Piezoelectric speaker

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a piezoelectric speaker, and more particularly to a structure of a piezoelectric speaker in which a piezoelectric film is molded into a corrugate shape to form a vibrating diaphragm, and alternating signals are inputted into electrodes formed on the vibrating diaphragm to thereby generate sound wave.

A conventional speaker such as a Heil speaker or a ribbon speaker in which a thin film is molded into a corrugate shape and electrodes are formed to complete a vibrating diaphragm has been proposed. In the Heil speaker or ribbon speaker, both vertical ends in the vibrating diaphragm molded into a corrugate shape are fixed to a frame when the vibrating diaphragm is to be fixed to the frame. Both side ends that are wavy are not fixed and kept free. Since the electrodes formed on each crest and trough of the vibrating diaphragm are connected in series, the flowing current is also caused to flow through the electrodes connected in series.

FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a conventional piezoelectric speaker. In the corrugate shaped molded vibrating diaphragm

1

, after the vertical ends

3

-

1

have been bonded to the vertical frames

2

-

1

and

2

-

2

, the wavy side ends

4

are fixed to side frames

6

-

1

and

6

-

2

by adhesives

5

. Also, electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

and

8

-

2

deposited on piezoelectric films

7

-

1

and

7

-

2

and external lead lines

9

-

1

and

9

-

2

are screw-fastened together to the vertical frames

2

-

1

and

2

-

2

of plastics by means of bolts

10

-

1

and

10

-

2

. The acoustic signal current is inputted into the electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

and

8

-

2

from the external lead lines

9

-

1

and

9

-

2

.

Accordingly, the current for driving the vibrating diaphragm

1

is inputted concentratedly from first ends of the narrow thin lead electrode terminals

8

-

1

and

8

-

2

. However, since the electrodes

11

formed in the crests and troughs are connected in parallel, this system is different in electrode structure from the above-described Heil speaker or ribbon speaker.

However, if there would be no misunderstanding the representation of the numeral, only the main reference numeral will be used to collectively represent the components. This is the case also in other components that will be described hereunder. This rule will be applied to the components in the same manner.

However, since the above-described piezoelectric films

7

have a large static capacitance, if the frequency is increased, an impedance is lowered so that a large alternating current will flow. On the other hand, since the electrodes are manufactured by means of a thin coating method such as deposition, as shown in

FIG. 1

, all the signal applied to the electrodes is inputted from the electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

and

8

-

2

at first ends of the electrode leads

12

-

1

and

12

-

2

on the extension lines of the electrodes

11

. For this reason, a large amount of current is caused to flow into the thin narrow electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

and

8

-

2

. The electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

and

8

-

2

are evaporated to cause a breakdown of lines.

Also, as another problem, in order to generate a sufficient sound pressure in the piezoelectric speaker, the output voltage of an amplifier has to be further stepped up to apply a high voltage. Although it is not necessary to provide the voltage in the several kVs like a static speaker, since the peak voltage reaches about 100V even in the piezoelectric speaker, if the user's hand would touch the electrodes

11

, the side frames

6

-

1

and

6

-

2

, the vertical frames

2

-

1

and

2

-

2

and the like as shown in

FIG. 1

, there would be an electric accident.

Also, the conventional structure in which the vibrating diaphragm

1

formed by the piezoelectric film into the corrugate shape is fixed to the frame shown in

FIG. 1

suffers from a problem that, if the sound pressure is somewhat increased, the vibrating diaphragm

1

is vibrated in universal directions to generate a busy sound at a predetermined frequency to generate noise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a piezoelectric speaker in which a breakdown of an electric lead terminal is prevented when a large amount current is caused flow into a thin narrow electrode lead terminal, any electric accident may be prevented in an electrode and a frame that would be likely to be touched by hands, the precision of position and shape of the electrode formed by using a mask is enhanced, and the generation of busy sound that becomes noise may be prevented even at a predetermined frequency of the vibrating diaphragm.

