Speakers and electronic devices

Abstract

A speaker according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with: a diaphragm; an actuator mechanism; a first link mechanism; and a second link mechanism. The actuator mechanism has an actuator, and generates first vibration along a first direction. The first link mechanism is connected to the actuator mechanism, and converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration. The second link mechanism is connected to the first link mechanism, and converts the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmits the third vibration to the diaphragm.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a speaker and an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] The speaker device described in Patent Document 1 includes two flat diaphragms arranged opposite to each other with a vibration transmission member between them. Vibrations generated by an actuator are transmitted to the diaphragms via the vibration transmission member to output sound. Since the two flat diaphragms are arranged opposite to each other with the vibration transmission member between them, it is possible to improve sound pressure while ensuring a thin design (see, for example, paragraphs

[0079] and

[0080] of the specification of Patent Document 1, Figures 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-105021 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Thus, there is a demand for technology that can realize thinner speakers.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present technology is to provide a speaker and an electronic device that can be made thin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a speaker according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a diaphragm, an actuator mechanism, a first link mechanism, and a second link mechanism. The actuator mechanism has an actuator and generates a first vibration along a first direction. The first link mechanism is connected to the actuator mechanism, and converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration. The second link mechanism is connected to the first link mechanism, converts the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction, and transmits the third vibration to the diaphragm.

[0007] In this speaker, a first vibration along a first direction generated by an actuator mechanism is converted by a first link mechanism into a second vibration along a second direction and output. In addition, the second vibration is converted by a second link mechanism into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitted to the diaphragm. This makes it possible to realize a thinner speaker.

[0008] The first direction may be perpendicular to the diaphragm, and in this case, the second direction may be parallel to the diaphragm.

[0009] The actuator may have a plate shape. In this case, the actuator mechanism may generate the first vibration in a first direction perpendicular to the actuator.

[0010] The actuator may be disposed parallel to the diaphragm.

[0011] The first link mechanism may have a first input end to which the first vibration is input and a first output end to which the second vibration is output. In this case, the second link mechanism may have a second input end to which the second vibration is input and a second output end to which the third vibration is output.

[0012] The first link mechanism and the second link mechanism may have the same configuration for converting and outputting input vibration.

[0013] Each of the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism may be formed of a Scott-Russell type strictly linear motion mechanism.

[0014] The first link mechanism may output the second vibration so that the second vibration has an amplitude larger than an amplitude of the first vibration.

[0015] The second link mechanism may output the third vibration so that the third vibration has an amplitude larger than an amplitude of the second vibration.

[0016] The second link mechanism may be formed of a lazy tongue type link mechanism.

[0017] The actuator may be comprised of a piezoelectric element or a dielectric elastomer.

[0018] The actuator may be disposed parallel to the vibration plate. In this case, the first link mechanism may have a first input end to which the first vibration is input and a first output end to which the second vibration is output. The second link mechanism may have a second input end to which the second vibration is input and a second output end to which the third vibration is output. The first output end and the second input end may be configured to be positioned between the vibration plate and the actuator.

[0019] The actuator may be disposed parallel to the vibration plate. In this case, the first link mechanism may have a first input end to which the first vibration is input and a first output end to which the second vibration is output. The second link mechanism may have a second input end to which the second vibration is input and a second output end to which the third vibration is output. The positions of the first output end and the second input end may be configured to be on opposite sides of the vibration plate with respect to the actuator.

[0020] The speaker may further include a frame mechanism that holds the diaphragm, the actuator mechanism, the first link mechanism, and the second link mechanism.

[0021] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present technology includes the speaker and a control unit. The control unit controls driving of the speaker.

[0022] The speaker may be configured in the electronic device such that the second direction is a direction different from a vertical direction based on a basic attitude of the electronic device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a basic principle of a speaker according to the present technology; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a Scott-Russell mechanism. [Diagram 3] 1 is a table showing the relationship between the angle of a Scott-Russell mechanism and the amplification / damping of vibration. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a speaker according to the present technology (front view). [Diagram 5] 5 is a diagram of the speaker shown in FIG. 4 viewed obliquely from below and in front. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram of the speaker shown in FIG. 4 viewed obliquely from the right side. [Figure 7] 5 is a side view of the speaker shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the right side. [Figure 8] 5 is a top view of the speaker shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from above. [Figure 9] 5 is a bottom view of the speaker shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from below. [Figure 10] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams for explaining a sound output operation by a speaker. [Figure 11] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a speaker according to another embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a speaker according to another embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a speaker according to another embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a speaker according to another embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a speaker according to another embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a speaker according to another embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a speaker according to another embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a speaker according to another embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a speaker according to another embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electronic device equipped with a speaker according to the present technology; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] [Basic principles of speakers] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the basic principle of a speaker according to the present technology. The speaker 100 includes an actuator mechanism 10 , a first link mechanism 11 , a second link mechanism 12 , and a diaphragm 13 .

[0026] The actuator mechanism 10 has an actuator and is capable of generating vibration along a predetermined direction. As the actuator, for example, a piezoelectric element capable of electromechanical conversion or a dielectric elastomer is used. Piezoelectric actuators, such as PZT stacks, are compact, reliable, and have stable material properties as well as high stress, high bandwidth, and high power density. For example, an actuator having a thin plate shape such as a piezoelectric film is constructed. In this case, it is possible to generate vibrations in a direction perpendicular to the actuator by utilizing the bending deformation in response to the application of voltage. Alternatively, it is also possible to generate vibrations in a direction perpendicular to the actuator by utilizing piston motion (parallel motion) in response to the application of voltage, that is, expansion and contraction motion while maintaining a flat shape. Besides, the configuration of the actuator and the actuator mechanism 10 is not limited and may be designed arbitrarily. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 1, the vibration generated by the actuator mechanism 10 is referred to as a first vibration V1 along a first direction.

[0027] In this disclosure, a linkage includes any mechanism capable of transmitting vibrations. The link mechanism has an input end and an output end, and is capable of outputting vibration input to the input end from the output end. In doing so, it is also possible to convert the vibration, such as amplifying / attenuating the vibration or changing the vibration direction, before outputting it. The link mechanism may be made of a metal material such as titanium, magnesium, or the like, or may be made of a resin material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, a speaker 100 according to the present technology has two link mechanisms: a first link mechanism 11 and a second link mechanism 12.

[0028] The first link mechanism 11 is connected to the actuator mechanism 10, and converts the first vibration V1 into a second vibration V2 along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration V2. That is, the first link mechanism 11 can convert the first vibration V1 input to the input end into the second vibration V2 and output it from the output end. The input end and output end of the first link mechanism 11 correspond to a first input end to which the first vibration V1 is input and a first output end that outputs the second vibration V2.

[0029] The second link mechanism 12 is connected to the first link mechanism 11, and is capable of converting the second vibration V2 into a third vibration V3 along the first direction and transmitting it to the diaphragm 13. That is, the second link mechanism 12 is capable of converting the second vibration V2 input to the input end into the third vibration V3, outputting it from the output end, and transmitting it to the diaphragm 13. The input end and output end of the second link mechanism 12 correspond to a second input end to which the second vibration V2 is input and a second output end that outputs the third vibration V3.

[0030] The diaphragm 13 functions as a sound generating section and can generate (radiate) sound by vibrating. In the speaker 100 according to the present technology, the diaphragm 13 is connected to an output end of the second link mechanism 12. The diaphragm 13 vibrates (performs a piston movement) due to a third vibration V3 output by the second link mechanism 12, thereby generating sound. The specific configuration of the diaphragm 13, such as the material, size, shape, etc., is not limited and may be designed arbitrarily.

