Cap lighting

Abstract

The present application relates to an audio speaker (100) configured to emit sound in a primary sound production direction, the audio speaker comprising: a voice coil (170); a diaphragm (160) connected to the voice coil and configured to move together with the voice coil parallel to the main sound production direction; a magnet (120) configured to generate a magnetic field in which the voice coil (170) moves; and a circuit board (130) located between the magnet and the diaphragm, the circuit board comprising at least one light source (140) configured to emit light in a main sound production direction and configured to illuminate a lower surface of the diaphragm in a direction of the main sound production direction, where the diaphragm comprises a plurality of transparent regions (161, 162), the plurality of transparent regions are configured to pass light from at least one light source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an audio speaker, and more particularly to an audio speaker configured to emit light. Background Art

[0002] Audio speakers are used to generate and emit sound waves. This is mainly achieved by causing a movement of a movable diaphragm by means of a voice coil connected to the diaphragm. Furthermore, there is an increasing need to provide audio speakers that are illuminated with light. For the illumination of audio speakers using a light source arranged at or in the speaker, it must be ensured that the space requirements are not greatly increased when adding a light source to the speaker, especially in an environment when the speaker is installed in a vehicle in which limited space is available for the audio speaker. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the light source is located in a position that avoids heating of the light source, since repeated heating of the light source used to illuminate the speaker can shorten the life of the light source.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide an audio device that can be illuminated, has a small space requirement and avoids heating of the light source. Summary of the invention

[0004] This need is met by the features of the independent claim. Further aspects are described in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an audio speaker is provided, which is configured to emit sound in a main sound emission direction, wherein the audio speaker includes a voice coil and a diaphragm, the diaphragm is connected to the voice coil and is configured to move parallel to the main sound emission direction together with the voice coil. In addition, the speaker includes: a magnet, which is configured to generate a magnetic field, and the voice coil moves in the magnetic field; and a circuit board, which is located between the magnet and the diaphragm, wherein the circuit board includes at least one light source, which is configured to emit light in the main sound emission direction and is configured to illuminate the lower surface of the diaphragm in the direction of the main sound emission direction. In addition, the diaphragm includes a plurality of transparent areas, which are configured to allow light from the at least one light source to pass through.

[0006] The audio speaker as described above is a speaker with low space requirements and only a small space is needed to provide the circuit board with the at least one light source. Furthermore, the position between the magnet and the diaphragm ensures that any heat generated by the voice coil and the current flowing in the voice coil does not heat the at least one light source. Furthermore, an effective illumination of the diaphragm and the transparent area is obtained, so that various light effects visible to the user of the audio speaker can be generated.

[0007] Preferably, the circuit board is arranged on the upper surface of the magnet as seen in the direction of the main sound emission direction. By placing the circuit board and the light source on the magnet, the lower surface of the diaphragm can be effectively illuminated, and this illumination can be seen from the outside of the loudspeaker through the transparent area arranged in the diaphragm.

[0008] It should be understood that the features mentioned above and the features to be explained below can be used not only in the indicated corresponding combinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, the features of the various aspects mentioned above and the embodiments described below can be combined with each other in other embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] After reviewing the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The features and effects of the present application will become particularly apparent from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an audio speaker with diaphragm illumination is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 shows a configuration including Figure 1 A schematic top view of a printed circuit board showing a light source for illuminating the diaphragm of a loudspeaker is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 A schematic architecture diagram of a system for controlling is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 A schematic top view of the diaphragm when looking at the loudspeaker from the front is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a diaphragm is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description of the embodiments should not be understood in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described below or by the accompanying drawings, which are merely illustrative.

[0016] The drawings should be considered as schematic representations and the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Instead, the various elements are represented so that their functions and general uses become apparent to those skilled in the art. Any connection or coupling between the functional blocks, devices, components of the physical or functional units shown in the drawings and described below may also be implemented by indirect connections or couplings. The coupling between components may be established by wired or wireless connections. The functional blocks may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0017] In the present context, the term "audio speaker" should be interpreted as a device capable of generating and emitting sound waves by actuating a movable diaphragm in a main sound emission direction. Thus, the audio speaker according to the present invention comprises a movable diaphragm and a voice coil arranged to actuate the movable diaphragm. During operation of the audio speaker, the voice coil receives an appropriate input signal and operates in response to the received input signal in such a way as to cause the movable diaphragm to move or vibrate and thereby generate sound waves in accordance with the input signal.

