Panel speaker

Abstract

A panel speaker is provided to reduce contact between a vibration actuator and a rear enclosure. The panel speaker includes: a panel; a vibration actuator; a screw for fastening the vibration actuator to the panel; and a rear enclosure disposed on the side of the vibration actuator opposite to the panel, the rear enclosure having a protrusion projecting toward the vibration actuator side in a portion opposite the head of the screw.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to panel speakers. Background Technology

[0002] A display speaker exists in which the display panel is vibrated by using an actuator (vibration actuator) with a piezoelectric element, thereby turning the display into a speaker. In this display speaker, the vibration actuator is mounted on the back of the display panel (vibration panel). This allows the vibration of the vibration actuator to be transmitted to the display panel.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-171927

[0006] If an external force is applied to the monitor panel, the vibration actuator on the back of the monitor may sometimes come into contact with a part of the rear chassis that covers the monitor speakers and is located on the back of the vibration actuator. If a short circuit occurs between the vibration actuator and the monitor panel, the vibration actuator may fail to vibrate. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a panel speaker that reduces the contact of the vibration actuator with the rear chassis.

[0008] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention employs the following methods.

[0009] The first method is configured as follows: a surface panel speaker with the following features:

[0010] panel;

[0011] Vibration actuator;

[0012] Screws are used to fasten the vibration actuator to the panel; and

[0013] The rear housing is located on the side of the vibration actuator opposite to the panel.

[0014] The rear housing has a protrusion that extends toward the vibration actuator side in the portion opposite the head of the screw.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a panel speaker that reduces the contact of the vibration actuator with the rear chassis. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the display speaker 10 in this embodiment, Example 1.

[0017] Figure 2This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the display speaker 10 in this embodiment, Example 2.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the display speaker 10 in this embodiment, Example 3.

[0019] -Symbol Explanation-

[0020] 10 Monitor Speakers

[0021] 100 Display Panel

[0022] 110 Main Body

[0023] 120 Bracket Installation Section

[0024] 130 screw mounting part

[0025] 200 brackets

[0026] 210 Main Body

[0027] 220 Feet

[0028] 300 vibration actuator

[0029] 310 Vibrating Plate

[0030] 320 piezoelectric element

[0031] 330 piezoelectric element

[0032] 400 spacer

[0033] 500 screws

[0034] 600 rear chassis

[0035] 610 Spacer. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The structures of the following embodiments are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the structures of the embodiments.

[0037] Here, we will describe a case where a vibration actuator is installed on the display panel (vibration panel) of a monitor, and the monitor functions as a monitor speaker. A monitor speaker is a device that outputs (releases) sound waves from the display panel by vibrating the display panel through a vibration actuator (actuator). A monitor speaker is an example of a panel speaker. A panel speaker, for example, is a speaker that outputs sound by vibrating a planar panel such as a monitor panel. The back side of the monitor speaker is covered by a rear casing or the like.

[0038] <Implementation Method>

[0039] (Structure Example 1)

[0040] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the display speaker 10 in this embodiment, Example 1. Figure 1 This is a side view of the display speaker 10. The display speaker 10 includes a display panel 100, a bracket 200, a vibration actuator 300, a spacer 400, screws 500, and a rear housing 600. In the display speaker 10, the bracket 200, the vibration actuator 300, and the spacer 400 are stacked sequentially from the display panel 100 side. Furthermore, the rear housing 600 is supported by the display panel 100, etc. In its normal state (when no external force is applied to the display panel 100), the rear housing 600 is not in contact with the screws 500 or the vibration actuator 300.

[0041] The display panel 100 includes a main body 110, a bracket mounting portion 120, and a screw mounting portion 130. The bracket 200 includes a main body 210 and a foot 220. The vibration actuator 300 includes a vibrating plate 310, a piezoelectric element 320 attached to the display panel side of the vibrating plate 310 (as a first side), and a piezoelectric element 330 attached to the side opposite to the first side of the vibrating plate 310 (as a second side). The display speaker 10 is arranged sequentially with the display panel 100, bracket 200, vibration actuator 300, and spacer 400, and is fixed by screws 500. Multiple brackets 200, vibration actuators 300, spacers 400, and screws 500 may also be mounted on one display panel 100. Here, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 The direction from right to left is defined as the x-direction, and it will start from... Figure 1 Let the direction from the surface of the paper towards the back be the y-direction. Figure 1 The upward direction (from the display panel 100 to the vibration actuator 300) is defined as the z-direction. The positional relationship of the display speaker 10 with respect to the x, y, and z directions is the same in other figures. The screw 500 is mounted parallel to the z-direction. The display panel 100 is an example of a panel.

