Acoustic device

Abstract

The invention discloses an acoustic device (10). An acoustic device (10) is provided with a speaker unit (30) that generates sound by vibrating a diaphragm, and a housing (12) that houses the speaker unit (30), the housing (12) is provided with a conical part (51) that is disposed facing the diaphragm (44) and protrudes toward the diaphragm (44) side, and a plurality of through-holes (50A) that penetrate in the vibration direction of the diaphragm (44) are radially formed in the conical part (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to audio devices. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 7126763 discloses a structure in which a cover structure is integrally formed in the housing of a vehicle loudspeaker that includes a magnetic circuit section, a coil, and a diaphragm. In the vehicle loudspeaker disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7126763, the front cover section and the rear cover section are disposed with a space between them as the cover structure section, and the front cover section has a structure with a protrusion and a recess. Summary of the Invention

[0003] [The technical problem the invention aims to solve] However, audio devices such as car speakers require a slimmer design due to limitations in installation size. The speaker described in Japanese Patent No. 7126763 does not consider achieving a slimmer design while maintaining sound performance, leaving room for improvement.

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an audio device that can achieve a thin profile while maintaining audio performance.

[0005] [Solutions for solving technical problems] The first aspect relates to an audio device comprising: a loudspeaker unit that generates sound by vibrating a diaphragm; and a housing that houses the loudspeaker unit, the housing having a conical portion that is disposed opposite to and protrudes toward the diaphragm, and a plurality of through holes extending radially along the vibration direction of the diaphragm are formed in the conical portion.

[0006] In the above aspects, a loudspeaker unit is provided that generates sound by vibrating a diaphragm, and the loudspeaker unit is housed in a housing. Here, the housing has a conical portion facing the diaphragm, protruding towards the diaphragm. This prevents the diaphragm from protruding due to sudden pressure changes. Furthermore, multiple through-holes extending along the vibration direction of the diaphragm are radially formed in the conical portion. Therefore, even when through-holes are formed in the conical portion, the length of the through-holes along the vibration direction of the diaphragm can be fixed, thereby achieving a thinner profile while maintaining sound performance. Moreover, the term "conical portion" here is not limited to a cone with a perfectly circular base, but broadly includes conical portions with an elliptical base. Additionally, a frustum-shaped structure is also included.

[0007] The second aspect relates to an audio device in the first aspect, wherein the conical portion is bent along the diaphragm.

[0008] In the above aspects, since the surface of the cone is curved along the diaphragm, the gap between the diaphragm and the cone can be roughly fixed in the radial direction, and the changes in acoustic characteristics can be adjusted.

[0009] The third aspect relates to an audio device in which, in the first or second aspect, a plurality of the through holes are respectively arranged around the central axis of the conical portion.

[0010] In the above aspects, by arranging the through holes around the central axis of the conical portion, compared with a structure in which the through holes are formed in scattered positions, it is possible to suppress changes in acoustic characteristics.

[0011] The fourth aspect relates to an audio device in any of the first to third aspects, wherein the edges of adjacent through holes are connected to each other by means of ribs.

[0012] In the above aspects, by using ribs to connect the edges of the through holes to each other, the through holes can be strengthened and other parts can be reduced in weight, thus reducing cost and weight.

[0013] The audio device involved in the fifth aspect, in any of the first to fourth aspects, has an outer cover located outside the conical portion, and the outer cover has a plurality of outer through holes formed radially.

[0014] In the above aspects, the acoustic characteristics can be adjusted to any desired characteristics by changing the space between the conical part and the outer cover.

[0015] In the sixth aspect, the sound device is in the fifth aspect, wherein the outer through-hole is formed at a position different from the through-hole when viewed from the vibration direction of the diaphragm.

[0016] In the above aspects, the through hole on the outer side of the cover and the through hole in the conical part are formed in different positions, thus preventing foreign objects from entering the through hole from the cover.

[0017] [Invention Effects] According to the audio device disclosed herein, it is possible to achieve a thinner design while maintaining audio performance. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the audio device involved in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It means to indicate Figure 1 A side sectional view of the state of being cut along line 2-2.

