Loudspeaker element and loudspeaker comprising such a loudspeaker element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a loudspeaker element for a loudspeaker, comprising two membrane planes substantially spaced apart from each other, wherein each membrane plane comprises at least one electromagnetic wire, which is arranged to generate a magnetic field when an electric current passes through the electromagnetic wire, wherein at least one permanent magnet is arranged between the two membrane planes, wherein the electromagnetic wires of the two membrane planes can be connected to a power supply in such a way that current passes through the electromagnetic wires in substantially opposite directions, thereby generating substantially opposite magnetic fields, so that when an electric current passes through the electromagnetic wires of each membrane plane, the membrane planes are attracted toward the permanent magnet or repelled from the permanent magnet, and thereby move toward or away from each other, respectively, thereby generating sound waves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a loudspeaker element for a loudspeaker and to a loudspeaker comprising such a loudspeaker element. Background Art

[0002] Loudspeakers and loudspeaker elements of loudspeakers are known per se. The known loudspeakers and their loudspeaker elements are adapted to generate sound waves in a specific frequency range, and generally different loudspeakers or different loudspeaker elements are provided for different frequency ranges. For example, a first loudspeaker or loudspeaker element may be provided for a frequency range of about 100 Hz to 22 kHz, and a second loudspeaker or loudspeaker element, also called a subwoofer, may be provided for a frequency range with frequencies below about 150 kHz. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to improve said known loudspeaker and loudspeaker element thereof. More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a loudspeaker and / or a loudspeaker element which is suitable for generating sound waves over the full frequency range, ie for example between about 0 and 22 kHz.

[0004] According to the present invention, the speaker element includes two membrane planes that are basically spaced apart from each other, wherein each membrane plane includes at least one electromagnetic wire, which is arranged to generate a magnetic field when current passes through the electromagnetic wire, and at least one permanent magnet is arranged between the two membrane planes. The electromagnetic wires of the two membrane planes can be connected to a power supply in such a way that current passes through the electromagnetic wires in basically opposite directions, thereby generating basically opposite magnetic fields, so that when current passes through the electromagnetic wires of each membrane plane, the two membrane planes are attracted toward the permanent magnet or repelled from the permanent magnet, and thereby move toward or away from each other, respectively, thereby generating sound waves.

[0005] The applicant has found that such a loudspeaker element is capable of generating sound waves in the frequency range of approximately 0 to 22 kHz, thereby reducing the need for further loudspeaker elements having a different frequency range, ie no separate subwoofer is required for low frequencies.

[0006] The two membrane planes may be relatively light and / or relatively small, thereby being able to generate the sound waves over the large frequency range.

[0007] By providing the two membrane planes, the generated sound waves are thereby increased.

[0008] The membrane plane may be formed by one continuous membrane bent to form the two membrane planes, or by two separate membranes. Thus, the "two membrane planes substantially spaced apart from each other" may alternatively be defined as "at least one membrane comprising two planes substantially spaced apart from each other" or "at least one membrane comprising two planar portions substantially spaced apart from each other".

[0009] The electromagnetic wires of the two membrane planes can be arranged substantially parallel to each other, wherein in one wire, current is passed in a first direction, and in the other wire, current is passed in an opposite second direction. Because the current passes through the wires in substantially opposite directions, the electric fields generated by the wires are also substantially opposite. As a result, the wires and thus the membrane planes move in substantially opposite directions, i.e. towards or away from each other.

[0010] Each magnet wire may extend in a respective one of the two membrane planes.

[0011] The permanent magnets can be arranged symmetrically between the two membrane planes.

[0012] The permanent magnets may be neodymium magnets, for example.

[0013] The film plane may, for example, comprise a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or foil, such as the known polyester film (Mylar).

[0014] The thickness of the membrane plane can be, for example, approximately 0.019 mm.

[0015] In an embodiment of the loudspeaker element according to the invention, each electromagnetic wire is arranged substantially on a midline of each membrane plane, so that substantially equal membrane portions are arranged on both sides of said electromagnetic wire.

[0016] By arranging the magnet wire on the midline of each membrane plane, the membrane planes can be moved uniformly.

