Audio systems for vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof (1) for a vehicle, in particular a car, comprising: a wall panel, and at least one audio device (3) selected from a speaker and an actuator, wherein when the at least one audio device (3) is an actuator, it is located on the wall panel, and the wall panel is capable of being put into a vibrating state. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a roof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle roof comprising a wall panel and one or more loudspeakers and / or actuators and to a vehicle comprising such a roof. Background Art

[0002] Thanks to the advancement of infotainment, audio systems have become an essential part of vehicles today.

[0003] In most vehicles, the speakers for these audio systems are located in the vehicle's doors and dashboard. However, this speaker placement has several drawbacks. Due to the mobility of the doors, the speakers must be integrated into the doors via rigid structures to reduce vibration and stabilize the speakers. These structures occupy a significant amount of space within the doors, adding to their weight. Furthermore, traditional front-facing speakers are relatively far from the passenger's ears, resulting in a loss of high-fidelity performance for the passengers. In particular, due to obstructions in the sound path, such as seats and other passengers, high frequencies are often difficult to reproduce, as they lack a direct path from the speakers to the passenger's ears. Furthermore, dashboard speakers result in uneven sound distribution within the vehicle cabin.

[0004] Furthermore, the limited size and weight of vehicle doors prevent the installation of heavy or large diaphragm speakers, which can result in poor low-frequency reproduction. Conventional audio systems overcome this limitation by installing an additional actuator, called a "subwoofer," located in the vehicle cabin or trunk. This results in a loss of vehicle space and an increase in vehicle weight.

[0005] Finally, traditional speaker positioning in the doors or dashboard can degrade the sound performance of software or hardware implementations.

[0006] Various audio system solutions have been proposed.

[0007] Document US 10,250,983 describes a vehicle audio system comprising a digital audio controller and at least two processor DSP / amplifier / speaker modules located at different locations in the vehicle and connected to the controller via a single-wire cable.

[0008] Document US 2018 / 0012589 describes an audio system that is configured to create multiple zones within a vehicle cabin and allows the control of sound and noise in one of these zones via an interface.

[0009] It is desirable to provide a vehicle audio system that is lighter in weight, has excellent sound performance, and reduces power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention firstly relates to a roof of a vehicle, in particular a car, comprising:

[0011] - siding, and

[0012] - at least one audio device selected from a speaker and an actuator,

[0013] And when at least one of the audio devices is an actuator, it is located on the wall plate, the wall plate is able to enter a vibrating state.

[0014] In an embodiment, at least one audio device is located on the wall plate, preferably in a peripheral area of ​​the wall plate.

[0015] In an embodiment, at least one audio device is configured to generate high frequencies and / or mid frequencies.

[0016] In an embodiment, the vehicle roof comprises at least two audio devices selected from speakers and actuators, preferably located on the wall panel, more preferably located in a peripheral area of ​​the wall panel, the at least two audio devices preferably being configured to generate high and / or mid frequencies.

[0017] In an embodiment, the vehicle roof further comprises at least one actuator configured to generate the low frequency, preferably located on the wall panel, more preferably located in a peripheral area of ​​the wall panel.

[0018] In an embodiment, the vehicle roof further comprises at least one speaker or actuator configured to generate low frequencies, preferably located on the wall panel, more preferably located in a peripheral area of ​​the wall panel.

[0019] In an embodiment, the wall panel has a quadrilateral shape with a continuous first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and the roof comprises:

[0020] at least one (preferably at least two) audio devices selected from the group consisting of a loudspeaker and an actuator, preferably a loudspeaker, located on the wall panel in a peripheral area adjacent to the first edge of the wall panel,

[0021] at least one (preferably at least two) audio devices selected from the group consisting of loudspeakers and actuators, preferably loudspeakers, located on the wall panel in a peripheral area adjacent to the third edge of the wall panel,

[0022] - optionally, an actuator configured to generate a low frequency, located on the panel in a peripheral region adjacent to the second edge of the panel; and

[0023] - Optionally, a loudspeaker or an actuator configured to generate high frequencies is located on the wall panel, in a peripheral area adjacent to the fourth edge of the wall panel.

[0024] In an embodiment, the wall panel is a glass window.

[0025] In an embodiment, the glazing comprises a glass pane, preferably organic or mineral glass.

[0026] In an embodiment, the glazing comprises a laminated glass pane comprising at least two glass panes with at least one interlayer film of viscoelastic plastic properties interposed therebetween, the interlayer film of viscoelastic plastic properties preferably being made of polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, more preferably polyvinyl butyral, more preferably acoustic polyvinyl butyral.

[0027] In an embodiment, the vehicle roof comprises 1 to 20, preferably 2 to 20, more preferably 3 to 20, even more preferably 6 to 15 total speakers and actuators (3, 4, 5).

[0028] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a roof as defined above.

[0029] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a front windshield and / or a rear window and comprises at least one actuator in the front windshield and / or the rear window configured to generate a low frequency.

[0030] In an embodiment, a vehicle comprises a front windshield and includes at least one speaker or actuator located in the front windshield configured to generate high frequencies.

[0031] In an embodiment, a vehicle includes at least one pillar and includes at least one audio device selected from a speaker and an actuator located in the at least one pillar.

