Waterproof sound transmission sheet

Abstract

This invention discloses a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet. The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet includes: a waterproof sound-transmitting layer having a waterproof function and configured to transmit sound; a first adhesive layer attached to the lower surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer; and a second adhesive layer attached to the upper surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer opposite to the lower surface. The second adhesive layer includes a communicating groove for communicating between the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer and the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet, wherein the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer is surrounded by the waterproof sound-transmitting layer and the second adhesive layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet, and more specifically, to a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet that not only has high durability but also improved resilience. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the use of mobile electronic devices such as smartphones and smartwatches has increased significantly. Because these mobile electronic devices are carried and used in daily life, they require waterproofing. Mobile electronic devices include audio equipment, such as speakers or microphones, and need to have a hole (e.g., a sound hole) formed to allow sound to pass through the part where the audio equipment is located. However, there is a problem that water or dust can enter the inside of the mobile electronic device through the hole.

[0003] Accordingly, a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet is installed in the sound hole, allowing sound to pass through while blocking water or dust. The manufacture of this waterproof sound-transmitting sheet needs to consider both waterproof performance and overall sound transmission efficiency. In recent years, with the improvement of the waterproof performance of mobile electronic devices, the manufacture of waterproof sound-transmitting sheets also needs to consider pressure resistance. Without considering pressure resistance, the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet may be damaged as the external pressure on the mobile electronic device increases. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet material, which is provided with a connecting groove, allowing air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet material to be discharged through the connecting groove, and allowing air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet material to flow into or out of the external space through the connecting groove.

[0006] Solution to the technical problem

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet includes: a waterproof sound-transmitting layer having a waterproof function and configured to transmit sound; a first adhesive layer attached to a lower surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer; and a second adhesive layer attached to an upper surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer facing the lower surface; wherein the second adhesive layer includes a communicating groove configured to communicate with the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer surrounded by the waterproof sound-transmitting layer and the second adhesive layer, and with the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet.

[0008] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0009] The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following effect: since the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet is provided with a connecting groove, the air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet can be discharged through the connecting groove, and even if the external pressure of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet is increased, the pressure in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet will not increase excessively.

[0010] The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following effect: since the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet is provided with a connecting groove, the air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet can be discharged through the connecting groove. Therefore, when the external pressure of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet changes, the resilience of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 The shape of a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention and an electronic device attached to the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet are shown.

[0012] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-section of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet is shown by line A-A'.

[0015] Figure 5 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-section of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet is shown by line B-B'.

[0016] Figure 6 A waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 A cross-section of a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 8 A waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 9 A waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 10 The manufacturing process of the second adhesive layer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To clearly describe the invention, parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted, and throughout the specification, the same or similar constituent elements will be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0022] While the definitions of all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, may vary, their meanings are the same as those commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are additionally interpreted as having meanings consistent with relevant technical literature and current disclosures, and are not to be construed as having ideal or highly formal meanings unless so defined.

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement these embodiments. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is therefore not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0024] Figure 1 The shape of a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention and an electronic device attached to the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet are shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can be attached to the interior of the electronic device 110 and can transmit sound between the interior and exterior of the electronic device 110 while preventing liquids or foreign matter flowing from the outside of the electronic device 110 from entering the interior of the electronic device 110.

[0025] The first surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can be attached to the interior of the housing (or casing) of the electronic device 110, and the second surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200, located on the opposite side of the first surface, can be attached to the sound module (e.g., speaker module or microphone module) 120 inside the electronic device 110. According to an embodiment, the sound module may include a sound element and a circuit board on which the sound element is mounted.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 may include: a waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 having waterproof or dustproof functionality and configured to transmit sound; a first adhesive layer 220 configured to be attached to an electronic device 110 by means of attachment to a first surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210; and a second adhesive layer 230 attached to a sound module 120 by means of attachment to a second surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 located on the opposite side of the first surface.

