Acoustic generator, acoustic generation device, and electronic apparatus

There are provided an acoustic generator capable of generating a high-quality sound having little distortion, and an acoustic generation device and an electronic apparatus using the same. An acoustic generator has a vibration body, a first exciter, a second exciter, a first damping material and a second damping material. The vibration body has two surfaces which are positioned with a gap therebetween in a first direction. The first exciter and the second exciter are disposed on the vibration body. The first damping material is disposed on the vibration body and has a first portion which overlaps the first exciter when viewed in the first direction. The second damping material is disposed on the vibration body and has a second portion which overlaps the second exciter when viewed in the first direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an acoustic generator, an acoustic generation device, and an electronic apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In the related art, there is a known speaker in which a piezoelectric element is attached to a vibration plate (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, the above-described speaker in the related art has a problem in that distortion is significant and sound quality is poor.

The invention has been devised in consideration of the problem of the technology in the related art, and an object thereof is to provide an acoustic generator capable of generating a high-quality sound having little distortion, and an acoustic generation device and an electronic apparatus using the acoustic generator.

Solution to Problem

According to one embodiment of the invention, an acoustic generator includes a vibration body having two surfaces which are positioned with a gap therebetween in a first direction; a first exciter and a second exciter which are disposed on the vibration body; a first damping material disposed on the vibration body, the first damping material having a first portion which overlaps the first exciter when viewed in the first direction; and a second damping material disposed on the vibration body, the second damping material having a second portion which overlaps the second exciter when viewed in the first direction.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an acoustic generation device includes the acoustic generator mentioned above and an enclosure attached to the acoustic generator.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, an electronic apparatus includes the acoustic generator and an electronic circuit connected to the acoustic generator.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the invention, the acoustic generator, the acoustic generation device, and the electronic apparatus can generate a high-quality sound having little distortion.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, according to embodiments of the invention, an acoustic generator, an acoustic generation device, and an electronic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, directions are indicated by applying an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis which are orthogonal to each other.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a plan view schematically illustrating an acoustic generator according to a first embodiment of the invention when viewed in a +z direction.FIG. 2is a plan view schematically illustrating the acoustic generator according to the first embodiment of the invention when viewed in a −z direction.FIG. 3is a sectional view taken along the line A-A′ inFIG. 1.FIG. 2illustrates a state where a resin layer23is transparent. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3, the acoustic generator of the present embodiment includes an exciter11, an exciter12, a film21, the resin layer23, a frame25a, a frame25b, a damping material31, and a damping material32.

Each of the frame25aand the frame25bhas a rectangular frame shape. For example, as the frame25aand the frame25b, stainless steel materials each of which has a thickness ranging from 100 to 1000 μm can be favorably used. However, the material and the thickness are not particularly limited, and the material and the thickness less likely to be deformed compared to the film21and the resin layer23can be selected. For example, the frame25aand the frame25bcan be formed by using a rigid resin, plastics, engineering plastics, glass, single crystal, ceramics, or the like.

The film21has a film-like (membrane-like) shape. For example, the film21can be formed by using a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyimide. In addition, for example, the thickness of the film21ranges from 10 to 200 μm. Then, the circumferential edge portions on upper and lower main surfaces (a surface in the +z direction and a surface in the −z direction) of the film21are pinched by and fixed to the frame25aand the frame25bin a state where tensile force is present in a planar direction (a +x direction and a +y direction). The film21is supported by the frame25aand the frame25bso as to be able to vibrate. Then, a portion in the film21which is positioned within the frame25aand the frame25band is not interposed between the frame25aand the frame25bis configured to be a vibration body21athat can freely vibrate. In other words, the vibration body21ahas a rectangular film-like (membrane-like) shape and has two surfaces (a surface on the +z direction side and a surface on the −z direction side) which are positioned with a gap therebetween in the +z direction.

