Electroacoustic transducer for vehicles

Abstract

An electroacoustic transducer (10) for a vehicle comprising: a speaker unit that generates sound; and a casing (11) that is box-shaped and accommodates the speaker unit and that includes a peripheral wall portion (11A) surrounding a periphery of the speaker unit, a front wall portion (11B) arranged on one end side of the peripheral wall portion (11A), and a rear wall portion (11C) arranged on another end side of the peripheral wall portion (11A), wherein a fixing portion (42) that projects from the rear wall portion (11C) toward an opposite side from one side of the front wall portion (11B) and that is attachable to a fixing part outside a vehicle cabin is formed on the casing (11).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electroacoustic transducer for a vehicle. Related technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) Nos. 2021-29003 and 2021-29004 disclose an electroacoustic transducer for vehicles in which a speaker unit is mounted within a main body case. In the electroacoustic transducers for vehicles described in these patent documents 1 and 2, an interior and exterior space of a main body case are partitioned with a vibrating body as a boundary, and by providing vents in communication holes connecting the spaces, the passage of air is allowed and the passage of liquid is blocked. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be solved by the invention

[0003] Incidentally, to attach the vehicle-mounted electroacoustic transducer to a mounting member, it is necessary to provide a mounting portion on the housing or the like. In the vehicle-mounted electroacoustic transducers described in JP-A Nos. 2021-29003 and 2021-29004, two flanges extend outward from the main body casing in opposite directions, and the vehicle-mounted electroacoustic transducer is attached to the mounting member via these flanges. This requires a large space for attaching the vehicle-mounted electroacoustic transducer.Especially in cases where an electroacoustic transducer for a vehicle is installed outside the vehicle cabin to generate sound to the outside because it is necessary to make the outside of the vehicle interior compact in order to secure space inside the vehicle, there is a need for electroacoustic transducers for a vehicle that can be installed in a small space.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an electroacoustic transducer for a vehicle that can be installed in a small space. Means to solve the problem

[0005] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a first aspect comprises: a speaker unit that generates sound; and a casing that is box-shaped and accommodates the speaker unit, and that includes a peripheral wall portion surrounding a periphery of the speaker unit, a front wall portion disposed on one end side of the peripheral wall portion, and a rear wall portion disposed on another end side of the peripheral wall portion, wherein a fixing portion that projects from the rear wall portion toward an opposite side from one side of the front wall portion and that is fixable to a fixing part outside a vehicle cabin is formed on the casing.

[0006] In the above aspect, the speaker unit is housed in the housing, and the housing is configured including a peripheral wall portion, a front wall portion, and a rear wall portion. Since a fixing portion is formed on the housing, the housing can be fixed to a fixing part outside the vehicle cabin by means of the fixing portion.

[0007] Note that the mounting portion protrudes from the rear wall portion of the housing toward a side opposite the front wall portion. This allows the housing to be mounted in a smaller space than in a configuration where the mounting portion is provided around the peripheral wall portion.

[0008] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a second aspect corresponds to the first aspect, wherein the mounting portion comprises a mounting bracket separated from the housing and a bracket receiving portion formed integrally with the housing and provided with an insertion hole into which the mounting bracket can be inserted.

[0009] Since the fixing bracket in the above aspect has an outsert structure in which the fixing bracket is inserted into the insertion hole of the bracket receiving portion, water is less likely to remain on the contact surface between the housing and the fixing bracket compared to an insert structure in which a fixing bracket is integrally formed on a housing. This can suppress deterioration of the contact surface between the housing and the fixing bracket under the influence of water or the like.

[0010] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a third aspect corresponds to the second aspect, wherein a through hole through which a fastening member can pass is formed at the bracket receiving portion, and a screw hole is formed at the fixing bracket, the screw hole communicating with the through hole in a state in which the fixing bracket is received in the bracket receiving portion and in which the fastening member is screwed.

[0011] In the above aspect, when the housing is fixed to the fixing part by means of the fixing member, the fixing member and the fixing bracket are screwed together in a state where the fixing member is inserted into the insertion hole in the bracket receiving portion. Thus, the bracket receiving portion assumes a state sandwiched between the fixing bracket and the fixing member, whereby the housing can be more firmly fixed to the fixing part.

[0012] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a fourth aspect corresponds to the third aspect, wherein the fixing bracket has a cylindrical portion on which the screw hole is formed and a flange portion extending from the cylindrical portion in a radial direction of the cylindrical portion, and the flange portion is formed in a lateral elongated shape such that a length in one direction is longer than a length in another direction among two directions orthogonal to a plate thickness direction.

[0013] In the above aspect, by configuring the flange portion of the fastening bracket in a lateral elongated shape, even in cases where an impact from the fastening part side is applied to the fastening portion, the flange portion can dissipate the impact. In cases where the flange portion is circular with a large diameter, the bracket receiving portion itself needs to be enlarged; however, by configuring the flange portion in a lateral elongated shape, the length in the other direction is shortened, and therefore, there is no need to enlarge the bracket receiving portion.

