阅读说明：本技术 防水构件和电子设备 (Waterproof member and electronic device ) 是由 福岛玉青 平井文太 菅谷阳辅 阿部悠一 于 2019-12-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开的防水构件具有容许声音和/或气体通过并且防止水侵入的防水膜、和具有厚度方向的透气性的支承层。防水构件具有防水膜与支承层接合的接合区域、和防水膜与支承层处于彼此分开的状态的非接合区域。在从与防水膜的主面垂直的方向看时,非接合区域由接合区域包围。非接合区域中的支承层的厚度为500μm以下。非接合区域中的防水膜与支承层的分开距离为150μm以下。支承层的面内方向的不透气度超过8万秒/100mL。根据本公开,能够提高具有防水膜和该膜的支承层的防水构件的特性。(The waterproof member of the present disclosure has a waterproof membrane that allows sound and/or gas to pass through and prevents water intrusion, and a support layer having air permeability in the thickness direction. The waterproof member has a joining region where the waterproof film is joined to the support layer, and a non-joining region where the waterproof film and the support layer are in a state of being separated from each other. The non-bonded region is surrounded by the bonded region when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the waterproof film. The thickness of the support layer in the non-joined region is 500 μm or less. The waterproof film and the support layer in the non-joined region are separated by a distance of 150 μm or less. The air impermeability of the support layer in the in-plane direction exceeds 8 ten thousand seconds/100 mL. According to the present disclosure, the characteristics of a waterproofing member having a waterproofing membrane and a supporting layer of the membrane can be improved.)

1. A waterproof member having a waterproof membrane that allows sound and/or gas to pass therethrough and prevents water intrusion, and a support layer having air permeability in a thickness direction,

the waterproof member has:

a joining region in which the waterproof film is joined to the support layer; and

a non-joint region in which the waterproof film and the support layer are in a state of being separated from each other,

the non-bonding region is surrounded by the bonding region when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the waterproof film,

the thickness of the support layer in the non-joining region is 500 μm or less,

the waterproof film in the non-joined region is separated from the support layer by a distance of 150 μm or less,

the support layer has an air impermeability in an in-plane direction of more than 8 ten thousand seconds/100 mL.

2. The waterproof member according to claim 1,

the air impermeability is over 30 ten thousand seconds/100 mL.

3. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the support layer is a metal plate having 1 or more through holes connecting one main surface to the other main surface.

4. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the supporting layer is punched metal.

5. The waterproof member according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the area of the non-joined region as viewed from the perpendicular direction was 12mm²The following.

6. The waterproof member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

the ratio of the area of the non-joined region to the sum of the area of the joined region and the area of the non-joined region when viewed in the vertical direction is 20% or less.

7. The waterproof member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein,

the waterproofing membrane comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane.

8. The waterproof member according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the air permeability of the waterproof film in the thickness direction is determined by a method based on JIS L1096: the air permeability obtained by the air permeability measurement method B (Gurley method) specified in 2010 is 20 seconds/100 mL or more.

9. The waterproof member according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

a fixing portion having a shape surrounding the non-joined region when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the waterproof membrane is formed on a surface of the waterproof membrane opposite to the joining surface joined to the supporting layer and/or a surface of the supporting layer opposite to the joining surface joined to the waterproof membrane.

10. An electronic device, wherein,

the electronic device has:

a housing having an opening; and

the waterproof member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is attached to the housing so as to close the opening,

the waterproof member is attached to the case in such a manner that one side of the waterproof membrane of the waterproof member faces the outside of the case and one side of the supporting layer of the waterproof member faces the inside of the case.

11. The electronic device of claim 10,

a voice converting part for converting an electric signal and a voice is accommodated in the housing,

the opening is located between the voice converting part and the outside of the housing.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a waterproof member and an electronic apparatus.

Background

Electronic devices such as wearable devices represented by smartwatches, smartphones, mobile phones, and cameras have a voice function. A voice converter (transducer) such as a microphone and a speaker is housed inside a casing of an electronic device having a voice function. In order to transmit sound between the voice converter and the outside, an opening (external sound transmission port) is generally provided in a housing of the electronic apparatus. On the other hand, water must be prevented from entering the interior of the housing. Therefore, a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane capable of allowing sound to pass therethrough and preventing water from intruding is attached to the external sound-transmitting port.

A waterproof sound-transmitting member having a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane and a supporting layer supporting the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is well known. By having the supporting layer, it is possible to prevent, for example, the breakage of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane caused by the water pressure applied when the electronic apparatus is dropped into water. Patent document 1 discloses a waterproof sound-transmitting member in which a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter referred to as "PTFE") membrane and a support layer made of a porous material are selectively bonded to each other at their peripheral edges.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

According to the waterproof sound-transmitting member of patent document 1, the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane and the supporting layer are independently freely vibrated in the non-bonded region on the inner side where they are not bonded to each other, and thus, high sound-transmitting characteristics can be obtained although the waterproof sound-transmitting member has the supporting layer. However, in order to cope with miniaturization of electronic equipment, the size of the waterproof sound-transmitting member tends to be limited. Therefore, further improvement of the sound transmission characteristics is required for the waterproof sound-transmitting member.

In addition, the waterproof film may be attached to an opening provided in a housing of the electronic device, and the opening does not require sound transmission. The opening is, for example, a ventilation opening for ensuring ventilation inside and outside the casing. In this case, the waterproof film functions only as a waterproof breathable film that allows gas to pass therethrough and prevents water from entering. A waterproof and breathable member having a waterproof and breathable film and a support layer supporting the film is also used.

The object of the present invention is to improve the characteristics of a waterproof member which is a waterproof sound-transmitting member and/or a waterproof air-permeable member.

Means for solving the problems

Conventionally, improvement of sound transmission characteristics in a waterproof sound-transmitting member having a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane and a supporting layer has been achieved by improving the sound transmission characteristics of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane. However, there is a limit to a method of improving the sound transmission characteristics only by improving the waterproof sound transmission membrane. In addition, the improvement of the sound-transmitting property of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane may cause a decrease in the waterproofness of the membrane. As a result of the investigation by the present inventors, it has been found that in a waterproof sound-transmitting member in which a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is selectively bonded to a supporting layer, the improvement of the supporting layer can improve sound-transmitting characteristics. The improvement of the supporting layer can also improve the characteristics of the waterproof and breathable member.

