Waterproof assembly for sound holes in acoustic devices

Abstract

This disclosure provides a waterproof assembly for a sound port in an acoustic device. The waterproof assembly comprises a waterproof membrane, a buffer member, and a support member, wherein the waterproof membrane is configured to allow the passage of air molecules and block the passage of water molecules; the buffer member includes an adhesive surface that is adhesive to bond the waterproof assembly to a target surface after being subjected to external pressure; and the support member is positioned between the waterproof membrane and the buffer member to reduce wrinkles in the waterproof membrane when the waterproof assembly is assembled. By installing the support member and the buffer member, wrinkles and deformation are less likely to occur in the waterproof membrane during the process of assembling it into the acoustic device, thereby allowing the waterproof membrane to maintain good acoustic performance and waterproof effect.

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of electronic devices, and specifically relates to a waterproof assembly for a sound hole of an acoustic device.

Background Art

[0002] In the housing of an acoustic device, sound holes are usually installed to allow sound to pass from the external environment to the inside of the acoustic device or from the inside of the acoustic device to the external environment. When the acoustic device is applied in a field or humid environment, liquids such as water are likely to enter the acoustic device through the sound holes of the housing. For example, the microphone of a wireless earphone must leave a sound hole to pick up environmental sound and ensure call quality, and thereby transmit sound through air conduction. When the user wears wireless earphones and moves in water (for example, swimming), water enters the earphones through the sound holes. When water enters the wireless earphone, it may affect the normal use function of its internal components. For example, it may cause a failure of the microphone or speaker, and further cause a short circuit in the circuit of the motherboard or some components, making it impossible for the user to use it normally.

[0003] Therefore, the conventional acoustic device needs to take certain measures to improve its waterproof protection performance, and in particular, the waterproof protection for assemblies such as microphones and speakers should be strengthened.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] This disclosure provides a waterproof assembly for a sound perforation of an acoustic device that can improve the waterproof performance of the acoustic device. The waterproof assembly comprises a waterproof membrane, a buffer member and a support member, wherein the waterproof membrane is configured to allow the passage of air molecules and block the passage of water molecules, the buffer member includes an adhesive surface that is adhesive to bond the waterproof assembly to a target surface after being subjected to external pressure, and the support member is positioned between the waterproof membrane and the buffer member to reduce wrinkles in the waterproof membrane when the waterproof assembly is assembled to the acoustic device, and the support member and the buffer member are formed with a first through-hole and a second through-hole, respectively.

[0005] In some embodiments, the acoustic device includes an acoustic sensor, the acoustic sensor being a speaker or microphone, and when the acoustic device is operating, at least some sound waves are transmitted to or from the acoustic device through the waterproof membrane.

[0006] In some embodiments, the waterproof membrane includes a first waterproof surface and a second waterproof surface, the support member includes a first support member and a second support member, the first support member is connected to the first waterproof surface, the second support member is connected to the second waterproof surface, the buffer member includes a first buffer member and a second buffer member, the first buffer member includes a first connecting surface and a first adhesive surface, the first connecting surface is connected to the first support member, the second buffer member includes a second connecting surface and a second adhesive surface, the second connecting surface is connected to the second support member.

[0007] In some embodiments, the waterproof membrane includes a first waterproof surface and a second waterproof surface, the buffer member includes a first connecting surface and a first adhesive surface, one side of the support member is connected to the first waterproof surface, and the other side of the support member is connected to the first connecting surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support member and the waterproof membrane are bonded together by an adhesive layer, the thickness of which is in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0009] In some embodiments, the waterproof assembly further includes gauze connected to the buffer member in order to improve its waterproofing ability.

[0010] In some embodiments, the acoustic device includes a housing, the sound vents are installed in the housing, and the gauze is installed on the side of the waterproof assembly adjacent to the sound vents.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cushioning member and the support member are annular, the first through-hole and the second through-hole are circular, the diameter range of the first through-hole and the second through-hole is 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm, and the outer diameter range of the cushioning member and the support member is 2.4 mm to 4.6 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the thickness of the waterproof membrane is 0.10 mm or less.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cushioning member is an elastic member, and when the waterproof assembly is assembled, the cushioning member is the member that exhibits the greatest elastic deformation of the waterproof assembly.

[0014] In some embodiments, the material of the cushioning member includes foam adhesive or acrylic adhesive.

[0015] In some embodiments, the thickness of the cushioning member is in the range of 0.1 mm or more.

[0016] In some embodiments, the thickness range of the support member is 0.1 mm or less.

[0017] In some embodiments, the total thickness of the waterproof assembly is in the range of 0.37 mm to 0.61 mm so that it can be attached to the sound device.

[0018] As can be seen from the above technical means, the waterproof assembly provided in this disclosure, by installing support members and cushioning members, is less prone to wrinkles and deformation in the waterproof membrane during the process of assembling the waterproof assembly into an acoustic device, thereby enabling the waterproof membrane to maintain good acoustic performance and waterproof effect. Furthermore, the support members and cushioning members in this disclosure are laminated symmetrically on both sides of the waterproof membrane, enabling them to support and protect the waterproof membrane from above and below, thereby enabling the waterproof membrane to maintain good acoustic performance and waterproof effect and improving the waterproof effect of the waterproof assembly.