The shapes of the frame25aand the frame25bare not limited to the rectangular shape. The shape thereof may be a circular shape or a rhombus shape. In addition, in a case where no frame25bis provided, for example, the film21may be adhered onto the surface in the +z direction of the frame25a. In addition, in a case where no frame25ais provided, for example, the film21may be adhered onto the surface in the −z direction of the frame25b. In addition, it is sufficient that the vibration body21ahas a film-like (membrane-like) shape or a thin sheet-like shape. Therefore, in place of the film21, the vibration body21acan be formed of thin sheet-like metal, paper, or the like.

The exciter11and the exciter12are attached to the surface on the −z direction side of the vibration body21a. The exciter11and the exciter12are piezoelectric elements each of which has a plate-like shape and has rectangular upper and lower main surfaces (a surface in the +z direction and a surface in the −z direction). Each of the exciter11and the exciter12includes (not illustrated in detail) a stacked body in which piezoelectric layers formed of piezoelectric ceramics, and internal electrode layers are alternately laminated; surface electrode layers which are respectively formed on the upper and lower surfaces (the surface in the +z direction and the surface in the −z direction) of the stacked body; and a pair of terminal electrodes which are respectively provided on both end surfaces (the surface in the +x direction and the surface in the −x direction) of the stacked body in the longitudinal direction. The surface electrodes and the internal electrode layers are alternately drawn out to both the end surfaces of the stacked body in the longitudinal direction and are respectively connected to the terminal electrodes. Then, an electrical signal is applied to the pair of terminal electrodes via wiring (not illustrated).

The exciter11and the exciter12are bimorph-type piezoelectric elements, in which expansion and contraction become reversed between one side and the other side (the +z direction side and the −z direction side) in the thickness direction at an arbitrary moment when an electrical signal is inputted. Accordingly, when an electrical signal is inputted, the exciter11and the exciter12generate bending vibrations in the +z direction. The exciter11and the exciter12themselves vibrate, thereby causing the vibration body21ato vibrate. Then, when the vibration body21avibrates, a sound is generated.

As the exciter11and the exciter12, for example, monomorph-type vibration elements may be used. Each of the monomorph-type vibration elements is configured to have the piezoelectric element expanding, contracting, and vibrating upon the input of an electrical signal, and a metal plate which are pasted together. In addition, for example, the main surfaces of the exciter11and the exciter12on the film21side and the film21are adhered to each other by using a known adhesive such as an epoxy-based resin, a silicone-based resin, and a polyester-based resin; double sided tape; or the like.

As the piezoelectric layers of the exciter11and the exciter12, piezoelectric ceramics which have been used in the related art, such as lead zirconate (PZ), lead zirconate titanate (PZT), and non-lead-based piezoelectric materials such as Bi-layered compounds and tungsten bronze structure compounds can be used. It is desirable that the thickness of one layer in the piezoelectric layers ranges from approximately 10 to 100 μm, for example.

As the internal electrode layers of the exciter11and the exciter12, various types of known metal materials can be used. For example, the internal electrode layers may contain a metal composition consisting of silver and palladium, and a material composition constituting the piezoelectric layer. However, the internal electrode layers may be formed by using a different material. The surface electrode layers and the terminal electrodes of the exciter11and the exciter12can be formed by using various types of known metal materials. For example, the surface electrode layers and the terminal electrodes of the exciters can be formed by using a metal composition consisting of silver, and a material containing a glass composition. However, the surface electrode layers and the terminal electrodes of the exciters may be formed by using a different material.

The resin layer23is provided throughout the inside of the frame25aso that the exciter11and the exciter12are embedded. The resin layer23can be formed by using various types of known materials. For example, a resin such as an acrylic resin and a silicone resin, or rubber can be used. In addition, it is desirable that the thickness of the resin layer is a thickness to the extent that the resin layer23completely covers the exciter11and the exciter12. However, it is sufficient that the resin layer23is formed so as to cover at least a portion of the film21. The resin layer23brings an effect of enhancing the quality of a sound generated from the acoustic generator. However, the resin layer23is not essential, and the resin layer23may be excluded in some cases.