[0032] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises at least one door and / or dashboard and / or front windshield and / or rear window, and comprises at least one audio device selected from speakers and actuators located in at least one door and / or dashboard and / or front windshield and / or rear window.

[0033] In an embodiment, the vehicle is a car.

[0034] The present invention addresses these needs. More specifically, it provides a vehicle roof that includes an audio system that exhibits excellent acoustic performance while being lightweight, compact, and easily integrated into the vehicle roof. Furthermore, the audio system according to the present invention preferably has one or more of the following advantageous characteristics: it is compatible with other audio systems, it is unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing, it is flexible and can be adapted for use in any type of vehicle, and it allows for both active noise control and the generation of sound effects.

[0035] This is achieved by having at least one audio device built into the vehicle's roof. This allows sound to be projected high into the vehicle cabin, close to the ears of the vehicle's occupants, ensuring a relatively short path from the audio device to the occupants' ears with few or no obstructions. This improves the comprehensibility of audio messages, music, and other sounds by the occupants. Furthermore, since the audio device is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle, no bulky stabilizing structure is required. Furthermore, when the at least one audio device is an actuator, the presence of a wall panel in the roof allows it to vibrate, generating sound waves.

[0036] According to some embodiments, using an actuator configured to generate low frequencies can improve low frequency reproduction compared to using a woofer because a larger vibrating surface is used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic bottom view of the roof of an example of a vehicle according to the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The invention is now described in more detail in a non-limiting manner in the following description.

[0039] The invention relates to a roof of a vehicle, comprising a wall panel and at least one audio device (3) selected from a speaker and an actuator. When the at least one audio device is an actuator (or actuators), which are located on the wall panel, the wall panel can enter a vibration state.

[0040] An "audio device" is a device that produces sound, such as music or speech. An "audio system" is a system that produces sound.

[0041] "Siding" means any surface that may form part of the roof of a vehicle.

[0042] Preferably, the siding is a glazing (the roof comprising a glass portion, or glazing, is referred to herein as a glass roof). Alternatively or additionally, it may be another surface, such as a metal siding, such as steel sheeting.

[0043] "Glazing window" refers to any element having a sheet-like shape and comprising at least one sheet (or layer) of glass. Glazing windows can be transparent or opaque, for example, when the glass sheet is covered with an opaque coating. The opaque coating can be paint or enamel, for example, black. Glazing windows according to the present invention can include a transparent glass portion and an opaque glass portion, preferably, the opaque glass portion surrounding the transparent glass portion.

[0044] "Quadrangular shape" refers to any element having four sides, straight or not, with angles that may be right angles, rounded or otherwise.

[0045] The vehicle may be any type of vehicle having a passenger compartment defined by a roof. Preferably, it is a motor vehicle for land transport, and more preferably, the vehicle is a motor vehicle (passenger car). Alternatively, the vehicle may be a truck, a lorry, a bus or a coach.

[0046] The roof can be any type of roof. It can be a fixed roof. "Fixed" means fixed or intended to be fixed relative to the vehicle as a whole (it being understood that the vehicle can be movable). Alternatively, the roof can be a sunroof, i.e., comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion that can form an opening.

[0047] The roof, whether openable or not, comprises a wall panel which may be a glass part (or a glass window). When the roof according to the invention is a glass roof, it may also comprise a metal part, more preferably made of sheet steel, preferably the metal part of the roof surrounds the glass window.

[0048] Preferably, in the case of a skylight, the movable part of the skylight comprises or consists of a wall panel, such as a glass window.

[0049] Preferably, the surface area of ​​the wall panel (e.g., glazing) is at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or all of the total surface area of ​​the roof.

[0050] Advantageously, the glazing comprises a pane of glass (or siding). The glass may be organic glass or mineral glass. More preferably, the glazing comprises or consists of laminated glass. "Laminated glass" refers to at least two sheets of glass with at least one interlayer film, typically of a viscoelastic plastic, interposed therebetween. In the context of the present invention, a sheet of laminated glass (comprising two sheets of glass and an interlayer film) is considered to be one sheet rather than two sheets. The plastic interlayer film may comprise one or more layers, preferably one or two layers, of a viscoelastic polymer such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), more preferably polyvinyl butyral. The interlayer film may be made of standard PVB or three layers of acoustic PVB, preferably acoustic PVB.

[0051] Compared to a steel roof without glass, a roof with laminated glass panels can create a more damped roof structure, which can promote low-frequency dispersion and reduce vibration problems in the vehicle. In addition, the use of acoustic PVB in the laminated glass further improves low-frequency reproduction and reduces vibration problems compared to standard PVB.

[0052] The roof may also include a lining and / or a canopy.

[0053] The roof may be quadrilateral in shape, in particular rectangular or substantially rectangular (or trapezoidal or substantially trapezoidal in shape). It will be appreciated that the edges of such a roof are straight or substantially straight, i.e. they may have a slight curvature, e.g. Figure 1 shown.

[0054] The roof panels (e.g., glass windows) are preferably quadrilateral, in particular rectangular or substantially rectangular, or trapezoidal or substantially trapezoidal, with straight or substantially straight edges (they may be slightly curved).