[0027] Therefore, the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can prevent liquids or foreign matter flowing from outside the electronic device 110 from entering the sound module 120. Furthermore, the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can transmit sound generated by the speaker module 120 to the outside (e.g., to a user), or can transmit sound generated externally to the microphone module 120.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 is attached between the electronic device 110 and the sound module 120. Increasing the external pressure on the electronic device 110 can increase the internal pressure between the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 and the sound module 120. Specifically, the pressure within the internal space surrounded by the waterproof sound-transmitting layer, the second adhesive layer 230, and the sound module 120 can increase, and this increased pressure may act on the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200, causing it to stretch or become damaged. In particular, if the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 remains stretched under high pressure for a prolonged period, it may deform, potentially reducing its sound transmission rate.

[0029] Since the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a connecting groove, the air between the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 and the sound module 120 can be discharged through the connecting groove. Therefore, even if the external pressure of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 increases, the air in the internal space can flow into / out of the external space through the connecting groove. Therefore, the pressure in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 will not increase excessively.

[0030] The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 according to embodiments of the present invention not only has pressure resistance that will not be damaged even in a high-pressure environment equal to or greater than 10 bar, but also can recover its original shape even when the high-pressure environment is removed.

[0031] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and 3 The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can be constructed in the form of a waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210, a first adhesive layer 220, and a second adhesive layer 230 being attached to each other.

[0032] The waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 can be formed from a thin film having a predetermined shape. According to an embodiment, the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 can be a thin film having various shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, polygonal).

[0033] Depending on the sound transmission and waterproofing functions required by the device to which it is applied, the waterproof sound transmission layer 210 may be a thin film with a thickness of about 5 μm to 100 μm, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, taking into account the thickness of the electronic device to which it is applied, the waterproof sound transmission layer 210 may be formed into a thin film with a thickness equal to or greater than 5 μm and equal to or less than 100 μm.

[0034] To provide waterproof performance under high water pressure, the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 can be made of a highly elastic (highly flexible) and non-porous material. For example, the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 can be formed of a highly elastic material such as latex, polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), etc.

[0035] The waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a non-porous membrane to provide waterproof performance under high water pressure. For example, the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 may be made of a polymer material.

[0036] According to the embodiment, a waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 can be formed by electrospinning a polymer material to form a polymer material layer with a mesh structure, and then by locally dissolving the mesh structure of the polymer material layer.

[0037] In this context, the polymeric material may include, for example, aromatic polyesters such as polyamide, polyimide, polyamide-imide, poly(meta-phenylene isophthalamide), polysulfone, polyetherketone, polyetherimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polydiphenoxyphosphazene, and poly(bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)phosphazene)) (poly{bis[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)phosphazene]}), including polyurethane and polyether polyurethane, polyurethane copolymers such as cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, and cellulose acetate propionate. In addition, polymeric materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene), perfluoropolymers, polyvinyl chloride or polyvinylidene chloride and copolymers thereof, and polyethylene glycol derivatives including polyethylene glycol dialkyl ethers and polyethylene glycol dialkyl esters, polyoxides (including poly(oxymethylene-oligoethylene-oxygen), polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide), polyvinyl acetate, poly(vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate), polystyrene and polystyrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, polyacrylonitrile copolymers including polyacrylonitrile and polyacrylonitrile methyl methacrylate copolymers, polymethyl methacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate copolymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0038] When the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 includes a non-porous layer, if the thickness of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 is reduced, the vibration of sound on one side can be effectively transmitted to the other side. Furthermore, when an electrospinning process is used, the thickness of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 can be made as thin as possible, thereby further improving the sound transmission rate.

[0039] According to the embodiment, in order to provide waterproof performance under high water pressure, the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 can be made of a highly elastic (highly flexible) and non-porous material manufactured by a method excluding electrospinning. For example, the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 can be formed of a highly elastic material, such as latex, polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), etc., and can be formed in the form of a non-porous membrane to maintain waterproof performance under pressure equal to or greater than about 1 atmosphere.

[0040] When the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 is formed without pores, air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 and the sound module 120, which consists of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 and the second adhesive layer 230, cannot easily enter or leave the external space. In this case, if the external pressure on the electronic device 110 increases (for example, if water pressure is applied to the electronic device 110), the external pressure acts on the internal space through the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210. However, since the air in the internal space is not easily expelled, the pressure in the internal space increases. Under the condition of increased pressure in the internal space, the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210, which has a relatively higher strength than the sound module 120, may deform or be damaged.