[0042] The display panel 100 is a conductive metallic component and is grounded. The main body 110 is a plate-shaped component that serves as the diaphragm for the display speaker 10. The bracket mounting portion 120 is a recess for mounting the foot 220 of the bracket 200. The shape of the bracket mounting portion 120 is a hole that matches the shape of the foot 220 of the bracket 200. By fitting into the foot 220 of the bracket 200, the bracket 200 is prevented from rotating about the z-direction. The bracket mounting portion 120 protrudes from the plane on the vibrating actuator 300 side of the main body 110 to the opposite side of the vibrating actuator 300 side. The screw mounting portion 130 is a fixing shaft for fixing the screw 500. The screw mounting portion 130 has a screw hole for fixing the screw 500. The screw 500 is mounted parallel to the z-direction through the screw mounting portion 130. The screw mounting portion 130 protrudes from the plane of the main body 110 on the vibrating actuator 300 side toward the vibrating actuator 300 side. Alternatively, the screw mounting portion 130 may not protrude from the plane of the main body 110 on the vibrating actuator 300 side. The display panel 100 is a display panel included in liquid crystal displays, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays, etc.

[0043] The bracket 200 includes a main body 210 and feet 220. The bracket 200 transmits the vibration of the vibration actuator 300 to the display panel 100. The bracket 200 is an insulator. For example, the bracket 200 is made of resin. The main body 210 of the bracket 200 is, for example, a columnar object with an upper surface and a lower surface that are substantially parallel to each other. The upper surface is in contact with the vibration actuator 300, and the lower surface is in contact with the display panel 100. The shapes of the upper and lower surfaces may also be different. The main body 210 has a through hole through which a screw 500 passes between the upper and lower surfaces. The diameter of this through hole is larger than the diameter of the screw 500's shaft on the vibrating actuator 300 side, and larger than the outer diameter of the screw mounting portion 130 of the display panel 100 on the display panel 100 side. The feet 220 extend from the lower surface of the main body 210 toward the display panel 100. The foot 220 has the shape of a bracket mounting portion 120 that fits into the display panel 100. The foot 220 is, for example, a cylindrical or quadrangular prism shape. The vibrating plate 310 of the vibration actuator 300 is attached to the display panel 100 via the bracket 200. The upper surface of the main body 210 is, for example, rectangular in shape.

[0044] The vibrating plate 310 of the vibration actuator 300 is a rectangular plate-shaped component with a surface (first surface) and a back surface (second surface) in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction. The top view shape of the vibrating plate 310 can also be circular or elliptical. Furthermore, the top view shape of the vibrating plate 310 can be any shape, as long as it is symmetrical both horizontally and vertically. The surface and back surface are approximately parallel. The central portion of the vibrating plate 310 (including the center of the first surface and the top view central portion) is exposed through the opening of the piezoelectric element 320. Here, when the shape of the vibrating plate 310 is rectangular, the center of the first surface (second surface) of the vibrating plate 310 is the intersection of the two diagonals of the rectangle. Furthermore, when the shape of the vibrating plate 310 is circular or elliptical, the center of the first surface (second surface) of the vibrating plate 310 is the center of the circle or ellipse. Even if the shape of the vibrating plate 310 is other than circular, the center of the first surface (second surface) of the vibrating plate 310 can be defined by, for example, the center of gravity. The vibrating plate 310 is a conductor (e.g., metal). Furthermore, the vibrating plate 310 is configured such that the surface of the vibrating plate 310 is substantially parallel to the back of the display panel 100.

[0045] Piezoelectric elements 320 and 330 are elements whose shape deforms according to the applied voltage. Piezoelectric elements 320 and 330 are made of a plate-shaped material such as ceramic, which exhibits a piezoelectric effect. Electrodes for applying voltage are mounted on piezoelectric elements 320 and 330. Piezoelectric element 320 is attached to the first surface of the vibrating plate 310. Piezoelectric element 330 is attached to the second surface of the vibrating plate 310. By making the vibrating plate 310 a conductor, the vibrating plate 310 becomes one electrode of both piezoelectric element 320 and piezoelectric element 330. Piezoelectric element 320 has an opening so that the central portion of the vibrating plate 310 is exposed when viewed from the first surface side. Furthermore, a through hole for a screw 500 to pass through is present in the central portion of the vibrating plate 310. The diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the screw 500's shaft, so that it does not contact the screw 500. Since the screw 500 does not contact the vibrating plate 310, the vibrating plate 310 and the display panel 100 do not experience an electrical short circuit (no short circuit). That is, the display panel 100 and the vibrating plate 310 are electrically insulated. The vibrating plate 310 has a portion (exposed portion) exposed in the center of the first surface of the vibrating plate 310 through the opening of the piezoelectric element 320. The upper surface of the main body 210 of the bracket 200 is in contact with this opening. This opening is larger than the upper surface of the main body 210 of the bracket 200. At this time, the piezoelectric element 320 is not in contact with the bracket 200. The piezoelectric element 330 forms an opening such that the center of the vibrating plate 310 is exposed when viewed from the second surface side. The vibrating plate 310 has a portion (exposed portion) exposed in the center of the second surface of the vibrating plate 310 through the opening of the piezoelectric element 330. The lower surface of the spacer 400 is in contact with this opening. This opening is larger than the lower surface of the spacer 400. At this time, the piezoelectric element 330 is not in contact with the spacer 400. The piezoelectric element 330 may also not be attached to the vibrating plate 310. The first and second surfaces are on planes parallel to the xy plane.

