CA2135434A1 - Vibrator alerters - Google Patents
Vibrator alertersInfo
- Publication number
- CA2135434A1 CA2135434A1 CA 2135434 CA2135434A CA2135434A1 CA 2135434 A1 CA2135434 A1 CA 2135434A1 CA 2135434 CA2135434 CA 2135434 CA 2135434 A CA2135434 A CA 2135434A CA 2135434 A1 CA2135434 A1 CA 2135434A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mass
- diaphragm
- solenoid
- alerter
- reciprocating movement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M19/00—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems
- H04M19/02—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems providing ringing current or supervisory tones, e.g. dialling tone or busy tone
- H04M19/04—Current supply arrangements for telephone systems providing ringing current or supervisory tones, e.g. dialling tone or busy tone the ringing-current being generated at the substations
- H04M19/047—Vibrating means for incoming calls
Abstract
Vibrator alerter for a portable communications device having a diaphragm forming part of one mass and a second mass including a rigid body of a solenoid. The diaphragm has a marginal edge secured to the second mass and the two masses are relatively movable. The solenoid upon energization acts against the diaphragm stiffeners to cause relative reciprocation of the masses with the movable mass being such a size as to limit its reciprocating movement to frequencies below audio frequencies so as to provide a tactile vibrational characteristic. Either mass is movable, but if the first mass is to move, the diaphragm may need to carry a weight to ensure the first mass is sufficiently large to provide the required vibrational frequency.
Description
2135~34 VIsRATOR ALERTERS
This invention relates to vibrator alerters.
Vibrator alerters are known devices for use in portable ~.ol P~llnnPc and in portable pagers . In the known s cons~ructions, an electric motor: has a rotatable eccentric mass which sets up a vibrational frecluency when the motor :~
is operated. There are various disadvantages associated --~
with known vibrator alertsrs. The electric motors with their eccentric masses tend to be inordinately expensive 0 for their particular purpose and require a large amount of electrical power for their operation. The life expectancy of these motors is also small in contrast to the life expectancy of tPl P~htlnPq or pagers to which they are fitted. There is also a potential danger in the use of the 15 known vibrator alerters which of necessity are battery operable. Commutators which are used in the electric motors are known to generate and emit sparks. This provides the potential for explosions in the presence of ~:
hydrogen which may be give~ of f by the batteries 20 themselves.
The present invention seeks to provide a vibrator alerter which minimizes or avoids the above problems.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a vibrator alerter for a portable communications device 2s comprising a first mass lnc~uding a diaphragm, a second mass, and a solenoia with a rigid body of the solenoid forming part of the second mass, the diaphragm having a marginal edge secured to the second mass and being provided with a stiffness to urge the first and second masses into 30 normal relative positions, the solenoid acting between the first and second masses and against the diaphragm stiffness to cause, upon solenoid energization, reciprocating m.,v of one mass relative to the other, the movable mass being of a size such as to limit its reciprocating 3s movement to fre~uencies below audio freguencies and to provide a tactile vibrational characteristic.
~135 i34 The above vibrator alerter according to the invention preferably operates at frequencies of reciprocation considerably below volce frequency ranges.
For instance, voice frequencies commence at about 120 EIz s and up to perhaps 12 kHz. In this present invention, frequencies around 50 Hz are suitable for the tactile vibrational characteristic and frequencies within the resonance frequency range of the alerter are convenient, such as between 50 and 80 Hz.
A vibrator alerter accordiny to the invention has a long operational life and is relatively inexpensive. In addition, vibrator alerters according to the invention may be constructed which take minimal power and may easily be operated by a battery producing for instance 1. 5 volts .
Further, a vibrator alerter of the invention is operable without the potential to generate sparks and thus there is no risk in using such an alerter in the presence of hydrogen generated by a battery within a portable communication device.