[0020] Figure 3 It means to indicate Figure 2 A top sectional view showing the state of being cut along line 3-3.

[0021] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the main parts.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a top view of the main parts of the audio system.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the main parts of the inner and outer covers partially cut apart.

[0024] Figure 7 The sound device involved in the variation example and Figure 6 The corresponding cross-sectional 3D view. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The audio device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the audio device 10 according to the embodiment. The audio device 10 of this embodiment, as an example, is mounted in a vehicle and can be used as an external sound system (ESS) such as an alarm, or an acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS). Furthermore, one side of the central axis of the audio device 10 is referred to as the axial side (upper side), and the other side of the central axis is referred to as the axial side (lower side). Additionally, in a direction orthogonal to the central axis, the side closer to the central axis is referred to as the radially inner side, and the side farther from the central axis is referred to as the radially outer side. However, the vertical orientation of the audio device 10 is provided for ease of explanation and may not necessarily correspond to the vertical orientation when the audio device 10 is mounted in a vehicle.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the audio device 10 of this embodiment includes a housing 12 that constitutes the outer shell of the device, and the housing 12 is configured to include a main baffle 14 and a cover 16. Figure 2 It means to indicate Figure 1 A side sectional view showing the state of being cut along line 2-2. (See example.) Figure 2 As shown, the main baffle 14 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top and is made of resin. Furthermore, a plurality of ribs 14A are formed on the bottom surface of the main baffle 14. In this embodiment, as an example, the ribs 14A are formed in a generally lattice pattern. Moreover, the opening of the main baffle 14 is closed by the cover portion 16.

[0027] The cap 16 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens at the bottom and is made of resin. Additionally, as... Figure 1As shown, three mounting pieces 18 are provided on the cover portion 16. The mounting pieces 18 extend radially outward from the outer periphery of the cover portion 16. In this embodiment, as an example, the mounting pieces 18 are provided at equal intervals around the cover portion 16, and each mounting piece 18 has a through hole 18A extending in the vertical direction. The audio device 10 is mounted to the vehicle body side of the mounting component by inserting fasteners such as bolts into these through holes 18A. Additionally, a connector 20 for electrically connecting the audio device 10 to an external source is provided on the cover portion 16.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover 16 comprises an inner cover 50 located on the lower (inner) side and an outer cover 52 located on the upper (outer) side. Details of the cover 16 will be described below.

[0029] The housing 12 houses a speaker unit 30, which produces sound by vibrating a diaphragm 44.

[0030] The loudspeaker unit 30 comprises a frame 32, a magnetic circuit portion 33 supported on the frame 32, a voice coil skeleton 40 disposed within the frame 32 and wound with a voice coil, a spider 42 disposed between the voice coil skeleton 40 and the frame 32, a diaphragm 44 fixed to the voice coil skeleton 40, and an edge member 46 connecting the diaphragm 44 and the frame 32.

[0031] The frame 32 is formed into a generally stepped cylindrical shape, with the opening on one axial side (upper side) being larger than the opening on the other axial side (lower side). The upper opening of the frame 32 is blocked by the diaphragm 44 and the edge member 46, which will be described later.

[0032] The magnetic circuit section 33 comprises a bottomed cylindrical yoke 34, a circular plate-shaped magnet 36 fixed to the bottom surface of the yoke 34, and a circular plate-shaped top plate 38 stacked on the magnet 36. The yoke 34 and the top plate 38 are made of soft magnetic material. The yoke 34 opens upwards and is positioned to block the opening on the lower side of the frame 32. A gap is formed between the top plate 38 and the yoke 34, in which a voice coil skeleton 40 and a portion of the voice coil are disposed.

[0033] The voice coil is constructed by winding a wire onto the outer periphery of a voice coil skeleton 40, which is formed into a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, in Figure 2 Due to the complexity of the accompanying drawings, the voice coil is not shown in the diagram, but it is disposed at the lower end of the voice coil frame 40 in a manner that accommodates the magnetic gap. Additionally, a diaphragm 44 is fixed to the upper end of the voice coil frame 40. The ends of the wires wound around the voice coil frame 40 are connected to terminals (not shown), supplying power from an external power source of the audio device 10 to the voice coil via these terminals.

