• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    An Electret Condenser Microphone (ECM) motor apparatus includes a diaphragm ring support structure, a charge plate, and at least one stitch. The diaphragm ring support structure defines an opening there through. The charge plate is disposed within the opening. The at least one stitch is coupled to the diaphragm ring support structure to the charge plate. The diaphragm is disposed adjacent to and in a generally parallel relationship to the charge plate. The stitch is configured to hold the charge plate and the diaphragm ring, and the stitch is configured to maintain a constant or nearly constant distance be-tween the charge plate and the diaphragm in the absence of sound energy.
    公开号:DK201570810A1
    申请号:DK201570810
    申请日:2015-12-08
    公开日:2015-12-21
    发明作者:Felix Matthew Naylor
    申请人:Knowles Electronics Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    APPARATUS FOR SECURING COMPONENTS IN AN ELECTRET CONDENSERMICROPHONE (ECM)
    This patent claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 (e) to United States ProvisionalApplication No. 61822590 entitled “Apparatus for Securing Components in an ElectretCondenser (ECM)” filed May 13, 2013, the content of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.
    TECHNICAL FIELD
    This application relates to acoustic devices and, more specifically, securing the internalcomponents of these devices.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    Various types of acoustic devices exist and one such type of device is a microphone. Inone example, the Electret Condenser Microphone (ECM) is being used in devices suchas cellular phones, video cameras, studio performance microphones, and headphonesto mention a few examples.
    In the case of an ECM, sound energy enters through a sound port and vibrates adiaphragm and this action creates a corresponding change in electrical potential(voltage) between the diaphragm and a charge plate disposed near the diaphragm.This voltage represents the sound energy that has been received. Typically, thevoltage is then transmitted to an electric circuit (e.g., an integrated circuit such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). Further processing of the signal may beperformed on the electrical circuit. For instance, amplification or filtering functions maybe performed on the voltage signal at the integrated circuit.
    In order for the diaphragm and charge plate combination to function properly, theyneed to be secured within the microphone. If, for example, the distance separatingthem changes in unexpected way (in the absence of the diaphragm moving inresponse to sound energy), then the microphone will not function properly. There arevarious methods to secure the diaphragm to the charge plate and the diaphragm to thehousing. The connection between the charge plate and diaphragm providesmechanical support and is sometimes referred to as a “stitch”, due to its shape. Theconnection between the diaphragm and housing provides mechanical support and anair-tight seal around the perimeter of the diaphragm. Various attempts have been made to provide mechanical support and an air-tight seal, but these attempts havevarious shortcomings.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference should be made to thefollowing detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein: FIG. 1 comprises a side cutaway view of an ECM showing a stitch according to variousembodiments of the present invention; FIG. 2 comprises a perspective view of an ECM with a stitch according to variousembodiments of the present invention; FIG. 3 comprises a top view of an ECM with a stitch according to various embodimentsof the present invention; and FIG. 4 comprises a flow chart for making an ECM with a stitch according to variousembodiments of the present invention.
    Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicityand clarity. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may bedescribed or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the artwill understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. Itwill also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinarymeaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to theircorresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meaningshave otherwise been set forth herein.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    Approaches are provided herein that allow elements of an acoustic device to beattached together. In particular, a stitch, typically comprised of epoxy, is used to holda charge plate and a diaphragm and to, in the absence of sound energy, maintain aconstant or substantially constant distance between these elements.
    Approaches are provided herein that allow elements of an acoustic device to beacoustically sealed. In particular, sealing material, typically comprised of epoxy, isapplied around the perimeter of a diaphragm to create an air-tight seal around itsperimeter.
    In one advantage of the present approaches, a stitch or other securing device can bemade of a smaller size and this allows for smaller microphones and more availableback volume; hence, more microphone sensitivity is provided. This is particularlyadvantageous for situations where the microphone needs to be as small as possible(e.g., in portable electronic devices and hearing aid applications).
    In another advantage, consistently sized and shaped stitches are obtained. This allowsfor less variation in the available back volume of microphones; hence, less sensitivityvariation of the microphone.
    The present approaches also provide for increased mechanical strength than adhesiveonly stitches, specifically amongst its motor components. This allows for bettermechanical performance when mechanical shocks impact the microphone.
    The present approaches also provide for reduced vibration sensitivity capability. Inother words, the thickness of the stitch can be increased more precisely than epoxyonly stitches, which reduces vibration sensitivity.
    In still another advantage of the present approaches, manual epoxy stitch “artistry”requirements are eliminated. In other words, operator dependency is alleviated; thus,less variation in the sensitivity of the microphone.
    In many of these embodiments, a motor includes a diaphragm and a charge plate. Thediaphragm is separated from the charge plate by a constant distance. The separation is secured using a stitch that is constructed from a b-stage epoxy bonded to apolyimide layer, such as Kapton (manufactured by Dupont corporation).
    Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and acoustic apparatus 100 is described. In thisexample, the acoustic apparatus is a motor for an ECM. The apparatus 100 includes acharge plate 102, a diaphragm 104, a diaphragm ring 106, and a stitch 108. In thisexample, these components are together referred to as an ECM motor.
    The charge plate 102 is a conventional charge plate that is used in ECMs and thediaphragm 104 is a conventional diaphragm (e.g., a film material) used in ECMdevices. The ring 106 secures the diaphragm 104. The charge plate 102 anddiaphragm 104 are separated by a distance “d.” In the absence of sound energy, thisdistance d is maintained to be a constant distance or a nearly constant distance.
