Sound output box

Abstract

This product provides a sound output box that can improve the aesthetics of a space. [Solution] The sound output box 100 comprises a speaker 10 having a sound output unit 11 that outputs sound and a housing 12 that houses the sound output unit 11, and a housing 20 that houses the speaker 10 and has a sound output area 221a for emitting sound output from the speaker 10 to the outside, wherein the sound output area 221a is located outside the housing 20 and faces a wall 300 that reflects sound emitted from the speaker 10.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound output box. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, devices that use masking sound are known, for example, for improving the acoustic environment in offices and the like. Patent Document 1 describes a sound masking system that outputs masking sound from a speaker installed on the ceiling of a floor. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-233672 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, in the sound masking system described in Patent Document 1 above, since the speaker is disposed in an exposed state in the target space, the appearance is impaired.

[0005] The present invention provides a sound output box capable of improving the appearance of a space. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] A sound output box according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a speaker having a sound output unit that outputs sound and a first housing that accommodates the sound output unit; and a second housing that accommodates the speaker and has a sound output region for emitting sound output from the speaker to the outside, wherein the sound output region faces a reflector that is present outside the second housing and reflects sound emitted from the speaker. [Effect of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sound output box that can improve the appearance within a space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a sound output box according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of the sound output box, with the sound output area closed. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the sound output box. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of the sound output box, with the sound output area open. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the structure of the sound output box. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sound output box. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the details of the frequency response correction. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of schedule information stored in the memory unit. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sound output box in the first modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of schedule information stored in the memory unit of the sound output box of the first modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept will be described as optional components.

[0010] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for substantially identical components in each figure, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] Furthermore, coordinate axes may be shown in the drawings used to illustrate the following embodiments. In this embodiment, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction. The X-axis and Y-axis directions are mutually orthogonal directions on a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis is defined as the vertically upward direction. In the following embodiments, a plan view means a view from the Z-axis direction.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] The configuration of the sound output box according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the sound output box 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of the sound output box 100, showing the sound output area 221a in a closed state. Figure 3 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the sound output box 100. Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of the sound output box 100, showing the sound output area 221a in an open state. Figure 5 is a plan view showing the structure of the sound output box 100.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sound-emitting box 100 according to this embodiment is installed in a target space such as an office, conference room, break room, or corridor, and emits sound into the target space. This can provide effects such as increasing concentration, promoting relaxation, or stimulating activity for people present in the target space. In other words, it can be said that the sound-emitting box 100 can improve comfort in the target space.

[0014] The sound output box 100 comprises a speaker 10 and a housing 20 that houses the speaker 10. The housing 20 is an example of the "second housing" of the present invention.

[0015] The speaker 10 includes a sound output unit 11 that outputs sound, and a housing 12 that accommodates the sound output unit 11. The sound output unit 11 includes a diaphragm 11a. The diaphragm 11a is exposed to the outside of the housing 12. When a current representing a sound signal flows through the sound output unit 11, the diaphragm 11a vibrates, and sound is output from the sound output unit 11. Note that the housing 12 is an example of the "first housing" in the present invention.

[0016] The housing 12 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 12 includes, for example, a bottom surface portion 12a, a plurality (four in this case) of side surface portions 12b erected from the periphery of the bottom surface portion 12a, and a top surface portion 12c facing the bottom surface portion 12a and connected to the side surface portions 12b. The sound output unit 11 is fixed at a predetermined position of one side surface portion 12d among the four side surface portions 12b.

[0017] The housing 20 accommodates, for example, the entire speaker 10. The housing 20 is disposed, for example, on a floor 200. The housing 20 also has a sound output region 221a for discharging sound output from the speaker 10 to the outside. Specifically, the housing 20 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 20 includes, for example, a bottom surface portion 21, a plurality (four in this case) of side surface portions 22 erected from the periphery of the bottom surface portion 21, and a top surface portion 23 facing the bottom surface portion 21 and connected to the side surface portions 22.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the bottom surface portion 21 faces the floor 200 and is disposed parallel to the floor 200.

