Support component and speaker unit

Abstract

This support component 6 comprises: a plurality of planar parts 30 that are aligned at intervals in a plate-thickness direction; a plurality of first peripheral-edge connecting parts 31 each of which connects two planar parts 30 adjacent to each other in the plate-thickness direction in a first range of the periphery direction of the planar parts 30 along the peripheral edges of the planar parts 30 as seen in the plate-thickness direction; and a plurality of second peripheral-edge connecting parts 32 each of which connects two planar parts 30 adjacent to each other in the plate-thickness direction in a second range of the periphery direction of the planar parts 30 along the peripheral edges of the planar parts 30 as seen in the plate-thickness direction. The length of each of the first peripheral-edge connecting parts 31 and the length of each of the second peripheral-edge connecting parts 32 in the periphery direction each are shorter than the length of the whole peripheral edge of each of the planar parts 30. The first peripheral-edge connecting parts 31 and the second peripheral-edge connecting parts 32 are alternately placed in the plate-thickness direction. As seen in the plate-thickness direction, each of the first peripheral-edge connecting parts 31 and a respective one of the second peripheral-edge connecting parts 32 are so arranged as to be continuous with each other in the periphery direction.

Description

Supporting parts and speaker units

[0001] The present invention relates to a support component and a speaker unit.

[0002] Various characteristics are required for the components that make up various products. For example, a speaker unit, which is one type of product, has a spider that supports a voice coil so that it vibrates only in a predetermined axial direction relative to a frame (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the speaker unit of Patent Document 1, the spider has legs that extend from the voice coil to the frame.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 089990

[0004] In order to vibrate the voice coil only in a predetermined axial direction relative to the frame, the spider legs are required to have the property of being able to bend actively in one direction corresponding to the axial direction, and being difficult to bend or twist in other directions different from that one direction (for example, a direction perpendicular to the axial direction). Not limited to the spider legs of a speaker unit, support parts that support certain parts may require parts that have the property of being easy to bend in one direction, and difficult to bend or twist in other directions.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a support component that has the characteristics of being easily bent in one direction and difficult to bend in another direction, and being difficult to twist, and a speaker unit equipped with the same.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a support component comprising: a plurality of flat plate portions arranged at intervals in the plate thickness direction; a plurality of first peripheral connecting portions that connect two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction in a first circumferential range of the flat plate portions at the periphery of the flat plate portions as viewed from the plate thickness direction; and a plurality of second peripheral connecting portions that connect two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction in a second circumferential range of the flat plate portions at the periphery of the flat plate portions as viewed from the plate thickness direction, wherein the lengths of the first peripheral connecting portions and the second peripheral connecting portions in the circumferential direction are each shorter than the entire circumference of the periphery of the flat plate portions, the first peripheral connecting portions and the second peripheral connecting portions are arranged alternately in the plate thickness direction, and the first peripheral connecting portions and the second peripheral connecting portions are arranged so that they are continuous in the circumferential direction as viewed from the plate thickness direction.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a speaker unit comprising a frame, a vibration unit arranged to vibrate in a linear direction relative to the frame, and a support component according to claim 1 or claim 2 that supports the vibration unit by connecting the frame and the vibration unit, wherein the plurality of flat plate portions are aligned in a direction from the frame toward the vibration unit, and when viewed from the plate thickness direction, the two portions where the first peripheral connection portion and the second peripheral connection portion are connected to each other in the circumferential direction are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the linear direction.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a support component that is easy to bend in one direction and difficult to bend in another direction and difficult to twist, and a speaker unit including the support component.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a speaker unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a spider of the speaker unit of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a support part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the support part of FIG. 3, seen from the thickness direction of the flat plate part. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a support part according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a support part according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the support part of FIG. 6, seen from the thickness direction of the flat plate part. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a support part according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a support part according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the support part of FIG. 10, seen from the thickness direction of the flat plate part. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a main part of a spider provided in a speaker unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a main part of a spider provided in a speaker unit according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 1, a speaker unit 1 of the first embodiment includes a frame 2, a diaphragm 3, a vibration unit 4, a magnetic path forming unit 5, and a support component 6.

[0011] The diaphragm 3 is formed in a cone shape with an opening 11 in the center, and is disposed inside the frame 2. The outer edge of the diaphragm 3 is attached to the frame 2 via an annular edge 7. The inner edge of the diaphragm 3 is fixed to the vibration unit 4, which will be described later. The opening 11 of the diaphragm 3 is covered by a dome-shaped cap 8. Note that the speaker unit 1 does not necessarily have to include the edge 7 or the cap 8. Furthermore, the shape of the diaphragm 3 constituting the speaker unit 1 is not limited to the shapes described above. The shape of the diaphragm 3 may be, for example, a cone shape or a dome shape without an opening in the center, or a shape that combines a cone and a dome.

[0012] The vibration unit 4 is arranged to vibrate in a linear direction (Z-axis direction) relative to the frame 2. The "linear direction" corresponds to the up-and-down direction in FIG. 1 . The vibration unit 4 has a cylindrical bobbin 12 and a voice coil 13 wound around the bobbin 12. The axial directions of the bobbin 12 and voice coil 13 face in the "linear direction." The inner edge of the diaphragm 3 mentioned above is fixed to the bobbin 12 of the vibration unit 4 by adhesive or the like. The magnetic path forming unit 5 includes a magnet 14 and forms a magnetic field between the inside and outside of the voice coil 13.

