# US 12,111,969 B2 · Actuator unit and method for generating an amplified haptic signal

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- Number: US 12,111,969 B2
- Document ID: US12111969B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 18/251,912
- Filed: 2021-11-10
- Published: 2024-01-11
- Granted: 2024-10-08
- Earliest claimed: 2020-11-16
- Assignees: TDK Electronics Co., Ltd.
- Applicants: TDK Electronics AG
- Inventors: Johannes Burger; Wolfgang Wallnöfer
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12111969B2

## CPC

- G06F 3/016: {Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user}
- B06B 1/0648: {of rectangular shape}
- B06B 3/00: Methods or apparatus specially adapted for transmitting mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
- G06F 3/0346: with detection of the device orientation or free movement in a three-dimensional [3D] space, e.g. 3D mice, 6-DOF [six degrees of freedom] pointers using gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt-sensors
- G06F 3/03545: {Pens or stylus}
- G06F 3/038: Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
- G06F 3/0414: {using force sensing means to determine a position}
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)
- B06B: METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, {e.g.} FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL (for particular applications, see the relevant subclasses, e.g. B07B1/40, B23Q17/12, B24B31/06; measurement of mechanical vibrations G01H; in direction finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring G01S; {generating seismic energy G01V1/02}; control of mechanical vibrations in general G05D; sound-producing devices, e.g. bells, sirens, whistles G10K, {e.g. methods or devices for transmitting, conducting, or directing sound in general G10K11/00}; generation of electrical oscillations H03B; electromechanical resonators in general H03H; electromechanical transducers {for communication techniques, e.g. microphones, speakers} H04R)

## Abstract

The present invention relates to an actuator unit which is designed to generate a haptic signal, having a piezoelectric actuator which is designed to change its extent in a longitudinal direction as a function of an electrical voltage, a mechanical amplifier which is designed to amplify the haptic signal by converting the change in extent of the piezoelectric actuator into a movement of the actuator unit, wherein the movement occurs in the longitudinal direction, and the movement of the actuator unit occurs over a distance which is longer than the change in extent of the piezoelectric actuator, and the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extent of the piezoelectric actuator is largest.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An actuator unit designed to generate a haptic signal, comprising:
a piezoelectric actuator configured to change its extension in a longitudinal direction in response to an electrical voltage, thereby generating the haptic signal,
a mechanical amplifier designed to amplify the haptic signal by converting the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator into a movement of the actuator unit,
where the movement is in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the movement of the actuator unit takes place over a distance which is longer than the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extension of the piezoelectric actuator is greatest,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a carrier element that fixes the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a lever element fixed at a first end to the carrier element,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts the lever element, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a movement of a second end of the lever element in the longitudinal direction, which is opposite to the first end,
wherein a force transmission part is fixed on a surface of the piezoelectric actuator facing the lever element, wherein the lever element only abuts against the force transmission part, and
wherein the force transmission part has a bend formed in the direction of the lever element, wherein the lever element only abuts the bend.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The actuator unit according to claim 1, comprising a control unit which is designed to apply a voltage to the piezoelectric actuator.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The actuator unit according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric actuator comprises a multilayer element having piezoelectric ceramic layers or piezoelectric polymer layers,
wherein the layers are stacked in a stacking direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The actuator unit according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric actuator is configured to have a voltage applied to the actuator in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which causes an change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator in the longitudinal direction according to the d31 effect.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The actuator unit according to claim 1, wherein the carrier element and the lever element are connected via a bending joint.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The actuator unit according to claim 1, wherein a force transmission part is fixed on a surface of the lever element facing the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts only against the force transmission part.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The actuator unit according to claim 6, wherein the force transmission part has a bend formed in the direction of the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the piezoelectric actuator only abuts the bend.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The actuator unit according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the lever element facing the piezoelectric actuator has a bend formed in the direction of the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the piezoelectric actuator only abuts the bend.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The actuator unit according to claim 1, wherein one or more areas are bent out of the lever element, which are fixed to the piezoelectric actuator.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The actuator unit according to claim 1,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator is attached to the carrier element in a planar manner, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a deformation of the carrier element, and
wherein a bent sheet is further attached to one end of the carrier element, which bends in the longitudinal direction depending on the deformation of the carrier element.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The actuator unit according to claim 1, wherein the actuator unit is designed to be moved in the longitudinal direction over a distance that is at least twice as long as the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

