WO2024101016A1

WO2024101016A1 - Electronic device and vibration generation device

Info

Publication number: WO2024101016A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/034838
Authority: WO
Inventors: 智也遠藤; 尚広梅津
Original assignee: アルプスアルパイン株式会社
Priority date: 2022-11-11
Filing date: 2023-09-26
Publication date: 2024-05-16

Abstract

An electronic device (ED) comprises: a housing (HS) that includes a first case member (1) and a second case member (2); and an internal member (IM) that is fixed inside the housing (HS). The first case member (1) and the second case member (2) are both formed in a manner containing a resin that absorbs a laser. The internal member (IM) has a body part (3M) that is formed in a manner containing a resin which transmits the laser and that is disposed inside the housing (HS), and an extending part (3E) that extends from the body part (3M) to the outside of the housing (HS) and that is exposed to the outside of the housing (HS). The first case member (1) and the second case member (2) are fixed to each other by fusing a part of the first case member (1) to the inside of a part of the extending part (3E) with a laser, and by fusing a part of the second case member (2) to the inside of another part of the extending part (3E) with a laser.

Description

Electronic device and vibration generating device

This disclosure relates to electronic devices and vibration generating devices.

Conventionally, there is known an electronic device having a circuit case that houses a circuit board within a housing made of a body made of resin that absorbs a laser of a specific wavelength and a lid made of resin that transmits the laser (see Patent Document 1). In this electronic device, the inside of the lid and the body are welded together by a laser irradiated from the outside of the lid.

JP 2006-165351 A

However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the area of the outer surface of the lid, which is made of a resin that transmits laser light, becomes large, which may be undesirable from a design perspective.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an electronic device with a housing that can be laser-welded, which can reduce the area of the outer surface of the part made of resin that transmits laser light.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing including a first case member and a second case member, and an internal member housed and fixed inside the housing, the first case member and the second case member are both formed containing a resin that absorbs laser, the internal member is formed containing a resin that transmits the laser, and has a main body portion disposed inside the housing, and an extension portion that extends from the main body portion toward the outside of the housing and is exposed outside the housing, and the first case member and the second case member are fixed to each other by welding a part of the first case member to the inside of a part of the extension portion by the laser, and welding a part of the second case member to the inside of another part of the extension portion by the laser.

The electronic device described above can reduce the area of the outer surface of the part made of resin that transmits laser light.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a vibration generating device. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a movable member and a fixed member. 1 is a diagram of the housing and internal components as viewed from above and below. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generating device. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fitting hole and a fitting protrusion. FIG. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the vibration generator. FIG.

Below, with reference to the drawings, a vibration generating device 101, which is an example of an electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vibration generating device 101. Specifically, the upper diagram in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vibration generating device 101, and the lower diagram in FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration generating device 101. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion disposed inside the housing HS of the vibration generating device 101. FIG. 3 is a more detailed exploded perspective view of a portion disposed inside the housing HS of the vibration generating device 101.

1, 2, and 3, X1 represents one direction of the X axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X axis. Y1 represents one direction of the Y axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction. Similarly, Z1 represents one direction of the Z axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z axis. In this embodiment, the X1 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the front side (front side) of the vibration generator 101, and the X2 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the rear side (rear side) of the vibration generator 101. The Y1 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the left side of the vibration generator 101, and the Y2 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the right side of the vibration generator 101. The Z1 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the upper side of the vibration generator 101, and the Z2 side of the vibration generator 101 corresponds to the lower side of the vibration generator 101. The same applies to other figures.

The vibration device VE has a control unit CTR and a vibration generating device 101. The vibration generating device 101 is configured to be attached inside a game controller or the like, for example, and to impart vibration to the game controller. Specifically, the vibration generating device 101 has a fixed side member FB including a housing HS as a cylindrical case, a movable side member MB housed within the housing HS, and an elastic support member 9 disposed between the movable side member MB and the fixed side member FB to elastically support the movable side member MB. The fixed side member FB includes the housing HS, a coil bobbin 3 as an internal member IM, an insulating substrate 4 attached to the coil bobbin 3, and a coil 5 wound around the coil bobbin 3.