The damping material31and the damping material32are attached to the surface on the +z direction side of the vibration body21a. In addition, each of the damping material31and the damping material32is formed so as to overlap a portion of the vibration body21awhen viewed in the +z direction. In addition, the damping material31has a portion31awhich overlaps the exciter11when viewed in the +z direction, and the damping material32has a portion32awhich overlaps the exciter12when viewed in the +z direction. The area of the portion31aand the area of the portion32aare different from each other.

In addition, a midpoint15of a segment connecting a center of gravity13of the exciter11and a center of gravity14of the exciter12is positioned closer to the +x direction side than to a center of gravity16of the vibration body21awhen viewed in the +z direction. Then, the portion31aoverlaps the end in the −x direction of the exciter11when viewed in the +z direction, and the portion32aoverlaps the end in the −x direction of the exciter12when viewed in the +z direction.

It is sufficient that the damping material31and the damping material32have mechanical losses. It is desirable that each of the members thereof has a high mechanical loss factor, that is, a low mechanical quality factor (so-called mechanical Q). Although such a damping material31and a damping material32can be formed by using various types of elastic bodies, for example, it is desirable that the damping material31and the damping material32are soft and are likely to be deformed. Therefore, the damping material31and the damping material32can be favorably formed by using a rubber material such as urethane rubber, or a soft resin material such as a silicone resin. Particularly, a porous rubber material such as urethane foam can be favorably used. The portion to which the damping material31and the damping material32are attached is subjected to vibration loss due to the damping material31and the damping material32. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the vibration amplitude of the portion to which the damping material31and the damping material32are attached.

In this manner, the acoustic generator of the present embodiment has the vibration body21a, the exciter11, the exciter12, the damping material31, and the damping material32. The vibration body21ahas the two surfaces which are positioned with a gap therebetween in the +z direction. The exciter11and the exciter12are disposed on the vibration body21a. The damping material31has the portion31awhich overlaps the exciter11when viewed in the +z direction and is disposed on the vibration body21a. The damping material32has the portion32awhich overlaps the exciter12when viewed in the +z direction and is disposed on the vibration body21a. According to such a configuration, a high-quality sound having little distortion can be generated.

The reason for being able to obtain the effect can be assumed as follows. In the acoustic generator of the present embodiment, the exciter11and the exciter12are attached to the vibration body21a, and each of the exciter11and the exciter12vibrates in response to an electrical signal. Accordingly, the symmetric properties in the vibration of the vibration body21acan be lowered, and a rapid change of the sound pressure in a particular frequency caused by resonance can be reduced. In addition, in the acoustic generator of the present embodiment, the damping material31and the damping material32are attached to the vibration body21a. Then, the damping material31has the portion31awhich overlaps the exciter11when viewed in the +z direction, and the damping material32has the portion32awhich overlaps the exciter12when viewed in the +z direction. Accordingly, harmonic distortion can be reduced by reducing vibrations in the vicinities of the exciter11and the exciter12in which the vibration amplitude of the harmonic is significant.

In addition, in the acoustic generator of the present embodiment, the area of the portion31aand the area of the portion32aare different from each other. Accordingly, the symmetric properties in the vibration of the vibration body21acan be further lowered. Therefore, a rapid change of the sound pressure in a particular frequency can be reduced. Thus, distortion can be further reduced. However, the configuration is not essential and the embodiment does not have to be configured as described above in some cases.

In addition, in the acoustic generator of the present embodiment, the shape of the portion31aand the shape of the portion32aare different from each other. Accordingly, the symmetric properties in the vibration of the vibration body21acan be further lowered. Therefore, a rapid change of the sound pressure in a particular frequency can be reduced. Thus, distortion can be reduced. However, the configuration is not essential and the embodiment does not have to be configured as described above in some cases.