[0019] Other functions of the waterproof assemblies relating to this disclosure are partially listed in the following description. The inventive step of the waterproof assemblies relating to this disclosure can be fully interpreted by practicing or using the methods, apparatus and combinations described in the following specific examples.

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical means in the embodiments of this disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings necessary for describing the embodiments. Clearly, the drawings in the following description are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these without requiring any creative effort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1A] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an acoustic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a waterproof assembly according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram showing a waterproof membrane according to some embodiments of the present disclosure when subjected to pressure. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic diagram showing a waterproof assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure when subjected to pressure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a waterproof assembly attached to an acoustic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the gauze according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to implement and use the content of the present disclosure, specific application scenarios and requirements of the present disclosure are described below. For those skilled in the art, various partial modifications to the disclosed embodiments are obvious, and the general principles defined in the present disclosure can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but should be understood in the broadest scope consistent with the claims.

[0023] The terms used in the present disclosure are only for explaining specific exemplary embodiments and are not limiting. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "one", and "the" used in the present disclosure may include the plural forms. When used in the present disclosure, the terms "comprising", "including", and / or "containing" mean the presence of related integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or assemblies, but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, assemblies, and / or groups, or the addition of other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, assemblies, and / or groups to the system / method.

[0024] In the present application, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These terms are mainly for better explaining the present application and its embodiments, and are not for limiting that the indicated device, element, or component must have a specific orientation or perform the structure and operation in a specific orientation.

[0025] Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to express meanings other than those related to direction or position. For example, the term "above" may, in some cases, be used to express a subordinate or connecting relationship. A person skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "attachment," "installation," "establishment," "connection," and "linking" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integrated structure; it may be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two devices, elements, or components. A person skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application depending on the specific situation.

[0027] In this disclosure, "X includes at least one of A, B, or C" means that X includes at least A, or X includes at least B, or X includes at least C. In other words, X may include only one of A, B, and C, or any combination of A, B, and C and other possible contents / elements simultaneously. The above combination of A, B, and C may be A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC.

[0028] In this disclosure, “or” and “and / or” describe a relationship between related subjects and represent non-exclusive inclusion. For example, each of “A and / or B” and “A or B” may include the existence of only “A”, the existence of only “B”, and the existence of both “A” and “B”, and “A” and “B” may be singular or plural. Also, each of “A, B and / or C” and “A, B or C” may include the existence of only “A”, the existence of only “B”, the existence of only “C”, the existence of both “A” and “B”, the existence of both “A” and “C”, the existence of both “B” and “C”, and the existence of all “A”, “B”, and “C”, and “A”, “B”, and “C” may be singular or plural.

[0029] In this disclosure, “multiple” means two or more.

[0030] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the relationships between structures may be direct or indirect. For example, if it states "A and B are connected," unless explicitly stated that A and B are directly connected, it should be understood that A may be directly connected to B or indirectly connected to B. Similarly, if it states "A is above B," unless explicitly stated that A is directly above B (A and B are adjacent and A is above B), it should be understood that A may be directly above B or indirectly above B (another element may be between A and B and A is above B). This is by analogy.

[0031] Considering the following description, these and other features of this disclosure, the operation and function of the structurally related elements, and the economics of assembly and manufacture of the components can be significantly improved. Referring to the drawings, all of these drawings constitute part of this disclosure. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should also be understood that the drawings are not drawn to actual size.

[0032] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to specific examples.

[0033] The housing of an acoustic device typically has sound holes that allow sound to pass from the external environment to the inside of the acoustic device, or from the inside of the acoustic device to the external environment. For example, wireless earphones with a calling function leave sound holes for the microphone to pick up sound and receive sound transmitted through the air in order to ensure call quality. After the acoustic device has been applied to an outdoor or humid environment, it is necessary to apply a liquid-proof treatment to the sound holes of the acoustic device to prevent liquids such as water from entering the acoustic device and to ensure that the acoustic device can still operate normally. For example, a waterproof structure can be installed around the sound holes to prevent liquids from entering. This disclosure provides a waterproof assembly that is installed near the sound holes of the acoustic device and improves the liquid-proof capability of the acoustic device by applying a liquid-proof treatment to the sound holes. The liquids in this disclosure may include, but are not limited to, water, oil, sweat, etc., and for convenience of explanation, water will be used as an example below. In the following description, the waterproof assembly will be described using the example that the acoustic device is a (wireless) earphone, and the (wireless) earphone may be a bone conduction earphone, an air conduction earphone, or a combination of bone conduction and air conduction earphone. However, those skilled in the art will see that the above-mentioned sound device may be other devices such as a mobile phone, computer, or recording device.

[0034] Figure 1A is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic device 01 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1B is a diagram showing the configuration of a waterproof assembly 10 according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0035] The sound device 01 shown in Figure 1A is a (wireless) earphone. The following explanation will use the example that the sound device 01 is a (wireless) earphone. The (wireless) earphone may be a bone conduction earphone, an air conduction earphone, or a combination of bone conduction and air conduction earphone. The sound device 01 may also be other sound devices such as a mobile phone, computer, or recording device.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1B, the waterproof assembly 10 may include a waterproof membrane 100, a support member 200, and a cushioning member 300. The support member 200 may be located between the waterproof membrane 100 and the cushioning member 300. In some embodiments, the waterproof assembly 10 may further include gauze (not shown in Figure 1B).

