Loudspeaker with annular inflatable membrane

Abstract

A speaker comprises a magnet, a movable coil, a support element, and a membrane connected to the coil, and the membrane converts the motion of such coil into sound, said membrane being inflatable. According to the invention, the membrane is made of a single piece, is ring-shaped, exchangeable and protrudes from the support element, said ring-shaped membrane producing broadband sound and allowing both low-frequency sound and harmonics thereof, as well as intermediate-frequency and high-frequency sound to be reproduced-in space and in a substantially isotropic manner-.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating sound and listening to music, the apparatus being a loudspeaker according to the preamble of the main claim. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, a typical loudspeaker includes various components, such as a permanent magnet or solenoid through which current flows (hereinafter, usually referred to as a "magnet"), a support defining the structure for supporting the loudspeaker, a movable coil associated with an elastic suspension element or centering support, elements connected to the movable coil and adapted to convert the movement of the movable coil into sound, and a support for the movable coil. This element that converts the movement of the coil is usually called a cone or diaphragm.

[0003] As is well known, a loudspeaker converts an electrical signal (which arrives at a coil immersed in a magnetic field generated by a magnet and capable of moving within that field) into a sound wave produced by the displacement of a diaphragm (or cone or vibrating membrane). In particular, specific loudspeakers capable of reproducing a portion of the audible sound frequency range are known:

[0004] 1. Subwoofer (for ultra-low frequencies)

[0005] 2. Subwoofer (for low frequencies)

[0006] 3. Midrange speaker (for mid-range frequencies)

[0007] 4. Tweeter (for high frequencies)

[0008] Typically, loudspeakers require an acoustic enclosure (or sealed enclosure or bass-reflex enclosure), within which the loudspeaker and all its components are inserted. The loudspeaker is the core of the acoustic enclosure, and it is the element that actually generates sound waves, while the acoustic enclosure is the element that encloses the loudspeaker (the entire module). The acoustic enclosure holds the waves generated in the rear region of the loudspeaker to prevent destructive interference between those waves and the waves generated outward from the front region of the loudspeaker; in fact, the loudspeaker generates two waves with opposite phases, so these two waves tend to cancel each other out, thus preventing the waves from propagating well into the surrounding environment. However, in this way, the entire rear wave remains unused (i.e., the efficiency of the wave is not utilized), unless in some systems, by creating an opening (bass reflex) in the bass-reflex enclosure, inserting another passive cone, or having another horn-shaped opening in the bass-reflex enclosure, in which the rear wave can be partially utilized. Therefore, such enclosures must be large.

[0009] On the other hand, this relates to woofers currently used and available on the market: woofers (speakers designed to reproduce low frequencies) have a consistent size and weight that are significantly greater than other speakers. The system typically includes a cone or diaphragm with a considerably large diameter, a proportionally large metal frame, and heavy, robust coils and magnets. The reason for the larger size of woofers is the fact that, in order to emit low frequencies adequately, properly, and in a balanced manner, a larger diaphragm and a larger bass reflex enclosure are needed to facilitate the correct sound emission, and therefore, adequate power is required to make the diaphragm vibrate.

[0010] WO2017089875 – Inflatable Sound System 01 / 06 / 17-PCT / IB2016 / 001464 – discloses a combination of extendable or inflatable resonant chambers to complete a loudspeaker inserted into a specific housing. This combination of extendable or inflatable resonant chambers tends to slightly amplify the low frequencies of the loudspeaker used as a sound source. However, due to the small diaphragm and lack of direct connection to the resonant chamber, such a loudspeaker itself cannot emit low or ultra-low frequencies, and therefore—along with the inflatable chamber—does not allow for proper and significant amplification of the sound emitted by the loudspeaker. The inflatable chamber is not directly connected to the resonant coil, but rather serves only as a slight resonant chamber for some frequencies emitted by the combined loudspeaker; this chamber itself is not a diaphragm that generates sound, as in a conventional loudspeaker.