In addition, in the acoustic generator of the present embodiment, the exciter11has a portion11awhich does not overlap the damping material31when viewed in the +z direction, and the exciter12has a portion12awhich does not overlap the damping material32when viewed in the +z direction, and the area of the portion11aand the area of the portion12aare different from each other. Accordingly, the symmetric properties in the vibration of the vibration body21acan be further lowered. Therefore, a rapid change of the sound pressure in a particular frequency can be reduced. Thus, distortion can be reduced. However, the configuration is not essential and the embodiment does not have to be configured as described above in some cases.

In addition, in the acoustic generator of the present embodiment, the shape of the portion11aand the shape of the portion12aare different from each other. Accordingly, the symmetric properties in the vibration of the vibration body21acan be further lowered. Therefore, a rapid change of the sound pressure in a particular frequency can be reduced. Thus, distortion can be reduced. However, the configuration is not essential and the embodiment does not have to be configured as described above in some cases.

In addition, in the acoustic generator of the present embodiment, the midpoint15of the segment connecting the center of gravity13of the exciter11and the center of gravity14of the exciter12is positioned closer to the +x direction side than to the center of gravity16of the vibration body21awhen viewed in the +z direction. The portion31aoverlaps the end in the −x direction of the exciter11when viewed in the +z direction, and the portion32aoverlaps the end in the −x direction of the exciter12when viewed in the +z direction. Accordingly, a high-quality sound having little distortion can be generated. When the exciter11and the exciter12are disposed so as to be biased to the +x direction side on the vibration body21a, the ends in the −x direction of the exciter and the exciter12become portions in which the vibration amplitude in the high-order resonance mode is relatively significant. Therefore, it is assumed that harmonic distortion of a sound generated from the acoustic generator may be able to be reduced by providing the damping material31and the damping material32so as to be in contact with the portions.

The expression “the +x direction side than to the center of gravity16of the vibration body21a” denotes the +x direction side than to a plane perpendicular to the x-axis including the center of gravity16of the vibration body21a, and the expression “the −x direction side than to the center of gravity16of the vibration body21a” denotes the −x direction side than to a plane perpendicular to the x-axis including the center of gravity16of the vibration body21a.

In addition, in most cases, the center of gravity of a figure depicted with the contour of the exciter11when viewed in the +z direction may be considered as the center of gravity13of the exciter11when viewed in the +z direction, and the center of gravity of a figure depicted with the contour of the exciter12when viewed in the +z direction may be considered as the center of gravity14of the exciter12when viewed in the +z direction. Similarly, the center of gravity of a figure depicted with the contour of the vibration body21awhen viewed in the +z direction may be considered as the center of gravity16of the vibration body21awhen viewed in the +z direction. For example, in a case where the exciter11, the exciter12, and the vibration body21ahave rectangular shapes when viewed in the +z direction, an intersection point of two diagonal lines in each of the shapes may be considered as the center of gravity of each shape.

In addition, in the acoustic generator of the present embodiment, the center of gravity13of the exciter11is positioned closer to the −x direction side than to the center of gravity16of the vibration body21awhen viewed in the +z direction, and the end in the +x direction of the damping material31is positioned closer to the +x direction side than to the end in the +x direction of the exciter11. Then, the center of gravity14of the exciter12is positioned closer to the +x direction side than to the center of gravity16of the vibration body21awhen viewed in the +z direction, and the end in the −x direction of the damping material32is positioned closer to the −x direction side than to the end in the −x direction of the exciter12. Accordingly, harmonic distortion can be reduced. As a reason for being able to obtain the effect, it is assumed that when the center of gravity13of the exciter is positioned closer to the −x direction side than to the center of gravity16of the vibration body21aand the center of gravity14of the exciter12is positioned closer to the +x direction side than to the center of gravity16of the vibration body21a, the vibration amplitude in the high-order mode is more significant in the vicinity of the end in the +x direction of the exciter11than in the vicinity of the end in the −x direction of the exciter11, and the vibration amplitude in the high-order mode is more significant in the vicinity of the end in the −x direction of the exciter12than in the vicinity of the end in the +x direction of the exciter12.