That is, the present invention provides a waterproof member,

the waterproof member has a waterproof membrane that allows sound and/or gas to pass through and prevents water intrusion, and a support layer having air permeability in the thickness direction, wherein,

the waterproof member has:

a joining region in which the waterproof film is joined to the support layer; and

a non-joint region in which the waterproof film and the support layer are in a state of being separated from each other,

the non-bonding region is surrounded by the bonding region when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the waterproof film,

the thickness of the support layer in the non-joining region is 500 μm or less,

the waterproof film in the non-joined region is separated from the support layer by a distance of 150 μm or less,

the support layer has an air impermeability in an in-plane direction of more than 8 ten thousand seconds/100 mL.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic device,

the electronic device has:

a housing having an opening; and

the waterproof member of the present invention is mounted to the housing so as to close the opening,

the member is attached to the housing such that one side of the waterproof membrane of the member faces the outside of the housing and one side of the support layer of the member faces the inside of the housing.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, not only the sound transmission characteristics of a waterproof sound-transmitting member having a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane and a supporting layer for the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane can be improved, but also the characteristics of a waterproof member having a waterproof membrane and a supporting layer for the membrane can be improved.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a sectional view schematically showing one example of a waterproof sound-transmitting member as one of the waterproof members of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a plan view of the waterproof sound-transmitting member shown in fig. 1A as viewed from the side of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a state in which the waterproof sound-transmitting member shown in fig. 1A is attached to an external sound-transmitting port of a housing.

Fig. 3A is a sectional view schematically showing another example of a waterproof sound-transmitting member as one of the waterproof members of the present invention.

Fig. 3B is a sectional view schematically showing still another example of a waterproof sound-transmitting member that is one of the waterproof members of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view schematically showing still another example of a waterproof sound-transmitting member which is one of the waterproof members of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a waterproof sound-transmitting member which is one of the waterproof members of the present invention, which is different from the above.

Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a waterproof sound-transmitting member which is one of the waterproof members of the present invention, which is different from the above.

Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a waterproof sound-transmitting member that is one of the waterproof members of the present invention, which is different from the above.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a waterproof sound-transmitting member which is one of the waterproof members of the present invention, which is different from the above.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a state in which the waterproof sound-transmitting member shown in fig. 7 is attached to the external sound-transmitting port of the housing.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a waterproof sound-transmitting member which is one of the waterproof members of the present invention, which is different from the above.

Fig. 10 is a front view schematically showing an example of an electronic apparatus in which a waterproof sound-transmitting member, which is one of waterproof members of the present invention, is attached to an opening (external sound-transmitting port) of a housing.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of evaluating the air impermeability of the support layer in the in-plane direction.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view for explaining a method of evaluating the sound transmission characteristics (insertion loss) of the waterproof sound-transmitting member.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

Fig. 1A and 1B show an example of a waterproof sound-transmitting member of the present invention. The section a-a shown in fig. 1B is shown in fig. 1A. Fig. 1B shows the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 as viewed from the side of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2.

The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 has: a joining region 5 in which the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is joined to the support layer 3; and a non-bonded region 4, the non-bonded region 4 being surrounded by a bonded region 5 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 (see fig. 1B). The joining region 5 includes regions of the peripheral edge portions of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the support layer 3. The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the support layer 3 are joined by a joint 6.

As shown in fig. 1A, in the non-joining region 4, the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the support layer 3 are in a state of being separated from each other. The support layer 3 has air permeability in the thickness direction. The thickness of the support layer 3 in the non-joined region 4 is 500 μm or less. That is, in the non-joined region 4, the support layer 3 having air permeability in the thickness direction and a thickness of 500 μm or less is disposed apart from the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The distance separating the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the support layer 3 in the non-joined region 4 is 150 μm or less. In the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1, the air-tightness in the in-plane direction of the support layer 3 exceeds 8 ten thousand seconds/100 mL.

As shown in fig. 2, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be attached to a casing 15 of an electronic device having a voice function. More specifically, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is attached to the housing 15 so as to cover the external sound-transmitting port 16 of the housing 15 and so as to allow one side surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 to face the outside (external space) 13. With the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 having the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2, it is possible to transmit sound between the voice converter 17 and the outside 13 of the electronic apparatus, and it is possible to prevent water from entering the inside 14 of the electronic apparatus via the external sound-transmitting port 16. In the example shown in fig. 2, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is attached to the housing 15 so that the support layer 3 is in contact with the voice converter 17 having the sound-transmitting port (inner sound-transmitting port) 18. The non-joined region 4, the outer sound-transmitting port 16, and the inner sound-transmitting port 18 overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the principal surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2.

When water pressure is applied to the external sound-transmitting port 16 of the electronic apparatus to which the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is attached, the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 deforms in the direction of the support layer 3 (the direction from the outside 13 toward the inside 14 of the housing) in the non-joined region 4. However, in the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1, the deformation of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is limited within a certain range. The restriction of the deformation of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is mainly based on the level of air impermeability in the in-plane direction of the support layer 3. The deformation of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 in the direction of the support layer 3 reduces the volume of the space 31 between the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the support layer 3 in the non-joined region 4, and increases the pressure in the space 31. The raised pressure of the space 31 functions as a cushion member (air cushion) for suppressing deformation of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 in the direction of the support layer 3, and when the air impermeability in the in-plane direction of the support layer 3 (in other words, the air impermeability in which the air inside and outside the support layer 3 is intended to pass through the outer peripheral side surface 32 of the support layer 3 in a state of being assembled to the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1) is high, the gas in the space 31 is less likely to pass through the inside of the support layer 3 in the direction of the outer peripheral side surface 32, and the raised pressure in the space 31 can be more reliably maintained. In addition, in a state where water pressure is applied to the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2, the gas in the space 31 cannot permeate through the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 in the direction of the external sound-transmitting port 16. The internal space 19 of the voice converter 17 connected to the space 31 through the support layer 3 having air permeability in the thickness direction and the internal sound-transmitting port 18 is normally a closed space. Therefore, the air-tightness of the support layer 3 in the in-plane direction largely affects the retention of the pressure raised in the space 31.

Deformation (hereinafter referred to as "permanent deformation") remaining in the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 after the escape of the water pressure deteriorates the sound-transmitting characteristics of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1. The support layer 3 can alleviate the permanent deformation of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 by restricting the deformation of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2.

In addition, in the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1, even when a large water pressure exceeding the restriction by the space 31 in which the pressure rises and further deforming is applied to the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2, the deformation of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 can be restricted within a certain range by the contact of the deformed waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 with the support layer 3, and thus the breakage of the sound-transmitting membrane 2 can be prevented. Thus, by having the support layer 3, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can have higher waterproofness than the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 itself has (for example, extreme water pressure resistance).

The thickness of the support layer 3 in the non-joined region 4 is 500 μm or less. Thus, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 has the support layer 3, but can secure excellent sound-transmitting characteristics. That is, even if the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is attached, deterioration of sound after conversion (at the time of conversion) by the voice converter can be suppressed. The thickness of the support layer 3 may be 300 μm or less, 250 μm or less, 200 μm or less, 150 μm or less, or even 100 μm or less. The lower limit of the thickness of the support layer 3 in the non-joining region 4 is, for example, 30 μm or more, and may be 50 μm or more. The support layer 3 may also have the above-mentioned thickness without being limited to the non-joining regions 4. The entire support layer 3 may have the above thickness.

