Improved ventilation assembly

Abstract

A ventilation assembly unit for use within an electronic device housing is provided, the ventilation assembly unit comprising a surrounding element and a ventilation assembly, the ventilation assembly comprising a first permeable layer, a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, a second permeable layer and an acoustic transducer, the first permeable layer being positioned on the first side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer being positioned on the second side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, an acoustic volume defined between the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer and the acoustic transducer, the ventilation assembly unit being placed on the aperture of a housing container, the surrounding element being configured to isolate the ventilation assembly from the internal volume of the housing container, a housing volume defined between the ventilation assembly and the surrounding element, and the ventilation assembly being configured to provide an air path during use from outside the housing container to the acoustic volume, through the first permeable layer, through the housing volume, and through the second permeable layer to the acoustic volume.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] field This disclosure relates to improved vent assemblies, improved vent assembly units including vent assemblies, and electronic equipment housings including them. [Background technology]

[0002] background Ventilation assemblies used in electronic devices typically include acoustic vents. Acoustic vents are typically used to protect one or more acoustic transducers in an electronic device, such as a microphone or speaker, from, for example, liquids or particles, and to balance the pressure within the acoustic volume defined between the acoustic transducer and the acoustic vent with the ambient pressure outside the electronic device in which the acoustic transducer is installed. Therefore, to enable pressure balance and prevent the ingress of particles and liquids such as water, acoustic vents need to be permeable to air.

[0003] In addition to the required characteristics described above, it is also desirable that the acoustic vents minimize the acoustic impact on the electronic device so that the performance of the acoustic transducer is maximized while being protected by the acoustic vents.

[0004] Therefore, typical acoustic vents used in this art utilize only a limited selection of materials that provide the necessary combination of functions, significantly limiting the possible design options for acoustic vents. For example, among the materials used in existing acoustic vents and vent assemblies, porous membranes such as stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes are suitable for use in acoustic vents.

[0005] However, there remains a need for alternative methods for constructing acoustic vents and vent assemblies that can effectively combine excellent acoustic performance with superior protective and ventilation performance, expand the range of materials that can be used, and allow device manufacturers to more fine-tune the specific performance of vent assemblies or acoustic vents for specific applications. [Overview of the project]

[0006] Abstract According to a first embodiment, a vent assembly unit for use in an electronic device housing is provided, the vent assembly unit comprising a surrounding element and a vent assembly, the vent assembly comprising a first permeable layer, a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, a second permeable layer and an acoustic transducer, the first permeable layer being positioned on a first side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer being positioned on a second side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, an acoustic volume being defined between the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer and the acoustic transducer, the vent assembly unit being placed on an aperture of a housing, the surrounding element being configured to isolate the vent assembly from the internal volume of the housing, and the vent assembly being configured to provide an air path to the acoustic volume from outside the housing to the acoustic volume through the first permeable layer and through the second permeable layer during use.

[0007] The enclosing element can surround the vent assembly. The enclosing element can be spaced apart from at least one side of the vent assembly. A saturating volume can be defined between the vent assembly and the enclosing element. The saturating volume can be defined between the enclosing element and a first permeable layer and a second permeable layer when the vent assembly unit is installed in the electronic equipment housing, so that the air path extends from the first permeable layer to the saturating volume and from the saturating volume to the second permeable layer.

[0008] A containment volume may be defined between the enclosing element and at least one side of the ventilation assembly. Air paths may extend through a first permeable layer to the containment volume, and from the containment volume through a second permeable layer to the acoustic volume. Air paths may extend around a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane. Air paths may not extend through a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane.

[0009] The surrounding element may extend around the vent assembly. The surrounding element may extend around the sides of the vent assembly. The surrounding element may extend across the bottom of the vent assembly. The surrounding element may extend around the sides and bottom of the vent assembly. The vent assembly unit has one opening surface, and the surrounding element is configured to abut against the housing wall of the electronic device housing of the electronic device, thereby substantially closing its one opening surface with the housing wall.

[0010] It was found that the acoustic volume between the acoustic membrane and the acoustic transducer is permeated around the acoustic membrane through the first and second permeable layers, provided on both sides of the acoustic membrane. In other words, the acoustic volume can be permeated around the acoustic membrane without passing through the acoustic membrane itself.

[0011] Therefore, the acoustic membrane does not need to directly ventilate the acoustic volume, and the material used to form the acoustic membrane can be selected to minimize the effect of the acoustic membrane on the acoustic performance of the acoustic transducer and to have properties that protect the acoustic transducer from particles and liquids. Thus, the vent assembly unit is provided with a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane.

[0012] The ventilation assembly unit can be configured to be installed in fluid communication with the aperture of the housing of an electronic device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first permeable layer may be directly fixed to the acoustic film. The first permeable layer may be welded to the acoustic film. The first permeable layer may be heat-welded or ultrasonically welded to the acoustic film.

[0014] The first permeable layer can be bonded to the acoustic film. A first adhesive layer can be provided between the first permeable layer and the acoustic film. The first adhesive layer can be substantially impermeable. The first adhesive layer can include a polymer adhesive. The polymer adhesive can be waterproof. The polymer adhesive can be non-porous. The polymer adhesive can include, for example, polyurethane, acrylic resin, silicone polymer, or thermoactivated film.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second permeable layer may be directly fixed to the acoustic film. The second permeable layer may be welded to the acoustic film. The second permeable layer may be heat-welded or ultrasonically welded to the acoustic film.