[0037] The waterproof membrane 100 can allow air molecules to pass through while blocking water molecules. In some embodiments, the waterproof membrane 100 may be made of a waterproof and breathable material having an equivalent microporous structure, characterized in that air molecules can pass through the equivalent microporous structure, but water molecules cannot. Furthermore, the surface tension of the waterproof membrane 100 causes water droplets to form spherically on the surface of the membrane, thereby reducing the contact area between water molecules and the waterproof membrane 100, and further improving the waterproofing effect of the waterproof membrane 100. Specifically, an acoustic sensor, including, for example, a speaker or microphone, may be installed in the sound passage hole of the acoustic device 01. When the acoustic device 01 is operating, the acoustic sensor transmits or receives sound waves, and when the sound waves are transmitted to the interface of the waterproof membrane 100, air molecules can freely enter and exit the equivalent micropore structure of the waterproof membrane 100 because the intermolecular spacing is large and the molecules are small. For example, ambient sound waves pass through the waterproof membrane 100 and are collected by the microphone, or sound waves generated from, for example, a speaker pass through the waterproof membrane 100 and reach the outside of the acoustic device 01. In other words, the pore diameter of the equivalent micropore structure of the waterproof membrane 100 must satisfy the requirement that air molecules can pass through the equivalent micropore structure of the waterproof membrane 100 and enter and exit the acoustic device.

[0038] The material of the waterproof membrane 100 must also meet requirements regarding the degree of influence on the water pressure resistance and acoustic performance of the acoustic device 01. The waterproof membrane 100 must be able to withstand water pressure above a predetermined value, which is obtained during the process of waterproof testing of the acoustic device 01. For example, dynamic and static waterproof tests are performed on earphones assembled with the waterproof membrane 100, and waterproof membranes 100 that achieve IPX5 and IPX68 waterproof levels are selected, with the corresponding water pressure resistance value being set as the predetermined value. The static waterproof test involves immersing the acoustic device to which the waterproof membrane 100 is attached in still water and subjecting it to a predetermined hydrostatic pressure in order to test the waterproofness of the waterproof membrane 100, while the dynamic waterproof test is a dynamic simulation that simulates the user swimming or performing other physical activities after the device to which the waterproof membrane 100 is attached is immersed in water in order to test the waterproofness of the waterproof membrane 100.

[0039] Furthermore, the waterproof membrane 100 must have minimal impact on acoustic performance. The impact of the waterproof membrane 100 on acoustic performance can be evaluated by the sound transmission loss. Sound transmission loss is the change in frequency distribution and volume after sound of a predetermined frequency passes through the waterproof membrane 100. When the waterproof membrane 100 acts as a vibration medium and transmits vibrations of sound, the frequency response characteristics of the waterproof membrane 100 itself affect the transmission of sound as a transfer function. For example, after sound passes through the waterproof membrane 100, the decibel level decreases and the frequency distribution also changes. The selection of the waterproof membrane 100 should minimize sound transmission loss. For example, earphones can use a waterproof membrane 100 with a sound transmission loss of less than 2 dB.

[0040] In some embodiments, the material of the waterproof membrane 100 may be expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) or polyurethane (PU). These two materials satisfy the above requirements in terms of their effect on water pressure resistance and acoustic performance. ePTFE further has good corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, allowing the acoustic device 01 to be applied to a wider range of scenarios. Of course, ePTFE and PU are just some of the materials that can be used as the waterproof membrane in this application, and the waterproof membrane 100 in this application may be made of other types of materials, and is not limited thereto.

[0041] In some embodiments, the thickness of the waterproof membrane 100 is 0.10 mm or less, thereby ensuring its waterproofing capability and reducing its occupancy within the internal space of the housing. The shape of the waterproof membrane 100 can be designed or cut according to installation needs. As shown in Figure 1B, the shape of the waterproof membrane 100 is circular. Of course, the shape of the waterproof membrane 100 may be other shapes such as square, elliptical, rectangular, or racetrack-shaped, and is not required in this disclosure.