[0013] The support part 6 connects the frame 2 and the vibration part 4 to support the vibration part 4. The support part 6 extends from the bobbin 12 to the frame 2. A plurality of support parts 6 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the bobbin 12.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support parts 6 of this embodiment, together with an annular outer ring 21 and inner ring 22, constitute a spider 20. The outer ring 21 is fixed to the frame 2 by adhesive or the like. The inner ring 22 is fixed to the bobbin 12 of the vibration unit 4 by adhesive or the like. The support parts 6 extend from the outer ring 21 to the inner ring 22. In Figure 2, the support parts 6 extend linearly in the radial direction of the outer ring 21 and the inner ring 22. In Figure 2, three support parts 6 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer ring 21 and the inner ring 22, but the number of support parts 6 is not limited to this.

[0015] The support part 6 allows the vibration of the excitation part 4 in the linear direction (Z-axis direction), while suppressing the occurrence of vibration of the excitation part 4 about an axis extending in the linear direction (yaw) and about axes extending in a direction perpendicular to the linear direction (roll and pitch). As a result, the support part 6 suppresses the occurrence of problems such as abnormal noise caused by the voice coil 13 hitting the magnetic path forming part 5 or wire breakage of the voice coil 13 due to inability to center the voice coil 13. The configuration of the support part 6 that performs this function will be described later.

[0016] 1, the fixing portion between the inner edge of the diaphragm 3 and the bobbin 12 of the vibrating unit 4 and the fixing portion between the inner ring 22 of the spider 20 and the bobbin 12 of the vibrating unit 4 are spaced apart, but they may be aligned, for example. In other words, the diaphragm 3, the vibrating unit 4 (bobbin 12), and the spider 20 (inner ring 22) may be fixed at the same location.

[0017] In this speaker unit 1, when a current is passed through the voice coil 13, the vibration unit 4 vibrates in a linear direction (Z-axis direction) relative to the frame 2. The vibration of the vibration unit 4 causes the diaphragm 3 to vibrate, thereby emitting sound waves.

[0018] Next, the support component 6 of the first embodiment will be described mainly with reference to Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figure 3, the support component 6 includes a plurality of flat plate portions 30, a plurality of first peripheral connecting portions 31, and a plurality of second peripheral connecting portions 32.

[0019] The flat plate portions 30 are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the flat plate portions 30 have the same shape, thickness, and size when viewed in the thickness direction. In Figures 3 and 4, the planar shape of the flat plate portions 30 when viewed in the thickness direction is square. Note that the planar shape of the flat plate portions 30 is not limited to a square, and may be any shape, such as a polygonal shape such as a triangle, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first peripheral connecting portion 31 connects two adjacent flat plate portions 30 in the thickness direction in a first range R1 in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portions 30 at the periphery of the flat plate portions 30 as viewed in the thickness direction of the flat plate portions 30. The second peripheral connecting portion 32 connects two adjacent flat plate portions 30 in the thickness direction in a second range R2 in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portions 30 at the periphery of the flat plate portions 30 as viewed in the thickness direction of the flat plate portions 30. The first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 each have a predetermined length (width dimension) in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the flat plate portions 30 as viewed in the thickness direction (hereinafter referred to as the width direction W). The first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are arranged alternately in the thickness direction of the flat plate portions 30.

[0021] The length of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30 (i.e., the length of the first range R1) and the length of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 (i.e., the length of the second range R2) are each shorter than the entire periphery of the flat plate portion 30. The first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are aligned so as to be continuous in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30. In other words, there is no gap between the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are aligned continuously in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30 without overlapping in the plate thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30. Therefore, the circumferential ends of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are connected without any gaps. In this embodiment, the circumferential ends of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are connected over the entire width direction W of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32. In other words, the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are circumferentially continuous over the entire width direction W. In the following description, the portion where the end of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the end of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30 is referred to as a connection portion 35. Two connection portions 35 exist in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 have the same length in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30. That is, the circumferential lengths of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are each half the total length of the periphery of the flat plate portion 30. Specifically, the first peripheral connecting portion 31 is provided on the periphery corresponding to two of the four sides of the square flat plate portion 30 that are aligned in the circumferential direction. The second peripheral connecting portion 32 is provided on the periphery corresponding to two other of the four sides of the square flat plate portion 30 that are different from the first peripheral connecting portion 31.

[0024] In the support component 6 configured as described above, the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are aligned so as to be continuous in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30. Therefore, at two connection portions 35 of the support component 6 where the end of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the end of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are connected in the circumferential direction, they are unlikely to expand or contract in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30, and are also unlikely to twist around the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30 as an axis.