[0016] The second permeable layer may be bonded to the acoustic film. A second adhesive layer may be provided between the second permeable layer and the acoustic film. The second adhesive layer may be substantially impermeable. The second adhesive layer may include a polymer adhesive. The polymer adhesive may be waterproof. The polymer adhesive may be non-porous. The polymer adhesive may include, for example, polyurethane, acrylic resin, silicone polymer, or thermoactivated film.

[0017] As used herein, the term “permeable layer” refers to a layer that allows gas to pass through. The permeable layer may have, for example, an airflow rate of at least 10 mL / min. In at least some embodiments, the permeable layer may have an airflow rate that is not high enough to significantly affect the acoustic performance of the vent assembly. For example, the permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 500 mL / min or less, and the insertion loss of the vent assembly may vary by less than 3 dB.

[0018] As used herein, the term “substantially impermeable acoustic membrane” refers to an acoustic membrane that is substantially impermeable to gases or liquids. A substantially impermeable layer may have an airflow rate below a detectable level when measured using the ATEQ® airflow test method described herein.

[0019] An acoustic transducer can be a microphone. An acoustic transducer can be a speaker. A vent assembly can contain multiple acoustic transducers. For example, a vent assembly can contain a microphone and a speaker. Alternatively, a vent assembly can contain multiple microphones or multiple speakers or a combination thereof.

[0020] Each acoustic transducer may be mounted on a substrate. Each acoustic transducer may be mounted on a common substrate. The substrate may extend to the surrounding element and, together with the surrounding element and the ventilation assembly, define the housing volume.

[0021] The surrounding element may extend below the base material. The containment volume may extend below the base material.

[0022] A second permeable layer may be bonded to the substrate. A third adhesive layer may be provided between the second permeable layer and the substrate. The third adhesive layer may be substantially impermeable. The third adhesive layer may include a polymer adhesive. The polymer adhesive may be waterproof. The polymer adhesive may be nonporous. The polymer adhesive may include, for example, polyurethane, acrylic resin, silicone polymer, or thermoactivated film.

[0023] The fourth adhesive layer can be provided on the first permeable layer on the side opposite to the side adjacent to the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane. The fourth adhesive layer can be substantially impermeable. The fourth adhesive layer can include a polymer adhesive. The polymer adhesive can be waterproof. The polymer adhesive can be non-porous. The polymer adhesive can include, for example, polyurethane, acrylic resin, silicone-based polymer, or heat-activated film. The fourth adhesive layer can be configured to adhere the vent assembly unit to the wall of a housing container such as an electronic device housing.

[0024] To avoid doubt, the use of terms such as "first adhesive layer", "second adhesive layer", "third adhesive layer", and "fourth adhesive layer" is for the purpose of clearly distinguishing each adhesive layer and should not be construed as meaning that any of the numbered adhesive layers described above are necessary. Each numbered adhesive layer can be provided alone or in any combination with any of the other numbered adhesive layers.

[0025] The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have an air flow rate of less than 1 mL / min. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have an air flow rate of less than 0.5 mL / min. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have an air flow rate of less than 0.25 mL / min. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have an air flow rate of less than 0.1 mL / min. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have an air flow rate of less than 0.05 mL / min. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have an air flow rate of less than 0.01 mL / min. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have an air flow rate of less than 0.005 mL / min. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have an air flow rate of less than 0.001 mL / min. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have an air flow rate below a detectable level using the methods described herein.

[0026] The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can include silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, parylene C, parylene N, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide, or a combination thereof.

[0027] The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can include a coating. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can include a sealing coating. The sealing coating can reduce the air flow rate passing through the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane. The sealing coating can seal any pores or holes in the material of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can include a protective coating. The protective coating can protect the impermeable acoustic membrane from particles or liquids.

[0028] The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of less than 100 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of less than 80 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of less than 60 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of less than 50 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of less than 40 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of less than 30 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of less than 20 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of less than 10 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of 0.25 μm to 100 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of 0.25 μm to 80 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of 0.25 μm to 60 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of 0.25 μm to 50 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of 0.25 μm to 40 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of 0.25 μm to 30 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of 0.25 μm to 20 μm. The substantially impermeable acoustic membrane can have a thickness of 0.25 μm to 10 μm.

[0029] A substantially opaque acoustic membrane can have an insertion loss of less than approximately 30 dB at 3 kHz. A substantially opaque acoustic membrane can have an insertion loss of less than approximately 20 dB at 3 kHz. A substantially opaque acoustic membrane can have an insertion loss of less than approximately 10 dB at 3 kHz. A substantially opaque acoustic membrane can have an insertion loss of less than approximately 5 dB at 3 kHz. A substantially opaque acoustic membrane can have an insertion loss of less than approximately 1 dB at 3 kHz. A substantially opaque acoustic membrane can have an insertion loss of approximately 0.01 dB to approximately 30 dB at 3 kHz. A substantially opaque acoustic membrane can have an insertion loss of approximately 0.01 dB to approximately 20 dB at 3 kHz. A substantially opaque acoustic membrane can have an insertion loss of approximately 0.01 dB to approximately 10 dB at 3 kHz. A substantially opaque acoustic membrane can have an insertion loss of approximately 0.01 dB to approximately 5 dB at 3 kHz. A substantially opaque acoustic membrane can have an insertion loss of approximately 0.01 dB to 1 dB at 3 kHz.

[0030] The first transparent layer may contain a first aperture. The second transparent layer may contain a second aperture. The first transparent layer may contain a first aperture, and the second transparent layer may contain a second aperture, and the first and second apertures may be substantially coaxial. The first and second apertures may form a channel. The channel may extend to an acoustic transducer. A substantially impermeable acoustic membrane may span the channel.