[0031] 1, a first link mechanism 11 and a second link mechanism 12 are configured as a transmission mechanism for the driving force (vibration) from the actuator to the diaphragm 13. This makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the speaker 100. For example, the first direction which is the vibration direction of the first vibration V1 is set to a direction perpendicular to the diaphragm 13. The second direction which is the vibration direction of the second vibration V2 is set to a direction parallel to the diaphragm 13. Furthermore, the actuator mechanism 10 is configured to generate a first vibration V1 using an actuator having a plate shape, with a direction perpendicular to the actuator being defined as a first direction. This makes it possible to arrange the actuator parallel to the diaphragm 13, thereby realizing a thinner speaker 100. The first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12 are configured so that the first vibration V1 is amplified and output as the third vibration V3. That is, the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12 output the third vibration V3 so that the amplitude of the third vibration V3 is greater than that of the first vibration V1. This makes it possible to improve the sound pressure. Of course, this is not a limitation. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be set to any direction different from each other. Even in this case, it is possible to realize a thin speaker by implementing the speaker 100 according to the basic principle shown in FIG.

[0032] The configuration of the first link mechanism 11 and the configuration of the second link mechanism 12 may each be designed arbitrarily. For example, the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12 are configured so that the configurations for converting and outputting input vibration (basic principles for transmitting vibration) are the same. This makes it possible to simplify the device configuration. Of course, the configuration of the first link mechanism 11 and the configuration of the second link mechanism 12 may be designed to be different from each other.

[0033] [Scott Russell type rigid linear motion mechanism] As an example of a link mechanism that converts input vibration and outputs it, a Scott-Russell type strictly linear motion mechanism (hereinafter simply referred to as the Scott-Russell mechanism) will be described.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a Scott-Russell mechanism. The Scott Russell mechanism 15 has a linear main link member 16 and a linear sub-link member 17. As shown in Fig. 2, one end of the main link member 16 is an input end 18, and the other end is an output end 19. The main link member 16 is configured such that the input end 18 is movable (slidable) along a predetermined sliding direction SD1. One end 20 of the sub-link member 17 is rotatably connected to the center of the main link member 16, i.e., the intermediate position between the input end 18 and the output end 19 (hereinafter referred to as the connected end 20). The other end 21 of the sub-link member 17 is rotatably installed at a position on a straight line extending along the sliding direction of the input end 18 of the main link member 16 (hereinafter referred to as the rotating end 21). Additionally, the sub-link member 17 is configured so that the length from the connecting end 20 to the rotating end 21 is half the length from the input end 18 to the output end 19. Therefore, the Scott Russell mechanism 15 is configured so that the length from the connecting position where the main link member 16 and the sub-link member 17 are connected to the input end 18, the length from the connecting position to the output end 19, and the length from the connecting position to the rotating end 21 of the sub-link member 17 are all equal to each other (hereinafter referred to as length L). As a result, a triangle formed by the three points of the input end 18, the connection position (connection end 20), and the rotating end 21, and a triangle formed by the three points of the output end 19, the connection position (connection end 20), and the rotating end 21 form an isosceles triangle with the length of two equal sides being L. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the output end 19 of the main link member 16 and the rotating end 21 of the sub link member 17 are arranged to be aligned on a straight line extending in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction SD1.

[0035] In this configuration, the input end 18 is caused to slide along a sliding direction SD1. Then, the output end 19 slides along a sliding direction SD2 perpendicular to the sliding direction SD1. That is, it is possible to realize a strictly linear motion of the output end 19 in response to the sliding of the input end 18. Therefore, when vibration in a direction along the sliding direction SD1 is input to the input end 18, it becomes possible to output vibration in a direction along the sliding direction SD2 by the output end 19. As a result, it becomes possible to convert the first vibration V1 shown in Fig. 1 into the second vibration V2 and output it, and to convert the second vibration V1 into the third vibration V2 and output it.

[0036] The amplification / damping of vibration in the Scott-Russell mechanism 15 will now be described. For example, suppose that the input end 18 vibrates along the sliding direction SD1 between the state shown in Fig. 2A and the state shown in Fig. 2B. In response to the vibration, the output end 19 vibrates along the sliding direction SD2 between the state shown in Fig. 2A and the state shown in Fig. 2B. As shown in Fig. 2, attention is focused on the angle at which the sliding direction SD1 intersects with the sub link member 17. The angle in the state shown in Fig. 2A is set to angle θ1, and the angle in the state shown in Fig. 2B is set to angle θ2. Then, the following equation is established. Amplitude (movement) of the input end 18 = 2a (cosθ2 - cosθ1) Amplitude (movement) of output end 19 = 2a (sinθ1 - sinθ2) The ratio of the amplitude of the output end 19 to the amplitude of the input end 18 =(sinθ1-sinθ2) / (cosθ2-cosθ1) Therefore, the angles θ1 and θ2 are set so that (sinθ1-sinθ2) / (cosθ2-cosθ1)>1. This makes it possible to vibrate the output end 19 to an amplitude greater than the amplitude of the input end 18. As a result, it becomes possible to amplify the input vibration and output it.

[0037] 3 is a table showing the relationship between angles θ1 and θ2 and (sinθ1-sinθ2) / (cosθ2-cosθ1). As shown in the table, there exists a certain continuous angle region (including a region from θ1>θ2 to θ1<θ2) in which (sinθ1-sinθ2) / (cosθ2-cosθ1) is always greater than 1. For example, angles θ1 and θ2 may be appropriately set within such a region.

[0038] [Embodiment of the speaker] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the speaker 100 of the present technology will be described. 4 to 9 are schematic diagrams showing a speaker 110 according to one embodiment. 4 is a front view of speaker 110 as viewed from the front. In the following description, the depth direction is defined as the X direction, the left / right direction as the Y direction, and the up / down direction as the Z direction. In addition, expressions such as front side / back side, left side / right side, and upper side / lower side may be used. Of course, application of the present technology is not limited by the direction in which the speaker 110 is used, etc.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram of speaker 110 viewed obliquely from below and in front. FIG. 6 is a diagram of speaker 110 as viewed obliquely from the right side. FIG. 7 is a side view of the speaker 110 as seen from the right side. FIG. 8 is a top view of the speaker 110 as viewed from above. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the speaker 110 as viewed from below.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12 are configured as a Scott-Russell type strict linear motion mechanism. That is, the speaker 110 is realized by a configuration in which Scott-Russell mechanisms 15 illustrated in FIG. 2 are connected in multiple stages. More specifically, four Scott Russell mechanisms 15 functioning as the first link mechanisms 11 are arranged. Corresponding to the four Scott Russell mechanisms 15, four Scott Russell mechanisms 15 functioning as the second link mechanisms 12 are arranged. These multiple Scott-Russell mechanisms 15 are appropriately connected via joint members or the like, and the vibration generated by the actuator mechanism 10 is transmitted to the diaphragm 13 .

[0041] 4 to 9, speaker 110 has actuator mechanism 10, four first link mechanisms 11 (11a to 11d), four second link mechanisms 12 (12a to 12d), and diaphragm 13. Speaker 110 also has frame mechanism 23 and joint members 50 to 58. The frame mechanism 23 holds the actuator mechanism 10, the four first link mechanisms 11, the four second link mechanisms 12, and the joint members 50 to 58. The frame mechanism 23 is made of a metal material such as iron or aluminum, although the material is not limited to this. Frame mechanism 23 is configured as a member that does not move (is not moved intentionally) relative to, for example, a cabinet including speaker 110 (a member to which speaker 110 is attached, a housing in which speaker 110 is installed, etc.).