The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the support layer 3 in the non-joined region 4 are separated by a distance of 150 μm or less. This can more reliably suppress deformation and permanent deformation of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 due to water pressure. In addition, when the separation distance is 150 μm or less, good sound transmission characteristics can be secured although the support layer 3 is provided. The separation distance may be 125 μm or less, 100 μm or less, 75 μm or less, or even 50 μm or less. The lower limit of the separation distance is, for example, 5 μm or more, and may be 10 μm or more, 20 μm or more, or even 30 μm or more.

The air impermeability of the support layer 3 in the in-plane direction may be 10 ten thousand seconds/100 mL or more, 15 ten thousand seconds/100 mL or more, 20 ten thousand seconds/100 mL or more, 25 ten thousand seconds/100 mL or more, 30 ten thousand seconds/100 mL or more, or may exceed 30 ten thousand seconds/100 mL. The upper limit of the air impermeability of the support layer 3 in the in-plane direction is, for example, 100 ten thousand seconds/100 mL or less. The air-tightness of the support layer 3 in the in-plane direction can be evaluated as the air-tightness between the portion of the main surface of the support layer 3 located in the non-joined region 4 and the outer peripheral side surface 32 of the support layer 3 in the state of being assembled to the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1.

The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be attached between the external sound-transmitting port 16 and the internal sound-transmitting port 18 so that the sound-transmitting port (internal sound-transmitting port) 18 of the speech converter 17 is covered with the surface on the side of the supporting layer 3 and the sound-transmitting port (external sound-transmitting port) 16 provided in the housing 15 is covered with the surface on the side of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2.

In the example shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is rectangular and the non-bonded region 4 is circular when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. However, the shapes of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 and the non-joined region 4 are not limited to the above example. The shapes of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 and the non-joint region 4 are independent of each other, and may be a circle (including a substantially circle), an ellipse (including a substantially ellipse), and a polygon including a rectangle and a square. The corners of the polygon may also be rounded.

The shape of the joining region 5 is not limited as long as it surrounds the non-joining region 4. The joining region 5 is typically a region including the peripheral edge portion of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and/or the support layer 3. In the example shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the region other than the joining region 5 where the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is joined to the support layer 3 is the non-joining region 4. In the example shown in fig. 1A and 1B, in the non-joint region 4, the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is exposed to one face of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1. In addition, in the non-joining region 4, the support layer 3 is exposed to the other face of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1.

The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 has the non-joined region 4 having a small area, but can exhibit high sound-transmitting characteristics. The area of the non-bonded region 4 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is, for example, 12mm²The following. The area of the non-joint region 4 may be 10mm²Below, 8.0mm²Below, 5.0mm²Below, 3.2mm²2.0mm below²Below, even 1.8mm²The following. The lower limit of the area of the non-joined region 4 is not limited, and is, for example, 0.02mm²The above. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is suitable for use in a small-sized electronic device having a voice function. An example of a small electronic device is a wearable device such as a smart watch.

The ratio of the area of the non-joined region 4 to the total of the area of the joined region 5 and the area of the non-joined region 4 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is not limited, and is, for example, 1 to 90%. The upper limit of the proportion may be 50% or less, 20% or less, 15% or less, or even 10% or less. The smaller the above ratio, i.e., the larger the ratio of the joining region 5 to the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1, the more firmly the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the support layer 3 can be joined. Therefore, the smaller the above ratio, the more the degree of deformation and permanent deformation of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 due to the water pressure can be further reduced, the more the waterproofness of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be improved, or the more reliably the decrease in the sound-transmitting property of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 due to the water pressure can be suppressed.

The shape of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the shape of the support layer 3 may be the same or different when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the principal surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. In the example shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the shape of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the shape of the support layer 3 are the same as each other, and are also the same as the shape of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1.

The thickness of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is, for example, 2000 μm or less. The thickness of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 may be 1000 μm or less, 750 μm or less, 600 μm or less, 500 μm or less, 400 μm or less, or even 300 μm or less. The lower limit of the thickness of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is, for example, 50 μm or more. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is suitable for use in a small electronic device in which the volume inside the housing is limited. In addition, in an electronic device having a voice function, when the distance from the external sound-transmitting port to the voice converter becomes large, the sound converted by the voice converter (at the time of conversion) tends to be deteriorated. The deterioration of sound is particularly serious when the speech converter is a sound receiving unit such as a microphone, or when the area of the external sound transmission port and/or the internal sound transmission port is small. When the thickness of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is within the above range, the distance from the external sound-transmitting port to the internal sound-transmitting port is not excessively large even if the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is disposed. Therefore, deterioration of the sound converted by the voice converter (at the time of conversion) can be suppressed.

The material constituting the support layer 3 is, for example, metal, resin, or a composite material thereof. The material constituting the support layer 3 is preferably metal in view of excellent strength as the support layer 3. Metals are, for example, aluminum and stainless steel. Examples of the resin include various resins such as polyolefin (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), polyester (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.), polyamide (various aliphatic polyamides including nylon, aromatic polyamides, etc.), polycarbonate, and polyimide.

An example of the specific support layer 3 is a metal plate having 1 or more through holes connecting one main surface and the other main surface. The strength of the support layer 3 as a metal plate is particularly excellent. Therefore, in the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 having the support layer 3 as a metal plate, deformation and permanent deformation of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 due to water pressure can be more reliably suppressed. In addition, when the support layer 3 is a metal plate, the rigidity and handling property of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be improved. The through-hole extends, for example, in the thickness direction of the support layer 3. The metal plate having two or more through holes is preferable in that the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 having both sound-transmitting properties and strength at a higher level can be obtained. It is sufficient that the through-hole is present at least in a portion located in the non-bonding region 4.

In the case where two or more through holes are provided, the openings of the through holes may be arranged in order on the main surface of the metal plate or may be positioned in disorder on the main surface when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface.

The shape of the opening of the through hole is, for example, a circle (including substantially a circle), an ellipse (including substantially an ellipse), and a polygon including a square and a rectangle, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the metal plate. The corners of the polygon may also be rounded. However, the shape of the opening of the through hole is not limited to the above example. In the case where two or more through holes are provided, the openings of the through holes may be identical in shape or different in shape.

An example of a metal plate having two or more through holes is punched metal. The punching metal is a metal plate provided with a through hole by punching (press working).

The aperture ratio of the supporting layer 3 as the metal plate is, for example, 5 to 80%, or 15 to 40%, or even 15 to 30%. When the aperture ratio is in these ranges, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be obtained that has both sound-transmitting properties and strength at a higher level. The aperture ratio of the support layer 3 as the metal plate is a ratio of the area of the openings of all the through holes existing in the main surface of the support layer 3 to the area of the main surface.

Another example of the support layer 3 is a mesh body and a grid body made of metal, resin, or a composite material thereof.

The air permeability of the support layer 3 in the thickness direction is generally higher than the air permeability of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 in the thickness direction. The air permeability of the support layer 3 in the thickness direction is determined based on japanese industrial standards (hereinafter, referred to as "JIS") L1096: the air permeability (Frazier air permeability) obtained by the method a (Frazier method) specified in 2010 is, for example, 10cm³/(cm²Second) or more, and may be 100cm³/(cm²Second) or more, 300cm³/(cm²Seconds) or more, even more than 500cm³/(cm²Seconds). The upper limit of the air permeability in the thickness direction of the support layer 3 is expressed by the frazier air permeability, and is, for example, 1000cm³/(cm²Seconds) or less.

