Mounting Or Suspension Means Patents (Class 181/171)
  • Patent number: 9451345
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for configurations of a loudspeaker and assembly of the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker may include a frame; a voice coil; a magnetic structure having a magnetic gap; a surround; a spider; and a staggered circumferential spacer element. The staggered circumferential spacer element may include an upper tier attached to an outer rim of the surround; and a lower tier attached to an outer rim of the spider. The staggered circumferential spacer may be coupled to the frame such that the voice coil is suspended at least partially within the magnetic gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Burleson, Richard Little
  • Patent number: 9338532
    Abstract: Disclosed is a speaker having a suspension. The suspension includes a vibrating arm having at least a pair of layer structures and an insulating layer sandwiched between the two layer structures. Each layer structure has a foil signal transmission layer, a hardness reinforcement layer and a glue layer for connecting the foil signal transmission layer with the hardness reinforcement layer and a conductive portion for electrically connecting the foil signal transmission layers of each of layer structures. The suspension of the disclosure can prevent the signal layer from being broken. The suspension disclosed has at least two layer structures, which makes the signal transmitted in each layer structures at the same time, even if one of the layer structures is broken, the rest of the layer structures can still be working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignees: AAC Acoustic Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., AAC Microtech (Changzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: XuDong Yan
  • Patent number: 9271082
    Abstract: A ring-shaped surround for a loudspeaker is disclosed, in the form of a membrane formed in a shape that, when relaxed (i.e. when not being driven), has a cross sectional shape with a first portion extending in a radial direction for a first distance, a second portion extending in an axial direction for a second distance, and a third portion extending in a radial direction for a third distance, the first and second portions being connected by a first flexible join, and the second and third portions being connected by a second flexible join, the first join having a first radius of curvature that is shorter than at least one of said first and second distances, the second join having a second radius of curvature that is shorter than at least one of said second and third distances. Thus, the surround has a Z-shape, with a first radially extending portion, and a relatively sharp bend leading to an axially-extending portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: GP ACOUSTICS (UK) LIMITED
    Inventor: Jack Anthony Oclee-Brown
  • Patent number: 9161109
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a diaphragm, a magnetic circuit, and a frame. The frame includes an outer peripheral part supporting the diaphragm, a center part supporting the magnetic circuit, and a connection part connecting the center part to the outer peripheral part. The outer peripheral part molded with resin includes an inner wall, an outer wall facing the inner wall, and a reinforcing rib provided between the inner wall and the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Kagawa, Goro Tsuchiya, Koji Sano, Akihiro Yogo, Kenichi Ajiki, Mitsukazu Kuze
  • Patent number: 9148715
    Abstract: A speaker frame, including: a vibration support portion supporting a vibrating body of a speaker; a magnet support portion arranged inside of said vibration support portion and supporting magnetic circuit portion of said speaker; and a plurality of connection beams connecting said vibration support portion and said magnet support portion, wherein the vibration support portion and the magnet support portion have a circular ring shape having the same major axis length and minor axis length, said plurality of connection beams are arranged radially centering on a central axis from said magnet support portion to said vibration support portion, the central axis being parallel to a direction of an acoustic radiation, and a length of one of said connection beams and a length of another connection beams are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignees: PIONEER CORPORATION, TOHOKU PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shintaro Niidera, Satoshi Hachiya
  • Patent number: 9027700
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly structure of a diaphragm for a microspeaker. The present invention discloses a bonding structure of a diaphragm for a microspeaker, the boding structure comprising: a suspension including a central portion, an outer peripheral portion, and a connecting portion connecting the central portion and the outer peripheral portion; and a side diaphragm including an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion, which are attached to the central portion and outer peripheral portion of the suspension, respectively, and a dome portion, which projects between the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion, wherein the suspension and the side diaphragm are attached by thermal compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Em-Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Kim, Joong Hak Kwon, Jung Hyung Lee, Hyeon Taek Oh
