Electroacoustic transducer for vehicles

Abstract

An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles (10) comprises a loudspeaker unit that generates sound, and a housing (11) that is box-shaped, which accommodates the loudspeaker unit and which includes a mounting surface (18A) facing a mounting part outside a vehicle cabin, and a mounting section (42) that protrudes from the mounting surface (18A) and is attached to the mounting part, and a projection section (60) that protrudes from the mounting surface (18A) and contacts the mounting part, are formed on the housing (11).

Description

Technical area

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2021-29003 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2021-29004 disclose electroacoustic transducers for vehicles, each including a speaker unit mounted in a main body case. In the electroacoustic transducers for vehicles described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2021-29003 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2021-29004, an interior and exterior space of the main body case are partitioned using a vibrating body as a boundary, and by providing a ventilation member in a communication hole connecting the spaces, air is allowed to pass through while liquid is prevented from passing through. Summary of the inventionProblem to be solved by the invention

[0003] However, the electroacoustic transducers for vehicles described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2021-29003 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2021-29004 are configured to be attached to a mounting part at multiple locations, and there is room for improvement from the perspective of improving work efficiency during attachment. On the other hand, in cases where the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles is attached to a mounting part at only one location, there is a possibility that the housing will resonate when the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles is actuated. If the housing resonates, the durability of a mounting portion will decrease.In particular, an electroacoustic transducer for vehicles mounted outside the vehicle cabin requires greater durability than a device mounted inside the vehicle cabin. Therefore, resonance suppression and durability improvement are desired.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an electroacoustic transducer for vehicles capable of suppressing the resonance of a cabinet while improving work efficiency during mounting. Means to solve the problem

[0005] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a first aspect includes a speaker unit that generates sound; and a casing formed in a box shape that accommodates the speaker unit and includes a mounting surface disposed facing a mounting member outside a vehicle cabin, wherein a mounting portion protruding from the mounting surface and fixed to the mounting member and a projection portion protruding from the mounting surface and contacting the mounting member are formed on the casing.

[0006] In the above aspect, the speaker unit is housed in the housing, which is formed in a box shape. Furthermore, the housing includes the mounting surface facing the mounting member, and the mounting portion protrudes from the mounting surface. Consequently, the housing can be mounted to the mounting member by simply attaching the mounting portion to the mounting member.

[0007] Furthermore, the protrusion portion protrudes from the mounting surface, and the protrusion portion contacts the mounting member. Consequently, the cabinet, in a state where it is mounted to a mounting member, is supported at a plurality of locations on the mounting portion and the protrusion portion, and the resonance of the cabinet can be suppressed. Since a gap is provided between the cabinet and the mounting member except for the mounting portion and the protrusion portion, the speaker unit is not affected by heat even in environments where the temperature on the mounting member side is high.

[0008] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a second aspect corresponds to the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to the first aspect, wherein the fixing portion is formed on one end side of the fixing surface, and the protrusion portion is formed on another end side of the fixing surface.

[0009] Since at least both end sides of the mounting surface contact the mounting part, the resonance of the cabinet can be effectively suppressed.

[0010] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a third aspect corresponds to the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein a height of the protrusion portion with respect to the mounting surface is greater than a height of the mounting portion with respect to the mounting surface.

[0011] According to the above aspect, the protrusion portion can be reliably contacted with the fastening part when the fastening portion is attached to the fastening part. Since the protrusion portion is pressed against the fastening part, the generation of abnormal noise due to vibration of the housing can be suppressed.

[0012] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a fourth aspect corresponds to the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein a plurality of protrusion portions are formed.

[0013] By forming a plurality of protrusion portions, the housing can be held more stably compared to a configuration in which one protrusion portion is provided.

[0014] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a fifth aspect corresponds to the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to the fourth aspect, wherein a front end of the fixing portion is formed as a flat surface and a front end of the protrusion portion is formed as a spherical shape.

[0015] Since the front end of the fastening portion is formed as a flat surface, the fastening portion and the fastening member can be fastened in a state where they are in surface contact with each other, and a fastening state can be stabilized. Furthermore, by configuring the front end of the protrusion portion to have a spherical shape, the housing can be supported by the protrusion portion in a state where the protrusion portion and the fastening member are in point contact with each other.

[0016] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to a sixth aspect corresponds to the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the protrusion portion contacts the fixing member before the fixing portion when the fixing portion is fixed to the fixing member.