In addition, when the size of the support layer 3 does not satisfy the size of the test piece in the frazier method (about 200mm × 200mm), the frazier air permeability can be evaluated by using a measuring jig that restricts the area of the measurement region. One example of the measuring jig is a resin plate having a through hole formed in the center thereof and having a cross-sectional area corresponding to the area of a desired measuring region. For example, a measuring jig in which a through hole having a circular cross section with a diameter of 1mm or less than 1mm is formed at the center can be used.

The strength of the support layer 3 is generally higher than that of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2.

Fig. 3A and 3B show another example of the waterproof sound-transmitting member of the present invention. In the example of fig. 3A, the outer peripheral side surface 32 of the support layer 3 is covered with the air-impermeable layer 35. The support layer 3 and the air-impermeable layer 35 are disposed on the joint portion 6. The support layer 3 has a shape smaller than the area of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the principal surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2, and is surrounded by the air-impermeable layer 35. The outer periphery of the air-impermeable layer 35 coincides with the outer periphery of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 when viewed from the above direction. The air-impermeable degree of the support layer 3 in the in-plane direction may be equal to or less than the above range in the state where the air-impermeable layer 35 is removed. In this case, the air-impermeable layer 35 is disposed so as to ensure the air-impermeable degree of the support layer 3 in the in-plane direction within the above range. The gas impermeable layer 35 comprises, for example, a resin. The gas impermeable layer 35 may be a non-porous layer, or may be an adhesive layer or an adhesive layer. In the example of fig. 3A, the entire outer peripheral side surface 32 of the support layer 3 is covered with the air-impermeable layer 35, but as long as the air-impermeability of the support layer 3 in the in-plane direction is within the above range, a part of the outer peripheral side surface 32 may be covered with the air-impermeable layer 35.

The example of fig. 3B is another example in which the outer peripheral side surface 32 of the support layer 3 is covered with the air-impermeable layer 35. In this example, the outer peripheral side surface 32 of the support layer 3 is covered with the joint portions 6. The support layer 3 is embedded in the upper surface 36 of the engaging portion 6. The support layer 3 is surrounded by the joint 6 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the principal surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2.

The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is a membrane that allows the transmission of sound and prevents the intrusion of water. Various known waterproof sound-transmitting membranes can be used for the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 may also be subjected to oil-repellent treatment or liquid-repellent treatment.

The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is made of a resin such as Polyester (PET), polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyimide, PTFE, or polyurethane. As a material of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2, PTFE is suitable. The membrane made of PTFE (PTFE membrane) has a good balance between quality and strength.

The PTFE membrane may be a porous membrane (PTFE porous membrane) formed by extending a paste extrudate or a cast membrane containing PTFE particles. The PTFE membrane may also be fired.

In the case where the electronic apparatus mounted with the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is assumed to be placed under higher water pressure, the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is preferably a microporous membrane or a nonporous membrane. The microporous film and the non-porous film can have high water pressure resistance and a small degree of deformation due to water pressure. The microporous membrane may be a PTFE microporous membrane made of PTFE. The non-porous membrane may also be a PTFE non-porous membrane composed of PTFE.

In the present specification, the microporous membrane means a membrane in which the air permeability in the thickness direction is based on JISL 1096: the air permeability (Gurley air permeability) obtained by the air permeability measurement method B (Gurley shape method) specified in 2010 is represented by a film having a length of 20 seconds/100 mL or more and 1 ten thousand seconds/100 mL or less. The lower limit of the Gurley air permeability of the microporous membrane may be more than 30 seconds/100 mL, or 40 seconds/100 mL or more, 50 seconds/100 mL or more, or even 70 seconds/100 mL or more. The upper limit of the Gurley air permeability of the microporous membrane may be 5000 seconds/100 mL or less, 1000 seconds/100 mL or less, or even 300 seconds/100 mL or less. In the present specification, a non-porous film means a film as follows: air permeability in the thickness direction is expressed using the Gurley air permeability described above and exceeds 1 ten thousand seconds per 100mL of film.

In addition, in the case where the size of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 does not satisfy the size of the test piece (about 50mm × 50mm) in the Gurley shape method, the Gurley air permeability can be evaluated by using the measuring jig. An example of the measuring jig is a circular plate made of polycarbonate having a thickness of 2mm and a diameter of 47mm, which is provided with a through hole (circular cross section having a diameter of 1mm or 2 mm) at the center. The measurement of Gurley air permeability using the measurement jig can be performed as follows.

A waterproof sound-transmitting membrane as an evaluation object is fixed to one surface of the measuring jig so as to cover the opening of the through hole of the measuring jig. The fixation is performed in the following manner: in the measurement of Gurley air permeability, air passes only in the opening and the effective test portion of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane as an evaluation object (a portion overlapping with the opening when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the fixed waterproof sound-transmitting membrane), and the fixed portion does not obstruct the passage of air in the effective test portion of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane. In the fixing of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane, a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape can be used in which a vent hole having a shape conforming to the shape of the opening is punched in the center portion. The double-sided adhesive tape may be disposed between the measurement jig and the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane so that the peripheral portion of the air vent and the peripheral portion of the opening are coincident with each other. Next, a measurement jig to which the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is fixed was set in the Gurley type air permeability tester so that the fixing surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane was located on the downstream side of the air flow at the time of measurement, and the time t1 when 100mL of air passed through the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane was measured. Followed byThe area of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane (effective test part of waterproof sound-transmitting membrane) [ mm ] was determined by the formula t { (t1) ײ])/642[mm²]And converting the measured time t1 into JIS L1096: 2010 air permeability measurement B method (Gurley method) per 642[ mm ]²]The value t of the effective test area can be set as the Gurley air permeability of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane. In the case of using the above circular plate as a measuring jig, the area of the effective test portion of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is the area of the cross section of the through hole. Further, the following situation was confirmed: the Gurley air permeability measured for the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane satisfying the size of the test piece without using a measuring jig is very consistent with the Gurley air permeability measured for the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane after being diced using the measuring jig, that is, the use of the measuring jig has no substantial influence on the measured value of the Gurley air permeability.

When the temperature of the case is lowered by using the case in water or mounting electronic equipment, dew condensation may occur inside the case. The amount of water vapor accumulated in the casing can be reduced to prevent dew condensation. When the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is a non-porous membrane, for example, a PTFE non-porous membrane, it is possible to prevent water vapor from entering the inside of the case through the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. Therefore, by selecting the non-porous film as the waterproof sound-transmitting film 2, the amount of water vapor accumulated in the interior of the casing can be reduced, and dew condensation can be prevented from occurring in the interior of the casing.