[0019] The four side surface portions 22 are disposed substantially perpendicular to the floor 200. A sound output region 221a is formed at a predetermined position of one side surface portion 221 among the four side surface portions 22. Specifically, the side surface portion 221 has an outer surface 221b, and the sound output region 221a is formed at a predetermined position of the outer surface 221b. The sound output region 221a is formed, for example, at a lower portion of the outer surface 221b. Note that the outer surface 221b is disposed substantially perpendicular to the floor 200. The outer surface 221b is an example of the "first surface" in the present invention.

[0020] The sound output area 221a allows sound to pass through. Specifically, the sound output area 221a is provided with one or more holes. In this embodiment, numerous fine holes are provided. The sound output area 221a of the side portion 221 is composed of, for example, a grill net such as a mesh-like Saran net and a frame (not shown) that supports the grill net. The sound output area 221a may be composed of materials other than the grill net and frame. Also, the outer surface of the side portion 22 may be printed with, for example, a picture of plants or a wood grain pattern.

[0021] The upper portion 23 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the upper end of the side portion 22. As a result, the housing 20 is provided with a housing portion S1 formed by the bottom portion 21, the side portion 22, and the upper portion 23, and a mounting portion S2 formed by the side portion 22 and the upper portion 23. The mounting portion S2 is located above the housing portion S1.

[0022] The housing section S1 houses the speaker 10.

[0023] The mounting section S2 has an open top surface. For example, a plant 150 is placed on the top surface 23 that constitutes the mounting section S2. In this embodiment, the plant 150 is an artificial plant made to resemble a real plant, such as an ornamental plant. The plant 150 may also be a real tree, flower, and / or grass. The mounting section S2 may also have a waterproof structure. With this configuration, for example, if water spills onto the mounting section S2 when watering the plant 150, which is made of a real plant, it is possible to prevent the speaker 10 inside the housing section S1 from getting wet.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, in this embodiment, the sound output area 221a of the side portion 221 is configured to be openable and closable in part with respect to the side portion 221. In other words, the sound output area 221a functions as a door connecting the inside and outside of the housing portion S1. Specifically, in this embodiment, a horizontally extending pivot axis (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the sound output area 221a, and the sound output area 221a is rotatable about the pivot axis. As a result, the sound output area 221a rotates between a closed position P1 (position in Figure 2) where it is approximately perpendicular to the floor 200 and an open position P2 (position in Figure 4) where it is inclined or approximately parallel to the floor 200. Note that the sound output area 221a may not rotate, and a door may be provided on a side portion 22 other than the side portion 221, or the top portion 23 may be configured to be removable.

[0025] In this embodiment, the speaker 10 is positioned, for example, near the sound output region 221a. The sound output section 11 of the speaker 10 is positioned opposite the sound output region 221a. As a result, a space S11 is formed in the housing section S1 on the side opposite to the sound output region 221a where the speaker 10 is not positioned. Therefore, the heat generated from the speaker 10 can be released into the space S11.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, in this embodiment, the sound output area 221a is located outside the housing 20 and faces a wall 300 that reflects sound emitted from the speaker 10. Specifically, the side portion 221 on which the sound output area 221a is provided is positioned facing the wall 300 that forms the target space. For example, the side portion 221 is positioned substantially parallel to the wall 300. The outer surface 221b of the housing 20 is positioned to extend along the direction in which the wall surface 300a of the wall 300 extends. By positioning the side portion 221 facing the wall 300, the sound output from the housing 20 is reflected by the wall 300 and spreads within the target space. Note that the statement that the outer surface 221b of the housing 20 extends along the direction in which the wall surface 300a of the wall 300 extends does not necessarily mean that the outer surface 221b and the wall surface 300a are perfectly parallel. For example, the angle between the outer surface 221b and the wall surface 300a should be 45 degrees or less. However, it is preferable that the angle between the outer surface 221b and the wall surface 300a be 20 degrees or less. Note that wall 300 is an example of the "reflector" of the present invention. Also, wall surface 300a is an example of the "reflective surface" of the present invention.