[0042] The waterproof membrane 100 may be connected to a support member 200. The support member 200 can reduce wrinkles in the waterproof membrane 100 during the installation process of the waterproof assembly 10. When the waterproof assembly 10 is assembled to an earphone, the waterproof assembly 10 is usually subjected to external pressure to ensure the stability of the assembly. The external pressure may be gravity from the acoustic assembly or pressure applied by a pressure jig. This pressure may have a lateral component, meaning that the waterproof membrane 100 may be subjected to lateral shear force. When the waterproof membrane 100 is subjected to this shear force alone, wrinkles will form, affecting its waterproof performance. The support member 200 has high deformation resistance and therefore hardly deforms even when subjected to shear force. Thus, the shear resistance of the waterproof membrane 100 supported by the support member 200 is also improved, reducing wrinkles in the waterproof membrane 100 during the assembly process. The wrinkles in the waterproof membrane 100 may be the difference in height between the highest and lowest points of the waterproof membrane 100 after wrinkles have formed, relative to the waterproof membrane 100 being in a flat state. The larger the difference in height, the larger the wrinkles; the smaller the difference in height, the smaller the wrinkles. The wrinkles in the waterproof membrane 100 can be observed using an industrial microscope. The greater the deformation (wrinkles) that occurs in the waterproof membrane 100, the greater the influence of its own transfer function on the transmission of sound, and the greater the change in sound quality and volume of the sound that has passed through the waterproof membrane 100. The support member 200 makes it difficult for wrinkles and deformation to occur in the waterproof membrane 100 during the assembly process, thereby ensuring that the change in its sound transmission loss is small. Furthermore, because the waterproof membrane 100 is less likely to deform during the assembly process, its original shape and initial transfer function can be maintained as much as possible, thereby ensuring consistency between multiple waterproof assemblies 10 in the same earphone or between waterproof assemblies 10 (waterproof membranes 100) in different earphones.

[0043] The waterproof membrane 100 includes a first waterproof surface 110 and a second waterproof surface 120. In some embodiments, the support member 200 may be a single support member 200, and the single support member 200 may be connected to only one side of the waterproof membrane 100, for example, to the first waterproof surface 110 or to the second waterproof surface 120. In some other embodiments, the support member 200 may be a plurality of support members 200, and the plurality of support members 200 connect the waterproof membrane 100 and together ensure that the waterproof membrane 100 is less prone to wrinkles in either of the two force-receiving directions (for example, the direction toward the first waterproof surface 110 and the direction toward the second waterproof surface 120), further improving the shear resistance of the waterproof membrane 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, the support members 200 include a first support member 210 and a second support member 220, the first support member 210 and the second support member 220 being symmetrically positioned on both sides of the waterproof membrane 100. The first support member 210 is connected to the first waterproof surface 110, and the second support member 220 is connected to the second waterproof surface 120. With support members 200 connected to both sides of the waterproof membrane 100, the waterproof membrane 100 is sandwiched between the two support members 200 to form a "sandwich" structure. If shear forces are present in the forces acting on the waterproof assembly 10, the symmetrical structure can move together, sandwiching the waterproof membrane 100, thereby preventing the waterproof membrane 100 from being subjected to shear forces alone and resulting in wrinkles and deformation.

[0045] The support member 200 and the waterproof membrane 100 may be bonded together by an adhesive layer 400. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 400 is an acrylic adhesive. Acrylic adhesives have high strength and rigidity, and by bonding the support member 200 and the waterproof membrane 100 with an acrylic adhesive, when the support member 200 and the waterproof membrane 100 are subjected to lateral forces, the adhesive layer 400 deforms, preventing deformation of the waterproof membrane 100. To ensure the robustness of the bond, the thickness of the adhesive layer 400 should not be too thin or too thick, which facilitates the processing of the waterproof assembly 10, and the "sandwich" structure in which the waterproof membrane 100 is sandwiched between the two support members 200 gains great strength. In some embodiments, the thickness of the adhesive layer 400 may range from 0.03 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0046] A first through-hole 230 is formed in the support member 200. If the acoustic device 01 includes a housing and a sound-conducting hole is provided in the housing, the first through-hole 230 may conform to the size of the sound-conducting hole. The shape of the first through-hole 230 may be circular, rectangular, elliptical, square, etc. As shown in Figure 1B, the first through-hole 230 is circular. It is sufficient that the shape of the first through-hole 230 conforms to the sound-conducting hole, and this disclosure does not make any specific requirements for the shape of the through-hole 230. The dimensions of the first through-hole 230 must also be appropriate. Let us explain as an example that the support member 200 is annular and the first through-hole 230 is a circular hole. The diameter range of the circular hole should not be too small in order to prevent the waterproof assembly 10 from affecting the acoustic performance of the acoustic device 01 by affecting the entry of sound and increasing the sound loss of the waterproof assembly 10. In some embodiments, the (inner) diameter range of the circular hole may be 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm. The annular region of the support member 200 and the waterproof membrane 100 are bonded together by an adhesive layer 400. The annular bonding region between the support member 200 and the waterproof membrane 100 should not be too small in order to ensure the robustness and waterproofness of the bond between the support member 200 and the waterproof membrane 100. In some embodiments, the width of the annular bonding region is greater than 0.8 mm in order to ensure that the annular bonding region has high adhesive strength. The annular bonding region between the support member 200 and the waterproof membrane 100 should also not be too large in order to allow the sound device 01 to fit into the assembly space pre-reserved for the waterproof assembly 10. In some embodiments, the width range of the annular bonding region is 0.8 mm to 1.4 mm, thereby ensuring that the annular bonding region has high adhesive strength and fits into the assembly space. In some embodiments, based on the diameter range of the circular hole and the width range of the annular bonding region, it can be seen that the outer diameter range of the annular region may be 2.4 mm to 4.6 mm.