[0025] Furthermore, in the support component 6, in a portion corresponding to the connection portion 35 in the circumferential direction, adjacent flat plate portions 30 in the plate thickness direction are connected by first peripheral connecting portions 31 and second peripheral connecting portions 32 that extend linearly in the plate thickness direction. In other words, in the portion corresponding to the connection portion 35, the first peripheral connecting portions 31 and the second peripheral connecting portions 32 are alternately interposed between adjacent flat plate portions 30 in the plate thickness direction. As a result, the portion of the support component 6 corresponding to the connection portion 35 in the circumferential direction extends linearly. Therefore, the portion of the support component 6 corresponding to the connection portion 35 hardly expands or contracts at all in the plate thickness direction of the flat plate portions 30.

[0026] Meanwhile, the intermediate portion 311 of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the intermediate portion 321 of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30 do not overlap in the plate thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30. Here, the intermediate portion 311 of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 is a portion that includes the middle between both ends of the first peripheral connecting portion 31, which becomes the connection portion 35, and is located away from both ends (connection portion 35) of the first peripheral connecting portion 31. Similarly, the intermediate portion 321 of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 is a portion that includes the middle between both ends of the second peripheral connecting portion 32, which becomes the connection portion 35, and is located away from both ends (connection portion 35) of the second peripheral connecting portion 32. Because the intermediate portion 311 of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the intermediate portion 321 of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 do not overlap in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30, the distance between adjacent flat plate portions 30 can be freely changed in the portions of the flat plate portion 30 where the intermediate portions 311, 321 of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are located. As a result, the portion of the support component 6 where the intermediate portion 311 of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 is located and the portion where the intermediate portion 321 of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 is located in the circumferential direction can each easily expand and contract in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30.

[0027] From the above, the support part 6 is easily bent in the direction VD1, VD2 (hereinafter referred to as the one direction VD1, VD2) where the part of the support part 6 where the intermediate part 311 of the first peripheral connecting part 31 is located in the circumferential direction or where the part of the support part 6 where the intermediate part 311 of the first peripheral connecting part 31 is located in the circumferential direction is on the inside of the bend, but is difficult to bend in other directions. Furthermore, the support part 6 is difficult to twist in the torsional direction around the plate thickness direction of the flat plate part 30 as an axis.

[0028] Next, a specific arrangement of the support component 6 in the speaker unit 1 of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the support component 6 connecting the outer ring 21 (frame 2) and the inner ring 22 (vibration unit 4), a plurality of flat plate portions 30 are aligned in a direction from the outer ring 21 to the inner ring 22. Furthermore, two connection portions 35 where the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 of the support component 6 are connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30 are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the "linear direction" (Z-axis direction) when viewed from the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30, i.e., aligned in the circumferential direction of the outer ring 21 and the inner ring 22.

[0029] Therefore, the direction in which the support part 6 is likely to bend (directions VD1 and VD2) corresponds to the linear direction in which the excitation part 4 vibrates. As a result, the support part 6 bends in the directions VD1 and VD2 in accordance with the linear vibration of the excitation part 4. In other words, the support part 6 actively bends in the directions VD1 and VD2 corresponding to the axial direction of the voice coil 13 of the excitation part 4. Therefore, the support part 6 can support the excitation part 4 while allowing the excitation part 4 to vibrate in the linear direction.

[0030] Furthermore, the support part 6 is difficult to bend or twist in directions other than the directions VD1 and VD2. For example, the support part 6 is difficult to bend or twist in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the voice coil 13 of the vibration unit 4. This effectively prevents the vibration unit 4 from vibrating about an axis extending in a linear direction or about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the linear direction relative to the frame 2. In other words, the generation of yaw, roll, and pitch vibrations of the vibration unit 4 can be suppressed. This prevents problems such as abnormal noise caused by the voice coil 13 of the vibration unit 4 hitting the magnetic path forming part 5 or wire breakage due to inability to center the voice coil 13 of the vibration unit 4.

[0031] The support parts 6 applied to the speaker unit 1 may be made of, for example, a material with a large viscous loss. In this case, the vibrations of the vibrating part 4 can be efficiently damped by the support parts 6.

[0032] As described above, according to the support component 6 of the first embodiment, the first peripheral connecting portions 31 and the second peripheral connecting portions 32 that are alternately arranged in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30 are arranged continuously in the circumferential direction. This makes it possible to obtain a support component 6 that is easily bent in one direction VD1, VD2 and difficult to bend in the other direction, and that is also difficult to twist.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the support component 6 of the first embodiment, the circumferential lengths of the first and second peripheral connecting portions 31, 32 are equal, which allows the support component 6 to be bent evenly in both directions VD1, VD2. Furthermore, the circumferential end of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the circumferential end of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 do not overlap in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30, which ensures a large bending stroke in the directions VD1, VD2.

[0034] Furthermore, the speaker unit 1 of the first embodiment can suppress the occurrence of yaw, roll, and pitch vibrations of the vibration unit 4. This makes it possible to suppress unintended sounds from being output from the speaker unit 1.

[0035] In the support component 6 of the first embodiment, the shape of the flat plate portion 30 in a plan view may be, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a semicircular shape, etc. When the shape of the flat plate portion 30 in a plan view is a circular shape or a semicircular shape, the anisotropy is less than that of a polygonal shape, and therefore stress concentration is less likely to occur in the support component 6.