In addition, in the acoustic generator of the present embodiment, the midpoint15of the segment connecting the center of gravity13of the exciter11and the center of gravity14of the exciter12is positioned closer to the +x direction side than to the center of gravity16of the vibration body21awhen viewed in the +z direction. In addition, the portion11aoverlaps the end in the +x direction of the exciter11when viewed in the z-axis direction, and the portion12aoverlaps the end in the +x direction of the exciter12when viewed in the z-axis direction. Accordingly, the sound pressure of a sound generated from the acoustic generator particularly on a low frequency side can be reduced from being lowered. As a reason for being able to obtain the effect, it is assumed that when the exciter11and the exciter12are disposed so as to be biased to the +x direction side on the vibration body21a, the ends in the +x direction of the exciter11and the exciter12become the portions in which the vibration amplitude in the basic resonance mode is relatively significant. However, the configuration is not essential and the embodiment does not have to be configured as described above in some cases.

In addition, in the acoustic generator of the present embodiment, it is desirable that the exciter11and the exciter are asymmetrically disposed with respect to all symmetric axes (symmetric axes of the line symmetry and the center of the rotational symmetry) in a figure depicted with the contour of the vibration body21a, when viewed in the +z direction. Accordingly, the symmetric properties in the vibration of the vibration body21acan be further lowered. However, the configuration is not essential and the embodiment does not have to be configured as described above.

The acoustic generator of the present embodiment can be manufactured as follows, for example. First, a binder, a dispersant, a plasticizer, and a solvent are added to powder of a piezoelectric material and are agitated, thereby producing slurry. As a piezoelectric material, any one of a lead-based material and a non-lead-based material can be used. Subsequently, the obtained slurry is molded so as to have a sheet-like shape, thereby producing a green sheet. A conductive paste is printed on the green sheet, thereby forming a conductive pattern which serves as an internal electrode. The green sheets having the conductive pattern formed thereon are laminated, thereby producing a laminate molded body.

Subsequently, the laminate molded body is degreased, is fired, and is cut so as to have predetermined dimensions, and a stacked body can be obtained. As necessary, processing the outer circumferential portion of the stacked body is performed. Subsequently, a conductive pattern which serves as the surface electrode layer is formed by printing the conductive paste on a main surface in a stacking direction of the stacked body, and conductive patterns which serve as the pair of terminal electrodes are formed by printing the conductive paste on both end surfaces in a longitudinal direction of the stacked body. Then, the electrodes are baked at a predetermined temperature, and structure bodies which serve as the exciter11and the exciter12can be obtained. Thereafter, in order to apply piezoelectricity to the exciter11and the exciter12, a DC voltage is applied through the surface electrode layers or the pair of terminal electrodes, thereby performing polarization of the piezoelectric layers of the exciter11and the exciter12. In this manner, the exciter11and the exciter12can be obtained.

Subsequently, the circumferential edge of the film21is interposed between the frame25aand the frame25bto which adhesives are applied and fixed thereto in a state where tensile force is applied, and the adhesives are cured for bonding. Then, the exciter11and the exciter12are bonded to the film21on the surface on the −z direction side of the vibration body21aby using an adhesive, and wiring is connected to the exciter11and the exciter12. Then, a resin is poured into the frame25aand is cured, thereby forming the resin layer23. Then, the damping material31and the damping material32prepared in advance are bonded to the surface on the +z direction side of the vibration body21aby using a gluing agent or an adhesive. In this manner, the acoustic generator of the present embodiment can be obtained.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 4is a plan view schematically illustrating an acoustic generator according to a second embodiment of the invention viewed from the +z direction side. In the present embodiment, description will be given regarding points different from those of the acoustic generator of the above-described first embodiment. The same reference numerals and signs will be applied to the similar configuration elements, and description thereof will not be repeated.