[0042] The frame mechanism 23 has a diaphragm holding portion 24, two side wall portions 25 (25a, 25b), two link holding portions 26 (26a, 26b), and two actuator holding portions 27 (27a, 27b). 8 and 9, the diaphragm holding portion 24 is made of a rectangular frame member with rounded corners when viewed from above and below. The inner periphery of the diaphragm holding portion 24 is formed with a through hole that opens in the vertical direction (Z direction). As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and the like, the two side wall portions 25 have the same configuration, and have an overall shape of a thin rectangular parallelepiped. 9 and other drawings, the side walls 25a and 25b are disposed to extend downward in the central portions of two opposing sides in the left-right direction (Y direction) of the diaphragm holding portion 24. Therefore, the side walls 25a and 25b themselves are also disposed to face each other in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0043] Each of the two link holders 26 has the same configuration and is made of a rod-shaped member extending in one direction. As shown in Figures 4 and 9, the link holders 26a and 26b are connected at both ends to the side walls 25a and 25b, respectively, so as to extend in the left-right direction (Y direction). Link retaining portion 26a is connected to the vicinity of the front end of side wall portions 25a and 25b. Link retaining portion 26b is connected to the vicinity of the rear end of side wall portions 25a and 25b. Link retaining portions 26a and 26b are arranged side by side along the depth direction (X direction), with a gap between the two members. 4 and 5, two slits 28a and 28b are formed in the link retaining portion 26a, which penetrate the link retaining portion 26a in the depth direction (X direction) and extend in the left-right direction (Y direction). The slits 28a and 28b are formed symmetrically on the left and right sides with respect to the center of the link retaining portion 26a. Similarly, link retaining portion 26b is formed with two slits 29a and 29b that penetrate along the depth direction (X direction) and extend along the left-right direction (Y direction). Slits 29a and 29b are formed in rear link retaining portion 26b so as to be in the same positions as slits 28a and 28b formed in front link retaining portion 26a when speaker 110 is viewed from the front as shown in FIG.

[0044] The two actuator holders 27 have the same configuration and are connected to the central portions of the lower sides of the side walls 25a and 25b, respectively. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the actuator holding portion has a rod-shaped first member 30a connected to the left side wall portion 25a and extending diagonally downward to the right, and a rod-shaped second member 30b connected to the first member 30a and extending in the left-right direction. The second member 30b is configured to have a length such that the tip is positioned slightly to the left of the center of the speaker 110 (the center in the front view of FIG. 4). The actuator holder 27b has a rod-shaped first member 31a connected to the right side wall 25b and extending diagonally downward to the left, and a rod-shaped second member 31b connected to the first member 31a and extending in the left-right direction. The second member 31b is configured to have a length such that the tip is positioned slightly to the right of the center of the speaker 110 (the center in the front view of FIG. 4).

[0045] 9 and other figures, the actuator holders 27a and 27b are arranged in a straight line along the left-right direction at the center of the gap between the link holders 26a and 26b. A gap is formed between the tip of the second member 30b of the actuator holder 27a and the tip of the second member 31b of the actuator holder 27b. The gap is formed at the center when the speaker 110 is viewed from below.

[0046] 4 and other figures, the diaphragm holding part 24, the two link holding parts 26, and the two second members 30b and 31b are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction (Z direction). The diaphragm holding part 24 is arranged at the uppermost position, and the two second members 30b and 31b are arranged at the lowermost positions. The two link holding parts 26 are arranged at positions between the diaphragm holding part 24 and the two second members 30b and 31b. In this embodiment, the configuration of frame mechanism 23 when viewed from the front and the configuration when viewed from the opposite rear side are the same (the configuration shown in FIG. 4). Also, the configuration of frame mechanism 23 when viewed from the right side and the configuration on the opposite left side are the same (the configuration shown in FIG. 7).

[0047] 8 and 9, the diaphragm 13 is disposed on the inner periphery side of the diaphragm holding portion 24. The diaphragm 13 is disposed so as to be parallel to the XY plane direction. That is, the up-down direction (Z direction) is perpendicular to the diaphragm 13. The diaphragm 13 outputs (radiates) sound upward. That is, the up-down direction (upward direction) is the output direction (radiation direction) of the sound. As described above, the specific configuration of the diaphragm 13, such as the material, size, shape (front shape seen from the sound output direction, etc.), etc., is not limited and may be designed arbitrarily. Furthermore, the method of fixing the diaphragm 13, etc. is not limited.

[0048] The actuator mechanism 10 has an actuator 32 and a vibration output section 33. As shown in Figures 4 to 6 and other figures, the actuator 32 has a thin plate shape, and is held at the tips of two second members 30b and 31b which are included in the actuator holding sections 27a and 27b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9 etc., when the speaker 110 is viewed from below, the actuator 32 is disposed at the center position of the speaker 110 (which also corresponds to the center position of the diaphragm 13). The actuator 32 is arranged so as to be parallel to the XY plane direction. That is, the actuator 32 is arranged so as to be parallel to the diaphragm 13. The actuator 32 is also configured so as to be capable of generating vibration along the Z direction perpendicular to the actuator 32 when a voltage is applied thereto. For example, the actuator 32 is disposed so as to be parallel to the diaphragm 13 at the origin of motion when generating vibration along the Z direction. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. 6 and other figures, the vibration output unit 33 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as an overall outline, and is configured so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the depth direction (X direction) at the center of the upper surface of the plate-shaped actuator 32. Furthermore, the vibration output unit 33 has a through hole extending in the depth direction (X direction). 7, a rod-shaped joint member 50 extending along the depth direction (X direction) is inserted into the through hole of the vibration output section 33. The joint member 50 is disposed so that both ends protrude from the through hole.

[0049] The four first link mechanisms 11 (11a to 11d) have the same configuration as one another. That is, each of the four first link mechanisms 11 has a main link member 16 (input end 18 / output end 19) and a sub-link member 17 (connection end 20 / rotation end 21) shown in FIG. Here, in the four first link mechanisms 11a to 11d, the reference characters for the main link members 16 (input end 18 / output end 19) and the sub-link members 17 (connecting end 20 / rotating end 21) are defined as follows. First link mechanism 11a: main link member 35a (input end 37a / output end 38a), sub-link member 36a (connection end 39a / rotation end 40a) First link mechanism 11b...Main link member 35b (input end 37b / output end 38b), Sub-link member 36b (connection end 39b / rotation end 40b) First link mechanism 11c...Main link member 35c (input end 37c / output end 38c), Sub-link member 36c (connection end 39c / rotation end 40c) First link mechanism 11d...Main link member 35d (input end 37d / output end 38d), Sub-link member 36d (connection end 39d / rotation end 40d)

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the four first link mechanisms 11 are configured in a region between the two link holding portions 26 and the two second members 30b and 31b that hold the actuator mechanism 10. Of the four first link mechanisms 11, the first link mechanisms 11a and 11b are configured on the front side of the speaker 110. The input end 37a of the main link member 35a of the first link mechanism 11a and the input end 37b of the main link member 35b of the first link mechanism 11b are both connected to the front end of a joint member 50 inserted into the vibration output section 33 of the actuator mechanism 10. An output end 38a of the main link member 35a is connected to the end on the rear side of the joint member 51. The joint member 51 is configured to extend in the depth direction, and is arranged to be movable (slidable) left and right within the left slit 28a formed in the link holding part 26a on the front side. An output end 38b of the main link member 35b is connected to the rear end of the joint member 52. The joint member 52 is configured to extend in the depth direction, and is arranged to be movable (slidable) left and right within a right-side slit 28b formed in the link holding portion 26a.

[0051] A connecting end 39a of the sub-link member 36a of the first link mechanism 11a is rotatably connected to the center of the main link member 35a. A rotating end 40a of the sub-link member 36a is rotatably connected to the center of the front link holder 26a. A connecting end 39b of the sub-link member 36b of the first link mechanism 11b is rotatably connected to the center of the main link member 35b. A rotating end 40b of the sub-link member 36b is rotatably connected to the center of the front link holder 26a. That is, in this embodiment, in the first link mechanisms 11a and 11b, the rotation ends 40a and 40b of the sub link members 36a and 36b are disposed at the same position. As shown in FIG. 4, the first link mechanisms 11a and 11b are configured to be symmetrical with respect to the center position of the speaker 110 (the center position in the front view of FIG. 4).