In order to attain the above objects, according to the present invention, there is provided a piezoelectric speaker comprising a vibrating diaphragm

1

formed by two piezoelectric films

7

-

1

,

7

-

2

being put together and made in a bimorph type, and formed into a corrugate shape as the whole to have crests

16

-

1

and troughs

16

-

2

alternately and to have walls

17

which connect the crests

16

-

1

and the troughs

16

-

2

and structured such that side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

corresponding to the right and left ends of the vibrating diaphragm

1

are attached to side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

placed at the right and the left of the vibrating diaphragm

1

and one longitudinal end

3

-

1

and the other longitudinal end

3

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

are attached to vertical frames

2

-

1

,

2

-

2

disposed between the right and left side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

and that electrodes

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

are formed on the vibrating diaphragm

1

to generate sound waves by alternate signals being input to the electrodes

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

, wherein each of the right and left side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

fixing the right and left side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

is sectioned into an upper plate

19

-

1

and a lower plate

19

-

2

by the right side end

4

-

1

or the left side end

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

formed in the corrugate shape as the whole, and a vibrating diaphragm supporting portion

31

of the upper plate

19

-

1

and a vibrating diaphragm supporting portion

32

of the lower plate

19

-

2

are formed in the same corrugate shape as the corrugate shape of the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

so that the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm supporting portion

31

of the upper plate

19

-

1

and the vibrating diaphragm supporting portion

32

of the lower plate

19

-

2

in the state of the corrugate shape of the vibrating diaphragm

1

being maintained.

According to this structure, the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

formed into a corrugate shape are clamped by the pair of upper and lower plates

19

-

1

,

19

-

2

the vibrating diaphragm supporting portions of which are formed in the corrugate shape, to form the side frames

6

,

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

, and the electrodes

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

formed on the surface of the vibrating diaphragm

1

are connected at a plurality of positions by conductive leads

20

mounted on the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

to output.

Accordingly, it is possible to firmly fix the vibrating diaphragm

1

to the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

and to prevent the current from concentrating on a local part of the thin electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

,

8

-

2

.

Furthermore, in the piezoelectric speaker according to the present invention, the vibrating diaphragm

1

is clamped by the upper plate

19

-

1

and the lower plate

19

-

2

in such a way that the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

project from the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

, electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

are formed on projections

23

so projected, and the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

are connected by the leads

20

.

With such an arrangement, the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

are fixed to the frame so as to project from the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

composed of the pair of the upper and lower clamping plates

19

-

1

,

19

-

2

and the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

formed on the projecting projections

23

are attached to the leads

20

connected to the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

.

Accordingly, it is possible to readily and firmly connect the electrodes

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

and the leads

20

with each other without any adverse affect to the vibrating surface at a plurality of positions.

In the piezoelectric speaker according to the present invention, a plurality of electrodes

11

,

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

are formed on the same surface of the vibrating diaphragm

1

, electrodes

11

,

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

that are not in conductive communication with each other on the same surface are provided within the plurality of electrodes

11

,

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

, and the electrodes

11

,

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

are electrically conductive by the lead

20

.

According to the above-described arrangement, the pattern is made as shown in

FIG. 3

, instead of the insulative strip portion of the mask shown in

FIG. 2

, to thereby prevent the bends and displacement of the insulative portion. Then, the electrode leads

12

,

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

formed on the piezoelectric films

7

,

7

-

1

,

7

-

2

have disconnected portions on the midway and are not contiguous to the electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

,

8

-

2

. However, according to the invention of the first aspect, the respective electrodes

11

,

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

mounted on the side frames

6

,

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are connected.

Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the positional precision of the electrodes

11

,

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

and to attain the prevention of the breakdown of the electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

and

8

-

2

at once.

Furthermore, in the piezoelectric speaker according to the present invention, partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

are inserted between the two side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

, and the crests

16

-

1

and the troughs

16

-

1

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

are partitioned by the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

.

With such an arrangement, when the vibrating diaphragm

1

is vibrated while receiving the acoustic signal, the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

are inserted between the two side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

in order to prevent the lateral displacement or to prevent the resonance caused by the mutual affect of adjacent units of the crests

16

-

1

and troughs

16

-

2

.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user's finger from touching the vibrating diaphragm

1

by the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

to thereby serve as the sufficient countermeasure to the electrical accident and thus it is possible to solve the two different problems of the electrical accident and a buzz sound at a time.

Further, in the piezoelectric speaker according to the present invention, the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

are formed integrally with the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

.

Accordingly, it is possible to enhance precision in arrangement of the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

, and at the same time to simplify the work for mounting the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

to the frames to thereby make it possible to reduce the cost.