On the other hand, even if no water vapor enters the interior of the case through the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2, it may be unavoidable that water vapor remains in the interior of the case. For example, the case may be made of a resin having moisture absorption properties such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), or Polycarbonate (PC). In the case made of a resin having a moisture-absorbing property, the external water vapor absorbed in the case itself tends to be released into the case by heat from the heat source in the case and directly stagnated. In this case, in order to prevent dew condensation from occurring inside the casing, it is preferable to select the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 capable of releasing water vapor accumulated inside the casing to the outside. An example of a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 that can be selected is a microporous membrane, such as a PTFE microporous membrane. When the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is a microporous membrane, high waterproof property can be achieved, and the retained water vapor can be discharged to the outside by appropriate air permeability of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2, and condensation can be prevented from occurring inside the casing.

The average pore diameter of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 as a PTFE microporous membrane is, for example, 0.01 to 1 μm. The porosity of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 as a PTFE microporous membrane is, for example, 5 to 50%. The average pore diameter of the PTFE membrane can be measured based on ASTM (American society for testing and materials) F316-86. The porosity of the PTFE film can be calculated by substituting the mass, thickness, area (area of the main surface), and true density of the film into the following expressions. Further, the true density of PTFE was 2.18g/cm³。

Porosity (%) {1- (mass [ g) }]/(thickness [ cm)]× area [ cm ]²]× true density [2.18g/cm³]))}×100

The thickness of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is, for example, 1 to 50 μm. The thickness of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 may be 3 to 30 μm or5 to 20 μm. When the thickness is within these ranges, the water-proof property and the sound-transmitting property of the water-proof sound-transmitting membrane 2 can be improved in a well-balanced manner.

The surface density of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is, for example, 1 to 30g/m². The surface density of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 may be 1 to 25g/m². The surface density can be calculated by dividing the mass of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 by the area (the area of the main surface).

The waterproofness of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 can be evaluated by water pressure resistance (ultimate water pressure resistance). The water pressure resistance of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is, for example, 80kPa or more. The water pressure resistance of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 may be 100kPa or more, 300kPa or more, 500kPa or more, 600kPa or more, 700kPa or more, 750kPa or more, 800kPa or more, 900kPa or more, or even 1000kPa or more. The upper limit of the water pressure resistance is not limited, and is, for example, 2000kPa or less. The water pressure resistance of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 can be measured using a measuring jig based on JISL 1092: 2009 water resistance test a method (low water pressure method) or B method (high water pressure method) was measured as follows.

An example of the measuring jig is a circular plate made of stainless steel having a diameter of 47mm provided with a through hole (having a circular cross section) having a diameter of 1mm at the center. The disk has a thickness that is not deformed by the water pressure applied when measuring the water pressure resistance. The water pressure resistance measurement using the measuring jig can be performed as follows.

A waterproof sound-transmitting membrane as an evaluation object is fixed to one surface of the measuring jig so as to cover the opening of the through hole of the measuring jig. The fixing is performed in such a manner that water is prevented from leaking from the fixed portion of the membrane in the measurement of the water pressure resistance. In the fixing of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane, a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape can be used in which a water passage port having a shape conforming to the shape of the opening is punched in the center portion. The double-sided adhesive tape may be disposed between the measuring jig and the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane so that the peripheral portion of the water passage opening coincides with the peripheral portion of the opening. Next, a measuring jig to which the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is fixed is set in a testing apparatus so that a surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane opposite to the fixed surface becomes a water pressure applying surface at the time of measurement, and the measurement is performed in accordance with JIS L1092: water resistance test of 2009 the method A (low water pressure method) or the method B (high water pressure method) measures water pressure resistance. The water pressure resistance is measured based on the water pressure at which water flows out from one place of the membrane surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane. The measured water pressure resistance can be set to the water pressure resistance of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane. The following devices can be used as the test device: has a chemical formula similar to JIS L1092: 2009 the water resistance test apparatus has the same configuration as the water resistance test apparatus, and has a test piece mounting structure on which the measuring jig can be installed.

The sound transmission characteristics of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 can be evaluated by the insertion loss at 1kHz (insertion loss with respect to sound of a frequency of 1 kHz). The area of the sound-transmitting area of the membrane is 1.8mm²In this case, the insertion loss of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 at 1kHz is, for example, 17dB or less, and may be 13dB or less, 10dB or less, 8dB or less, 7dB or less, or even 6dB or less.

The sound transmission characteristics of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 can also be evaluated by the insertion loss at 200Hz (insertion loss with respect to sound at a frequency of 200 Hz). The area of the sound-transmitting area of the membrane is 1.8mm²In this case, the insertion loss of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 at 200Hz is, for example, 13dB or less, or 11dB or less, or 1Below 0dB, even below 8 dB.

The degree of decrease in the sound-transmitting characteristics of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 due to the water pressure can be evaluated by the rate of decrease in the sound-transmitting characteristics (rate of change in insertion loss) obtained from the insertion loss of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 before and after the water pressure holding test. The water pressure holding test is a test in which a certain water pressure is applied to the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane for a certain time (water pressure application time). The water pressure holding test can be performed using the above-described measuring jig and water resistance test apparatus for measuring the water pressure resistance of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane. More specifically, as in the case of measuring the water pressure resistance, the measuring jig to which the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is fixed may be installed in the testing apparatus such that the surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane opposite to the fixed surface is a water pressure applying surface, and the water pressure may be applied to the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane for a certain period of time. In this case, if water leaks from one position of the membrane surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane, it is determined that "water leakage" is present. The water pressure applied to the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane in the test is not limited, and is, for example, 50kPa to 1000 kPa. The water pressure application time is, for example, 10 minutes to 30 minutes. The sound transmission characteristic degradation rate can be obtained by the following equation. L1 in the following formula represents the insertion loss of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane before the test (for example, the insertion loss at 1 kHz), and L2 represents the insertion loss of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane after the test (for example, the insertion loss at 1 kHz).

Formula (II): sound transmission characteristic decrease rate [% ] — L2-L1)/L1 × 100

The sound transmission characteristic degradation rate (calculated based on the insertion loss at 1 kHz) of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 determined from the insertion loss before and after the water pressure holding test (water pressure of 500kPa, water pressure application time of 10 minutes) is, for example, 50% or less, or 40% or less, 30% or less, or even 25% or less.

In the example shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 is a single-layer membrane. The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 may be a laminate of two or more membranes. The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 may be a laminate of two or more PTFE membranes.

The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 may also be a colored membrane. The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 may also be colored, for example, gray or black. The gray or black waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 can be formed, for example, by mixing a gray or black coloring agent into the material constituting the membrane. The black colorant is, for example, carbon black. Further, JIS Z8721: "achromatic brightness NV" defined in 1993 means that colors within a range of 1 to 4 are defined as "black", and colors within a range of 5 to 8 are defined as "gray".