[0041] The first adhesive layer 220 is formed of a thin film having a predetermined shape and an opening therein (or at its center). For example, depending on the shape of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210, the first adhesive layer 220 is formed of a thin film having various shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, and polygonal). In this case, the first adhesive layer 220 may include an opening for sound transmission. For example, the first adhesive layer 220 may be an annular shape with an opening at its center, but embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto.

[0042] The first adhesive layer 220 may be attached to a first surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210. According to an embodiment, the first surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the first adhesive layer 220 may be attached to the electronic device 110, and a second surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the first adhesive layer 220 located on the opposite side of the first surface may be attached to the first surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the first adhesive layer 220 may be attached to the region where a sound hole is formed on the electronic device 110.

[0044] The first adhesive layer 220 can be constructed by bonding a hot melt into granules or a film, wherein a thin film and a thermoplastic resin having a cross-section with an adhesive surface are formed on the hot melt. For example, the first adhesive layer 220 can be formed by laminating a hot melt and a cross-sectional adhesive film.

[0045] The second adhesive layer 230 is formed of a thin film having a predetermined shape and an opening therein (or at its center). For example, depending on the shape of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210, the second adhesive layer 230 is formed of a thin film of various shapes, such as circular, elliptical, and polygonal. In this case, the second adhesive layer 230 may include an opening for sound transmission. For example, the second adhesive layer 230 is an annular shape with an opening at its center, but embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto.

[0046] The second adhesive layer 230 may be attached to the second surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210. According to an embodiment, the first surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the second adhesive layer 230 may be attached to the second surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210, and the second surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the second adhesive layer 230 located on the opposite side of the first surface may be attached to the sound module 120.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the second adhesive layer 230 may be attached to the input / output sound area of ​​the sound module 120.

[0048] The second adhesive layer 230 can be constructed by bonding a hot melt into granules or a film, wherein a thin film and a thermoplastic resin having a cross-section with an adhesive surface are formed on the hot melt. For example, the second adhesive layer 230 can be formed by laminating the hot melt and the cross-sectional adhesive film together.

[0049] The second adhesive layer 230 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a communicating groove 231, which allows the internal space and the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 to communicate with each other. According to the embodiment, air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can be discharged to the external space through the communicating groove 231, and conversely, air in the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can flow into the internal space through the communicating groove 231. Therefore, even if the external pressure of the electronic device 110 increases, the pressure in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 will not increase excessively.

[0050] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-section of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet is shown by line A-A'. Figure 5 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-section of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet is shown by the B-B' line.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 and 5 The first adhesive layer 220 and the second adhesive layer 230 are attached to the two surfaces of the waterproof sound transmission layer 210.

[0052] A first surface (e.g., lower surface) of the first adhesive layer 220 may be attached to the electronic device 110, and a second surface (e.g., upper surface) of the first adhesive layer 220 located on the opposite side of the first surface may be attached to a first surface (e.g., lower surface) of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210. For example, the first surface of the first adhesive layer 220 may be attached to a region where a sound hole is formed on the electronic device 110.

[0053] The first surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the second adhesive layer 230 can be attached to the second surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210, and the second surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the second adhesive layer 230 located on the opposite side of the first surface can be attached to the sound module 120. The second surface of the second adhesive layer 230 can be attached to the input / output sound area of ​​the sound module 120.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the second adhesive layer 230 may include a connecting groove 231 that communicates the internal and external spaces of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200. For example, the connecting groove 231 may connect (or communicate) the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 surrounded by the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210, the second adhesive layer 230, and the sound module 120 with the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200. For example, the connecting groove 231 may be configured to pass through the inner periphery (i.e., inner surface) and outer periphery (i.e., outer surface) of the second adhesive layer 230. That is, the inlet of the connecting groove 231 may be formed on the inner periphery of the second adhesive layer 230, and the outlet of the connecting groove 231 may be formed on the outer periphery of the second adhesive layer.