[0036] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the following description, components common to those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5 , the support component 6B of the second embodiment further includes a filler portion 33 in addition to the flat plate portions 30, the first peripheral connecting portions 31, and the second peripheral connecting portions 32 similar to those of the first embodiment. The filler portion 33 is provided to fill the gap between two adjacent flat plate portions 30 in the plate thickness direction. The filler portion 33 has a different elasticity and / or viscosity from the flat plate portions 30 and the first and second peripheral connecting portions 31, 32. The filler portion 33 may have, for example, a lower elastic modulus or a larger viscous loss than the flat plate portions 30 and the first and second peripheral connecting portions 31, 32. The support component 6B of the second embodiment is applicable to the speaker unit 1 exemplified in the first embodiment.

[0038] The support component 6B of the second embodiment provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the support component 6B of the second embodiment includes the filling portion 33 that fills the gap between the two flat plate portions 30. This allows for fine adjustments such as improving the bending rigidity of the support component 6B or accelerating vibration damping, compared to a support component not including the filling portion 33.

[0039] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the following description, components common to those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0040] 6 and 7 , the support component 6C of the third embodiment includes a plurality of flat plate portions 30, a plurality of first peripheral connecting portions 31, and a plurality of second peripheral connecting portions 32, similar to the support component 6 of the first embodiment. In the support component 6C of the third embodiment, a through hole 301 penetrating through the flat plate portions 30 in the plate thickness direction is formed in each of the flat plate portions 30. The through hole 301 in each flat plate portion 30 is formed in the center of the flat plate portion 30 when viewed from the plate thickness direction. The through holes 301 formed in the plurality of flat plate portions 30 are aligned in the plate thickness direction. In other words, the support component 6C is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0041] Further, each of the flat plate portions 30 has a notch 302 formed therein, which opens the through hole 301 to the periphery of the flat plate portion 30. The notch 302 is located on the periphery of the flat plate portion 30, avoiding two connection portions 35 connecting the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32, as viewed in the plate thickness direction. In the third embodiment, the notch 302 is located on the periphery of the flat plate portion 30 at a position corresponding to the circumferential intermediate portions 311, 321 of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32. Therefore, the direction in which the notch 302 extends from the through hole 301 to the periphery of the flat plate portion 30 is perpendicular to the direction in which the two connection portions 35 are arranged, as viewed in the plate thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30.

[0042] In the third embodiment, the direction in which the notches 302 extend from the through holes 301 to the periphery of the flat plate portion 30 differs between two adjacent flat plate portions 30. The direction in which the notches 302 extend in the multiple flat plate portions 30 will be specifically described below. The multiple flat plate portions 30 include multiple first flat plate portions 30I and multiple second flat plate portions 30J that are alternately arranged in the plate thickness direction. In the multiple first flat plate portions 30I, the notches 302 extend in the same direction from the through holes 301 to the periphery of the flat plate portion 30. In the multiple second flat plate portions 30J, the notches 302 extend in the same direction from the through holes 301 to the periphery of the flat plate portion 30. In the first flat plate portion 30I and the second flat plate portion 30J, the notches 302 extend in opposite directions from the through holes 301 to the periphery of the flat plate portion 30. Specifically, the notch 302 formed in the first flat plate portion 30I is located at a portion of the periphery of the flat plate portion 30 from the through hole 301 that corresponds to the intermediate portion 311 of the first peripheral connecting portion 31. On the other hand, the notch 302 formed in the second flat plate portion 30J is located at a portion of the periphery of the flat plate portion 30 that corresponds to the intermediate portion 321 in the circumferential direction of the second peripheral connecting portion 32.

[0043] The support part 6C of the third embodiment is applicable to the speaker unit 1 exemplified in the first embodiment. In this case, electrical wiring that is drawn out from the voice coil 13 and that passes current through the voice coil 13 can be passed through the through-holes 301 of the multiple flat plate portions 30 of the support part 6C. This allows the electrical wiring for the voice coil 13 to be drawn out from the voice coil 13 without passing through the diaphragm 3, even if the diaphragm 3, the vibration unit 4, and the spider 20 (inner ring 22) are fixed at the same location by adhesive or the like.

[0044] The support part 6C of the third embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the support part 6C of the third embodiment, through holes 301 are formed in the flat plate parts 30, each of which penetrates in the plate thickness direction. By inserting cables such as electrical wiring for the voice coil 13 through the through holes 301 in the flat plate parts 30, the cables can be supported by the support part 6C.

[0045] Furthermore, in the support component 6C of the third embodiment, notches 302 are formed in the flat plate portions 30, which open the through holes 301 to the periphery of the flat plate portions 30. This makes it possible to manufacture the support component 6C, in which a plurality of flat plate portions 30 have through holes 301, by molding.

[0046] Furthermore, in the support part 6C of the third embodiment, the notches 302 formed in the flat plate part 30 are positioned to avoid the connection part 35 between the first peripheral edge connecting part 31 and the second peripheral edge connecting part 32 when viewed in the thickness direction of the flat plate part 30. As a result, even if the notches 302 are formed in the flat plate part 30, it is possible to prevent the characteristics of the support part 6C that make it easy to bend in one direction VD1, VD2 and difficult to bend in other directions, and the characteristics that make it difficult to twist, from being impaired.