The bonding portion 6 is, for example, an adhesive layer or an adhesive layer. The structure of the joint portion 6 is not limited as long as the joint region 5 and the non-joint region 4 can be formed. The joint portion 6 as the adhesive layer or the adhesive layer can be formed by applying a known adhesive or bonding agent to the surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2, for example. The joint portion 6 may be formed of a double-sided adhesive tape. That is, the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 may be joined to the support layer 3 in the joining region 5 by a double-sided adhesive tape. When the joint portion 6 is formed of a double-sided adhesive tape, the joint between the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the support layer 3 is more reliable, and the waterproofness of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be further improved. In addition, the control of the separation distance of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 from the support layer 3 in the non-joined region 4 becomes easier.

A known double-sided adhesive tape can be used as the double-sided adhesive tape constituting the joint portion 6. The substrate of the double-sided adhesive tape is, for example, a film of resin, a nonwoven fabric or a foam. The resin that can be used for the base material is not limited, and examples thereof include polyester (PET, etc.), polyolefin (polyethylene, etc.), and polyimide. As the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, various pressure-sensitive adhesives such as acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives and silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives can be used. An acrylic adhesive is preferably used for the adhesive layer in order to improve the bonding force between the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the support layer 3. The double-sided adhesive tape may also be a thermal adhesive tape.

The thickness of the joint portion 6 is, for example, 150 μm or less. The thickness of the joint 6 may be 125 μm or less, 100 μm or less, 75 μm or less, or even 50 μm or less. The lower limit of the thickness of the bonding portion 6 is not limited, and may be, for example, 5 μm or more, or 10 μm or more, 20 μm or more, or even 30 μm or more.

The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be disposed between a case of an electronic device and a voice converter housed in the case. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is usually fixed to the inner wall surface of the housing so as to cover the external sound-transmitting port. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be fixed to the casing of the voice converter or the surface of the substrate having the voice converter so as to cover the internal sound-transmitting port. The positional relationship between the external sound-transmitting port and the internal sound-transmitting port in the fixed state and the non-joint region 4 of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is not limited as long as the voice can be transmitted between the external sound-transmitting port and the voice converter. The outer sound-transmitting port and the inner sound-transmitting port in the fixed state may overlap with the non-joined region 4 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2.

The fixing method of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 with respect to the housing and the voice converter is not limited. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be fixed to the housing and/or the voice converter by various welding such as heat welding, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, or adhesion using an adhesive, or the like. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can also be fixed by a fixing portion composed of an adhesive layer, or a double-sided adhesive tape. In the case where the fixing portion is formed of a double-sided adhesive tape, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be more reliably fixed to the housing and the voice converter. The double-sided adhesive tape constituting the fixing portion can be the one described in the description of the joining portion 6. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 fixed to both the housing and the voice converter may be fixed to the housing by the same method as that for fixing to the voice converter, or may be fixed to the housing by a different method.

Fig. 4 shows an example of the waterproof sound-transmitting member of the present invention further having the fixing portion 7A. In the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 4, the fixing portion 7A is disposed on the surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 opposite to the bonding surface bonded to the support layer 3. The fixing portion 7A includes a peripheral edge region of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The fixing portion 7A has the same shape as the joining region 5 when viewed from the above-described perpendicular direction. The fixing portion 7A has an opening 8 having a shape corresponding to the non-joined region 4 when viewed in the vertical direction. The sound propagates mainly through the opening 8 of the fixing portion 7A. The opening 8 is a sound-transmitting region of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 and the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1. The opening 8 is aligned with the non-bonded region 4 when viewed in the vertical direction. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 4 can be fixed to the housing by the fixing portion 7A. The shape of the opening 8 of the fixing portion 7A may be the same as the shape of the external sound transmission port of the housing. In this case, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be fixed to the housing so that the peripheral portion of the opening 8 and the peripheral portion of the external sound-transmitting port coincide with each other when viewed in the vertical direction.

Fig. 5 shows another example of the waterproof sound-transmitting member of the present invention further having a fixing portion 7A. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 5 is the same as the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 4 except for the shape of the fixing portion 7A. The fixing portion 7A of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 5 has an opening 8 that is larger than the non-joined region 4 when viewed in the vertical direction and overlaps with the non-joined region 4 (more specifically, includes the non-joined region 4). In the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 5, the shape of the opening 8 of the fixing portion 7A may be the same as the shape of the external sound-transmitting port of the housing. In the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 5, the area of the non-joined region 4 can be made smaller than the area of the external sound-transmitting port. Therefore, the waterproof performance of the electronic apparatus to which the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is fixed can be further improved.

Fig. 6A shows an example of the waterproof sound-transmitting member of the present invention further having the fixing portion 7B. In the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 6A, the fixing portion 7B is disposed on the surface of the support layer 3 opposite to the bonding surface bonded to the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The fixing portion 7B may have the same shape as the fixing portion 7A shown in fig. 4 or5 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the principal surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 6A can be fixed to the voice converter by the fixing portion 7B.

Fig. 6B shows another example in which a fixing portion 7B is further provided. In the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 6B, the outer peripheral side surface 32 of the support layer 3, the bonding surface (lower surface 38) of the support layer 3 bonded to the protective film 2, and the surface (upper surface 37) of the support layer 3 on the side opposite to the bonding surface bonded to the protective film 2 are covered with the bonding portions 6 and the fixing portions 7B except for the portions facing the non-bonded regions 4 and the openings 8. The joining portion 6 and the fixing portion 7B in fig. 6B are integrated, but they may not be integrated. The joining portion 6 and/or the fixing portion 7 may function as the air-impermeable layer 35. The example of fig. 6B is an example as follows: the outer peripheral side surface 32 of the support layer 3 is covered with the air-impermeable layer 35, and the upper surface 37 and/or the lower surface 38 of the support layer 3 is further covered with the air-impermeable layer 35, and the air-impermeable layer 35 has a shape surrounding the non-joined region 4 (and/or the opening 8) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the protective film 2. The shape of the air-impermeable layer 35 is not limited to the example of fig. 6B.

Fig. 7 shows an example of the waterproof sound-transmitting member of the present invention further having fixing portions 7A and 7B. In the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 7, the fixing portion 7A is disposed on the surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 opposite to the bonding surface bonded to the support layer 3. The fixing portion 7B is disposed on the surface of the support layer 3 opposite to the bonding surface to be bonded to the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The fixing portions 7A and 7B may have the same shape as the fixing portions 7A shown in fig. 4 or5 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the principal surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The shape of the fixing portion 7A may be the same as or different from that of the fixing portion 7B. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 7 can be fixed to the housing by the fixing portion 7A and can be fixed to the voice converter by the fixing portion 7B. Fig. 8 shows an example of a state in which the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 7 is attached to the housing 15 of the electronic apparatus. In the example shown in fig. 8, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is the waterproof sound-transmitting member shown in fig. 7, and the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is fixed to the housing 15 by the fixing portion 7A, and the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is fixed to the voice converter 17 by the fixing portion 7B, except for the above, the example shown in fig. 2 is the same.