[0031] The first permeable layer may have an airflow rate of at least 10 mL / min when measured using the method described herein. The first permeable layer may have an airflow rate of at least 15 mL / min. The first permeable layer may have an airflow rate of at least 20 mL / min. The first permeable layer may have an airflow rate of at least 25 mL / min. The first permeable layer may have an airflow rate of at least 30 mL / min. The first permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 10 mL / min to 500 mL / min. The first permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 15 mL / min to 500 mL / min. The first permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 20 mL / min to 500 mL / min. The first permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 25 mL / min to 500 mL / min. The first permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 30 mL / min to 500 mL / min.

[0032] In at least some embodiments, the first permeable layer may be configured to maximize the airflow rate through the first permeable layer, minimize fluid intrusion into and through the first permeable layer, and minimize the influence of the first permeable layer on the acoustic performance of the vent assembly.

[0033] The first permeable layer may include a material selected from polymers, composites, textiles, metals, or ceramic materials.

[0034] The first permeable layer may contain polymers selected from fluoropolymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide, polyester, or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-(perfluoroalkyl) vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and copolymers thereof.

[0035] The first permeable layer may contain polymers selected from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or copolymers thereof.

[0036] The first permeable layer may contain a fibrous polymer.

[0037] The first permeable layer may include a textile. The textile may include woven, nonwoven, or knitted materials. The textile may include polymer materials. The textile may include natural materials.

[0038] The first permeable layer may contain a metal such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, copper, or an alloy thereof.

[0039] The first permeable layer may include a coating. The coating may be hydrophobic. Therefore, the coating can prevent or reduce the ingress of water into or through the first permeable layer. The coating can prevent or reduce the ingress of oil into or through the first permeable layer.

[0040] The first permeable layer may include a polymer foam.

[0041] The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 1 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.8 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.6 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.5 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.4 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.3 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.2 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.05 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.03 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.02 mm. The first permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.01 mm.

[0042] The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.005 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.01 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.02 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.03 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.05 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.1 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.8 mm to 0.005 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.6 mm to 0.005 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 0.005 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.4 mm to 0.005 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.3 mm to 0.005 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.005 mm. The first transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.005 mm.

[0043] The second permeable layer may have an airflow rate of at least 10 mL / min when measured using the method described herein. The second permeable layer may have an airflow rate of at least 15 mL / min. The second permeable layer may have an airflow rate of at least 20 mL / min. The second permeable layer may have an airflow rate of at least 25 mL / min. The second permeable layer may have an airflow rate of at least 30 mL / min. The second permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 10 mL / min to 500 mL / min. The second permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 15 mL / min to 500 mL / min. The second permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 20 mL / min to 500 mL / min. The second permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 25 mL / min to 500 mL / min. The second permeable layer may have an airflow rate of 30 mL / min to 500 mL / min.

[0044] In at least some embodiments, the second permeable layer may be configured to maximize the airflow through the second permeable layer, minimize fluid intrusion into and through the second permeable layer, and minimize the influence of the second permeable layer on the acoustic performance of the vent assembly.

[0045] The second permeable layer may include a material selected from polymers, composites, textiles, metals, or ceramic materials.

[0046] The second permeable layer may contain polymers selected from fluoropolymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide, polyester, or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-(perfluoroalkyl) vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and copolymers thereof.

[0047] The second permeable layer may contain polymers selected from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or copolymers thereof.

[0048] The second permeable layer may contain a fibrous polymer.

[0049] The second permeable layer may include a textile. The textile may include woven, nonwoven, or knitted materials. The textile may include polymer materials. The textile may include natural materials.

[0050] The second permeable layer may contain a metal such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, copper, or an alloy thereof.

[0051] The second permeable layer may include a polymer foam.

[0052] The second permeable layer may include a coating. The coating may be hydrophobic. Therefore, the coating can prevent or reduce the ingress of water into or through the second permeable layer. The coating can also prevent or reduce the ingress of oil into or through the second permeable layer.

[0053] The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 1 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.8 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.6 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.5 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.4 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.3 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.2 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.05 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.03 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.02 mm. The second permeable layer may have a thickness of less than 0.01 mm.

[0054] The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.005 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.01 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.02 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.03 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.05 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 0.1 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.8 mm to 0.005 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.6 mm to 0.005 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 0.005 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.4 mm to 0.005 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.3 mm to 0.005 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.005 mm. The second transparent layer can have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.005 mm.

[0055] The ventilation assembly may include a support configured to support a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane. This support may increase the physical resistance of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane. This support may increase the burst pressure of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane.

[0056] The support may include a mesh. The support may include a grid. The support may include a substantially rigid material. The support may be planar, and the support may be resistant to deformation out of the planar aspect of the support.

[0057] The support may be positioned at a distance from the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane. The support may be positioned at a distance from the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane by an adhesive layer. The support may be positioned at a distance from the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane so that the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane does not hinder vibrations for the transmission of acoustic energy.

[0058] The support can have minimal effect on the acoustic performance of the substantially opaque acoustic film. The support can have an insertion loss lower than that of the substantially opaque acoustic film. The support can have an insertion loss of less than approximately 5 dB. The support can have an insertion loss of less than approximately 1 dB. The support can have an insertion loss of less than approximately 0.5 dB. The support can have an insertion loss of less than approximately 0.1 dB. The support can have an insertion loss of approximately 0.001 dB to approximately 5 dB. The support can have an insertion loss of approximately 0.001 dB to approximately 1 dB. The support can have an insertion loss of approximately 0.001 dB to approximately 0.5 dB.

[0059] The support can be the first permeable layer. The support can be the second permeable layer.