[0052] Of the four first link mechanisms 11, the first link mechanisms 11c and 11d are configured on the rear side of the speaker 110. The first link mechanisms 11c and 11d have a configuration similar to the configuration of the first link mechanisms 11a and 11b when the speaker 110 is viewed from the front side. Specifically, the input end 37c of the main link member 35c of the first link mechanism 11c and the input end 37d of the main link member 35d of the first link mechanism 11d are both connected to the rear end of the joint member 50 inserted into the vibration output section 33 of the actuator mechanism 10. An output end 38c of the main link member 35c is connected to a front end of the joint member 53. The joint member 53 is configured to extend in the depth direction, and is arranged to be movable (slidable) left and right within a left slit 29a (left side based on FIG. 4, the same applies below) formed in the rear link holding part 26b. An output end 38d of the main link member 35d is connected to the front end of the joint member 54. The joint member 54 is configured to extend in the depth direction, and is arranged to be movable (slidable) left and right within a right-side slit 29b formed in the link holding portion 26b.

[0053] A connecting end 39c of a sub-link member 36c of the first link mechanism 11c is rotatably connected to the center of the main link member 35c. A rotating end 40c of the sub-link member 36c is rotatably connected to the center of the rear link holder 26b. A connecting end 39d of a sub-link member 36d of the first link mechanism 11d is rotatably connected to the center of the main link member 35d. A rotating end 40d of the sub-link member 36d is rotatably connected to the center of the rear link holder 26b. That is, in the first link mechanisms 11c and 11d, the rotation ends 40c and 40d of the sub link members 36c and 36d are disposed at the same position. When the speaker 110 is viewed from the rear side, the first link mechanisms 11c and 11d are configured to be symmetrical with respect to the center position of the speaker 110. Furthermore, main link member 35a and main link member 35c are connected to each other by a joint member 55 extending along the depth direction (X direction). Similarly, main link member 35b and main link member 35d are connected to each other by a joint member 56 extending along the depth direction (X direction).

[0054] The four second link mechanisms 12 (12a to 12d) have the same configuration as one another. That is, each of the four second link mechanisms 12 has a main link member 16 (input end 18 / output end 19) and a sub-link member 17 (connection end 20 / rotation end 21) shown in FIG. Here, in the four second link mechanisms 12a to 12d, the reference characters for the main link members 16 (input end 18 / output end 19) and the sub-link members 17 (connecting end 20 / rotating end 21) are defined as follows. Second link mechanism 12a...Main link member 42a (input end 44a / output end 45a), sub-link member 43a (connection end 46a / rotation end 47a) Second link mechanism 12b...Main link member 42b (input end 44b / output end 45b), sub-link member 43b (connection end 46b / rotation end 47b) Second link mechanism 12c...Main link member 42c (input end 44c / output end 45c), sub-link member 43c (connection end 46c / rotation end 47c) Second link mechanism 12d...Main link member 42d (input end 44d / output end 45d), sub-link member 43d (connection end 46d / rotation end 47d)

[0055] The four second link mechanisms 12a to 12d are disposed corresponding to the four first link mechanisms 11a to 11d, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, among the four second link mechanisms 12, the second link mechanisms 12a and 12b are configured on the front side of the speaker 110. The input end 44a of the main link member 42a of the second link mechanism 12a is connected to the front end of a joint member 51 that is arranged so as to be movable (slidable) left and right within the left-side slit 28a formed in the front link holding portion 26a. Therefore, the input end 44a of the main link member 42a is connected to the output end 38a of the main link member 35a of the first link mechanism 11a via a joint member 51 configured to extend in the depth direction. An output end 38a of the main link member 42a of the second link mechanism 12a is connected to a connection portion 49a disposed on the lower surface of the diaphragm 13. A connecting end 46a of a sub-link member 43a of the second link mechanism 12a is rotatably connected to the center of the main link member 42a. A rotating end 47a of the sub-link member 43a is rotatably connected to the front link holder 26a. As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, a rotating end 47a of the sub-link member 43a is rotatably connected to a position on the left side of the slit 28a on the front surface of the link holder 26a.

[0056] The input end 44b of the main link member 42b of the second link mechanism 12b is connected to the front end of a joint member 52 that is arranged to be movable (slidable) left and right within the right-side slit 28b formed in the front link retaining portion 26a. Therefore, the input end 44b of the main link member 42b is connected to the output end 38b of the main link member 35b of the first link mechanism 11b via a joint member 52 configured to extend in the depth direction. An output end 38b of the main link member 42b of the second link mechanism 12b is connected to a connection portion 49b disposed on the lower surface of the diaphragm 13. A connecting end 46b of a sub-link member 43b of the second link mechanism 12b is rotatably connected to the center of the main link member 42b. A rotating end 47a of the sub-link member 43b is rotatably connected to the front link holder 26a. As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, a rotating end 47b of the sub-link member 43b is rotatably connected to a position on the right side of the slit 28b on the front surface of the link holder 26a.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the second link mechanisms 12a and 12b are configured to be symmetrical with respect to the center position of the speaker 110 (the center position in the front view of FIG. 4).

[0058] Of the four second link mechanisms 12, the second link mechanisms 12c and 12d are configured on the rear side of the speaker 110. The second link mechanisms 12 and 12d have a configuration similar to the configuration of the second link mechanisms 12a and 12b when the speaker 110 is viewed from the front side.

[0059] The input end 44c of the main link member 42c of the second link mechanism 12c is connected to the rear end of the joint member 53 which is arranged so as to be movable (slidable) left and right within the left-side slit 29a formed in the rear link holding portion 26b. Therefore, the input end 44c of the main link member 42c is connected to the output end 38c of the main link member 35c of the first link mechanism 11c via a joint member 53 configured to extend in the depth direction. An output end 38c of a main link member 42c of the second link mechanism 12c is connected to a connection portion 49c disposed on the lower surface of the diaphragm 13. A connecting end 46c of a sub-link member 43c of the second link mechanism 12c is rotatably connected to the center of the main link member 42c. A rotating end 47c of the sub-link member 43c is rotatably connected to the rear link holder 26b. A rotating end 47c of the sub-link member 43c is connected to the front surface of the link holder 26b. When the speaker 110 is viewed from the front as shown in FIG. 4, the rotating end 47c is connected to the link holder 26b at the same position as the rotating end 47a of the sub-link member 43a of the second link mechanism 12a.

[0060] The input end 44d of the main link member 42d of the second link mechanism 12d is connected to the front end of the joint member 54 which is arranged so as to be movable (slidable) left and right within the right-side slit 29b formed in the rear link holding portion 26b. Therefore, the input end 44d of the main link member 42d is connected to the output end 38d of the main link member 35d of the first link mechanism 11d via a joint member 54 configured to extend in the depth direction. An output end 38d of a main link member 42d of the second link mechanism 12d is connected to a connection portion 49d disposed on the lower surface of the diaphragm 13. A connecting end 46d of a sub-link member 43d of the second link mechanism 12d is rotatably connected to the center of the main link member 42d. A rotating end 47d of the sub-link member 43d is rotatably connected to the rear link holder 26d. A rotating end 47d of the sub-link member 43d is connected to the front surface of the link holder 26b. When the speaker 110 is viewed from the front as shown in FIG. 4, the rotating end 47d is connected to the link holder 26b at the same position as the rotating end 47b of the sub-link member 43b of the second link mechanism 12b. When the speaker 110 is viewed from the rear side, the second link mechanisms 12c and 12d are configured to be symmetrical with respect to the center position of the speaker 110. Furthermore, main link member 42a and main link member 42c are connected to each other by a joint member 57 extending along the depth direction (X direction). Similarly, main link member 42b and main link member 42d are connected to each other by a joint member 58 extending along the depth direction (X direction).