[0055] The edges of the roof and the siding may partially or completely merge, especially when the siding represents the entire surface of the roof.

[0056] Audio equipment selected from speakers and actuators located on the roof of the vehicle

[0057] The vehicle roof according to the present invention includes at least one audio device selected from the group consisting of a speaker and an actuator. The vehicle roof may include at least two audio devices selected from the group consisting of a speaker and an actuator, or it may include at least 3, or at least 4, or at least 5, or at least 6, or at least 8, or at least 10, or at least 12, or at least 15 such audio devices. The vehicle roof according to the present invention may, for example, include 2 to 3, or 3 to 4, or 4 to 5, or 5 to 6, or 6 to 7, or 7 to 8, or 8 to 9, or 9 to 10, or 10 to 11, or 11 to 12, or 13 to 14, or 14 to 15, or 15 to 16, or 16 to 17, or 17 to 18, or 18 to 19 such audio devices.

[0058] A loudspeaker according to the invention may be any loudspeaker capable of emitting sound waves. Each such loudspeaker comprises a diaphragm. The diaphragm of the loudspeaker is preferably completely in contact with the air. The diaphragm may be substantially planar. For example, the diaphragm may have a substantially rectangular or square shape. Alternatively, the diaphragm may have a substantially disk-shaped or elliptical shape, for example. The sound waves are generated by the diaphragm vibrating the surrounding air (i.e. the air inside and outside the loudspeaker). The loudspeaker may be in the form of a box, e.g. having a substantially straight block shape, one of whose walls (e.g. faces) is the diaphragm, or comprises an orifice in which the diaphragm is located. The box may contain air, thus the air inside the loudspeaker.

[0059] Each speaker can independently be a magnet speaker, comprising a magnet and an electromagnetic coil in addition to a diaphragm. The magnet and coil convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, which is transferred to the diaphragm. The diaphragm transfers the mechanical energy to the surrounding air, which causes it to vibrate. Alternatively, the speaker can be a piezoelectric speaker. A piezoelectric speaker comprises a piezoelectric ceramic or polymer to which a radiating diaphragm is fastened. The ceramic or polymer converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (preferably proportionally), which is transferred to the diaphragm. The diaphragm transfers the mechanical energy to the surrounding air, generating sound waves.

[0060] The speakers may include insulation. This can be used to reduce sound radiation to the exterior of the vehicle.

[0061] Preferably, the loudspeaker has a length of 30 to 200 mm, for example 50 to 150 mm, and / or a width of 10 to 100 mm, for example 20 to 60 mm. Alternatively, the loudspeaker may have a diameter of 10 to 150 mm, for example 30 to 100 mm. The loudspeaker may have a depth of 10 to 50 mm, for example 12 to 30 mm.

[0062] The membrane is preferably not covered by the lining or other parts of the roof.

[0063] Preferably, the diaphragm of the loudspeaker is substantially parallel to the roof, preferably parallel to the wall (eg the glass window).

[0064] It is particularly advantageous if the loudspeaker is configured to generate high and / or medium frequencies.

[0065] "High frequency" refers to sound waves with frequencies above 2000 Hz.

[0066] "Medium frequencies" refer to sound waves with frequencies between 300 and 2000 Hz.

[0067] The actuator according to the invention may be any actuator that converts electric current into mechanical energy in order to vibrate a surface acting as a diaphragm in order to generate acoustic waves.

[0068] A speaker has its own diaphragm; an actuator does not have a diaphragm.

[0069] In the context of the present invention, an actuator vibrates a panel of a vehicle roof. Preferably, the panel vibrated by the actuator comprises or consists of a glass window. The panel may also comprise or consist of an assembly consisting of a glass window and a metal part of the vehicle roof.

[0070] These actuators may have the dimensions described above for the speakers.

[0071] When the audio device is one or more actuators or includes one or more actuators, these actuators are preferably configured to generate high and / or medium frequencies. Advantageously, these actuators include a signal filter to limit the generated frequency band to, for example, high and / or medium frequencies. Thus, the signal filter can limit the frequency band of the transmitted frequencies to a frequency range having a lower limit greater than or equal to 300 Hz. In other embodiments, the signal filter can limit the frequency band of the transmitted frequencies to a frequency range having a lower limit greater than or equal to 150 Hz.

[0072] Preferably, one or more audio devices (selected from speakers and actuators) are (independently) located in a peripheral area of ​​the vehicle roof. "Peripheral area of ​​the vehicle roof" refers to the portion of the vehicle roof adjacent to the roof edge (i.e., the edge defining the roof). In an embodiment, the peripheral area of ​​the vehicle roof is the area of ​​the vehicle roof adjacent to the roof edge, the width of which (i.e., in the plane of the roof, perpendicular to the roof edge) is less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm.

[0073] In particular, when the roof has a quadrilateral shape with a continuous first edge, second edge, third edge and fourth edge, the audio device can (independently) be located in a peripheral area of ​​the roof adjacent to the fourth edge (e.g. the front edge, i.e. intended to be located on the front side of the vehicle), for example, in an area of ​​the roof adjacent to the fourth edge and having a width of less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm, and / or in a peripheral area of ​​the roof adjacent to the second edge (e.g. the rear edge, i.e. intended to be located on the rear side of the vehicle), for example, in an area of ​​the roof adjacent to the second edge, the width of which is less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm, and / or in a peripheral area of ​​the roof adjacent to the first and / or third edge (e.g. one and / or the other of the side edges), for example, in an area of ​​the roof adjacent to the first and / or third edge, the width of which is less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm. cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm.