  • Patent number: 8991548
    Abstract: A suspension element for mechanically coupling an acoustic diaphragm to a stationary element. The suspension element is characterized by a total compliance. The total compliance includes a shear compliance and a beam compliance. The beam compliance is not significantly larger than the shear compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Jason D. Silver
  • Patent number: 8995704
    Abstract: A micro-speaker includes a frame, a diaphragm mounted on the frame, a magnetic system received in the frame and defining a magnetic gap, a voice coil driving the diaphragm and suspended in the magnetic gap, and a suspension having a body portion and at least a pair of connecting portion extending from the body portion and mounted on the frame. The body portion of the suspension connects with the voice coil and far away from the diaphragm for cooperating with the diaphragm to fix the coil firmly, thereby ensuring the vibrating of the diaphragm is stable and balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: AAC Acoustic Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., AAC Technologies Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Xing-zhi Huang, Li-zhu Xi, Xiong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8989429
    Abstract: Electro-dynamic transducer including a main magnetic circuit defining an air gap, a moving part comprising a dome shaped diaphragm and a movable coil fixed thereto and diving into the air gap; a support to which the moving part is suspended; and a suspension linking the moving part and the support; wherein the suspension is floating with respect of the support, allowing a radial degree of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: PHL Audio
    Inventors: Yoann Flavignard, Philippe Lesage
  • Patent number: 8885868
    Abstract: A loudspeaker is disclosed, comprising a driven body and a suspension for providing a restoring force to the driven body, the suspension having a cup geometry wherein its attachment point on the fixed portion of the loudspeaker is displaced along the axis of motion relative to its attachment point on the driven body and comprising a first concentric region that is extendible to allow reciprocating axial movement of the driven body, a second concentric region which extends transversely from the first region toward one of the attachment points, and a circumferential member affixed to the suspension at a location between the first and second concentric regions, the circumferential member being relatively stiff compared to the material forming the first and second concentric regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: GP Acoustics (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Julia Davidson, Jack Anthony Oclee-Brown
  • Publication number: 20140318885
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly structure of a diaphragm for a microspeaker. The present invention discloses a bonding structure of a diaphragm for a microspeaker, the boding structure comprising: a suspension including a central portion, an outer peripheral portion, and a connecting portion connecting the central portion and the outer peripheral portion; and a side diaphragm including an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion, which are attached to the central portion and outer peripheral portion of the suspension, respectively, and a dome portion, which projects between the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion, wherein the suspension and the side diaphragm are attached by thermal compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Em-Tech. Co., LTd.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Kim, Joong Hak Kwon, Jung Hyung Lee, Hyeon Taek Oh
  • Patent number: 8867778
    Abstract: A loudspeaker has a short support post joined to the forward plate; upper end of the support post in association with the fixing post is joined to the middle part of the drum paper with the fixing post; the voice coil has the upper end thereof joined to the drum paper; when the voice coil drives the drum paper to vibrate and emit sound, the upper end of the short support post sways and generates a small offset because of the lower end of the support post being retained by the forward plate such that the voice coil moves axially in the magnetic clearance without deviation, and the voice coil is incapable of touching the yoke or the forward plate to produce noise; therefore, quality of sound output from the loudspeaker is enhanced effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: FirstChair Acoustics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Wen Yang
  • Patent number: 8813906
    Abstract: A damper speaker includes a fiber cloth woven by fibers, each of the fibers is formed by a single fiber strand or several fiber strands. The fiber strand includes a first fiber, which is one or a combination of cotton, polyester and aramid fiber. When the first fiber is the combination of cotton, polyester and aramid fiber, the weight ratio of any one to the fiber cloth is 0˜100%, and the weight ratio of the other two is adjusted. When the weight ratio of the first fiber to the fiber cloth is less than 100%, the fiber cloth includes a second fiber, which is one or a combination of rayon, silk, flax, acrylic, rubber and synthetic fiber. The speaker damper includes a layer of resin, which is absorbed by and combined with the fiber cloth. The fiber cloth is then cut into a predetermined shape through a molding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ohara