[0027] The distance L1 from the wall 300 to the housing 20 (side portion 221) is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it is neither too small nor too large. If the distance L1 is too small, the sound output from the housing 20 tends to be trapped between the wall 300 and the housing 20, making it difficult for the sound to spread into the target space. On the other hand, if the distance L1 is too large, a wasted space is formed between the wall 300 and the housing 20, while the effective space of the target space becomes narrower. In this embodiment, the distance L1 is, for example, 10 cm or more and 100 cm or less, and preferably 20 cm or more and 50 cm or less.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the sound output box 100 further comprises a control device 30, a volume controller 40, and casters 50.

[0029] The control device 30 controls the speaker 10. The control device 30 is, for example, a music player such as a CD player. The control device 30 is, for example, located in the housing section S1. In this embodiment, the control device 30 is, for example, mounted on the speaker 10. The location of the control device 30 is not particularly limited.

[0030] The volume controller 40 adjusts the volume output from the speaker 10. The volume controller 40 has an operating part (not shown) such as a knob that is operated by the user. In this embodiment, the volume controller 40 is mounted on the mounting part S2. Since the planting 150 is mounted on the mounting part S2, the volume controller 40 is not easily visible to passersby.

[0031] The casters 50 are provided on the lower part of the housing 20 and are movable relative to the floor 200. Specifically, for example, there are four casters 50. The four casters 50 are attached to the four corners of the lower surface of the bottom portion 21 of the housing 20. Each caster 50 has a wheel, and the sound output box 100 moves relative to the floor 200 as the wheels rotate. Alternatively, the casters 50 may not be provided, and the sound output box 100 may be fixedly installed relative to the floor 200.

[0032] Next, we will describe the sound output box 100 in more detail with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sound output box 100.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the sound output box 100 comprises a speaker 10, a control device 30, and a volume controller 40, as described above. In this embodiment, the sound output box 100 further comprises a power timer 60.

[0034] The control device 30 includes an operation reception unit 31, a control unit 32, and a storage unit 33.

[0035] The operation reception unit 31 receives user input. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 receives user input for selecting a sound source to be output from the speaker 10, playing and stopping the sound source, etc. The operation reception unit 31 is implemented, for example, by a touch panel, but may also be implemented by physical buttons and / or dials. In this embodiment, the operation reception unit 31 is implemented, for example, as a GUI including a touch panel.

[0036] The control unit 32 controls the entire control device 30. The control unit 32 performs information processing in response to user operations received by the operation reception unit 31. The control unit 32 outputs sound signals to the speaker 10 according to operations such as selecting a sound source, playing a sound source, and stopping a sound source, which are input by the user. In this embodiment, the control unit 32 outputs sound signals to the speaker 10 according to a schedule stored in the storage unit 33. Also, in this embodiment, as will be described later, a schedule with different sound sources associated with different time periods is stored in the storage unit 33, so the control unit 32 outputs sound from the speaker 10 based on different sound sources according to the time period. The control unit 32 is implemented, for example, by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the control unit 32 are realized by the execution of computer programs (software) stored in the storage unit 33 by hardware such as a processor that constitutes the control unit 32.

[0037] The storage unit 33 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs, executed by the control unit 32. The storage unit 33 includes, for example, primary storage devices such as RAM and ROM. The storage unit 33 may also include secondary storage devices such as HDD and SSD. Furthermore, the storage unit 33 may include tertiary storage devices such as optical discs and SD cards. In this embodiment, the storage unit 33 includes a tertiary storage device such as an SD card.