The control unit CTR is connected to an input terminal IT provided on an insulating substrate 4 that is fixed to the fixed side member FB (the housing HS and the internal member IM) with an adhesive. In this embodiment, the insulating substrate 4 is a flexible printed wiring board. However, the insulating substrate 4 may be a rigid-flexible substrate or the like. Note that the dashed line connecting the control unit CTR and the input terminal IT provided on the insulating substrate 4 in the upper diagram of FIG. 1 diagrammatically indicates that the control unit CTR and the input terminal IT are electrically connected.

The housing HS is a case having a substantially cylindrical outer shape as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 1. The housing HS may have other outer shapes, such as a substantially rectangular cylindrical outer shape. In this embodiment, the housing HS is composed of a first case member 1 and a second case member 2. The first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are formed containing a resin that absorbs a laser having a predetermined wavelength, such as a light-absorbing resin. In the illustrated example, the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are formed containing polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin and are configured to exhibit a black color. The first case member 1 and the second case member 2 may be formed containing other materials and may be configured to exhibit other colors.

Specifically, the first case member 1 is formed to constitute the upper part of the housing HS. In the illustrated example, the first case member 1 has a cylindrical portion 1A and a top plate portion 1B, and is formed to have an opening 1K at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 1A.

The second case member 2 is formed to constitute the lower part of the housing HS. In the illustrated example, the second case member 2 has a cylindrical portion 2A and a bottom plate portion 2B, and is formed to have an opening 2K at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 2A.

In the illustrated example, the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are formed to have the same shape. In other words, the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are the same part.

The internal member IM is configured to be housed and fixed inside the housing HS. Specifically, the internal member IM is configured to be sandwiched between the first case member 1 and the second case member 2. The internal member IM is formed containing a resin that transmits a laser having a predetermined wavelength, such as a light-transmitting resin. The laser having a predetermined wavelength is a laser that is absorbed by the resin contained in each of the first case member 1 and the second case member 2. In the illustrated example, the internal member IM is formed containing polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin and is configured to exhibit a white color. The internal member IM may be transparent or may be configured to exhibit another color. The internal member IM is typically formed containing the same type of resin as each of the first case member 1 and the second case member 2, but may be formed containing a different type of resin from each of the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 as long as laser welding is possible.

The coil bobbin 3 is an example of an internal member IM, and has a main body portion 3M that is disposed inside the housing HS, and an extension portion 3E that extends from the main body portion 3M toward the outside of the housing HS and is exposed to the outside of the housing HS. In FIG. 3, for clarity, a dot pattern is applied to the extension portion 3E. Specifically, the main body portion 3M includes a lower main body portion 3MD that is provided below the extension portion 3E, and an upper main body portion 3MU that is provided above the extension portion 3E.

The first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are fixed to each other by laser welding a part of the first case member 1 to the inside of a part of the extension portion 3E and laser welding a part of the second case member 2 to the inside of another part of the extension portion 3E. In other words, the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are joined via the coil bobbin 3 as the internal member IM.

The coil 5 is an example of a fixed magnetic field generating member, and is configured to be able to generate a magnetic field while fixed to the coil bobbin 3. In this embodiment, the coil 5 is a wound coil formed by winding a conductive wire whose surface is coated with an insulating material, and is fixed to the coil bobbin 3 with adhesive. Note that for clarity, detailed illustrations of the winding state of the conductive wire are omitted in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The same applies to other figures that show the coil 5.

In the illustrated example, the coil 5 includes a lower coil 5D fixed to the lower body portion 3MD of the coil bobbin 3, and an upper coil 5U fixed to the upper body portion 3MU of the coil bobbin 3, as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the upper coil 5U and the lower coil 5D are connected in series and arranged so that their winding directions are opposite to each other when viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 2, the coil 5 is arranged so that one end of the wire constituting the coil 5 is connected to a first conductor pad PD1 formed on the insulating substrate 4, and the other end of the wire constituting the coil 5 is connected to a second conductor pad PD2 formed on the insulating substrate 4.

The control unit CTR is configured to be able to control the movement of the movable member MB. In this embodiment, the control unit CTR is a device including an electronic circuit and a non-volatile memory device, and is configured to be able to control at least the direction of the current flowing through the coil 5. The control unit CTR may be configured to control the direction and magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 5 in response to a control command from an external device such as a computer, or may be configured to control the direction and magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 5 without receiving a control command from an external device. In the illustrated example, the control unit CTR is configured to be able to supply an alternating current to the coil 5. Note that, although the control unit CTR is installed outside the housing HS in this embodiment, it may also be installed inside the housing HS.