[0060] In a second embodiment, an electronic device including a housing is provided, the housing including a wall aperture, a wall defining an internal volume, and a vent assembly unit provided to close the aperture, the vent assembly unit including a surrounding element and a vent assembly, the vent assembly including a first permeable layer, a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, a second permeable layer and an acoustic transducer, the first permeable layer being located on the first side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, and the second permeable layer being located on the second side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the substantially impermeable An acoustic volume is defined between the acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer, and the acoustic transducer, a channel is formed from the aperture through the first and second permeable layers to the acoustic transducer, the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane straddles the channel, an air path is provided from the outside of the electronic equipment housing through the aperture, the first and second permeable layers to the acoustic volume, the vent assembly is separated from the internal volume by the surrounding element, thereby isolating the vent assembly from the internal volume by the surrounding element.

[0061] The ventilation hole assembly unit may be a ventilation hole assembly unit according to a first embodiment.

[0062] The enclosing element can surround the vent assembly. The enclosing element can be spaced apart from at least one side of the vent assembly. The enclosing element can define a containment volume between the enclosing element and the first and second permeable layers, thereby allowing the air path to extend from the first permeable layer to the containment volume and from the containment volume to the second permeable layer.

[0063] A dwelling volume can be defined between the enclosing element and at least one side of the vent assembly. The air path can extend through a first permeable layer to the dwelling volume, and from the dwelling volume through a second permeable layer to the acoustic volume. The enclosing element can extend around the vent assembly. The enclosing element can extend around the sides of the vent assembly. The enclosing element can extend across the bottom of the vent assembly. The enclosing element can extend around the sides and bottom of the vent assembly. The vent assembly unit has one opening surface, and the enclosing element can abut against the housing wall of the electronic device housing, thereby allowing one opening surface to be substantially closed by the housing wall.

[0064] Acoustic transducers can be mounted on a substrate.

[0065] The internal volume may contain electronic components of an electronic device. The electronic components of the electronic device may be protected by the surrounding elements from moisture that could pass through the first permeable layer.

[0066] The first permeable layer may contain the first aperture.

[0067] The first permeable layer may contain polymers selected from fluoropolymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide, polyester, or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-(perfluoroalkyl) vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and copolymers thereof.

[0068] The first permeable layer may contain polymers selected from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or copolymers thereof.

[0069] Substantially impermeable acoustic membranes may include silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, parylene C, parylene N, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide, or combinations thereof.

[0070] A substantially impermeable acoustic film can have a thickness of 0.25 to 50 μm.

[0071] The ventilation assembly may include a support configured to support a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane.

[0072] The second permeable layer may include a second aperture.

[0073] The second permeable layer may contain polymers selected from fluoropolymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide, polyester, or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-(perfluoroalkyl) vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and copolymers thereof.

[0074] The second permeable layer may contain polymers selected from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or copolymers thereof.

[0075] To avoid any ambiguity, the features of the vent assembly unit and vent assembly of the first embodiment may be the same as the features of the vent assembly and vent assembly of the second embodiment.

[0076] According to a third embodiment, a vent assembly unit for use in an electronic device housing is provided, the vent assembly unit comprising a surrounding element and a vent assembly, the vent assembly comprising a first permeable layer, a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, a second permeable layer and a substrate, the first permeable layer being positioned on the first side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer being positioned on the second side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, an acoustic volume being defined between the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer and the substrate, the vent assembly unit being placed on an aperture of a surrounding container, the surrounding element being configured to isolate the vent assembly from the internal volume of the surrounding container, and the vent assembly being configured to provide an air path to the acoustic volume from outside the surrounding container through the first permeable layer and through the second permeable layer during use.

[0077] The substrate may be configured to receive one or more acoustic transducers. A vent assembly unit containing one or more acoustic transducers may be a vent assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0078] The features of the ventilation assembly unit in the first embodiment can be the features of the third embodiment, excluding the features of the acoustic transducer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0079] Brief explanation of the drawing Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a ventilation hole assembly unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a ventilation hole assembly unit installed inside an electronic device housing. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a ventilation hole assembly unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a ventilation hole assembly unit installed inside an electronic device housing. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a ventilation hole assembly unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the ventilation hole assembly unit according to an embodiment in the test configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0081] Detailed explanation While various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below regarding the manufacture and use of each embodiment, it should be understood that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be implemented in various specific situations. The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of concrete methods of manufacture and use of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0082] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, several terms are defined below. The terms defined herein have meanings that are generally understood by those skilled in the art in the field relating to the present invention. Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a single entity, but include general classes that can be used to illustrate specific examples. The terms used herein are used to describe specific embodiments of the present invention, but their use is not intended to limit the invention unless outlined in the claims.

[0083] Test method Thickness measurement The thickness of the substrate for the permeable layer and film is measured using a Mitutoyo Lightmatic VL50S thickness gauge. If either of these is provided by the manufacturer, the thickness reported by the manufacturer may be used.