[0047] In some embodiments, the material of the support member 200 may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET has good deformation resistance and can support the waterproof membrane 100 and improve the shear resistance of the waterproof assembly 10 (waterproof membrane 100). In some embodiments, the thickness of the support member 200 is in the range of 0.1 mm or less, ensuring support strength and reducing the space occupied inside the housing.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cushioning member 300 may be an elastic member having an adhesive surface. The adhesive surface is adhesive and can bond the waterproof assembly 10 to the target surface after being subjected to external pressure. In some other embodiments, the cushioning member 300 may be an elastic adhesive. The acoustic device 01 may include a housing, the housing having sound holes, and the target surface is the inner wall surface of the housing around the sound holes. The cushioning member 300 may be bonded to the housing by its adhesive surface so that the waterproof assembly 10 can be fixed to the inner wall of the housing and cover the sound holes. Alternatively, for example, the acoustic device 01 may further include an acoustic assembly. The surface of the acoustic assembly is the target surface, and the cushioning member 300 is bonded to the acoustic assembly by its adhesive surface to fix the acoustic assembly in place. The cushioning member 300 has a second through-hole 330 formed therein, the shape and dimensions of which may be similar to those of the first through-hole 230 and will not be described here.

[0049] The cushioning member 300 may be connected to the support member 200. In some embodiments, the cushioning member 300 may be a single cushioning member 300. A single cushioning member 300 is connected to one side of the support member 200. In some other embodiments, the cushioning member 300 may consist of multiple cushioning members 300. For example, the cushioning member 300 may include a first cushioning member 310 and a second cushioning member 320, corresponding to the first support member 210 and the second support member 220, with the first cushioning member 310 connected to the first support member 210 and the second cushioning member 320 connected to the second support member 220. The first cushioning member 310 may include a first connecting surface 311 and a first adhesive surface 312. The first connecting surface 311 may be connected to the first support member 210. The first connecting surface 311 may be adhesive and may be bonded to the first support member 210. The second buffer member 320 may include a second connecting surface 321 and a second adhesive surface 322. The second connecting surface 321 may be connected to the second support member 220. The second connecting surface 321 may be adhesive, and may be bonded to the second support member 220. The first adhesive surface 312 or the second adhesive surface 322 of the buffer member 300 may be bonded to a target surface, and the other adhesive surface may be connected to other parts or other acoustic assemblies in the acoustic device 01.

[0050] As described above, the waterproof assembly 10 may include a single support member 200 and a single buffer member 300. One side of the waterproof membrane 100 may be connected to the support member 200. One side of the support member 200 may be connected to the first waterproof surface 110 of the waterproof membrane 100, and the other side of the support member 200 may be connected to the first connection surface 311 of the buffer member 300. The support member 200 and the buffer member 300 support the waterproof membrane 100 by forming a single-sided structure, thereby providing a stable waterproof effect.

[0051] As described above, both sides of the waterproof membrane 100 may be connected to support members 200. The two support members 200 sandwich the waterproof membrane 100, forming a sandwich structure of "support member 220-waterproof membrane 100-support member 210". When the waterproof membrane 100 is subjected to shear force (lateral force) during the assembly process, the symmetrical structure allows the waterproof membrane 100 to be sandwiched between the support members 200 to form an integrated structure. This integrated structure slides from side to side due to the shear force. In other words, the waterproof membrane 100 does not wrinkle or deform when subjected to a single shear force. Furthermore, two buffer members 300, namely the first buffer member 310 and the second buffer member 320, may be connected to both sides of the sandwich structure. The cushioning member 300 can uniformly distribute the physical pressure (impact energy) that the waterproof assembly 10 receives, and furthermore, during the installation process of the waterproof assembly 10, the cushioning member 300 can protect the waterproof membrane 100 from being subjected to large impacts that cause wrinkles and affect the waterproof and acoustic performance. In addition, the surfaces of the cushioning member 300 that are not connected to the sandwich structure may be adhesive, thereby allowing the sandwich structure to be bonded to the target surface and the assembly to be completed. By using the "sandwich" structure and the structure of the two-layer support member 210, both sides of the waterproof membrane 100 are protected, and the waterproof performance becomes more stable.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the waterproof assembly 10 is assembled inside the housing of the acoustic device 01, the first bonding surface 312 may be bonded to the inner wall of the housing around the sound vent. After the waterproof assembly 10 is subjected to pressure, the bond between the first bonding surface 312 and the housing is strengthened. For example, the bond between the first bonding surface 312 and the inner wall of the housing can be strengthened by applying pressure for a certain period of time in a direction perpendicular to the first bonding surface 312 using a pressure jig. Due to the existence of tooling errors, the pressure jig acts on the waterproof assembly 10 not only vertically but also horizontally (parallel to the first bonding surface) (shear force). For example, the waterproof assembly 10 is subjected to pressure due to the gravity of the acoustic assembly itself. Due to the uncertainty of the placement position of the acoustic assembly, the acoustic assembly acts on the waterproof assembly 10 not only vertically but also horizontally (parallel to the first bonding surface) (shear force). Because the support member 200 has high deformation resistance, it hardly deforms when subjected to the above shear force, thereby improving the shear resistance of the waterproof assembly 10 (waterproof membrane 100). Furthermore, it ensures that the waterproof membrane 100 is less prone to deformation during the assembly process, thus ensuring low sound loss.