  • Patent number: 8794374
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound converter, and, more particularly, to a sound converter which can solve a problem in that a vibration space decreases in the sound converter requiring high outputs, as the overall height of a voice coil increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: EM-Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Kim, Kwan Ho Ko, Joong Hak Kwon
  • Patent number: 8767999
    Abstract: A slimline speaker comprises: a magnetic circuit having a magnet and yoke disposed to form a separating space in the horizontal direction; a bobbin on which a voice coil is mounted and of which the lower side is inserted in the separating space between the magnet and yoke; a base frame for mounting the magnetic circuit; a damper having an inside edge coupled to the bobbin and an outside edge coupled to the base frame; and a diaphragm having an inside edge coupled to a point lower down than the point where the damper is coupled on the bobbin, and an outside edge coupled to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Joung Youl Shin
  • Patent number: 8763238
    Abstract: A hearing aid (8) comprises an inlet port (6), a sound tube (12) for conveying sound to the ear piece (13). The invention further provides a component for a hearing aid comprising a slab (26) having an exterior surface, which is super-hydrophobic. The component may be any one of a housing, a casing, a shell, a faceplate, a grid, a hook, a lid, a battery drawer, a button, or a manipulator. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a component for a hearing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Widex A/S
    Inventors: Jorn Eiler Vestergaard, Jorgen Mejner Olsen, Leif Hojslet Christensen, Kenneth Brian Haugshoj, Martin Frohling Jensen, Kasper Vestentoft
  • Patent number: 8755558
    Abstract: A speaker capable of suppressing deterioration of acoustic efficiency while allowing miniaturization of the speaker includes a first unit and a second unit each of which outputs sound. The first unit includes a diaphragm which vibrates back and forth to radiate sound; and plural suspensions which support, at different positions, an outer periphery of the diaphragm. At least one of air passages for channeling sound from the second unit to the outside is provided between the plural suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Shuji Saiki
  • Patent number: 8724843
    Abstract: A casing for covering an outer yoke is provided; an acoustic cavity is formed by this casing; a diaphragm and the outer surface of a side wall of the outer yoke; a second elastic member is provided to join the outer circumferential edge of the casing to the outer circumferential edge of the diaphragm without any gap therebetween; this second elastic member includes pores formed by foaming and made of a material whose elastic modulus is smaller than that of a first elastic member; and pores communicating through from the back surface of the second elastic member, that is the inner side of the casing, to the front surface that is the opposite side of the back surface are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Inoue, Mutsuo Sekiya, Seiki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140079253
    Abstract: Disclosed is a speaker having a suspension. The suspension includes a vibrating arm having at least a pair of layer structures and an insulating layer sandwiched between the two layer structures. Each layer structure has a foil signal transmission layer, a hardness reinforcement layer and a glue layer for connecting the foil signal transmission layer with the hardness reinforcement layer and a conductive portion for electrically connecting the foil signal transmission layers of each of layer structures. The suspension of the disclosure can prevent the signal layer from being broken. The suspension disclosed has at least two layer structures, which makes the signal transmitted in each layer structures at the same time, even if one of the layer structures is broken, the rest of the layer structures can still be working.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicants: AAC MICROTECH (CHANGZHOU) CO., LTD.,, AAC ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGIES (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: XuDong Yan
  • Patent number: 8644545
    Abstract: A condenser microphone unit includes a diaphragm, a diaphragm ring, a fixed electrode, a casing unit accommodating the diaphragm ring, the diaphragm, and the fixed electrode. A condenser microphone includes the condenser microphone unit. The diaphragm ring is indirectly fixed to the interior of the unit casing through a fixing ring fixed to the unit casing. The fixing ring has a planar ring portion and a plurality of projections projecting from the internal periphery of the ring portion and provided in a circumferential direction. The plurality of projections urges the diaphragm ring toward the fixed electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Patent number: 8630440
    Abstract: A loudspeaker 2 comprises a dome 16 whose edge is stiffened by a carbon fiber ring 20. The dome 16 is shaped as a catenary or parabola.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Blast Loudspeakers Ltd.