[0038] Furthermore, the memory unit 33 stores sound sources. The sound sources stored in the memory unit 33 include, for example, at least one of natural sounds and masking sounds. In this embodiment, the memory unit 33 also stores a schedule for controlling the speaker 10. For example, multiple sound sources and schedules are stored on an SD card. In this embodiment, the schedule is created using a device other than the control device 30 and stored on a tertiary storage device such as an SD card, but the schedule may also be created using the control device 30. The contents of the schedule will be described later.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage unit 33 stores a sound source with corrected frequency characteristics. As a result, the sound output unit 11 outputs sound with corrected frequency characteristics. Specifically, the storage unit 33 stores a sound source that has been corrected so that the frequency range of 500Hz to 1000Hz is emphasized. As a result, the sound output unit 11 outputs sound that has been corrected so that the frequency range of 500Hz to 1000Hz is emphasized. In this embodiment, the sound source corrected as described above is created using a device other than the control device 30 and stored in a tertiary storage device such as an SD card, but the sound source may also be corrected using the control device 30. The details of the correction will be described later.

[0040] The volume controller 40 is operated by the user to adjust the volume output from the speaker 10. Specifically, the volume controller 40 is connected to the control unit 30 and the speaker 10. The volume controller 40 receives an audio signal from the control unit 30, and the volume controller 40 amplifies or attenuates the audio signal in response to the user's input operation and outputs it to the speaker 10. The volume controller 40 is wired to the control unit 30 and the speaker 10, but it may also be wirelessly connected.

[0041] In addition to the sound output unit 11 and housing 12 described above, the speaker 10 has an amplifier 13. The amplifier 13 amplifies and outputs the sound signal. Specifically, the amplifier 13 receives the sound signal from the volume controller 40. The amplifier 13 amplifies the sound signal input from the volume controller 40 and outputs it to the sound output unit 11. The volume controller 40 is, for example, composed of a circuit having a variable resistor.

[0042] The sound output unit 11 is connected to the amplifier 13. The sound output unit 11 outputs sound in response to the sound signal input from the amplifier 13.

[0043] The power timer 60, for example, turns the device on or off at a specified time. In this embodiment, the power timer 60 is connected to the amplifier 13 of the speaker 10 and turns the amplifier 13 on or off at a specified time. For example, the power timer 60 turns the speaker 10 on at 7:00 AM and turns the speaker 10 off at 6:00 PM. The power timer 60 is composed of, for example, a switching element and a timer circuit. The power timer 60 is wired to the speaker 10, but it may also be wirelessly connected.

[0044] Next, we will explain the details of the frequency response correction, referring to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the details of the frequency response correction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the sound output from the sound box 100 is reflected by the wall 300 before spreading into the target space. As a result, the frequency characteristics of the sound spreading into the target space are suppressed (attenuated) in the range of 500Hz to 1000Hz. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sound source is corrected so that the frequency characteristics in the range of 500Hz to 1000Hz are emphasized.

[0046] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, when white noise is output from the sound output box 100, the frequency characteristics of the sound spreading in the target space are suppressed (attenuated) in the range of 500Hz to 1000Hz, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 7, compared to the ideal characteristics (solid line).

[0047] On the other hand, in this embodiment, by correcting the sound source so that the frequency range of 500Hz to 1000Hz is emphasized, when the corrected white noise is output from the sound box 100, the frequency characteristics of the sound spreading in the target space will be as shown by the dashed line in Figure 7. In other words, compared to the frequency characteristics before correction (dotted line in Figure 7), the corrected frequency characteristics will be closer to the ideal characteristics (solid line) in the range of 500Hz to 1000Hz. This makes it possible to bring the sound spreading in the target space closer to that of an ideal greenhouse.

[0048] Furthermore, as a method of correcting the frequency response so that the range between 500Hz and 1000Hz is emphasized, for example, the sound source may be corrected so that the sound pressure in the range between 500Hz and 1000Hz increases, or the sound source may be corrected so that the sound pressure in the range below 500Hz decreases.

[0049] Next, we will explain the contents of the schedule with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of schedule information stored in the memory unit 33.

[0050] As shown in Figure 8, the schedule information stored in the memory unit 33 is information that shows an example of sound sources for each time period. Specifically, the schedule information is information that associates time periods with sound sources.

[0051] For example, a day is set with the time periods "7am-10am", "10am-4pm", and "4pm-6pm". In this embodiment, the speaker 10 is turned off by the power timer 60 from 6pm to 7am, so no sound is output. The number of time periods, and the start and end times of each time period, are not particularly limited.