[0061] As shown in FIG. 9, on the lower surface of diaphragm 13, four connection parts 49a to 49d are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center position. Therefore, output ends 45a to 45d of the four second link mechanisms 12a to 12d are respectively connected to the lower surface of diaphragm 13 at positions that are symmetrical with respect to the center position.

[0062] [Speaker sound output operation] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of outputting sound from speaker 110. As shown in FIG. A circuit or the like (not shown) generates a drive signal based on the voice data (acoustic data) to drive the actuator 32. Based on the drive signal, a voltage is applied to the actuator 32, and a first vibration V1 is generated in which the first direction is the up-down direction (Z direction). The generated first vibration V1 causes the joint member 50 (see FIG. 7, etc.) inserted into the vibration output section 33 (see FIG. 6, etc.) of the actuator mechanism 10 to vibrate along the Z direction. Note that a guide mechanism or the like may be configured to vibrate the joint member 50 along the Z direction.

[0063] In this embodiment, the input ends 37a-37d of the four first link mechanisms 11a-11d are connected to both ends of the joint member 50. Therefore, the input ends 37a-37d also vibrate with the first vibration V1. That is, the first vibration V1, whose first direction is the up-down direction (Z direction), is input to the input ends 37a-37d of the four first link mechanisms 11a-11b.

[0064] The four first link mechanisms 11a to 11d are configured as Scott-Russell type strictly linear motion mechanisms. Therefore, the first vibration V1 input to each of the first link mechanisms 11a to 11d is converted into a second vibration V2 whose second direction is the left-right direction (Y direction). As shown in Fig. 10, in this embodiment, the second vibration V2A is output by the output ends 38a and 38c of the first link mechanisms 11a and 11c, respectively. The output second vibration V2A causes the joint members 51 and 53 (see Fig. 5, etc.) to vibrate in a strictly linear motion along the Y direction. In this embodiment, the second vibration V2B is output from the output ends 38b and 38d of the first link mechanisms 11b and 11d, respectively. The output second vibration V2B causes the joint members 52 and 54 (see FIG. 5, etc.) to vibrate in a strictly linear motion along the Y direction. The second vibration V2A and the second vibration V2B have the same amplitude and vibration directions opposite to each other.

[0065] The four second link mechanisms 12a to 12d are configured by a Scott-Russell type strictly linear motion mechanism. An input end 44a of the second link mechanism 12a is connected to a joint member 51. An input end 44c of the second link mechanism 12c is connected to a joint member 53. Therefore, the input ends 44a and 44c vibrate with the second vibration V2A. That is, the second vibration V2A having the left-right direction (Y direction) as a second direction is input to the input ends 44a and 44c of the second link mechanisms 12a and 12c, respectively. Furthermore, the input end 44b of the second link mechanism 12b is connected to the joint member 52. The input end 44d of the second link mechanism 12d is connected to the joint member 54. Therefore, the input ends 44b and 44d vibrate with the second vibration V2B. That is, the second vibration V2B, whose second direction is the left-right direction (Y direction), is input to the input ends 44b and 44d of the second link mechanisms 12b and 12d, respectively.

[0066] The second vibration V2A input to the input ends 44a and 44c is converted into a third vibration V3 along the vertical direction (Z direction) by the second link mechanisms 12a and 12c and output from the output ends 45a and 45c. The output third vibration V3 is transmitted to the connection parts 49a and 49c arranged on the lower surface of the diaphragm 13. The second vibration V2B input to the input ends 44b and 44d is converted into a third vibration V3 along the vertical direction (Z direction) by the second link mechanisms 12b and 12d and output from the output ends 45b and 45d. The output third vibration V3 is transmitted to the connection parts 49b and 49d arranged on the lower surface of the diaphragm 13. The third vibrations V3 output from the four second link mechanisms 12a to 12d have the same amplitude and vibration direction. Therefore, the same vibration is transmitted to the four connection parts 49a to 49d provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the center position on the lower surface of the diaphragm 13. That is, the diaphragm 13 vibrates with a third vibration V3 due to a strictly linear motion along the Z direction that is transmitted to the four connection portions 49a to 49d. As a result, the diaphragm 13 radiates a sound based on the audio data. A guide mechanism or the like may be configured to vibrate the four output end portions 45a to 45d and the four connection portions 49a to 49d along the Z direction.

[0067] As described above, in the speaker 100 (110) according to this embodiment, the first vibration V1 along the first direction generated by the actuator mechanism 10 is converted into the second vibration V2 along the second direction by the first link mechanism 11 and output. Moreover, the second vibration V2 is converted into the third vibration V3 along the first direction by the second link mechanism 12 and transmitted to the diaphragm 13. This makes it possible to realize a thinner speaker.

[0068] There are various basic structures and methods for realizing an electro-acoustic transducer (speaker). For example, a speaker that uses a piezoelectric element as an actuator can be considered to contribute to slimming down a product and to realize a speaker that can be installed in a product with limited space. In speakers that use piezoelectric elements, the diaphragm is driven by the inverse piezoelectric effect, which is a phenomenon in which a certain material such as ceramic is deformed when a voltage is applied to it. A possible method of transmitting the driving force from the actuator to drive the diaphragm is to transmit the deformation of the actuator to the diaphragm as an extension of the curved surface after deformation via a transmission member. In addition, a possible method of realizing a thin display panel or the like as a device using piezoelectric elements is to transmit the driving force in the direction of the plate surface in relation to the displacement direction of the piezoelectric element. None of these configurations produce a speaker that achieves the piston motion of the entire diaphragm (intended vibrating part). This is clear from the fact that they use a method that amplifies the curvature motion of the piezoelectric element as the amplitude itself, and a method that uses longitudinal vibration along the plate surface. In addition, speakers that use piezoelectric elements are less able to achieve a large amount of displacement compared to conductive speakers, and because the elements themselves are hard, the resonance frequency tends to be high, putting them at a disadvantage in terms of low-frequency reproduction.

[0069] In speaker 110 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 etc., plate-shaped actuator 32 can be arranged parallel to diaphragm 13, making it possible to realize a thinner speaker 110. In addition, based on the first vibration V1 generated by the actuator mechanism 10, a third vibration V3, which is a vibration in the same direction, can be transmitted to the diaphragm 13, making it possible to realize piston-like motion of the entire diaphragm 13. As a result, it is possible to realize high output characteristics and acoustic characteristics. In addition, since the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12 are configured by a Scott-Russell type strictly linear motion mechanism, it is possible to vibrate the diaphragm 13 by strictly linear motion. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently prevent sound distortion and the like, and to realize improved acoustic characteristics.

[0070] 3, the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12 may be configured by setting the angles θ1 and θ2 shown in FIG. 2 so that the output vibration is amplified with respect to the input vibration. This makes it possible to output the second vibration V2 with an amplitude larger than that of the first vibration V1. It also makes it possible to output the third vibration V3 with an amplitude larger than that of the second vibration V2. As a result, the first vibration V1 is amplified and transmitted as the third vibration V3 to the diaphragm 13. This makes it possible to increase the stroke amount of the diaphragm 13, thereby making it possible to improve the sound pressure and expand the low-frequency reproduction frequency. Of course, it is also possible to amplify the first vibration V1 and output it as the third vibration V3 by configuring only either the first link mechanism 11 or the second link mechanism 12 to be capable of amplifying the input vibration. For example, the first link mechanism 11 outputs a second vibration V2 having the same amplitude as the amplitude of the first vibration V1. The second link mechanism 12 outputs a third vibration V3 having an amplitude larger than the amplitude of the second vibration V2. Such a configuration is also possible.

