Loudspeaker unit, method for producing loudspeaker unit, cover element and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a loudspeaker unit for arrangement in a motor vehicle, to a method for producing the loudspeaker unit, to a cover element having the loudspeaker unit, and to a motor vehicle having at least one loudspeaker unit and / or cover element. The invention relates to a loudspeaker unit (1) for arrangement in a motor vehicle, comprising a high-pitch loudspeaker (10), a carrier element (20) having a grid structure (30), and an upper material (40) connected to the carrier element (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a loudspeaker unit for arrangement in a motor vehicle, a method for producing the loudspeaker unit, a covering element having the loudspeaker unit, and a motor vehicle having at least one loudspeaker unit and / or a covering element. Background Art

[0002] In motor vehicles, there is a need for optimal acoustics of output music, telephone conversations or other acoustic information, in order on the one hand to improve the auditory experience or also to perceive the information more clearly.

[0003] For this purpose, loudspeakers are integrated into motor vehicles. To create an enhanced ambiance in the interior of a motor vehicle, it is often desirable to arrange the loudspeakers so that they are not visually and / or tactilely discernible. This requires appropriate positioning and / or concealment of the loudspeakers.

[0004] US Patent No. 6,258,438 B1 discloses a substantially acoustically transparent loudspeaker grille that is bonded or formed onto a rear shelf located between the passenger compartment and the luggage compartment of a vehicle. During a hot pressing process, the grille is pressed into and laminated between a pair of layers of resin-impregnated fiber material. The grille and shelf are covered with a fabric layer to give the vehicle interior a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0005] US Patent No. 2,022,134,966 A1 discloses a method and system for a vehicle roof, such as a method for forming a vehicle headliner. A support structure is inserted into a recess and covered with a film. The support structure is positioned so that its outline cannot be discerned visually or tactilely.

[0006] Patent document US2023199351A1 discloses a speaker grille comprising a diffuser, a base, and a support portion. The diffuser forms an opening pointing in the direction of sound emission from the speaker. The base supports the diffuser on its periphery. The support portion is disposed on the front surface of the diffuser in the direction of sound emission and has a support surface covering at least a portion of the front surface of the diffuser. Furthermore, the support portion includes a plurality of partitions having slits formed therein. The support surface forms a virtual surface covering the outer surface of the base.

[0007] Furthermore, various motor vehicles are known that include invisible mid-range speakers, for example, in the armrest support of the vehicle interior. In these cases, a textile top layer covers a plastic carrier with an integrated speaker grille structure. The speaker grille structure integrated into the plastic carrier and the textile top layer provide acoustic transparency to the covering structure. However, this has the disadvantage that the speaker grille structure is tactilely perceptible.

[0008] The use of midrange speakers limits the operating range of the loudspeaker to 250 Hz to 4.0 kHz. Here, the sound waves interact less with the environment, so that acoustic phenomena such as reflections or absorption occur less frequently. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a loudspeaker unit, a method for manufacturing the loudspeaker unit, a covering element having the loudspeaker unit and a motor vehicle, which combine a loudspeaker that is not discernible to humans in the interior space of the motor vehicle in a simple and economical manner with acoustics that meet higher requirements.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a loudspeaker unit according to claim 1 , by a method for producing the loudspeaker unit according to claim 11 , by a covering element according to claim 14 and by a motor vehicle according to claim 15 .

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the loudspeaker unit are given in dependent claims 2 to 10. Advantageous embodiments of the method for producing the loudspeaker unit are given in dependent claims 12 and 13.

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention is a loudspeaker unit for use in a motor vehicle, comprising a tweeter, a carrier element having a grille structure, and an overlay material connected to the carrier element. The connection between the carrier element and the overlay material can be achieved directly or indirectly, for example by gluing.

[0013] This results in a layered structure in the following order, starting from the non-visible side: loudspeaker, carrier element, upper material, wherein it is not excluded that at least one layer made of another material is still present in the layered structure.

[0014] The carrier element may be configured to accommodate and / or fix the loudspeaker and / or bear the weight load of the loudspeaker.The carrier element may be made of plastic, for example.

[0015] Alternatively, however, the loudspeaker can be arranged on a structure different from the carrier element, which also bears the weight load of the loudspeaker.

[0016] The carrier element can be made of plastic.

[0017] The carrier element has a grid structure on its side facing the supernatant, which is essentially two-dimensional. If necessary, the entire carrier element is essentially two-dimensional.

[0018] The upper layer material covers the loudspeaker unit in such a way that the loudspeaker unit is not visually visible from the inside of the motor vehicle and the position of the loudspeaker unit cannot be identified with the naked eye.