The movable side member MB is configured to be able to vibrate the housing HS. In this embodiment, the movable side member MB is configured to be able to vibrate the housing HS by reciprocating (vibrating) while attached inside the housing HS via the elastic support member 9.

Specifically, the movable side member MB includes a movable magnet body MT, a joining member 8, and a fastening member 10, and is configured to be elastically supported by an elastic support member 9. More specifically, the movable side member MB has a predetermined natural frequency, and is configured to be able to reciprocate (vibrate) relative to the housing HS along a vibration axis VA that extends in a predetermined direction (Z-axis direction).

The movable magnet body MT is configured to be able to generate a magnetic field while being able to reciprocate (vibrate) relative to the housing HS. In this embodiment, the movable magnet body MT includes a magnet 6 and a yoke 7. In the illustrated example, the magnet 6 is a permanent magnet magnetized with two poles in the Z-axis direction. In FIG. 2, for clarity, a cross pattern is applied to the north pole portion of the magnet 6, and a dot pattern is applied to the south pole portion of the magnet 6. The same is true for other figures illustrating the polarity of the magnet 6.

The yoke 7 is configured so as to be able to control the path of the magnetic field lines generated by the magnet 6. In this embodiment, the yoke 7 includes a lower yoke 7D arranged below the magnet 6, and an upper yoke 7U arranged above the magnet 6. In the illustrated example, the lower yoke 7D is attached to the lower surface of the magnet 6, and the upper yoke 7U is attached to the upper surface of the magnet 6. The magnet 6 and the yoke 7 may be fixed to each other by an adhesive. Also, in the illustrated example, the lower yoke 7D and the upper yoke 7U are formed to have the same shape. In other words, the lower yoke 7D and the upper yoke 7U are the same part.

The driving means DM is an example of a vibration force generator, and is configured to vibrate the movable side member MB along the vibration axis VA relative to the fixed side member FB. In this embodiment, the driving means DM is an electromagnetic driving mechanism, and is configured to include a coil 5 (fixed side magnetic field generating member) and a movable magnet body MT (movable side magnetic field generating member). Specifically, the driving means DM is configured to utilize an electromagnetic force according to the direction and magnitude of the current supplied to the coil 5 under the control of the control unit CTR, and to vibrate the movable side member MB (movable magnet body MT), which is elastically supported by the elastic support member 9, along the vibration axis VA.

The joining member 8 is a member for fixing the movable magnet body MT to the elastic support member 9. In this embodiment, the joining member 8 is a member cast from aluminum or zinc, and includes a lower joining member 8D fixed to the lower surface of the lower yoke 7D, and an upper joining member 8U fixed to the upper surface of the upper yoke 7U. In the illustrated example, the lower joining member 8D is fixed to the lower surface of the lower yoke 7D by adhesive, and the upper joining member 8U is fixed to the upper surface of the upper yoke 7U by adhesive. Also, in the illustrated example, the lower joining member 8D and the upper joining member 8U are formed to have the same shape. In other words, the lower joining member 8D and the upper joining member 8U are the same part.

The elastic support member 9 is arranged between the fixed member FB and the movable member MB and is configured to elastically support the movable member MB so that it can vibrate relative to the fixed member FB. In this embodiment, the elastic support member 9 is a leaf spring formed of a metal plate, and includes an outer fixed part 9E fixed to the fixed member FB (inner member IM), an inner fixed part 9I fixed to the movable member MB (joint member 8), and an elastic arm part 9G that elastically connects the outer fixed part 9E and the inner fixed part 9I, as shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, the elastic support member 9 is fixed to the inner member IM by adhesive or heat crimping with the protrusion 3P provided on the inner member IM inserted into each of the through hole 9H and the cutout part 9C formed in the outer fixed part 9E.

In the illustrated example, the elastic support member 9 includes a lower elastic support member 9D arranged between the lower end of the coil bobbin 3 and the lower joining member 8D, and an upper elastic support member 9U arranged between the upper end of the coil bobbin 3 and the upper joining member 8U. The lower elastic support member 9D includes a lower outer fixing portion 9ED, a lower inner fixing portion 9ID, and a lower elastic arm portion 9GD, and the upper elastic support member 9U includes an upper outer fixing portion 9EU, an upper inner fixing portion 9IU, and an upper elastic arm portion 9GU.