[0014] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a fifth aspect corresponds to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the fixing portion is formed so that a gap is provided between the bracket receiving portion and the fixing bracket, and the fixing bracket is detachable in a state where the fixing bracket is received in the bracket receiving portion.

[0015] Since a gap is provided between the bracket receiving portion and the fixing bracket, the fixing bracket can be easily attached and detached. This can improve the operational efficiency of inserting the fixing bracket into the bracket receiving portion. Furthermore, the fixing bracket can be easily replaced in accordance with the specifications or the like of the fixing part. Effect of the invention

[0016] The electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to the present disclosure can be installed in a small space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electroacoustic transducer for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electroacoustic transducer for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, viewed from the left side. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an electroacoustic transducer for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a state before insertion of a mounting bracket. Fig. 4 is a plan view of an electroacoustic transducer for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 4 shows. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following is an explanation of an electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 according to an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. Note that, in each of the drawings, arrow FR, arrow UP, and arrow RH indicate the front direction, the upper direction, and the right direction of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10, respectively. However, the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 are indicated for convenience and do not necessarily coincide with the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction in a state where the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 is attached to a mounting member. (Overall configuration of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10)

[0018] As in Fig. 1, the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 of the present exemplary embodiment mainly includes a front cover 12, a case main body 14, a speaker unit 16, and a rear cover 18. A case 11 is formed of the front cover 12, the case main body 14, and the rear cover 18, and the speaker unit 16 is housed in the case 11.

[0019] The electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 of the present exemplary embodiment is installed, for example, in an engine room provided outside a vehicle cabin and is configured to be mounted on a fixing part 100 (see Fig. 4). The electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 of the present exemplary embodiment is used as an acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) that notifies a pedestrian of the approach of the vehicle by generating a sound during low-speed running in a state where it is installed in a vehicle.

[0020] First, the speaker unit 16 constituting the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 of the present exemplary embodiment will be explained, and details of the front cover 12, the case main body 14, and the rear cover 18 constituting the case 11 will be described later. (Speaker unit 16)

[0021] The speaker unit 16 mainly comprises a yoke 20, a frame 22, a magnet 24, a cover plate 26, a damper 28, a voice coil 30 and a diaphragm 32.

[0022] As in Fig. 2, the frame 22 is a substantially stepped cylindrical shape including a small-diameter portion 22A and a tapered portion 22B, and is formed of, for example, a resin member. Further, the small-diameter portion 22A of the frame 22 is arranged at the rear and the tapered portion 22B is arranged at the front, and the direction of the central axis CL of the frame 22 coincides with the front-rear direction. In the following explanation, there are cases where the front of the speaker unit 16 including the frame 22 is referred to as "one side" in the direction of the central axis CL, and the rear of the speaker unit 16 is referred to as "the other side" in the direction of the central axis CL.

[0023] One end portion (end portion facing the "other" axial direction) of the tapered portion 22B is connected to the small-diameter portion 22A on the other axial side, and the tapered portion 22A is formed in a shape whose diameter gradually increases from the other axial end portion toward the one axial side. Furthermore, a diaphragm 32 is attached to one end portion (end portion facing the "one" axial direction) of the tapered portion 22B on the one axial side.

[0024] The diameter of the diaphragm 32 gradually increases from the axial direction of the other end side toward the axial direction of the one end side, and the voice coil 30 is fixed to a rear surface of a central portion of the diaphragm 32. An annular groove portion 32A convex toward the axially other end side is formed at an outer peripheral end portion of the diaphragm 32. A portion of the diaphragm 32 farther toward the outer periphery than the groove portion 32A is fixed to the axially one end portion of the frame 22, and the opening at the axially one end side of the frame 22 is closed by the diaphragm 32.

[0025] The one-side axial direction portion of the frame 22 is connected to a one-side axial direction portion of the housing main body 14, which will be described later. Thus, an exterior space and an interior space of the housing main body 14 are partitioned by the diaphragm 32.

[0026] A yoke 20, a magnet 24, and a cover plate 26 are provided within the small-diameter portion 22A of the frame 22. The yoke 20 is in the shape of a bottomed cylinder with a front side open and is made of a magnetic material. A front portion of the yoke 20 abuts the frame 22, and a rear portion of the yoke 20 abuts the rear cover 18. Thus, the yoke 20 is held in a state sandwiched between the frame 22 and the rear cover 18, which will be described later.

[0027] The magnet 24 is substantially columnar in shape with a smaller diameter than the yoke 20, and the magnet 24 of the present exemplary embodiment is formed, for example, from a neodymium magnet. The magnet 24 is disposed inside the yoke 20, and a back surface of the magnet 24 abuts a lower portion of the yoke 20.