[0053] Furthermore, the cushioning member 300 is an elastic member or an elastic adhesive; in other words, the cushioning member 300 is elastic. The cushioning member 300 can uniformly distribute the high-speed physical pressure (impact energy) that the waterproof assembly 10 receives. When the waterproof assembly 10 receives a force in a direction perpendicular to the first adhesive surface 312, the cushioning member 300 may be compressed in the vertical direction. Also, because the cushioning member 300 is elastic, even if the waterproof assembly 10 is subjected to a lateral shear force, at least some of the shear force can be released first within the elastic cushioning member 300. That is, the shear force is used to cause lateral deformation in the cushioning member 300. This reduces the effect of the shear force on the support member 200 and the waterproof membrane 100, prevents large shear stresses from occurring in the support member 200 and the waterproof membrane 100, avoids damage to the internal structures of both, further improves the shear resistance of the waterproof assembly 10, and guarantees the waterproof performance of the waterproof assembly 10.

[0054] Because the cushioning member 300 is elastic, it can generate larger elastic deformation compared to other structures in the waterproof assembly 10, thereby allowing the waterproof assembly 10 to better adapt to errors in the assembly space within the housing. For example, if the height of the pre-retained assembly space within the earphone housing is small, the compression cushioning member 300 can be used to adjust the waterproof assembly 10 to the height of the assembly space.

[0055] The degree of elastic deformation of each component in the waterproof assembly 10 can be calculated using the formula: (original thickness - thickness after compression) / original thickness × 100%. For example, first, the original thickness of each component is recorded. When the waterproof assembly 10 is pressed down, the thickness of each component after compression is recorded, thereby obtaining the degree of deformation of each component.

[0056] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a waterproof membrane 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure when subjected to pressure. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a waterproof assembly 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure when subjected to pressure.

[0057] When the first waterproof surface 110 or the second waterproof surface 120 of the waterproof membrane 100 is subjected to a pressure F that is not perpendicular to the surface of the waterproof membrane 100, wrinkles are generated. As shown in Figure 2A, the pressure F includes a component perpendicular to the surface of the waterproof membrane 100 and a component directed to the right along the surface of the waterproof membrane 100. The rightward component causes wrinkles in the waterproof membrane 100. After wrinkles are generated, a height difference H exists between the highest and lowest points of the waterproof membrane 100.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2B, the support member 200 includes a first support member 210 and a second support member 220, which are symmetrically positioned on both sides of the waterproof membrane 100. The support members 200 are connected to both sides of the waterproof membrane 100, and the waterproof membrane 100 is sandwiched between the two support members 200 to form a "sandwich" structure. When the "sandwich" structure formed by the waterproof membrane 100 and the support members 200 is subjected to a pressure F that is not perpendicular to the surface of the waterproof membrane 100, the support members 200 hardly deform when subjected to the pressure F because of their high deformation resistance. The waterproof membrane 100 is sandwiched between the first support member 210 and the second support member 220 to form an integrated structure, so hardly any deformation occurs. The first buffer member 310 and the second buffer member 320 are located on both sides of the support member 200, respectively, sandwiching the "sandwich" structure. Because the cushioning member 300 is elastic, when subjected to pressure F, the cushioning member 300 bears most of the deformation. As shown in Figure 2B, component F2 causes the entire waterproof assembly 10 to slide from side to side by deforming the cushioning member 300. In this process, the waterproof membrane 100 hardly deforms, thereby ensuring low acoustic loss.

[0059] In some embodiments, the material of the cushioning member 300 may be foam adhesive, foam + acrylic adhesive (acrylate adhesive), or acrylic adhesive (acrylate adhesive). Foam adhesive has advantages such as excellent elasticity, light weight, and extremely thin volume, and can provide excellent elastic deformation capability, as well as reducing the overall volume and weight of the waterproof assembly 10. Acrylic adhesive has advantages such as high strength, impact resistance, and high shear strength, and can improve the overall strength and shear resistance of the waterproof assembly 10. In some embodiments, the first cushioning member 310 and the second cushioning member 320 may both be foam adhesive, or foam + acrylic adhesive. In some other embodiments, one of the first cushioning member 310 and the second cushioning member 320 may be foam adhesive, and the other may be foam + acrylic adhesive.

[0060] In some embodiments, the thickness of the cushioning member 300 is in the range of 0.1 mm or more. When the cushioning member 100 has a constant thickness, the deformability of the waterproof assembly 10 can be improved, and the waterproof assembly 10 can be easily assembled inside the housing. The thicknesses of the first cushioning member 310 and the second cushioning member 320 may or may not be the same. For example, both the first cushioning member 310 and the second cushioning member 320 may be foam adhesive. The foam adhesive used for the first cushioning member 310 has a thickness of 0.1 mm and is bonded to the inner wall of the housing. The foam adhesive used for the second cushioning member 320 has a thickness of 0.2 mm and is bonded to the acoustic assembly. The greater the thickness of the foam adhesive, the greater the adhesive strength and waterproofing ability. Because the water pressure impact force at the sound holes is large, the thickness of the foam adhesive bonded to the inner wall around the sound holes can be increased, thereby ensuring the robustness of the bond.