A stylus-shaped input and/or output device comprising a housing and an actuator unit arranged therein according to claim 1, wherein
the mechanical amplifier is designed to convert the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator into a movement of the actuator unit relative to the housing,
wherein the movement takes place in a longitudinal direction of the stylus-shaped device which coincides with the longitudinal direction of the actuator unit.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The stylus-shaped input and/or output device according to claim 12 further comprising a sensor, which is an inclination sensor, a distance sensor, a speed sensor or an acceleration sensor.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The stylus-shaped input and/or output device according to claim 13, configured to generate a haptic signal that replicates a surface profile,
wherein the values measured by the sensor are processed when controlling the actuator.

### Claim 15 (depends on 12)

The stylus-shaped input and/or output device according to claim 12,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator is configured to be used as a pressure sensor.

### Claim 16 (depends on 10)

The actuator unit according to claim 10,
wherein the carrier element is bonded to the piezoelectric actuator on at least one longitudinal side, and wherein the bent sheet is firmly connected to the longitudinal sides of the carrier element at two ends.

### Claim 17

A method for generating a haptic signal with a stylus-shaped input and/or output device comprising an actuator unit with a piezoelectric actuator,
wherein a voltage is applied by a control unit to the piezoelectric actuator in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction and the piezoelectric actuator thereby changes its extension in the longitudinal direction, and
wherein the change in extension is converted by a mechanical amplifier into a movement of the actuator unit in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the actuator unit is moved in the longitudinal direction over a distance which is longer than the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extension of both the piezoelectric actuator and the stylus-shaped input and/or output device is greatest,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a carrier element that fixes the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a lever element fixed at a first end to the carrier element,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts the lever element, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a movement of a second end of the lever element in the longitudinal direction, which is opposite to the first end,
wherein a force transmission part is fixed on a surface of the piezoelectric actuator facing the lever element, wherein the lever element only abuts against the force transmission part, and
wherein the force transmission part has a bend formed in the direction of the lever element, wherein the lever element only abuts the bend.

### Claim 18

An actuator unit designed to generate a haptic signal, comprising:
a piezoelectric actuator configured to change its extension in a longitudinal direction in response to an electrical voltage, thereby generating the haptic signal,
a mechanical amplifier designed to amplify the haptic signal by converting the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator into a movement of the actuator unit,
where the movement is in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the movement of the actuator unit takes place over a distance which is longer than the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extension of the piezoelectric actuator is greatest,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a carrier element that fixes the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a lever element fixed at a first end to the carrier element,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts the lever element, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a movement of a second end of the lever element in the longitudinal direction, which is opposite to the first end, and
wherein a force transmission part is fixed on a surface of the lever element facing the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts only against the force transmission part.

### Claim 19

An actuator unit designed to generate a haptic signal, comprising:
a piezoelectric actuator configured to change its extension in a longitudinal direction in response to an electrical voltage, thereby generating the haptic signal,
a mechanical amplifier designed to amplify the haptic signal by converting the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator into a movement of the actuator unit,
where the movement is in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the movement of the actuator unit takes place over a distance which is longer than the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extension of the piezoelectric actuator is greatest,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a carrier element that fixes the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a lever element fixed at a first end to the carrier element,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts the lever element, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a movement of a second end of the lever element in the longitudinal direction, which is opposite to the first end, and
wherein a surface of the lever element facing the piezoelectric actuator has a bend formed in the direction of the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the piezoelectric actuator only abuts the bend.

### Claim 20

An actuator unit designed to generate a haptic signal, comprising:
a piezoelectric actuator configured to change its extension in a longitudinal direction in response to an electrical voltage, thereby generating the haptic signal,
a mechanical amplifier designed to amplify the haptic signal by converting the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator into a movement of the actuator unit,
where the movement is in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the movement of the actuator unit takes place over a distance which is longer than the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extension of the piezoelectric actuator is greatest,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a carrier element that fixes the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a lever element fixed at a first end to the carrier element,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts the lever element, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a movement of a second end of the lever element in the longitudinal direction, which is opposite to the first end, and
wherein one or more areas are bent out of the lever element, which are fixed to the piezoelectric actuator.