[0071] Furthermore, vibrations are transmitted to the diaphragm 13 at four positions symmetrically about the center on the lower surface of the diaphragm 13. This makes it possible to sufficiently prevent the diaphragm 13 from bending when sound is output. As a result, it becomes possible to realize improved acoustic characteristics.

[0072] <Other embodiments> The present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other embodiments can be realized.

[0073] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a speaker according to another embodiment of the present technology. 11A, in speaker 120, actuator 32 is disposed between diaphragm 13 and link holder 26 in the vertical direction (Z direction). Therefore, in first link mechanism 11, output end 38 is disposed below input end 37. An input end 44 of a second link mechanism 12 is connected to an output end 38 of the first link mechanism 11 via a joint member. An output end 45 of the second link mechanism 12 is coupled to the diaphragm 13. Therefore, in the speaker 120, the positions of the output end 38 (first output end) of the first link mechanism 11 and the input end 44 (second input end) of the second link mechanism 12 are configured to be on the opposite side of the diaphragm 13 with respect to the actuator 32.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 11B, when a voltage is applied to actuator 32, a first vibration V1 is generated with the up and down direction as the first direction. The first link mechanism 11 converts the first vibration V1 input to the input end 37 into a second vibration V2 whose second direction is the left-right direction (Y direction) and outputs it from the output end . The second vibration V2 output by the first link mechanism 11 is input to the input end 44 of the second link mechanism 12. The second link mechanism 12 converts the second vibration V2 into a third vibration V3 along the vertical direction (Z direction) and transmits it to the diaphragm 13 via the output end 45.

[0075] Thus, in speaker 120, actuator 32 is disposed between diaphragm 13 and link retaining portion 26. Therefore, the thickness of speaker 120 is determined by the distance from the upper end of diaphragm 13 to the lower end of link retaining portion 26, which is extremely advantageous for making the speaker thinner. 4 to 10, the positions of the output end 38 (first output end) of the first link mechanism 11 and the input end 44 (second input end) of the second link mechanism 12 are configured to be between the diaphragm 13 and the actuator 32. This configuration makes it easy to set the maximum amplitude of the diaphragm 13 large, which is advantageous for improving the output characteristics and acoustic characteristics.

[0076] In the speaker 130 shown in FIG. 12, a rod-shaped member extending along the vibration direction of the second vibration V2 is used as the joint member 60 that connects the output end 38 of the first link mechanism 11 and the input end 44 of the second link mechanism 12. This allows the distance between the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12 to be large in the vibration direction (Y direction) of the second vibration V2. As a result, for example, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing the actuator mechanism 10, the first link mechanism 11, the second link mechanism 12, and the frame mechanism 23, and it is possible to realize a thinner speaker 130. It is also possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing the position for transmitting vibration to the diaphragm 13, and it is also possible to improve the output characteristics and acoustic characteristics. Alternatively, any configuration may be adopted as the joint member for inputting the second vibration V2 output by the first link mechanism 11 to the input end 44 of the second link mechanism 12. Furthermore, the configuration of the joint member provided at another position may also be designed arbitrarily.

[0077] 13, the second link mechanism 12 is configured by a lazy tongue type link mechanism. By increasing the number of parallel link mechanisms configured in a parallelogram (diamond), it is possible to increase the amplification factor of the output vibration (third vibration V3) relative to the input vibration (second vibration V2). When a piezoelectric element is used as the actuator 32, it is possible to generate the first vibration V1 with high output. Therefore, it is possible to stably drive a lazy-tong type link mechanism as shown in Fig. 13. As a result, it is possible to realize a large sound pressure. Like speaker 140, first link mechanism 11 and second link mechanism 12 may be configured so that their configurations for converting and outputting input vibrations (basic principles for transmitting vibrations) are different from each other. Of course, the first link mechanism 11 may be configured by a lazy tongue type link mechanism.

[0078] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the speaker as viewed from above, in which only the outer shape of diaphragm 13 is shown. In speaker 150 shown in FIG. 14A, actuator 32 is disposed at a position corresponding to the center position of diaphragm 13, and generates a first vibration V1 along a direction perpendicular to the paper surface (Z direction). The first vibration V1 input to the input end 37 of the first link mechanism 11 is converted into a second vibration V2 along the Y direction and output from the output terminal . The second link mechanism 12 converts the second vibration V2 input to the input end 44 connected to the output terminal 38 into a third vibration V3 along the Z direction and transmits it to the diaphragm 13 via the output end 45. The first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12 are configured to be symmetrical on the left and right. The diaphragm 13 vibrates due to the third vibration V3 transmitted to two positions that are symmetrical with respect to the center, thereby outputting sound.

[0079] In speaker 160 shown in FIG. 14B, actuator 32 is disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the center of diaphragm 13, and generates a first vibration V1 along a direction perpendicular to the paper surface (Z direction). The first vibration V1, which is common to the input ends 37a to 37b of the three first link mechanisms 11a to 11b, is converted into second vibrations V2A to V2C along three directions perpendicular to the Z direction and output from output terminals 38a to 38c. The three second link mechanisms 12a-12b convert the second vibrations V2A-V2C input to the input terminals 44a-44c into third vibrations V3 along the Z direction and transmit them to the diaphragm 13 via the output ends 45a-45c. The first link mechanisms 11a-11c and the second link mechanisms 12a-12c are configured to be symmetrical. The diaphragm 13 vibrates due to the third vibration V3 transmitted to six positions symmetrical with respect to the center, thereby outputting sound. In this way, the first vibration V1 commonly input to the plurality of first link mechanisms 11 may be converted into the second vibrations V2A to V2C vibrating in mutually different directions and then output.

[0080] In a speaker 170 shown in FIG. 15, two diaphragms 13a and 13b are held by a frame mechanism . The diaphragm 13a is vibrated by the first link mechanism 11a and the second link mechanism 12a. The diaphragm 13b is vibrated by the first link mechanism 11b and the second link mechanism 12b. The first vibration generated by the actuator 32 is commonly input to the first link mechanisms 11a and 11b. In this way, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which one actuator 32 excites two diaphragms 13a and 13b. For example, the configuration for transmitting vibrations of the first link mechanism 11a and the second link mechanism 12a, the configuration for transmitting vibrations of the first link mechanism 11b and the second link mechanism 12b, the type of material used, the viscosity of oil or the like applied to the rotating ends, etc. are appropriately controlled. This allows the third vibration output from the second link mechanism 12a and the third vibration output from the second link mechanism 12b to be different from each other, i.e., the vibration transmitted to the diaphragm 13a and the vibration transmitted to the diaphragm 13b can be different from each other. As a result, it is possible to operate the diaphragms 13a and 13b with different output characteristics and acoustic characteristics. For example, it is possible to realize a configuration in which one diaphragm 13a is used for low frequencies and the other diaphragm 13b is used for high frequencies. It is also possible to configure the vibration transmitted to diaphragm 13a and the vibration transmitted to diaphragm 13b to be in opposite phases to each other. Of course, the mechanism 11a and the second link mechanism 12a, and the first link mechanism 11b and the second link mechanism 12b do not have to be configured to be symmetrical.