In a vibrator alerter according to the invention, either the first m.ass including the diaphraym may move ~-reciprocally or the second mass ; n~ i n~ the solenoid body may provide the movement. Preferably, however, it is the first mass which provides the v t and a weight secured 2s to the diaphragm ensures that the first mass is sufficiently large to produce the required vibrational frequency of the first mass and provide the required _ tactile vibrational characteristic. rhe size of the vibrator alerter must be convenient for use within a portable communication device. ~m-l ln,~qs in size is thus an important consideration. It has been ~ound that with the solenoid body operating also as a housing ~or the diaphragm, outside diameters of around 40 mm or less for the solenoid body are suitable for alerters according to the invention. In one construction with an outside diameter o~ 28 mm, a 3 to 5 gram weight added to the diaphragm has been sufficient to produce the desired 3 ~ =
tactile vibrational characteristic with sufficient vibrational strength to be immediately noticeable by a person carrying the device, for ~instance, either in a pocket or upon a belt.
s It has been found that with vibrator alerters ~ --according to the invention and operating at tactile - -vibrational frequencies around 50 Hz that there may be a tendency for the diaphragm to vibrate in azimuthal modes --during operation and such a ph~n( ~,n may delete~iously lo affect the tactile response. It is also preferable therefore for the alerter to include an ~1 ignm~nt control which rn~inti~inC: axial alignment of the solenoid elements and ~hich thus ensures that the diaphragm is not allowed to twist out of axial alignment. The alignment control may comprise a guide member for sliding reception axially within a guide passage of a support, for instance the body of a portable commllnication aevice, when the solenoid body is carried ~y such a device. Alternatively, the alignment control may comprise a plurality of radially extending 20 fingers spaced around the axis of reciprocatLng v~ t of the diaphragm. ~uch fingers are resiliently flexible in an axial direction and are balanced, while being secured at inner ends to the diaphragm, the diaphragm having a marginal edge secured to the second mass and being provided 2s with a stiffness to urge the first and second masses into normal relative positions, so as to resist axial r- v. t in the diaphragm in one direction of its reciprocation while axial alignment of the diaphragm is assured.
The invention also includes a portable 30 ~ ni~tion device comprising a body, a storage region for an electrical battery, and a vibrator alerter comprising a first mass ~n~ ;n~ a diaphragm, a second mass, and a solenoid with a rigid body of the solenoid forming part of the second mass, the solenoid acting 3s between the first and second masses and against the diaphragm stiffness to cause, upon solenoid energization, reciprocating ,v~ t of one mass relative to the other, ~135~4 .
the movable mass being of a size such as to limit its reciprocating movement to re(luencies below audio:
frer~uencies and to provide a tactile vibrat~ional characteristic .
s Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reerence to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a plan view of a portable communication device in the form of a portable tPl PpllnnP;
lo Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view through the telephone of the first embodiment taken along line II-II in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through a vibrator alerter forming part of the portable tPlP~hnnP of the first embodiment and taken along the same cross- - -sectional line as Figure 2 but to a much larger scale;
Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 of a vibrator alerter forming part of a portable telephone according to a second embodiment;
Figure 5 is a view of part of the alerter of Figure 4 taken in the direction of arrow V in Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a vlew similar to Figure 3 of a third embodiment .
In a first r~l n7iir t, as shown by Figures 1 and 2s 2, a portable tPl PphnnP 10 has a body 12 with upper and lower substantially planar sides 14 and 16 as shown in Figure 2 . The portable t.ol P~hnnP is of such a size that it may be held in one hand of the user or may be kept within a user~ s pocket or upon a belt of the user when an appropriate clip (not shown) is provided upon the body. As shown by Figures 1 an~l 2, the tlolP~hnnP 10 has a speaker 18 mounted at one end and a microphone 20 at the other end, the speaker and microphone both facing outwardly from the side 14. AS shown by Figure 2, within the body 12 is 3s disposed a storage region ~or a battery 22 of 1.5 volts, a circuit pack or packs 24 for operation of the t~l PphnnP and also a vibrator alerter 26 which, as will be descri~ed, is ~ 2135434 secured to the side 16 of the body 12. Alternatively, the speaker, microphone battery storage region a~d circuit packs are secured in other locations within the body 12.