[0084] Insertion loss measurement A ventilation assembly is constructed by aligning the apertures of a steel plate and a cap, both having circular apertures with a diameter of 1.5 mm, and suspending a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane between the two apertures of the steel plate and the cap. A permeable layer having an aperture larger than the aperture of the steel plate is bonded with adhesive between each face of the acoustic membrane and each steel plate, so that the apertures of the steel plate and the aperture of the permeable layer are aligned. Both sides of an impermeable PET ring are bonded with adhesive to each of the steel plates, around the permeable layer and the substantially impermeable membrane, forming a housing volume between the first permeable layer, the PET ring and the second permeable layer. Inside a 4232 anechoic test chamber obtained from Bruel & Kjaer, a faceplate is positioned at a distance of approximately 6.5 cm from the internal driver or speaker, and this faceplate has a central aperture that communicates with an InvenSense INMP510 MEMS measurement microphone. The speaker is excited to produce an external stimulus at a sound pressure of 1 Pa (94 dB SPL) over a frequency range of 100 Hz to 20 kHz. The acoustic response is measured under the following conditions: (a) the aperture is uncovered, and (b) the aperture is covered with a vent assembly sample, the transducer of the measuring microphone is in fluid communication with the circular aperture of the steel plate of the vent assembly, and the connection between the steel plate and the cap is in solid contact. The difference in response between (a) and (b) is reported in dB (at a specified frequency) as the acoustic loss due to the vent assembly. In comparative tests, the permeable layer in the above structure may be replaced with an impermeable layer, and / or the PET ring may be omitted, and / or an opening may be introduced in the PET ring, and / or a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane may be replaced with a permeable acoustic membrane, and / or a support plate may be included.

[0085] Airflow measurement The ATEQ® airflow test is a method for measuring the laminar volumetric flow rate of air passing through a vent assembly. The vent assembly is sandwiched between a steel plate and a cap, forming a flow path through the aperture of the steel plate to the aperture of the first permeable layer, through the first permeable layer to the containment volume (formed between the PET ring and the first and second permeable layers), and through the second permeable layer to the aperture of the cap. Since the acoustic membrane is substantially impermeable, the airflow does not pass through the acoustic membrane. The ATEQ® 570 / D520 Premier D compact flow tester is used to measure the airflow rate (mL / min) passing through the vent assembly by applying an air pressure of 1.2 kPa through the aperture of the steel plate.

[0086] Pressure equilibrium test The pressure equilibrium test is a test method that measures the time required to equalize the pressure difference between a simulated acoustic cavity and the environment through a sample (vent assembly or permeable layer). The pressure vessel is pressurized through a pressure inlet and contains two Freescale Semiconductor MPX4250A pressure transducers. The simulated acoustic cavity (microphone cavity) is formed at the interface between the sample and the pressure transducers. The sample is a vent assembly or permeable layer constructed as described in the airflow measurement test. The sample is mounted on the pressure transducers under ambient pressure before being placed in the pressure vessel. The pressure transducer with the sample mounted measures the pressure in the simulated microphone cavity, and the other pressure transducer measures the ambient pressure in the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is pressurized to 27.6 kPa (4 psi) using compressed air and a regulator. The pressures measured by the pressure transducers are recorded until the pressures equalize or until a predetermined time has elapsed. The time-dependent data of the pressure difference between two transducers can then be expressed using parameters such as the exponential decay time constant τ, which can be used as an indicator of material performance. τ corresponds to the time it takes for 95% of the initial pressure to equilibrium. A larger τ indicates a slower equilibrium and reduced permeability.

[0087] Water pressure immersion (WEP) test The water immersion pressure test can be applied to vent assemblies as described in the acoustic insertion loss test method above. Such a vent assembly is fixed to a sample holder and sealed, and water pressure is applied to one side. The sample is pressurized with water at a specified pressure and held for a specified time. If, during the specified time, water does not penetrate through the aperture of the steel plate, through the first permeable layer, into the containment volume, and through the second permeable layer until it is visible from the other side, the sample is considered to have passed the WEP test. After the test time, the sample can be disassembled to determine whether water passed through the first permeable layer, flowed into the containment volume, flowed into both, or did not flow into either. This WEP test can also be performed on vent assemblies constructed using a second steel plate without an aperture. Such a configuration simulates pressurization into a sealed volume. [Examples]

[0088] The following embodiments are illustrative of the principles and concepts of the Disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the Disclosure. It should be understood that the features of each embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments as appropriate. Example 1 Referring to Figure 1, the ventilation hole assembly unit 1 includes a ventilation hole assembly 2 and a surrounding element 4. The ventilation hole assembly 2 includes a first permeable layer 6 made of porous polyethylene (PE) (functioning as a first permeable layer), an impermeable membrane 8 made of polyethylene (PE) (functioning as a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane), a second permeable layer 10 made of porous PE (functioning as a second permeable layer), and a microphone 12 mounted on a substrate 14 (functioning as an acoustic transducer). The first permeable layer 6 forms a ring with a central aperture of 1.6 mm in diameter. The second permeable layer 10 forms a ring with a central aperture of 1.6 mm in diameter. Acoustic paths are formed through the aperture of the first permeable layer 6, the impermeable membrane 8, and the aperture of the second permeable layer 10. Adhesive layers 16 containing an acrylic adhesive are provided between the first permeable layer 6 and the impermeable membrane 8, between the impermeable membrane 8 and the second permeable layer 10, and between the second permeable layer 10 and the substrate 14. A further adhesive layer 18 containing an acrylic adhesive is provided on the first breathable layer 6.

[0089] The acoustic volume 20 is formed between the impermeable membrane 8, the microphone 12, and the second breathable layer 10.

[0090] The enclosing element 4 includes a side wall 22 that extends around and encloses the side of the ventilation hole assembly 2 and a bottom wall 24 that extends below the ventilation hole assembly 2, thereby providing a space 26 (which functions as a storage volume) between the side of the ventilation hole assembly 2 and the side wall 22, and between the bottom wall 24 and the base material 14 of the ventilation hole assembly 2.

[0091] The ventilation assembly 2 is connected to the surrounding element 4 by connecting posts 28, thereby maintaining a space 26 between the ventilation assembly 2 and the surrounding element 4.