[0047] Furthermore, in the support part 6C of the third embodiment, the extending direction of the notches 302 extending from the through holes 301 to the periphery of the flat plate portions 30 differs between two adjacent flat plate portions 30 in the thickness direction of the flat plate portions 30. This makes it possible to maintain the cables inserted through the through holes 301 of the plurality of flat plate portions 30. In other words, it is possible to prevent the cables inserted through the through holes 301 of the plurality of flat plate portions 30 from falling out of the support part 6C through the notches 302.

[0048] In the support part 6C of the third embodiment, the direction in which the notch 302 extends from the through hole 301 to the periphery of the flat plate portion 30 may be the same, for example, between two adjacent flat plate portions 30 (first flat plate portion 30I, second flat plate portion 30J), that is, it may be the same between the multiple flat plate portions 30 that constitute the support part 6C.

[0049] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the following description, components common to those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 8 , the support component 6D of the fourth embodiment includes, similarly to the support component 6 of the first embodiment, a plurality of flat plate portions 30, a plurality of first peripheral connecting portions 31, and a plurality of second peripheral connecting portions 32. The planar shapes of the flat plate portions 30 as viewed from the plate thickness direction are the same among the plurality of flat plate portions 30. In Fig. 8 , the planar shapes of the plurality of flat plate portions 30 are all square.

[0051] However, in the support component 6D of the fourth embodiment, the size of each flat plate portion 30 as viewed in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30 differs between two adjacent flat plate portions 30. Furthermore, the size of each of the flat plate portions 30 as viewed in the thickness direction gradually increases from one side of the flat plate portion 30 to the other side in the thickness direction. In FIG. 8 , "one side" refers to the left side, and "the other side" refers to the right side. Therefore, the support component 6D is formed in a pyramidal shape, in which the cross section of the support component 6D perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30) gradually increases from one side to the other. In the fourth embodiment, the planar shape of the flat plate portion 30 is square, so the support component 6D is formed in a quadrangular pyramidal shape.

[0052] The support part 6D of the fourth embodiment is applicable to the speaker unit 1 exemplified in the first embodiment. The support part 6D shown in Fig. 8 may be attached to the speaker unit 1, for example, as follows: An end portion on one side (left side in Fig. 8) of the support part 6D, where the flat plate portion 30 is smaller when viewed in the plate thickness direction, is connected to the outer ring 21. Furthermore, an end portion on the other side (right side in Fig. 8) of the support part 6D, where the flat plate portion 30 is larger, is connected to the inner ring 22.

[0053] The support component 6D of the fourth embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the support component 6D of the fourth embodiment, the size of each flat plate portion 30, as viewed in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30, differs between two adjacent flat plate portions 30. Furthermore, the size of each of the multiple flat plate portions 30, as viewed in the thickness direction, gradually increases from one side of the flat plate portion 30 to the other side in the thickness direction. This improves the strength of the support component 6D against bending in other directions. In other words, it improves the resistance of the support component 6D to bending in other directions.

[0054] In the fourth embodiment, the support component 6D is not limited to being formed in a cone shape, and for example, a portion of the support component 6D in the longitudinal direction thereof may be formed to be larger (thicker) than the other portions of the support component 6D. Even with such a configuration, the strength of the support component 6D against bending in other directions can be improved.

[0055] A structure that aims to improve the strength of the support part 6D against bending in other directions may be, for example, a structure in which the thickness of some of the flat plate parts 30 among the multiple flat plate parts 30 that make up the support part 6D is made thicker than the thickness of the other flat plate parts 30, or a structure in which the planar view shape of the flat plate parts 30 as viewed from the plate thickness direction is made different between two adjacent flat plate parts 30.

[0056] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In the following description, components common to those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 9, the support component 6E of the fifth embodiment includes a plurality of flat plate portions 30, a plurality of first peripheral connecting portions 31, and a plurality of second peripheral connecting portions 32, similar to the support component 6 of the first embodiment. In the support component 6E of the fifth embodiment, adjacent flat plate portions 30 in the thickness direction are connected by the first peripheral connecting portions 31 and the second peripheral connecting portions 32, which meander or curve between the adjacent flat plate portions 30, in a portion of the support component 6E corresponding to the connecting portion 35 in the circumferential direction. In other words, the portion of the support component 6E corresponding to the connecting portion 35 meanders in the thickness direction. The first peripheral connecting portions 31 and the second peripheral connecting portions 32 are elastically deformable.

[0058] Specifically, in the support component 6E of the fifth embodiment, the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are each curved in a U-shape when viewed from the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30. Both ends of the U-shaped first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are connected to the adjacent flat plate portion 30. Note that the shape of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 when viewed from the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion 30 is not limited to a U-shape and may be any shape that is elastically deformable, such as a V-shape or a rectangular shape. In the support component illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are located outside the periphery of the flat plate portion 30 when viewed from the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30. However, they may be located inside the periphery of the flat plate portion 30, as in the first embodiment, for example.