[0017] In other, perhaps less preferred, embodiments, the electromagnetic wires may be arranged at different positions relative to each membrane plane. As an example, the electromagnetic wires may be arranged along a line bisecting each membrane plane.

[0018] The center line may be, for example, a substantially vertical or substantially horizontal center line of the membrane plane.

[0019] In particular, the magnet wire can extend over the entire length or the entire width of the film plane.

[0020] Note that the electromagnetic wires may be arranged on the same midline of both membrane planes, ie may be arranged on midlines of membrane planes extending substantially parallel to each other, such that the wires extend substantially parallel relative to each other.

[0021] In another embodiment of the loudspeaker element according to the invention, the permanent magnet extends with its longitudinal extent substantially parallel to the at least two magnet wires, such that the at least two magnet wires are arranged in front of two opposing longitudinal surfaces of the permanent magnet.

[0022] In this embodiment, the permanent magnet extends longitudinally between two membrane planes, wherein each of the two opposite longitudinal surfaces of the permanent magnet faces a corresponding one of the two membrane planes in the region of the electromagnetic wires of the membrane planes, so that the electromagnetic wires are arranged in front of the longitudinal surfaces of the permanent magnet.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the loudspeaker element according to the invention, the two membrane planes which are substantially opposite to each other are arranged at an angle relative to each other, which angle may be inclined, which angle may be selected between 0° and 75°. The angle may be selected, for example, corresponding to a desired direction of sound waves generated by the membrane planes and / or a desired setting of the loudspeaker.

[0024] In the case of an angle of 0°, the film planes extend parallel to each other. In the case of an angle of greater than 0° to about, for example, 75°, the film planes extend obliquely relative to each other. More specifically, in the case of an angle of greater than 0° to about 75°, the film planes may diverge from each other in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the magnet wires.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the loudspeaker element according to the invention, the two membrane planes jointly define a circumferential edge region which is closed on its first portion and open on its second portion.

[0026] Sound waves generated within the loudspeaker element can partially leave the loudspeaker element via the open circumferential edge region.

[0027] As an alternative, the open peripheral edge region portion can be closed by a fabric that allows sound waves to pass relatively undisturbed and / or undampened, for example. As a further alternative, the closed peripheral edge region portion can remain open to allow sound to be emitted in different directions.

[0028] In particular, the circumferential edge region may have a substantially quadrilateral shape, as viewed in a side view of the loudspeaker element, wherein three adjacent circumferential edge region sections are closed, whereas another, fourth circumferential edge region section is open.

[0029] In particular, if the membrane plane diverges as described above, the circumferential edge area portion at the diverging end of the loudspeaker element can be an open edge area portion.

[0030] The closed circumferential edge area section can be closed, for example, by a frame.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the loudspeaker element according to the present application, each membrane plane comprises four said electromagnetic wires, which are arranged parallel to each other with no or a small mutual distance. For example, said distance may be up to 2 mm, but preferably less.

[0032] The applicant has found that four of the electromagnetic wires are able to generate a magnetic field of sufficient strength.

[0033] Note that the direction of the current through the magnet wires is the same for all magnet wires in the plane of the membrane.

[0034] The thickness of each magnet wire may be approximately 0.2 mm.

[0035] Each magnet wire may be a copper wire.

[0036] Each magnet wire may be attached to the membrane plane in any desired manner. Practically, each magnet wire may be attached to the membrane plane using a polyimide tape, such as the known Kapton.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the loudspeaker element according to the invention, the loudspeaker element comprises a frame for holding a circumferential edge of each membrane plane, wherein the circumferential edge of each membrane plane is arranged between two frame parts of the frame and securely held thereby.

[0038] The frame may for example comprise four frame parts, wherein two frame parts are arranged to hold the respective film planes. Alternatively, the frame may be formed as an example comprising three frame parts, wherein a central frame part is arranged between the two film planes and is arranged to hold the respective film planes on opposite sides of the central frame part.

[0039] The loudspeaker element may further comprise two angular profiles made of a flexible and / or compressible material, such as rubber, which are arranged between the frame parts in the region of the circumferential edge of the membrane plane for tensioning the membrane plane.