[0019] In this case, the grid structure or the grid forming the grid structure can be an integral component of the carrier element or an additional component fastened to the carrier element.

[0020] The tweeter is set up for frequencies between 1.5kHz and 20kHz.

[0021] In one embodiment of the loudspeaker unit, a haptically compressible soft component is disposed between the carrier element and the upper material. The arrangement of the haptically compressible soft component creates a layered structure, starting from the non-visible side: loudspeaker, carrier element, haptically compressible soft component, upper material. However, this should not exclude the possibility that at least one layer made of another material may also be present in this layered structure.

[0022] The tactilely compressible soft component is configured such that the loudspeaker unit cannot be touched from the inside of the motor vehicle. In an advantageous embodiment, the soft component is highly air permeable and has a density of 170-200 g / m². 2 Weight per unit area.

[0023] The haptically compressible soft component can be, for example, an oriented knitted fabric. Advantageously, the haptically compressible soft component is an oriented spacer fabric.

[0024] In this embodiment, the soft component can be used together with a small number of transverse coils, longitudinal coils and fleece yarns in order to achieve a high air permeability and thus also a high sound permeability.

[0025] The number of transverse coils may be, for example, 20-25 per centimeter.

[0026] The number of longitudinal coils may be, for example, 7-9 per centimeter.

[0027] The number of pile threads may be, for example, 300-450 per square centimeter.

[0028] The material thickness of the soft component can be varied in the range of 1-4 mm, for example. Alternatively, the haptically compressible soft component can also be a reticulated foam material with a material thickness of 1-2 mm.

[0029] Directed spacer fabrics can have an aligned, ordered yarn structure to ensure optimal sound transmission.

[0030] By using a haptically compressible soft component, a soft, sound-permeable surface system is provided, for example for the use of invisible tweeters in door linings of motor vehicles.

[0031] The use of haptically compressible soft components does not exclude the use of other types of speakers than tweeters, such as woofers or mid-range speakers.

[0032] The material of the upper material can have a transmittance that achieves a sound pressure loss of ≤ 2 dB at 20 kHz. This means that in an advantageous embodiment of the loudspeaker unit, a highly air-permeable upper material is used.

[0033] The material of the upper material can be, for example, textile, microfiber, or artificial leather, or a combination thereof. Perforation of the upper material is optional, and the perforation pattern of the upper material can be adapted to the grid structure used. For example, the geometry and / or position of the perforation pattern can at least partially match that of the grid structure. This minimizes transmission losses of sound waves. The upper material can be a component of the upper material of the cover.

[0034] An adhesive layer can be arranged between the components forming the individual layers, i.e., the carrier element, the upper layer material, and / or the tactilely compressible soft component. This adhesive layer does not have to be formed over the entire surface, but can also be formed interrupted or partially to ensure higher sound transmission.

[0035] The haptically compressible soft component can be, for example, a foam material. The design of the haptically compressible soft component made of foam material combines the advantages of low cost with the feasibility of the desired softness and desired material thickness. The soft component can be an integral part of the soft component of the cover.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment of the loudspeaker unit, the grille structure has an opening of at least 50%. This allows even higher acoustic requirements to be met. The opening defines the ratio of the area of ​​the openings in the grille structure to the area covered by the grille structure.

[0037] An opening of at least 80% represents an advantageous embodiment in terms of manufacturability and preventing the formation of cavities when the carrier element is subsequently covered with the combination of the soft component and the top layer material. Optimal results are achieved with an opening of 70% to 90%, for example, 75% to 85%, and optionally 80%. This minimizes sound wave transmission losses. This opening range, or an opening of at least 80%, allows for achieving high acoustic requirements even with the multilayer structure.

[0038] The grid structure may be a hexagonal grid structure, which means that the openings of the individual grids formed by the grid columns each have a hexagonal shape.

[0039] The hexagonal shape has a positive effect on reducing transmission losses.

[0040] However, in addition to the hexagonal shape, the openings of the lattice structure may also have other shapes, such as round holes, elongated holes or a rhombus shape.

[0041] Furthermore, the distance between the tweeter-side membrane protector, also known as the tweeter dome protector, and the side of its metal grille facing the carrier element should be, for example, 1 to 2 mm, optionally 1.5 mm, so that the sound waves are not reflected intensified.

[0042] Furthermore, the loudspeaker unit can have a funnel element arranged between the loudspeaker and the carrier element for sound propagation and / or sound guidance.