[0011] US20180048949, published on February 18, 2018 (pub. n. 20180048949-15 / 02 / 18), discloses an extendable and inflatable bass-reflex enclosure or acoustic chamber for use in a loudspeaker, which has a diaphragm, a support, a fixing structure, etc. In this solution, the acoustic chamber or bass-reflex enclosure does not replace the diaphragm in producing sound, but merely makes the bass-reflex enclosure easier to transport when folded; however, it does not fundamentally solve the low-frequency problem, just as it does not solve the problem of the required number of parts. Prior art solutions exhibit the same drawbacks as the aforementioned prior art literature.

[0012] An inflatable structure and sealant components are positioned around the speaker to make it shockproof, waterproof, floatable, and illuminated. One such solution is described, for example, in US20090136076 – Portable Inflatable and Illuminative Speaker – 28 / 05 / 2009. However, these and other similar solutions in the prior art merely add features to a pre-existing and complete speaker or audio system without addressing the problems highlighted above.

[0013] US2009028369A1 describes a ring element associated with a rigid cone in a common loudspeaker, and adapted to support such a cone and allow the cone to move.

[0014] In such prior art solutions, such as those described in Italian patent application No. 101998900707532 and also in US20018-0316997, the inflatable element is not directly connected to the speaker's coil, and the inflatable element itself is not a sound source. Furthermore, the vibration of the inflatable element is very small, thus it only receives waves transmitted through the air by the speaker to which it is connected, and therefore only slightly amplifies these waves. Additionally, in such prior art literature, the use of piezoelectric transducers confirms unintended low-frequency emissions.

[0015] Even in US4,638,207, Piezoelectric film balloonspeaker, a solution is described in which a piezoelectric diaphragm is applied to an inflatable element, which does not allow for the reproduction of significant low frequencies for the type of sound source (piezoelectric speakers are suitable for emitting high-frequency sounds, but they cannot vibrate properly to produce low frequencies).

[0016] WO1997022225—Sound Reproduction Device or Microphone—describes a vibrating coil that causes the central part of a (pneumatic) rocker arm structure with two lateral spheres to vibrate; however, as mentioned in prior art literature, only a portion of the pneumatic diaphragm vibrates, and only or primarily the central portion of the pneumatic diaphragm, i.e., a small portion, vibrates, thus making it unsuitable for effectively reproducing low frequencies. In fact, this document confirms that the sound is comparable to that of a portable / personal radio, which can also be sold as an accessory, and which is not designed to emit deep or strong waves.

[0017] DE102004007020 describes a loudspeaker whose diaphragm is formed of an inflatable material. Therefore, this prior art document emphasizes that loudspeakers with inflatable diaphragms filled with air are known. Generally, an "inflatable cover" that takes on a diaphragm shape when inflated is described.

[0018] DE'020 does not disclose annular membranes, but rather a generally flat, inflatable membrane, or, in different embodiments, a membrane with a double-walled structure or with double flat wings. In this case, the membrane is reinforced by walls formed of expensive carbon nanotubes embedded in a plastic material or expensive Kevlar fibers embedded in the membrane; this allows high pressure to be generated between the membrane walls. This is achieved using a compressor.

[0019] No existing technical literature suggests providing a ring-shaped diaphragm. Furthermore, a speaker manufactured in this way would require a large support structure to accommodate the ring-shaped diaphragm.

[0020] DE4302593 describes a loudspeaker having multiple diaphragms housed in a support. Such diaphragms have various shapes, and are always described as consisting of at least two parts (Figure 1 and...). Figure 2 (Solution) or several parts ( Figure 3 )form.

[0021] The solution in DE4302593 aims to overcome the problem of localized vibration of the speaker diaphragm. Because the diaphragm is always housed in a support, the sound produced by speakers in the prior art radiates only from the front (as occurs in all known speakers), and in order to produce low-frequency sound, the support and bass reflex enclosure must be large, which leads to the problems outlined above concerning the overall size, weight, and cost of the woofers and the bass reflex enclosures into which they are inserted.

[0022] Technical issues

[0023] A pressing problem in audio reproduction that current technology has yet to solve is emitting low frequencies in small, lightweight, easily transportable, and cost-effective loudspeakers. Amplifiers and loudspeakers that are both high-powered and miniaturized can be built; however, primarily due to the small surface area of ​​the diaphragm, such devices cannot emit low frequencies and associated harmonics.