Furthermore, in the piezoelectric speaker according to the present invention, the respective vertical frames

2

-

1

,

2

-

2

on one side and the other side are divided into upper vertical frames

2

-

1

-A,

2

-

2

-A and lower vertical frames

2

-

1

-B,

2

-

2

-B, the respective upper plates

19

-

1

of the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are assembled between the upper vertical frame

2

-

1

-A on one side and the upper vertical plate

2

-

2

-A on the other side at the right and the left to constitute a frame plate

29

-

1

, the respective lower plates

19

-

2

of the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are assembled between the lower vertical frame

2

-

1

-B on one side and the lower vertical plate

2

-

2

-B on the other side at the right and the left to constitute a frame plate

29

-

2

, and the vibrating diaphragm

1

is fixed to the frame plates

29

-

1

,

29

-

2

under the condition that tension in the direction towards the side ends, i.e. in the right-and-left direction is kept applied.

Accordingly, it is possible to maintain the tension of the vibrating diaphragm

1

for a long period of time, to readily assemble, and to prevent the generation of a buzz sound.

Furthermore, in the piezoelectric speaker according to the present invention, the vertical frames

2

-

1

,

2

-

2

are formed to be longer than the length of the vibrating diaphragm

1

in the right-and-left direction located between the two side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

and tension in the right-and-left direction is applied to the vibrating diaphragm

1

when the vertical frames

2

-

1

,

2

-

2

are mounted on the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

to assemble the frame.

With such an arrangement, the vibrating diaphragm

1

is first fixed to the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

, and at this time, the vertical frames

2

-

1

,

2

-

2

that are longer than the length in the right-and-left direction of the vibrating diaphragm

1

between the pair of side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are inserted in between the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

so that the vibrating diaphragm

1

is fixed to the frame under the condition that the tension in the right-and-left direction is kept.

Accordingly, the vibrating diaphragm

1

is firmly fixed to the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

by the pair of side plates

19

-

1

,

19

-

2

whereby the manufacturing work is facilitated the generation of the buzz sound is prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a conventional piezoelectric speaker.

FIG. 2

is a plan view of a mask used for manufacturing an electrode pattern in accordance with the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3

is a plan view of the mask for manufacturing an electrode pattern in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4

is a perspective view of the piezoelectric speaker according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5

is a side view of the side frame of the piezoelectric speaker in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6

is a perspective view of the piezoelectric speaker in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7

is a perspective view of the piezoelectric speaker in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8

is a perspective view of the partitioning plate in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9

is a view illustrative of the piezoelectric speaker and the manufacturing method of the piezoelectric speaker in accordance with the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10

is a view illustrative of the piezoelectric speaker and the manufacturing method of the piezoelectric speaker in accordance with the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing,

FIG. 4

which is a perspective view of a piezoelectric speaker for the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in

FIG. 4

, piezoelectric films

7

-

1

and

7

-

2

are bonded together to form a bimorph and molded into a corrugate shape to make a vibrating diaphragm

1

. Electrodes

11

are formed on the surface of the piezoelectric film

7

-

1

,

7

-

2

at crests

16

-

1

, troughs

16

-

2

and walls

17

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

and electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

are formed at side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

. Since signals input to the electrodes

11

-

1

of the crests

16

-

1

and troughs

16

-

2

and the electrodes

11

-

2

of the walls

17

are of opposite polarity, the insulating strips

18

are provided.

Subsequently, the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

are clamped by corrugate surfaces of a pair of plates

19

-

1

and

19

-

2

constituting side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

in conformity with the corrugate shape of the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

. That is, each of the right and left side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

fixing the right and left side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

is sectioned into an upper plate

19

-

1

and a lower plate

19

-

2

by the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

formed in a corrugate shape as the whole, and a vibrating diaphragm supporting portion

31

of the upper plate

19

-

1

and a vibrating diaphragm supporting portion

32

of the lower plate

19

-

2

are formed in the same corrugate shape as the corrugate shape of the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

so that the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

are clamped by the vibrating diaphragm supporting portion

31

of the upper plate

19

-

1

and the vibrating diaphragm supporting portion

32

of the lower plate

19

-

2

in the state of the corrugate shape of the vibrating diaphragm

1

being maintained. Leads

20

are fixed to side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

. The electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

and the leads

20

are connected at a plurality of joint points

21

-

1

,

21

-

2

to each other by conductive paint or the like. Then, the leads

20

are connected to external lead lines

9

-

1

,

9

-

2

.

Conventionally, as shown in

FIG. 1

, the vibrating diaphragm

1

and the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

fixed together by the adhesives

5

so that the acoustic signal current input from the external lead lines

9

-

1

,

9

-

2

into the electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

,

8

-

2

is fed to the electrodes

11

only through the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

.