[0081] In a speaker 180 shown in FIG. 16, two diaphragms 13a and 13b are held by a frame mechanism . The second link mechanism 12a is provided with two output ends 45a and 45a'. The output end 45a is connected to the diaphragm 13a, and the output end 45a' is connected to the diaphragm 13b. The second link mechanism 12b is provided with two output ends 45b and 45b'. The output end 45b is connected to the diaphragm 13a, and the output end 45b' is connected to the diaphragm 13b. The diaphragm 13a is excited by the third vibration output from the output end 45a of the second link mechanism 12a and the third vibration output from the output end 45b of the second link mechanism 12b. The diaphragm 13b is excited by the third vibration output from the output end 45a' of the second link mechanism 12a and the third vibration output from the output end 45b' of the second link mechanism 12b. In this manner, the second link mechanism 12 may be provided with a plurality of output ends 45. The second link mechanism 12 is configured so that the third vibrations output from the respective output ends 45 are different from one another. This makes it possible to excite the plurality of diaphragms 13 in different ways from one another. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 16, vibrations having mutually opposite phases are output from the output ends 45a and 45a', respectively. Also, vibrations having mutually opposite phases are output from the output ends 45b and 45b', respectively. This makes it possible to vibrate the diaphragms 13a and 13b so that they have mutually opposite phases. Such a configuration can also be easily realized.

[0082] 17, input ends 37a and 37b of first link mechanisms 11a and 11b may be coupled to different positions of one actuator 32. Then, a first vibration may be input to each of the input ends 37a and 37b. In other words, a plurality of first link mechanisms 11 may be individually connected to one actuator 32.

[0083] 18, a damper (vibration damping member) 62 may be disposed between the second link mechanisms 12a and 12b and the frame mechanism 23. This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary vibrations, and to achieve stabilization and high accuracy of the sound output operation of the speaker 200. There is no limitation on the specific configuration of the damper 62, and any configuration may be adopted. For example, unnecessary vibrations may be prevented by appropriately controlling the viscosity of oil or the like applied to the rotating end portion or the like. Of course, a damper may be provided between the first link mechanisms 11a and 11b and the frame mechanism 23.

[0084] In a speaker 210 shown in FIG. 19, a vibration input mechanism 65 that inputs vibrations is connected to the output end 38 of the first link mechanism 11. The vibration input mechanism 65 inputs the same vibration as the second vibration V2 to the output end 38. This makes it possible to input the second vibration V2 with even higher power to the second link mechanism 12. As a result, it is highly advantageous to amplify the second vibration V2 and transmit it to the diaphragm 13 as the third vibration V3. 19, a vibration input mechanism 65 having the same configuration as the actuator mechanism 10 and the first link mechanism 11 is arranged in a left-right inverted state and connected to the output end 38. The voltage applied to the actuator 32 is inverted and applied to the actuator of the vibration input mechanism 65. As a result, a vibration V1' having an opposite phase to the first vibration V1 is generated, and the same vibration as the second vibration V2 is input to the output end 38. Of course, the configuration of the vibration input mechanism 65 is not limited, and any other configuration may be adopted. It is also possible to regard the vibration input mechanism 65 as the actuator mechanism and the first mechanism according to the present technology. In this case, it can be said that the second vibration is output from a common output end by the two actuator mechanisms and the first mechanism.

[0085] In the speaker 110 described with reference to Figures 4 to 10, rod-shaped members are used as the joint members 50 to 58. For example, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the joint member 57 connecting the second link mechanisms 12a and 12c, and the joint member 58 connecting the second link mechanisms 12b and 12d are made of rod-shaped members. There are no limitations on the configuration for connecting the multiple first link mechanisms 11 and the configuration for connecting the second link mechanisms 12. For example, the weight of the device can be reduced by using rod-shaped members such as the joint members 58 and 57. On the other hand, durability (strength) can be improved by using thick or large members as the joint members. For example, referring to Fig. 6, the main link members 42a and 42c of the second link mechanisms 12a and 12c may be connected by a joint member having a substantially plate shape. That is, the main link members 42a and 42c and the joint member form a member having a substantially plate shape. Such a design is also possible.

[0086] When a piezoelectric element is used as the actuator 32, it is possible to generate the first vibration V1 with high output. Therefore, it is possible to use heavy metal bearings or the like at the rotating ends in the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12. It is also possible to use high-hardness plastic bearings. As a result, it is possible to realize stable and high-precision operation of transmitting vibration of the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12. For example, the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12 can be realized by molding with a silicon insert.

[0087] The actuator 32 may be constantly moved with a small amplitude when the speaker is not in operation (when sound is not being output). This makes it possible to sufficiently suppress the effect of static friction when the speaker is in operation (when sound is being output). As a result, it becomes possible to improve the response characteristics of the speaker. For example, when the above-mentioned metal bearings or high-hardness plastic bearings are used, a very high effect can be obtained.

[0088] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electronic device equipped with a speaker according to the present technology. For example, as shown in Fig. 20A, a speaker 100 according to the present technology can be mounted on a thin television device 70. The television device 70 is mounted with a control unit 71 that controls the driving of the speaker 100. The control unit 71 has hardware necessary for configuring a computer, such as a CPU, a GPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a HDD. For example, hardware such as an FPGA or an ASIC may be used as the control unit 71. Since the speaker 100 can be made thin, this is very advantageous for making the television device 70 thin. 20B, the speaker 100 according to the present technology can be mounted on a headphone 75. A control unit 76 that controls driving of the speaker 100 is mounted on the headphone 75. This realizes a thin speaker 100, which is very advantageous for making the headphone 75 thinner (smaller).

[0089] There is no limitation on the type of electronic device that can be equipped with the speaker 100 according to the present technology. For example, the present technology can be applied to any electronic device, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal computer, a game machine, a digital camera, an audio device, a TV, a projector, a car navigation system, a GPS terminal, a wearable information device (glasses type, wristband type), or an IoT device connected to the Internet.

[0090] As described above, application of the present technology is not limited by the orientation in which the speaker 100 is used. However, by appropriately setting the arrangement method of the speaker 100, it is possible to improve the operation accuracy of the speaker 100. Specifically, it is preferable to set the first direction, which is the vibration direction of the first vibration V1 and the third vibration V3, and / or the second direction, which is the vibration direction of the second vibration V2, to be a direction different from the vertical direction. In other words, it is preferable to set the first direction and / or the second direction so as not to be parallel to the vertical direction. For example, as in speaker 110 shown in Fig. 4, actuator 32 and diaphragm 13 are arranged in parallel. In this case, the first direction is the front direction of diaphragm 13 (sound output direction), and therefore it is considered that the first direction is often necessarily set to the direction in which sound is desired to be output. When the first direction is set, the second direction is set to a direction different from the vertical direction, in other words, a direction that is not affected by gravity (a direction that is less affected). This makes it possible to realize stable and highly accurate vibration transmission operation by the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12. As a result, stable and highly accurate sound output operation of the speaker 110 is realized.

[0091] For example, assume that speaker 100 is mounted on television device 70 as shown in Fig. 20A. In this case, speaker 100 is configured on television device 70 such that the second direction is a direction different from the vertical direction based on a predetermined basic attitude of television device 70. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 20A, the television set 70 is placed so that the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction. This position of the television set 70 is the basic position. When the speaker 100 is mounted so that the sound output direction (first direction) faces the front side of the television device 70, the speaker 100 is mounted so that the second direction is the left-right direction of the television device 70. This makes it possible to achieve stable and highly accurate sound output operation of the speaker 100. 20B, speaker 100 is mounted so that the second direction is a direction different from the vertical direction. This makes it possible to achieve stable and highly accurate sound output operation of speaker 100.

[0092] The above-described first link mechanism 11 and second link mechanism 12 can also be applied to a tactile presentation device. That is, the first link mechanism 11 and the second link mechanism 12 according to the present technology can be realized as a vibration transmission mechanism that transmits vibration generated by an actuator to a member that presents a tactile sensation.

[0093] The configurations of the speaker, actuator mechanism, first link mechanism, second link mechanism, diaphragm, frame mechanism, joint member, electronic device, etc., and examples of speaker operation, etc., described with reference to the drawings are merely one embodiment, and can be modified as desired without departing from the spirit of the present technology. In other words, any other configuration, algorithm, etc. for implementing the present technology may be adopted.