[0074] One or more audio devices may be (independently) located in a peripheral area adjacent to the roof edge near a roof corner, for example in an area having a length (i.e., in a direction parallel to the roof edge in the roof plane) less than or equal to one third of the roof edge (the length being measured from the corner).

[0075] It is particularly advantageous if the vehicle roof includes at least two audio devices selected from the group consisting of speakers and actuators, and if the vehicle roof has a quadrilateral shape, at least one audio device is located in a peripheral area adjacent to a first edge of the roof (e.g., in the region of the roof adjacent to the first edge, the width of the region is less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm), and at least one other audio device is located in a peripheral area of ​​the roof adjacent to a second edge of the roof, the second edge facing the first edge (e.g., in the region of the roof adjacent to the second edge, the width of the region is less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm). Facing edges are edges that are not continuous with each other; preferably, the facing edges are parallel or substantially parallel.

[0076] The audio device is advantageously located on a panel, such as a glass window. When the vehicle roof comprises a plurality of such audio devices, they may all be located on the panel, such as a glass window, or only on some of them.

[0077] The audio device may be (independently) located on the wall panel, in a peripheral area of ​​the wall panel (it should be understood that this peripheral area constitutes part of the wall panel). The "peripheral area of ​​the wall panel" refers to the portion of the wall panel (e.g., a window) adjacent to the edge of the wall panel (e.g., a window). It may refer to an area of ​​the wall panel (e.g., a window) adjacent to the edge of the wall panel (e.g., a window) whose width in the plane of the wall panel (e.g., a window) (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the wall panel (e.g., a window)) is less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm.

[0078] When the wall panel (e.g. glass window) has a quadrilateral shape with a continuous first edge, second edge, third edge and fourth edge, the audio device can be (independently) located in a peripheral area of ​​the wall panel (e.g. glass window) adjacent to the fourth edge (e.g. the front edge, i.e. intended to be on the front side of the vehicle), for example in an area of ​​the wall panel (e.g. glass window) adjacent to the fourth edge and having a width of less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm, and / or in a peripheral area of ​​the wall panel (e.g. glass window) adjacent to the second edge (e.g. the rear edge, i.e. intended to be on the rear side of the vehicle), for example in an area of ​​the wall panel (e.g. glass window) adjacent to the second edge, which area has a width of less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm, and / or in a peripheral area of ​​the wall panel (e.g. the glass window) adjacent to the first and / or third edge (e.g. one and / or the other of the side edges), for example, in an area of ​​the wall panel (e.g. the glass window) adjacent to the first and / or third edge, the width of the area is less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm.

[0079] The audio device can be (independently) located in a wall panel (e.g. a glass window) in a peripheral area adjacent to an edge of the wall panel (e.g. a glass window) near a corner of the wall panel (e.g. a glass window), for example, in an area having a length (i.e. in the plane of the glass window, in a direction parallel to said edge of the glass window) less than or equal to one third of said edge of the wall panel (e.g. a glass window) (this length being measured from said corner).

[0080] It is particularly advantageous if the vehicle roof includes at least two audio devices selected from speakers and actuators located on a wall panel (e.g. a glass window) and, when the wall panel (e.g. a glass window) has a quadrilateral shape, at least one audio device is located in the wall panel (e.g. a glass window) in a peripheral area adjacent to a first edge of the wall panel (e.g. a glass window) (e.g. in an area of ​​the wall panel (e.g. a glass window) adjacent to the first edge and having a width less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm), and at least one other audio device is located in a peripheral area of ​​the wall panel (e.g. a glass window) adjacent to a second edge of the wall panel (e.g. a glass window) facing the first edge (e.g. in an area of ​​the wall panel (e.g. a glass window) adjacent to the second edge and having a width less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm).

[0081] The audio device is a speaker or an actuator. When the vehicle roof includes multiple (at least two) of these audio devices, they are advantageously speakers. Alternatively, they can be actuators. In a third embodiment, they can include one or more speakers and one or more actuators. Compared to using actuators, using speakers can limit sound radiation to the exterior of the vehicle.

[0082] Actuator configured to generate low frequencies

[0083] The vehicle roof according to the invention may comprise at least one actuator configured to generate low frequencies. In the context of the present invention, the actuator configured to generate low frequencies is an additional audio device different from at least one audio device selected from a loudspeaker and an actuator as described above.

[0084] "Low frequency" refers to sound waves with frequencies below 300 Hz.

[0085] The presence of such an actuator makes it possible to avoid the use of an additional subwoofer and the associated disadvantages in terms of additional weight and size.

[0086] The actuator may be an actuator as described above (in relation to at least one audio device selected from a speaker and an actuator), as long as it is configured to generate low frequencies.