[0018] refer to Figure 1 , an audio speaker 100 is provided, which includes a housing 110, the housing including a bottom 111 and two side walls 112, 113 located at the rear end of the speaker. The speaker 100 includes a magnet 120 that generates a magnetic field, and a voice coil 170 is located in the magnetic field and connected to a diaphragm 160, which is a dome-shaped diaphragm in this example. The voice coil 170 is immersed in the magnetic field generated by the magnet 120, and when a signal current flows in the voice coil, a force is generated, which generates a back and forth movement of the voice coil connected to the diaphragm 160. As the diaphragm moves, the audio speaker 100 is configured to move in a direction determined by the diaphragm. Figure 1 The voice coil may have a specific type of oil on the voice coil, such as a ferrofluid, to enhance heat transfer from the coil to the surrounding magnet or magnet assembly. The space into which the sound is primarily emitted is the space in front of the speaker, and if no protective cover such as grille 190 is located in front of the speaker 100, a user looking at the audio speaker in a direction opposite to the main sound emission direction would see the front surface 165 of the diaphragm. For clarity, Figure 1 A control unit configured to generate a signal required to move the voice coil is not shown. A support structure 171 connects the voice coil 170 and the diaphragm 160 .

[0019] The audio speaker further comprises a circuit board 130 on which one or more light sources 140 are arranged. In the embodiment shown, the circuit board 130 is arranged directly on the upper surface of the magnet, wherein the direction of the upper surface or the lower surface is defined relative to the main sound emission direction. One side of the circuit board faces the magnet 120, and the other side of the circuit board faces the diaphragm 160. As described below in conjunction with Figure 4As will be further explained, the diaphragm 160 includes a plurality of holes or transparent areas configured to allow light generated by the light source 140 to pass therethrough.

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic top view of a circuit board 130 comprising different light sources 140-147 is shown. In the illustrated case, the light sources are arranged in a circular pattern on the circuit board 130, and in the illustrated embodiment, eight light sources, such as LEDs, are provided. However, it will be appreciated that any number of light sources may be provided, and even only a single light source 140 may be provided on the circuit board 130. Furthermore, the light sources may be arranged on the board 130 in any other pattern. A through hole 150 is provided in a central portion of the circuit board 130 for routing and ventilation of an audio speaker. The LEDs 140-147 may be implemented as monochromatic LEDs emitting white light or any other color of light, however, it will be appreciated that each of the LEDs may also be configured as an RGB LED comprising red, green and blue LED elements, such that a variety of different colors may be generated by each of the light sources.

[0021] In the present context, the term light source should be interpreted as meaning a device configured to generate light, electromagnetic waves, preferably light, electromagnetic waves in the wavelength range visible to the human eye. However, it should not be excluded that the light source is capable of generating electromagnetic waves of wavelengths outside the visible range, such as the infrared or ultraviolet range. The light source may be or include a light emitting diode, an LED, an organic LED, a laser, a plasma lamp or any other suitable kind of light source.

[0022] It is possible that Figure 2 Each of the light sources 140-147 shown can be individually controlled with respect to the color and light output generated by each of the light sources. However, it should be understood that different light sources can also be controlled in groups (for example, a first group containing light sources 140, 142, 144, 146 and a second group containing light sources 141, 143, 145 and 147). Another possible grouping is to group light sources 141, 142 together, while another group contains light sources 143 and 144, etc., so that the two light sources are always controlled together in the same way. The group can also contain light sources arranged on the other side of the circular arrangement, so that one group contains light sources 140 and 144, another group contains light sources 141 and 145, etc. By grouping several of the light sources together, the wiring and control of the light sources can be facilitated.

[0023] In an embodiment not shown, a lens may be provided between the light source and the diaphragm in order to produce different lighting effects or to enhance the dispersion of the light. It is possible to have a single lens for each light source or to use lenses for a subgroup of light sources provided on the circuit board or to provide a single lens for all light sources provided on the board.

[0024] Figure 3 shows the control Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system for lighting an audio speaker 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 Schematically shows the Figure 1 A circuit board 130 is provided in the audio speaker 100 of the present invention, the circuit board comprising a plurality of LEDs or light sources 140. Furthermore, the system may comprise a second or additional circuit board 200 having a processing unit 210 provided thereon, the processing unit being configured to control and operate the speakers and / or light sources on the circuit board. A driver 220 configured to drive the light source is provided. The external circuit board 200 is connected to the circuit board 130 provided in the audio speaker. Furthermore, a power supply 230 is provided, which supplies power to the external circuit board 200 and preferably also to the circuit board 130 and the light source provided in the audio speaker 100. The power supply may be an external unit, but may also be located on the circuit board 200, or even on the circuit board 130.

[0025] In another embodiment not shown, the processing unit 210 and the driver 220 may be implemented on a circuit board 130 disposed within the audio speaker 100 .

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic top view of the diaphragm 160 is shown with the protective cover 190 removed. The diaphragm comprises a number of holes 161 and 162 distributed on the dome-shaped diaphragm. The holes 161 and 162 can be generated by a laser or similar device so that small holes are formed, which are illuminated by the light sources 140 to 147 from the inside of the speaker. The holes should be airtight and may include a resin coated on the inside of the diaphragm. The resin should be transparent so as to allow the light generated by the light source to pass through. The resin may cover the entire inner surface of the diaphragm or may be arranged only around the holes and cover the holes.