In the acoustic generation device of the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the damping material31and the damping material32are integrated (the damping material and the damping material32are integrally formed, and the damping material31and the damping material32are united with each other). Configurations except that described above are the same as those of the acoustic generator of the above-described first embodiment. According to such a configuration, distortion of a sound generated from the acoustic generator can be further reduced. It is assumed that transmission of vibrations occurring via the damping material31between a place in the vicinity of the exciter11in the vibration body21aand a place in the vicinity of the exciter12in the vibration body21ais one of the reasons for being able to obtain the effect.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 5is a sectional view schematically illustrating an acoustic generator according to a third embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, description will be given regarding points different from those of the acoustic generator of the above-described second embodiment. The same reference numerals and signs will be applied to the similar configuration elements, and description thereof will not be repeated.

In the acoustic generation device of the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the damping material31and the damping material32are attached to the surface on the −z direction side of the resin layer23. In other words, the damping material31and the damping material32are attached to the vibration body21avia the resin layer23. Configurations except that described above are the same as the acoustic generator of the above-described second embodiment. The acoustic generator of the present embodiment having such a configuration can also obtain an effect substantially equal to that of the acoustic generator of the above-described second embodiment. In addition, in some cases, the damping material31and the damping material32may be attached to the vibration body21avia the exciter11and the exciter12. In this manner, it is desirable that the damping material31and the damping material32are directly attached to the vibration body21a. However, the damping material31and the damping material32may be attached to the vibration body21avia something else.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 6is a perspective view illustrating an acoustic generation device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, description will be given regarding points different from those of the acoustic generator of the above-described first embodiment. The same reference numerals and signs will be applied to the similar configuration elements, and description thereof will not be repeated. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the acoustic generation device of the present embodiment has an acoustic generator29and an enclosure27.

The acoustic generator29generates a sound (including a sound out of the audible frequency range) when an electrical signal is inputted. The acoustic generator29(not illustrated in detail) is an acoustic generator of the above-described first embodiment.

The enclosure27has a rectangular parallelepiped box shape. In addition, the enclosure27has at least one opening, and the acoustic generator29is attached to the opening so as to block the opening. In addition, the enclosure27is configured to surround the main surface of the film21on a side where the exciter11and the exciter12are disposed. It is sufficient that the enclosure27has a function of suppressing a sound generated on the rear surface side of the acoustic generator29from sneaking to the surface side. Therefore, the shape of the enclosure27is not limited to be the rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, various types of shapes such as a conical shape and a spherical shape may be adopted. In addition, the enclosure27is not necessarily box-shaped. For example, the enclosure27may be a flat baffle. Such an enclosure27can be formed by using various types of known materials. For example, the enclosure27can be formed by using materials such as wood, a synthetic resin, and metal.

Since the acoustic generation device of the present embodiment generates a sound by using the acoustic generator29which is the acoustic generator of the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to generate a sound of favorable quality. In addition, since the acoustic generation device of the present embodiment has the enclosure27, it is also possible to generate a sound of more favorable quality than a case of being provided with only the acoustic generator29. In place of the acoustic generator of the first embodiment, a differently formed acoustic generator having a similar performance may be adopted.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 7is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment has the acoustic generator29, an electronic circuit60, a key input section50c, a microphone input section50d, a display section50e, and an antenna50f. For example,FIG. 7is a block diagram directed to an electronic apparatus such as a portable telephone, a tablet terminal, and a personal computer.

The electronic circuit60has a control circuit50aand a communication circuit50b. In addition, the electronic circuit60is connected to the acoustic generator29and has a function of outputting a voice signal to the acoustic generator29. The control circuit50ais a control section of the electronic apparatus. The communication circuit50btransmits and receives data via the antenna50fbased on the control of the control circuit50a.