[0059] 9 and 10 , in the support component 6E of the fifth embodiment, the circumferential ends of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are connected only partially in the width direction W of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32. That is, the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are circumferentially continuous only partially in the width direction W. In FIGS. 9 and 10 , the connection portion 35 between the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 is the portion where the edge of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the edge of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 located on the inner side (center side) of the flat plate portion 30 in the width direction W are connected, as viewed in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30.

[0060] The support component 6E of the fifth embodiment has the same characteristics as the support component 6 of the first embodiment. That is, the support component 6E has the characteristics of being easily bent in one direction VD1, VD2 (see FIG. 3 , etc.) and being difficult to bend in other directions, and being difficult to twist. Furthermore, the connection portion 35 of the support component 6E, where the end of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the end of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are connected in the circumferential direction, is less likely to expand and contract in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30 than the portion of the support component 6E where the intermediate portion 311 of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 is located and the portion of the support component 6E where the intermediate portion 321 of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 is located in the circumferential direction.

[0061] Furthermore, in the support component 6E of the fifth embodiment, the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are serpentine or curved between adjacent flat plate portions 30 at the portions of the support component 6E corresponding to the connecting portions 35. The first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32 are capable of elastic flexural deformation. Therefore, the connecting portions 35 of the support component 6E are slightly more likely to expand and contract in the thickness direction of the flat plate portions 30 than the support component 6 of the first embodiment. This makes the support component 6E slightly more likely to bend and twist in other directions (directions other than the directions VD1 and VD2) than the support component 6 of the first embodiment. The support component 6E of the fifth embodiment configured as described above can be applied to the speaker unit 1 illustrated in the first embodiment.

[0062] The support component 6E of the fifth embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, compared to the support component 6 of the first embodiment, the support component 6E of the fifth embodiment is slightly more flexible in other directions (directions other than the directions VD1 and VD2) and slightly more flexible in twisting. Therefore, when the support component 6E of the fifth embodiment is applied to the spider 20 of the speaker unit 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the support component 6E can support the excitation component 4 so as to allow minimal yaw, roll, and pitch vibrations of the excitation component 4. This can suppress stress concentration in localized portions of the spider 20. The localized portion of the spider 20 may be, for example, a connection portion between the support component 6E and the outer ring 21 or the inner ring 22.

[0063] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In the following description, components common to those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0064] 11 , the speaker unit of the sixth embodiment, like the first embodiment, includes a spider 20F including an outer ring 21, an inner ring 22, and a support component 6. The spider 20F illustrated in FIG. 11 is not limited to the support component 6 of the first embodiment, and the support components 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E of the second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments may also be applied.

[0065] The spider 20F of the sixth embodiment further includes a telescopic body 9. In FIG. 11 , the telescopic body 9 is disposed between the support component 6 and the inner ring 22 (vibration unit 4). The telescopic body 9 may be disposed, for example, between the support component 6 and the outer ring 21 (frame 2). The telescopic body 9 may also be disposed, for example, in a mid-portion of the support component 6 in the longitudinal direction of the support component 6 (thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30). When the telescopic body 9 is disposed in a mid-portion of the support component 6, the support component 6 may be divided and disposed on both sides of the telescopic body 9.

[0066] The expandable body 9 is configured to expand and contract in the longitudinal direction of the support component 6 (the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30). The expandable body 9 may, for example, expand and contract elastically. In this case, it is more preferable that the elastic modulus of the expandable body 9 is low. This is because if the elastic modulus of the expandable body 9 is high, there is a high possibility that the elastic force of the expandable body 9 will interfere with the movement (vibration) of the vibrating unit 4 when the expandable body 9 expands and contracts elastically. The expandable body 9 may be, for example, an elastic body such as rubber, or may be a straight or curved rod-like member that can be flexibly deformed. Furthermore, the expandable body 9 may be, for example, a bellows-like tubular member that can expand and contract in the axial direction.

[0067] The speaker unit of the sixth embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the speaker unit of the sixth embodiment has an expandable body 9 provided between the support part 6 and the frame 2 (outer ring 21) or the vibration part 4 (inner ring 22), or in the middle of the support part 6, thereby preventing the vibration of the vibration part 4 in the linear direction (Z-axis direction) from being impeded. This point will be explained below.

[0068] The support part 6 that supports the vibration unit 4 has the characteristic that it bends easily in a bending direction corresponding to the linear direction in which the vibration unit 4 vibrates, but does not easily expand or contract in the thickness direction of the flat plate part 30 (the longitudinal direction of the support part 6). For this reason, the support part 6 may obstruct the linear vibration of the vibration unit 4. In contrast, in the speaker unit of the sixth embodiment, an expandable body 9 is provided between the support part 6 and the frame 2 or the vibration unit 4, or in a middle part of the support part 6. As a result, the expandable body 9 expands or contracts in the thickness direction of the flat plate part 30 in accordance with the linear vibration of the vibration unit 4, thereby preventing the linear vibration of the vibration unit 4 from being obstructed.

[0069] Seventh Embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In the following description, components common to those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 12, the speaker unit of the seventh embodiment, like the first embodiment, includes a spider 20G including an outer ring 21, an inner ring 22, and a support part 6. The spider 20G illustrated in Fig. 12 is not limited to the support part 6 of the first embodiment, and the support parts 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E of the second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments may also be applied.