[0055] The connecting groove 231 can have various forms or shapes. Although Figures 1 to 5 The cross-section of the connecting groove 231 is shown to be quadrilateral, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. The connecting groove 231 can have various forms such as circular, polygonal, and elliptical.

[0056] According to the implementation method, the width of the connecting groove 231 ( Figure 4 and 5 The horizontal direction in the middle can be greater than the height of the connecting groove 231. Figure 4 and 5 (Vertical direction in the middle). For example, the width of the connecting groove 231 can be 0.1mm to 0.5mm, preferably 0.25mm to 0.4mm, and the height of the connecting groove 231 can be 0.01mm to 0.1mm, preferably 0.03mm to 0.05mm.

[0057] The connecting groove 231 may be formed in at least a portion of the cross-section of the second adhesive layer 230 in the vertical direction (e.g., parallel to the microphone direction or the sound hole direction).

[0058] According to an embodiment, the connecting groove 231 can be formed to pass through the upper and lower surfaces of the second adhesive layer 230. Accordingly, the second adhesive layer 230 can be divided into two parts spaced apart from each other by the connecting groove 231. That is, the second adhesive layer 230 can include a first part and a second part that are separated (or spaced apart) from each other by the connecting groove 231.

[0059] Further, according to an embodiment, the connecting groove 231 may be included in the second adhesive layer 230. For example, the connecting groove 231 may be formed to pass through the inner and outer surfaces of the second adhesive layer 230, but not through the upper and lower surfaces of the second adhesive layer 230. Accordingly, the connecting groove 231 may be formed in a form that is surrounded by the second adhesive layer 230.

[0060] The airflow between the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 and the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 becomes smooth through the connecting groove 231. If the external pressure of the electronic device 110 increases, the air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can easily enter the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200, thus preventing the pressure in the internal space from increasing excessively.

[0061] Accordingly, since the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention can effectively prevent pressure in the internal space formed between the waterproof sound-generating layer 210 and the sound module 120, it can prevent deformation of the waterproof sound-generating layer 210, thereby preventing the reduction of sound transmission performance due to deformation (e.g., permanent deformation) of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210.

[0062] Furthermore, since the airflow between the internal space and the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 becomes smooth through the connecting groove 231, the recovery speed of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 can be increased due to the smooth airflow. In other words, compared with waterproof sound-transmitting sheets in the prior art, the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention can quickly recover the sensitivity loss caused by the increase in internal pressure, thereby improving the sound transmission performance of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200.

[0063] Figure 6 A waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The airflow inside the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 is indicated by arrows.

[0064] As described above, if the external pressure on the electronic device 110 increases, the external pressure can act on the internal space through the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210. In this case, according to the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 of the present invention, air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can be discharged from the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 through the connecting groove 231. For example, air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can be discharged through the connecting groove 231, and then through other grooves formed on the electronic device 110.

[0065] Since the air in the internal space can be discharged through the connecting groove 231, the pressure applied by the waterproof sound transmission layer 210 can be dispersed even if the external pressure of the electronic device 110 increases, thereby improving the durability of the waterproof sound transmission layer 210.

[0066] Furthermore, since the air in the internal space can be discharged through the connecting groove 231, the waterproof sound transmission layer 210 can quickly recover even if the external pressure of the electronic device 110 changes, thus not reducing the sound transmission performance of the waterproof sound transmission sheet 200.

[0067] Figure 7 A cross-section of a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 It shows that in relation to Figure 5 The cross-section of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet seen in the same direction. (Refer to...) Figure 7 The connecting groove 231 may have a cross-section in the form of a gradually narrowing width (e.g., a triangle).

[0068] According to the implementation method, having the above-described combination Figure 5 The described cross-section of the communicating groove 231 can be formed by a tool, for example, a mechanical cutting machine, having the above-described combination. Figure 7 The described cross-section of the connecting groove 231 can be formed by a tool such as a laser cutting machine.

[0069] According to the implementation method, the maximum width of the connecting groove 231 ( Figure 7 The horizontal direction in the middle can be greater than the depth of the connecting groove 231. Figure 7 (Vertical direction in the middle). For example, the width of the connecting groove 231 can be 0.1mm to 0.3mm, preferably 0.15mm to 0.25mm, and the depth of the connecting groove 231 can be 0.05mm to 0.15mm, preferably 0.07mm to 0.1mm.