[0034] The spider 42, when viewed axially, is formed as a circular plate with a radially open central portion. Furthermore, the cross-section of the spider 42, when viewed radially, is a wave-like shape that repeatedly bends in the vertical direction. A voice coil frame 40 is inserted through the opening formed in the central portion of the spider 42, and the inner peripheral end of the spider 42 engages with the voice coil frame 40. Additionally, the outer peripheral end of the spider 42 engages with the frame 32. Thus, the voice coil frame 40 and the frame 32 are connected via the spider 42.

[0035] The diaphragm 44 is formed into a generally circular shape when viewed from the axial direction, for example, by forming it into a thin plate shape using a material capable of elastic deformation. In addition, the diaphragm 44 is bent such that its central portion protrudes downward when viewed from the radial direction.

[0036] The edge member 46 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and is ring-shaped when viewed from the axial direction. Furthermore, the edge member 46 is formed with a cross-sectional shape that curves downwards when viewed from the radial direction, and the radially outer end of the edge member 46 engages with the upper end of the frame 32. The radially inner end of the edge member 46 engages with the upper surface of the outer peripheral end of the diaphragm 44.

[0037] The loudspeaker unit 30 is configured as described above, in which current flows through the voice coil by supplying power to it, and the voice coil frame 40 moves back and forth axially (vertically). Furthermore, through the back and forth movement of the voice coil frame 40, the diaphragm 44 moves back and forth axially, thereby vibrating the diaphragm 44 and producing sound.

[0038] (Structure of cover 16) Next, the structure of the cover 16 will be explained.

[0039] The inner cover 50 constituting the cover portion 16 is disposed facing the diaphragm 44 and has a conical portion 51 protruding toward the diaphragm 44. That is, the conical portion 51 is formed in a manner that protrudes toward the downward side, and the lower surface of the conical portion 51 is curved along the diaphragm 44 in a manner that protrudes toward the downward side in the same manner as the diaphragm 44, with a gap between them. Here, a plurality of inner through holes 50A are radially formed in the conical portion 51, extending along the vibration direction of the diaphragm 44.

[0040] Figure 3 It means to indicate Figure 2 A top sectional view showing the state of being cut along line 3-3. As shown... Figure 3 As shown, multiple inner through holes 50A are formed radially around the central axis of the conical portion 51 on the inner cover 50.

[0041] In this embodiment, as an example, seven inner through holes 50A are formed at approximately equal intervals around the central axis of the conical portion 51. The seven inner through holes 50A are each formed to approximately the same length in the radial direction, with the inner end located near the center of the conical portion 51 and the outer end located near the outer peripheral end of the conical portion 51.

[0042] Here, ribs 54 are used to connect the edges of adjacent inner through holes 50A to each other. The ribs 54 are formed in such a way that adjacent inner through holes 50A are connected to each other in a generally arc shape, and seven ribs 54 are formed around the central axis of the conical portion 51. Alternatively, a structure without ribs 54 may also be used.

[0043] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the main parts. As shown... Figure 4 As shown, a recess 58 is formed in the inner cover 50, which is formed by making the area around the inner through hole 50A deeper than the outer edge of the inner through hole 50A. The recess 58 forms the upper surface of the conical portion 51 and gradually slopes downward toward the central axis of the conical portion 51. Therefore, the ribs 54 that connect the inner through holes 50A to each other protrude upward from the inclined surface forming the recess 58. In addition, the edge of the inner through hole 50A is formed to the same height as the rib 54, so the edge of the inner through hole 50A is also formed in a way that protrudes upward from the inclined surface.