As shown in greater detail in Figure 3, the s vibrator alerter 26 comprises a diaphragm housing 28 of circular plan, the housing having a frusto-conical portion 30 tPrm;n~tin~ in a closed narrow end 32 and terminating at its other end in a short cylindrical portion 3 4 with an annular end flange 36. A reciprocal diaphragm 38 is lo attached by a marginal edge to the cyLindrical housing portion 34. The diaphragm 38 is of shallow frusto-conical shape from its marginal edge and has a small diameter end -- ~
at which it is provided with an axially extending conductor wire coll 40 of a solenoid. The solenoid is completed by a body formed integrally with the housing 28, the solenoid body i n~ di n~ an integral plunger 44 which exte~ds into the coil 40. The coil 40 is electrically connected to the ~ :
circuit packs 24 by means of conductor wires 46 extending from the coil and outwardly from the alerter in the region of the cylindrical body portion 34. The diaphragm housing - -28 and body 12 provides a stationary mass o~ the alerter and is suitably secured by the annular flange 36, in a manner~ not shown, to the side 16 of the body 12 . A second mass which is intended to reciprocate within the housing 28 2s comprises the diaphragm 38 and the speaker coil 40. The second mass has a normal axial position relative to the housing 28, this normal position being attained by the stiffness of the diaphragm 38.
The second mass is required to reciprocate at a low frequency so as to provide tactile vibrational characteristics and for this purpose the mass should be sufficiently great to el~sure that this vibrational characteristic is achieved. To produce the required mass, a weight is provided upon the diaphragm 3 8 . ~his weight is 3s in the form of a disc 50 of approximate weight between 1 and 5 grams and which is attached concentrically to the underside of the small diameter end of the diaphragm 38, i . e. on the opposite side from the coil 40 as shown by Figure 3. The alerter is also provided with an alignment control for Tr~-inti~;nin~r axial alignment of the solenoid elements during operation preventing vibration in azimuthal s modes which could detract from the desired tactile vibrational characteristics. In the embodiment shown by Figure 3, the alignment control comprises a guide member in the form of a narrow shaft 52 which extends along the axis of reciprocation of the diaphragm and downwardly from the lo weight 50 This shaft 52 is slidably received within a guide passage 54 formed in the wall 16 of the housing 28.
In operation, with the person carrying the portable t~l PrhnnP either in his pocket or upon a belt as desired, immediately an incoming call is received by the 5 telephone, then the coil 40 becomes energized to cause reciprocating movement of the diaphragm 38 which is ~-normally restrained to its normal lower axial position when viewed in Figure 3 by its own stiffness referred to above.
As will be seen from the above explanation because of the incorporation of the weight 50 to complete the mass of the diaphragm and coil, the diaphragm has a reciprocating frequency characteristic which is exceedingly small and may operate within the r,,q~n~nr-e frequency of the diaphragm, i . e. between 50 and 80 Hz or slightly below that range.
2s ThiS vibrational frequency is below that for audio use and lies within the tactile range of frequencies. It follows therefore that reciprocating v, t of the diaphragm and the rest of the movlng mass is clearly felt by the user to - -indicate to him that an incoming call is taking place. In addition, the tactile stimulus characteristics can be varied (by varying the electrical stimulus) for selected alerting conditions.
As may be seen from the first embodiment, the operation of the vibrator alerter is somewhat similar to 3s the operation of a conventional microspeaker, the basic .=
dif ference being that -it operates at a much lower frequency than a microspeaker and provides tactile instead of audio 2 ~
signals. The cost of the vibrator alerter is relatively small and no sparks can be emitted which could cause an explosion problem in the presence of hydrogen which may be given of f by the battery . Also, as may be seen from the s embodiment, the vibrator alerter is operable with low power batteries and is comparable for its energy requirements to a conventional microspeaker. Another advantage with the construction of the vibrator alerter is its size and shape.
The maximum dimension for a vibrator alerter for commercial o application, i . e . its diameter ne~d be relatively small while producing suitable tactile properties. For instance in the first embodiment, the alerter has an outside diameter of about 28 mm or less as referred to above. With such a ~lii tPr the height of the total alerter i.e.
between the flange 36 and the end 32 of the housing is excessively small, i . e. at or below S mm, and this enables a portable telephone to be constructed which is extremely thin between the sides 14 and 16 and thus may comfortably fit within a user's pocket.