[0028] A cover plate 26 is layered on the front side of the magnet 24. The cover plate 26 is essentially columnar, thinner than the magnet 24, and made of a magnetic material. A magnetic circuit is formed by the yoke 20, the magnet 24, and the cover plate 26.

[0029] A gap is provided between the top plate 26 and the yoke 20, into which the portion of the voice coil 30 oriented in the "other" axial direction is inserted. The voice coil 30 is formed by winding a conductive wire around a bobbin, not shown in the drawings, in a cylindrical shape, and the outer diameter of the voice coil 30 is slightly larger than the magnet 24 and the top plate 26. The end portion of the voice coil 30 oriented in the "one" axial direction is fixed to a central portion of the diaphragm 32, and the diaphragm 32 is configured to deform in accordance with the displacement of the voice coil 30.

[0030] A damper 28 is fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the voice coil 30. The damper 28 is substantially disc-shaped with a central portion open in the radial direction and is formed of a flexible member. The damper 28 is formed with a substantially wave-shaped cross section, and an inner peripheral end portion of the damper 28 is fixed to a central portion in the axial direction of the voice coil 30, and an outer peripheral end portion of the damper 28 is fixed to the frame 22. In this way, the voice coil 30 is supported by the damper 28 so that it can move in the axial direction within the frame 22.

[0031] Note that both end portions of the wire constituting the voice coil 30 are connected to terminals not shown in the drawings, and the voice coil 30 is powered via the terminals from a power source external to the vehicle electroacoustic transducer 10.

[0032] The speaker unit 16 is configured as described above, and the voice coil 30 is energized and current flows through the voice coil 30, causing the voice coil 30 to reciprocate in the axial direction and vibrate the diaphragm 32. Furthermore, sound is generated by the vibration of the diaphragm 32. (Overall configuration of the housing 11)

[0033] The following is an explanation of the housing 11 in which the loudspeaker unit 16 is accommodated.

[0034] As in Fig. 3, the housing 11 is box-shaped and houses the speaker unit 16. It further includes a peripheral wall portion 11A surrounding the periphery of the speaker unit 16, a front wall portion 11B disposed at one end side (front side) of the peripheral wall portion 11A, and a rear wall portion 11C disposed at the other end side (rear side) of the peripheral wall portion 11A.

[0035] As in Fig. 1, the housing 11 is substantially box-shaped and includes a housing main body 14, a front cover 12, and a rear cover 18. The front cover 12 is attached to the front side of the housing main body 14, and the rear cover 18 is attached to a rear side of the housing main body 14. Thus, the peripheral wall portion 11A is formed by the housing main body 14, the front wall portion 11B by the front cover 12, and the rear wall portion 11C by the rear cover 18. The rear cover 18 is provided with a mounting surface 18A facing the mounting part 100 (see Fig. 4). Note that in the present exemplary embodiment, the housing 11 has a three-part structure including the housing main body 14, the front cover 12, and the rear cover 18; however, this is not limitative, and a one-piece or two-piece structure may also be used. Alternatively, a structure in which the housing is divided into four or more sections may also be used. (Housing main body 14)

[0036] The cabinet main body 14 is a substantially square tubular shape open on both sides and made of a resin, such as a reinforcing fiber resin. The speaker unit 16 is supported by the cabinet main body 14. A plurality of front protrusions 34 and a plurality of rear protrusions 36 are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cabinet main body 14.

[0037] Two front protruding portions 34 are formed on a right side surface and a left side surface at a front portion of the case main body 14, respectively, and are configured to engage with front claw portions 12C of the front cover 12, which will be described later. Two rear protruding portions 36 are formed further rearward than the front protruding portions 34 on each of the right side surface and the left side surface of the case main body 14, and are configured to engage with rear claw portions 18B of the rear cover 18, which will be described later.

[0038] A terminal 38 is provided on a left side surface of the housing main body 14. The terminal 38 protrudes to the left from the housing main body 14, and connectors or the like, not shown in the drawings, are connected to the terminal 38 on the external device side.

[0039] A partition wall 14A is provided in the cabinet main body 14, which divides an interior space of the cabinet main body 14 into a front side and a back side with a plate thickness direction in a front-to-back direction. Further, a circular through-hole 14B is formed in the partition wall 14A, and the through-hole 14B is configured to be closed by the diaphragm 32 of the speaker unit 16.