    Inventor: Laurence Dickie
  • Publication number: 20130315435
    Abstract: A speaker edge includes a resin layer including a resin member and a fiber layer including a tangled fiber body. A melting temperature of the tangled fiber body is higher than a melting temperature of the resin member. The hardness of the tangled fiber body is lower than the hardness of the resin member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicants: TOHOKU PIONEER CORPORATION, PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masatoshi Sato, Nobuaki Takahashi, Masaru Nakagawa, Teruaki Kaiya, Junichi Sato
  • Patent number: 8594360
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a speaker with respect to a panel (1) is provided. The mounting structure includes a speaker (20), a pair of projecting latches (10, 11) flanking a predetermined mounting region of the panel (1), and a frame member (30) which is held in fixed engagement with the latches (10, 11) so as to press the speaker (20) onto the mounting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Haruyasu Nishiyama, Masao Honda
  • Publication number: 20130284537
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a top assembly, a bottom assembly, and a diaphragm assembly. The bottom assembly is coupled to the top assembly to form an overall assembly. The diaphragm assembly includes a ring and a diaphragm flexible member that is attached to the ring. The ring forms an opening and at least one strengthening member is disposed at least partially across the opening. The at least one strengthening member is configured to provide strength and maintain a predetermined compliance of the diaphragm flexible member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Janice LoPresti, Steven Roy Kearey, Felix Matthew Naylor, James Collins
  • Patent number: 8555483
    Abstract: A vibrating element manufacturing method by which adhesion is stabilized and yield is improved, a vibrating element, a vibrating actuator, a lens barrel and a camera system. A vibrating element manufacturing method is provided with a first step of arranging an elastic body on a holding member, a second step of forming an electromechanical transducing element by injection molding on the surface of the elastic body, and a third step of sintering the electromechanical transducing element by heating and bonding the elastic body with the electromechanical transducer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8540049
    Abstract: A suspension element for mechanically coupling an acoustic diaphragm to a stationary element. The suspension element is characterized by a total compliance. The total compliance includes a shear compliance and a beam compliance. The beam compliance is not significantly larger than the shear compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Jason D. Silver
  • Patent number: 8505190
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an inertial sensor. The method of manufacturing an inertial sensor 100 includes (A) applying a polymer 120 to a base substrate 110, (B) patterning the polymer 120 so as to form an opening part 125 in the polymer 120, (C) completing a cap 130 by forming a cavity 115 on the base substrate 110 exposed fro the opening part 125 through an etching process in a thickness direction, and (D) bonding the cap 130 to a device substrate 140 by using a polymer 120, whereby the polymer 120 is applied to the base substrate 110 in a constant thickness D3, such that the cap 130 may be easily bonded to the device substrate 140 by using the polymer 120.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Kee Lee, Tae Joon Park, Sang Kee Yoon, Hyung Jae Park, Yeong Gyu Lee, Heung Woo Park
  • Patent number: 8428298
    Abstract: A speaker has high sound quality by reducing resonance of curved parts in a speaker damper without decreasing sound pressure and by providing high linearity characteristic. In a damper for a speaker formed by including at least two curved parts, an elastic member is provided at least on one side or on both sides of a peripheral part in a movable part of the damper or provided in the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kimihiro Ando, Kazuyoshi Umemura
  • Patent number: 8397861
    Abstract: A surround for supporting a diaphragm used to create acoustic waves includes a plurality of first rib sections extending away from the diaphragm and a second rib section having a zigzag pattern and being secured to an end of each of the first rib sections. As the diaphragm starts moving away from a home position in an intended direction of travel which is substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the diaphragm lies when the diaphragm is in the home position, the zigzag pattern of the second rib section starts to straighten out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Zhen Xu, Robert Preston Parker, Allen T. Graff
  • Patent number: 8356399