[0061] The total thickness range of the waterproof assembly 10 may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the assembly space pre-reserved for the waterproof assembly 10 in the sound port of the sound device 01 housing, so that the waterproof assembly 10 is firmly pressed by the microphone or speaker inside the sound device 01 after it has been assembled into the assembly space. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a waterproof assembly 10 attached to a sound device 01 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the total thickness range of the waterproof assembly 10 is 0.37 mm to 0.61 mm, so as to ensure that the waterproof assembly 10 has a constant thickness, making it easier to install and reducing the space it occupies in the housing. As shown in Figure 3, a housing cavity 500 into which the waterproof assembly 10 is attached is reserved in the sound port of the earphone. For example, the depth range of the housing cavity 500 may be 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm, that is, the thickness range pre-reserved for the waterproof assembly 10 in the housing is 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm. If the thickness of the waterproof assembly 10 is greater than the depth of the housing cavity 500, the waterproof assembly 10 may be pressed into the housing cavity 500 after being placed in it, as shown in Figure 3, until it is flush with the housing cavity 500.

[0062] In some embodiments, the waterproof assembly 10 may further include gauze 600. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the location of gauze 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously stated, the acoustic device 01 may include a housing, and the sound vents may be installed in the housing. In some embodiments, the gauze 600 may be installed on the side of the waterproof assembly 10 that is close to the sound vents. When a user wears the acoustic device 01 and is active in water, when water flows into the acoustic device 01 from the sound vents, it first flows through the gauze 600, and at this time the gauze can disperse the water flow through the mesh, thereby relatively dispersing the impact force received by the waterproof membrane 100, making the force received at each point on the waterproof membrane 100 relatively small, making the waterproof membrane 100 less prone to deformation, and thereby improving the waterproofing ability of the waterproof membrane 100 (waterproof assembly 10). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the gauze 600 may be installed on the side of the waterproof assembly 10 that is away from the sound vents. When the waterproof membrane 100 is subjected to high water pressure, it may deform, potentially affecting its waterproofing performance. In this case, the gauze 600 is placed on the rear surface of the waterproof membrane 100 to provide support or blockage, thereby preventing excessive deformation of the waterproof membrane 100 and changing its acoustic performance, and thereby improving the waterproofing capacity of the waterproof membrane 100.

[0063] In some embodiments, the waterproof assembly 10 may further include a steel mesh. Similar to gauze, if the steel mesh is installed on the side of the waterproof assembly 10 that is close to the sound holes, the steel mesh can disperse the water flow through the mesh, thereby relatively dispersing the impact force on the waterproof membrane 100, reducing the force on each part of the waterproof membrane 100, making the waterproof membrane 100 less prone to deformation, and thereby improving the waterproofing ability of the waterproof membrane 100 (waterproof assembly 10). In some embodiments, the steel mesh may be installed on the side of the waterproof assembly 10 that is away from the sound holes, providing support or shielding behind the waterproof membrane 100, thereby preventing excessive deformation of the waterproof membrane 100. Furthermore, because the steel mesh has greater rigidity, is less prone to deformation, and can withstand greater water pressure, it can effectively prevent deformation of the waterproof membrane 100.

[0064] In some embodiments, the waterproof assembly 10 may further include a microplate. The microplate may be installed on the side of the waterproof assembly 10 away from the sound holes. In some embodiments, the microplate may be installed on the side of the waterproof assembly 10 close to the sound holes. The function of the microplate is similar to that of the gauze and steel mesh described above and will not be described here.

[0065] Furthermore, the waterproof assembly 10 may be equipped with only one of the above-mentioned gauze 600, steel mesh, or microplate to serve the function of diverting or supporting the waterproof membrane 100, or multiple of the above-mentioned gauze 600, steel mesh, and microplate may be equipped to improve the protective capacity of the waterproof assembly 10. In some embodiments, the waterproof assembly 10 includes both gauze 600 and steel mesh.

[0066] Based on the above, this disclosure provides a waterproof assembly 10 for the sound passage of an acoustic device 01. By installing a "sandwich" structure of "support member 200 - waterproof membrane 100 - support member 200", the waterproof membrane 100 of the waterproof assembly 10 is less prone to wrinkles and deformation due to shear forces during the process of assembly to the acoustic device 01, thereby enabling the waterproof assembly 10 to maintain good acoustic performance and waterproof effect. Furthermore, the support members 200 in this disclosure are stacked symmetrically on both sides of the "sandwich" structure, forming a more stable symmetrical distributed stacking structure, thereby supporting and protecting the waterproof membrane 100 from above and below, thereby enabling the waterproof membrane 100 to maintain good acoustic performance and waterproof effect, and further improving the waterproof effect of the waterproof assembly 10.

[0067] The above describes specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments are covered in the claims. In some cases, the operations or steps described in the claims may be performed in a different order than those in the embodiments, and the desired results may be achieved. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily have to follow a specific order or sequence to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing may be possible or advantageous.