[0040] The membrane plane is preferably held in a tensioned manner. This can be achieved, for example, by the angled profile.

[0041] The invention also relates to a loudspeaker comprising a plurality of loudspeaker elements as described above according to any of the described embodiments, alone or in any suitable combination, or having any one or more of the described features in any suitable combination.

[0042] The plurality of speaker elements may be arranged relative to each other in any suitable manner. For example, the plurality of speaker elements may extend in the same plane, for example in parallel rows.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the loudspeaker defines a central longitudinal line, wherein the plurality of loudspeaker elements are arranged radially relative to the central longitudinal line and are arranged to be spaced apart at an angular distance.

[0044] The angular distance may be selected as required, for example according to a suitable sound angle and / or according to the number of loudspeaker elements.

[0045] If said diverging membrane plane is provided, the converging end of the loudspeaker element may be the radially outward end and the opposite diverging end of the loudspeaker element may be the radially inward end, ie the diverging ends may be arranged towards said centre longitudinal line.

[0046] Practically, five of said speaker elements are provided, said five speaker elements being spaced apart at an angular distance of approximately 60°.

[0047] In such an embodiment, the five speaker elements generate sound waves over an angular range of approximately 300°.

[0048] The part of the loudspeaker not provided with the loudspeaker element can be used, for example, for passing a wire through or for arranging any other desired hardware. For example, the loudspeaker can be used, for example, in such a way that the part of the loudspeaker not provided with the loudspeaker element can be directed toward a wall.

[0049] The loudspeaker may comprise at least one further sequence of five loudspeaker elements, the at least one further sequence being spaced apart at an angular distance of approximately 60°, wherein the at least one further sequence is arranged on top of the five loudspeaker elements in such a way that the loudspeaker elements are aligned.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment of the loudspeaker according to the invention, a plurality of loudspeaker elements are spaced apart from each other and aligned along an imaginary line, wherein a membrane plane of one loudspeaker element substantially faces a membrane plane of an adjacent loudspeaker element.

[0051] Such a speaker may be suitable for rendering sound to produce sound in a relatively large space or outside.The imaginary line may be straight.

[0052] In particular, the imaginary line along which the loudspeaker elements are arranged may comprise a straight first section and a curved second section. If the loudspeaker elements are of the above-mentioned type having membrane planes arranged at a non-zero angle to each other, the curved section of the imaginary line may be curved in a direction opposite to the angle between the membrane planes of the individual loudspeaker elements.

[0053] Such a loudspeaker may be suitable for presenting sound to a relatively large audience, wherein speaker elements along straight segments of an imaginary line may be used to direct the produced sound further away at a relatively small angle relative to the horizon, while speaker elements along curved segments of the imaginary line may be used to direct sound closer to the speaker at a relatively large angle relative to the horizon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The present invention will be further elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] Figure 1A is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view through a loudspeaker according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Detailed picture of

[0057] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a speaker according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0058] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a loudspeaker according to the present invention.

[0059] In the various drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Figure 1A A loudspeaker 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown, having five loudspeaker elements 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Two of the loudspeaker elements 2 are shown explicitly. Figure 1B One of the loudspeaker elements 2 is shown in more detail.