Since the electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

and

8

-

2

and the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

are thin metal films coated by means of the deposition or the like, if a large current is caused to flow, they may be evaporated and broken down. Then, if the electrodes

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

and the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

made of metal are connected by the conductive paint, the current is diffused and the probability of breakdown of lines is surely reduced.

However, since the adhesives

5

are overflown between the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

and the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

, the distance to be connected by the conductive paint is long and the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

and the side frame

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are connected linearly. Since the electrical conductivity of the conductive paint is not so good, there still remains a fear that the conductive paint is broken down or a spark would occur.

Therefore, as in the first embodiment of the present invention in

FIG. 4

, if the vibrating diaphragm

1

is clamped between a pair of the upper and lower plates

19

-

1

,

19

-

2

and the vibrating diaphragm

1

is fixed to the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

, there is no extra adhesives

5

overflown. Accordingly, the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

the leads

20

may be connected through points at the joint points

21

-

1

,

21

-

2

,

21

-

3

. Then, since the breakdown of the conductive paint no longer occurs and almost all current is caused to flow through the leads

20

, there is no breakdown accident of the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

or the electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

,

8

-

2

.

A second embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

shown in

FIG. 4

are made of conductive material such as metal. Namely, the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

serve as leads

20

. In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

and the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are connected by the conductive paint or the like.

Thus, since the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

also serve as the leads

20

, the current is caused to flow directly through the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

from the external lead lines

9

-

1

,

9

-

2

to be introduced into the electrode

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

. Therefore, there is no fear of the breakdown of the electrode lead terminals

8

-

1

,

8

-

2

or the like. Also, since the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

and the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are connected through points at the joint points

21

-

1

,

21

-

2

,

21

-

3

, it is also possible to prevent the breakdown of the conductive paint.

A third embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG.

4

. First of all, the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are made of insulative material such as plastics. Alternatively, in the case where the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are made of conductive material such as metal, the surface is coated with insulative material. In the case where the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are made of insulative material, the leads

20

are fixed to the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

, but after the fixture, the leads

20

are also coated with insulative material.

It is noted that, if the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are made of conductive material as in the second embodiment, in the case where an user touches the side frame

6

-

1

by one hand and touches the side frame

6

-

2

by the other hand, the acoustic signal current stepped up by an amplifier or the like is caused to flow through the human body so that an electrical accident may be occurred. Therefore, the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

or the leads

20

having the conductivity are coated with insulative material to thereby prevent the electrical accident.

Next, in a fourth embodiment, as shown in a side view of the side frame of

FIG. 5

, projections

22

are formed on the vibrating diaphragm supporting portion

31

in one upper plate

19

-

1

of the pair of the upper plate

19

-

1

and the lower plate

19

-

2

. The projections

22

are firmly engaged with the other lower plate

19

-

2

on the opposite side passing through the electrode lead

12

-

1

formed on the piezoelectric films

7

-

1

,

7

-

2

.

Thus, the projection

22

becomes joint points

21

-

1

for connecting the electrode lead

12

-

1

and the side frame

6

-

1

to thereby provide a firm electrical connection. Also, the vibrating diaphragm supporting portions

31

,

32

in a corrugate shape, of the pair of the upper and lower plates

19

-

1

,

19

-

2

are engaged with each other to form integral side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

so that the vibrating diaphragm

1

is prevented from falling apart from the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

.

Next, in a fifth embodiment, as shown in

FIG. 6

, the vibrating diaphragm

1

is clamped by the pair of the upper and lower plates

19

-

1

,

19

-

2

and fixed to the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

. At this time, the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

forms projections

23

somewhat projecting from the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

. Electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

are formed on the projections

23

. Then, the leads

20

made of a conductive plate are applied over the projections

23

and screw fastened to the side frames

6

by screws.

Furthermore, insulative plates

24

are bonded over the leads

20

. Also, it is possible to bond a conductive tape as a lead

20

instead of the conductive plate or to apply conductive paint. Namely, if the projections

23

are made and the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

formed on the projections

23

are connected to the leads

20

, the technical concept is the same.

Even if the pair of the upper and lower plates

19

-

1

,

19

-

2

are made of conductive material such as metal as in the second embodiment, unless the projections

22

shown in

FIG. 5

is provided, it is not sufficient to provide the firm electrical connection between the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

and the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

. Also, there is a fear that the vibrating diaphragm

1

may fall apart from the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

.

Therefore, as shown in

FIG. 6

, the leads

20

are applied over the projections

23

, and the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

are press fitted to the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

and the leads

20

, so that it is possible to prevent the vibrating diaphragm

1

from falling apart from the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

and it is also possible to obtain a sufficient electrical connection.