    The stitch 108 is, in one example, constructed of “b-stage” epoxy 107 backed with apolyimide film 109. The polyimide (e.g., Kapton) film remains stable in a wide range oftemperatures (e.g., from approximately -273 to approximately +400 degrees C). Thepolyimide gives the b-stage epoxy a more sturdy mechanical structure, which makesfor ease of shape designing, cutting, and handling with reduced risk of breakage andshape deformation. The b-stage epoxy bonds to the charge plate and adjacentdiaphragm ring 106 to secure the motor.
    The b-staged epoxy used in the stitch 108 is a semi-solid form of partially cured epoxy.It is used between (e.g., midway between) the liquid state of blended, but partiallycured resins, and a final state of a fully formed polymer. “B-stage” epoxy has beenheat cured for a short period of time and then cooled (quenched) to prevent completepolymerization of the resin system. As discussed elsewhere herein, this midway solidstate can expand manufacturing options. B-stage epoxy can be provided in a numberof options such as in rolls or sheets.
    With the epoxy having been partially cured (e.g., less than approximately 10 percent), itis available for bonding parts together (i.e., the charge plate and diaphragm). In otherwords, the epoxy and its polymerization are “staged” in order to facilitate the overallprocess. Later, the epoxy is re-heated to reactivate polymerization and complete thecuring cycle.
    In this way, and as compared with other approaches, the blending/depositing process(blending of resin and hardener, then depositing the liquid on a substrate) is separatedfrom the curing process (after the liquid is deposited, immediately curing the liquid withtime or heat) thereby adding flexibility to the manufacturing process.
    In one example of the operation of the system of FIGs. 1 and 2, sound energy entersthrough a sound port in a microphone assembly (not shown) and vibrates thediaphragm 104 and this action creates a corresponding change in electrical potential(voltage) between the diaphragm 104 and the charge plate 102. In the absence of thesound energy, the diaphragm 104 is separated from the charge plate 102 by theconstant or nearly constant distance d. The separation is secured using a stitch 108 toprovide mechanical strength and to ensure that the distance is maintained.
    This voltage represents the sound energy that has been received. Typically, thevoltage is then transmitted to an electric circuit ((e.g., an integrated circuit such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). Further processing of the signal may beperformed on the electrical circuit. For instance, amplification or filtering functions maybe performed on the voltage signal at the integrated circuit.
    Referring now to FIG. 3, another example of a stitch that is shaped differently from theexample of FIG. 1 and 2 is described. The elements of FIG. 3 are the same as those inFIGs. 1 and 2 so that their descriptions are not repeated here. FIG. 3 illustrates thatstitches can take on a number of different shapes and dimensions.
    Referring now to FIG. 4, one example of a method for making an ECM microphone witha stitch is described.
    At step 402, the b-stage epoxy/polyimide (e.g., Kapton) assembly is removed fromfrozen storage. The assembly is kept frozen prior to use to prolong its life bydecelerating cure and to make it easier to handle, as it is not as tacky in the frozen orchilled state. At step 404, the shape of the stitch is cut out which can be accomplishedusing a conventional die stamping process or by using a laser cutting process.
    At step 406, the epoxy/polyimide (e.g., Kapton) stitch is put down over the charge plateand diaphragm ring, bridging the gap between them, and tacking their position. At step408, the epoxy/polyimide (e.g., Kapton) stitch and its adjacent components (charge plate and diaphragm ring) is put in an oven and heated (e.g., at 90 degrees Celsius) forapproximately two hours whereas, the oven process renders the stitch attached to thediaphragm and the charge plate, and they are removed from the oven.
    In this example, the epoxy/polyimide film assembly functions as a mechanical support;however, it will be appreciated that the principles described herein can also be appliedto other functions, such as creating an air tight seal around the perimeter of themicrophone diaphragm.
    In this example, the device is a microphone; however, it will be appreciated that theprinciples described herein can also be applied to other types of devices, such asarmature balanced receivers.
    Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best modeknown to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that theillustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting thescope of the invention.
    权利要求:
    Claims (10)
    [1] 1. An Electret Condenser Microphone (ECM) motor apparatus, comprising: a diaphragm ring support structure, the diaphragm ring support structure defining anopening there through;a charge plate disposed within the opening; at least one stitch coupling the diaphragm ring support structure to the charge plate;a diaphragm disposed adjacent to and in a generally parallel relationship to the chargeplate; such that the stitch is configured to hold the charge plate and the diaphragm ring, andsuch that the stitch is configured to maintain a constant or nearly constant distancebetween the charge plate and the diaphragm in the absence of sound energy.
    [2] 2. The ECM motor apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one stitch has a firstlayer and a second layer.
    [3] 3. The ECM motor apparatus of claim 2 wherein first layer comprises a polyimide,and the second layer comprises a B-staged epoxy.
    [4] 4. The ECM motor apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one stitch is fourstitches.
    [5] 5. The ECM motor apparatus of claim 4 wherein the four stitches are configured inthe same shape.
    [6] 6. A method of manufacturing an Electret Condenser Microphone (ECM) motorapparatus, the method comprising: obtaining an ECM motor apparatus that includes a charge plate, a diaphragm, and adiaphragm ring support structure;constructing a stitch from a material; laying down the stitch onto the ECM motor apparatus so as to connect the diaphragmring support structure and the charge plate; heating the stitch and the ECM motor apparatus so as to secure the stitch and theECM motor apparatus together.
    [7] 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the at least one stitch has a first layer and asecond layer.
    [8] 8. The method of claim 7 wherein first layer comprises a polyimide, and the secondlayer comprises a B-staged epoxy.
    [9] 9. The method of claim 6 wherein the at least one stitch is four stitches.
    [10] 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the four stitches are configured in the sameshape.
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    法律状态:
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