[0061] from Figure 1A and Figure 1BIt can be clearly seen that each loudspeaker element 2 comprises two membrane planes 3 spaced substantially opposite to each other. In this embodiment, each membrane plane 3 is formed by a separate membrane 3, for example made of Mylar. In this embodiment, each membrane plane 3 comprises four electromagnetic copper wires 4, which are arranged to generate a magnetic field when an electric current passes through the electromagnetic wires 4. These wires 4 extend parallel to each other, with no or a small distance between them, and these wires 4 are attached to the membrane planes using Kapton tapes, so that the wires 4 appear to be a relatively thick wire in the figure. In this embodiment, the wires 4 are arranged on the vertical center line of the membrane planes 3. A permanent magnet 5 is arranged between the membrane planes 3, and the permanent magnet 5 is held by two holding plates 6, which are arranged on the opposite front and rear sides of the magnet 5 for holding the magnet 5 between the two holding plates 6. Screws 10 are provided for connecting the plates 6 to each other. The magnet 5 extends substantially parallel to the wires 4, and the wires 4 are arranged so that the wires 4 are located in front of the longitudinal side surfaces of the magnet 5. When current passes through the wire 4, a magnetic field is generated. Figure 1B As shown, from the perspective of the two membrane planes 3 of the speaker element 2, the current passes through the wire 4 in opposite directions 7, 8. The opposite directions 7, 8 cause the magnetic fields generated by the wire 4 of the two membrane planes 3 to be opposite to each other, so that the two membrane planes 3 are attracted to the magnet 5 or repelled from the magnet 5, and thus move in opposite directions. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the upward direction 7 and the downward direction 8 are shown only by way of example and can be reversed as long as they are opposite to each other. More specifically, the current passing through the wire 4 continuously changes between the upward direction and the downward direction, so that the membrane plane 3 is continuously attracted to the magnet 5 and repelled from the magnet 5, thereby generating sound waves. The external sound waves generated on the outer side of the membrane plane 3 can propagate outwardly, as shown by arrow 9. An insulator element 11 is provided between adjacent speaker elements 2 to prevent the sound waves generated in the speaker element 2 from leaving the speaker between adjacent speaker elements 2. The insulator element can be made of rubber or any other suitable material, for example. The applicant has found that if the insulator element is not provided, the internal sound waves will interfere with the external sound waves. The applicant has found that internal sound waves can leave the loudspeaker 1 at the rear of the loudspeaker 1, but the effect of this is negligible. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As is further known from Fig. 1 , in this embodiment the membrane plane 3 diverges at an angle α of 67.5°. This angle results in the propagation of the sound waves in the desired direction 9 .

[0062] like Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the membrane plane 3 is held by a frame. The frame comprises inner peripheral frame parts 12, 13 and outer peripheral frame parts 14, wherein the inner peripheral frame parts 12, 13 comprise a central frame part 12 arranged at the converging, small end of the speaker element 2, two membrane planes 3 are attached to the central frame part 12, and the inner frame part is split into two frame parts 13 in the divergent direction of the speaker element 2. Two outer peripheral frame parts 14 are attached to the inner peripheral frame parts 12, 13, wherein the membrane plane 3 is arranged between the inner peripheral frame parts 12, 13 and the outer peripheral frame parts 14 and is thus firmly held. A rubber angle profile 15 extends between the membrane plane 3 and the outer peripheral frame parts 14 so that the membrane plane 3 is tensioned. The outer frame parts 12, 13 and the inner frame parts 14 are connected to each other using screws 16. The inner peripheral frame parts 12, 13 close the peripheral edge area of ​​the speaker element 2 on the upper side, the lower side and the outer side of the speaker element 2, and only the inner side of the peripheral edge area of ​​the speaker element remains open, so that sound waves can propagate to the interior of the speaker and then leave the speaker via the element 11 as described above.

[0063] Figure 1A It is further shown that the loudspeaker elements 2 are arranged on a substantially circular plate 17. The loudspeaker elements 2 extend radially relative to a central longitudinal line of the loudspeaker 2 and are radially spaced apart at an angular distance β of approximately 60°, so that five loudspeaker elements 2 together extend over an angular extent of approximately 300° of the plate 17. In regions where no loudspeaker elements 2 are arranged, a cable duct 18 is provided.

[0064] Figure 2 A loudspeaker 1 is shown having two rows of loudspeaker elements 2. The loudspeaker elements 2 in the two rows are aligned with each other. The loudspeaker elements 2 may be similar to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The speaker element 2, and for the description of the speaker element 2, the reader can refer to the above Figure 1A 1B . The loudspeaker 1 is shown in a front perspective view. The cables can be arranged at the rear of the loudspeaker 1 where no loudspeaker elements 2 are arranged. Other loudspeaker hardware can be arranged, for example, below the two rows of loudspeaker elements 2. The loudspeaker 1 thus provided has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0065] Figure 3A A loudspeaker 102 is shown having a plurality of loudspeaker elements 2 that are spaced apart and aligned with each other along an imaginary line L. For each loudspeaker element, a membrane plane 3 substantially faces a membrane plane 3 of an adjacent loudspeaker element 2, as indicated by membrane planes 3-1 and 3-2. In this example, the imaginary line L is straight. Figure 3B Another embodiment of a loudspeaker 201 is shown, except that the line L has a straight segment L s and curved segment Lc In addition, the speaker 201 and Figure 3A The speaker 102 is similar. The curved section L c The curve of is away from the non-zero angle between the two membrane planes 3-3 and 3-4 of the single loudspeaker element 2. Unless otherwise stated, Figure 3A and Figure 3B The speaker elements of the speakers 101, 102 include the features described above.