    Abstract: A method of protecting a resonating sensor is described. The protected resonating sensor may include at least one passive ultrasonically excitable resonating sensor unit. Each sensor unit has one or more vibratable members having a resonating frequency that varies as a function of a physical variable in a measurement environment. The sensor is protected by forming one or more protective chambers defined between a compliant member and the vibratable member(s). A substantially non-compressible medium is disposed within the protective chamber(s). The compliant member has a first side that may be exposed to a measurement environment and a second side that may be exposed to the substantially non-compressible medium. The substantially non-compressible medium may be a liquid or gel and is in contact with the vibratable member(s). When the medium is a liquid, the chamber is sealed. When the medium is a gel, the chamber may be sealed or non-sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Microtech Medical Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Shay Kaplan
  • Patent number: 8311262
    Abstract: A ceiling mount bracket for a loudspeaker. The ceiling mount bracket includes a mounting plate; an assembly to orient the loudspeaker; an assembly to receive audio signals and to provide the audio signals to the speaker; and a wiring block to connect to signal transmission wires. The wiring block includes a first terminal designated for 70/100 volt operation; a second terminal designated for 8 ohm operation; an electrically conductive path from the first terminal to a first pin of the receptacle; and an electrically conductive path from the second terminal to a second pin for the receptacle. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a mounting position for a ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The mounting position includes a threaded hole to accommodate a corresponding threaded extension of the ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a cover enclosing more than 200 cubic centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Randy J. Kulchy, John W. Mazejka, Robert A. Warden
  • Publication number: 20120237076
    Abstract: A speaker diaphragm includes a body vibrating to generate a sound, an edge fusion-bonded to an outer circumference portion of the body, a projection provided on an upper surface of the edge, and a gasket provided on a lower surface of the edge. The edge is made of material different from that of the body. The projection is made of material identical to that of the edge. The gasket is made of material identical to that of the body. A speaker including the diaphragm has waterproof property by itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsukazu Kuze
  • Patent number: 8270651
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting modular audio-visual components on a surface such as a wall. In particular, a modular mounting bar may comprise at least one audio-visual module which may be affixed to a rail configured to be attached to a wall at a plurality of locations along the rail and configured to receive a module at a plurality of locations along the rail. A cover or grille may be configured to be attached in front of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: KSC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. McCarty, Jeff W. King
  • Patent number: 8256093
    Abstract: An acoustic mirror of alternately arranged layers of high and low acoustic impedances is manufactured in that a basic material having a first layer of the layer sequence is initially provided, on which a second layer of the layer sequence is created on the first layer such that the second layer of the layer sequence partially covers the first layer. Subsequently, a planarization layer is applied onto the layer sequence, and the planarization layer is removed in an area which in the common layer plane projects laterally beyond the second layer so as to result in a residual planarization layer. Finally, a termination layer is applied onto the layer sequence and the residual planarization layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Gernot Fattinger
  • Patent number: 8259987
    Abstract: A slender-type diaphragm longer in a longitudinal direction and shorter in a transversal direction in relation to the longitudinal direction, has a base member and a slant member. The base member has a pair of extending members provided in parallel in the longitudinal direction as facing each other, and a curved section that protrudes toward a first side of the diaphragm in a vibration direction of the diaphragm from a first plane that includes the extending members, the vibration direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal directions. The slant member has a slant surface in relation to the first plane and connected to the base member in a manner that the slant member surrounds the base member in a second plane parallel to the first plane, the slant member having a curved surface in a cross section thereof in relation to a cross section of the base member in the transversal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Omoda
  • Patent number: 8215445
    Abstract: Provided is an electroacoustic transducer having a diaphragm (10). The diaphragm (10) has a first and a second region (20, 30), wherein the hardness, stiffness or compliance of the first region (20) differs from the second region (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Wildhagen, Jan Peter Kuhtz, Axel Grell
  • Patent number: 8208677