[0040] Further, a resin plug 40 is provided on the partition wall 14A. The plug 40 is fixed to a connecting portion 14C formed on the partition wall 14A. The connecting portion 14C is formed with a through hole having a smaller diameter than the through hole 14B, so that an external space at the front of the partition wall 14A and an internal space at the rear of the partition wall 14A communicate with each other. A filter element (not shown in the drawings) that allows the passage of air and blocks the passage of liquid is provided at the connecting portion 14C, and the filter element is protected by the plug 40. (Front cover 12)

[0041] A front cover 12 is arranged on the front side of the housing main body 14, and the front cover 12 is fixed to the front side (the diaphragm 32 side) of the housing main body 14. The front cover 12 has the shape of a substantially rectangular plate whose thickness direction is along the front-rear direction, and is formed of, for example, a resin member such as a reinforcing fiber resin.

[0042] A plurality of slits 12A are formed in the front cover 12, and the sound generated by the vibration of the diaphragm 32 of the speaker unit 16 passes through the slits 12A and is emitted to the surroundings of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10.

[0043] Note that a plurality of slits 12A are formed in the left-right direction, and each slit 12A extends in the up-down direction. For example, the slits 12A of the present exemplary embodiment have a labyrinth structure, and the structure is designed to suppress the infiltration of liquid entering from the front to the back of the front cover 12.

[0044] The slits 12A are formed in a portion of the case main body 14 facing the through hole 14B, and a portion of the front cover 12 facing a portion provided with a plug (filter element) forms a blocking portion 12B where the slits 12A are not formed.

[0045] Four front-side claw portions 12C are provided on the front cover 12. Specifically, two front-side claw portions 12C extend from a left end portion of the front cover 12 toward the rear side. Similarly, two front claw portions, not shown in the drawings, extend from a right end portion of the front cover 12 toward the rear side. The locking holes into which the protruding portions 34 of the case main body 14 penetrate at the front side are formed in the respective claw portions 12C at the front side, and the front cover 12 is locked by the penetration of the protruding portions 34 at the front side into the locking holes of the claw portions 12C at the front side. (Rear cover 18)

[0046] A rear cover 18 is arranged on a rear side of the housing main body 14, and the rear cover 18 is fixed to a rear side (a side opposite the diaphragm 32) of the housing main body 14. The rear cover 18 has a substantially rectangular plate shape with a plate thickness direction in the front-rear direction and is formed of, for example, a resin member such as a reinforcing fiber resin. Further, a space on the side of the housing main body 14 opposite the diaphragm 32 is sealed by the rear cover 18.

[0047] Four rear claw portions 18B are provided on the rear cover 18. Specifically, two rear claw portions 18B extend from a left end portion of the rear cover 18 toward the front side. Likewise, two rear claw portions 18B extend from a right end portion of the front cover 12 toward the front side. Locking holes are formed in the respective rear claw portions 18B, into which the rear protruding portions 36 of the case main body 14 enter, and the rear cover 18 is locked by the rear protruding portions 36 entering the locking holes of the rear claw portions 18B.

[0048] A support portion 18C is provided on a front side (rear side) of the rear cover 18. The support portion 18C protrudes toward the front side from the front side of the rear cover 18, and a front end of the portion 18C is formed in a substantially columnar shape. As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle electroacoustic transducer 10 is configured in an assembled state so that the back of the yoke 20 is pressed against the support portion 18C. (Fastening section 42)

[0049] As in Fig. 3, a fastening portion 42, which is fastened to the fastening part 100, is provided on the fastening surface 18A, which is the back of the rear cover 18. In other words, the fastening portion 42 protrudes from the rear wall portion 11C toward a side opposite the front wall portion 11B and is shaped so that it can be fastened to the fastening part 100. The fastening portion 42 is formed on the outer side of the rear cover 18 and has a fastening bracket 44 into which a screw 102 serving as a fastening element (see Fig. 4) is screwed in, and a bracket receiving section 46 in which the fastening bracket 44 is received.

[0050] The bracket receiving portion 46 is formed integrally with the housing main body 14 so as to protrude rearward from the mounting surface 18A and is substantially rectangular in shape when viewed from the rear side. Specifically, the bracket receiving portion 46 is configured to include a rear wall 46A, left and right side walls 46B, a bottom wall 46C, and a top wall 46D (see Fig. 4).

[0051] The rear wall 46A forms a rear portion of the bracket receiving portion 46, wherein the front-to-rear direction is a plate thickness direction and extends in the up-down direction and the left-right direction. An insertion opening 46E is formed in a central portion of the rear wall 46A. The insertion opening 46E is substantially circular, and a screw 102 for fastening the housing 11 to the fastening part 100 is sized to be passed therethrough (see Fig. 4).

[0052] The side walls 46B extend forward from left and right portions of the rear wall 46A, and the side walls 46B extend in the up-down direction and front-back direction, respectively, where the left-right direction is the panel thickness direction. Furthermore, each side wall 46B is provided with a reinforcing rib 52. The reinforcing ribs 52 are substantially trapezoidal in shape when viewed from the panel thickness direction, where the up-down direction is the panel thickness direction. The respective left and right side walls 46B and the mounting surface 18A are connected to each other by the reinforcing ribs 52.

