MINIATURE DEVICE HAVING AN ACOUSTIC DIAPHRAGM

• US 20170359657A1
• Filed: 06/14/2016
• Published: 12/14/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bose Corporation
• Original Assignee: Bose Corporation
• Inventors: Bushko, Wit, Landemaine, Thomas, Nath, Prateek
• Granted Patent: US 9,913,042 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2307/51 Elastic
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 38/18 Handling of layers or the laminate
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2307/025 Diaphragms comprising polymeric materials
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 31/003 for diaphragms or their outer suspension
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 7/06 comprising a plurality of sections or layers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 7/10 comprising superposed layers in contact
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 7/16 Mounting or tensioning of diaphragms or cones
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 7/18 at the periphery
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 9/06 Loudspeakers

Abstract

A method of forming a device having a compliant member includes creating a membrane having one or more elastomeric layers which are at least partially cured. Another elastomeric layer is provided on the membrane in an uncured state. At least one of a bobbin and a housing are positioned so that an end of the bobbin or housing, or the ends of both the bobbin and housing, extend at least partially into the uncured elastomeric layer. The uncured elastomeric layer is then cured to secure it to the membrane and to the housing or bobbin, or both the housing and bobbin. The method substantially reduces or eliminates the formation of holes that can form during fabrication or use of the device.

Claims

1. A method of forming a device having a compliant member, comprising:

creating a membrane having one or more elastomeric layers which are at least partially cured;

providing another elastomeric layer on the membrane, the another elastomeric layer being in an uncured state;

positioning one or more of a bobbin and a housing each having an end such that the end of the housing and/or bobbin extend at least partially into the another elastomeric layer; and

curing the another elastomeric layer such that the another elastomeric layer is secured to the membrane and to the housing and/or bobbin.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of the elastomeric layers comprises silicone.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein a thickness of the one or more elastomeric layers is greater than a thickness of the another elastomeric layer.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the housing is a tube having an opening at the end.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein positioning one or more of a bobbin and a housing further comprises positioning the bobbin inside the housing.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the housing is a tube.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more elastomeric layers and the another elastomeric layer comprises an elastomeric material and wherein the elastomeric material of at least one of the one or more elastomeric layers and the another elastomeric layer is different from the elastomeric material of another one of the one or more elastomeric layers and the another elastomeric layer.

8. A device comprising:

a compliant member having a planar shape, the compliant member comprising;

a first layer of an elastomeric material; and

a second layer of an elastomeric material disposed on the first layer; and

one or more of a bobbin and a housing having an end extending at least partially into the second layer, wherein the second layer adheres to the first layer and to a portion of the housing and/or bobbin at the end of the housing and/or bobbin.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the bobbin is located inside the housing so that an end of the bobbin extends at least partially into the second layer.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the housing is a tube having an opening at the end.

11. The device of claim 8 wherein the first layer and the second layer each have a thickness and wherein the thickness of the first layer is greater than a thickness of the second layer.

12. The device of claim 8 wherein the elastomeric material of the first layer is different from the elastomeric material of the second layer.

13. The device of claim 8 wherein the compliant member further comprises at least one intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the at least one intermediate layer comprises a layer formed of an elastomeric material that is more viscous than the elastomeric material of the first layer and the elastomeric material of the second layer.

15. The device of claim 8 wherein the elastomeric material of at least one of the first layer and the second layer is silicone.

16. The device of claim 8 wherein the second layer includes a meniscus formed at a surface of the bobbin or the housing.

17. A microspeaker device comprising:

an acoustic diaphragm having a substantially planar shape, the acoustic diaphragm comprising;

a first layer of an elastomeric material; and

a second layer of an elastomeric material disposed on the first layer;

a housing having an end extending at least partially into the second layer, wherein the second layer adheres to the first layer and to a portion of the housing at the end of the housing;

a bobbin having a surface and disposed in the housing, the bobbin having an end extending at least partially into the second layer, wherein the second layer adheres to a portion of the bobbin at the end of the bobbin; and

a coil wound on the surface of the bobbin.

18. The microspeaker device of claim 17 wherein the acoustic diaphragm further comprises at least one intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer.

19. The microspeaker device of claim 18 wherein the at least one intermediate layer is formed of a viscous elastomeric material.

20. The microspeaker device of claim 17 wherein the first layer has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the second layer.