The key input section50cis an input device of the electronic apparatus and receives a key input operation performed by an operator. Similarly, the microphone input section50dis an input device of the electronic apparatus and receives a voice input operation and the like performed by an operator. The display section50eis a display output device of the electronic apparatus and outputs display information based on the control of the control circuit50a.

The acoustic generator29is the acoustic generator of the above-described first embodiment. The acoustic generator29functions as a sound output device in the electronic apparatus and generates a sound (including a sound out of the audible frequency range) based on a voice signal inputted from the electronic circuit60. The acoustic generator29is connected to the control circuit50aof the electronic circuit60and generates a sound when a voltage controlled by the control circuit50ais received.

In this manner, the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment has at least the acoustic generator29and the electronic circuit60which is connected to the acoustic generator29. The electronic apparatus of the present embodiment has a function of causing the acoustic generator29to generate a sound. Since the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment generates a sound by adopting the acoustic generator29of the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to generate a sound of favorable quality.

As an example of a structure of the electronic apparatus, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the electronic circuit60, the key input section50c, the microphone input section50d, the display section50e, the antenna50f, and the acoustic generator29can be provided inside a housing of the electronic apparatus. In addition, as another example of the structure of the electronic apparatus, as illustrated inFIG. 7, an apparatus main body including the electronic circuit60, the key input section50c, the microphone input section50d, the display section50e, and the antenna50fin the housing can be connected to the acoustic generator29via a lead wire or the like so that an electrical signal can be transmitted.

In addition, there is no need for the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment to have all of the key input section50c, the microphone input section50d, the display section50e, and the antenna50fillustrated inFIG. 7. It is sufficient that the electronic apparatus includes at least the acoustic generator29and the electronic circuit60. In addition, the electronic apparatus may have other configuration elements. Moreover, the electronic circuit60is not also limited to the electronic circuit60having the above-described configuration. The electronic apparatus may be an electronic circuit having a different configuration.

In addition, the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment is not limited to the electronic apparatus such as a portable telephone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, and the like described above. In various types of electronic apparatus such as a television set, an audio apparatus, a radio, a vacuum cleaner, a washing machine, a refrigerator, and a microwave oven having a function of generating a sound or voice, the acoustic generator29of the above-described first embodiment can be adopted as the acoustic generation device. In place of the acoustic generator of the first embodiment, a differently formed acoustic generator having a similar performance may be adopted.

Modified Example

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the piezoelectric elements are adopted as the exciter and the exciter12has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the exciter11and the exciter12have functions of converting an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration, and different members having functions of converting an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration may also be adopted as the exciter11and the exciter12. For example, an electrodynamic exciter, an electrostatic exciter, or an electromagnetic exciter widely known as an exciter which causes a speaker to vibrate may be adopted as the exciter11and the exciter12. The electrodynamic exciter is configured to cause a coil disposed between the magnetic poles of a permanent magnet to vibrate by applying a current to the coil. The electrostatic exciter is configured to cause two metal plates which face each other to vibrate by applying a bias and an electrical signal thereto. The electromagnetic exciter is configured to cause a thin iron plate to vibrate by applying an electrical signal to a coil.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which two exciters (the exciter11and the exciter12) are attached to the surface of the film21has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, three or more exciters may be attached to the surface of the film21. In this case, it is desirable that the damping material and the damping material32respectively have portions overlapping all the exciters attached to the vibration body21awhen viewed in the thickness direction of the vibration body21a. Accordingly, the effect of reducing distortion can be enhanced. In this case as well, it is desirable that the damping material31and the damping material32do not cover the vibration body21ain its entirety and are formed so as to overlap the portion of the vibration body21awhen viewed in the +z direction. In some cases, there may be an exciter which does not overlap the damping material31and the damping material32when viewed in the thickness direction of the vibration body21a. In addition to the damping material31and the damping material32, another damping material may be attached to the vibration body21a. In this case, it is desirable that all the exciters overlap any one of the damping materials when viewed in the thickness direction of the vibration body21a. However, the embodiment does not have to be configured as described above in some cases.

