Waterproof speaker

Abstract

This waterproof speaker comprises: a diaphragm that emits sound; a magnetic circuit that is for vibrating the diaphragm; a frame that supports the diaphragm and the magnetic circuit; an air-permeable damper that is supported by the frame and that is displaced in conjunction with vibration of the diaphragm; and an elastic waterproof film that is disposed between the diaphragm and the damper and that, together with the frame, covers a space accommodating the damper.

Description

Waterproof Speaker

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

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Documents 1-2, a waterproof speaker having waterproofness for a magnetic circuit is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a waterproof damper impregnated with a thermosetting resin.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-116,93 US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0206030

[0004] The damper described in Patent Document 1 has no air permeability. Therefore, even if the damper is simply applied to a speaker, the efficiency in the low frequency range of the speaker will decrease due to the influence of the air spring by the sealed space provided on the back side of the damper. As one of the countermeasures, it is conceivable to provide an acoustic space such as a chamber in the sealed space. However, providing such an acoustic space has a problem of causing the speaker to be enlarged and complicated.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a waterproof speaker that can enhance the efficiency in the low frequency range while achieving miniaturization and simplification.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a waterproof speaker according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure includes a diaphragm that emits sound, a magnetic circuit for vibrating the diaphragm, a frame that supports the diaphragm and the magnetic circuit, a breathable damper that is supported by the frame and is displaced in conjunction with the vibration of the diaphragm, and an elastic waterproof film that is disposed between the diaphragm and the damper and covers the space for accommodating the damper together with the frame.

[0007] Cross-sectional view of a waterproof speaker according to the first embodiment. Cross-sectional view of a waterproof speaker according to the second embodiment. Cross-sectional view of a waterproof speaker according to the third embodiment. Cross-sectional view of a waterproof speaker according to the fourth embodiment. Cross-sectional view of a waterproof speaker according to the fifth embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] The first part P1 is part of the frame 40 and supports the diaphragm 10. In the example shown in Figure 1, the first part P1 generally has a shape that follows the side surface of a frustum of a cone that expands in the X1 direction with the axis AX as the center. A flange 41 is provided at the end of the first part P1 in the X1 direction, projecting radially outward. The flange 41 is fixed to an object to be mounted (not shown) by screws or the like. An edge 60 is joined to the portion of the first part P1 near the flange 41 by adhesive or the like. In addition, the first part P1 is provided with a plurality of holes (not shown) spaced apart in the circumferential direction. As a result, the space S1 located in the X2 direction relative to the diaphragm 10 inside the first part P1 communicates with the space S0 outside the first part P1 through the plurality of holes. Therefore, the influence of the air spring in space S1 on the diaphragm 10 can be reduced. The second part P2 is connected to the end of the first part P1 in the X2 direction.

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

[0021] The magnetic circuit 30 is attached to the surface of the bottom plate 44 of the frame 40 facing the X2 direction by adhesive or screws. Here, the magnetic circuit 30 is positioned on the outside of the frame 40, and a waterproof coating 90 is applied to the outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30. This makes it possible to simplify and miniaturize the frame 40 while achieving waterproofing of the outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the waterproof coating 90 is applied to the entire outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30 and a portion of the frame 40. The application area of ​​the waterproof coating 90 is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as it ensures the necessary waterproofing for the magnetic circuit 30. Furthermore, the type of waterproof coating 90 is not particularly limited, and various types of waterproof coatings can be used.

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

[0024] The shape of the frame 40 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1, but is arbitrary. For example, the inner diameters of the openings OP1 and OP2 may be equal to the inner diameter of the side wall 42. Also, although the frame 40 is made up of a single member in the example shown in Figure 1, it is not limited to this, and the frame 40 may be made up of multiple members joined to each other by adhesive or the like. For example, the member making up the first part P1 and the member making up the second part P2 may be joined to each other by adhesive or the like.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0041] Note that the shape of the case 100 only needs to be able to achieve waterproofing against the outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30 and is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, an opening may be provided in the bottom plate 103, or the bottom plate 103 may be omitted. In this case, a waterproof coating may be applied to the outer surface of the magnetic circuit 30 as necessary. Also, the side wall 101 or the bottom plate 103 may be arranged with a gap from the magnetic circuit 30. Furthermore, the case 100 may be composed of a plurality of members joined to each other by adhesion or the like. Also, the case 100 may be integral with or separate from the frame 40.

[0042] Also according to the above second embodiment, while miniaturizing and simplifying the waterproof speaker 1A, the efficiency in the low frequency range of the waterproof speaker 1A can be increased.

[0043] 3. Third Embodiment Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. For elements whose actions and functions are the same as those in the first embodiment in the forms exemplified below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment are reused and the detailed description of each is appropriately omitted.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof speaker 1B according to the third embodiment. The waterproof speaker 1B is configured in the same manner as the waterproof speaker 1A of the second embodiment, except that a waterproof film 70B and an interlocking member 110 are provided instead of the waterproof film 70.

[0045] The interlocking member 110 is an annular member fixed to the voice coil 20 and is displaced in conjunction with the vibration of the diaphragm 10. The inner peripheral edge of the interlocking member 110 is joined to the voice coil 20 by an adhesive or the like. And the interlocking member 110 extends so as to approach the inner peripheral surface of the opening OP1 from the inside to the outside of the interlocking member 110. A waterproof film 70B is joined to the outer peripheral edge of the interlocking member 110 by an adhesive or the like.

[0046] The interlocking member 110 has waterproof properties. Examples of the constituent material of the interlocking member 110 include a resin composition containing resin or a rubber material. The interlocking member 110 is formed by injection molding or the like. Incidentally, the interlocking member 110 may be integrally molded with the waterproof film 70B by insert molding. Also, the interlocking member 110 may be made of a waterproof cloth such as Gore-Tex (registered trademark) like the interlocking member 110C of the fourth embodiment described later.

[0047] The waterproof film 70B is configured in the same manner as the waterproof film 70 of the first embodiment except that the inner diameters are different. Specifically, the waterproof film 70B is configured in the same manner as the waterproof film 70 of the first embodiment except that it has an inner portion 71B and a connecting portion 73B instead of the inner portion 71 and the connecting portion 73 of the first embodiment. The inner portion 71B is joined to the outer peripheral edge of the interlocking member 110 by an adhesive or the like. The connecting portion 73B connects the inner portion 71B and the outer portion 72 so as to allow vibration in the axial direction of the voice coil 20.

[0048] Thus, the waterproof film 70B is connected to the frame 40 and the interlocking member 110 so as to block the space between the frame 40 and the interlocking member 110. Thereby, an existing surround can be used as the waterproof film 70B. Also, by making the waterproof film 70B have the same structure as the edge 60 of the diaphragm 10, the efficiency of assembling the waterproof speaker 1B can be improved.

[0049] Also with the above-described third embodiment, while miniaturizing and simplifying the waterproof speaker 1B, the efficiency in the low frequency range of the waterproof speaker 1B can be increased.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

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

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

3. The waterproof speaker according to claim 1, further comprising a waterproof case supported by the frame and housing the magnetic circuit.

4. An air chamber is provided between the case and the outer surface of the magnetic circuit, which communicates with the space between the damper and the waterproof membrane, as described in claim 3.

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

6. The waterproof speaker according to claim 5, wherein the interlocking member is further breathable.

7. The waterproof speaker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a ventilation member provided to separate the inside and outside of the space housing the damper, and having breathability and waterproofing properties.

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

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