[0027] Figure 5 A possible embodiment of a diaphragm is shown, which comprises a first opaque layer 160A, which comprises holes 161 and 162. In order to maintain the airtightness of the loudspeaker, a second transparent layer 160B (resin layer) can be provided, which covers at least the transparent areas generated by the holes. As indicated, the second layer 160B can cover the entire inner surface of the diaphragm or can be provided only in and around the holes 161 or 162.

[0028] The holes 161 and 162 may have different sizes so that the light emitted through the holes is different, giving the impression of stars of different brightness in the ceiling. Furthermore, the positions of the different holes in the diaphragm may vary and may be randomly distributed on the surface. Furthermore, the holes may be arranged on the surface in a defined pattern so as to provide a defined lighting pattern on the diaphragm 160 depending on the distribution of the holes on the diaphragm.

[0029] Depending on the size of the holes, the number of holes and the position of the holes, different visual effects can be obtained and can be controlled depending on the light output of the different light sources, the grouping of the light sources and the colors emitted by the different light sources.

[0030] In summary, a variety of different lighting effects can be generated using audio speakers with limited space requirements.

[0031] From the above, some general conclusions can be drawn:

[0032] The circuit board 130 may be located on an upper surface of the magnet 120 in the direction of the main sound emission direction.

[0033] The diaphragm 160 may include: a first opaque layer 160A, the first opaque layer including a plurality of transparent areas or holes; and a second transparent and airtight layer 160B, the second transparent and airtight layer covering at least the plurality of transparent areas. This helps maintain an airtight volume inside the speaker.

[0034] The plurality of transparent areas in the first opaque layer may be provided as holes in the first opaque layer, and the airtight layer may cover at least the holes.

[0035] A single light source or several light sources may be provided on the circuit board 130, and the light sources may be grouped into different light source groups, wherein the light emitted by the light sources may be controlled on a per-group basis in such a manner that the light sources in one group are controlled together and emit the same amount of light and the same color.

[0036] A plurality of light sources may be arranged in a circular pattern on the circuit board.

[0037] Furthermore, the plurality of transparent areas may have a circular shape, and may have the same or different diameters. The transparent areas may be implemented as holes generated in the diaphragm.

[0038] The audio speaker may be configured as a tweeter configured to emit sound primarily in a frequency range above 1000 Hz.

[0039] The diaphragm may have a dome-shaped surface, and the plurality of holes or transparent areas may be distributed on the dome-shaped surface in a regular or irregular pattern.

[0040] In addition, the circuit board 130 may include ventilation holes 150, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0041] A system may be provided including an audio speaker 100 and a driver 220 configured to control a light source. The driver may be provided on an additional circuit board, such as an external circuit board 200 located outside the audio speaker.

Claims

1. An audio speaker (100), the audio speaker being configured to emit sound in a main sound emission direction, the audio speaker comprising: - a voice coil (170), - a diaphragm (160) connected to the voice coil and configured to move together with the voice coil parallel to the main sound emission direction, a magnet (120) configured to generate a magnetic field in which the voice coil (170) moves, - a circuit board (130), the circuit board being located between the magnet and the diaphragm, the circuit board comprising at least one light source (140), the at least one light source being configured to emit light in the main sound emission direction and being configured to illuminate the surface of the diaphragm facing the circuit board, wherein the diaphragm comprises a plurality of transparent areas (161, 162), the plurality of transparent areas being configured to allow the light from the at least one light source to pass through.

2. The audio speaker of claim 1, wherein the circuit board (130) is located on an upper surface of the magnet in the direction of the main sound emission direction.

3. An audio speaker as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the diaphragm (160) comprises: a first opaque layer (160A), the first opaque layer comprising the plurality of transparent regions; and a second transparent and airtight layer (160B), wherein the second transparent and airtight layer at least covers the plurality of transparent areas.

4. An audio speaker as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of transparent areas (161, 162) in the first opaque layer are arranged as holes in the first opaque layer, wherein the second transparent and airtight layer covers at least the holes.

5. An audio speaker as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one light source comprises a plurality of light sources arranged on the circuit board.

6. The audio speaker of claim 5, wherein the plurality of light sources are grouped into different light source groups, the audio speaker comprising a control unit configured to control the light emitted by the light sources on a per-group basis.

7. An audio speaker as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the plurality of light sources (140) are arranged in a circular pattern on the circuit board.

8. An audio speaker as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of transparent areas (161, 162) have a circular shape.

9. An audio speaker as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of transparent areas (161, 162) have different diameters.

10. An audio speaker as claimed in any preceding claim, further configured as a tweeter, the tweeter being configured to emit sound primarily in a frequency range above 1000 Hz.

11. An audio loudspeaker as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the diaphragm (160) has a dome-shaped surface.

12. The audio speaker of claim 11, wherein the plurality of transparent areas are distributed over the dome-shaped surface.

13. An audio speaker as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the circuit board (130) comprises ventilation holes (150).

14. A system comprising an audio speaker as claimed in any preceding claim and a driver (220) configured to control the at least one light source.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the driver is disposed on an additional circuit board (200) disposed externally to the audio speaker.

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