### Claim 21

An actuator unit designed to generate a haptic signal, comprising:
a piezoelectric actuator configured to change its extension in a longitudinal direction in response to an electrical voltage, thereby generating the haptic signal,
a mechanical amplifier designed to amplify the haptic signal by converting the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator into a movement of the actuator unit,
where the movement is in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the movement of the actuator unit takes place over a distance which is longer than the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extension of the piezoelectric actuator is greatest,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a carrier element that fixes the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator is attached to the carrier element in a planar manner, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a deformation of the carrier element, and
wherein a bent sheet is further attached to one end of the carrier element, which bends in the longitudinal direction depending on the deformation of the carrier element.

### Claim 22

A method for generating a haptic signal with a stylus-shaped input and/or output device comprising an actuator unit with a piezoelectric actuator,
wherein a voltage is applied by a control unit to the piezoelectric actuator in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction and the piezoelectric actuator thereby changes its extension in the longitudinal direction, and
wherein the change in extension is converted by a mechanical amplifier into a movement of the actuator unit in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the actuator unit is moved in the longitudinal direction over a distance which is longer than the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extension of both the piezoelectric actuator and the stylus-shaped input and/or output device is greatest,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a carrier element that fixes the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a lever element fixed at a first end to the carrier element,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts the lever element, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a movement of a second end of the lever element in the longitudinal direction, which is opposite to the first end, and
wherein a force transmission part is fixed on a surface of the lever element facing the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts only against the force transmission part.

### Claim 23

A method for generating a haptic signal with a stylus-shaped input and/or output device comprising an actuator unit with a piezoelectric actuator,
wherein a voltage is applied by a control unit to the piezoelectric actuator in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction and the piezoelectric actuator thereby changes its extension in the longitudinal direction, and
wherein the change in extension is converted by a mechanical amplifier into a movement of the actuator unit in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the actuator unit is moved in the longitudinal direction over a distance which is longer than the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extension of both the piezoelectric actuator and the stylus-shaped input and/or output device is greatest,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a carrier element that fixes the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a lever element fixed at a first end to the carrier element,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts the lever element, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a movement of a second end of the lever element in the longitudinal direction, which is opposite to the first end, and
wherein a surface of the lever element facing the piezoelectric actuator has a bend formed in the direction of the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the piezoelectric actuator only abuts the bend.

### Claim 24

A method for generating a haptic signal with a stylus-shaped input and/or output device comprising an actuator unit with a piezoelectric actuator,
wherein a voltage is applied by a control unit to the piezoelectric actuator in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction and the piezoelectric actuator thereby changes its extension in the longitudinal direction, and
wherein the change in extension is converted by a mechanical amplifier into a movement of the actuator unit in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the actuator unit is moved in the longitudinal direction over a distance which is longer than the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extension of both the piezoelectric actuator and the stylus-shaped input and/or output device is greatest,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a carrier element that fixes the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a lever element fixed at a first end to the carrier element,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator abuts the lever element, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a movement of a second end of the lever element in the longitudinal direction, which is opposite to the first end, and
wherein one or more areas are bent out of the lever element, which are fixed to the piezoelectric actuator.

### Claim 25

A method for generating a haptic signal with a stylus-shaped input and/or output device comprising an actuator unit with a piezoelectric actuator,
wherein a voltage is applied by a control unit to the piezoelectric actuator in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction and the piezoelectric actuator thereby changes its extension in the longitudinal direction, and
wherein the change in extension is converted by a mechanical amplifier into a movement of the actuator unit in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the actuator unit is moved in the longitudinal direction over a distance which is longer than the change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the longitudinal direction is the direction in which an extension of both the piezoelectric actuator and the stylus-shaped input and/or output device is greatest,
wherein the mechanical amplifier comprises a carrier element that fixes the piezoelectric actuator,
wherein the piezoelectric actuator is attached to the carrier element in a planar manner, so that a change in extension of the piezoelectric actuator leads to a deformation of the carrier element, and
wherein a bent sheet is further attached to one end of the carrier element, which bends in the longitudinal direction depending on the deformation of the carrier element.