[0053] A positioning pin 58 is formed on the left side wall 46B. The pin 58 is formed integrally with the bracket receiving portion 46 and protrudes further toward the rear than the rear wall 46A. The pin 58 is substantially columnar and is inserted into a positioning hole formed in the fixing member 100, which is not shown in the drawings.

[0054] A bottom wall 46C extends forward from a lower portion of the rear wall 46A, and the bottom wall 46C extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, with the up-down direction being the direction of the plate thickness. A left and right pair of reinforcing ribs 54 are provided on the bottom wall 46C. The reinforcing ribs 54 are substantially triangular in shape when viewed from the direction of the plate thickness, with the left-to-right direction being the direction of the plate thickness. The bottom wall 46C and the mounting surface 18A are connected to each other by the reinforcing ribs 54.

[0055] Note that corner portions 46F having an inner corner shape are provided between the left and right side walls 46B and the bottom wall 46C. A cutout portion 46G for draining water is formed at each of the two left and right corner portions 46F. The cutout portion 46G is formed across the side wall 46B and the bottom wall 46C, and the configuration is such that water can be drained from two directions: the up-down direction and the left-right direction. Note that in Fig. 3 only the cutout portion 46G formed at the left corner portion 46F is visible; however, a cutout portion 46G is similarly formed in the right corner portion 46F.

[0056] Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, the cutout portions 46G are formed at a plurality of positions of the bracket receiving portion 46. Further, each cutout portion 46G is formed by circularly penetrating a portion of the corner portion 46F. The cutout portions 46G are formed on a side opposite to the later-described insertion opening 46H in the bracket receiving portion 46 in the up-down direction.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the upper wall 46D extends forward from the upper end of the rear wall 46A and extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, with the up-to-down direction being the direction of the panel thickness. An insertion hole 46H, into which the mounting bracket 44 can be inserted, is formed in the upper wall 46D.

[0058] The insertion opening 46H is formed in a substantially T-shape, including a left-right extending portion extending left and right as viewed from above, and a front-rear extending portion extending from a center portion of the left-right extending portion toward the front. The front-rear extending portion of the insertion opening 46H extends further forward than the attachment surface 18A of the rear cover 18. Thus, the attachment portion 42 is shaped so that the attachment bracket 44 can be attached and detached, providing a gap S between the bracket receiving portion 46 and the attachment bracket 44 in a state where the attachment bracket 44 is received in the bracket receiving portion 46.The gap S is provided between the bracket receiving portion 46 and the fixing bracket 44 at the front and rear extending portion and the left and right extending portions of the insertion opening 46H.

[0059] As in Fig. 5, the inner wall of the bracket receiving portion 46 in the fixing portion 42 is configured to include an up-down wall portion 42A, an inclined portion 42B, and a front-back wall portion 42C, as viewed from left to right. The up-down wall portion 42A forms an inner wall at the front of the insertion opening 46H and extends in the up-down direction. The up-down wall portion 42A extends further upward than the rear wall 46A, which it opposes in the front-back direction.

[0060] The inclined portion 42B and the front-rear wall portions 42C form a bottom wall of the insertion opening 46H and extend in the front-rear direction. The front-rear wall portion 42C extends toward the front from a lower end of the rear wall 46A to a central portion in the front-rear direction of the insertion opening 46H. The front-rear wall portion 42C and the top-bottom wall portion 42A are connected to each other by the inclined portion 42B.

[0061] The inclined portion 42B slopes downward from the top-bottom wall portion 42A toward the front-rear wall portion 42C. The respective left and right end portions of the front-rear wall portion 42C are connected to edge portions forming the cutout portions 46G. In other words, the inclined portion 42B formed on the inner wall of the bracket receiving portion 46 is inclined toward the cutout portions 46G.

[0062] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the mounting bracket 44 is formed separately from the housing 11. The mounting bracket 44 is a so-called T-nut having a pipe portion 44A and a flange portion 44B, and in the present exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 44 is made of, for example, a steel material.

[0063] The flange portion 44B extends from the tube portion 44A in the radial direction of the tube portion 44A, with the front-back direction corresponding to the plate thickness direction. The flange portion 44B is formed in a laterally elongated shape with a length in one direction longer than a length in the other direction, out of two directions orthogonal to the plate thickness direction. In the present embodiment, the flange portion 44B extends in the left-right direction and the up-down direction and is formed in a laterally elongated shape such that the length in the left-right direction is longer than the length in the up-down direction.

[0064] In the tubular portion 44A of the fixing bracket 44, a screw hole 44C is formed, which is connected to the insertion opening 46E in a state in which the fixing bracket 44 is received in the bracket receiving portion 46 and in which the screw 102 is screwed in. In particular, as shown in Fig. 5, in a state where the fixing bracket 44 is received in the insertion hole 46H of the bracket receiving portion 46, the screw hole 44C formed in the fixing bracket 44 is connected to the insertion hole 46E of the bracket receiving portion 46.