The shape of the fixing portions 7A and 7B is not limited to the above examples. However, from the viewpoint that sound is mainly propagated through the openings 8 of the fixing portions 7A and 7B, the fixing portions 7A and 7B preferably have a shape that is accommodated in the joint region 5 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The thickness of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 having the fixing portion 7A and/or the fixing portion 7B is defined including the thickness of the fixing portion.

The waterproof sound-transmitting member of the present invention may have any layer and/or member other than those described above as long as the effects of the present invention can be obtained.

The waterproofness of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be evaluated by water pressure resistance (limit water pressure resistance). The water pressure resistance of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be measured according to the above-described method of measuring the water pressure resistance of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. Wherein the water pressure at the time of measurement is applied to the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 from one side of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The water pressure resistance of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is generally higher than the water pressure resistance of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2.

The waterproofness of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can also be evaluated by a water pressure holding test. The water pressure holding test can be performed in the same manner as the water pressure holding test for the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane. Wherein the water pressure at the time of the test is applied to the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 from one side of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be a member that: even if a water pressure holding test in which the water pressure is 60kPa and the water pressure application time is 10 minutes is performed, water leakage does not occur in the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be a member that: even if a water pressure holding test in which the water pressure is 500kPa and the water pressure application time is 10 minutes is performed, water leakage does not occur in the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be a member that: even if a water pressure holding test in which the water pressure is 700kPa and the water pressure application time is 30 minutes is performed, water leakage does not occur in the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be a member that: even if the water pressure holding test is repeatedly performed 30 times with the water pressure of 700kPa and the water pressure application time of 30 minutes with the interval between the tests set to 1 minute, the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 does not leak water.

The sound transmission characteristics of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be evaluated by the insertion loss at 1kHz (insertion loss with respect to sound of a frequency of 1 kHz). The insertion loss at 1kHz of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 was 1.8mm in the area of the non-joined region 4²For example, the amount of the electric field may be 9.5dB or lessBelow 9dB, below 8.5dB, below 8dB, even below 7.5 dB.

The sound transmission characteristics of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can also be evaluated by the insertion loss at 200Hz (insertion loss with respect to sound at a frequency of 200 Hz). The insertion loss at 200Hz of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 was 1.8mm in the area of the non-joined region 4²For example, 10.5dB or less, 10dB or less, or even 9.5dB or less may be used.

The sound transmission characteristics of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can also be evaluated by the ratio of the insertion loss of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 to the increase (to the increase of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane alone) in the insertion loss of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 (the insertion loss of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 itself measured without providing the support layer 3). The increase amount can be represented by the formula: [ increase in insertion loss]Insertion loss of waterproof sound-transmitting member 1]- [ insertion loss of Water-proof Sound-transmitting Membrane 2]And (4) obtaining. The area of the non-joint region 4 is 1.8mm²In this case, the above ratio of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 at 1kHz is, for example, 80% or less, or may be 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, or even 40% or less. The area of the non-joint region 4 is 1.8mm²In this case, the above ratio of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 at 200Hz is, for example, 40% or less, or may be 35% or less, or even 30% or less.

In the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1, the deterioration of sound-transmitting characteristics due to the water pressure can be suppressed. After a water pressure holding test in which the water pressure was 500kPa and the water pressure application time was 10 minutes, the area at the non-joining region 4 was 1.8mm²In this case, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 also exhibits an insertion loss at 1kHz of, for example, 11dB or less. The insertion loss may be 10.5dB or less, 10dB or less, 9.5dB or less, 9dB or less, 8.5dB or less, or even 8dB or less. In addition, after a water pressure holding test in which the water pressure was 500kPa and the water pressure application time was 10 minutes, the area in the non-joined region 4 was 1.8mm²The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 also exhibits an insertion loss of less than 12dB at, for example, 200 Hz. The insertion loss may also be below 11.5dB, below 11dB, or even below 10.5 dB.

The sound transmission characteristic degradation rate (calculated based on the insertion loss at 1 kHz) of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 determined from each insertion loss before and after the water pressure holding test (water pressure of 500kPa, water pressure application time of 10 minutes) is, for example, 6.5% or less, or 6.0% or less, or even 5.5% or less. The sound transmission characteristic degradation rate of the waterproof sound-transmitting member can be evaluated by the above-described method for evaluating the sound transmission characteristic degradation rate of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane, except that the object for measuring the insertion loss is changed from the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane to the waterproof sound-transmitting member.

The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be supplied in a form of being disposed on a sheet-like base film or a form of being disposed on a strip-like base film and wound into a roll or reel (reel), for example. In the arrangement of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 with respect to the base film, the fixing portion 7A or the fixing portion 7B can be utilized. A release layer may be formed on the surface of the base film on which the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is disposed, and the release layer facilitates the release of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 from the base film. The base film can be, for example, a polymer film, paper, a metal film, and a composite film thereof. Fig. 9 shows an example of a state in which the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is disposed on the base film. In the example shown in fig. 9, the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is disposed on the base film 11 via the fixing portion 7A. In addition, in the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 shown in fig. 9, the fixing portion 7B is provided with a separation film 12 for protecting the fixing portion 7B and the non-joined region 4. When the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is used, the separator 12 is peeled off.

The purpose of the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is not limited. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be used for applications requiring both sound-transmitting properties and waterproof properties, and can be used for, for example, a waterproof sound-transmitting structure, an article having a waterproof sound-transmitting structure, and the like. The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is typically used for an electronic apparatus having a voice function.

Fig. 10 shows an example of an electronic device using the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1. The electronic device shown in fig. 10 is a smartphone 20. A voice converter for converting an electric signal and voice is disposed inside the case 22 of the smartphone 20. The voice converter (voice conversion unit) is, for example, a speaker or a microphone. The speech transducer may also be a microphone. The housing 22 is provided with an opening 23 and an opening 24 as external sound transmission ports.

In the smartphone 20, the 1 st waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the case 22 so as to cover the opening 23. Further, the 2 nd waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the housing 22 so as to cover the opening 24. With regard to the two waterproof sound-transmitting members 1, the face on the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 side faces the outside via the opening 23 or the opening 24. Further, the non-joint region 4 of each waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 overlaps with the opening 23 or the opening 24 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the principal surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2.

The 1 st waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 and the 2 nd waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 are fixed to a voice converter (not shown) housed in the casing 22. With regard to the two waterproof sound-transmitting members 1, the face on the support layer 3 side is in contact with the voice converter. Further, the non-joint region 4 of each waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 overlaps the inner sound-transmitting port of the voice converter to which each waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is fixed, when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the principal surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2.

The electronic apparatus having the waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 is not limited to the smartphone 20. The electronic devices are wearable devices such as smartwatches and bracelets, various cameras including sports cameras and anti-theft cameras, communication devices such as cell phones and smartphones, Virtual Reality (VR) devices, Augmented Reality (AR) devices, sensor devices, and the like.