[0071] The spider 20G of the seventh embodiment further includes a rigid body 10. In FIG. 11 , the rigid body 10 is disposed between the support part 6 and the inner ring 22 (vibration unit 4). The rigid body 10 may be disposed, for example, between the support part 6 and the outer ring 21 (frame 2). The rigid body 10 may also be disposed, for example, in a mid-portion of the support part 6 in the longitudinal direction of the support part 6 (thickness direction of the flat plate part 30). When the rigid body 10 is disposed in a mid-portion of the support part 6, the support part 6 may be disposed separately on both sides of the rigid body 10.

[0072] The rigid body 10 is configured so as not to deform in the longitudinal direction of the support component 6 (the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30). Parts of the support component 6 undergo minimal deformation in response to vibrations of the speaker unit 1. Using these parts as rigid bodies 10 does not affect the overall movement of the support component 6, allowing the support component 6 to be made lighter while maintaining its effect of damping the vibrations of the vibrating portion 4. Furthermore, by using specific parts of the support component 6 as rigid bodies 10, vibrations of specific vibration modes can be suppressed. For example, the second-order vibration mode of the support component 6 is most significantly deformed at the center of the support component 6, so using this part as a rigid body 10 can suppress vibrations of the second-order vibration mode. The speaker unit of the seventh embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. The rigid body 10 may be made of a material with high viscous loss, or may be made of the same material as the support component 6.

[0073] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0074] In the support component of the present invention, for example, the length of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the length of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 in the circumferential direction may be different from each other. When the length of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 in the circumferential direction is longer than the length of the second peripheral connecting portion 32, the stroke that can be used to bend the support component so that the portion of the support component provided with the first peripheral connecting portion 31 is on the inside of the bend becomes larger than the stroke required to bend the support component so that the portion of the support component provided with the second peripheral connecting portion 32 is on the inside of the bend. In other words, the magnitude of the bend differs when the support component is bent to one side in one direction (e.g., the direction indicated by VD1 in FIG. 3 ) and when the support component is bent to the other side (e.g., the direction indicated by VD2 in FIG. 3 ).

[0075] In the support component of the present invention, for example, the circumferential end of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the circumferential end of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 may overlap in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30. Note that the longer the overlap length between the end of the first peripheral connecting portion 31 and the end of the second peripheral connecting portion 32 in the circumferential direction, the smaller the bending stroke of the support component in one direction, i.e., the more difficult it is to bend the support component in one direction.

[0076] The support component of the present invention is not limited to extending linearly, but may be curved, for example.

[0077] In the speaker unit of the present invention, the support parts do not necessarily need to extend linearly in the radial direction of the outer ring 21 and the inner ring 22, but may, for example, extend in a direction inclined relative to the radial direction, or may extend in a tangential direction of the inner ring 22. Furthermore, the support parts connecting the outer ring 21 and the inner ring 22 do not necessarily need to be formed linearly, but may, for example, be curved in the circumferential direction of the outer ring 21 and the inner ring 22. In this case, the direction in which the support parts are curved may be the same for, for example, multiple support parts connecting the outer ring 21 and the inner ring 22.

[0078] In the speaker unit of the present invention, the support parts and the expandable body may be connected directly to the frame 2 and the vibration unit 4 without going through the outer ring 21 and the inner ring 22, for example.

[0079] In the present invention, for example, a support unit may be configured in which a plurality of support components are arranged in parallel. In the support unit, the two connecting portions 35 of the support components may be arranged in parallel to each other among the plurality of support components. In the speaker unit of the present invention, the frame 2 and the vibration unit 4 may be connected by such a support unit.

[0080] The support component of the present invention is not limited to being applied to speaker units, but may be applied to various devices and units.

[0081] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...speaker unit, 2...frame, 4...vibration section, 6, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E...supporting parts, 9...expandable body, 10...rigid body, 30...flat plate section, 31...first peripheral connecting section, 32...second peripheral connecting section, 33...filling section, R1...first area, R2...second area

Claims

1. A plurality of flat plate portions arranged at intervals in a plate thickness direction; A plurality of first peripheral connection portions that connect two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction in a first range in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion at the periphery of the flat plate portion as viewed from the plate thickness direction; A plurality of second peripheral connection portions that connect two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction in a second range in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion at the periphery of the flat plate portion as viewed from the plate thickness direction, a length of the first peripheral connection portion and a length of the second peripheral connection portion in the circumferential direction are each shorter than a total circumference of the periphery of the flat plate portion, The first peripheral connection portions and the second peripheral connection portions are alternately arranged in the plate thickness direction, When viewed from the plate thickness direction, the first peripheral connection portion and the second peripheral connection portion are aligned so as to be continuous in the circumferential direction, A support component having a filling portion arranged to fill the gap between two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction, the filling portion having an elasticity and / or viscosity different from that of the flat plate portions, the first peripheral connecting portion, and the second peripheral connecting portion.

2. The support component according to claim 1 , wherein each of the flat plate portions has a through hole formed therethrough in the plate thickness direction.