In a second ~ im~nt., in a portable t~l PrllnnP of otherwise similar construction to that described in the first Pmh~;r~nt, a vibrator alerter 60 i~ included as shown in Figure 4. In this construction which is otherwise similar to that of the alerter 26 and has the same 2s reference numerals for similar parts, the ~ nmPnt control in the form of the shaft 52 is replaced by the use of a plurality of radially Pl~tPnr~ing fingers 62 relatively disposed around the axis of reciprocation of the diaphragm.
These fingers 62 resiliently flex in an axial direction and are se-curad at ~heir inner ends to the weight 50 in close ~=
proximity to ei~ch other so as to resiliently resist axial ~vi t of the diaphragm in an upwards direction, i . e . in the same direction in which resistance is offered by the ~_ stiffness of the d~aphragm itself. As shown by Figure 5, 3s the fingers are conveniently formed integrally with a radially outer ring 64 hy a pressing or cutting operation in which the f ingers occupy equal arcs of generation around -~ 213~3~
the axis of reciprocation, the fingers being formed by two crossing slits 66 which provide each finger substantially in the form of a quadrant of a circle. Construction is such that there is perfect balance in the loading applied s by the fingers so that the fingers act upon the weight 50 and upon the diaphragm 38 to prevent any azimuthal mode of vibration of the diaphragm during operation. As shown by Figure 4, the ring 64 is held by the flange 36 against the side 16 of the body 12.
It may be found that the shortness of the lengths of the f ingers in such an arrangement causes a lack of flexibility for their desired use. In such an event, the ring 64 may be made of larger diameter so as to stand radially outwardly from the annular fIange 36 and be 5 secured separately to the side 16. In this case (not shown) the fingers would be of narrow construction and would be spaced apart to enable them to pass through gaps formed around the annular flange 36 of the housing 28.
In a third embodiment as shown by Figure 6, a 20 portable ~ phnnf~ is of substantially the same construction as described in the first embodiment. In this pa~ticular embodiment, a vibrator alerter 70 is of similar construction generally to that described in the first embodiment except that in the third embodiment it is the 2s mass including the diaphragm 38 which is secured to the side 16 of the housing thereby enabling reciprocation of the diaphragm housing 71. This is effected by securing the center region of the diaphragm 38 to the housing 16 through a spacer 72 so as to provide clearance for the housing 71 30 to allow for its reciprocating movement. In this case the housing 71 is itself provided with a weight 74 upon its end 76 so as to increase the total mass thereby lowering the - ~
frequency of operation to the tactile vibrational fre~uency characteristic which is required for this particular ~5 purpose.
While the above embodiments have been described with reference to a portable t~ phnn~, vibrator alerters 2135~34 g according to the invention are su~table ~Qr use upon any ~ ~`
type of portable communication device. In essence there~ore any vibrator alerter and particularly those described in the above embodiments may also be suitably S used upon pagers instead o~ upon portable telephones.
This invention relates to vibrator alerters.
Vibrator alerters are known devices for use in portable ~.ol P~llnnPc and in portable pagers . In the known s cons~ructions, an electric motor: has a rotatable eccentric mass which sets up a vibrational frecluency when the motor :~
is operated. There are various disadvantages associated --~
with known vibrator alertsrs. The electric motors with their eccentric masses tend to be inordinately expensive 0 for their particular purpose and require a large amount of electrical power for their operation. The life expectancy of these motors is also small in contrast to the life expectancy of tPl P~htlnPq or pagers to which they are fitted. There is also a potential danger in the use of the 15 known vibrator alerters which of necessity are battery operable. Commutators which are used in the electric motors are known to generate and emit sparks. This provides the potential for explosions in the presence of ~:
hydrogen which may be give~ of f by the batteries 20 themselves.
The present invention seeks to provide a vibrator alerter which minimizes or avoids the above problems.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a vibrator alerter for a portable communications device 2s comprising a first mass lnc~uding a diaphragm, a second mass, and a solenoia with a rigid body of the solenoid forming part of the second mass, the diaphragm having a marginal edge secured to the second mass and being provided with a stiffness to urge the first and second masses into 30 normal relative positions, the solenoid acting between the first and second masses and against the diaphragm stiffness to cause, upon solenoid energization, reciprocating m.,v of one mass relative to the other, the movable mass being of a size such as to limit its reciprocating 3s movement to fre~uencies below audio freguencies and to provide a tactile vibrational characteristic.