The lower elastic support member 9D is fixed to the lower end of the coil bobbin 3 by adhesive or heat crimping with the right lower protrusion 3PDR provided at the lower end of the coil bobbin 3 inserted into the lower through hole 9HD formed in the lower outer fixing part 9ED, and the left lower protrusion 3PDL provided at the lower end of the coil bobbin 3 inserted into the lower cutout 9CD formed in the lower outer fixing part 9ED. Similarly, the upper elastic support member 9U is fixed to the upper end of the coil bobbin 3 by adhesive or heat crimping with the left upper protrusion 3PUL provided at the upper end of the coil bobbin 3 inserted into the upper through hole 9HU formed in the upper outer fixing part 9EU, and the right upper protrusion 3PUR provided at the upper end of the coil bobbin 3 inserted into the upper cutout 9CU formed in the upper outer fixing part 9EU. In the illustrated example, the lower elastic support member 9D and the upper elastic support member 9U are formed to have the same shape. In other words, the lower elastic support member 9D and the upper elastic support member 9U are the same part.

The fastening member 10 is a member for fixing the movable magnet body MT to the elastic support member 9. In this embodiment, the fastening member 10 is a male screw for fastening the inner fixing portion 9I of the elastic support member 9 to the joining member 8, and is inserted into a through hole 9T formed in the inner fixing portion 9I and fastened to a female screw hole formed in the joining member 8. Specifically, the fastening member 10 includes a lower fastening member 10D that fastens the lower inner fixing portion 9ID of the lower elastic support member 9D to the lower joining member 8D, and an upper fastening member 10U that fastens the upper inner fixing portion 9IU of the upper elastic support member 9U to the upper joining member 8U. The lower fastening member 10D is inserted into a lower through hole 9TD formed in the lower inner fixing portion 9ID of the lower elastic support member 9D, and fastened to a female screw hole formed in the lower joining member 8D. The upper fastening member 10U is inserted into the upper through hole 9TU formed in the upper inner fixing portion 9IU of the upper elastic support member 9U, and is fastened to a female screw hole formed in the upper joining member 8U. In the illustrated example, the lower fastening member 10D and the upper fastening member 10U are formed to have the same shape. In other words, the lower fastening member 10D and the upper fastening member 10U are the same part.

Next, the joining between the housing HS and the internal member IM will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram of the housing HS and the internal member IM as viewed from above and below. Specifically, the three diagrams on the left side of Figure 4 are top views of the second case member 2 constituting the housing HS and the coil bobbin 3, which is an example of the internal member IM. More specifically, the upper left diagram of Figure 4 is a top view of the second case member 2, the center left diagram of Figure 4 is a top view of the coil bobbin 3, and the lower left diagram of Figure 4 is a top view of the coil bobbin 3 fixed to the second case member 2. In addition, the three diagrams on the right side of Figure 4 are bottom views of the first case member 1 constituting the housing HS and the coil bobbin 3, which is an example of the internal member IM. More specifically, the upper right diagram of Figure 4 is a bottom view of the first case member 1, the center right diagram of Figure 4 is a bottom view of the coil bobbin 3, and the lower right diagram of Figure 4 is a bottom view of the coil bobbin 3 fixed to the first case member 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generator 101. Specifically, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generator 101 on a virtual plane parallel to the YZ plane including the dashed line L1 in the upper diagram of Fig. 1, as viewed from the X1 side.

As shown in the upper right diagram of FIG. 4, the first case member 1 has an engagement protrusion 1P and a convex portion 1T that protrude downward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 1A. In the illustrated example, the engagement protrusion 1P includes a left engagement protrusion 1PL and a right engagement protrusion 1PR.

As shown in the upper left diagram of FIG. 4, the second case member 2 has an engagement protrusion 2P and a convex portion 2T that protrude upward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 2A. In the illustrated example, the engagement protrusion 2P includes a rear engagement protrusion 2PB and a front engagement protrusion 2PF.

