Loudspeaker arrangement

Abstract

A loudspeaker arrangement comprises a frame (10), the frame (10) including at least two mounting clamps (20, 22) and a connecting element (24), wherein the connecting element (24) interconnects the at least two mounting clamps (20, 22). The loudspeaker arrangement further comprises at least two loudspeakers (40, 42), wherein each of the at least two loudspeakers (40, 42) is arranged in a different one of the at least two mounting clamps (20, 22). The loudspeaker arrangement further comprises an amplifier (30) configured to amplify an audio signal to be reproduced by the at least two loudspeakers (40, 42), wherein the amplifier (30) is mechanically coupled to the connecting element (24) between the at least two mounting clamps (20, 22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a loudspeaker arrangement, and more particularly to a loudspeaker arrangement inside a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicles typically have a music system including multiple loudspeakers. The loudspeakers can be mounted, for example, in the headrests or on the walls or panels in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Since the loudspeakers in such cases are arranged far from other components, such as the corresponding playback (music) system, and any control devices (e.g., a head unit or a control unit), a significant number of cables are required from the control unit to the loudspeakers. The headrest design that can accommodate the loudspeaker housing may thus be large and complex. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A loudspeaker arrangement includes a frame, the frame including at least two mounting clamps and a connecting element, wherein the connecting element interconnects the at least two mounting clamps. The loudspeaker arrangement further includes at least two loudspeakers, wherein each of the at least two loudspeakers is arranged in a different one of the at least two mounting clamps. The loudspeaker arrangement further includes an amplifier configured to amplify an audio signal to be reproduced by the at least two loudspeakers, wherein the amplifier is mechanically coupled to the connecting element between the at least two mounting clamps.

[0004] Other systems, methods, features and advantages will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this specification, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] The arrangement can be better understood with reference to the following description and drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the present invention. Further, in the drawings, like reference numerals denote corresponding parts in different views.

[0006] Figure 1 An example of the loudspeaker arrangement is schematically shown in a top view.

[0007] Figure 2 An example of the loudspeaker arrangement is schematically shown in a side view.

[0008] Figure 3 Another example of the loudspeaker arrangement is schematically shown in a three-dimensional view. [[ID=३४]]

[0009] Figure 4 An exemplary loudspeaker arrangement is schematically shown in a top view Figure 3 thereof.

[0010] Figure 5 Schematically shown in a three - dimensional view Figure 3 the rear side of an exemplary loudspeaker arrangement.

[0011] Figure 6 Schematically shown in a side view Figure 3 an exemplary loudspeaker arrangement.

[0012] Figure 7 A motor vehicle seat with an exemplary loudspeaker arrangement mounted in a headrest is schematically shown in a side view.

[0013] Figure 8 A motor vehicle seat with an exemplary loudspeaker arrangement mounted in a headrest is schematically shown in a front view.

[0014] Figure 9 Another example of a loudspeaker arrangement is schematically shown in an exploded view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Referring to Figure 1 , a loudspeaker arrangement is schematically shown. The loudspeaker arrangement includes a frame 10. The frame 10 includes at least two mounting clamps 20, 22 and a connecting element 24. Each of the at least two mounting clamps 20, 22 is configured to receive a loudspeaker. The at least two mounting clamps 20, 22 are connected by the connecting element 24, which extends in a horizontal plane (x - y) between the at least two mounting clamps 20, 22. Each of the at least two mounting clamps 20, 22 may have a square cross - section, a circular cross - section, an oval cross - section or a polygonal cross - section. In the examples shown in the drawings and described below, the at least two mounting clamps 20, 22 have a circular cross - section.

[0016] Each mounting clamp 20, 22 includes an outer peripheral side wall 202, 222 (see, for example Figure 2 ). The side walls 202, 222 extend in a vertical direction z from a first side of the connecting element 24. The side walls 202, 222 form a housing configured to receive a loudspeaker. Each of the mounting clamps 20, 22 is open on both sides towards the vertical direction z. That is, each mounting clamp 20, 22 includes a first opening 204, 224 on the front side of the loudspeaker arrangement (i.e., on the first side of the connecting element 24). Each mounting clamp 20, 22 further includes a second opening 206, 226 on the rear side of the loudspeaker arrangement (i.e., towards a second side of the connecting element 24), the second side being opposite the first side.