[0092] Referring to Figure 2, the vent assembly unit 1 is installed within the housing 30 of the electronic device 32. The housing 30 includes a housing wall 34 and an aperture 36 formed within the housing wall 34. The enclosing element 4 abuts against the inside of the housing wall 34, thereby isolating the vent assembly 2 from the internal volume 38 of the housing 30. An additional adhesive layer 18 secures the vent assembly 2 to the housing wall 34, thereby allowing the impermeable membrane 8 to close the aperture 36.

[0093] Once installed, an air passage 40 is formed from the outside of the housing 30 to the acoustic volume 20. The air passage 40 extends into the acoustic volume 20, passing through the aperture 36, the first permeable layer 6, the space 26, and the second permeable layer 10. Thus, the acoustic volume 20 is able to be ventilated through the air passage 40 without the impermeable membrane 8 allowing air to pass through it.

[0094] The surrounding element 4 isolates the ventilation assembly 2 from the internal volume 38 of the electronic device 32, ensuring that, for example, water passing through the first ventilation layer 6 cannot come into contact with the internal components of the electronic device 32. Furthermore, since the air path 40 passes through both the first ventilation layer 6 and the second ventilation layer 10, any infiltrating water must pass through both the first ventilation layer 6 and the second ventilation layer 10 before coming into contact with the microphone 12. Moreover, since the containment volume 26 is sealed from the internal volume 38 of the housing 30, if water or other liquid passes through the aperture 36, a hydrostatic resistance will be created against the ingress of water through the first ventilation layer 6, preventing air from passing through the containment volume 26 and out of the aperture 36. The pressure required to push the water into the acoustic volume 20 is substantially increased compared to the case where the containment volume 26 is absent.

[0095] Example 2 Referring to Figure 3, the ventilation hole assembly unit 100 includes a ventilation hole assembly 102 and a surrounding element 104. The ventilation hole assembly 102 includes a first breathable layer 106 containing polyamide nonwoven fabric material (functioning as a first permeable layer), an impermeable membrane 108 containing silicone (functioning as a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane), a second breathable layer 110 containing polyamide nonwoven fabric material (functioning as a second permeable layer), a microphone 112 mounted on a substrate 114 (functioning as a first acoustic transducer), and a speaker 116 mounted on the substrate 114 (functioning as a second acoustic transducer). The first breathable layer 106 is heat-welded to the impermeable membrane 108 to form a ring weld 118. The second breathable layer 110 is heat-welded to the impermeable membrane 108 to form a ring weld 120. An adhesive layer 122 containing an acrylic adhesive is provided on the first breathable layer 106 and between the second breathable layer 110 and the substrate 114.

[0096] The acoustic volume 124 is defined between the impermeable membrane 108, the substrate 114, and the second permeable layer 110.

[0097] The enclosing element 104 includes a side wall 126 that extends around and encloses the side of the ventilation assembly 102. The base material 114 extends to the side wall 126 of the enclosing element 104, thereby creating a space 128 (which functions as a containment volume) between the side of the ventilation assembly 102, the side wall 126, and the base material 114.

[0098] Referring to Figure 4, the vent assembly unit 100 is installed within the housing 130 of the electronic device 132. The housing 130 includes a housing wall 134 and an aperture 136 formed within the housing wall 134. The enclosing element 104 abuts against the inside of the housing wall 134, thereby isolating the vent assembly 102 from the internal volume 138 of the housing 130. The adhesive layer 122 fixes the vent assembly 102 to the housing wall 134, thereby allowing the impermeable membrane 108 to close the aperture 136.

[0099] Once installed, an air passage 140 is formed from the outside of the housing 130 to the acoustic volume 124. The air passage 140 extends through the aperture 136, the first permeable layer 106, the space 128, and the second permeable layer 110 to the acoustic volume 124. Therefore, the acoustic volume 124 can be ventilated through the air passage 140 without the need to pass air through the impermeable membrane 108.

[0100] The surrounding element 104 isolates the ventilation assembly 102 from the internal volume 138 of the electronic device 132, ensuring that, for example, water passing through the first permeable layer 106 cannot come into contact with the internal components of the electronic device 132. Furthermore, since the air path 140 passes through both the first permeable layer 106 and the second permeable layer 110, any ingress water must pass through both the first permeable layer 106 and the second permeable layer 110 before coming into contact with the microphone 112 or speaker 116. Moreover, since the containment volume 128 is sealed from the internal volume 138 of the housing 130, if water or other liquid passes through the aperture 136 from the containment volume 128 through the first permeable layer 106 so that no air escapes from the aperture 136, the hydrostatic resistance to the ingress of water passing through the first permeable layer 106, the containment volume 128, and the second permeable layer 110 is formed such that the pressure required to push the water up to the acoustic volume 124 is substantially increased compared to the case where the containment volume 128 is absent.

[0101] Example 3 In another example, referring to Figure 5, the vent assembly unit 200 includes a vent assembly 202 and a surrounding element 204. The vent assembly 202 includes a first permeable layer 206 made of porous polyethylene (PE) (functioning as a first permeable layer), an acoustic membrane 208 made of polyurethane (functioning as a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane), a second permeable layer 210 made of porous polyethylene (functioning as a second permeable layer), and a microphone 212 mounted on a substrate 214 (functioning as an acoustic transducer). A perforated stainless steel support 216 (functioning as a support layer) is provided between the acoustic membrane 208 and the second permeable layer 210. The perforated stainless steel support 216 is bonded to the acoustic membrane 208 by a layer 217 of acrylic adhesive that separates the support 216 from the acoustic membrane 208, thereby preventing the support 216 from contacting the acoustic membrane 208. The perforated stainless steel support 216 forms an open structure and supports the acoustic membrane 208, increasing the acoustic membrane 208's resistance to deformation induced by external pressure. The second breathable layer 210 forms a ring and includes an aperture with a diameter of 1.6 mm. Adhesive layers 218 containing acrylic adhesive are provided between the first breathable layer 206 and the acoustic membrane 208, between the perforated stainless steel support 216 and the second breathable layer 210, and between the second breathable layer 210 and the substrate 214. A further adhesive layer 218 containing acrylic adhesive is provided on the first breathable layer 206.