[0087] Preferably, the actuators configured to generate low frequencies are located in a peripheral region of the roof. The peripheral region may be as described above. When the roof has a quadrilateral shape with a continuous first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, the actuators may be located in a peripheral region of the roof adjacent to the fourth edge (e.g., the front edge), and / or in a peripheral region of the roof adjacent to the second edge (e.g., the rear edge), and / or in a peripheral region of the roof adjacent to the first and / or third edges (e.g., at one and / or the other of the side edges). These peripheral regions may be as described above.

[0088] The surface of the actuator configured to generate the low frequency may include or consist of a glass window. The surface may also include or consist of an assembly of a glass window and a metal roof portion. Preferably, the surface vibrated by the actuator configured to generate the low frequency is the siding of the vehicle roof.

[0089] Advantageously, the actuator configured to generate the low frequency is located on the panel (e.g., window), preferably in a peripheral region of the panel (e.g., window). The peripheral region of the panel (e.g., window) can be as described above. If the panel (e.g., window) of the roof has a quadrilateral shape with a continuous first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, the actuator can be located in the peripheral region of the panel (e.g., window) adjacent to the fourth edge (e.g., the front edge), / or in the peripheral region of the panel (e.g., window) adjacent to the second edge (e.g., the rear edge), and / or in the peripheral region of the panel (e.g., window) adjacent to the first and / or third edges (e.g., one and / or the other of the side edges). These peripheral regions can be as described above.

[0090] Positioning the actuator configured to generate low frequencies in the roof, particularly on a wall panel (e.g., a glazing), can improve low frequency emission because, at that location, a relatively large surface (e.g., the glazing of the roof or the glazing / roof metal portion assembly) is available to vibrate (i.e., can act as a diaphragm) to generate low frequencies.

[0091] At least one actuator configured to generate a low frequency may include a signal filter. The signal filter may band-limit the transmission frequency to a low frequency. Thus, the signal filter may band-limit the transmission frequency to a frequency range having an upper limit less than or equal to 300 Hz.

[0092] Generally speaking, when a vehicle's roof is in use, the actuator may, in some cases, induce vibrations in the vehicle, such as causing vibrations in the interior rearview mirror. Such vibrations are typically localized in frequency. The actuator according to the present invention may include a signal filter that limits the frequency of the signal propagated by the actuator and suppresses the frequencies that cause such vibrations. Preferably, the signal filter performs low-frequency notch filtering.

[0093] Preferably, the vehicle roof comprises a single actuator configured to generate low frequencies.

[0094] A speaker or actuator configured to generate high frequencies

[0095] The vehicle roof according to the present invention may also include at least one speaker or actuator configured to generate high frequencies. Such a speaker or actuator is also referred to as a "tweeter." In the context of the present invention, the speaker or actuator configured to generate high frequencies is an additional audio device distinct from the at least one audio device selected from the group consisting of speakers and actuators as described above.

[0096] The tweeter box may be a speaker or an actuator as described above (associated with at least one audio device selected from the group consisting of a speaker and an actuator), as long as it is configured to generate high frequencies.

[0097] The tweeter may include a signal filter that allows the transmission frequency band to be limited to high frequencies (ie, the transmission frequency band is limited to a specific frequency range, the lower limit of which is greater than or equal to 2000 Hz).

[0098] Preferably, at least one tweeter is located in a peripheral area of ​​the roof. The peripheral area may be as described above. If the roof has a quadrilateral shape with a continuous first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, the actuator may be located in the peripheral area of ​​the roof adjacent to the fourth edge (e.g., the front edge), and / or in the peripheral area of ​​the roof adjacent to the second edge (e.g., the rear edge), and / or in the peripheral area of ​​the roof adjacent to the first and / or third edges (e.g., one and / or the other of the side edges). These peripheral areas may be as described above.

[0099] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one tweeter is located on a panel (e.g., a window), preferably in a peripheral area of ​​the panel (e.g., a window). The peripheral area of ​​the panel (e.g., a window) can be as described above. If the roof panel (e.g., a window) has a quadrilateral shape with a continuous first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, the tweeter can be located in the peripheral area of ​​the panel (e.g., a window) adjacent to the fourth edge (e.g., the front edge), / or the peripheral area of ​​the panel (e.g., a window) adjacent to the second edge (e.g., the rear edge), and / or the peripheral area of ​​the panel (e.g., a window) adjacent to the first and / or third edges (e.g., one and / or the other of the side edges). These peripheral areas can be as described above.

[0100] Preferably, the tweeter enclosure is a loudspeaker.

[0101] Preferably, the roof comprises at least two tweeter enclosures. Less preferably, the roof may comprise a single tweeter enclosure.

[0102] Preferably, when the roof includes at least one actuator configured to generate low frequencies and at least one tweeter, and when the roof has a quadrilateral shape, the at least one actuator configured to generate low frequencies is located in a peripheral area adjacent to a first edge of the roof (for example, in a roof area adjacent to the first edge and having a width of less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm), and the at least one tweeter is located in a peripheral area of ​​the roof adjacent to a second edge of the roof facing the first edge (for example, in a roof area adjacent to the second edge and having a width of less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm).