[0046] The opening of the piezoelectric element 320 can be rectangular (square), or circular, elliptical, etc., depending on the shape of the bracket 200. To increase the area of ​​the piezoelectric element 320, it is preferable to minimize the size of the opening. By increasing the area of ​​the piezoelectric element 320, the output (maximum output) of the display speaker 10 can be further increased. Furthermore, when viewing the vibration actuator 300 from the first side, the outer end of the piezoelectric element 320 is preferably located inside the end of the vibrating plate 310. When the outer end of the piezoelectric element 320 is located outside the end of the vibrating plate 310, the piezoelectric element 320 becomes more susceptible to damage. The same applies to the piezoelectric element 330, which is attached to the second side of the vibrating plate 310.

[0047] The spacer 400 is a component sandwiched between the head of the screw 500 and the vibrating plate 310 of the vibrating actuator 300. The spacer 400 is an insulator. For example, the spacer 400 is made of resin. The material of the spacer 400 is preferably the same as that of the bracket 200. Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the spacer 400 is preferably equal to that of the bracket 200. The spacer 400 is, for example, a columnar object with an upper surface and a lower surface that are substantially parallel to each other. The upper surface is in contact with the lower part of the head of the screw 500, and the lower surface is in contact with the vibrating plate 310. The areas of the upper and lower surfaces may also be different. The spacer 400 has a through hole between the upper and lower surfaces through which the screw 500 passes. The diameter of this through hole is smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw 500 and larger than the diameter of the shaft of the screw 500. The diameter of the through hole in the spacer 400 is preferably equal to the diameter of the through hole in the bracket 200.

[0048] Screw 500 passes through the through hole of spacer 400, the through hole of vibrating plate 310 of vibrating actuator 300, and the through hole of main body 210 of bracket 200 in sequence, and is fastened to the screw hole of screw mounting portion 130 of display panel 100. Thus, spacer 400, vibrating actuator 300, and bracket 200 are fixed to display panel 100. Furthermore, since screw 500 does not contact vibrating plate 310, and bracket 200 is an insulator, no electrical short circuit occurs between display panel 100 and vibrating plate 310. Therefore, even if vibrating plate 310 is not grounded, voltage can be normally applied to piezoelectric elements 320 and 330. Bolts and nuts can also be used instead of screw 500.

[0049] The rear housing 600 is part of a component that covers the back of the display panel 100. The rear housing 600 is a planar component present on the back side of the vibration actuator 300. The rear housing 600 is, for example, a conductor such as metal. The rear housing 600 is supported by the display panel 100, etc. The rear housing 600 has a protrusion in its central portion that projects toward the vibration actuator 300. This protrusion is a push-out portion that extends toward the vibration actuator 300. This central portion is included in the portion opposite the head of the screw 500. The rear housing 600 has a protrusion, thereby reducing the distance between the central portion of the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600 (…). Figure 1 The distance A) is greater than the distance between the end of the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600. Figure 1The distance A is shorter than the distance B. The distance between the central portion of the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600 is shorter than the distance between other parts of the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600. Furthermore, when an external force is applied to the display panel 100 towards the rear side, the screw 500 abuts against the protrusion of the rear housing 600. This prevents the display panel 100 from being further pressed into the rear side. Moreover, by making distance A shorter than distance B, even when the screw 500 abuts against the protrusion of the rear housing 600, the vibration actuator 300 vibrates, reducing the likelihood of the end of the vibration actuator 300 contacting the rear housing 600. If the end of the vibration actuator 300 contacts the rear housing 600, a short circuit occurs between the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600, affecting the sound output. Furthermore, since the screw 500 and the vibration actuator 300 are electrically insulated, even if the screw 500 comes into contact with the rear housing 600, the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600 will not be electrically short-circuited.

[0050] (Structure Example 2)

[0051] Here, we will explain structural example 2. Structural example 2 shares similarities with structural example 1. Here, we will mainly explain the differences between it and structural example 1.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the display speaker 10 in this embodiment, Example 2. Figure 2 This is a side view of the display speaker 10. The display speaker 10 includes a display panel 100, a bracket 200, a vibration actuator 300, a spacer 400, screws 500, and a rear housing 600. The rear housing 600 of Structural Example 2 is different from the rear housing 600 of Structural Example 1.