[0044] A flat area is formed radially outward of the recess 58 of the inner cover 50, and a plurality of drainage holes 56 are formed in this area. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, as an example, twenty-four drainage holes 56 are formed at approximately equal intervals around the central axis of the conical portion 51. Each drainage hole 56 is formed as a roughly circular shape with a smaller diameter than the inner through hole 50A, and penetrates the inner cover 50 along the thickness direction (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0045] The upper end of the rib 54 and the inner through hole 50A is formed to be approximately the same height as the flat area where the drainage hole 56 is formed. Therefore, the depth of the inner through hole 50A in the vertical direction gradually increases towards the central axis. That is, the inner through hole 50A is configured such that its depth changes in the radial direction.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a top view of the main parts of the sound unit 10. Additionally, Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a partial cutaway of the main parts of the inner cover 50 and the outer cover 52. (Example) Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the outer cover 52 constituting the cover portion 16 is located above (outer) the conical portion 51 and covers the inner cover 50 from the outside. A plurality of outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 are formed in the outer cover 52. Here, when viewed from the vibration direction of the diaphragm 44 (viewed from above), the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 are all formed at positions different from the inner through holes 50A of the inner cover 50.

[0047] Outer through holes 22 are formed on the outer periphery of the outer cover 52, and multiple outer through holes 22 are formed radially at approximately equal intervals around the central axis. In this embodiment, as an example, twenty-four outer through holes 22 are formed around the central axis. The radial length of each outer through hole 22 is shorter than that of the inner through hole 50A, and its width is wider than that of the inner through hole 50A. In addition, the outer through holes 22 are formed at a position on the outer periphery of the outer through hole 50A.

[0048] The outer through holes 24 are formed at a position closer to the inner periphery than the outer through holes 22. Furthermore, multiple outer through holes 24 are formed radially at approximately equal intervals around the central axis. In this embodiment, as an example, fourteen outer through holes 24 are formed around the central axis. The radial length of each outer through hole 24 is shorter than that of the inner through hole 50A, and its width is wider than that of the inner through hole 50A. Additionally, the outer opening edge of the outer through hole 24 is located radially outward than the outer opening edge of the inner through hole 50A, and the inner opening edge of the outer through hole 24 is located radially inward than the outer opening edge of the inner through hole 50A.

[0049] The outer through-holes 26 are formed at a position closer to the inner periphery than the outer through-holes 22. Furthermore, multiple outer through-holes 26 are formed radially at approximately equal intervals around the central axis. In this embodiment, as an example, seven outer through-holes 26 are formed around the central axis. The width of each outer through-hole 26 is wider than the inner through-holes 50A, and when viewed from above, it is formed between adjacent inner through-holes 50A. Additionally, the opening edge of the inner end of the outer through-hole 26 is located further outward than the opening edge of the inner end of the inner through-hole 50A. In other words, the inner end of the inner through-hole 50A is located further inward than the inner end of the outer through-hole 26.

[0050] In this manner, the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 are positioned so as not to overlap with the inner through hole 50A when viewed from above. Furthermore, the combined opening area of ​​the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 is larger than the combined opening area of ​​the inner through hole 50A. Moreover, the number of outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 is greater than the number of inner through holes 50A.

[0051] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, the width of the hole walls of the inner through hole 50A and the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 is the same from one end to the other, but it is not limited to this, and the width of the hole walls can also vary. For example, it can also be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the hole wall is formed into a tapering shape.

[0052] Figure 7 The sound device involved in the variation example and Figure 6 The corresponding sectional perspective view. (As shown in the image) Figure 7 As shown, the inner through hole 50A formed in the inner cover 50 gradually narrows in width from the lower side (inner side) to the upper side (outer side).

[0053] Furthermore, the outer through-hole 26 formed in the outer cover 52 gradually narrows in width from the upper side (outer side) towards the lower side (inner side). This increases the distance between the openings in the space between the inner cover 50 and the outer cover 52, thus effectively preventing foreign objects from entering through the inner cover 50. In this modified example, only the outer through-hole 26 is formed in a tapering shape, but it is not limited to this; the outer through-holes 22 and 24 can also be similarly formed in a tapering shape that gradually narrows in width from the upper side towards the lower side.

[0054] (effect) Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0055] In the audio device 10 of this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a speaker unit 30 is provided, which generates sound by vibrating a diaphragm 44, and the speaker unit 30 is housed in a housing 12. Here, the inner cover 50 of the housing 12 has a conical portion 51 disposed facing the diaphragm 44, and the conical portion 51 protrudes toward the diaphragm 44. Therefore, the conical portion 51 can prevent the diaphragm 44 from protruding during operation of the audio device 10, and can prevent malfunctions caused by sudden pressure changes.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surface of the cone portion 51 is curved along the diaphragm 44, thus the gap between the diaphragm 44 and the cone portion 51 can be approximately fixed in the radial direction. Moreover, in this embodiment, the acoustic characteristics can be adjusted by varying the space between the cone portion 51 and the outer cover 52.