The waterproof sound-transmitting member 1 can be used as a waterproof and air-permeable member even when the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 has air permeability in the thickness direction. At this time, the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane 2 functions as a waterproof and air-permeable membrane that allows permeation of gas and prevents intrusion of water. The waterproof breathable member can be attached to the case so as to cover an opening (breathable opening) connecting the inside and outside of the case and to allow one side surface of the waterproof breathable film to face the outside (external space). The waterproof and breathable member having the waterproof and breathable film allows the inside and the outside of the case to be breathable through the opening in the electronic device, and prevents water from entering the inside of the case through the opening. The electronic device may have a voice conversion unit or may not have a voice conversion unit. When water pressure is applied to the opening of the electronic device to which the waterproof and breathable member is attached, the waterproof and breathable film deforms in the direction toward the support layer 3 (direction from the outside toward the inside of the case) in the non-joined region 4. However, in the waterproof and breathable member, the deformation of the waterproof and breathable film 2 is limited to a certain range mainly by the level of the air impermeability of the support layer 3 in the in-plane direction and the function of the cushion member (air cushion) due to the air impermeability. Further, by providing the support layer 3, the waterproof and breathable member can have higher water repellency than the waterproof breathable film itself (e.g., the limit water pressure resistance).

The permanent deformation remaining in the waterproof breathable film after the escape of the water pressure deteriorates the air permeability of the waterproof breathable member, for example, causes unevenness in air permeability or causes variation from the air permeability designed as the waterproof breathable member. The support layer 3 can alleviate the permanent deformation by restricting the deformation of the waterproof breathable film. In the case where the electronic device is a sensor device such as a pressure sensor, for example, variations in air permeability and variations in air permeability characteristics from design may adversely affect the performance of the device.

Further, the thickness of the support layer 3 in the non-joined region 4 is 500 μm or less, and the separation distance between the waterproof breathable film and the support layer 3 is 150 μm or less, so that the responsiveness of ventilation as a waterproof breathable member can be improved. The improvement in the responsiveness to air permeation is particularly advantageous in the case where the electronic device is a sensor device such as a pressure sensor.

In the waterproof member of the present invention as the waterproof and breathable member, the waterproof membrane can have the same structure as the waterproof and acoustically transparent member 1 as long as it has breathability in the thickness direction. The waterproof and breathable film of the waterproof and breathable member can be selected from the waterproof and breathable films 2 described above, which have breathability in the thickness direction. In addition, the waterproof member of the present invention as the waterproof and breathable member can have the same characteristics as the waterproof and acoustically transparent member 1.

In the waterproof member of the present invention as the waterproof and breathable member, variation in the breathable characteristics due to water pressure can be suppressed. The change rate of the air permeability characteristics before and after the water pressure holding test (water pressure of 500kPa, water pressure application time of 10 minutes) is, for example, 5% or less, or 4% or less, 3% or less, 2% or less, or even 1% or less. Regarding the rate of change in the air permeability characteristic of the waterproof and air-permeable member, the air permeability of the waterproof and air-permeable member before the water pressure holding test (air permeability in the direction of passing through the waterproof and air-permeable film and the support layer 3) can be represented by AP1, and the air permeability of the waterproof and air-permeable member after the water pressure holding test can be represented by AP2, and the following formula: i (| (AP2-AP1) |/AP1 × 100 (%). In addition, the air permeability of the waterproof and breathable member can be adjusted based on JIS P8117: 2009 was determined as the air impermeability (unit: sec/100 mL). The recommended dimensions of the test piece in the joker test method are 50mm × 50mm, but even when the dimensions of the waterproof and breathable member to be evaluated do not satisfy the recommended dimensions, the air impermeability of the test piece can be evaluated by the joker test method by using the measuring jig.

The measuring jig has a shape and a size that can be arranged in an air permeability measuring section of the joker test machine, and is made of a material and a thickness that are not deformed by a pressure difference applied to the test piece when measuring the air impermeability. An example of the measuring jig is a circular plate made of polycarbonate having a thickness of 2mm and a diameter of 47 mm. A through hole having an opening smaller in size than a waterproof and breathable member to be evaluated is provided in advance in the center in the plane of the measuring jig. The cross section of the through hole is typically circular, and is set to a diameter such that the opening of the through hole is completely covered by the waterproof and breathable member of the evaluation target. As the diameter of the through hole, for example, 1mm or 2mm can be adopted. Next, a waterproof and breathable member to be evaluated is fixed to one surface of the measuring jig so as to cover the opening. The fixation is performed in the following manner: in the measurement of the air impermeability, air passes only in the non-joined region 4, and the fixed portion does not obstruct the passage of air in the non-joined region 4. Either the waterproof breathable film faces the side of the measuring jig or the supporting layer 3 faces the side of the measuring jig. In the fixing of the waterproof and breathable member, a double-sided adhesive tape can be used in which a breathable opening having a shape conforming to the shape of the opening is punched in the center. The double-sided adhesive tape is used to make the periphery of the air vent consistent with that of the openingThe method of (1) is only required to be configured between the measuring jig and the waterproof and breathable member. Next, a measurement jig to which the waterproof and breathable member is fixed is provided in the air permeability measurement unit of the jones test machine so that the fixing surface of the member is on the downstream side of the air flow at the time of measurement, a test by the jones test machine method is performed, and an air impermeability indication value t2 indicated by the test machine is recorded. Then, using the formula t_KT2 × (area of non-junction region 4 cm)²])/6.452[cm²]Converting the recorded air impermeability indication value t2 into each 6.452 cm specified by the Wanyan type testing machine method²]Value t of effective test area_KCan convert the obtained converted value t_KThe air impermeability of the waterproof and breathable member was measured by the royal jelly test method.

Examples of electronic devices that can use the waterproof member of the present invention as the waterproof and breathable member are a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, and a gas concentration sensor (O)₂Sensors, etc.). However, the electronic device is not limited to the above example.

As described above, the waterproof member of the present invention may be a waterproof sound-transmitting member,

the waterproof sound-transmitting member has a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane that allows sound to pass therethrough and prevents water from invading, and a support layer having air permeability in the thickness direction,

the waterproof sound-transmitting member has:

a joining region in which the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is joined to the support layer; and

a non-joint region in which the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane and the support layer are in a state of being separated from each other,

the non-joined region is surrounded by the joined region when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane,

the thickness of the support layer in the non-joining region is 500 μm or less,

the support layer has an air impermeability in an in-plane direction of more than 8 ten thousand seconds/100 mL.

The waterproof member of the present invention may be a waterproof and breathable member,

the waterproof and breathable member has a waterproof and breathable film that allows gas to pass therethrough and prevents water from invading, and a support layer having gas permeability in the thickness direction, wherein,

the waterproof and breathable member has:

a joining region in which the waterproof breathable film is joined to the support layer; and

a non-joined region in which the waterproof breathable film and the support layer are in a state of being separated from each other,

the non-joined region is surrounded by the joined region when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the waterproof breathable film,

the thickness of the support layer in the non-joining region is 500 μm or less,

the support layer has an air impermeability in an in-plane direction of more than 8 ten thousand seconds/100 mL.