In the case where the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are made of metal, it is possible to make the leads

20

of insulative material. In this case, the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

provide the electrical conductivity and serve as the leads

20

. Also, in the case where the pair of the upper and lower plates

19

-

1

,

19

-

2

are made of insulative material, if the leads

20

are made of conductive material, it is possible to obtain a sufficient electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the insulative plates

24

may be bonded to the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

to thereby eliminate a fear of electrical accident even if a hand touches the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

.

Incidentally, although not shown in the drawings, in the case where the thus produced piezoelectric speaker unit is used with being embedded in the wall or the like, since it is possible to make a structure such that the leads

20

can no longer be touched by a hand or the like the leads

20

, it is unnecessary to particularly bond the insulative plates

24

.

As

FIG. 2

shows a plan view of a mask for manufacturing an electrode pattern used in the embodiment of the piezoelectric speaker shown in

FIG. 4

, when an electrode is formed by means of vapor deposition, etching or the like, a mask corresponding to the electrode pattern is required.

The mask will now be described with reference to FIG.

2

. As shown in

FIG. 2

, the mask is obtained as the remainder, i.e. an insulative strip portion

15

indicated by hatching, after an electrode portions

14

, which are blanks without hatching, are removed from a thin iron plate

13

. While the mask pattern so obtained may be used to form an electrode in the present invention, the insulating strip portion

15

tends to bend and hardly keeps the position, since it is narrow and thin with the width of around 2 mm.

Then, in order to enhance the precision of the mask, the mask shown in

FIG. 3

is used. This mask is formed by removing the electrode portions

14

indicated by blanks for forming the electrodes

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

from the thin iron plate

13

. Namely, thus, the insulative strip portions

15

-

1

,

15

-

2

or the like are left in the iron plate

13

. Since the insulative strip portions

15

-

1

,

15

-

2

are not contiguous like the insulative strip portion

15

of the conventional mask shown in

FIG. 2

, there is no fear of bends or displacement.

Accordingly, the electrode pattern manufactured by using the mask shown in

FIG. 3

has a high precision, but disconnected portions

25

of the electrode leads

12

-

1

,

12

-

2

are generated as shown in FIG.

6

. However, as described above, the projections

23

are press bonded by the leads

20

so that each of electrodes

11

-

1

,

11

-

2

is connected by the leads

20

and the joint points

21

(see FIG.

5

). Thus, the fact that the sufficient electrical conductivity can be obtained through the leads

20

to the external lead lines

9

-

1

,

9

-

2

is the same as in the fifth embodiment.

A seventh embodiment will now be described. As shown in

FIG. 7

, in this embodiment, partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

are inserted in a sound radiating surface in order to hold the tops of the crests

16

-

1

and the bottoms of the troughs

16

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

formed in a continuous curved shape with partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

at the upper and lower surfaces so that the vibrating diaphragm

1

does not move. Namely, the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

are inserted onto the upper and lower surfaces between the two side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

in the vicinity of the top of the crests

16

-

1

and the bottom of troughs

16

-

2

. Namely, the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

are inserted in the direction for radiating the sound. It is most preferable to insert the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

into every crest

16

-

1

and trough

16

-

2

. However, it is not always necessary to insert the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

into every crest

16

-

1

and trough

16

.

FIG. 7

typically shows the case of the two partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

.

If a number of partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

are arranged to be inserted into each crest

16

-

1

or trough

16

-

2

, the distance between the adjacent partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

is narrow so that the finger could not be inserted therein. Accordingly, since the finger or the like no longer touches the electrode

11

-

1

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

, it is possible to prevent the electrical accident. Also, the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

become walls for preventing the adverse affect to the vibration of the adjacent crest

16

-

1

and trough

16

-

2

to thereby make it possible to prevent the buzz sound and to keep the sound pressure frequency characteristics in good condition. Namely, the piezoelectric speaker according to the present invention may radiate sound in the same manner either from a front side or a back side.

An eighth embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG.

8

. In this embodiment, the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

are formed integrally with the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

. Alternatively, a partitioning plate assembly

28

, in which the partitioning plates are formed integrally with the side plates

27

-

1

,

27

-

2

in conformity with the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

, may be inserted between the two side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

.

The effect thereof is the same as that of the seventh embodiment. In particular, the side plates

27

-

1

,

27

-

2

may be regarded as parts of the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

in this embodiment. Also, since the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

and the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

or the side plates

27

-

1

,

27

-

2

are formed integrally, it is possible to reduce the number of manufacturing steps for inserting the partitioning plates

26

-

1

,

26

-

2

to thereby reduce the cost.