[0103] More preferably, when the roof includes at least one actuator configured to generate low frequencies and at least one tweeter located on a wall panel (e.g., a glass window), and when the wall panel (e.g., a glass window) has a quadrilateral shape, the at least one actuator configured to generate low frequencies is located in a peripheral area adjacent to a first edge of the wall panel (e.g., a glass window) (e.g., in an area of ​​the wall panel (e.g., a glass window) adjacent to the first edge and having a width of less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm), and the at least one tweeter is located in a peripheral area of ​​the wall panel (e.g., a glass window) adjacent to a second edge of the glass window facing the first edge (e.g., in an area of ​​the wall panel (e.g., a glass window) adjacent to the second edge and having a width of less than or equal to 50 cm, or less than or equal to 40 cm, or less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm).

[0104] Total audio components in the roof

[0105] In an embodiment, the vehicle roof comprises a total of 1 to 20 speakers and / or actuators, preferably 2 to 20, more preferably 3 to 20, even more preferably 6 to 15. For example, the total number of speakers and / or actuators in the vehicle roof may be 1 to 2, or 2 to 3, or 3 to 4, or 4 to 5, or 5 to 6, or 6 to 7, or 7 to 8, or 8 to 9, or 9 to 10, or 10 to 11, or 11 to 12, or 12 to 13, or 13 to 14, or 14 to 15, or 15 to 16, or 16 to 17, or 17 to 18, or 18 to 19, or 19 to 20.

[0106] The total number of speakers and / or actuators on a wall panel (e.g., a glass window) may be 1 to 20, preferably 2 to 20, more preferably 3 to 20, and even more preferably 6 to 15. For example, the total number of speakers and / or actuators on a glass window may be 1 to 2, or 2 to 3, or 3 to 4, or 4 to 5, or 5 to 6, or 6 to 7, or 7 to 8, or 8 to 9, or 9 to 10, or 10 to 11, or 11 to 12, or 12 to 13, or 13 to 14, or 14 to 15, or 15 to 16, or 16 to 17, or 17 to 18, or 18 to 19, or 19 to 20.

[0107] According to an embodiment, when the vehicle roof has a quadrilateral shape with a continuous first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge, the vehicle roof comprises:

[0108] at least one (preferably at least two) audio devices selected from the group consisting of loudspeakers and actuators, preferably loudspeakers, located in a peripheral area adjacent to a first edge (eg a side edge) of the vehicle roof,

[0109] at least one (preferably at least two) audio devices selected from the group consisting of loudspeakers and actuators, preferably loudspeakers, located in a peripheral area adjacent to a third edge of the roof (e.g. another side edge),

[0110] - optionally, an actuator configured to generate a low frequency, located in a peripheral region adjacent to a second edge of the roof (eg, the rear edge), and

[0111] - Optionally, a tweeter enclosure located in a peripheral area adjacent to a fourth edge of the roof (eg the front edge).

[0112] It is particularly advantageous when the wall panel (eg the glass window) has a quadrilateral shape with a continuous first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge, the roof may comprise:

[0113] at least one, preferably at least two audio devices selected from the group consisting of loudspeakers and actuators, preferably loudspeakers, located on the wall panel (e.g. a glass window) in a peripheral area adjacent to a first edge of the wall panel (e.g. a glass window),

[0114] at least one, preferably at least two audio devices selected from the group consisting of loudspeakers and actuators, preferably loudspeakers, located on the wall panel (e.g. the glass window) in a peripheral area adjacent to a third edge of the wall panel (e.g. the glass window),

[0115] - optionally, an actuator configured to generate a low frequency, located on the panel (eg, the glazing), in a peripheral region adjacent to the second edge of the panel (eg, the glazing), and

[0116] Optionally, a tweeter box located on the wall panel (eg the glass window) in a peripheral area adjacent to a fourth edge of the wall panel (eg the glass window).

[0117] The speakers and / or actuators of the audio system (particularly at least one audio device selected from the group consisting of speakers and actuators, possibly at least one actuator configured to generate low frequencies, and possibly at least one tweeter) can be independently fastened to the vehicle roof (particularly to a siding (e.g., a window)) by any fastening means. The fastening means can be rigid or more flexible. Fastening means that can be used according to the present invention include glue, adhesive tape, particularly double-sided adhesive tape, or a combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the speakers and / or actuators can be fastened by a bracket (e.g., a plastic component) fastened to the vehicle roof (e.g., to a siding (e.g., a window) of the vehicle), into which the speakers and / or actuators are clipped, or the speakers and / or actuators can be encapsulated in the bracket (e.g., a plastic component), and the speaker and / or actuator / bracket assembly can be removed from the rest of the vehicle roof. The latter embodiment has the advantage that the speakers and / or actuators are removable from the vehicle roof and can be easily removed and replaced, for example, in the event of a malfunction.

[0118] Power cables and other audio components associated with the roof speakers and actuators may be routed within the headliner or in a canopy under the roof, for example, so as to be hidden and out of sight.

[0119] The following examples illustrate the present invention without limiting it.