[0017] The connecting element 24 may be a flat connecting member extending in a horizontal plane (x-y) between the mounting fixtures 20, 22. That is, the connecting element 24 may have the form of a connecting disk or panel. The connecting element 24 may have a thickness in the vertical direction z that is significantly less than its length in the first horizontal direction x and its width in the second horizontal direction y.

[0018] Now referring Figure 3 , the loudspeaker arrangement further comprises at least two loudspeakers 40, 42. Each of the at least two loudspeakers 40, 42 is arranged in a different one of the at least two mounting fixtures 20, 22. That is, each loudspeaker 40, 42 is at least horizontally surrounded by one of the mounting fixtures 20, 22, specifically by the outer peripheral side walls 202, 222 of the respective mounting fixtures 20, 22.

[0019] The loudspeaker arrangement further comprises an amplifier 30. The amplifier 30 is mechanically coupled to the frame 10. Specifically, the amplifier 30 is arranged on the second side of the connecting element 24 and connected to the second side. Thus, the mounting fixtures 20, 22 in which the loudspeakers 40, 42 are arranged extend from the first side of the connecting element 24, while the amplifier 30 extends from the second side of the connecting element 24, that is, in the opposite direction compared to the fixed arrangement 20, 22. However, this is only an example. In general, the amplifier 30 may also be arranged on the first side of the connecting element 24 between the at least two mounting fixtures 20, 22 and connected to the first side. However, as will be apparent from the following description, arranging the amplifier 30 on the second side and connecting it to the second side allows the amplifier 30 to be electrically coupled to the at least two loudspeakers 40, 42 in an easy and space-saving manner. The amplifier 30 is electrically coupled to each of the at least two loudspeakers 40, 42. The amplifier 30 is configured to amplify the audio signal to be played by the at least two loudspeakers 40, 42. The audio signal may be received by the amplifier 30 from an audio system arranged remotely from the loudspeaker arrangement.

[0020] Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of an exemplary loudspeaker arrangement is schematically shown, while Figure 4 a top view is schematically shown, Figure 5 another three-dimensional view illustrating the back side (second side) of the loudspeaker arrangement is schematically shown, and Figure 6 a side view of the exemplary loudspeaker arrangement is schematically shown. In Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the top portion (e.g., the speaker grille) of each of the at least two loudspeakers 40, 42 is visible through the first openings 204, 224. The remaining portions of the at least two loudspeakers 40, 42 are not visible in these views as they are hidden behind the corresponding mounting fixtures 20, 22. In Figure 5In [the figure], the backs of at least two speakers 40, 42 are visible through second openings 206, 226 on the rear side of the speaker arrangement of at least two mounting clamps. Cables or wire harnesses 50, 52 are used to provide an electrical connection between at least two speakers 40, 42 and an amplifier 30. If the amplifier 30 is arranged on the rear side (second side) of the connecting element 24, the cables or wire harnesses 50, 52 can easily pass from the amplifier 30 through the second openings 206, 226 to the corresponding speakers 40, 42.

[0021] As can be seen from the example shown in Figures 3 to 6 the speaker arrangement can be implemented in a very compact manner. The main components, namely, at least two speakers 40, 42 and an amplifier 30, are all mounted to a frame 10. The wire harnesses 50, 52 for electrically coupling the speakers 40, 42 to the amplifier 30 are relatively short. That is, for example, the length of each of the wire harnesses 50, 52 between one of the speakers 40, 42 and the amplifier 30 can be less than 30 cm, less than 20 cm, or even less than 10 cm. Each wire harness 50, 52 can include at least two separate cables. Such cables can be used to supply power to the speakers 40, 42 and to provide an audio signal to the speakers 40, 42. An additional wire harness (not specifically shown) can be used to electrically couple the amplifier to an audio system. However, such an additional wire harness can include only a limited number of cables. Therefore, even if the length of such an additional wire harness connecting the amplifier 30 to the audio system is relatively long, for example, greater than 1 m, greater than 2 m, or even greater than 3 m, not much space is required to arrange the wire harness between the audio system in the vehicle and the speaker arrangement.