Subsequently, in a ninth embodiment, as shown in

FIG. 9

, the respective vertical frames

2

-

1

,

2

-

2

are divided into two of upper and lower parts. Although the example shown in the figure is for the vertical frame

2

-

1

of one side, the same is applicable to the vertical frame

2

-

2

of the other side. The upper part of thus divided vertical frame

2

-

1

is indicated as

2

-

1

-A and the lower part is indicated as

2

-

1

-B. As for the vertical frame

2

-

2

, which is not illustrated, the upper part thereof is

2

-

2

-A and the lower part is

2

-

2

-B. Then, the upper plates

19

-

1

is previously assembled to the upper vertical frame

2

-

1

-A to constitute a frame plate

29

-

1

. On the other hand, the lower plates

19

-

2

is also previously assembled to the lower vertical frame

2

-

1

-B to constitute a frame plate

29

-

2

. Subsequently, the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

are pulled by a force f in the right-and-left direction in

FIG. 9

by means of a tensioning unit

30

. It is preferable that the tension thereof causes the extension in the right-and-left direction by about one percent. Then, the vibrating diaphragm

1

is clamped by the frame plates

29

-

1

and

29

-

2

from above and below and fixed thereto under the extended condition.

Accordingly, under the condition that the tension is applied to the vibrating diaphragm

1

in the right-and-left direction, the vibrating diaphragm

1

is fixed to the frame constituted by the vertical frames

2

-

1

,

202

and the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

. Thus, according to this embodiment, if the tension is applied to the vibrating diaphragm

1

in the right-and-left direction, it has been confirmed that the trembling sound that is noise generated from the vibrating diaphragm

1

can be reduced.

A tenth embodiment will now be described.

In case of this example too, the respective vertical frames

2

-

1

,

2

-

2

are divided into two of upper and lower parts. Although the example shown in the figure is for the vertical frame

2

-

1

of one side, the same is applicable to the vertical frame

2

-

2

of the other side. The upper part of thus divided vertical frame

2

-

1

is indicated as

2

-

1

-A and the lower part is indicated as

2

-

1

-B.

As shown in

FIG. 10

, first of all, the side ends

4

-

1

,

4

-

2

of the vibrating diaphragm

1

are clamped by the pair of the upper and lower plates

19

-

1

,

19

-

2

and fixed to the two side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

. At this time, vertical frames

2

-

1

,

2

-

2

that are longer than the length between the two side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are prepared. Subsequently, the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

are clamped by the tensioning unit

30

to apply to the vibrating diaphragm

1

the force f in the right-and-left direction in FIG.

10

. It is preferable that this force causes a condition that the right-and-left extension of the vibrating diaphragm

1

is about one percent, as in the ninth embodiment. Then, when the vertical frames

2

-

1

,

2

-

2

are inserted between the two side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

and assembled, it is possible to firmly fix the vibrating diaphragm

1

to the side frames

6

-

1

,

6

-

2

under the condition that the tension in the right-and-left direction is applied for a long period time.

The effect of the present invention will now be described.

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the side ends in a corrugate shape are clamped by means of a pair of plates so that the vibrating diaphragm may be firmly fixed to the side frames. Also, it is possible to prevent the current from being concentrated onto the local position of the thin electrode lead terminals.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to connect the electrodes and the leads at a plurality of positions with ease and without fail while not imparting the adverse affect to the vibrating surface.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since it is possible to avoid the adverse affect of the vibration due to the operation and sound wave of the adjacent cell and to prevent the finger from touching the vibrating diaphragm because of the insertion of the partition plates, this is a sufficient countermeasure to the electrical accident and thus it is possible to solve at once the two problems of the prevention of the electrical accident and the prevention of the buzz sound.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to enhance precision in arrangement of the partition plates and at the same time to reduce the cost since the work for mounting the partitioning plates to the frames may readily be performed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to keep the tension of the vibrating diaphragm for a long period of time and at the same time to readily assemble it to thereby prevent the generation of the buzz sound.