[0068] From the above, after reading this detailed disclosure, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the aforementioned detailed disclosure is presented merely as an example and is not limiting. Although not explicitly stated in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is intended to include various reasonable changes, improvements, and modifications to the embodiments. These changes, improvements, and modifications are intended to be suggested by this disclosure and are within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0069] Furthermore, some terms in this disclosure are used to describe embodiments of this disclosure. For example, “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” and / or “several embodiments” mean that certain features, structures, or properties described in relation to such embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be emphasized and understood that two or more references to “embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “alternative embodiment” in any part of this disclosure do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Also, certain features, structures, or properties may be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0070] In the foregoing description of the embodiments of this disclosure, please understand that, for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure and to aid in understanding a single feature, this disclosure combines various features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description. However, this does not mean that these combinations of features are essential, and it is entirely possible for those skilled in the art to extract some of these features and understand them as separate embodiments when reading this disclosure. That is, embodiments in this disclosure may be understood as combinations of multiple sub-embodied embodiments. Furthermore, the content of each sub-embodied embodiment may be less than all the features of a single embodiment previously disclosed.

[0071] All patents, patent applications, published patent gazettes, and other materials such as articles, books, specifications, publications, and documents referenced in this disclosure are incorporated into this disclosure in their entirety by reference, with the exception of any prosecution history documents that are inconsistent with or contradictory to the content of this disclosure, and any documents that may have a limited effect on the broadest scope of the claims of this disclosure (currently or later relating to this disclosure). For example, if there is any inconsistency or contradiction between the explanations, definitions and / or use of terms relating to any material incorporated into this disclosure and the explanations, definitions and / or use of terms relating to this disclosure, the terms in this disclosure shall prevail.

[0072] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments of the application disclosed herein are intended to illustrate the principles of the embodiments disclosed herein. Other modified embodiments are also within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art can carry out the inventions disclosed herein using alternative configurations based on the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described in detail in the application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 01 Sound equipment 10 Waterproof Assembly 100 waterproof membrane 110 1st waterproof surface 120 2nd waterproof surface 200 Support Member 210 First support member 220 Second support member 230 First through hole 300 cushioning material 310 First buffer member 311 First connection surface 312 1st adhesive surface 320 Second buffer member 321 Second connection surface 322 2nd adhesive surface 330 Second through hole 400 adhesive layer 500 capacity cavity 600 gauze

Claims

1. A waterproof assembly for a sound passage hole in an acoustic device, A waterproof membrane configured to allow the passage of air molecules and block the passage of water molecules, A buffer member including an adhesive surface having adhesive properties for bonding the waterproof assembly to a target surface after being subjected to external pressure, To reduce wrinkles in the waterproof membrane when the waterproof assembly is assembled to the sound device, the assembly includes a support member positioned between the waterproof membrane and the cushioning member, A waterproof assembly for a sound passage hole in an acoustic device, characterized in that a first through-hole and a second through-hole are formed in the support member and the cushioning member, respectively.

2. The aforementioned acoustic device includes an acoustic sensor, and the acoustic sensor is a speaker or a microphone. The waterproof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that when the sound device is operating, at least some sound waves are transmitted to or from the sound device through the waterproof membrane.

3. The waterproof membrane includes a first waterproof surface and a second waterproof surface, The support member includes a first support member and a second support member, the first support member being connected to the first waterproof surface, and the second support member being connected to the second waterproof surface. The waterproof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the cushioning member includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member, the first cushioning member includes a first connecting surface and a first adhesive surface, the first connecting surface is connected to the first support member, and the second cushioning member includes a second connecting surface and a second adhesive surface, the second connecting surface is connected to the second support member.

4. The waterproof membrane includes a first waterproof surface and a second waterproof surface, The cushioning member includes a first connecting surface and a first adhesive surface, The waterproof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that one side of the support member is connected to the first waterproof surface, and the other side of the support member is connected to the first connecting surface.

5. The support member and the waterproof membrane are bonded together by an adhesive layer. The waterproof assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the thickness of the adhesive layer is in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.15 mm.

6. The waterproof assembly according to claim 1, further comprising gauze connected to the buffer member in order to improve the waterproofing capacity of the waterproof assembly.

7. The waterproof assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the acoustic device includes a housing, the sound vents are installed in the housing, and the gauze is installed on the side of the waterproof assembly adjacent to the sound vents.

8. The buffer member and the support member are annular in shape, the first through-hole and the second through-hole are circular, and the diameter range of the first through-hole and the second through-hole is 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm. The waterproof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer diameter range of the cushioning member and the support member is 2.4 mm to 4.6 mm.

9. The waterproof assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the thickness of the waterproof membrane is 0.10 mm or less.

10. The waterproof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the cushioning member is an elastic member, and when the waterproof assembly is assembled, the cushioning member is the member that exhibits the greatest elastic deformation of the waterproof assembly.

11. The waterproof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the material of the cushioning member includes a foam adhesive or an acrylic adhesive.

12. The waterproof assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the thickness range of the cushioning member is 0.1 mm or more.

13. The waterproof assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the thickness range of the support member is 0.1 mm or less.

14. The waterproof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the total thickness of the waterproof assembly is in the range of 0.37 mm to 0.61 mm so that it can be attached to the sound device.

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