[0094] In the present disclosure, concepts that define shape, size, positional relationship, state, and the like, such as "center," "central," "uniform," "equal," "same," "orthogonal," "parallel," "symmetric," "extended," "axial direction," "cylindrical," "cylindrical," "ring-shaped," and "annular," are concepts that include "substantially central," "substantially central," "substantially uniform," "substantially equal," "substantially the same," "substantially orthogonal," "substantially parallel," "substantially symmetric," "substantially extended," "substantially axial direction," "substantially cylindrical," "substantially cylindrical," "substantially ring-shaped," "substantially annular," and the like.

[0095] For example, this includes states that are included within a specified range (e.g., a range of ±10%) based on standards such as "perfectly centered," "perfectly central," "perfectly uniform," "perfectly equal," "perfectly the same," "perfectly orthogonal," "perfectly parallel," "perfectly symmetrical," "perfectly extended," "perfectly axial," "perfectly cylindrical," "perfectly cylindrical," "perfectly ring-shaped," "perfectly toric," etc.

[0096] It is also possible to combine at least two of the characteristic parts of the present technology described above. That is, the various characteristic parts described in each embodiment may be arbitrarily combined without distinction between the embodiments. In addition, the various effects described above are merely examples and are not limited thereto, and other effects may be exhibited.

[0097] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; A speaker comprising: (2) The speaker according to (1), the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the diaphragm, The second direction is a direction parallel to the diaphragm. Speaker. (3) A speaker according to (1) or (2), The actuator has a plate shape, The actuator mechanism generates the first vibration in a first direction that is perpendicular to the actuator. Speaker. (4) The speaker according to (3), The actuator is disposed parallel to the diaphragm. Speaker. (5) A speaker according to any one of (1) to (4), the first link mechanism has a first input end to which the first vibration is input and a first output end to which the second vibration is output, The second link mechanism has a second input end to which the second vibration is input and a second output end to which the third vibration is output. Speaker. (6) A speaker according to any one of (1) to (5), The first link mechanism and the second link mechanism have the same configuration for converting and outputting input vibration. Speaker. (7) The speaker according to (6), Each of the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism is constituted by a Scott-Russell type strictly linear motion mechanism. Speaker. (8) A speaker according to any one of (1) to (7), The first link mechanism outputs the second vibration so that the second vibration has an amplitude larger than an amplitude of the first vibration. Speaker. (9) A speaker according to any one of (1) to (8), The second link mechanism outputs the third vibration so that the third vibration has an amplitude larger than an amplitude of the second vibration. Speaker. (10) A speaker according to any one of (1) to (9), The second link mechanism is a lazy tongue type link mechanism. Speaker. (11) A speaker according to any one of (1) to (10), The actuator is made of a piezoelectric element or a dielectric elastomer. Speaker. (12) A speaker according to any one of (1) to (11), The actuator is disposed parallel to the diaphragm, the first link mechanism has a first input end to which the first vibration is input and a first output end to which the second vibration is output, the second link mechanism has a second input end to which the second vibration is input and a second output end to which the third vibration is output, The first output end and the second input end are configured to be located between the diaphragm and the actuator. Speaker. (13) A speaker according to any one of (1) to (11), The actuator is disposed parallel to the diaphragm, the first link mechanism has a first input end to which the first vibration is input and a first output end to which the second vibration is output, the second link mechanism has a second input end to which the second vibration is input and a second output end to which the third vibration is output, The first output end and the second input end are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the diaphragm with respect to the actuator. Speaker. (14) A speaker according to any one of (1) to (13), further comprising: The actuator mechanism includes a frame mechanism that holds the vibration plate, the actuator mechanism, the first link mechanism, and the second link mechanism. Speaker. (15) A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; A speaker having A control unit that controls driving of the speaker; An electronic device comprising: (16) The electronic device according to (15), The speaker is configured in the electronic device such that the second direction is a direction different from a vertical direction based on a basic attitude of the electronic device. electronic equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] V1…First vibration V2…Second vibration V3…Third vibration 10...Actuator mechanism 11...First link mechanism 12...Second link mechanism 13...Diaphragm 15...Scott Russell mechanism (Scott Russell type rigid linear motion mechanism) 23...Frame mechanism 32...Actuator 37...input end of first link mechanism 38...output end of first link mechanism 44...input end of second link mechanism 45...output end of second link mechanism 70…Television equipment 71, 76...Control unit 75…Headphones 100~210…Speaker

Claims

1. A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; Equipped with the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the diaphragm, The second direction is a direction parallel to the diaphragm. Speaker.

2. A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; Equipped with The actuator has a plate shape, The actuator mechanism generates the first vibration in a first direction perpendicular to the actuator. Speaker.

3. 3. The speaker according to claim 2, The actuator is disposed parallel to the diaphragm. Speaker.

4. A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; Equipped with The first link mechanism and the second link mechanism have the same configuration for converting input vibration and outputting the converted vibration, Each of the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism is constituted by a Scott-Russell type strictly linear motion mechanism. Speaker.

5. A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; Equipped with The second link mechanism is a lazy tongue type link mechanism. Speaker.

6. A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; Equipped with The actuator is disposed parallel to the diaphragm, the first link mechanism has a first input end to which the first vibration is input and a first output end to which the second vibration is output, the second link mechanism has a second input end to which the second vibration is input and a second output end to which the third vibration is output, The first output end and the second input end are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the diaphragm with respect to the actuator. Speaker.

7. A speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The actuator is disposed parallel to the diaphragm, the first link mechanism has a first input end to which the first vibration is input and a first output end to which the second vibration is output, the second link mechanism has a second input end to which the second vibration is input and a second output end to which the third vibration is output, The first output end and the second input end are configured to be located between the diaphragm and the actuator. Speaker.

8. A speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The first link mechanism outputs the second vibration so that the second vibration has an amplitude larger than an amplitude of the first vibration. Speaker.

9. A loudspeaker according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The second link mechanism outputs the third vibration so that the third vibration has an amplitude larger than an amplitude of the second vibration. Speaker.

10. A speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The actuator is made of a piezoelectric element or a dielectric elastomer. Speaker.

11. 11. A speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a frame mechanism that holds the diaphragm, the actuator mechanism, the first link mechanism, and the second link mechanism. Speaker.

12. A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; A speaker having A control unit that controls driving of the speaker; Equipped with the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the diaphragm, The second direction is a direction parallel to the diaphragm. electronic equipment.

13. A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; A speaker having A control unit that controls driving of the speaker; Equipped with The actuator has a plate shape, The actuator mechanism generates the first vibration in a first direction perpendicular to the actuator. electronic equipment.

14. A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; A speaker having A control unit that controls driving of the speaker; Equipped with The first link mechanism and the second link mechanism have the same configuration for converting input vibration and outputting the converted vibration, Each of the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism is constituted by a Scott-Russell type strictly linear motion mechanism. electronic equipment.

15. A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; A speaker having A control unit that controls driving of the speaker; Equipped with The second link mechanism is a lazy tongue type link mechanism. electronic equipment.

16. A diaphragm; an actuator mechanism having an actuator and configured to generate a first vibration along a first direction; a first link mechanism connected to the actuator mechanism, which converts the first vibration into a second vibration along a second direction different from the first direction and outputs the second vibration; a second link mechanism connected to the first link mechanism, converting the second vibration into a third vibration along the first direction and transmitting the third vibration to the diaphragm; A speaker having A control unit that controls driving of the speaker; Equipped with The actuator is disposed parallel to the diaphragm, the first link mechanism has a first input end to which the first vibration is input and a first output end to which the second vibration is output, the second link mechanism has a second input end to which the second vibration is input and a second output end to which the third vibration is output, The first output end and the second input end are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the diaphragm with respect to the actuator. electronic equipment.

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