As shown in the left and right central views of FIG. 4, the coil bobbin 3 has an extension 3E extending radially outward from the main body 3M. The extension 3E has an engagement hole 3H that receives the engagement protrusion 1P of the first case member 1 and the engagement protrusion 2P of the second case member 2. Specifically, the extension 3E includes a left rear extension 3EBL that extends left, rear, and left rear from the main body 3M, and a right front extension 3EFR that extends right, front, and right front from the main body 3M. The left rear extension 3EBL has a left engagement hole 3HL that receives the left engagement protrusion 1PL of the first case member 1, and a rear engagement hole 3HB that receives the rear engagement protrusion 2PB of the second case member 2. In addition, the right front extension 3EFR is formed with a right fitting hole 3HR that receives the right fitting protrusion 1PR of the first case member 1, and a front fitting hole 3HF that receives the front fitting protrusion 2PF of the second case member 2.

The protrusion 1T of the first case member 1 and the protrusion 2T of the second case member 2 are fitted between the right front extension 3EFR and the left rear extension 3EBL, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 1.

The lower right diagram in Fig. 4 shows the state when the left fitting protrusion 1PL of the first case member 1 is fitted into the left fitting hole 3HL of the coil bobbin 3, and the right fitting protrusion 1PR of the first case member 1 is fitted into the right fitting hole 3HR of the coil bobbin 3. The lower left diagram in Fig. 4 shows the state when the rear fitting protrusion 2PB of the second case member 2 is fitted into the rear fitting hole 3HB of the coil bobbin 3, and the front fitting protrusion 2PF of the second case member 2 is fitted into the front fitting hole 3HF of the coil bobbin 3.

In this assembled state, the housing HS and the internal member IM are joined by welding using a laser LS. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer surface (Y1 side surface) of the left fitting protrusion 1PL of the first case member 1 fitted into the left fitting hole 3HL of the left rear extension 3EBL absorbs the laser LS1 that has passed through the left rear extension 3EBL, melts, and is welded to the inner wall surface of the left fitting hole 3HL. Also, the outer surface (Y2 side surface) of the right fitting protrusion 1PR of the first case member 1 fitted into the right fitting hole 3HR of the right front extension 3EFR absorbs the laser LS2 that has passed through the right front extension 3EFR, melts, and is welded to the inner wall surface of the right fitting hole 3HR. The same is true for the rear fitting protrusion 2PB of the second case member 2 fitted into the rear fitting hole 3HB of the left rear extension 3EBL, and the front fitting protrusion 2PF of the second case member 2 fitted into the front fitting hole 3HF of the right front extension 3EFR. Note that a system that achieves welding using a laser LS may be configured so that the laser irradiation device that irradiates the laser LS is movable, the vibration generating device 101 is movable, or both the laser irradiation device and the vibration generating device 101 are movable.

In the above example, the fitting hole 3H is formed so as to penetrate the extension 3E in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), but it may be formed so as not to penetrate the extension 3E, i.e., so as to form a recess.

In this way, the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are joined to the coil bobbin 3 by welding using a laser LS having a predetermined wavelength. In other words, the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are joined indirectly via the coil bobbin 3.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, another example of a configuration of the combination of the housing HS and the internal member IM will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the housing HS and the internal member IM (coil bobbin 3). Specifically, the upper view of FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the area R1 surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 5. The lower view of FIG. 6 is a view showing another example of a configuration of the combination of the housing HS and the internal member IM, and corresponds to the upper view of FIG. 6.

The combination of the housing HS and internal member IM shown in the lower diagram of Figure 6 differs from the combination of the housing HS and internal member IM shown in the upper diagram of Figure 6 in that the area of the outer surface of the internal member IM exposed to the outside of the housing HS is small, but is otherwise the same as the combination of the housing HS and internal member IM shown in the upper diagram of Figure 6.

Specifically, in the example shown in the upper diagram of Figure 6, height H1, which is the vertical length dimension of the contact portion between the left fitting protrusion 1PL of the first case member 1 and the left fitting hole 3HL formed in the left rear extension 3EBL of the coil bobbin 3, is smaller than height H2, which is the vertical length dimension of the range of the outer surface of the internal member IM. On the other hand, in the example shown in the lower diagram of Figure 6, height H1 is smaller than height H2A, which is the vertical length dimension of the range of the outer surface of the internal member IM.

With this configuration, the example shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 6 has the effect of making it possible to reduce the area of the outer surface of the internal member IM compared to the example shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 6, and thus making it possible to flexibly satisfy design requirements. Note that the combination of the housing HS and the internal member IM may be configured so that the height H2 is even greater compared to the example shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 6.