[0053] In structural example 2, the rear housing 600 has a curved surface that bends towards the vibrating actuator 300 from its ends to its center. This curved surface is an example of a bend. Furthermore, the bend is an example of a convex portion. The distance between the rear housing 600 and the vibrating actuator is shortest at the center and increases towards the ends. Due to the curved surface of the rear housing 600, the distance between the center of the vibrating actuator 300 and the rear housing 600 ( Figure 2 The distance A) is greater than the distance between the end of the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600. Figure 2 The distance A is shorter than the distance B. Furthermore, when an external force is applied to the display panel 100 towards the rear side, the screw 500 abuts against the central portion of the rear housing 600. This prevents the display panel 100 from being further pressed into the rear side. Moreover, by making distance A shorter than distance B, even when the screw 500 abuts against the central portion of the rear housing 600, the vibration actuator 300 vibrates, reducing the likelihood of the end of the vibration actuator 300 contacting the rear housing 600.

[0054] (Structure Example 3)

[0055] Here, we will explain structural example 3. Structural example 3 shares similarities with structural example 1. Here, we will mainly explain the differences between it and structural example 1.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the display speaker 10 in this embodiment, Example 3. Figure 3 This is a side view of the display speaker 10. The display speaker 10 includes a display panel 100, a bracket 200, a vibration actuator 300, a spacer 400, screws 500, and a rear housing 600. The rear housing 600 of Structural Example 3 is different from the rear housing 600 of Structural Example 1.

[0057] The rear housing 600 of structural example 3 has a surface parallel to the display panel 100 and a spacer 610 disposed on the central portion of the vibrating actuator 300 on this surface. The distance between the central portion of the vibrating actuator 300 and the rear housing 600 is determined by the spacer 610. Figure 3 The distance A) is greater than the distance between the end of the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600. Figure 3 The distance A is shorter than the distance B. Furthermore, when an external force is applied to the display panel 100 towards the rear side, the screw 500 abuts against the spacer 610 of the rear housing 600. This prevents the display panel 100 from being further pressed into the rear side. Furthermore, by making distance A shorter than distance B, even if the vibration actuator 300 vibrates when the screw 500 abuts against the spacer 610 of the rear housing 600, the contact between the end of the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600 can be reduced. The spacer 610 is, for example, an insulator. By making the spacer 610 an insulator, even if the screw 500 and the vibration actuator 300 are electrically short-circuited when the screw 500 abuts against the spacer 610, the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600 will not be electrically short-circuited. The spacer 610 can also be used in Structural Examples 1 and 2.

[0058] (The role and effects of the implementation method)

[0059] The display speaker 10 of this embodiment includes a display panel 100, a bracket 200, a vibration actuator 300, a spacer 400, screws 500, and a rear housing 600. The vibration actuator 300 includes a vibrating plate 310, a piezoelectric element 320, and a piezoelectric element 330. The bracket 200, the vibration actuator 300, and the spacer 400 are fixed to the display panel 100 by screws 500. The screws 500 pass through through holes in the bracket 200, the vibration actuator 300, and the spacer 400. The rear housing 600 has a shape where the distance (shortest distance) between the central portion of the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600 is shorter than the distance (shortest distance) between the end portion of the vibration actuator 300 and the rear housing 600. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the display panel 100 towards the rear side, the screw 500 abuts against the spacer 610 of the rear housing 600, thereby preventing the display panel 100 from being further pressed into the rear side. Furthermore, with the screw 500 abutting against the rear housing 600, even if the vibration actuator 300 vibrates, the likelihood of the end of the vibration actuator 300 contacting the rear housing 600 is reduced. By preventing the end of the vibration actuator 300 from contacting the rear housing 600, the display speaker 10 can output high-quality sound.

[0060] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these are merely illustrative examples. The present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the claims.

Claims

1. A panel speaker, comprising: panel; Vibration actuator; Screws are used to fasten the vibration actuator to the panel; as well as The rear housing is located on the side of the vibration actuator opposite to the panel. The rear housing has a protrusion that projects toward the vibration actuator on the portion opposite the head of the screw. The head of the screw and the protrusion of the rear housing are spaced apart in the front-rear direction of the panel speaker, such that a gap exists between the protrusion and the head of the screw, wherein the front-rear direction of the panel speaker is from the panel toward the vibration actuator. The screw and the vibration actuator are electrically insulated.

2. The panel speaker according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion is an extension portion that pushes the rear housing toward the vibration actuator side.

3. The panel speaker according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion is the curved portion of the rear housing that bends toward the vibration actuator.

4. The panel speaker according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion is a spacer provided on the vibrating actuator side of the rear chassis.

5. The panel speaker according to claim 4, wherein, The spacer is an insulator.

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