3. Each of the flat plate portions has a notch formed therein, the notch opening the through hole at a periphery of the flat plate portion, The support component according to claim 2 , wherein the notch is positioned on the periphery of the flat plate portion so as to avoid a portion where the first peripheral connecting portion and the second peripheral connecting portion are connected when viewed in the plate thickness direction.

4. A plurality of flat plate portions arranged at intervals in a plate thickness direction; A plurality of first peripheral connection portions that connect two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction in a first range in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion at the periphery of the flat plate portion as viewed from the plate thickness direction; A plurality of second peripheral connection portions that connect two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction in a second range in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion at the periphery of the flat plate portion as viewed from the plate thickness direction, a length of the first peripheral connection portion and a length of the second peripheral connection portion in the circumferential direction are each shorter than a total circumference of the periphery of the flat plate portion, The first peripheral connection portions and the second peripheral connection portions are alternately arranged in the plate thickness direction, When viewed from the plate thickness direction, the first peripheral connection portion and the second peripheral connection portion are aligned so as to be continuous in the circumferential direction, Each of the flat plate portions has a through hole formed therethrough in the plate thickness direction, Each of the flat plate portions has a notch formed therein, the notch opening the through hole at a periphery of the flat plate portion, The notch is a support component that is located on the periphery of the flat plate portion, avoiding the portion where the first peripheral connecting portion and the second peripheral connecting portion are connected when viewed from the plate thickness direction.

5. The support component according to claim 3 or 4, wherein directions in which the notches extend from the through holes to the periphery of the flat plate portions differ between two of the flat plate portions adjacent to each other in the plate thickness direction.

6. When viewed from the plate thickness direction, a direction of the first peripheral connection portion and the second peripheral connection portion perpendicular to the circumferential direction is defined as a width direction, The support component according to claim 1 , wherein an end of the first peripheral connecting portion and the second peripheral connecting portion are continuous in the circumferential direction over at least a portion of the width direction.

7. The circumferential length of the first peripheral connection portion and the second peripheral connection portion is half the total circumference of the periphery, A support component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when viewed from the plate thickness direction, the first peripheral connection portion and the second peripheral connection portion are aligned continuously in the circumferential direction without overlapping in the plate thickness direction.

8. The support component according to claim 1 , wherein the sizes of the flat plate portions as viewed in the plate thickness direction are different between two adjacent flat plate portions.

9. A plurality of flat plate portions arranged at intervals in a plate thickness direction; A plurality of first peripheral connection portions that connect two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction in a first range in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion at the periphery of the flat plate portion as viewed from the plate thickness direction; A plurality of second peripheral connection portions that connect two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction in a second range in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion at the periphery of the flat plate portion as viewed from the plate thickness direction, a length of the first peripheral connection portion and a length of the second peripheral connection portion in the circumferential direction are each shorter than a total circumference of the periphery of the flat plate portion, The first peripheral connection portions and the second peripheral connection portions are alternately arranged in the plate thickness direction, When viewed from the plate thickness direction, the first peripheral connection portion and the second peripheral connection portion are aligned so as to be continuous in the circumferential direction, A support component in which the sizes of the flat plate portions as viewed in the plate thickness direction are different between two adjacent flat plate portions.

10. The support component according to claim 9 , wherein the sizes of the flat plate portions as viewed in the plate thickness direction gradually increase from one side of the flat plate portions to the other side in the plate thickness direction.

11. a frame; a vibration unit provided to vibrate in a linear direction relative to the frame; and the support component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which supports the vibration unit by connecting the frame and the vibration unit; The flat plate portions are arranged in a direction from the frame toward the vibration portion, When viewed from the plate thickness direction, the two portions where the first peripheral connection portion and the second peripheral connection portion are connected to each other in the circumferential direction are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the linear direction.

12. A vibration device comprising: a frame; a vibration unit arranged to vibrate in a linear direction relative to the frame; and a support part connecting the frame and the vibration unit to support the vibration unit; The support part is A plurality of flat plate portions arranged at intervals in a plate thickness direction; A plurality of first peripheral connection portions that connect two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction in a first range in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion at the periphery of the flat plate portion as viewed from the plate thickness direction; A plurality of second peripheral connection portions that connect two adjacent flat plate portions in the plate thickness direction in a second range in the circumferential direction of the flat plate portion at the periphery of the flat plate portion as viewed from the plate thickness direction, a length of the first peripheral connection portion and a length of the second peripheral connection portion in the circumferential direction are each shorter than a total circumference of the periphery of the flat plate portion, The first peripheral connection portions and the second peripheral connection portions are alternately arranged in the plate thickness direction, When viewed from the plate thickness direction, the first peripheral connection portion and the second peripheral connection portion are aligned so as to be continuous in the circumferential direction, The flat plate portions are arranged in a direction from the frame toward the vibration portion, When viewed from the plate thickness direction, the two portions where the first peripheral connection portion and the second peripheral connection portion are connected to each other in the circumferential direction are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the linear direction.

13. The speaker unit according to claim 12, further comprising an expandable body arranged either between the frame and the support part, between the support part and the vibration part, or at a midpoint of the support part in the thickness direction, and configured to expand and contract in the thickness direction of the flat plate part.