[0065] The fixing portion 42 is configured as described above, and by inserting the screw 102 through the insertion hole 46E of the bracket receiving portion 46 and screwing the screw 102 into the screw hole 44C of the fixing bracket 44, the fixing portion 42 of the housing 11 is fixed to the fixing member 100. At this time, the fixing member 100 and the rear wall 46A of the bracket receiving portion 46 assume a state sandwiched between the fixing bracket 44 and the screw 102. (Projection section 60)

[0066] As in Fig. 3, two protrusion portions 60 protrude from the mounting surface 18A of the housing 11. Of the two protrusion portions 60, one protrusion portion 60 is provided near the lower right corner portion of the mounting surface 18A, and the other protrusion portion 60 is provided near the lower left corner portion of the mounting surface 18A. In other words, the mounting portion 42 is formed at one end portion of the mounting surface 18A, and the protrusion portions 60 are formed at the other end portion of the mounting surface 18A.

[0067] Each protrusion portion 60 is configured to include a main body portion 60A and ribs 60B. The main body portion 60A is substantially columnar, and a front end of the main body portion 60A is substantially spherical. Four ribs 60B are formed at equal intervals around the main body portion 60A. The respective ribs 60B connect the main body portion 60A to the mounting surface 18A.

[0068] As in Fig. 2, the front end of the main body portion 60A of the protrusion portion 60 is located further rearward than the rear wall 46A of the bracket receiving portion 46 constituting the mounting portion 42. Namely, the height of the protrusion portion 60 relative to the mounting surface 18A is greater than the height of the mounting portion 42 relative to the mounting surface 18A. When the housing 11 is mounted to the flat mounting member 100, the main body 60A of the protrusion portion 60 is pressed against the mounting member 100. (Mechanism)

[0069] The mechanism of the present exemplary embodiment will be explained below.

[0070] In the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the speaker unit 16 is accommodated in the housing 11. As shown in Fig. 3, the housing 11 is formed with a peripheral wall portion 11A, a front wall portion 11B, and a rear wall portion 11C. Since the fixing portion 42 is formed on the housing 11, the housing 11 can be fixed to the fixing member 100 via the fixing portion 42.

[0071] Note that the fastening portion 42 protrudes from the rear wall portion 11C of the housing 11 toward a side opposite the front wall portion 11B (rear side). This allows the housing to be fastened in a smaller space than in a configuration in which the fastening portion is provided around the peripheral wall portion 11A. In configurations in which flanges extend from the peripheral wall portion 11A of the housing 11 in the left-right direction or the up-down direction, there is a possibility that the flanges may interfere with peripheral components.In contrast, in the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 of the present exemplary embodiment, the fixing portion 42 is provided at a position overlapping the housing 11 in the front-rear direction, and therefore, the housing 11 can be fixed to the fixing member 100 even in cases where other components are arranged around the peripheral wall portion 11A.

[0072] In the present exemplary embodiment, an outsert structure is adopted in which the fixing bracket 44 is inserted into the insertion hole 46H of the bracket receiving portion 46. Thus, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the interface between the housing 11 and the fixing bracket 44 under the influence of water or the like, compared with the insert structure in which the fixing bracket 44 is integrally molded to the bracket receiving portion 46 (the housing 11).

[0073] As in Fig. 4, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the housing 11 is fastened to the fastening part 100 with the screw 102 serving as a fastening element, the screw 102 and the fastening bracket 44 are screwed together in a state where the screw 102 is inserted into the insertion hole 46E formed in the bracket receiving portion 46. Since the rear wall 46A of the fastening portion 46 is clamped between the fastening bracket 44 and the screw 102, the housing 11 can be more firmly connected to the fastening part 100. In addition, by fastening the housing 11 to the fastening part 100 via the bracket receiving portion 46, the load can be distributed by increasing the contact area with the fastening part 100.

[0074] In the present exemplary embodiment, even in cases where an impact from the fastening member 100 side is applied to the fastening portion 42, the flange portion 44B can be dispersed by the flange portion 44B because it has a lateral elongated shape. In cases where the flange portion 44B has a circular shape with a large diameter, the bracket receiving portion 46 itself needs to be enlarged; however, as a result of configuring the flange portion 44B in a lateral elongated shape, the length in the up-down direction can be reduced, and there is no need to enlarge the bracket receiving portion 46. By configuring the flange portion 44B in a lateral elongated shape, the flange portion 44B contacts the bracket receiving portion, whereby rotation of the fastening bracket 44 can be suppressed.