In the example shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 6, the laser LS1 is irradiated parallel to the XY plane so as to strike the outer surface of the left fitting protrusion 1PL perpendicularly, but in the example shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 6, the laser LS1A may be irradiated so as to be inclined with respect to the XY plane. In this case, the left fitting protrusion 1PL and the left fitting hole 3HL may be formed so as to be inclined with respect to the vibration axis VA so that the outer surface of the left fitting protrusion 1PL is perpendicular to the laser LS1A.

Next, referring to Figure 7, the area where welding is performed using the laser LS will be described. Figure 7 is a left side view of the vibration generator 101. For the purpose of explanation, in Figure 7, the position where the coil bobbin 3, which serves as the internal member IM, is located is indicated by a dot pattern so that the inside of the vibration generator 101 can be seen.

7 shows the area where welding is performed using the laser LS1 shown in FIG. 5 by the weld line WL in a thick solid line. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the laser LS1 is first irradiated to the left end of the weld line WL, and irradiation is continued so that the irradiation point moves to the right at a predetermined speed while maintaining a predetermined output power. Then, the direction of movement of the irradiation point of the laser LS1 is reversed when it reaches the right end of the weld line WL, and it moves to the left at a predetermined speed while maintaining a predetermined output power. Then, the direction of movement of the irradiation point of the laser LS1 is reversed again when it reaches the left end of the weld line WL. The welding of the left fitting protrusion 1PL and the left fitting hole 3HL is achieved by repeating such reciprocating movement of the irradiation point of the laser LS1 a predetermined number of times (for example, four times). The predetermined number of times may be one time. Also, the welding of the left fitting protrusion 1PL and the left fitting hole 3HL may be achieved by moving the irradiation point from the left end to the right end of the welding line WL in one go, or from the right end to the left end of the welding line WL in one go. Also, the welding line WL may not be a single continuous line segment as shown in the figure, but may be composed of multiple discontinuous line segments, may be one or multiple points, or may be a combination of one or multiple points and one or multiple line segments.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, another example of the weld line WL will be described. FIG. 8 is a left side view of the left fitting protrusion 1PL, and corresponds to an enlarged view of the area R2 surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 7. Specifically, the upper, middle, and lower views of FIG. 8 each show another example of the weld line WL. Note that in FIG. 8, the weld line is represented by a dot pattern for clarity. Also, the following description referring to FIG. 8 relates to the weld line WL in the left fitting protrusion 1PL, but it also applies to the weld lines in the right fitting protrusion 1PR, rear fitting protrusion 2PB, and front fitting protrusion 2PF.

The example shown in the upper diagram of Figure 8 differs from the example shown in Figure 7, which has only one weld line WL, in that it has five weld lines WL1 to WL5. Specifically, each of the weld lines WL1 to WL5 is arranged to extend parallel to the XY plane at equal intervals from each other in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In other words, each of the weld lines WL1 to WL5 is arranged to extend along the circumference of a circle centered on the vibration axis VA and perpendicular to the vibration axis VA. Note that the number of weld lines shown in the upper diagram of Figure 8 may be two, three, four, or six or more. The interval between two weld lines may also be unequal.

The example shown in the center diagram of FIG. 8 differs from the example shown in FIG. 7, which has only one weld line WL extending parallel to the XY plane, in that it has five weld lines WL11-WL15 extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Specifically, the weld lines WL11-WL15 are arranged so as to extend parallel to each other in the vertical direction at equal intervals along the circumference of a circle centered on the vibration axis VA and perpendicular to the vibration axis VA. Note that the number of weld lines shown in the center diagram of FIG. 8 may be two, three, four, or six or more. The interval between the two weld lines may also be unequal.

The example shown in the lower diagram of Figure 8 differs from the example shown in Figure 7, which has only one weld line WL extending parallel to the XY plane, in that it has five weld lines WL21-WL25 that extend at an angle relative to the XY plane. Specifically, each of the weld lines WL21-WL25 is disposed at equal intervals from each other along the circumference of a circle centered on the vibration axis VA and perpendicular to the vibration axis VA. Note that the number of weld lines shown in the lower diagram of Figure 8 may be two, three, four, or six or more. The interval between two weld lines may also be unequal.