[0022] As described above, for example, the speaker arrangement can be arranged in a headrest 602 of a vehicle. Figure 7 A side view of a vehicle seat 600 including a headrest 602 is schematically shown, where the speaker arrangement is mounted within the headrest. In this way, sound (e.g., music, voice, warning signals, etc.) can be output directly near the user's ears. At least two speakers 40, 42 are arranged at a certain distance from each other such that the first of the at least two speakers 40 can radiate sound mainly to the user's first ear, and the second of the at least two speakers 42 can radiate sound mainly to the user's second ear. The distance between the speakers 40, 42 is set by the size of the connecting element 24, which defines the distance between the mounting clamps 20, 22 and, thus, defines the distance between the speakers 40, 42. Figure 8 Schematically shown is Figure 7 a front view of the arrangement of [the figure]. In this front view, the arrangement of the speakers 40, 42 near the user's ear positions is clearly visible.

[0023] Now referring to Figure 9, a exploded view of an exemplary speaker arrangement is schematically shown. The frame 10 including at least two mounting clamps and a connecting element 24 substantially corresponds to the frame shown in Figures 3 to 6 . As can be seen in Figure 9 , the amplifier 30 can be mounted on the frame by fastening elements 32. For example, such fastening elements 32 can include one or more screws (see Figure 9 ), or at least one bracket (not specifically shown). Any other suitable fastening elements 32 are generally possible. According to another example, the amplifier 30 can be glued to the frame 10 by an adhesive layer (not shown).

[0024] In Figure 9 , the different components forming at least two speakers 40, 42 are shown in more detail. However, Figure 9 the components shown are only examples. The speakers 40, 42 can include additional components, some of which can be omitted or some of which can be replaced by alternative components. In the example of Figure 9 , each of the speakers 40, 42 includes a front washer 402, 422 and a speaker grille 404, 424. For example, the first opening of each of at least two mounting clamps 20, 22 can be covered by the speaker grille 404, 424 of one of at least two speakers 40, 42. That is, when the speakers 40, 42 are mounted in the mounting clamps 20, 22, the first openings 204, 224 can be covered by the grilles 404, 424, while the second openings 206, 226 can remain open. Each of the speakers 40, 42 also includes a speaker dome 406, 426 that can be surrounded by foam material at its periphery. Each of the speakers 40, 42 can also include a speaker basket 408, 428, voice coils 412, 432, and terminals 410, 430 configured to connect the voice coils 412, 432 to the corresponding speaker baskets 408, 428. Each of the speakers 40, 42 also includes a core cover 414, 434 and magnets 416, 436, as well as canisters 418, 438. Figure 9 The wiring harnesses 50, 52 described above are also shown. For example, the frame 10 can also be marked by pasting a label 70 onto the connecting element 24. For example, the label 70 can provide information about the manufacturer and the speaker arrangement style. The components can form a conventional speaker. However, any other suitable type of speaker can be used instead.

[0025] The loudspeaker arrangement described above provides a very compact structure. For example, the loudspeaker arrangement can be arranged in the headrest 602 of a vehicle, or anywhere else within the vehicle. If the loudspeaker arrangement is arranged far from the vehicle's audio system, only a limited number of electrical connections are required to electrically couple the loudspeaker arrangement to the audio system. Due to the compact arrangement in which the amplifier is arranged close to the loudspeakers 40, 42, the number of electrical connections is significantly reduced. In contrast, if the amplifier is arranged far from the loudspeaker arrangement (e.g., the loudspeaker arrangement is in the headrest and the amplifier is arranged close to the audio system), the number of electrical connections required will be significantly greater. In this context, being far from the loudspeaker arrangement means that the distance between the loudspeaker and the amplifier is at least 50 cm, at least 1 m, or at least 2 m. Since there are only relatively small connecting elements for connecting the headrest to the vehicle seat, it is usually challenging to lay cables between the vehicle's audio system and the loudspeakers arranged in the headrest 602 of the vehicle. That is, it is usually not possible to lay a large number of cables from the audio system to the loudspeakers 40, 42 in the headrest of the vehicle.

[0026] At least two loudspeakers 40, 42 are received by the mounting fixtures 20, 22 of the frame 10. The amplifier 30 is also mounted on the frame 10. This compact loudspeaker arrangement can be very easily and effortlessly installed into and removed from the headrest. Any required cables can be easily routed within the headrest and within the vehicle seat. The loudspeaker arrangement is compatible with all different kinds and shapes of headrests and is not limited to any particular shape or style.