[0052] Each time slot is associated with a theme, for example. In this embodiment, the time slot from 7:00 to 10:00 is associated with the theme of "refreshing," for example, the sound of "early morning birds." The time slot from 10:00 to 16:00 is associated with the theme of "lively," for example, the sound of "bossa nova" and / or "Latin." The time slot from 16:00 to 18:00 is associated with the theme of "relaxing," for example, the sound of "smooth jazz."

[0053] In this way, different audio sources are associated with different time slots in the schedule information.

[0054] As described above, the sound output box 100 of this embodiment comprises a speaker 10 having a sound output unit 11 that outputs sound and a housing 12 that houses the sound output unit 11, and a housing 20 that houses the speaker 10 and has a sound output area 221a for emitting sound output from the speaker 10 to the outside, the sound output area 221a being located outside the housing 20 and facing a wall 300 that reflects sound emitted from the speaker 10.

[0055] With this type of sound output box 100, it is possible to prevent the speaker 10 from being exposed in the target space, thus preventing an unsightly appearance. Therefore, it is possible to improve the comfort level in the target space.

[0056] Furthermore, the sound emitted from the sound output area 221a of the sound output box 100 is reflected by the wall 300 and spreads throughout the target space. This allows for a natural spread of sound within the target space. In addition, it is possible to suppress sound from directly reaching the ears of people within the target space, making it more difficult to identify the source of the sound. Consequently, the comfort level in the target space can be further improved.

[0057] (First variation) Next, a first modified example of the present invention, the sound output box 100, will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first modified example of the sound output box 100.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, in the first modified example, the sound output box 100 includes an aroma diffuser 70 and a blower 80 in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment.

[0059] The Aroma Diffuser 70 is a device for diffusing essential oils into a space. The type of Aroma Diffuser 70 is not particularly limited; it may be an ultrasonic type or a heated type.

[0060] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser 70 is placed on the mounting section S2. When the aroma diffuser 70 is placed on the mounting section S2, the plants 150 are not required, but it is preferable to have the plants 150. In the first modified example, at least the aroma diffuser 70, plants 150, and volume controller 40 are arranged on the mounting section S2.

[0061] Furthermore, it is preferable that the aroma diffuser 70 can diffuse multiple types of aroma oils. In the first modified example, the aroma diffuser 70 is configured to diffuse, for example, three types of aroma oils. For example, there may be three aroma diffusers 70 that diffuse one type of aroma oil each, or there may be one aroma diffuser 70 that can diffuse three types of aroma oils individually.

[0062] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser 70 is connected to and controlled by the control device 30. The aroma diffuser 70 is controlled by the control device 30 to diffuse different aroma oils depending on the time of day, for example.

[0063] The blower 80 blows air. In the first modified example, the blower 80 blows air containing aroma oil mist released from the aroma diffuser 70 into the target space. This spreads the aroma throughout the target space.

[0064] The blower 80 is mounted on the mounting section S2. The blower 80 is composed of, for example, a fan and a motor.

[0065] Furthermore, the blower 80 is connected to and controlled by the control device 30. For example, the blower 80 is turned on while at least one aroma diffuser 70 is turned on. On the other hand, when all aroma diffusers 70 are turned off, the blower 80 is turned off.

[0066] Next, with reference to Figure 10, the contents of the schedule of the first modified example will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of schedule information stored in the memory unit 33 of the sound output box 100 of the first modified example.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, the schedule information for the first modified example shows an example of sound sources and aroma oils for each time period.

[0068] Each time slot is associated with a specific theme, for example. In the first modified example, the time slot from 7am to 10am is associated with a refreshing aroma oil A, for example, to match the theme of "freshness." The time slot from 10am to 4pm is associated with a fragrance B that has the effect of invigorating, energizing, or boosting vitality, for example, to match the theme of "liveliness." The time slot from 4pm to 6pm is associated with a fragrance C that has a relaxing effect, for example, to match the theme of "relaxation."