    Abstract: An elastically deformable suspension member for use in a speaker to establish a sufficient support to a cone is disclosed. The suspension member has an inner diameter portion for mounting the cone, an outer diameter portion spaced around the inner diameter portion for fastening to a basket, a first annular convex surface portion concentrically arranged between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion and constituting a summit, and a number of second annular convex surface portions symmetrically arranged at two opposite lateral sides of the first annular convex surface portion between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion and respectively constituting summit ridges having a height below the summit and above the elevations of the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-Chen Chan, Chun-Yi Lin, Jason Theodore Kemmerer
  • Publication number: 20120155698
    Abstract: A loudspeaker comprising an acoustically radiating diaphragm comprising a generally frustoconical membrane having a narrow neck end and a wide mouth end, stiffening formations for stiffening the radiating membrane and an interface region by which the diaphragm is adapted to be driven; and a transducer comprising a voice coil mounted to drive the diaphragm via its interface region; wherein the interface region is located at the node of the first mode of vibration of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: GP Acoustics (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Jack Oclee-Brown
  • Patent number: 8180096
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a first bar magnet having a longitudinal direction, a second bar magnet having a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first bar magnet, a third bar magnet forming a second magnetic gap between the first bar magnet and the third bar magnet, a diaphragm arranged to vibrate in a vibrating direction, a case accommodating the first bar magnet, the second bar magnet, the third bar magnet, and the diaphragm , and the voice coil fixed to the diaphragm and located in the first and second magnetic gaps. The second bar magnet has a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first bar magnet, and has both ends in the longitudinal direction. The third bar magnet has a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first bar magnet, and has both ends in the longitudinal direction. The diaphragm is located between the first and second bar magnets and between the first and third bar magnents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Sano, Kazuki Honda, Satoshi Itoh, Masashi Kawabe
  • Publication number: 20120114165
    Abstract: A speaker diaphragm is configured by a compound mixed with resin and bamboo fiber. The diaphragm satisfying the advantage of the bamboo fiber of high sound quality and a large degree of freedom in the setting of the characteristic value of the diaphragm and the advantage of the diaphragm made of a resin with improved humidity resistance reliability and strength, excellent external appearance, and enhanced productivity and dimension stability is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimichi KAJIHARA, Shinya Mizone, Kazuyoshi Mimura, Takashi Sabato, Kazuaki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8139811
    Abstract: A speaker 1 includes: a frame 4; a magnetic circuit 2; and a vibrating unit 3. The magnetic circuit 2 is attached to the frame 4. The vibrating unit 3 is received in the frame 4, and includes a drive cone 14 and a diaphragm 15 vibrated by the magnetic circuit 2. A space surrounded by the drive cone 14, the diaphragm 15 and the frame 4 is sealed. An edge unit 17 is attached to an outer edge of the drive cone 14. The edge unit 17 is in an arc sectional shape, and integrally includes two roll parts 47 arranged coaxially to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Itoh, Teruaki Kaiya, Kenta Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 8139812
    Abstract: Disclosed is a loudspeaker suspension structure having asymmetrical grooves. In an aspect, an apparatus includes a loudspeaker suspension structure having grooves, each extending from an inner circumferential border, to an outer circumferential border, at least one groove having a groove depth that varies asymmetrically from the inner circumferential border to the outer circumferential border.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Subarna Basnet, Mark P. Temple
  • Patent number: 8135165
    Abstract: A diaphragm, and a loudspeaker unit using the same, capable of providing better low-tone characteristics than conventional ones. A loudspeaker unit includes a base frame and a cover plate joined to each other to provide a flat casing. Arranged in the casing are a diaphragm and a drive mechanism for vibrating the diaphragm. The diaphragm consists of a rectangular area and a pair of semi-elliptic areas, spreading rightward and leftward from the rectangular area, and has an elliptic central portion having its major axis in the longitudinal direction of the diaphragm and a peripheral portion spreading around the central portion. The central portion includes an adhesive layer for fixing a coil, laid on a central area of a diaphragm body, and is formed thicker than the peripheral portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuki Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 8135160