[0075] In the present exemplary embodiment, the clearance S is provided between the bracket receiving portion 46 and the fixing bracket 44 so that the fixing bracket 44 can be easily inserted and removed. Thus, the operational efficiency of inserting the fixing bracket 44 into the bracket receiving portion 46 can be improved. The fixing bracket 44 can be easily modified according to the specifications or the like of the fixing member 100.

[0076] As in Fig. 3, in the present exemplary embodiment, since the cutout portion 46G for water drainage is formed in the bracket receiving portion 46, even in cases where water has entered the bracket receiving portion 46, water can be drained from the cutout portion 46G, and the occurrence of residual water in the bracket receiving portion 46 can be suppressed.

[0077] In particular, in the present exemplary embodiment, the cutout portions 46G are formed at the left and right corner portions 46F of the bracket receiving portion 46, whereby the occurrence of residual water at the corner portions 46F can be suppressed. Furthermore, compared with a configuration in which the cutout portion 46G is formed only at one location, the water drainage performance can be further improved.

[0078] In the present exemplary embodiment, an insertion hole 46H is formed at an upper end of the bracket receiving portion 46, and the cutout portion 46G is formed at a lower end of the bracket receiving portion 46, which is located on a side opposite to the insertion hole 46H. This allows water to drain from the cutout portion 46G even when water has entered the innermost part of the bracket receiving portion 46 through the insertion hole 46H.

[0079] As in Fig. 5, in the present exemplary embodiment, an inclined portion 42B is formed on an inner wall of the insertion hole 46H, and water that has entered the bracket receiving portion 46 is guided to the cutout portion 46G through the inclined portion 42B. This allows the water in the bracket receiving portion 46 to be efficiently drained. Thus, the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 of the present exemplary embodiment enables damage to the housing 11 due to residual water to be suppressed.

[0080] As in Fig. 3, in the above exemplary embodiment, the protruding portion 60 protrudes from the attachment surface 18A of the housing 11, and the protruding portions 60 contact the attachment member 100. Thus, the housing 11, in a state where it is attached to the attachment member 100, is supported at a plurality of positions consisting of the attachment portion 42 and the protruding portions 60, thereby enabling suppression of sympathetic vibrations by the housing 11.

[0081] Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the fixing portion 42 is provided at an upper portion of the fixing surface 18A, and two protrusion portions 60 are provided at a lower portion of the fixing surface 18A. Thus, the casing 11 contacts the fixing member 100 at three points, effectively suppressing sympathetic vibrations by the casing 11. Furthermore, a gap is provided between the casing 11 and the fixing member 100 except for the fixing portion 42 and the protrusion portion 60, so that the speaker unit 16 is not affected by heat even in environments where the temperature on the fixing member 100 side is high.

[0082] In the present exemplary embodiment, since the protrusion portions 60 are formed to protrude further rearward than the fixing portion 42, the protrusion portions 60 can reliably abut against the fixing member 100 when the fixing portion 42 is fixed to the fixing member 100.

[0083] When the protrusion portions 60 are pressed against the fastening member 100, abnormal noise due to vibration of the housing 11 can be suppressed. Particularly, in cases where the height of the fastening portion 42 with respect to the fastening surface 18A and the height of the protrusion portions 60 are formed at the same level, there is a possibility that a small gap may be formed between the protrusion portions 60 and the fastening member 100 due to design errors, assembly errors, or the like. In such cases, abnormal noise may be generated by the contact between the protrusion portion 60 and the fastening member 100 due to the vibration of the diaphragm 32 due to the operation of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10.

[0084] In contrast, by a configuration in which the protrusion portions 60 are pressed against the fixing member 100 as in the present exemplary embodiment, no small gap is generated between the protrusion portions 60 and the fixing member 100, and the generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed.

[0085] In the present exemplary embodiment, since the front end of the fixing portion 42, that is, the rear wall 46A of the bracket receiving portion 46, is formed in a plane, the fixing portion 42 and the fixing member 100 can be fixed in direct contact with each other, and the fixing state can be stabilized.

[0086] In contrast, the front ends of the protrusion portions 60 are spherical, so that the housing 11 can be held by the protrusion portions 60 in a state in which the protrusion portions 60 and the fixing member 100 are in point contact with each other.

[0087] In the present exemplary embodiment, a front cover 12 is attached to one side (front side) of the diaphragm 32 of the cabinet main body 14, and a rear cover 18 is attached to a side (rear side) of the cabinet main body 14 opposite the diaphragm 32. By configuring the front cover 12 and the rear cover 18 separately from the cabinet main body 14 that houses the speaker unit 16, when the structure of the speaker unit 16 is changed, only the structure of the cabinet main body 14 needs to be changed. That is, when the internal structure of the cabinet main body 14 is to be changed in accordance with a design change of the speaker unit 16, the speaker unit 16 can be retained.As long as the external structure of the case main body 14 is not changed, the front cover 12 and the rear cover 18 can be attached in the same manner as before the design change.