[0069] In this way, the schedule information is associated with different types of aroma oils depending on the time of day.

[0070] The other components of the first modified example are the same as those of the embodiment described above.

[0071] In the first modified version, as described above, the sound output box 100 is equipped with an aroma diffuser 70, allowing the aroma to spread throughout the target space. This provides effects to people in the target space, such as making them feel refreshed, energized, or relaxed. In other words, the sound output box 100 can further improve the comfort level in the target space.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first modified example, as described above, the sound output box 100 is equipped with a blower 80, allowing air containing aroma oil mist to be blown into the target space. This makes it easier for the aroma to spread throughout the target space.

[0073] Furthermore, in the first modified example, as described above, the sound output box 100 diffuses different aroma oils depending on the time of day, thereby further improving comfort in the target space.

[0074] Other effects of the first modification are the same as those of the embodiment described above.

[0075] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from these examples.

[0076] Invention 1 is a sound output box 100 comprising a speaker 10 having a sound output unit 11 that outputs sound and a housing 12 that houses the sound output unit 11, and a housing 20 that houses the speaker 10 and has a sound output area 221a for emitting sound output from the speaker 10 to the outside, wherein the sound output area 221a is located outside the housing 20 and faces a wall 300 that reflects sound emitted from the speaker 10.

[0077] With this type of sound output box 100, it is possible to prevent the speaker 10 from being exposed in the target space, thus preventing an unsightly appearance.

[0078] Invention 2 is a sound output box 100 of Invention 1, wherein the housing 20 has an outer surface 221b on which a sound output area 221a is formed, the wall 300 has a wall surface 300a that reflects sound from the speaker 10, and the outer surface 221b of the housing 20 is arranged to extend along the direction in which the wall surface 300a extends.

[0079] With such a sound output box 100, the sound output from the sound output area 221a of the sound output box 100 can be easily reflected off the wall 300 and spread into the target space.

[0080] Invention 3 is a sound output box 100 of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the housing 20 is placed on the floor 200, positioned substantially perpendicular to the floor 200, and has an outer surface 221b in which a sound output area 221a is formed.

[0081] With this type of sound output box 100, sound can be output laterally from the sound output area 221a of the sound output box 100, so the sound reaches the human ear from the side. Therefore, the sound can be heard more naturally compared to when the sound reaches the ear from above or below.

[0082] Invention 4 is a sound output box 100 according to any of Inventions 1 to 3, which is provided on the lower part of the housing 20 and is equipped with casters 50 that are movable relative to the floor 200.

[0083] With this type of sound output box 100, the sound output box 100 can be easily moved.

[0084] Invention 5 is a sound output box 100 according to any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the sound output unit 11 outputs sound with corrected frequency characteristics.

[0085] With such a sound output box 100, the frequency characteristics of the sound output from the sound output area 221a of the sound output box 100 and reflected by the wall 300 can be brought closer to ideal characteristics.

[0086] Invention 6 is the sound output box 100 of Invention 5, wherein the sound output unit 11 outputs sound that has been corrected so that the frequency range of 500Hz to 1000Hz is emphasized.

[0087] With such a sound output box 100, the frequency characteristics of the sound output from the sound output area 221a of the sound output box 100 and reflected by the wall 300 can be easily brought closer to ideal characteristics.

[0088] Invention 7 is a sound output box 100 according to any of Inventions 1 to 6, comprising a control unit 32 that controls the speaker 10, and the control unit 32 causes the speaker 10 to output sound based on different sound sources according to the time of day.

[0089] This sound output box 100 can output different sounds depending on the time of day. Therefore, it can further improve comfort in the target space.

[0090] Invention 8 is a sound-emitting box 100 of any of Inventions 1 to 7, wherein the sound includes at least one of a natural sound and a masking sound.

[0091] Such a sound output box 100 can output natural sounds and / or masking sounds. This allows, for example, to relax people with natural sounds or to suppress hearing difficulties with masking sounds. Therefore, the comfort level in the target space can be further improved.