~135 i34 The above vibrator alerter according to the invention preferably operates at frequencies of reciprocation considerably below volce frequency ranges.
For instance, voice frequencies commence at about 120 EIz s and up to perhaps 12 kHz. In this present invention, frequencies around 50 Hz are suitable for the tactile vibrational characteristic and frequencies within the resonance frequency range of the alerter are convenient, such as between 50 and 80 Hz.
A vibrator alerter accordiny to the invention has a long operational life and is relatively inexpensive. In addition, vibrator alerters according to the invention may be constructed which take minimal power and may easily be operated by a battery producing for instance 1. 5 volts .
Further, a vibrator alerter of the invention is operable without the potential to generate sparks and thus there is no risk in using such an alerter in the presence of hydrogen generated by a battery within a portable communication device.
In a vibrator alerter according to the invention, either the first m.ass including the diaphraym may move ~-reciprocally or the second mass ; n~ i n~ the solenoid body may provide the movement. Preferably, however, it is the first mass which provides the v t and a weight secured 2s to the diaphragm ensures that the first mass is sufficiently large to produce the required vibrational frequency of the first mass and provide the required _ tactile vibrational characteristic. rhe size of the vibrator alerter must be convenient for use within a portable communication device. ~m-l ln,~qs in size is thus an important consideration. It has been ~ound that with the solenoid body operating also as a housing ~or the diaphragm, outside diameters of around 40 mm or less for the solenoid body are suitable for alerters according to the invention. In one construction with an outside diameter o~ 28 mm, a 3 to 5 gram weight added to the diaphragm has been sufficient to produce the desired 3 ~ =
tactile vibrational characteristic with sufficient vibrational strength to be immediately noticeable by a person carrying the device, for ~instance, either in a pocket or upon a belt.
s It has been found that with vibrator alerters ~ --according to the invention and operating at tactile - -vibrational frequencies around 50 Hz that there may be a tendency for the diaphragm to vibrate in azimuthal modes --during operation and such a ph~n( ~,n may delete~iously lo affect the tactile response. It is also preferable therefore for the alerter to include an ~1 ignm~nt control which rn~inti~inC: axial alignment of the solenoid elements and ~hich thus ensures that the diaphragm is not allowed to twist out of axial alignment. The alignment control may comprise a guide member for sliding reception axially within a guide passage of a support, for instance the body of a portable commllnication aevice, when the solenoid body is carried ~y such a device. Alternatively, the alignment control may comprise a plurality of radially extending 20 fingers spaced around the axis of reciprocatLng v~ t of the diaphragm. ~uch fingers are resiliently flexible in an axial direction and are balanced, while being secured at inner ends to the diaphragm, the diaphragm having a marginal edge secured to the second mass and being provided 2s with a stiffness to urge the first and second masses into normal relative positions, so as to resist axial r- v. t in the diaphragm in one direction of its reciprocation while axial alignment of the diaphragm is assured.
The invention also includes a portable 30 ~ ni~tion device comprising a body, a storage region for an electrical battery, and a vibrator alerter comprising a first mass ~n~ ;n~ a diaphragm, a second mass, and a solenoid with a rigid body of the solenoid forming part of the second mass, the solenoid acting 3s between the first and second masses and against the diaphragm stiffness to cause, upon solenoid energization, reciprocating ,v~ t of one mass relative to the other, ~135~4 .
the movable mass being of a size such as to limit its reciprocating movement to re(luencies below audio:
frer~uencies and to provide a tactile vibrat~ional characteristic .
s Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reerence to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a plan view of a portable communication device in the form of a portable tPl PpllnnP;
lo Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view through the telephone of the first embodiment taken along line II-II in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through a vibrator alerter forming part of the portable tPlP~hnnP of the first embodiment and taken along the same cross- - -sectional line as Figure 2 but to a much larger scale;
Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 of a vibrator alerter forming part of a portable telephone according to a second embodiment;
Figure 5 is a view of part of the alerter of Figure 4 taken in the direction of arrow V in Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a vlew similar to Figure 3 of a third embodiment .