The weld lines may also be a combination of at least two of the three examples shown in the upper, middle, and lower figures of Figure 8. In that case, the two weld lines may intersect.

As described above, the electronic device ED according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing HS including a first case member 1 and a second case member 2, and an internal member IM housed and fixed inside the housing HS, as shown in FIG. 1. Both the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are formed containing a resin (e.g., a light-absorbing resin) that absorbs the laser LS (see FIG. 5). The internal member IM is formed containing a resin (e.g., a light-transmitting resin) that transmits the laser LS, and has a main body portion 3M disposed inside the housing HS, as shown in FIG. 3, and an extension portion 3E that extends from the main body portion 3M toward the outside of the housing HS and is exposed outside the housing HS. The first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are fixed to each other by welding a part of the first case member 1 to the inside of a part of the extension portion 3E by the laser LS, and welding a part of the second case member 2 to the inside of another part of the extension portion 3E by the laser LS.

With this configuration, the electronic device ED can reduce the area of the outer surface of the part (internal member IM) made of resin that transmits the laser LS compared to when the cover that constitutes the housing is made of resin that transmits the laser. In addition, since the electronic device ED does not need to be equipped with special parts for welding using the laser LS, there is no increase in the number of parts.

Furthermore, in this configuration, the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are joined to the internal member IM without using a thermosetting adhesive. Therefore, in this configuration, the magnet 6 is not demagnetized by heat, and there are no design constraints on the magnetic circuit, such as satisfying the permeance coefficient required for using a thermosetting adhesive. Furthermore, in this configuration, the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are joined to the internal member IM without using a photocurable adhesive. Therefore, in this configuration, insufficient hardening of the photocurable adhesive does not occur. Furthermore, in this configuration, there is no rattling noise caused by rattling when the device is operated, as occurs when crimping or snap joints are used.

In the electronic device ED, the extension 3E may have a fitting hole 3H as shown in FIG. 3. In this case, at least one of the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 may have a fitting protrusion that fits into the fitting hole 3H. The first case member 1 and the second case member 2 may be welded by a laser LS with the fitting hole 3H and the fitting protrusion fitted together.

This configuration has the effect of increasing the bonding strength between at least one of the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 and the internal member IM, since welding is performed with the laser LS while the first case member 1 and/or the second case member 2 and/or the internal member IM are engaged with each other, compared to when welding is performed with the laser LS while the members are not engaged with each other.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1, the vibration generating device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a housing HS including a first case member 1 having an opening 1K and a second case member 2 arranged to close the opening 1K, a coil bobbin 3 housed and fixed inside the housing HS, a coil 5 wound around the coil bobbin 3, and a movable magnet body MT (see Fig. 2) supported inside the housing HS so as to be able to vibrate freely. Both the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are formed containing a resin that absorbs a laser LS (see Fig. 5). The coil bobbin 3 is formed containing a resin that transmits the laser LS, and has a main body portion 3M arranged inside the housing HS, and an extension portion 3E that extends from the main body portion 3M toward the outside of the housing HS and is exposed outside the housing HS. The first case member 1 and the second case member 2 are fixed to each other by welding a part of the first case member 1 to the inside of a part of the extension portion 3E with a laser LS, and welding a part of the second case member 2 to the inside of another part of the extension portion 3E with a laser LS.

With this configuration, the vibration generator 101 can reduce the area of the outer surface of the part (coil bobbin 3) made of resin that transmits the laser LS, compared to when the cover that constitutes the housing is made of resin that transmits the laser. In addition, the vibration generator 101 does not need to be equipped with special parts for welding using the laser LS, so the number of parts does not increase.

In the vibration generating device 101, the extension 3E may have a fitting hole 3H as shown in FIG. 3. At least one of the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 may have a fitting protrusion that fits into the fitting hole 3H. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first case member 1 has a fitting protrusion 1P, and the second case member 2 has a fitting protrusion 2P. In this case, the first case member 1 is welded by laser LS with the fitting hole 3H and the fitting protrusion 1P fitted together, and the second case member 2 is welded by laser LS with the fitting hole 3H and the fitting protrusion 2P fitted together.

This configuration has the effect of increasing the bonding strength between at least one of the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 and the coil bobbin 3, since welding is performed by laser LS when at least one of the first case member 1 and the second case member 2 and the coil bobbin 3 is engaged with each other, compared to when welding is performed by laser LS when the members are not engaged with each other.