[0070] Figure 8 and 9 A waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 8 and 9The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 may also include a support layer 240 and a third adhesive layer 250.

[0071] The support layer 240 can be attached to the second adhesive layer 230, and the third adhesive layer 250 can be attached to the support layer 240. According to an embodiment, the first surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the second adhesive layer 230 can be attached to the second surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210, and the second surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the second adhesive layer 230 located opposite to the first surface can be attached to the first surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the support layer 240. Further, the second surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the support layer 240 can be attached to the first surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the third adhesive layer 250, and the second surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the third adhesive layer 250 can be attached to the sound module 120.

[0072] The support layer 240 can be formed from a thin film of a predetermined shape. According to an embodiment, the support layer 240 is formed from a thin film of different shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, rectangular, and hexagonal) depending on the internal combination structure of the acoustic aperture and the electronic device 110.

[0073] According to the embodiments, depending on the sound transmission and waterproofing functions required by the applied device, the support layer 240 can be formed of a film with a thickness of about 10 μm to 100 μm, preferably about 15 μm to 20 μm. Meanwhile, when the support layer 240 is composed of a film of nonwoven material, the diameter of the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric can be about 1 μm to 10 μm, preferably about 5 μm.

[0074] To prevent the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 from extending beyond a predetermined level when external pressure is applied to the electronic device 110, the support layer 240 may be configured to be spaced apart from the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 by a predetermined interval. For example, the support layer 240 may be spaced apart from the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 by the thickness of the second adhesive layer 230.

[0075] The third adhesive layer 250 may be formed of a thin film of a predetermined shape having an opening therein (or at its center). For example, depending on the shape of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210, the third adhesive layer 250 may be formed of a thin film of various shapes, such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal. In this case, the third adhesive layer 250 may include an opening for sound transmission. For example, the third adhesive layer 250 may be an annular shape with an opening at its center, but embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto.

[0076] Reference Figure 8 The described support layer 240 may include holes or through holes for sound transmission of the sound module 120.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the support layer 240 can be made of a porous material with multiple pores. For example, the support layer 240 can be made of a porous material with multiple pores formed therein, such as a nonwoven fabric formed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or nylon. For example, multiple pores can be formed on the support layer 240, each pore being approximately 2 μm to 20 μm in size (diameter). In this case, the support layer 240 can include pores sufficient to maintain an air permeability of more than 100 cfm.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the support layer 240 may be formed of a non-porous material, and an exhaust hole for sound transmission with the sound module 120 may be formed on the support layer 240. For example, the exhaust hole may be formed to pass through the upper and lower surfaces of the support layer 240.

[0079] In other words, referencing Figure 8 The described support layer 240 may be formed of a porous material including multiple pores, or it may be formed of a non-porous material and include air-connected discharge pores.

[0080] As described above, if the external pressure on the electronic device 110 increases, the external pressure can act on the internal space through the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210. At this time, according to the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 of the present invention, air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can be discharged from the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 through the connecting groove 231. For example, air in the space between the support layer 240 and the sound module 120 can enter the space between the support layer 240 and the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210 through the support layer 240, and finally be discharged through the connecting groove 231.

[0081] Therefore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, even if the external pressure on the electronic device 110 is increased, the pressure applied by the waterproof sound transmission layer 210 can be dispersed, thereby improving the durability of the waterproof sound transmission layer 210 and enabling the waterproof sound transmission layer 210 to be quickly restored, so as not to reduce the sound transmission performance of the waterproof sound transmission sheet 200.

[0082] Reference Figure 9 The described support layer 240 may be formed of a non-porous material, and the third adhesive layer 250 may include a connecting groove 251 that connects the internal and external spaces of the waterproof acoustic sheet 200.

[0083] The connecting slot 251 allows the internal space surrounded by the support layer 240, the third adhesive layer 250, and the sound module to be interconnected (or communicated) with the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200. For example, the connecting slot 251 can be configured to pass through the inner periphery (i.e., inner surface) and outer periphery (e.g., outer surface) of the third adhesive layer 250. Accordingly, since air in the internal space surrounded by the support layer 240, the third adhesive layer 250, and the sound module can be discharged to the external space through the connecting slot 251, the pressure in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 will not increase excessively.