[0024] Therefore, in existing technological solutions:

[0025] No small loudspeaker can emit high-quality low frequencies because such frequencies require a large and rigid diaphragm (and therefore a large and heavy support) and a corresponding bass reflex enclosure.

[0026] High-quality low frequencies are emitted by large loudspeakers;

[0027] A speaker that is not combined with other speakers can primarily transmit sound in the front section;

[0028] In order to effectively operate and emit high-quality sound (to amplify and control the output sound), existing loudspeakers require a bass reflex enclosure, in which the entire loudspeaker, including the diaphragm and all its components (coils, magnets, heavy metal supports, etc.), is inserted; thus, bulky, heavy, and often expensive sound equipment (enclosure and loudspeaker) is obtained. In addition, this undermines the benefits of miniaturization for other components connected to such sound equipment, such as audio players, amplifiers, etc.

[0029] The object of this invention is to provide a high-quality loudspeaker suitable for producing significant low-frequency sounds without the need for bulky, heavy, and expensive components, such as woofers with large heavy metal supports, magnets and coils, heavy wooden acoustic enclosures, and large diaphragms made of cardboard or other rigid synthetic materials.

[0030] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a speaker whose size can be reduced, wherein the speaker—when not in use—has a volume / overall size of a few centimeters and a weight of a few grams, and the speaker is a pocket-sized speaker.

[0031] Another objective is to provide a loudspeaker of the type mentioned above that is cost-effective compared to systems of the same quality, and also makes shipping, transporting, and storing it cost-effective (also due to its low weight and small overall size when the size is small).

[0032] Another objective is to provide a loudspeaker that, unlike existing loudspeakers, is capable of propagating sound in space in a substantially isotropic manner.

[0033] Another objective is to provide a loudspeaker that does not require the use of its associated bulky and expensive bass reflex enclosure.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide a loudspeaker and stereo system that is part of a design object (true industrial design, in which aesthetics and basic shape are required first for functionality), which can be arranged and used in a variety of environments, unstable conditions or stable installations, because the loudspeaker and stereo system has a pleasing visual appeal and a substantially zero overall size, for example when suspended to a support.

[0035] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to combine the loudspeaker with other loudspeakers or insert it into a portable system with a low frequency difference.

[0036] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to use it as a subwoofer.

[0037] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a speaker that can be connected to multiple systems arranged in different areas using a Bluetooth device or an additional cable, thus covering a very wide listening surface.

[0038] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a loudspeaker that, when placed near a wall, produces a bass reflection effect depending on the distance from the wall or other rear acoustic obstacles.

[0039] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to simultaneously emit low-frequency sounds and amplify high-frequency sounds.

[0040] Another object of the present invention is to provide a loudspeaker that can be adapted to the user's tonal requirements so as to obtain different acoustic and tonal results depending on the loudspeaker's position in space or by replacing the diaphragm with different sizes.

[0041] These and other objectives will be more clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the speaker according to the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To better understand the invention, accompanying drawings are provided by way of non-limiting example only, in which:

[0043] Figures 1A to 1D respectively show a top and three-dimensional view, a side view, a bottom view and a magnified view from one side of the loudspeaker obtained according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic cross section is shown, taken from line 2-2 in Figure 1A;

[0045] Figure 3 It shows something similar to Figure 2 The diagram is shown, but the components of the speaker in Figure 1 are shown in an exploded view.

[0046] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples of the use of the speaker in Figure 1 are illustrated schematically. Figure 4B by Figure 4A The cross-sectional and bottom views of the speaker are shown, in which some parts are omitted for clarity;

[0047] Figure 5 The method of sound emission from the speaker in Figure 1 is illustrated by way of example;

[0048] Figure 6 Different embodiments of the invention are shown in schematic cross-section; and

[0049] Figure 7A and Figure 7B They are shown respectively Figure 6 Top view and side perspective view of different embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to the foregoing figures, the loudspeaker according to the invention is generally designated 100. The loudspeaker includes a vibrating or movable coil 10, which is associated with a support body 8 via a screw 9 (or alternatively a bayonet-type) connection system. This coil 10 engages with a common magnet (not shown) to generate sound using electrical and mechanical components associated with the magnet. Such components are known in themselves and will not be described further; they are included in the designation "coil".