In a first r~l n7iir t, as shown by Figures 1 and 2s 2, a portable tPl PphnnP 10 has a body 12 with upper and lower substantially planar sides 14 and 16 as shown in Figure 2 . The portable t.ol P~hnnP is of such a size that it may be held in one hand of the user or may be kept within a user~ s pocket or upon a belt of the user when an appropriate clip (not shown) is provided upon the body. As shown by Figures 1 an~l 2, the tlolP~hnnP 10 has a speaker 18 mounted at one end and a microphone 20 at the other end, the speaker and microphone both facing outwardly from the side 14. AS shown by Figure 2, within the body 12 is 3s disposed a storage region ~or a battery 22 of 1.5 volts, a circuit pack or packs 24 for operation of the t~l PphnnP and also a vibrator alerter 26 which, as will be descri~ed, is ~ 2135434 secured to the side 16 of the body 12. Alternatively, the speaker, microphone battery storage region a~d circuit packs are secured in other locations within the body 12.
As shown in greater detail in Figure 3, the s vibrator alerter 26 comprises a diaphragm housing 28 of circular plan, the housing having a frusto-conical portion 30 tPrm;n~tin~ in a closed narrow end 32 and terminating at its other end in a short cylindrical portion 3 4 with an annular end flange 36. A reciprocal diaphragm 38 is lo attached by a marginal edge to the cyLindrical housing portion 34. The diaphragm 38 is of shallow frusto-conical shape from its marginal edge and has a small diameter end -- ~
at which it is provided with an axially extending conductor wire coll 40 of a solenoid. The solenoid is completed by a body formed integrally with the housing 28, the solenoid body i n~ di n~ an integral plunger 44 which exte~ds into the coil 40. The coil 40 is electrically connected to the ~ :
circuit packs 24 by means of conductor wires 46 extending from the coil and outwardly from the alerter in the region of the cylindrical body portion 34. The diaphragm housing - -28 and body 12 provides a stationary mass o~ the alerter and is suitably secured by the annular flange 36, in a manner~ not shown, to the side 16 of the body 12 . A second mass which is intended to reciprocate within the housing 28 2s comprises the diaphragm 38 and the speaker coil 40. The second mass has a normal axial position relative to the housing 28, this normal position being attained by the stiffness of the diaphragm 38.
The second mass is required to reciprocate at a low frequency so as to provide tactile vibrational characteristics and for this purpose the mass should be sufficiently great to el~sure that this vibrational characteristic is achieved. To produce the required mass, a weight is provided upon the diaphragm 3 8 . ~his weight is 3s in the form of a disc 50 of approximate weight between 1 and 5 grams and which is attached concentrically to the underside of the small diameter end of the diaphragm 38, i . e. on the opposite side from the coil 40 as shown by Figure 3. The alerter is also provided with an alignment control for Tr~-inti~;nin~r axial alignment of the solenoid elements during operation preventing vibration in azimuthal s modes which could detract from the desired tactile vibrational characteristics. In the embodiment shown by Figure 3, the alignment control comprises a guide member in the form of a narrow shaft 52 which extends along the axis of reciprocation of the diaphragm and downwardly from the lo weight 50 This shaft 52 is slidably received within a guide passage 54 formed in the wall 16 of the housing 28.
In operation, with the person carrying the portable t~l PrhnnP either in his pocket or upon a belt as desired, immediately an incoming call is received by the 5 telephone, then the coil 40 becomes energized to cause reciprocating movement of the diaphragm 38 which is ~-normally restrained to its normal lower axial position when viewed in Figure 3 by its own stiffness referred to above.
As will be seen from the above explanation because of the incorporation of the weight 50 to complete the mass of the diaphragm and coil, the diaphragm has a reciprocating frequency characteristic which is exceedingly small and may operate within the r,,q~n~nr-e frequency of the diaphragm, i . e. between 50 and 80 Hz or slightly below that range.