[0102] An acoustic volume 220 is defined between the acoustic membrane 208, the microphone 212, and the second breathable layer 210.

[0103] The enclosing element 204 includes a side wall 222 that extends around and encloses the side of the ventilation assembly 202, and a bottom wall 224 that extends below the ventilation assembly 202, thereby providing a space 226 (which functions as a containment volume) between the side of the ventilation assembly 202 and the side wall 222, and between the bottom wall 224 and the base material 214 of the ventilation assembly 202.

[0104] The ventilation assembly 202 is connected to the surrounding element 204 via connecting posts 228 between the bottom wall 224 and the base material 214, thereby maintaining a space 226 between the ventilation assembly 202 and the surrounding element 204.

[0105] The ventilation assembly unit 200 is installed inside the housing of an electronic device (not shown), as described above in Example 1.

[0106] Once installed, an air path is formed from the outside of the housing to the acoustic volume 220. The air path extends into the acoustic volume 220, passing through the aperture of the housing where the ventilation assembly unit 200 is installed, the first ventilation layer 206, the space 226, and the second ventilation layer 210. Thus, the acoustic volume 220 can be ventilated through the air path without requiring the acoustic membrane 208, which allows air to pass through the acoustic membrane 208. Furthermore, since the containment volume 226 is sealed from the internal space of the housing, if water or other liquid is pushed from the aperture of the housing through the first ventilation layer 206 and the first ventilation layer 206 so that air does not escape from the aperture, hydrostatic resistance will be created against the ingress of water through the first ventilation layer 206, the space 226, and the second ventilation layer 210, thereby substantially increasing the pressure required to push water to the acoustic volume compared to the case where the containment volume 128 is not present.

[0107] Specific examples An exemplary ventilation assembly was fabricated using the following method.

[0108] Referring to Figure 6, the vent assembly 250 is formed by stacking the following layers from top to bottom using a die-cutting process: a first adhesive layer 252 (Tesa 4983), a first permeable layer 254 of the lateral permeable material (LB1), a second adhesive layer 256 (Tesa 4983), a third adhesive layer 258 (Nitto 5605BRN), an acoustic membrane 260 (M), a fourth adhesive layer 262 (Nitto 5605BRN), a fifth adhesive layer 264 (Tesa 4983), a second permeable layer 266 of the lateral permeable material (LB2), and a sixth adhesive layer 268 (Tesa 4983). Before assembly, a circular aperture 270 is cut in the center of all materials except the acoustic membrane 260. The circular aperture 270 had a diameter of 1.6 mm, and the ventilation assembly 250 had an outer diameter of 3.2 mm.

[0109] The acoustic film contained either high-density polyethylene containing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or high-density thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0110] High-density polyethylene membrane One known method for producing porous polyethylene membranes is the wet or gel method. In this method, polyethylene is mixed with a hydrocarbon liquid and other additives. This mixture is heated over a polymer molten mass and extruded into a sheet. This sheet is then biaxially oriented before and / or after the extraction of the hydrocarbon liquid to produce a microporous membrane. Details of various methods are publicly known, for example, disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,248,461, 4,873,034, 5,051,183 and 6,566,012, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additional discussions include "Casting and stretching of filled and unfilled UHMW polyethylene films," Ir. FH Assinck, Center for Polymers and Composites, Eindhoven University of Technology, November 1995, and "Porous biaxially oriented UHMWPE film," HM Fortuin, DSM Research BV, Department of Materials Technology, 5th International Congress on Environmental Ergonomics.

[0111] After going through the above process, the mass / area is 4.1 g / m². 2 Bubble point 139 psi, thickness 11.5 microns, porosity 62.0%, specific surface area 45.7 m² 2 A gel-treated UHMWPE film was obtained with a molecular weight of 4,300,000 g / mol, MD MTS of 228 MPa, TD MTS of 174 MPa, MD modulus of 442 MPa, and TD modulus of 419 MPa. According to the supplier, the starting resin used in the production of the film had a molecular weight of 4,300,000 g / mol.

[0112] According to the supplier, the starting resin used in the production of the acoustic film had a molecular weight of 4,300,000 g / mol. The acoustic film was stretched longitudinally / in the machine direction on a heated plate set to a temperature of 128°C, with a gap distance of 36.3 cm between the rows of rolls, at a travel speed of 2.13 m / min. The speed ratio between the second row of rolls and the first row of rolls, i.e., the stretching ratio, was 1.84:1.

[0113] Next, the longitudinally stretched film was stretched transversely at a temperature of approximately 145°C with a stretch ratio of 4.94:1, at a running speed of 8 m / min, a strain rate of 4.3% / sec, and a residence time of 1.5 minutes. Subsequently, it was heat-treated at 150°C for 0.4375 minutes under restrained conditions. The properties of the obtained film are shown in Table 1. The obtained film is non-porous, with a thickness of 12 mbar and a length of 2.99 cm². 2 The airflow rate was less than 0.5 L / hour. Matrix tensile strength and mean 5-point modulus were calculated using the ASTM D638-3 dogbone method. The resulting gel-treated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) film had a mass / area ratio of 4.11 g / m². 2 The thickness is 7.4 μm, the tensile strength of the matrix in the first direction (MTS MD = 228 MPa), and the tensile strength of the matrix in the second direction (orthogonal to the first direction) (MTS TD = 174 MPa).