[0066] Although the present application has been described above with reference to a number of specific examples and embodiments, the present application is not limited thereto. Instead, the present application also covers the subject matter defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A loudspeaker comprising a plurality of loudspeaker elements, each loudspeaker element comprising two membrane planes spaced substantially opposite each other, wherein: Each membrane plane comprises at least one electromagnetic wire, the at least one electromagnetic wire being arranged to generate a magnetic field when an electric current is passed through the electromagnetic wire, at least one permanent magnet being arranged between the two membrane planes, the electromagnetic wires of the two membrane planes being connectable to a power source in such a way that electric currents are passed through the electromagnetic wires in substantially opposite directions, thereby generating substantially opposite magnetic fields, so that when an electric current is passed through the electromagnetic wires of each membrane plane, the two membrane planes are attracted towards the permanent magnet or are repelled from the permanent magnet and thereby move towards or away from each other, respectively, thereby generating acoustic waves, wherein: the speaker defines a central longitudinal line, the plurality of speaker elements are arranged radially relative to the central longitudinal line and are spaced apart at an angular distance; Wherein: the two membrane planes diverge from each other in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electromagnetic wires, the converging ends of the plurality of speaker elements are radially outward ends, and the opposite diverging ends of the plurality of speaker elements are radially inward ends.

2. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that Five of the speaker elements are provided, and the five speaker elements are spaced apart at an angular distance of approximately 60°.

3. The loudspeaker according to claim 2, characterized in that At least one further sequence of five of said speaker elements is provided, said at least one further sequence being spaced apart at an angular distance of approximately 60°, said at least one further sequence being arranged on top of five of said speaker elements in such a way that said speaker elements are aligned.

4. The loudspeaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Each electromagnetic wire of each speaker element of the plurality of speaker elements is arranged substantially on a midline of each membrane plane such that substantially equal membrane portions are arranged on both sides of the electromagnetic wire.

5. The loudspeaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The permanent magnet of each speaker element of the plurality of speaker elements extends with its longitudinal length substantially parallel to at least two electromagnetic wires, such that the at least two electromagnetic wires are arranged in front of two opposing longitudinal surfaces of the permanent magnet.

6. The loudspeaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The two membrane planes of each speaker element of the plurality of speaker elements, which are substantially opposite to each other, are arranged at an inclined angle relative to each other, the angle being selected between 0° and 75°.

7. The loudspeaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The two membrane planes of each speaker element of the plurality of speaker elements together define a circumferential edge region which is closed on a first portion thereof and open on a second portion thereof.

8. The loudspeaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Each membrane plane of each loudspeaker element of the plurality of loudspeaker elements comprises four electromagnetic wires which are arranged parallel to one another with no or a small mutual distance.

9. The loudspeaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Each electromagnetic wire of each speaker element of the plurality of speaker elements is a copper wire.

10. The loudspeaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Each magnet wire of each speaker element of the plurality of speaker elements is attached to the membrane plane using a polyimide tape.

11. The loudspeaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Each speaker element of the plurality of speaker elements comprises a frame for holding a peripheral edge of each membrane plane, wherein the peripheral edge of each membrane plane is arranged between two frame parts of the frame and is securely held thereby.

12. The loudspeaker according to claim 11, characterized in that Each of the plurality of speaker elements comprises two angular profile pieces made of a flexible and / or compressible material, which are arranged between the two frame parts in the region of the circumferential edge of the membrane plane for tensioning the membrane plane.

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