Example

Subsequently, a specified example of the invention will be described. The acoustic generator of the second embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4was produced, and the characteristics thereof were evaluated.

First, piezoelectric powder containing lead zirconate titanate (PZT) in which a portion of Zr was replaced with Sb, a binder, a dispersant, a plasticizer, and a solvent were kneaded by performing ball mill mixing, and slurry was produced. Then, a green sheet was produced by using the obtained slurry through a doctor blade method. A conductive paste containing Ag and Pd was applied to the green sheet through a screen printing method so as to have a predetermined shape, and a conductive pattern serving as an internal electrode layer was formed. Then, the green sheet having the conductive pattern formed therein and other green sheets were laminated and pressurized, and a laminate molded body was produced. Then, the laminate molded body was degreased at the temperature of 500° C. for an hour in the atmosphere. Thereafter, the degreased laminate molded body was burned at the temperature of 1100° C. for three hours in the atmosphere, and a stacked body was obtained.

Subsequently, both end surface portions of the obtained stacked body in the longitudinal direction were cut by performing dicing processing, and the tips of the internal electrode layers were exposed to the side surfaces of the stacked body. Then, the conductive pastes containing Ag and glass were applied to the main surfaces of the stacked body on both sides through the screen printing method, and the surface electrode layers were formed. Thereafter, the conductive pastes containing Ag and glass were applied to both the side surfaces of the stacked body in the longitudinal direction through a dip method, the stacked body was baked at the temperature of 700° C. for ten minutes in the atmosphere, and terminal electrodes were formed. In this manner, the stacked body was produced. Regarding the shape of the produced stacked body, the width was mm, the length was 36 mm, and the thickness was 0.15 mm. Then, polarization was performed by applying a voltage of 100 V through the terminal electrodes for two minutes, and an exciter and an exciter12, which were bimorph-type laminated piezoelectric elements, were obtained.

Subsequently, a PET film21having the thickness of 25 μm was prepared, and the film21was fixed to a frame25aand a frame25bin a state where tensile force was acting. As the frame25aand the frame25b, stainless steel frames having the thickness of 0.5 mm were adopted. Regarding the dimensions of the film21within the frame25aand the frame25b, the length was 100 mm and the width was 60 mm. Then, the exciter11and the exciter12were adhered to the main surface of the fixed film21on one side by using an adhesive made of an acrylic resin, and wiring was connected to the exciter11and the exciter12. Then, the inside of the frame25awas filled with an acrylic-based resin so as to have the same height as that of the frame25a. The resin was solidified, and a resin layer23was formed.

Subsequently, a damping material31and a damping material32were stuck on the main surface of the film21on the other side by using double sided tape. As the damping material31and the damping material32, urethane foam materials having the thickness of 1 mm were used. The shapes and the attachment positions of the damping material31and the damping material32were adopted as those illustrated inFIG. 4.

Then, frequency characteristics of the sound pressure were measured with respect to sounds respectively generated from the produced acoustic generator of the second embodiment and the acoustic generator of a comparative example in which the damping material31and the damping material32were not attached.FIG. 8illustrates the results thereof. In addition, regarding the sounds respectively generated from the acoustic generator of the second embodiment and the acoustic generator of the comparative example, frequency characteristics of distortion rates were measured.FIG. 9illustrates the measurement results thereof. In the graphs illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, the characteristics of the acoustic generator of the second embodiment are indicated with the solid line, and the characteristics of the acoustic generator of the comparative example are indicated with the dotted line.

According to the graphs illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, in the sound generated from the acoustic generator of the second embodiment, compared to the sound generated from the acoustic generator of the comparative example, it was possible to know that the frequency characteristics of the sound pressure were flat, the distortion rate was small, and sound quality was favorable while having little distortion. In this manner, the effectiveness of the invention could be confirmed.

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