[0017] Since the projection portion contacts the fastening member before the fastening portion, the fastening portion can be positioned in a state where the projection portion is contacted with the fastening member. Effect of the invention

[0018] With the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles of the present invention, the resonance of a cabinet can be suppressed while improving the work efficiency of the mounting. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to an exemplary embodiment, viewed from the left side. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to the exemplary embodiment and a view showing a state before insertion of a fixing molding. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 4. Manner of implementation of the invention

[0019] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 according to an exemplary embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that in the respective drawings, the arrow FR, the arrow UP, and the arrow RH respectively indicate a front direction, an upper direction, and a right direction of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10. However, a front-rear direction, an up-down direction, and a left-right direction of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 are indicated for convenience and do not necessarily correspond to a front-rear direction, an up-down direction, and a left-right direction in a state where the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 has been attached to a mounting member. (Overall configuration of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10)

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle electroacoustic transducer 10 of the present exemplary embodiment is mainly configured to include a front cover 12, a case main body 14, a speaker unit 16, and a rear cover 18. Further, a case 11 is configured by 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.

[0021] In this connection, the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 of the present exemplary embodiment is installed, for example, in an engine compartment provided outside a vehicle cabin of a vehicle and is configured to be fixed to a fixing part 100 (see Fig. 4) installed in the engine compartment. Furthermore, the vehicle electroacoustic transducer 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 driving in a state where it is installed in a vehicle.

[0022] First, the speaker unit 16 constituting the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 of the present exemplary embodiment will be explained, and then the front cover 12, the case main body 14 and the rear cover 18 constituting the case 11 will be explained in detail. (Speaker unit 16)

[0023] The speaker unit 16 is mainly constructed to include a yoke 20, a frame 22, a magnet 24, a cover plate 26, a damper 28, a voice coil 30 and a diaphragm 32.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown 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. The small-diameter portion 22A of the frame 22 is located at a rear side, the tapered portion 22B is located at a front side, and a direction of a central axis CL of the frame 22 coincides with the front-rear direction. In the following explanation, a front side of the speaker unit 16 including the frame 22 is sometimes referred to as "one" side in the direction of the central axis CL, while a rear side of the speaker unit 16 is sometimes referred to as the "other" side in the direction of the central axis CL.

[0025] The tapered portion 22B is connected to the small-diameter portion 22A at one end portion in the axial direction of the other side (end portion in the axial direction of the other side) and has a shape that gradually increases in diameter from the end portion in the axial direction of the other side to an axial direction of the one side. The diaphragm 32 is fixed to one end portion in the axial direction of one side (end portion in the axial direction of the one side) of the tapered portion 22B.

[0026] The diameter of the diaphragm 32 gradually increases from the axial direction of the other end side to 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 32A is formed on an outer peripheral end portion of the diaphragm 32 so as to be convex in the axial direction toward the other end side. A portion of the diaphragm 32 closer to the periphery than the groove 32A is fixed to one end portion of the frame 22 in the axial direction, and an opening at one end side of the frame 22 in the axial direction is closed by the diaphragm 32.

[0027] Furthermore, a side portion of the frame 22 is connected in the axial direction to an end portion of the housing main body 14, which will be described later. Accordingly, an exterior space and an interior space of the housing main body 14 are partitioned by the diaphragm 32.

[0028] The yoke 20, the magnet 24, and the cover plate 26 are arranged within the small-diameter portion 22A of the frame 22. The yoke 20 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open front and is made of a magnetic material. A front portion of the yoke 20 is in contact with the frame 22, and a rear portion of the yoke 20 is in contact with the rear cover 18. Accordingly, the yoke 20 is held in a state sandwiched between the frame 22 and the rear cover 18, which will be described below.

[0029] The magnet 24 has a substantially cylindrical 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. Furthermore, the magnet 24 is disposed within the yoke 20, and a back surface of the magnet 24 is in contact with a lower portion of the yoke 20.

[0030] The cover plate 26 is layered on a front side of the magnet 24. The cover plate 26 has a substantially cylindrical shape that is thinner than the magnet 24 and is made of a magnetic material. A magnetic circuit is formed by the yoke 20, the magnet 24, and the cover plate 26.

[0031] A gap is provided between the top plate 26 and the yoke 20, and a portion of the voice coil 30 oriented in a different axial direction is inserted into this gap. The voice coil 30 is formed by winding a conductive wire around a bobbin, not shown in the drawings, in a cylindrical shape, and an outer diameter of the voice coil 30 is slightly larger than the magnet 24 and the top plate 26. In the axial direction, one end portion of the voice coil 30 is fixed to the central portion of the diaphragm 32, and the diaphragm 32 is configured to deform in response to a displacement of the voice coil 30.

[0032] The damper 28 is fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the voice coil 30. The damper 28 is substantially disc-shaped with a radially open central portion and is made of a flexible member. The damper 28 has a substantially wave-like cross-sectional shape, with an inner peripheral end portion of the damper 28 fixed to a radially open central portion of the voice coil 30 and an outer peripheral end portion of the damper 28 fixed to the frame 22. Accordingly, the voice coil 30 is supported by the damper 28 so as to be movable in the axial direction within the frame 22.

[0033] Both end portions of the conductive wire configuring the voice coil 30 are connected to terminals not shown in the drawings, and the voice coil 30 is supplied with power from an external power source of the vehicle electroacoustic transducer 10 via the terminals.

[0034] The speaker unit 16 is configured as described above. By supplying power to the voice coil 30 and allowing a current to flow through the voice coil 30, the voice coil 30 reciprocates in the axial direction to vibrate the diaphragm 32. The diaphragm 32 vibrates to generate sound. (Overall configuration of the cabinet 11)Next, the cabinet 11 in which the speaker unit 16 is housed will be explained.

[0035] As in Fig. 3, the casing 11 is box-shaped, accommodates the speaker unit 16, and is configured to include a peripheral wall portion 11A surrounding a periphery of the speaker unit 16, a front wall portion 11B disposed at one end side (a front side) of the peripheral wall portion 11A, and a rear wall portion 11C disposed at another end side (a rear side) of the peripheral wall portion 11A.

[0036] As in Fig. 1, the housing 11 is substantially box-shaped and includes the housing main body 14, the front cover 12, and the rear cover 18. The front cover 12 is attached to a 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. Furthermore, the rear cover 18 is provided with a mounting surface 18A facing the mounting part 100 (see Fig. 4). It should be noted that although the housing 11 in the present exemplary embodiment has a three-part split structure including the housing main body 14, the front cover 12, and the rear cover 18, this is not limiting, and a one-piece or two-piece split structure may be used. Alternatively, a structure in which the housing is divided into four or more parts may also be used. (Housing main body 14)

[0037] The cabinet main body 14 has a substantially square tubular shape with both sides open, and is formed, for example, from a fiber-reinforced resin or the like. The speaker unit 16 is supported by the cabinet main body 14. Furthermore, a plurality of protruding front portions 34 and a plurality of protruding rear portions 36 are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cabinet main body 14.

[0038] 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 lock front claw portions 12C of the front cover 12, which will be described later. Furthermore, two rear protruding portions 36 are formed further toward the rear 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 lock rear claw portions 18B of the rear cover 18, which will be described later.

[0039] A terminal 38 is provided on the left side surface of the housing main body 14. The terminal 38 protrudes to the left of the housing main body 14, and a connector or the like on the side of an external device, not shown in the drawings, is connected to the terminal 38.

[0040] The cabinet main body 14 is provided with a partition wall 14A that divides an interior space of the cabinet main body 14 into a front and a rear side, with the front-rear direction corresponding to the panel thickness direction. A circular through-hole 14B is formed in the partition wall 14A, which is closed by the diaphragm 32 of the speaker unit 16.

[0041] Furthermore, the partition wall 14A is provided with a resin plug 40. The plug 40 is fixed to a connecting portion 14C formed in the partition wall 14A. The connecting portion 14C is formed by a through hole having a smaller diameter than the through hole 14B to establish communication between an external space located further to the front than the partition wall 14A and an internal space located further to the rear than the partition wall 14A. Furthermore, the connecting portion 14C is provided with a filter element (not shown in the drawings) that allows the passage of air and blocks the passage of liquid, and the filter element is protected by the plug 40. (Front cover 12)

[0042] The 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 (diaphragm side 32) of the housing main body 14. The front cover 12 has a substantially rectangular plate shape whose plate thickness direction runs along the front-rear direction, and is formed, for example, from a resin member such as a fiber-reinforced resin or the like.

[0043] Further, a plurality of slits 12A are formed in the front cover 12, and the sound generated by the vibrating diaphragm 32 of the speaker unit 16 is emitted to the outside of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 through the slits 12A.

[0044] In this regard, the plurality of slits 12A are formed along 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 include a structure that prevents liquid from permeating from a front surface to a rear surface of the front cover 12.

[0045] Further, the slits 12A are formed at a portion facing the through hole 14B of the case main body 14, and a portion of the front cover 12 facing a portion where the plug 40 (filter element) is provided forms a blocking portion 12B where the slits 12A are not formed.

[0046] Four front claw portions 12C are provided on the front cover 12. Specifically, two front claw portions 12C extend from a left end portion of the front cover 12 toward the rear. Similarly, two front claw portions, not shown in the drawings, extend from a right end portion of the front cover 12 toward the rear. A locking hole, into which a front protruding portion 34 of the case main body 14 enters, is formed at each front claw portion 12C, and the front cover 12 is locked because the front protruding portions 34 enter the locking holes of the front claw portions 12C. (Rear cover 18)

[0047] The rear cover 18 is arranged on the rear side of the housing main body 14, and the rear cover 18 is attached to the rear side (the side opposite the diaphragm 32) of the housing main body 14. The rear cover 18 has a substantially rectangular plate shape whose plate thickness direction runs along the front-rear direction, and is formed, for example, from a resin member such as a fiber-reinforced resin or the like. A space on the side of the housing main body 14 opposite the diaphragm 32 is sealed by the rear cover 18.

[0048] 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. A locking hole is formed at each rear claw portion 18B, into which a rear protruding portion 36 of the case main body 14 enters, and the rear cover 18 is locked because the rear protruding portions 36 enter the locking holes of the rear claw portions 18B.

[0049] A support portion 18C is provided on a front surface (rear surface) of the rear cover 18. The portion 18C protrudes toward the front side from the front surface of the rear cover 18, and a front end of the portion 18C is formed substantially columnar. As shown in Fig. 2, in a state where the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 has been assembled, a configuration is provided in which a rear surface of the yoke 20 is pressed against the support portion 18C. (Fastening section)

[0050] As in Fig. 3, a fastening portion 42, which is fastened to the fastening part 100, is provided on the fastening surface 18A, a back side of the rear cover 18. In other words, the fastening portion 42 protrudes from the rear wall portion 11C to a side opposite to the side of the front wall portion 11B and is shaped to be fastened to a fastening part 100. The fastening portion 42 is formed on an outer side of the rear cover 18 and is configured to have a fastening molding 44 into which a screw 102 serving as a fastening element (see Fig. 4) is screwed in, and comprises a fitting receiving portion 46 which receives the fastening fitting 44.

[0051] The molded part 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 molded part 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).

[0052] The rear wall 46A forms a rear portion of the molded part receiving portion 46 and extends in the up-down and left-right directions, with a plate thickness direction running along the front-back direction. Furthermore, an insertion opening 46E is formed in a central portion of the rear wall 46A. The insertion opening 46E is substantially circular and sized to allow the screw 102 for fastening the housing 11 to a mounting member 100 to pass through (see Fig. 4).

[0053] The side walls 46B extend forward from the left and right portions of the rear wall 46A, respectively, and each side wall 46B extends in the up-down and front-right directions, with its panel thickness direction running in the left-right direction. Reinforcing ribs 52 are provided on the side walls 46B, respectively. Each of the reinforcing ribs 52 is substantially trapezoidal in shape when viewed along its panel thickness direction, with its panel thickness direction running along the up-down direction. The respective left and right side walls 46B and the mounting surface 18A are connected to each other by the reinforcing ribs 52.

[0054] In this connection, a positioning pin 58 is formed on the left side wall 46B. The pin 58 is formed integrally with the receiving portion 46 and protrudes further toward the rear than the rear wall 46A. Furthermore, the pin 58 is substantially columnar and is inserted into a positioning hole (not shown in the drawings) formed on the fixing member 100.

[0055] The lower wall 46C extends forward from a lower end of the rear wall 46A, and the lower wall 46C extends in the front-to-rear direction and the left-to-right direction, with a plate thickness direction running along the up-down direction. Further, a left and a right pair of reinforcing ribs 54 are provided on the lower wall 46C. Each of the reinforcing ribs 54 is substantially triangular in shape when viewed from a plate thickness direction, with the plate thickness direction running along the left-to-right direction. The lower wall 46C and the mounting surface 18A are connected to each other by the reinforcing ribs 54.

[0056] In this connection, corner portions 46F with inwardly directed corners 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 left and right pair of corner portions 46F. Each cutout portion 46G extends between a side wall 46B and the bottom wall 46C and is designed to drain water from two directions, namely, the up-down direction and the left-right direction. It should be noted that in Fig. 3 only the cutout portion 46G formed at the left corner portion 46F is visible, but that a cutout portion 46G is also formed in the same manner at the right corner portion 46F.

[0057] Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, the cutout portions 46G are formed at a plurality of locations on the molded article receiving portion 46. Each cutout portion 46G is formed by penetrating a portion of the corner portion 46F in a circular shape. Furthermore, the cutout portions 46G are formed on a side of the molded article receiving portion 46 opposite an insertion opening 46H, which will be described later, in the up-down direction.

[0058] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the upper wall 46D extends forward from an upper end of the rear wall 46A and extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, with a plate thickness direction extending along the up-down direction. The insertion opening 46H, into which the fixing fitting 44 can be inserted, is formed on the upper wall 46D.

[0059] Viewed from the top side, the insertion opening 46H is formed in a substantially T-shape, including a left-and-right extending portion and a front-and-rear extending portion extending from a central portion of the left-and-right extending portion toward the front side. Furthermore, the front-to-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 formed in a shape that allows the attachment fitting 44 to be attached and detached, while providing a gap S between the fitting receiving portion 46 and the attachment fitting 44 in a state where the attachment fitting 44 is accommodated in the fitting receiving portion 46.The gap S is provided between the fitting receiving portion 46 and the fixing fitting 44 at the front and rear extending portion and the left and right extending portion of the insertion opening 46H.

[0060] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 5, an inner wall of the fitting receiving portion 46 of 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 the left-right direction. The up-down wall portion 42A forms an inner wall at a front side 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 facing it in the front-back direction.

[0061] The inclined portion 42B and the front-rear wall portion 42C form a lower wall of the insertion opening 46H and extend in the front-rear direction. The front-rear wall portion 42C extends from a lower end of the rear wall 46A in the front-rear direction to a central portion 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.

[0062] The inclined portion 42B is inclined downward from the top-bottom wall portion 42A to the front-rear wall portion 42C. Both the left and right end portions of the front-rear wall portion 42C are respectively connected to edge portions that form the cutout portions 46G. In other words, the inclined portion 42B formed on the inner wall of the molding receiving portion 46 is inclined toward the cutout portions 46G.

[0063] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the fastening fitting 44 is formed as a separate body from the housing 11. The fastening fitting 44 is a so-called T-nut having a tubular portion 44A and a flange portion 44B, and in the present exemplary embodiment, the fastening fitting 44 is formed from, for example, a steel material.

[0064] The flange portion 44B extends from the tubular portion 44A in a radial direction of the tubular portion 44A, with a plate thickness direction along the front-rear direction. Further, the flange portion 44B is formed in a lateral shape in which, of the two directions orthogonal to the plate thickness direction, a length in one direction is longer than a length in the other 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 long shape in which a length thereof in the left-right direction is longer than a length thereof in the up-down direction.

[0065] Furthermore, a bore hole 44C is formed on the tubular portion 44A of the fastening fitting 44, which communicates with the insertion opening 46E in a state in which the fastening fitting 44 is accommodated in the fitting receiving portion 46, and into which the screw 102 is screwed. As shown in Fig. 5, in particular, in a state where the fixing fitting 44 has been inserted into the insertion opening 46H of the fitting receiving portion 46, the screw hole 44C formed on the fixing fitting 44 communicates with the insertion opening 46E of the fitting receiving portion 46.

[0066] The fixing portion 42 is configured as described above, and the fixing portion 42 of the housing 11 is fixed to the fixing member 100 by inserting the screw 102 through the insertion hole 46E of the fitting receiving portion 46 and screwing it into the screw hole 44C of the fixing fitting 44. At this time, the fixing member 100 and the rear wall 46A of the fitting receiving portion 46 are in a state of being clamped between the fixing fitting 44 and the screw 102. (Projection section 60)

[0067] 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 a lower right corner portion of the mounting surface 18A, and the other protrusion portion 60 is provided near a lower left corner portion of the mounting surface 18A. In other words, the mounting portion 42 is formed on one end side of the mounting surface 18A, and the protrusion portions 60 are formed on the other end side of the mounting surface 18A.

[0068] Further, 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 and the mounting surface 18A to each other.

[0069] In this context, as in Fig. 2, the front ends of the main body portions 60A of the protrusion portions 60 are positioned further toward the rear than the rear wall 46A of the fitting receiving portion 46 constituting the fixing portion 42. That is, the heights of the protrusion portions 60 with respect to the fixing surface 18A are greater than a height of the fixing portion 42 with respect to the fixing surface 18A. When the housing 11 is fixed to the planar fixing member 100, the protrusion portions 60 contact the fixing member 100 in front of the fixing portion 42. Then, the main body portions 60A of the protrusion portions 60 are pressed against the fixing member 100. (Operation)

[0070] The operation of the present exemplary embodiment is explained below.

[0071] In the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the speaker unit 16 is housed in the housing 11. Further, the housing 11, as shown in Fig. 3, configured to include the peripheral wall portion 11A, the front wall portion 11B, and the 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 by means of the fixing portion 42.

[0072] In this regard, the fixing portion 42 protrudes from the rear wall portion 11C of the casing 11 toward the side (the rear side) opposite to the front wall portion 11B. Consequently, the casing can be fixed in a smaller space compared to a configuration in which the fixing portion is provided on a peripheral wall portion 11A. That is, in a configuration in which the portions extend in the left-right direction or in the up-down direction from the peripheral wall portion 11A of the casing 11, there is a possibility that the portions may interfere with peripheral components.In contrast, in the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 of the present exemplary embodiment, since the fixing portion 42 is provided at a position overlapping the housing 11 in the front-rear direction, the housing 11 can be fixed to the fixing member 100 even in a case where other components are arranged on the periphery of the peripheral wall portion 11A.

[0073] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, a so-called "outsert" structure is used in which the fastening member 44 is inserted into the insertion opening 46H of the fitting receiving portion 46. Consequently, deterioration of an interface between the housing 11 and the fastening fitting 44 due to water ingress or the like can be suppressed, compared with an "insert" structure in which the fastening fitting 44 is integrally formed with the fitting receiving portion 46 (the housing 11).

[0074] As in Fig. 4, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the housing 11 is fastened to the fastening member 100 with the screw 102 serving as a fastening element, the screw 102 and the fastening fitting 44 are screwed together in a state where the screw 102 is inserted into the insertion hole 46E formed on the fitting receiving portion 46. Consequently, since the rear wall 46A of the fitting receiving portion 46 is sandwiched between the fastening fitting 44 and the screw 102, the housing 11 can be more firmly fastened to a fastening member 100. By fastening the housing 11 to the fastening member 100 by means of the fitting receiving portion 46, the area contacted with the fastening member 100 can be increased, and the load can be dispersed.

[0075] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, by configuring the flange portion 44B of the fastening fitting 44 with a laterally long shape, a shock can be dissipated by the flange portion 44B even in a case where the shock is introduced into the fastening portion 42 from the fastening part 100 side. Furthermore, in a housing in which the flange portion 44B has a circular shape with a large diameter, a size of the fitting receiving portion 46 itself needs to be increased; however, by configuring the flange portion 44B with a laterally long shape, its length in the up-down direction can be reduced, and there is no need to increase the size of the fitting receiving portion 46.In addition, by designing the flange portion 44B with a laterally long shape, rotation of the fastening fitting 44 due to the flange portion 44B contacting with the receiving portion of the fitting can be suppressed.

[0076] In the present exemplary embodiment, since the gap S is provided between the fitting receiving portion 46 and the fastening fitting 44, the fastening fitting 44 can be easily attached and detached. Consequently, the work efficiency of inserting the fastening fitting 44 into the fitting receiving portion 46 can be improved. Furthermore, the fastening fitting 44 can be easily replaced according to a specification or the like of the fastening part 100.

[0077] In addition, as in Fig. 3, in the present exemplary embodiment, since the cutout portions 46G for draining water are formed on the fitting receiving portion 46, water can drain from the cutout portion 46G even in a case where water has entered the fitting receiving portion 46, and water can be prevented from remaining in the housing receiving portion 46.

[0078] In particular, in the present exemplary embodiment, since the cutout portions 46G are formed at the corner portions 46F on both the left and right sides of the adjustment receiving portion 46, water can be prevented from remaining at the corner portions 46F. 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.

[0079] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the insertion opening 46H is formed at the upper end of the fitting receiving portion 46, and the cutout portions 46G are formed at the lower end of the fitting receiving portion 46, that is, on the side opposite to the insertion opening 46H. Consequently, water can drain from the cutout portions 46G even in a case in which water from the insertion opening 46H has penetrated deep into the fitting receiving portion 46.

[0080] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 5, in the present exemplary embodiment, the inclined portion 42B is formed on the inner wall of the insertion opening 46H, and water that has penetrated into the molded part receiving portion 46 is guided to the cutout portions 46G through the inclined portion 42B. Consequently, the water in the molded part receiving portion 46 can drain with good efficiency. Thus, according to the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 of the present exemplary embodiment, deterioration of the housing 11 due to residual water can be suppressed.

[0081] As in Fig. 3, the protruding portions 60 protrude from the fixing surface 18A of the casing 11, and the protruding portions 60 are in contact with the fixing member 100. Consequently, the casing 11, in a state where it is fixed to the fixing member 100, is supported at a plurality of locations of the fixing portion 42 and the protruding portions 60, and the resonance of the casing 11 can be suppressed.

[0082] Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the fixing portion 42 is provided at the upper portion of the fixing surface 18A, and the two protrusion portions 60 are provided at the lower portion of the fixing surface 18A. Since the casing 11 contacts the fixing member 100 at three locations, the resonance of the casing 11 can be effectively suppressed. Since a gap is provided between the casing 11 and the fixing member 100 except for the fixing portion 42 and the protrusion portions 60, the speaker unit 16 is not affected by heat even in environments where the temperature on the fixing member 100 side is high.

[0083] In addition, since the protrusion portions 60 are formed to protrude further toward the rear side than the fixing portion 42 in the present exemplary embodiment, the protrusion portions 60 can be reliably contacted with the fixing member 100 when the fixing portion 42 is fixed to the fixing member 100.

[0084] Since the protrusion portions 60 contact the fastening member 100 before the fastening portion 42, the fastening portion 42 can be brought into a state where the protrusion portions 60 are in contact with the fastening member 100. By pressing the protrusion portions 60 against the fastening member 100, the generation of abnormal noise due to vibration of the housing 11 can be suppressed. That is, in a housing in which the height of the fastening portion 42 with respect to the fastening surface 18A and the heights of the protrusion portions 60 with respect to the fastening surface 18A are configured to be the same height, there is a possibility that a small gap may be formed between the protrusion portions 60 and the fastening member 100 due to a design error, an assembly error, or the like.In such cases, there is a possibility that abnormal noises may be generated by the contact between the protrusion portions 60 and the fixing member 100 due to the vibration of the diaphragm 32 when the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 is actuated.

[0085] In contrast, in 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 provided between the protrusion portions 60 and the fixing member 100, and the generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed.

[0086] Since the front end of the fixing portion 42, that is, the rear wall 46A of the mold receiving portion 46, is formed as a flat surface, the fixing portion 42 and the fixing member 100 can be fixed in a state in which they are in surface contact with each other, and a fixing state can be stabilized.

[0087] Since the front ends of the protruding portions 60 are designed to be spherical, the housing 11 can be held by the protruding portions 60 in a state where the protruding portions 60 and the fixing member 100 are in point contact with each other.

[0088] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the front cover 12 is attached to the diaphragm 32 side (the front side) of the cabinet main body 14, and the rear cover 18 is attached to the side (the rear side) of the cabinet main body 14 opposite the diaphragm 32. By providing a configuration in which the front cover 12 and the rear cover 18 are contained separately from the cabinet main body 14 that houses the speaker unit 16, when the design of the speaker unit 16 changes, only the design of the cabinet main body 14 can be changed. That is, the speaker unit 16 can be maintained as long as the internal structure of the cabinet main body 14 is changed according to the design change of the speaker unit 16.As long as the external structure of the housing 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.

[0089] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, it is possible to cope with changes in the application and use environment of the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 by simply changing the front cover 12 or the rear cover 18. Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, since the fixing portion 42 is formed on the rear cover 18, the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 can be fixed by simply changing the rear cover 18 according to the specifications of the fixing member 100.For example, in an environment where fixing portions are required at multiple locations, the vehicle-mounted electroacoustic transducer 10 can be fixed without changing the design of the case main body 14 and the front cover 12 as long as the rear cover 18 is changed to prepare a rear cover on which a plurality of fixing portions 42 are formed.

[0090] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the 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 outer side of the rear cover 18. This can prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the housing main body 14 from the rear cover 18 side, compared to a configuration in which the fixing portion 42 communicates with the interior of the housing main body 14.

[0091] As in Fig. 1, in the present exemplary embodiment, the exterior and interior of the housing main body 14 communicate with each other via the connecting portion 14C. Therefore, even in a case where the temperature, atmospheric pressure, or the like between the exterior and interior of the housing main body 14 has changed, deformation of the diaphragm 32 due to the air flowing in and out between the exterior and interior through the connecting portion 14C can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the filter element prevents the passage of liquid through the portion 14C, the inflow of liquid into the interior of the housing main body 14 can be suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above aspect, the sound output from the speaker unit 16 is transmitted to the outside through the slits 12A formed on the front cover 12. Since the portion facing the terminal 40 and protecting the filter element is the blocking portion 12B, the filter element can be well protected even in a case where foreign matter, water drops, or the like have been blown onto the front cover 12. (Additional explanation)

[0093] Although the electroacoustic transducer for vehicles 10 according to the exemplary embodiment has been explained above, it is needless to say that various aspects can be implemented within a range that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. For example, although the fixing portion 42 is provided at the upper end portion of the fixing surface 18A in the above exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, there is no limitation thereto, and the fixing portion 42 may be provided at a different location. That is, the fixing portion 42 may be provided at a central portion of the fixing surface 18A. Alternatively, a configuration may also be provided in which a plurality of fixing portions 42 are provided on the fixing surface 18A.

[0094] Although two protrusion portions 60 are provided on the mounting surface 18A in the above exemplary embodiment, there is no limitation in this regard. For example, a configuration may be provided in which three or more protrusion portions 60 are provided.

[0095] Although the front ends of the protrusion portions 60 are spherical in the above exemplary embodiment, there is no limitation in this regard. For example, the front ends of the protrusion portions 60 may be formed in a substantially conical shape. In this housing, too, the protrusion portions 60 and the fastening part 100 may be brought into point contact with each other.

[0096] Although the loudspeaker unit 16, which generates the sound by moving the voice coil 30 back and forth, is in the Fig. 1, there are no restrictions in this regard. For example, a speaker unit that generates sound with a different structure may be used.

[0097] Although in the above embodiment, a so-called "outsert" structure is used in which the fixing fitting 44 is inserted into the insertion opening 46H of the fitting receiving portion 46, there is no limitation.

[0098] In the above exemplary embodiment, an example was described in which the fastening part 100 is formed in a flat shape. However, the fastening part may be formed with a step (shaped in a crank-like cross section) so that a portion contacted by the projection portions is located further forward in the front-rear direction than a portion contacted by the fastening portion, or it may be formed with a step (shaped in a crank-like cross section) so that it is located rearward in the front-rear direction. In such cases, it is sufficient if the projection portions are formed so that they contact the fastening part in front of the fastening portion when the fastening portion is fixed to the fastening part.

[0099] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-053455 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0100] All documents, patent applications and technical standards described herein are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification 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, 0003] JP 2021-29004 [0002, 0003] JP 2022-053455

[0099]

Claims

[1] An electroacoustic transducer for vehicles, comprising a loudspeaker unit that generates sound; and a box-shaped housing which accommodates the loudspeaker unit and which has a mounting surface facing a mounting part, wherein a fixing portion protruding from the fixing surface and fixed to the fixing member outside a vehicle cabin, and a protrusion portion protruding from the fixing surface and contacting the fixing member are formed on the housing. [2] The electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion is formed on one end side of the fixing surface and the protrusion portion is formed on another end side of the fixing surface. [3] The electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a height of the protruding portion with respect to the mounting surface is greater than a height of the mounting portion with respect to the mounting surface. [4] The electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of protrusion portions are formed. [5] The electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a front end of the fixing portion is formed as a flat surface and a front end of the protruding portion is formed as a spherical shape. [6] The electroacoustic transducer for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protruding portion contacts the fixing member before the fixing portion when the fixing portion is fixed to the fixing member.

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