[0114] High-density thermoplastic polyurethane A commercially available thermoplastic non-porous polyurethane film was obtained. It was measured to have a thickness of 10 microns and a Young's modulus of 50 MPa.

[0115] In the given exemplary vent assembly shown in Table 2 below, the first permeable layer and the second permeable layer contain the same material, which is shown in Table 1 below.

[0116]

Table 1

[0117] Referring to FIG. 6, the vent assembly was assembled as described above and tested by holding the vent assembly 250 between the steel plate 272 and the cap 274. The steel plate 272 has a circular aperture 276 with a diameter of 1.5 mm. The cap 274 has a circular aperture 278 with a diameter of 1.5 mm.

[0118]

Table 2

[0119] As can be seen, Comparative Example 1 includes an impermeable high-density polyethylene membrane that does not include a permeable layer or a lateral permeable layer, and therefore there is no airflow across the membrane, but it provides good water pressure immersion (WEP) performance. In contrast, the Example has a lower WEP because an alternative path for water to flow is provided. However, the Comparative Example has no way to vent the acoustic transducer, as shown by the complete lack of airflow through the acoustic transducer. The Example provides good ventilation with good airflow and excellent acoustic performance. Thus, the exemplary vent assembly unit makes it possible to select the membrane solely from an acoustic standpoint without requiring the membrane to provide airflow for venting the acoustic transducer. By providing a surrounding element, it is possible to ensure that the inside of the electronic device is protected from water that may pass through the permeable layer during use.

[0120] Having described the approved embodiments of the present invention, it is readily apparent that many variations and modifications can be made to the shape, design, structure and arrangement of components of other embodiments without departing from the present invention, and that all such variations and modifications are intended to be embodiments of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ventilation assembly unit for use in an electronic device housing, wherein the ventilation assembly unit includes a surrounding element and a ventilation assembly, the ventilation assembly including a first permeable layer, a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, a second permeable layer and an acoustic transducer, the first permeable layer being positioned on the first side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer being positioned on the second side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, and an acoustic volume being between the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer and the acoustic transducer. A ventilation assembly unit is defined and installed on the aperture of a containment container, wherein the surrounding element is configured to isolate the ventilation assembly from the internal volume of the containment container, a containment volume is defined between the ventilation assembly and the surrounding element, and the ventilation assembly is configured to provide an air path during use from the outside of the containment container to the acoustic volume, through the first permeable layer, through the containment volume, and through the second permeable layer to the acoustic volume.

2. The ventilation hole assembly unit according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic transducer is mounted on a substrate.

3. The vent assembly unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane comprises silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, parylene C, parylene N, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide, or a combination thereof.

4. The ventilation hole assembly unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the substantially impermeable acoustic film has a thickness of 0.25 μm to 50 μm.

5. The ventilated assembly unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first permeable layer comprises a polymer selected from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide, polyester, or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-(perfluoroalkyl) vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and copolymers thereof.

6. The ventilation hole assembly unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first permeable layer comprises a fibrous polymer.

7. The ventilated assembly unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second permeable layer comprises a polymer selected from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide, polyester, or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-(perfluoroalkyl) vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and copolymers thereof.

8. The ventilation hole assembly unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second permeable layer comprises a fibrous polymer.

9. The ventilation assembly unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ventilation assembly includes a support configured to support the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane.

10. The ventilation hole assembly unit according to claim 9, wherein the support includes a mesh or grid.

11. The ventilation hole assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein an adhesive layer is provided between the first permeable layer and the substantially impermeable acoustic film.

12. The ventilation hole assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein an adhesive layer is provided between the second permeable layer and the substantially impermeable acoustic film.

13. An electronic device including a housing, the housing including a wall aperture, a wall defining an internal volume, and a vent assembly unit provided to close the aperture, the vent assembly unit including a surrounding element and a vent assembly, the vent assembly including a first permeable layer, a substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, a second permeable layer and an acoustic transducer, the first permeable layer being located on the first side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer being located on the second side of the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, and sound between the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane, the second permeable layer and the acoustic transducer An electronic device in which a resonant volume is defined, a dwelling volume is defined between the enclosing element and the vent assembly, an acoustic path is formed from the aperture to the acoustic transducer through the first permeable layer, the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane and the second permeable layer, the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane straddling the acoustic path, an air path is provided from outside the electronic device housing to the resonant volume through the aperture, the first permeable layer and the second permeable layer, and the vent assembly is isolated from the internal volume by the enclosing element such that the vent assembly is isolated from the internal volume by the enclosing element.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the acoustic transducer is mounted on a substrate.

15. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the internal volume includes the electronic components of the electronic device.

16. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first transparent layer includes a first aperture.

17. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the first permeable layer comprises a polymer selected from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide, polyester, or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-(perfluoroalkyl) vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and copolymers thereof.

18. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the substantially impermeable acoustic film comprises silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, parylene C, parylene N, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide, or a combination thereof.

19. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the substantially impermeable acoustic film has a thickness of 0.25 to 50 μm.

20. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the vent assembly includes a support configured to support the substantially impermeable acoustic membrane.

21. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the second transparent layer includes a second aperture.

22. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the second permeable layer comprises a polymer selected from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), parylene C, parylene N, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide, polyester, or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-(perfluoroalkyl) vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and copolymers thereof.

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