    Abstract: A speaker device includes: a magnetic circuit which includes two magnetic gaps; a diaphragm which is arranged at a position passing through at least the two magnetic gaps and includes a recessed part extending in a direction substantially orthogonal with respect to an extending direction of a magnetic flux in the magnetic gaps; and a voice coil, formed into an annular shape, which includes a first parallel part extending in one direction and a second parallel part extending in a direction in parallel with the first parallel part and opposite to the first parallel part with a constant space. Particularly, the first parallel part and the second parallel part are arranged in a direction in parallel with an extending direction of the recessed part, respectively, and the first parallel part and the second parallel part are arranged in the recessed part to be positioned in the two magnetic gaps, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Tokoku Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio Mitobe, Akihiko Furuto
  • Patent number: 8126179
    Abstract: A diaphragm for outputting sound by vibrating has a hole of a predetermined shape that allows another member to extend therethrough. A sound output apparatus includes a first member, the diaphragm, and a second member. The first member extends through the hole of the diaphragm, and the first member is screwed into the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Akihiko Arimitsu, Takuro Ema
  • Patent number: 8111868
    Abstract: A drive cone 11 and a diaphragm 14 are integrally driven by a voice coil 6 movably disposed in a magnetic gap 5. Peripheral edge portions of the drive cone 11 and the diaphragm 14 are supported by a frame 12 via different edge portions 13 and 15, respectively. The drive cone 11 is provided with a rising-up portion 11a which rises up toward an acoustic radiation direction from a inner circumferential end, and a rising-down portion 11b which rises down toward a direction reverse to the acoustic radiation direction. An inner circumferential edge of the diaphragm 14 is fixed at an annular top formed between the rising-up portion and the rising-down portion. Moreover, a first rib 11c and a second rib 11d are formed on the drive cone 11 in such a manner as to rise up toward the acoustic radiation direction integrally with the drive cone. The diaphragm 14 is supported also at the tips of the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Teruaki Kaiya
  • Patent number: 8111855
    Abstract: A microphone assembly (10) using in a portable electronic device includes a fixing component (12) detachably fixed to a housing (30) of the portable electronic device, and a main microphone body (14) latched to the fixing component (12). The microphone assembly (10) may be conveniently detached and increases reliability of the housing (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kai-Po Chan, Chao-Yuan Cheng, Chao-Kun Tseng
  • Patent number: 8103044
    Abstract: A voice coil 6 is movably disposed in a magnetic gap 5. A drive cone (first diaphragm) 11 and a diaphragm (second diaphragm) 14 are integrally driven by the voice coil 6. Peripheral edge portion of the drive cone 11 and the diaphragm 14 are supported by a frame 12 through edge portions 13 and 15, respectively. An annular adhesive receiver 8 is disposed in a peripheral surface of a voice coil bobbin 7 around which the voice coil 6 is wound, and an inner peripheral edge 11a of the drive cone 11 is accommodated in the adhesive receiver 8. The drive cone 11, the adhesive receiver 8 and the voice coil bobbin 7 are connected to each other by an adhesive filled into the adhesive receiver 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Teruaki Kaiya
  • Patent number: 8085971
    Abstract: The planar speaker contains a frame, a diaphragm, a driver, a surround, and a number of flexible suspension elements. The diaphragm is suspended in a front opening of the frame by the surround. The driver is positioned at the center of the frame and a voice coil of the driver is attached to a back surface of the diaphragm. Two beams are arranged in parallel between two opposing longer wall segments of the frame on either side of the driver. The suspension elements are supported by the two beams, respectively, and attached to a back surface of the diaphragm. The symmetric deformation of the diaphragm along its longer side is thereby constrained by the suspension elements and the deformations at the two end zones of the diaphragm vibrating at a phase opposite to that of the center of the diaphragm would be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Tai Yan Kam
  • Patent number: 8085968
    Abstract: An electroacoustical transducer includes a bobbin, a first acoustic radiator coupled to the bobbin through a first surround having a mechanical compliance, a second acoustic radiator generally rigidly coupled to the bobbin, and a basket. The first acoustic radiator is coupled to the basket through a second surround, and the second acoustic radiator is coupled to the basket through a third surround. The first surround is constructed to cause the first acoustic radiator to move out of phase with the second acoustic radiator relative to the bobbin when actuated by the bobbin at acoustic frequencies at and above a resonant frequency of the first acoustic radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Jason D. Silver