2s ThiS vibrational frequency is below that for audio use and lies within the tactile range of frequencies. It follows therefore that reciprocating v, t of the diaphragm and the rest of the movlng mass is clearly felt by the user to - -indicate to him that an incoming call is taking place. In addition, the tactile stimulus characteristics can be varied (by varying the electrical stimulus) for selected alerting conditions.
As may be seen from the first embodiment, the operation of the vibrator alerter is somewhat similar to 3s the operation of a conventional microspeaker, the basic .=
dif ference being that -it operates at a much lower frequency than a microspeaker and provides tactile instead of audio 2 ~
signals. The cost of the vibrator alerter is relatively small and no sparks can be emitted which could cause an explosion problem in the presence of hydrogen which may be given of f by the battery . Also, as may be seen from the s embodiment, the vibrator alerter is operable with low power batteries and is comparable for its energy requirements to a conventional microspeaker. Another advantage with the construction of the vibrator alerter is its size and shape.
The maximum dimension for a vibrator alerter for commercial o application, i . e . its diameter ne~d be relatively small while producing suitable tactile properties. For instance in the first embodiment, the alerter has an outside diameter of about 28 mm or less as referred to above. With such a ~lii tPr the height of the total alerter i.e.
between the flange 36 and the end 32 of the housing is excessively small, i . e. at or below S mm, and this enables a portable telephone to be constructed which is extremely thin between the sides 14 and 16 and thus may comfortably fit within a user's pocket.
In a second ~ im~nt., in a portable t~l PrllnnP of otherwise similar construction to that described in the first Pmh~;r~nt, a vibrator alerter 60 i~ included as shown in Figure 4. In this construction which is otherwise similar to that of the alerter 26 and has the same 2s reference numerals for similar parts, the ~ nmPnt control in the form of the shaft 52 is replaced by the use of a plurality of radially Pl~tPnr~ing fingers 62 relatively disposed around the axis of reciprocation of the diaphragm.
These fingers 62 resiliently flex in an axial direction and are se-curad at ~heir inner ends to the weight 50 in close ~=
proximity to ei~ch other so as to resiliently resist axial ~vi t of the diaphragm in an upwards direction, i . e . in the same direction in which resistance is offered by the ~_ stiffness of the d~aphragm itself. As shown by Figure 5, 3s the fingers are conveniently formed integrally with a radially outer ring 64 hy a pressing or cutting operation in which the f ingers occupy equal arcs of generation around -~ 213~3~
the axis of reciprocation, the fingers being formed by two crossing slits 66 which provide each finger substantially in the form of a quadrant of a circle. Construction is such that there is perfect balance in the loading applied s by the fingers so that the fingers act upon the weight 50 and upon the diaphragm 38 to prevent any azimuthal mode of vibration of the diaphragm during operation. As shown by Figure 4, the ring 64 is held by the flange 36 against the side 16 of the body 12.
It may be found that the shortness of the lengths of the f ingers in such an arrangement causes a lack of flexibility for their desired use. In such an event, the ring 64 may be made of larger diameter so as to stand radially outwardly from the annular fIange 36 and be 5 secured separately to the side 16. In this case (not shown) the fingers would be of narrow construction and would be spaced apart to enable them to pass through gaps formed around the annular flange 36 of the housing 28.
In a third embodiment as shown by Figure 6, a 20 portable ~ phnnf~ is of substantially the same construction as described in the first embodiment. In this pa~ticular embodiment, a vibrator alerter 70 is of similar construction generally to that described in the first embodiment except that in the third embodiment it is the 2s mass including the diaphragm 38 which is secured to the side 16 of the housing thereby enabling reciprocation of the diaphragm housing 71. This is effected by securing the center region of the diaphragm 38 to the housing 16 through a spacer 72 so as to provide clearance for the housing 71 30 to allow for its reciprocating movement. In this case the housing 71 is itself provided with a weight 74 upon its end 76 so as to increase the total mass thereby lowering the - ~
frequency of operation to the tactile vibrational fre~uency characteristic which is required for this particular ~5 purpose.
While the above embodiments have been described with reference to a portable t~ phnn~, vibrator alerters 2135~34 g according to the invention are su~table ~Qr use upon any ~ ~`
type of portable communication device. In essence there~ore any vibrator alerter and particularly those described in the above embodiments may also be suitably S used upon pagers instead o~ upon portable telephones.