[0084] The form and shape of the connecting slot 251 can be explained by referring to... Figures 1 to 7 Instead, the form and shape of the described connecting groove 231 are explained.

[0085] The connecting groove 251 may be formed in at least a portion of the cross-section of the third adhesive layer 250 in the vertical direction (e.g., in a direction parallel to the microphone direction or the sound hole direction).

[0086] According to an embodiment, the connecting groove 251 can be formed to pass through the upper and lower surfaces of the third adhesive layer 250. Accordingly, the third adhesive layer 250 can be divided into two parts separated from each other by the connecting groove 251. That is, the third adhesive layer 250 may include a first part and a second part separated (or separated) from each other by the connecting groove 251.

[0087] Further, according to an embodiment, the connecting groove 251 may be included in the third adhesive layer 250. For example, the connecting groove 251 may be formed to pass through the inner and outer surfaces of the third adhesive layer 250, but not through the upper and lower surfaces of the third adhesive layer 250. Accordingly, the connecting groove 251 may be formed in a form that is surrounded by the third adhesive layer 250.

[0088] The airflow between the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 surrounded by the support layer 240 and the third adhesive layer 250 and the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 becomes smooth through the connecting groove 251. If the external pressure of the electronic device 110 increases, the air in the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200 can easily enter the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet 200, thus preventing the pressure in the internal space from increasing excessively, thereby dispersing the pressure acting on the waterproof sound-transmitting layer 210.

[0089] Figure 10 A manufacturing process for the second adhesive layer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Meanwhile, refer to... Figure 10 The described manufacturing process can also be applied to Figure 8 and 9 The manufacturing process of the third adhesive layer 250 shown.

[0090] Reference Figure 10 The second adhesive layer 230 including the connecting groove 231 can be manufactured for multiple second adhesive layers 230 in a single process. For example, if multiple second adhesive layers 230 are listed before forming the connecting groove 231, the connecting groove 231 of each second adhesive layer 230 is formed by simultaneously cutting multiple second adhesive layers 230, so that the second adhesive layer 230 including the connecting groove 231 can be easily manufactured in a single process.

[0091] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, various modifications can be made, and those skilled in the art will understand that examples and corrections of various modifications can be implemented without departing from the scope of the claims of the invention.

[0092] Industrial applicability

[0093] This invention relates to a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet.

Claims

1. A waterproof sound-transmitting sheet, characterized in that, include: A waterproof sound-transmitting layer, made of a non-porous membrane material, is waterproof and configured to transmit sound; A first adhesive layer is attached to the lower surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer; as well as A second adhesive layer is attached to the upper surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer facing the lower surface. The second adhesive layer includes two opposing communicating grooves, which are configured to allow communication between the internal space of the waterproof sound-transmitting layer (surrounded by the waterproof sound-transmitting layer and the second adhesive layer) and the external space of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet. The second adhesive layer is shaped to have an opening at its center. The connecting groove has the same height as the thickness of the second adhesive layer. The communicating groove is configured to pass through an inner surface that contacts an opening in the second adhesive layer and an outer surface facing the inner surface, and is also configured to pass through an upper surface of the second adhesive layer and a lower surface facing the upper surface. The second adhesive layer includes a first portion and a second portion separated from each other by the connecting groove.

2. The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that, When pressure is applied to the outside of the waterproof sound-transmitting sheet, air in the internal space enters the external space through the connecting groove to disperse the pressure applied to the waterproof sound-transmitting layer.

3. The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the connecting groove is composed of any one of a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon.

4. The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A support layer, which is attached to the upper surface of the second adhesive layer; as well as A third adhesive layer is attached to the surface of the support layer opposite to the surface of the second adhesive layer.

5. The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support layer includes holes that pass through the upper and lower surfaces of the support layer.

6. The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support layer is made of a non-porous material. The third adhesive layer includes an additional connecting groove that allows the space surrounded by the support layer and the third adhesive layer to communicate with the external space of the waterproof acoustic sheet.

Images