[0120] refer to Figure 1 A vehicle roof 1 includes a plurality of audio devices (3, 4, 5). In this embodiment, the roof 1 is a substantially rectangular glass roof with a glass window extending across the entire surface of the roof. The roof panel is formed from this glass window. The glass window includes a transparent glass portion 2 surrounded by an opaque glass portion (or shielding portion) 7. The opaque glass portion 7 may, for example, include an opaque coating to conceal various fastening elements that may be included. Four speakers 3 configured to generate mid- and high-frequency frequencies are positioned on the opaque glass portion 7 of the roof 1 in a peripheral area adjacent to the roof's side edges 10 (two near one side edge 10 and two near the other side edge 10). In the illustrated configuration, each speaker 3 near one side edge 10 faces a speaker 3 near the other side edge 10. The actuator 4 configured to generate low frequencies is located at the rear of the roof, i.e., in a peripheral area adjacent to the rear edge 9 of the roof; and the speaker tweeter enclosure (i.e., the speaker configured to generate high frequencies) 5 is located at the front of the roof, i.e., in a peripheral area adjacent to the front edge 8 of the roof.

[0121] For example, the loudspeaker 3 has a parallelepiped shape with a length of 100 mm, a width of 45 mm, and a depth of 20.5 mm. The actuator 4 configured to generate low frequencies is cylindrical with a diameter of 53 mm and a depth of 17.3 mm, and the tweeter box 5 has a parallelepiped shape with a length of 57.5 mm, a width of 23 mm, and a depth of 14.85 mm.

[0122] Therefore, the roof-mounted speakers and actuators are placed above the vehicle seats and passengers’ heads, allowing a short and direct sound path to reach the passengers’ ears, ensuring the audio system’s high-fidelity performance and 3D sound reproduction capabilities.

[0123] vehicle

[0124] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a roof as described above.

[0125] The vehicle may be as defined above. In particular, the vehicle is a car.

[0126] The vehicle includes a passenger compartment defined by a roof.

[0127] The vehicle may also include at least one door. For the purposes of the present invention, the terms "door" and "door" have the same meaning. The vehicle according to the present invention may also include a front windshield and / or a rear window. The front windshield may be quadrilateral in shape (particularly rectangular or substantially rectangular, or trapezoidal or substantially trapezoidal in shape), particularly having an upper edge (i.e., at the top of the vehicle), a lower edge (i.e., at the side of the vehicle), and two side edges. The vehicle may include at least one pillar. A "pillar" refers to the portion of the vehicle located between two doors and / or glass surfaces.

[0128] In the present invention, the roof speaker and / or actuator are located in the vehicle's passenger compartment, that is, they are located on the side of the roof facing the vehicle's passenger compartment. Therefore, the outer surface of the speaker diaphragm faces the interior of the passenger compartment. Preferably, the outer surface of the diaphragm is in contact with the air inside the vehicle's passenger compartment. The actuator is also in contact with the passenger compartment air.

[0129] Advantageously, the vehicle roof comprises at least two audio devices selected from speakers and actuators, which are located in the vehicle roof to form stereo sound for the passengers.

[0130] The vehicle may include at least one actuator configured to generate low frequencies. The actuator is located in the front windshield, preferably in the lower portion of the windshield and / or (when the windshield includes an interior rearview mirror) near the interior rearview mirror's fastening, and / or in the rear window, preferably at the edge of the rear window. The lower portion of the front windshield may include a portion of the windshield adjacent to the lower edge of the windshield, the width of which (i.e., in the plane of the windshield and perpendicular to the lower edge of the windshield) is less than or equal to 30 cm. "Near the interior rearview mirror's fastening" refers to a circular area of ​​the windshield with a radius of less than or equal to 15 cm, the center of which is formed by the interior rearview mirror's fastening. "At the edge of the rear window" refers to the audio device being adjacent to the edge of the rear window. In these locations, a relatively large surface area is available for vibration, which can improve low-frequency emission. However, these embodiments are less preferred because the windshield and / or rear window may contain other components, such as rearview mirrors, cameras, rain sensors, etc. These components may induce vibrations that could alter the performance of the actuator. Therefore, the actuator may include a stabilizing structure to eliminate these vibrations. These embodiments may be used as an alternative to or in addition to the presence of an actuator in the vehicle roof that is configured to generate low frequencies.

[0131] The vehicle may include at least one tweeter located in the front windshield, preferably in the lower portion of the windshield, more preferably in the lower portion and one or both side regions of the front windshield. Particularly preferably, the audio system includes at least two tweeters located at the bottom of the windshield, and in both side regions (i.e., left and right) of the front windshield, with at least one tweeter located in one side region of the windshield and at least one other tweeter located in the other side region. The side regions of the windshield may include areas adjacent to the side edges of the windshield and have a width (i.e., in the plane of the windshield and perpendicular to the side edges of the windshield) of less than or equal to 50 cm. These embodiments may replace or supplement the presence of a tweeter in the vehicle roof.

[0132] The vehicle according to the invention may further comprise at least one loudspeaker and / or actuator located in at least one pillar of the vehicle. This may be a loudspeaker and / or actuator as described above.

[0133] The vehicle according to the invention may further comprise at least one loudspeaker and / or actuator located in at least one door of the vehicle. This may be a loudspeaker and / or actuator as described above.

[0134] The vehicle according to the invention may also comprise at least one loudspeaker and / or actuator located in the dashboard of the vehicle. This may be a loudspeaker and / or actuator as described above.

