibrating the vibrated member, the actuator being attached to the lower main surface and the support portion;
Vibration device. A vibration device according to claim 15;
The housing,
Electronic devices. A vibration device according to claim 16;
The housing,
Electronic devices.

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