[0043] The funnel element is a funnel that opens from the loudspeaker toward the vehicle interior. The funnel can be formed by the carrier element or can be a separate component. The opening angle of the funnel can be 40°.

[0044] The opening angle is measured between the inner funnel wall and a plane perpendicular to the plane of the grid structure. The mutually opposing funnel walls can accordingly form an angle of 80° to 100°, for example 90°.

[0045] Through these aspects, it is possible to achieve an increase in the sound pressure level in some frequency ranges due to the reflection of the grille and the sound waves. This increase has a positive effect on the entire system and reduces the transmission loss of the entire system in some frequency ranges.

[0046] An advantageous embodiment of the loudspeaker unit provides that it has a transmission loss limit of 3 dB compared to a loudspeaker unit with the same tweeter but without the carrier element, grille structure, top material and / or haptically compressible soft part, i.e. compared to an uncovered loudspeaker.

[0047] Tweeters were specifically designed because they place the highest acoustic demands. Due to the high frequencies (1.5 kHz to 20 kHz) and the associated small wavelengths, the interaction of sound waves with the environment is increased and more intense. Consequently, the sound waves induced by the tweeter are more strongly reflected and even absorbed by the grille structure, the top material and / or adhesive layer, or the tactilely compressible soft parts.

[0048] However, these disadvantages are at least partially compensated by the fact that the grid structure has an openness of at least 50%.

[0049] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing the loudspeaker unit, wherein a tweeter and a carrier element having a grille structure and an upper material are provided, and the carrier element is connected to the upper material.

[0050] In a method for producing a loudspeaker unit, a first bond can be produced between a grille structure and a material layer adjacent thereto parallel to a plane of the grille structure, wherein an adhesive of the first bond is applied to the grille structure and the material layer is then placed onto the grille structure.

[0051] In case the haptic, compressible soft component is arranged as a material layer, a first bond is produced between the grid structure and the compressible soft component.

[0052] In embodiments in which no haptically compressible soft component is used, a first bond is produced between the grid structure and the upper material.

[0053] Advantageously, provision is made for the adhesive of the first adhesive bond to be applied only in the region of the webs of the lattice structure and not to the haptically compressible soft component.

[0054] As a result, the openings of the haptically compressible soft component are not provided with adhesive over the entire surface, but only in the region of the webs of the lattice structure.

[0055] Here, a first bonding portion can be produced between a bonded composition consisting of a tactilely compressible soft component and an upper layer material and a lattice structure, wherein the adhesive of the first bonding portion is applied to the lattice structure and then the composition consisting of the tactilely compressible soft component and the upper layer material is set on the lattice structure.

[0056] Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a loudspeaker unit, the upper layer material can be laminated to the tactilely compressible soft component by forming a second adhesive bond between the upper layer material and the tactilely compressible soft component, wherein an adhesive is applied to the upper layer material and then the upper layer material is applied to the tactilely compressible soft component. In this design, the carrier element is indirectly connected to the upper layer material via the tactilely compressible soft component.

[0057] Advantageously, the adhesive of the second adhesive layer is applied only to the upper material, and not to the haptically compressible soft component. The adhesive is applied to the rear side, thus the so-called B-side of the upper material, which in the finished, laminated state faces the soft component. This ensures that the opening of the haptically compressible soft component is not completely wetted with adhesive and is not sealed, so that the sound transmission is not further impaired.

[0058] The present invention also provides a covering element for a motor vehicle, which has at least one loudspeaker unit as described. The covering element can be, for example, a door lining or a side wall lining.

[0059] The invention is supplemented by a motor vehicle having at least one loudspeaker unit and / or at least one covering element.

[0060] The motor vehicle may be, for example, a passenger car that is at least partially driven by an electric motor.

[0061] In contrast to existing solutions, the present invention allows the loudspeaker to be invisibly integrated into the door lining. Furthermore, by using haptically compressible soft components, the present invention avoids the comfort disadvantages associated with surface softness. Furthermore, the grille structure is not perceptible to the vehicle occupants through touch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The invention will be explained in greater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0063] In the attached figure

[0064] Figure 1 a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a speaker unit; and

[0065] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of a speaker unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The two embodiments of the loudspeaker unit 1 shown have to a certain extent the same basic structure, as will be explained below.

[0067] The loudspeaker unit 1 comprises a tweeter 10 arranged in or on a carrier element 20. The carrier element 20 can be arranged to at least partially bear the weight of the tweeter 10, or it can be arranged that the tweeter 10 is not supported by the carrier element 20.