Claims

1. A piezoelectric speaker, comprising:a vibrating diaphragm 1, formed by two piezoelectric films 7-1, 7-2 being put together and made in a bimorph type, and formed into a corrugate shape as the whole to have crests 16-1 and troughs 16-2 alternately and to have walls 17 which connect the crests 16-1 and the troughs 16-2, wherein said vibrating diaphragm 1 is structured such that side ends 4-1, 4-2 corresponding to the right and left ends of the vibrating diaphragm 1 are attached to side frames 6-1, 6-2 placed at the right and the left of the vibrating diaphragm 1 and one longitudinal end 3-1 and the other longitudinal end 3-2 of the vibrating diaphragm 1 are attached to vertical frames 2-1, 2-2 disposed between the right and left side frames 6-1, 6-2 and that electrodes 11-1, 11-2 are formed on the vibrating diaphragm 1 to generate sound waves by alternate signals being input to the electrodes 11-1, 11-2, wherein each of the right and left side frames 6-1, 6-2 fixing the right and left side ends 4-1, 4-2 of the vibrating diaphragm 1 is sectioned into an upper plate 19-1 and a lower plate 19-2 by the right side end 4-1 or the left side end 4-2 of the vibrating diaphragm 1 formed in the corrugate shape as the whole; and a vibrating diaphragm supporting portion 31 of the upper plate 19-1 and a vibrating diaphragm supporting portion 31 of the upper plate 19-1 and a vibrating diaphragm supporting portion 32 of the lower plate 19-2 are formed in a corresponding corrugate shape as the corrugate shape of the side ends 4-1, 4-2 of the vibrating diaphragm 1 so that the side ends 4-1, 4-2 of the vibrating diaphragm 1 are clamped by the vibrating diaphragm supporting portion 31 of the upper plate 19-1 and the vibrating diaphragm supporting portion 32 of the lower plate 19-2 in the state of the corrugate shape of the vibrating diaphragm 1 being maintained.
2. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 1, wherein the vibrating diaphragm 1 is clamped by the upper plate 19-1 and the lower plate 19-2 in such a way that the side ends 4-1, 4-2 of the vibrating diaphragm 1 project from the side frames 6-1, 6-2, electrode leads 12-1, 12-2 are formed on projections 23 so projected, and the electrode leads 12-1, 12-2 are connected by the leads 20.
3. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 1, wherein partitioning plates 26-1, 26-2 are inserted between the two side frames 6-1, 6-2, and the crests 16-1 and the troughs 16-2 of the vibrating diaphragm 1 are partitioned by the partitioning plates 26-1, 26-2.
4. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 1, wherein the partitioning plates 26-1, 26-2 are formed integrally with the side frames 6-1, 6-2.
5. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 1, wherein the respective vertical frames 2-1, 2-2 on one side and the other side are divided into upper vertical frames 2-1-A, 2-2-A and lower vertical frames 2-1-B, 2-2-B, the respective upper plates 19-1 of the side frames 6-1, 6-2 are assembled between the upper vertical frame 2-1-A on one side and the upper vertical plate 2-2-A on the other side at the right and the left to constitute a frame plate 29-1, the respective lower plates 19-2 of the side frames 6-1, 6-2 are assembled between the lower vertical frame 2-1-B on one side and the lower vertical plate 2-2-B on the other side at the right and the left to constitute a frame plate 29-2, and the vibrating diaphragm 1 is fixed to the frame plates 29-1, 29-2 under the condition that tension in the direction towards the side ends, i.e. in the right-and-left direction is kept applied.
6. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 1 wherein the vertical frames 2-1, 2-2 are formed to be longer than the length in the right-and-left direction of the vibrating diaphragm 1 located between the two side frames 6-1, 6-2 and tension in the right-and-left direction is applied to the vibrating diaphragm 1 when the vertical frames 2-1, 2-2 are mounted on the side frames 6-1, 6-2 to assemble the frame.
7. A piezoelectric speaker, comprising:a vibrating diaphragm bimorphly formed by a plurality of piezoelectric films and formed in a corrugate shape having crests and troughs, and being formed with a first side end and a second side end, the first side end corresponding to a first wall and the second side end corresponding to a second wall for connecting the crests and the troughs of the piezoelectric films such that the first wall is attached to a first side frame and the second wall is attached to a second side frame, the first side frame and the second side frame being placed at opposing sides of the vibrating diaphragm; a first longitudinal end of the vibrating diaphragm that is attached to a first vertical frame; a second longitudinal end of the vibrating diaphragm that is attached to a second vertical frame, wherein the first and second vertical frames are disposed between the first side frame and the second side frame; and at least one electrode formed on the vibrating diaphragm to generate sound waves by signals being input into the electrode, wherein the first side frame is sectioned into an upper plate and a lower plate by the first side end, and the second side frame is sectioned into and upper plate and a lower plate by the second side end; and a vibrating diaphragm supporting portion of the each upper plate and a vibrating diaphragm supporting portion of each lower plate that are formed in a corrugate shape corresponding to the corrugate shape of the first side end and the second side end of the vibrating diaphragm such, wherein the first side end and the second side end are attached to the vibrating diaphragm supporting portion of the upper plate and the vibrating diaphragm supporting portion of the lower plate.
8. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 7, further comprising:at least one projection that is formed by the vibrating diaphragm attaching to the upper plate and the lower plate such that the first and the second side ends project from the corresponding first and second side frames; a lead attached to the first side frame or to the second side frame; and a plurality of electrode leads, formed on the at least one projection, connected by the lead.
9. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 7, further comprising:a partitioning plate inserted between the first side frame and the second side frame, wherein the crests and the troughs of the vibrating diaphragm are partitioned by the partitioning plate.
10. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 9, wherein the partitioning plate is formed integrally with the first side frame and the second side frame.
11. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 7, wherein the first vertical frame is divided into an upper vertical frame and a lower vertical frame, andthe second vertical frame is divided into an upper vertical frame and a lower vertical frame, wherein the upper plate of the first side frame and the upper plate of the second side frame are assembled between the first upper vertical frame and the second upper vertical frame to constitute a first frame plate, the lower plate of the first side frame and the lower plate of the second side frame are assembled between the first lower vertical frame and the second lower vertical frame to constitute a second frame plate, and the vibrating diaphragm is attached to the first and second frame plates such that tension is applied to the diaphragm in the direction towards the first side end and the second side end.
12. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 7, wherein a length of the first vertical frame and a length of the second vertical frame are formed longer than vibrating diaphragm in a direction disposed between the first side frame and the second side frame.
13. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 12, wherein the first side frame and the second side frame are attached to the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, respectively, such that tension is applied to the vibrating diaphragm.
14. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 7, wherein the first side end is attached to the first side frame by clamping and the second side end is attached to the second side frame by clamping.
15. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 7, wherein the first side end is attached to the first side frame by clamping the first side end between the upper portion of the first side frame and the lower portion of the first side frame, andthe second side end is attached to the second side frame by clamping the second side end between the upper portion of the second side frame and the lower portion of the second side frame.
16. A piezoelectric speaker, comprising:a first side plate comprising a non-linear upper portion which corresponds to a non-linear lower portion; a second side plate comprising a non-linear upper portion which corresponds to a non-linear lower portion; a piezoelectric film comprising a non-linear first side-end attached to the non-linear upper portion and to the non-linear lower portion of the first side plate and comprising a non-linear second side-end, opposed to the non-linear first side-end, that is attached to the non-linear upper portion and to the non-linear lower portion of the second side plate; a first vertical frame attached to a first longitudinal end of the piezoelectric film; a second vertical frame attached to a second longitudinal end of the piezoelectric film, opposed to the first longitudinal side-end, wherein the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame are each attached to the first side plate and the second side plate to form a piezoelectric speaker frame; and at least one electrode formed on the vibrating diaphragm, wherein a signal that is inputted into the electrode generates a sound wave.
17. The piezoelectric speaker of claim 16, wherein the non-linear first side end and the non-linear second side end form a corrugate pattern when attached to the first side plate and to the second side plate, respectively.
18. The piezoelectric speaker of claim 16, wherein the non-linear upper portion and the non-linear lower portion of the first side plate correspond to the non-linear first side end, andthe non-linear upper portion and the non-linear lower portion of the second side plate correspond to the non-linear second side-end.
19. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 16, further comprising:at least one projection formed by attaching the vibrating diaphragm to the upper portion of the first side plate and to the lower portion of the first side plate such that the first non-linear side-end projects from the first side frame; at least one lead attached to the first side frame; and a plurality of electrode leads, connected by the at least one lead, formed on the at least one projection.
20. The piezoelectric speaker according to claim 16, further comprising:a partitioning plate inserted between the first side frame and the second side frame, wherein the non-linear vibrating diaphragm is partitioned by the partitioning plate.

Priority Claims (1)

Number	Date	Country	Kind
2000-212171	Jul 2000	JP

US Referenced Citations (2)

Number	Name	Date	Kind
5889871	Downs, Jr.	Mar 1999	A
6427017	Toki	Jul 2002	B1

Piezoelectric speaker

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Examiners

Agents

CPC

US Classifications

Field of Search

US

International Classifications

Term Extension

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)

US Referenced Citations (2)