Claims (12)
1. A vibrator alerter for a portable communications device comprising a first mass including a diaphragm, a second mass and a solenoid with a rigid body of the solenoid forming part of the second mass, the diaphragm having a marginal edge secured to the second mass and being provided with a stiffness to urge the first and second masses into normal relative positions, the solenoid acting between the first and second masses and against the diaphragm stiffness to cause, upon solenoid energization, reciprocating movement of one mass relative to the other, the movable mass being of a size such as to limit its reciprocating movement to frequencies below audio frequencies and to provide a tactile vibrational characteristic.
2. An alerter according to claim 1 wherein the first mass includes a weight secured to the diaphragm for reciprocating movement with the diaphragm.
3. An alerter according to claim 2 provided with an alignment control for maintaining axial alignment of the diaphragm relative to the second mass.
4. An alerter according to claim 3 wherein the alignment control comprises a guide member provided by the first mass for axial sliding reception within a guide passage of a support when the solenoid body is rigidly carried upon the support.
5. An alerter according to claim 3 wherein the alignment control comprises a plurality of radially extending fingers spaced around the axis of reciprocating movement of the diaphragm and being resiliently flexible in an axial direction and secured at inner ends to the diaphragm resiliently to resist axial movement of the diaphragm in one direction of its reciprocation, the resilient resistance being in balanced manner so as to maintain said axial alignment.
6. An alerter according to claim 5 wherein the fingers are integral with and extend radially inwards from a radially outer ring.
7. A portable communication devicec comprising a body, a storage region in the body for an electrical battery, a second mass and a vibrator alerter comprising a first mass including a diaphragm, and a solenoid with a rigid body of the solenoid forming part of the second mass, the diaphragm having a marginal edge secured to the second mass and being provided with a stiffness to urge the first and second masses into normal relative positions, the solenoid acting between the first and second masses and against the diaphragm stiffness to cause, upon solenoid energization, reciprocating movement of one mass relative to the other, the movable mass being of a size such as to limit its reciprocating movement to frequencies below audio frequencies and to provide a tactile vibrational characteristic.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the second mass is secured to a support of the device and the first mass is movable relative to the second mass, the first mass including a weight secured to the diaphragm for reciprocating movement with the diaphragm.
9. A device according to claim 8 provided with an alignment control for maintaining axial alignment of the diaphragm relative to the second mass.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the alignment control comprises a guide member provided by the first mass, the guide member being slidably received within a guide passage of the support.
11. A device according to claim 9 wherein the alignment control comprises a plurality of radially extending fingers spaced around the axis of reciprocating movement of the diaphragm and being resiliently flexible in an axial direction, the fingers being secured at inner ends to the diaphragm resiliently to resist axial movement of the diaphragm in one direction of its reciprocation, the resilient resistance being in balanced manner so as to maintain alignment of the solenoid elements.
12. A device according to claim 11 wherein the fingers are integral with and extend radially inwardly from a radially outer ring.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2135434 CA2135434A1 (en) | 1994-11-09 | 1994-11-09 | Vibrator alerters |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2135434 CA2135434A1 (en) | 1994-11-09 | 1994-11-09 | Vibrator alerters |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2135434A1 true CA2135434A1 (en) | 1996-05-10 |
Family
ID=4154636
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2135434 Abandoned CA2135434A1 (en) | 1994-11-09 | 1994-11-09 | Vibrator alerters |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2135434A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU770872B2 (en) * | 2000-08-08 | 2004-03-04 | Ntt Docomo, Inc. | Electronic apparatus, vibration generator, vibratory informing method and method for controlling information |
-
1994
- 1994-11-09 CA CA 2135434 patent/CA2135434A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU770872B2 (en) * | 2000-08-08 | 2004-03-04 | Ntt Docomo, Inc. | Electronic apparatus, vibration generator, vibratory informing method and method for controlling information |
| US7292227B2 (en) | 2000-08-08 | 2007-11-06 | Ntt Docomo, Inc. | Electronic device, vibration generator, vibration-type reporting method, and report control method |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |