Waterproof speaker

Abstract

To provide a waterproof speaker that is miniaturized and simplified while improving efficiency in the low-frequency range. [Solution] The waterproof speaker comprises a sound-emitting diaphragm, a magnetic circuit for vibrating the diaphragm, a frame supporting the diaphragm and the magnetic circuit, a breathable damper supported by the frame and displaced in conjunction with the vibration of the diaphragm, and an elastic waterproof membrane positioned between the diaphragm and the damper, covering the space housing the damper together with the frame.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a waterproof speaker. [Background Art]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, waterproof speakers having waterproof properties for a magnetic circuit are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a waterproof damper impregnated with a thermosetting resin. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-11693 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0206030 Specification [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The damper described in Patent Document 1 has no air permeability. For this reason, even if the damper is simply applied to a speaker, the efficiency of the speaker in a low frequency range is reduced due to the influence of an air spring caused by the sealed space provided on the back side of the damper. As one countermeasure against this, it is conceivable to provide an acoustic space such as a chamber in the sealed space. However, providing such an acoustic space has a problem in that it leads to an increase in size and complexity of the speaker.

[0005] In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a waterproof speaker capable of improving efficiency in a low frequency range while achieving reduction in size and simplification. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, a waterproof speaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a sound-emitting diaphragm; a magnetic circuit for vibrating the diaphragm; a frame supporting the diaphragm and the magnetic circuit; a breathable damper supported by the frame and displaced in conjunction with the vibration of the diaphragm; and an elastic waterproof membrane disposed between the diaphragm and the damper, covering the space housing the damper together with the frame. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof speaker according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof speaker according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof speaker according to the third embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof speaker according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof speaker according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of the parts in the drawings have been appropriately altered from those of the actual parts. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are preferred examples of this disclosure. For this reason, these embodiments are subject to various technically preferred limitations. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specifically stated in the following description.

[0009] 1. First Embodiment Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof speaker 1 according to the first embodiment. The waterproof speaker 1 is a dynamic speaker unit that emits sound based on an audio signal input from an external device such as an amplifier (not shown), and is waterproof.

[0010] The waterproof speaker 1 is attached to a mounting object, such as a panel on a boat hull (not shown), by screwing it in or the like. The manner in which the waterproof speaker 1 is attached to the mounting object is not limited to direct attachment to the mounting object; for example, it may be attached directly to the mounting object via a mounting device such as a baffle plate.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the device includes a diaphragm 10, a voice coil 20, a magnetic circuit 30, a frame 40, a damper 50, an edge 60, a waterproof membrane 70, and a ventilation member 80.

[0012] The parts of the waterproof speaker 1 will be described in order below, based on Figure 1. In the following, the central axis of the waterproof speaker 1 is axis AX. The relationship between the direction in which axis AX extends and the vertical direction is not particularly limited and is arbitrary. In the following, the direction from the back to the front of the waterproof speaker 1 along axis AX will be called the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction, from the front to the back of the waterproof speaker 1, will be called the X2 direction. In the following, the X1 and X2 directions may not be distinguished and will simply be referred to as the axial direction. In addition, the direction along a virtual circle centered on axis AX, or the opposite direction, may be called the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to axis AX and away from axis AX, or the opposite direction, may be called the radial direction.

[0013] The diaphragm 10 is a vibrating body composed of a sheet material, and emits sound through vibration. The sheet material constituting the diaphragm 10 is obtained, for example, by impregnating or coating a fibrous substrate with a resin material or rubber material and then curing or solidifying it. Examples of the resin material or rubber material include polyester resin, acrylic resin, polyurethane, melamine resin, modified rubber resin, and phenolic resin. Examples of the fibrous substrate include carbon fiber, aramid fiber, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, silica fiber, metal fiber, potassium titanate fiber, zirconia fiber, polyacrylate fiber, polyphenylene sulfide fiber, vinylon fiber, rayon fiber, nylon fiber, polyester fiber, acrylic fiber, polypropylene fiber, polyethylene fiber, cotton fiber, hemp fiber, and cellulose fiber. The surface of the sheet material may be provided with a coating film composed of, for example, a metal such as aluminum or an inorganic material such as DLC (Diamond-like Carbon).

[0014] The diaphragm 10 has a surface facing the X1 direction and a surface facing the X2 direction, and emits sound by vibrating in a direction along the axis AX. The surface of the diaphragm 10 facing the X1 direction is the sound-emitting surface. In the example shown in Figure 1, the diaphragm 10 is cone-shaped. However, the shape of the diaphragm 10 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1, and may be dome-shaped, for example.

[0015] The voice coil 20 is fixed to the surface of the diaphragm 10 facing the X2 direction and generates a magnetic field in response to an electrical audio signal input. The voice coil 20 has a bobbin 21 and a coil 22. The bobbin 21 is cylindrical with axis AX as its central axis. One end of the bobbin 21 in the X1 direction is joined to the surface of the diaphragm 10 facing the X2 direction by adhesive or the like. The coil 22 is made up of a wire wound circumferentially along the outer circumference of the bobbin 21. The audio signal is input to the coil 22 via wiring (not shown). As a result, a magnetic field corresponding to the audio signal is generated from the voice coil 20.

[0016] The magnetic circuit 30 is an element for vibrating the diaphragm 10 and generates a magnetic field that acts on the magnetic field from the voice coil 20. The magnetic circuit 30 has a permanent magnet 31 and a yoke 32. The permanent magnet 31 is a ferrite magnet or neodymium magnet, etc., with axis AX as its central axis. The yoke 32 is made of a soft magnetic material and guides the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet 31 to the voice coil 20. As a result, the magnetic field from the voice coil 20 due to the audio signal acts on the magnetic field from the magnetic circuit 30, causing the diaphragm 10 to vibrate in response to the audio signal.

[0017] The frame 40 is a structure that supports the diaphragm 10 and the magnetic circuit 30. The frame 40 is made of a resin composition, for example, a resin. The magnetic circuit 30 is fixed to the frame 40. The voice coil 20 is also connected to the frame 40 via a damper 50 and a waterproof membrane 70, and the diaphragm 10 is connected via an edge 60.

[0018] To explain in more detail, the frame 40 is divided into two parts, a first part P1 and a second part P2, along the axis AX. These two parts are arranged in the order of first part P1 and second part P2, facing the X2 direction.

[0019] The first portion P1 is a part of the frame 40 and is a portion that supports the diaphragm 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first portion P1 generally has a shape along the side surface of a truncated cone that spreads toward the X1 direction around the axis AX. A flange 41 protruding outward in the radial direction is provided at an end of the first portion P1 in the X1 direction. The flange 41 is fixed to a mounting object (not shown) by screwing or the like. An edge 60 is joined to the vicinity of the flange 41 of the first portion P1 with an adhesive or the like. In addition, a plurality of holes (not shown) are provided in the first portion P1 at intervals in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the space S1 located in the X2 direction with respect to the diaphragm 10 inside the first portion P1 communicates with the space S0 outside the first portion P1 through the plurality of holes. Therefore, the influence of the air spring in the space S1 on the diaphragm 10 can be reduced. A second portion P2 is connected to an end of the first portion P1 described above in the X2 direction.

[0020] The second portion P2 is a part of the frame 40 and is a portion that forms a space S2 for accommodating the damper 50. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second portion P2 includes a side wall 42, a top plate 43, and a bottom plate 44. The side wall 42 has a substantially cylindrical shape surrounding the space S2. A step surface FF2 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall 42. The top plate 43 is connected to an end of the side wall 42 in the X1 direction. The top plate 43 has a plate shape. An opening OP1 is provided in the top plate 43. In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the opening OP1 is larger than the outer diameter of the voice coil 20 and smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall 42. On the other hand, the bottom plate 44 is connected to an end of the side wall 42 in the X2 direction. The bottom plate 44 has a plate shape. An opening OP2 is provided in the bottom plate 44. In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the opening OP2 is larger than the outer diameter of the voice coil 20 and smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall 42.

[0021] The magnetic circuit 30 is joined to the surface of the bottom plate 44 of the frame 40 that faces the X2 direction by an adhesive, screwing, or the like. Here, the magnetic circuit 30 is disposed outside the frame 40, and a waterproof coating 90 is applied to the outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30. This makes it possible to achieve waterproofness for the outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30 while simplifying and reducing the size of the frame 40.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the waterproof coating 90 is provided over the entire outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30 and a part of the frame 40. Note that the application range of the waterproof coating 90 is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as the required waterproof performance for the magnetic circuit 30 can be ensured. In addition, the type of the waterproof coating 90 is not particularly limited, and various waterproof coatings can be used.

[0023] In addition, the opening OP1 of the top plate 43 of the frame 40 surrounds the vicinity of the end of the voice coil 20 in the X1 direction, and a part of the voice coil 20 and a part of the yoke 32 of the magnetic circuit 30 are inserted into the opening OP2 of the bottom plate 44. The outer peripheral edge of the damper 50 is bonded to the stepped surface FF2 of the side wall 42 with an adhesive or the like. Furthermore, the outer peripheral edge of the waterproof membrane 70 is bonded to the surface FF1 of the top plate 43 facing the X1 direction along the periphery of the opening OP1 with an adhesive or the like. In addition, a ventilation member 80 is provided penetrating through the side wall 42.

[0024] Note that the shape of the frame 40 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, and may be any shape. For example, the inner diameters of the openings OP1 and OP2 may be equal to the inner diameter of the side wall 42. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the frame 40 is formed of a single member, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the frame 40 may be formed of a plurality of members joined to each other by adhesion or the like. For example, the member constituting the first portion P1 and the member constituting the second portion P2 may be joined to each other by adhesion or the like.

[0025] The damper 50 is a breathable member supported by the frame 40 and displaced in conjunction with the vibration of the diaphragm 10, and is also referred to as a spider. The damper 50 is made of a flexible sheet material that supports the voice coil 20 relative to the frame 40 while allowing the vibration of the diaphragm 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the damper 50 has an annular shape when viewed in a direction along the axis AX.

[0026] The inner edge of the damper 50 is joined to the voice coil 20 with an adhesive or the like. The outer edge of the damper 50 is joined to the frame 40 with an adhesive or the like, as described above, and is supported by the frame 40. Here, the damper 50 divides the space S2 of the second part P2 into a front space S2a and a rear space S2b. However, since the damper 50 is breathable, spaces S2a and S2b communicate with each other.

[0027] The damper 50 is obtained, for example, by impregnating or coating a fiber substrate with a resin material or rubber material and then curing or solidifying it. Here, the resin material or rubber material is impregnated or coated onto the fiber substrate in such a way that it does not fill the gaps between the fiber substrates. Examples of the resin material or rubber material include polyester resin, acrylic resin, polyurethane, melamine resin, modified rubber resin, and phenolic resin. Among these, latex materials such as acrylonitrile-butadiene latex, styrene-butadiene latex, acrylate latex, or resin latex, as well as rubber materials such as butyl rubber (IIR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber, elastomer, and urethane rubber are preferably used. Examples of such fiber base materials include carbon fibers, aramid fibers, glass fibers, ceramic fibers, silica fibers, metal fibers, potassium titanate fibers, zirconia fibers, polyacrylate fibers, polyphenylene sulfide fibers, vinylon fibers, rayon fibers, nylon fibers, polyester fibers, acrylic fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, cotton fibers, hemp fibers, and cellulose fibers, among which aramid fibers are preferably used.

[0028] The edge 60 is a flexible, membrane-like or sheet-like member that connects the outer edge of the diaphragm 10 to the frame 40, and is also called a surround. Here, the edge 60 seals the gap between the diaphragm 10 and the frame 40. The edge 60 is made of a rubber material such as butyl rubber (IIR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber, elastomer, urethane rubber, or nylon-rubber copolymer.

[0029] The edge 60 is annular when viewed in the direction along the axis AX. The edge 60 has an inner portion fixed to the diaphragm 10, an outer portion fixed to the frame 40, and a connecting portion that connects the inner portion and the outer portion to allow vibration of the diaphragm 10.

[0030] The waterproof membrane 70 is an elastic membrane-like member positioned between the diaphragm 10 and the damper 50, covering the space S2 that houses the damper 50 together with the frame 40. The waterproof membrane 70 is annular in shape when viewed in the direction along the axis AX. The waterproof membrane 70 has an inner portion 71 fixed to the voice coil 20, an outer portion 72 fixed to the frame 40, and a connecting portion 73 that connects the inner portion 71 and the outer portion 72 to allow axial vibration of the voice coil 20. The connecting portion 73 has a portion that curves convexly toward the X1 direction, similar to the edge 60.

[0031] In this way, the waterproof membrane 70 covers the space S2 that houses the damper 50 between the diaphragm 10 and the damper 50 together with the frame 40, thereby achieving waterproof protection for the magnetic circuit 30 from space S1.

[0032] The waterproof membrane 70, like the damper 50, displaces in conjunction with the vibration of the diaphragm 10. However, the elastic modulus of the waterproof membrane 70 is lower than that of the damper 50. This reduces the influence of the waterproof membrane 70 on speaker performance, such as the lowest resonant frequency. Note that "elastic modulus" refers to, for example, Young's modulus.

[0033] The waterproof membrane 70, like the edge 60, is composed of rubber materials such as butyl rubber (IIR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber, elastomer, urethane rubber, and nylon-rubber copolymer.

[0034] The shape of the waterproof membrane 70 is not limited to the illustrated example, and may be S-shaped, concave, flat, mountain-shaped, balloon-shaped, etc.

[0035] The ventilation member 80 is provided to separate the inside and outside of the space S2 that houses the damper 50, and is a member that has both breathability and waterproofing properties, and is also called a ventilation vent. The ventilation member 80 is, for example, a pressure regulating valve that adjusts the pressure in the space S2, and is in a closed state when the pressure in the space S2 is below a predetermined level, and in an open state when the pressure in the space S2 is above a predetermined level. In the illustrated example, the ventilation member 80 is provided on the side wall 42. By using such a ventilation member 80, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the space S2 on the back side of the waterproof membrane 70 can be eliminated.

[0036] In the waterproof speaker 1 described above, the elastic waterproof membrane 70 covers the space S2 housing the damper 50 together with the frame 40 between the diaphragm 10 and the damper 50, thereby achieving waterproofness to the magnetic circuit 30. Here, since the damper 50 is breathable, the space S2b on the rear side of the damper 50 is not a sealed space. Also, because the damper 50 is breathable, the space S2a on the rear side of the waterproof membrane 70 communicates with the space S2b on the rear side of the damper 50, so the effective volume of the space S2a on the rear side of the waterproof membrane 70 can be increased. As a result, the effect of air springs caused by the space S2a on the rear side of the waterproof membrane 70 can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the decrease in efficiency of the waterproof speaker 1 in the low frequency range. In addition, since there is no need to provide an acoustic space such as a chamber in the space S2a on the rear side of the waterproof membrane 70, the waterproof speaker 1 can be made smaller and simpler.

[0037] 2. Second Embodiment The following describes a second embodiment of this disclosure. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof speaker 1A according to the second embodiment. The waterproof speaker 1A is configured similarly to the waterproof speaker 1 of the first embodiment, except that it includes a case 100 instead of the waterproof coating 90 of the first embodiment.

[0039] The case 100 is a waterproof structure supported by the frame 40 and housing the magnetic circuit 30. For example, it is made of a resin composition containing resin, similar to the frame 40. Such a case 100 has superior durability compared to the waterproof coating 90 of the first embodiment. Therefore, by using the case 100, waterproofing of the outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30 can be stably achieved over a long period of time.

[0040] The case 100 has a side wall 101, a top plate 102, and a bottom plate 103. The side wall 101 is substantially cylindrical and surrounds the magnetic circuit 30. In the illustrated example, the inner surface of the side wall 101 is in contact with the magnetic circuit 30. The top plate 102 is connected to the end of the side wall 101 in the X1 direction. The top plate 102 is plate-shaped. An opening OP3 is provided in the top plate 102. In the illustrated example, the inner surface of the opening OP3 is joined to the outer surface of the frame 40 around its entire circumference with adhesive or the like. On the other hand, the bottom plate 103 is connected to the end of the side wall 101 in the X2 direction. The bottom plate 103 is plate-shaped. In the illustrated example, the surface of the bottom plate 103 facing in the X1 direction is in contact with the magnetic circuit 30. Here, one or both of the side wall 101 and the bottom plate 103 may be joined to the magnetic circuit 30 by adhesive or the like.

[0041] The shape of the case 100 is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as it can provide waterproofing to the outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30. For example, the bottom plate 103 may have an opening, or the bottom plate 103 may be omitted. In this case, a waterproof coating may be applied to the outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30 as needed. The side walls 101 or the bottom plate 103 may be positioned with a gap between them and the magnetic circuit 30. Furthermore, the case 100 may be composed of multiple members joined together by adhesive or the like. The case 100 may also be integrated with or separate from the frame 40.

[0042] The second embodiment described above also makes it possible to miniaturize and simplify the waterproof speaker 1A while increasing its efficiency in the low-frequency range.

[0043] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of this disclosure will be described below. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0044] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof speaker 1B according to the third embodiment. The waterproof speaker 1B is configured similarly to the waterproof speaker 1A of the second embodiment, except that it includes a waterproof membrane 70B and an interlocking member 110 instead of the waterproof membrane 70 of the second embodiment.

[0045] The interlocking member 110 is an annular member fixed to the voice coil 20 and displaces in conjunction with the vibration of the diaphragm 10. The inner periphery of the interlocking member 110 is joined to the voice coil 20 by adhesive or the like. The interlocking member 110 extends from the inside to the outside, approaching the inner periphery of the opening OP1. A waterproof membrane 70B is joined to the outer periphery of the interlocking member 110 by adhesive or the like.

[0046] The interlocking member 110 is waterproof. Examples of materials used to construct the interlocking member 110 include resin compositions containing resin or rubber materials. The interlocking member 110 is formed by injection molding or the like. The interlocking member 110 may also be integrally molded with the waterproof membrane 70B by insert molding. Furthermore, the interlocking member 110 may be made of a waterproof fabric such as Gore-Tex®, as shown in the interlocking member 110C of the fourth embodiment described later.

[0047] The waterproof membrane 70B is configured in the same way as the waterproof membrane 70 of the first embodiment, except that its inner diameter is different. Specifically, the waterproof membrane 70B is configured in the same way as the waterproof membrane 70 of the first embodiment, except that it has an inner portion 71B and a connecting portion 73B instead of the inner portion 71 and connecting portion 73 of the first embodiment. The inner portion 71B is joined to the outer edge of the interlocking member 110 with an adhesive or the like. The connecting portion 73B connects the inner portion 71B and the outer portion 72 to allow axial vibration of the voice coil 20.

[0048] In this manner, the waterproof membrane 70B is connected to the frame 40 and the interlocking member 110 so as to seal the gap between the frame 40 and the interlocking member 110. This allows the existing surround to be used as the waterproof membrane 70B. Furthermore, by making the waterproof membrane 70B have the same structure as the edge 60 of the diaphragm 10, the assembly of the waterproof speaker 1B can be made more efficient.

[0049] The third embodiment described above also makes it possible to miniaturize and simplify the waterproof speaker 1B while increasing its efficiency in the low-frequency range.

[0050] 4. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0051] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof speaker 1C according to the fourth embodiment. The waterproof speaker 1C is configured similarly to the waterproof speaker 1B of the third embodiment, except that the ventilation member 80 is omitted and an interlocking member 110C is provided in place of the interlocking member 110 of the third embodiment.

[0052] The interlocking member 110C is configured in the same way as the interlocking member 110 of the third embodiment, except that it has breathability and waterproofing properties. Because the interlocking member 110C has breathability, even if the ventilation member 80 is omitted, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the space S2 on the back side of the waterproof membrane 70B can be eliminated.

[0053] The materials used for the interlocking member 110C are not particularly limited, as long as they can provide breathability and waterproofing, but examples include waterproof fabrics such as Gore-Tex®.

[0054] The fourth embodiment described above also makes it possible to miniaturize and simplify the waterproof speaker 1C while increasing its efficiency in the low-frequency range.

[0055] 5. Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof speaker 1D according to the fifth embodiment. The waterproof speaker 1D is configured similarly to the waterproof speaker 1B of the third embodiment, except that the arrangement of the ventilation member 80 is different, and that it includes a frame 40D and a case 100D instead of the frame 40 and case 100 of the third embodiment.

[0057] Frame 40D is configured similarly to frame 40 of the first embodiment, except that it has a plurality of holes HL that connect the inside and outside of space S2, instead of providing a ventilation member 80. Here, the holes HL are provided at a position in the X1 direction relative to the damper 50. The shape, number, size, and other characteristics of the holes HL are not particularly limited and are arbitrary, as long as they allow space S2 and the air chamber S3 described later to be substantially the same space.

[0058] Case 100D is configured similarly to case 100 of the second embodiment, except that it is of a different size and is provided with a ventilation member 80.

[0059] The case 100D has a side wall 104 and a bottom plate 105. The side wall 104 is substantially cylindrical and surrounds the magnetic circuit 30. In the illustrated example, the inner circumferential surface of the side wall 104 is positioned at a distance from the magnetic circuit 30. This creates an air chamber S3 between the side wall 104 and the magnetic circuit 30. A ventilation member 80 is also provided on the side wall 104 to separate the inside and outside of the air chamber S3. A frame 40D is joined to the end of the side wall 104 in the X1 direction around its entire circumference with adhesive or the like. On the other hand, the bottom plate 105 is connected to the end of the side wall 104 in the X2 direction. The bottom plate 105 is plate-shaped. In the illustrated example, the surface of the bottom plate 105 facing the X1 direction may be joined to the magnetic circuit 30 with adhesive or the like.

[0060] Thus, an air chamber S3 is provided between the case 100D and the outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30. The air chamber S3 communicates with space S2 through the hole HL in the frame 40D. In the illustrated example, the air chamber S3 communicates with space S2a between the damper 50 and the waterproof membrane 70. This allows for an even greater effective volume of space S2a on the rear side of the waterproof membrane 70.

[0061] The fifth embodiment described above also makes it possible to miniaturize and simplify the waterproof speaker 1D while increasing its efficiency in the low-frequency range.

[0062] 6. Variations This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible as described below. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modification may be combined as appropriate.

[0063] 6-1. Variation 1 In the embodiments described above, examples are given in which the waterproof membranes 70, 70B include one surround or edge, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and may also be an embodiment in which multiple surrounds or edges are joined to each other inside and out.

[0064] 6-2. Variation 2 In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which one damper 50 is used, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and two or more dampers or spiders may be used.

[0065] 7. Addendum From the forms or modifications illustrated above, for example, the following embodiments can be understood.

[0066] (Note 1) A first embodiment of a preferred example of a waterproof speaker of the present disclosure comprises: a sound-emitting diaphragm; a magnetic circuit for vibrating the diaphragm; a frame supporting the diaphragm and the magnetic circuit; a breathable damper supported by the frame and displaced in conjunction with the vibration of the diaphragm; and an elastic waterproof membrane disposed between the diaphragm and the damper, covering the space housing the damper together with the frame.

[0067] According to the above embodiment, since the elastic waterproof membrane covers the space housing the damper together with the frame between the diaphragm and the damper, waterproofing of the magnetic circuit can be achieved. Here, since the damper is breathable, the space on the back side of the damper does not become a sealed space. Also, because the damper is breathable, the space on the back side of the waterproof membrane communicates with the space on the back side of the damper, so the effective volume of the space on the back side of the waterproof membrane can be increased. As a result, the effect of air springs caused by the space on the back side of the waterproof membrane can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the decrease in efficiency of the speaker in the low frequency range. In addition, since there is no need to provide an acoustic space such as a chamber in the space on the back side of the waterproof membrane, the speaker can be made smaller and simpler.

[0068] (Note 2) In the second embodiment, which is a preferred example of the first embodiment, the outer surface of the magnetic circuit is coated with a waterproof paint. According to the above embodiment, it is possible to simplify and miniaturize the frame while achieving waterproofness for the outer surface of the magnetic circuit.

[0069] (Note 3) In a third embodiment, which is a preferred example of the first embodiment, a waterproof case is further provided that is supported by the frame and houses the magnetic circuit. In the above embodiments, waterproofing of the outer surface of the magnetic circuit can be stably achieved over a long period of time.

[0070] (Note 4) In the fourth embodiment, which is a preferred example of the third embodiment, an air chamber is provided between the case and the outer surface of the magnetic circuit, communicating with the space between the damper and the waterproof membrane. According to the above embodiment, the substantial volume of the space on the back side of the waterproof membrane can be further increased.

[0071] (Note 5) In a fifth embodiment, which is a preferred example of any of the first to fourth embodiments, a waterproof interlocking member is further provided that displaces in conjunction with the vibration of the diaphragm, and the waterproof membrane is connected to the frame and the interlocking member so as to seal the gap between the frame and the interlocking member. According to the above embodiments, existing surround material can be used as the waterproof membrane. Furthermore, by making the waterproof membrane have the same structure as the edge (surround) of the diaphragm, the efficiency of speaker assembly can be improved.

[0072] (Note 6) In the sixth embodiment, which is a preferred example of the fifth embodiment, the interlocking member is further breathable. According to the above embodiments, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the space on the back side of the waterproof membrane can be eliminated.

[0073] (Note 7) In the seventh embodiment, which is a preferred example of any of the first to fifth embodiments, a ventilation member is further provided that is provided so as to separate the inside and outside of the space housing the damper and has breathability and waterproofing properties. According to the above embodiments, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the space on the back side of the waterproof membrane can be eliminated.

[0074] (Note 8) In the eighth embodiment, which is a preferred example of any of the first to seventh embodiments, the elastic modulus of the waterproof membrane is lower than that of the damper. In the above embodiments, the influence of the waterproof membrane on speaker performance, such as the lowest resonant frequency, can be reduced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1...Waterproof speaker, 1A...Waterproof speaker, 1B...Waterproof speaker, 1C...Waterproof speaker, 1D...Waterproof speaker, 10...Diaphragm, 20...Voice coil, 21...Bobbin, 22...Coil, 30...Magnetic circuit, 31...Permanent magnet, 32...Yoke, 40...Frame, 40D...Frame, 41...Flange, 42...Side wall, 43...Top plate, 44...Bottom plate, 50...Damper, 60...Edge, 70...Waterproof membrane, 70B...Waterproof membrane, 71...Inner part, 71B...Inner part, 72...Outer part 73...connecting part, 73B...connecting part, 80...ventilation member, 90...waterproof coating, 100...case, 100D...case, 101...side wall, 102...top plate, 103...bottom plate, 104...side wall, 105...bottom plate, 110...interlocking member, 110C...interlocking member, AX...axis, FF1...surface, FF2...stepped surface, HL...hole, OP1...opening, OP2...opening, OP3...opening, P1...first part, P2...second part, S0...space, S1...space, S2...space, S2a...space, S2b...space, S3...air chamber.

Claims

1. A sound-emitting diaphragm, A magnetic circuit for vibrating the diaphragm, A frame supporting the diaphragm and the magnetic circuit, A breathable damper supported by the frame and displaced in conjunction with the vibration of the diaphragm, The system comprises an elastic waterproof membrane disposed between the diaphragm and the damper, covering the space housing the damper together with the frame, Waterproof speaker.

2. The outer surface of the magnetic circuit is coated with a waterproof paint. The waterproof speaker according to claim 1.

3. The frame is supported by the aforementioned waterproof case which houses the magnetic circuit, The waterproof speaker according to claim 1.

4. An air chamber is provided between the case and the outer surface of the magnetic circuit, which communicates with the space between the damper and the waterproof membrane. The waterproof speaker according to claim 3.

5. The system further comprises a waterproof interlocking member that displaces in conjunction with the vibration of the aforementioned diaphragm, The waterproof membrane is connected to the frame and the interlocking member so as to seal the gap between the frame and the interlocking member. The waterproof speaker according to claim 1.

6. The interlocking member further has breathability, The waterproof speaker according to claim 5.

7. The space housing the damper is further provided with a ventilation member that separates the inside and outside of the space and has breathability and waterproofing properties. A waterproof speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The elastic modulus of the waterproof membrane is lower than that of the damper. The waterproof speaker according to claim 1.

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