[0088] In the present exemplary embodiment, changes in the application and usage environment of the vehicle-mounted electroacoustic transducer 10 can be addressed by simply replacing the front cover 12 or the rear cover 18. Specifically, since the attachment portion 42 is formed on the rear cover 18 in the present exemplary embodiment, the vehicle-mounted electroacoustic transducer 10 can be attached by simply replacing the rear cover 18 in accordance with the specifications of the attachment member 100. In environments where multiple attachment portions are required, for example, when the rear cover 18 is modified and a rear cover with multiple attachment portions 42 formed thereon is prepared, the vehicle-mounted electroacoustic transducer 10 can be attached without changing the design of the case main body 14 and the front cover 12.

[0089] In the present exemplary embodiment, a space at the rear of the housing main body 14 is sealed by the rear cover 18, and the fixing portion 42 is formed on the outside of the rear cover 18. Thus, compared with a configuration in which the fixing portion 42 communicates with the interior of the housing main body 14, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the housing main body 14 from the rear cover 18 side.

[0090] As in Fig. 1, in the present exemplary embodiment, the exterior and interior of the housing main body 14 are connected to each other by the connecting portion 14C. Thus, even in cases where the temperature, atmospheric pressure, or the like between the exterior and interior of the housing main body 14 has changed, air enters and exits between the exterior and interior through the connecting portion 14C, whereby deformation of the diaphragm 32 can be suppressed. In addition, since the passage of liquid through the connecting portion 14C is prevented by the filter element, the intrusion of liquid into the interior of the housing main body 14 can be suppressed.

[0091] In the above exemplary embodiment, the sound output from the speaker unit 16 is transmitted to the outside through the slits 12A formed in the front cover 12. Since the portion facing the plug 40 that protects the filter element is the barrier portion 12B, the filter element can be satisfactorily protected even in cases where foreign matter, water droplets, or the like are sprayed onto the front cover 12. [Additional explanation]

[0092] While the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 according to an exemplary embodiment has been explained above, it is needless to say that various embodiments can be implemented within a range that does not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, in the above exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the fastening portion 42 is provided at the upper end of the fastening surface 18A; however, there is no limitation thereto, and the fastening portion 42 may be provided at a different location. Specifically, the fastening portion 42 may be provided at a central portion of the fastening surface 18A. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that a plurality of fastening portions 42 are provided on the fastening surface 18A.

[0093] In the above exemplary embodiment, two protrusion portions 60 are provided on the mounting surface 18A; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the configuration may be such that no protrusion portions 60 are provided.

[0094] As in Fig.1, the above exemplary embodiment uses a speaker unit 16 that generates sound by reciprocating the voice coil 30; however, this is not limited. For example, a speaker unit that generates sound using a different structure may be used.

[0095] In the above exemplary embodiment, an outsert structure in which the fixing bracket 44 is inserted into the insertion hole 46H of the bracket receiving portion 46 is used; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0096] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-053453 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0097] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each document, patent application, and technical standard were expressly and individually described as being incorporated by reference. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2021-29003

[0002] JP 2021-29003

[0003] JP 2021-29004

[0003] JP 2022-053453

[0096]

Claims

[1] An electroacoustic transducer for a vehicle, the electroacoustic transducer comprising: a loudspeaker unit that produces sound, and a casing which is box-shaped and accommodates the speaker unit, and which comprises a peripheral wall portion surrounding a periphery of the speaker unit, a front wall portion arranged at one end side of the peripheral wall portion, and a rear wall portion arranged at another end side of the peripheral wall portion, wherein a fixing portion which projects from the rear wall portion toward an opposite side from a side of the front wall portion and which is fixable to a fixing part outside a vehicle cabin is formed on the housing. [2] The electroacoustic transducer for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion comprises: a mounting bracket separate from the housing, and a bracket receiving portion formed integrally with the housing and providing an insertion opening into which the mounting bracket can be inserted. [3] The electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to claim 2, wherein a through-opening is formed in the holder receiving section, which can be penetrated by a fastening element, and a screw hole is formed on the fixing bracket, the screw hole communicating with the through hole in a state in which the fixing bracket is received in the bracket receiving portion and in which the fixing member is screwed. [4] The electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to claim 3, wherein the fixing bracket has a cylindrical portion on which the screw hole is formed and a flange portion extending from the cylindrical portion in a radial direction of the cylindrical portion, and the flange portion is formed in a lateral elongated shape such that a length in one direction is longer than a length in another direction among two directions orthogonal to a plate thickness direction. [5] The electroacoustic transducer for a vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fixing portion is formed to provide a gap between the bracket receiving portion and the fixing bracket, and the fixing bracket is detachable in a state where the fixing bracket is received in the bracket receiving portion.

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