The above describes in detail preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications or substitutions may be applied to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate, provided that there is no technical contradiction.

For example, in the above embodiment, the movable side member MB includes the movable magnet body MT and the fixed side member FB includes the coil 5, but it is also possible for the movable side member MB to include a coil and the fixed side member FB to include a magnet body.

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-181336, filed on November 11, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

1...First case member 1A...Cylindrical part 1B...Top plate part 1P...Fitting protrusion 1PL...Left side fitting protrusion 1PR...Right side fitting protrusion 1T...Convex part 2...Second case member 2A...Cylindrical part 2B...Bottom plate part 2P...Fitting protrusion 2PB...Rear fitting protrusion 2PF...Front fitting protrusion 2T...Convex part 3...Coil bobbin 3E...Extension part 3H...Fitting hole part 3HB...Rear fitting hole part 3HF...Front fitting hole part 3HL...Left Side fitting hole 3HR...Right side fitting hole 3M...Main body 3MD...Lower body 3MU...Upper body 3P...Protrusion 3PDL...Lower left protrusion 3PDR...Lower right protrusion 3PUL...Upper left protrusion 3PUR...Upper right protrusion 4...Insulating substrate 5...Coil 5D...Lower coil 5U...Upper coil 6...Magnet 7...Yoke 7D...Lower yoke 7U...Upper yoke 8...Jointing member 8D...Lower joining member 8U...Upper Side joint member 9...Elastic support member 9C...Notch 9CD...Lower notch 9CU...Upper notch 9D...Lower elastic support member 9E...Outer fixing part 9ED...Lower outer fixing part 9EU...Upper outer fixing part 9G...Elastic arm part 9GD...Lower elastic arm part 9GU...Upper elastic arm part 9H...Through hole 9HD...Lower through hole 9HU...Upper through hole 9I...Inner fixing part 9ID...Lower inner fixing part 9IU...Upper inner fixing part 9U...Upper elastic support part Material 10: Fastening member 10D: Lower fastening member 10U: Upper fastening member 101: Vibration generator CTR: Control unit DM: Driving means ED: Electronic device FB: Fixed side member HS: Housing IM: Internal member IT: Input terminal LS, LS1, LS2, LS1A: Laser MB: Movable side member MT: Movable magnet body VA: Vibration axis VE: Vibration device WL, WL1-WL5, WL11-WL15, WL21-WL25: Welded wire

Claims

a housing including a first case member and a second case member;
an internal member housed and fixed inside the housing;
the first case member and the second case member are both formed containing a resin that absorbs laser light,
the internal member is formed containing a resin that transmits the laser, and has a main body portion that is disposed inside the housing, and an extension portion that extends from the main body portion toward the outside of the housing and is exposed to the outside of the housing;
The first case member and the second case member are fixed to each other by welding a part of the first case member to an inner side of a part of the extension portion by the laser and welding a part of the second case member to an inner side of another part of the extension portion by the laser.
1. An electronic device comprising:
The extension portion has a fitting hole portion,
At least one of the first case member and the second case member has a fitting protrusion portion that fits into the fitting hole portion,
The first case member and the second case member are welded by the laser in a state in which the fitting hole portion and the fitting protrusion portion are fitted together.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1.
a housing including a first case member having an opening and a second case member arranged to close the opening;
A coil bobbin accommodated and fixed inside the housing;
A coil wound around the coil bobbin;
a movable magnet body supported inside the housing so as to be capable of vibrating freely;
the first case member and the second case member are both formed containing a resin that absorbs laser light,
the coil bobbin is formed containing a resin that transmits the laser, and has a main body portion that is disposed inside the housing, and an extension portion that extends from the main body portion toward the outside of the housing and is exposed to the outside of the housing;
The first case member and the second case member are fixed to each other by welding a part of the first case member to an inner side of a part of the extension portion by the laser and welding a part of the second case member to an inner side of another part of the extension portion by the laser.
A vibration generating device characterized by:
The extension portion has a fitting hole portion,
At least one of the first case member and the second case member has a fitting protrusion portion that fits into the fitting hole portion,
The first case member and the second case member are welded by the laser in a state in which the fitting hole portion and the fitting protrusion portion are fitted together.
The vibration generating device according to claim 3 .