[0027] The loudspeaker arrangement described above includes two mounting fixtures 20, 22 and two loudspeakers 40, 42. However, this is only an example. If required, the arrangement may typically include more than two mounting fixtures 20, 22 and more than two loudspeakers 40, 42.

[0028] The frame 10 can include, for example, a plastic material or a metal. According to one example, the frame 10 includes polycarbonate or is formed of polycarbonate. According to one example, the frame 10 can be a single piece. That is, for example, at least two mounting fixtures 20, 22 and the connecting element 24 can be integrally formed by using a casting process or a molding process.

[0029] The frame 10 can have a length l10 in a first horizontal direction x, a width w10 in a second horizontal direction y, and a height h10 in the vertical direction z. According to one example, the length l10 is between 150 mm and 350 mm, the width w10 is between 70 mm and 160 mm, and the height h10 is between 25 mm and 100 mm.

[0030] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the present invention. Specifically, those skilled in the art will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments. Although these techniques and systems have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it should be understood that these techniques and systems can extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other embodiments and / or uses and their obvious modifications. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited except as by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0031] The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Appropriate modifications and variations of the embodiments may be made in light of the above description or may be acquired by practicing the methods. The arrangements are exemplary in nature and may include additional elements and / or omit elements. As used in this application, an element recited in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding the plural of such element unless such exclusion is stated. Furthermore, reference to "one embodiment" or "an example" of the present disclosure is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular positional order on their objects. The systems described are exemplary in nature and may include additional elements and / or omit elements. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of various systems and configurations, as well as the other features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed. The appended claims particularly point out the subject matter regarded as novel and non-obvious from the above disclosure.

Claims

1. A loudspeaker arrangement structure, comprising: A frame (10), the frame (10) including at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22) and a connecting element (24), wherein the connecting element (24) interconnects the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22); At least two loudspeakers (40, 42), wherein each of the at least two loudspeakers (40, 42) is arranged in a different one of the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22), and An amplifier (30), the amplifier (30) being configured to amplify an audio signal to be reproduced by the at least two loudspeakers (40, 42), wherein the amplifier (30) is mechanically coupled to the connecting element (24) between the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22); The connecting element (24) is a flat connecting member extending in a horizontal plane (x - y) between the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22); Each of the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22) is configured to form a housing for one of the at least two loudspeakers (40, 42); The at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22) extend in a vertical direction (z) from a first side of the connecting element (24); and The amplifier (30) is arranged on a second side of the connecting element (24), the second side being opposite to the first side.

2. The loudspeaker arrangement structure according to claim 1, further comprising at least one fastening element (32) configured to fix the amplifier (30) to the connecting element (24).

3. The loudspeaker arrangement structure according to claim 2, wherein the at least one fastening element (32) includes at least one screw or bracket.

4. The loudspeaker arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least two wire harnesses (50, 52), each of the at least two wire harnesses (50, 52) being configured to electrically couple one of the at least two loudspeakers (40, 42) to the amplifier (30).

5. The loudspeaker arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Each of the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22) includes an outer peripheral side wall extending in the vertical direction (z) from the first side of the connecting element (24), Each of the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22) includes a first opening (204, 224) on the first side of the connecting element (24) and located on the front side of the loudspeaker arrangement, and Each of the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22) includes a second opening (206, 226) on the second side of the connecting element (24) and located on the rear side of the loudspeaker arrangement.

6. The loudspeaker arrangement structure according to claim 5, wherein Each of the at least two loudspeakers (40, 42) includes a loudspeaker grille (404, 424), and The first opening (204, 224) of each of the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22) is covered by the speaker grille (404, 424) of one of the at least two speakers (40, 42).

7. The speaker arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22) has a circular cross-section, an oval cross-section or a polygonal cross-section.

8. The speaker arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22) and the connecting element (24) are integrally formed.

9. The speaker arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least two mounting fixtures (20, 22) and the connecting element (24) are formed of a first material, wherein the first material comprises a plastic material.

10. The speaker arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the first material comprises polycarbonate.

11. The speaker arrangement according to claim 1, which has a length (l10) in a first horizontal direction (x), a width (w10) in a second horizontal direction (y), and a height (h10) in the vertical direction, wherein the length (l10) is between 150 mm and 350 mm; the width (w10) is between 70 mm and 160 mm; and the height (h10) is between 25 mm and 100 mm.

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