[0092] Invention 9 is a sound output box 100 according to any of Inventions 1 to 8, wherein the housing 20 has a mounting section S2 on which the planted plants 150 are placed.

[0093] With such a sound-emitting box 100, for example, plants 150 can help people relax. Therefore, the comfort level in the target space can be further improved.

[0094] Invention 10 is a sound output box 100 of Invention 9, comprising a volume controller 40 operated by the user to adjust the volume output from the speaker 10, a mounting section S2 provided on the upper surface of the housing 20, and the volume controller 40 arranged within the mounting section S2.

[0095] With this type of sound output box 100, the volume controller 40 can be hidden by the plants 150, thus preventing it from looking unsightly.

[0096] Furthermore, by arranging the volume controller 40 within the mounting section S2 provided on the upper surface of the housing 20, the operability of the volume controller 40 can be improved compared to when the volume controller 40 is located inside the housing 20.

[0097] (Other embodiments) The sound output box 100 of the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0098] For example, in the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the housing 20 of the sound output box 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the housing 20 of the sound output box 100 may have a cylindrical shape, a rectangular tube shape, or other shapes.

[0099] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe an example in which the sound output box 100 is provided with a mounting section S2, the present invention is not limited to this. The sound output box 100 does not need to be provided with a mounting section S2.

[0100] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe an example in which the sound output box 100 is placed on the floor 200 and the sound is output towards the wall 300, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sound output box 100 may be placed in a location other than the floor 200, such as the wall 300 or the ceiling. Alternatively, the sound may be output towards a reflector other than the wall 300, such as the floor 200 or the ceiling.

[0101] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe an example in which the sound output box 100 includes a volume controller 40 and a power timer 60, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sound output box 100 does not need to include at least one of the volume controller 40 and the power timer 60.

[0102] Furthermore, while the first modified example described an example in which the sound output box 100 includes an aroma diffuser 70 and a blower 80, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sound output box 100 may include an aroma diffuser 70 but not a blower 80.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sound output box 100 may also be equipped with a blower 80. In this case, by turning on the blower 80, the plants 150 will sway in the wind, which can further improve comfort in the target space.

[0104] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments and modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10 speakers 11. Sound output section 12 cabinets (1st cabinet) 20 cabinets (second cabinet) 32 Control Unit 40 Volume Controllers 50 Caster 100 Sound Output Box 150 plants 200 beds 221a Sound output range 221b Outer surface (first side) 300 Wall (reflector) 300a Wall surface (reflective surface) S2 Mounting section

Claims

1. A speaker having a sound output unit that outputs sound and a first housing that houses the sound output unit, A second housing that houses the speaker and has a sound output area for emitting sound output from the speaker to the outside, Equipped with, The sound output region is located outside the second housing and faces a reflector that reflects sound emitted from the speaker. Sound output box.

2. The second housing has a first surface on which the sound output area is formed, The reflector has a reflective surface that reflects sound from the speaker. The first surface of the second housing is arranged to extend along the direction in which the reflective surface extends. The sound output box according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned second enclosure is Placed on the floor, It is positioned substantially perpendicular to the floor and has a first surface on which the sound output area is formed, The sound output box according to claim 1.

4. The second housing is provided at the bottom and is equipped with casters that allow it to move relative to the floor, The sound output box according to claim 1.

5. The sound output unit outputs sound with corrected frequency characteristics. The sound output box according to claim 1.

6. The sound output unit outputs the sound which has been corrected so that the frequency range of 500 Hz to 1000 Hz of the frequency characteristics is emphasized. The sound output box according to claim 5.

7. The system includes a control unit that controls the speaker, The control unit outputs sound from the speaker based on different sound sources corresponding to the time of day. The sound output box according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned sound includes at least one of a natural sound and a masking sound. The sound output box according to claim 1.

9. The second housing has a mounting section on which plants are placed. The sound output box according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The device includes a volume controller operated by the user to adjust the volume output from the speaker, The mounting portion is provided on the upper surface of the second housing, The volume controller is located within the aforementioned mounting section. The sound output box according to claim 9.

Images