[0057] Moreover, in addition to Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of inner through holes 50A are radially formed in the conical portion 51, extending along the vibration direction of the diaphragm 44. Therefore, even when the conical portion 51 has inner through holes 50A, the length of the inner through holes 50A along the vibration direction of the diaphragm 44 can be fixed, enabling a thinner design while maintaining sound performance. As a result, the audio device 10 of this embodiment achieves a thinner design while maintaining sound performance.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner through hole 50A is arranged around the central axis of the conical portion 51, which, compared to a structure in which the inner through hole 50A is formed in scattered positions, can suppress changes in acoustic characteristics.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner through hole 50A is connected to each other by the rib 54, which strengthens the inner through hole 50A and reduces the weight of other parts, thereby reducing cost and weight.

[0060] In particular, in this embodiment, a recess 58 is formed in the inner cover 50, which is formed by making the area around the inner through hole 50A deeper than the outer edge of the inner through hole 50A. Therefore, compared with a structure without a recess, cost and weight can be reduced.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 formed on the outer cover 52 and the inner through hole 50A formed on the conical portion 51 are formed at different positions, thus preventing foreign objects from entering the speaker unit 30 from the housing 12.

[0062] In particular, in this embodiment, the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 are formed at positions different from the inner through hole 50A when viewed from above. Therefore, regardless of the shape and size of the inner through hole 50A and the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26, the entry of foreign objects can be effectively suppressed. That is, even if foreign objects enter the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 from the outside, the entry of foreign objects through the inner through hole 50A can be suppressed.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the total opening area of ​​the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 is larger than the total opening area of ​​the inner through holes 50A, thus suppressing the reverberation of sound generated by the vibration of the diaphragm 44 between the inner cover 50 and the outer cover 52.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the widths of the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 are wider than the inner through hole 50A, thus effectively transmitting sound to the outside without increasing the number of outer through holes. In this way, a structure with a high degree of design freedom can be obtained while suppressing the entry of foreign objects.

[0065] Supplementary Explanation The audio device 10 according to the embodiments and variations has been described above, but it can of course be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the shell 12 is generally cylindrical, but it is not limited to this and can be formed in other shapes. For example, the shell 12 can also be formed in a generally square cylindrical shape.

[0066] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes a structure for mounting the audio device 10 in a vehicle, it is not limited to this and can be applied to other applications. In particular, if the audio device 10 of this embodiment is applied to an outdoor device that is susceptible to foreign objects and water, it can suppress the entry of foreign objects and maintain audio performance. However, the audio device 10 can also be applied to an indoor device.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a structure is provided with multiple outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 of different shapes, but it is not limited to this. For example, a structure may be provided with only a portion of the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26. In addition, the layout of the outer through holes 22, 24, and 26 may be appropriately modified.

[0068] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-140442 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] All documents, patent applications and technical specifications recorded in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in the same way as if each document, patent application and technical specification were specifically and individually recorded and incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An audio device, comprising: A loudspeaker unit that produces sound by vibrating a diaphragm; and The housing, which houses the speaker unit. The housing has a conical portion, which is disposed facing the diaphragm and protrudes toward the diaphragm side. Multiple through holes extending along the vibration direction of the diaphragm are radially formed in the conical portion.

2. The audio device according to claim 1, The conical portion bends along the diaphragm.

3. The audio device according to claim 1, The plurality of through holes are respectively arranged around the central axis of the conical portion.

4. The audio device according to claim 1, The edges of adjacent through holes are connected to each other using ribs.

5. The audio device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An outer cover is provided at a position further outward than the conical portion. The outer cover has multiple radial through holes.

6. The audio device according to claim 5, The outer through-hole is formed at a position different from the through-hole when viewed from the vibration direction of the diaphragm.

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