[0068] In the embodiment shown here, carrier element 20 simultaneously forms a funnel element 80, which, on its inner side, at least in sections, has the shape of a pyramidal truncated or truncated cone and opens in the direction away from tweeter 10. On the side facing away from tweeter 10, carrier element 20 or funnel element 80 has a grid structure 30. This grid structure 30 can be an integral component of carrier element 20 or can also be formed by an additional component. For example, grid structure 30 can be a hexagonal grid structure.

[0069] The grille structure 30 is covered on its side facing away from the tweeter 10. This covering of the grille structure 30 is achieved by a material layer 35 provided, which is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The two embodiments of the loudspeaker unit 1 shown are designed differently.

[0070] Figure 1An embodiment is shown in which a top material 40 is fixed as a material layer 35 disposed on a grille structure 30 via a first adhesive bond 61 implemented in a first adhesive layer 60. Top material 40 can be, for example, a textile. Top material 40 ensures that tweeter 10 or loudspeaker unit 1 itself is not visually recognizable.

[0071] By selecting an appropriate upper material 40 , the acoustic requirement of 3.0 decibels can be met.

[0072] according to Figure 2 The embodiment of the present invention comprises a tactilely compressible soft component 50, for example a foam material, as a material layer 35 arranged on the grid structure 30. A first adhesive bond, implemented by a first adhesive layer 60, is thus present between the grid structure 30 and the tactilely compressible soft component 50. On the side of the tactilely compressible soft component 50 facing away from the grid structure 30, it is connected to the upper material 40 via a second adhesive layer, which implements a second adhesive bond 71. The upper material 40 can also be a textile, for example.

[0073] In addition to preventing visual recognizability of the loudspeaker unit or its position, the use of the haptically compressible soft component 40 also ensures that, while the acoustic requirements are met, the loudspeaker unit 1 is also not haptically recognizable.

[0074] Reference Signs List

[0075] 1 speaker unit

[0076] 10 tweeters

[0077] 20 carrier elements

[0078] 30 grid structure

[0079] 35 material layers

[0080] 40 upper material

[0081] 50 tactile compressible soft parts

[0082] 60 first adhesive layer

[0083] 61 first bonding portion

[0084] 70 second adhesive layer

[0085] 71 second bonding portion

[0086] 80 funnel elements

Claims

1. A loudspeaker unit (1) for arrangement in a motor vehicle, comprising a tweeter (10), a carrier element (20) with a grille structure (30), and an upper material (40) connected to the carrier element (20).

2. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, wherein A haptically compressible soft component (50) is arranged between the carrier element (20) and the upper material (40).

3. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, wherein The tactile compressible soft component (50) is a directional knitted fabric.

4. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, wherein The material of the upper layer material (40) has a transmittance that achieves a sound pressure loss of ≤2dB at 20kHz.

5. Loudspeaker unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An adhesive layer (60, 70) is arranged between the components forming the individual layers, namely the carrier element (20), the upper layer material (40) and / or the haptically compressible soft component (50).

6. The loudspeaker unit according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that The tactile compressible soft component (50) is a foam material.

7. Loudspeaker unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The grid structure (30) has an opening degree of at least 50%.

8. The loudspeaker unit according to claim 7, wherein The grid structure (30) has an opening degree of at least 80%.

9. Loudspeaker unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The grid structure (30) is a hexagonal grid structure (30).

10. Loudspeaker unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The loudspeaker unit (1) further comprises a funnel element (80) arranged between the tweeter (10) and the carrier element (20) for sound propagation and / or sound guidance.

11. A method for manufacturing a loudspeaker unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: A tweeter (10) and a carrier element (20) having a grille structure (30) and an upper material (40) are provided, and the carrier element (20) is connected to the upper material (40).

12. The method for manufacturing a speaker unit according to claim 11, wherein A first adhesive bond (61) is produced between the grid structure (30) and a material layer (35) adjoining it parallel to a plane of the grid structure (30), wherein the adhesive of the first adhesive bond (61) is applied to the grid structure (30) and then the material layer (35) is arranged on the grid structure (30).

13. The method for manufacturing a loudspeaker unit according to claim 11, wherein: The upper material (40) is laminated to the tactile, compressible soft component (50) by forming a second adhesive portion (71) between the upper material (40) and the tactile, compressible soft component (50), wherein an adhesive is applied to the upper material (40) and then the upper material (40) is placed on the tactile, compressible soft component (50).

14. A covering element for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one loudspeaker unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A motor vehicle comprising at least one loudspeaker unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or at least one covering element according to claim 14.

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