[0135] The vehicle according to the present invention may also include at least one speaker and / or actuator located in the front windshield and / or rear window. This speaker and / or actuator may be located in the lower portion of the front windshield and / or (when the windshield includes an interior rearview mirror) near the mounting of the interior rearview mirror on the front windshield and / or on the edge of the rear window, particularly if it is an actuator. Alternatively or additionally, it may be located in the bottom portion and one or both side regions (i.e., left and right) of the front windshield, particularly if it is a speaker. Preferably, at least one speaker is located in one side region of the windshield, and at least one second speaker is located in the other side region of the windshield. The at least one speaker and / or actuator located in the front windshield and / or rear window may be the speaker and / or actuator described above.

[0136] In other variations, the vehicle door does not include an audio device selected from the group consisting of a speaker and an actuator.

[0137] The vehicle may not include audio equipment selected from speakers and actuators in pillars and / or dashboard and / or front windshield and / or rear window.

[0138] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a total of 1 to 20, preferably 2 to 20, more preferably 3 to 20, even more preferably 6 to 15 speakers and / or actuators. For example, the total number of speakers and / or actuators of the vehicle may be 1 to 2, or 2 to 3, or 3 to 4, or 4 to 5, or 5 to 6, or 6 to 7, or 7 to 8, or 8 to 9, or 9 to 10, or 10 to 11, or 11 to 12, or 12 to 13, or 13 to 14, or 14 to 15, or 15 to 16, or 16 to 17, or 17 to 18, or 19 or 20.

[0139] The vehicle's speakers and / or actuators may be part of an audio system that may also include a multi-channel digital audio controller (DAS) card and / or one or more amplifiers. These may be in a conventional vehicle audio system or may be located in the vehicle's trunk.

Claims

1. A vehicle roof (1), comprising: - siding, and - at least one audio device (3) selected from a loudspeaker and an actuator, located on said wall panel, and when said at least one audio device (3) is an actuator, said wall panel is capable of entering a vibrating state, Wherein, the wall panels are glass windows (2, 7), wherein the wall panel has a quadrilateral shape having a continuous first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and the roof comprises: - at least one audio device (3) chosen from said loudspeaker and said actuator, located on the glass portion of said panel, in a peripheral area adjacent to a first edge of said panel, - at least one audio device (3) chosen from said loudspeaker and said actuator, located on the glass portion of said panel, in a peripheral area adjacent to the third edge of said panel, - an actuator (4) configured to generate a low frequency, located on the glass portion of the panel, in a peripheral area adjacent to the second edge of the panel, wherein the glazing (2, 7) comprises a laminated glass pane comprising at least two glass panes with at least one interlayer film of viscoelastic plastic properties interposed therebetween; The actuator comprises a signal filter capable of limiting the frequency of the signal diffused by the actuator and suppressing frequencies causing vibration phenomena generated by the actuator in the vehicle and causing vibrations of elements other than the wall panel.

2. The vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1, wherein The at least one audio device (3) is configured to generate high frequencies and / or medium frequencies.

3. The vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The wall panel has a quadrilateral shape with a continuous first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge, and the roof includes at least two audio devices (3) selected from the speakers and the actuators, located on the wall panel in a peripheral area adjacent to the first edge of the wall panel.

4. The vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The glass plate is made of organic or mineral glass.

5. The vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The interlayer film with viscoelastic plastic properties is made of polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

6. The vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a total of 1 to 20 loudspeakers and actuators.

7. The vehicle roof according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The vehicle is an automobile.

8. The vehicle roof according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The vehicle roof includes at least two speakers located on the wall panel in a peripheral area adjacent to a first edge of the wall panel.

9. The vehicle roof according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The vehicle roof includes at least two audio devices selected from the group consisting of the speaker and the actuator, located on the wall panel in a peripheral area adjacent to a third edge of the wall panel.

10. The vehicle roof according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The vehicle roof includes at least two speakers located on the wall panel in a peripheral area adjacent to the third edge of the wall panel.

11. The vehicle roof according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The roof includes a speaker or actuator configured to generate high frequencies, located on the wall panel in a peripheral region adjacent to a fourth edge of the wall panel.

12. The vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The viscoelastic plastic interlayer membrane is made of acoustic polyvinyl butyral.

13. The vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a total of 2 to 20 loudspeakers and actuators.

14. The vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a total of 3 to 20 loudspeakers and actuators.

15. Vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a total of 6 to 15 loudspeakers and actuators.

16. A vehicle comprising a roof (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The vehicle according to claim 16, comprising a front windscreen and / or a rear window, and comprising at least one actuator (4) in the front windscreen and / or the rear window configured to generate a low frequency.

18. A vehicle according to claim 16 or 17, comprising a front windscreen and comprising at least one loudspeaker or actuator (5) in the front windscreen configured to generate high frequencies.

19. A vehicle according to claim 16 or 17, comprising at least one pillar and comprising at least one audio device selected from the group consisting of a speaker and an actuator located in the at least one pillar.

20. A vehicle according to claim 16 or 17, comprising at least one door and / or dashboard and / or front windshield and / or rear window, and comprising at least one audio device selected from the speakers and the actuators located in the at least one door and / or the dashboard and / or the front windshield and / or the rear window.

21. The vehicle of claim 16 or 17, which is a car.

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