[0051] The body 8 has a perforation in 8A, and a sealing cap 5 is provided in 8A. An element 3 is integrally joined to this body 8, and the coil 10 is thus directly fixed to the element 3 (via the body 8). The element 3 has a plate 3A and an edge 4, the edge 4 being flat and shaped into a frustoconical shape or spokes (concave or convex) having a frustoconical shape. In this case, the spokes can be foldable to allow folding on the plate while providing rigidity to the plate.

[0052] An inflatable, annular diaphragm 1 is directly associated with the coil 10 by being constrained to a support element 3. This diaphragm forms the diaphragm of the loudspeaker 1 and propagates sound in the air generated by the combined movement of the resonant coil 10. This diaphragm is integrally joined to the resonant coil 10 by the element 3 and, in particular, by the plate 3A. Thus, the element 3 supports the diaphragm 1 (the diaphragm 1 is constrained to this element); therefore, the element 3 will be referred to as the support element 3.

[0053] The annular membrane is made from a single piece, having a conical central portion 12 with a trumpet-shaped or horn-shaped load, and extending above and laterally from the support element 3. Therefore, the annular membrane has an upper free surface or surface 1A and a lower free surface or surface 1B relative to the element 3 (arranged laterally to the support element 3 or plate 3A and protruding on one side of plate 3A), the upper free surface or surface 1A and the lower free surface or surface 1B passing through a lateral surface 1C (see...). Figure 2 )connect.

[0054] Assuming the membrane is integrally joined to the plate 3A, the edge 4 (e.g., spokes) also imparts rigidity to the membrane, so that the membrane is integrally joined to the plate 3A and thus vibrates together with the coil 10, which is integrally joined to it.

[0055] Due to the shape and size of the diaphragm 1, which is used as a woofer, the use of a separate, heavy, bulky, and expensive bass reflex enclosure becomes unnecessary.

[0056] Typically, to accommodate the necessary large size, as well as portability, sensitivity, and rigidity, the diaphragm of a conventional woofer must be housed in a large support structure to protect it. This means that the woofer cannot be easily transported, and the support structure must be housed in a bass-reflex enclosure, which improves the sound of the woofer but increases its weight, size, and last but not least, cost.

[0057] Figure 3 The speaker 100 is shown as having the following components: a support element 3 with a plate 3A having a central portion 3B and an edge 4, receiving a sealing cap 5 and a connecting tube 2 closed at one end. The sealing cap 5 is housed in a support body 8 or threaded fitting for the coil 10 and is adapted to close the other end of the tube, through which air is introduced into the annular diaphragm 1. This tube 2 is screwed into the plate 3A and has a hole 2K for inflating the annular diaphragm 1, which is secured with a sealing strip 7 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 The annular membrane 1 is joined—while still venting—to the joint 11 located at the end of the tube 2, and the annular membrane 1 is secured with strip 6 ( Figure 2 Fix it. Then inflate the membrane. Then assemble the sealing cap 5 and connect the support body 8 of the coil 10.

[0058] At the end of assembly, the annular membrane 1 is integrally joined to the vibrating coil 10 at the central portion of the annulus by constraining the membrane to the plate 3A of the support element 3, while the plate 3A of the support element 3 is connected to the support body 8 of the coil; this is achieved by a screw or bayonet coupling system as described above, formed of various rigid materials, such as plastic materials. To prevent the membrane-plate assembly from altering the movement of the coil by its own weight (albeit a very small amount of grams) and thus causing axial imbalance, one or more centering elements (or simply "centering devices") and / or counterweights 14 may be provided, which help to keep the support element 3 (or more precisely its plate 3A) and the membrane 1 coaxial with the movable or vibrating coil.

[0059] For such a system, a hook-like element (Figure 4) can be used to suspend the resulting loudspeaker, or a fixed support structure (e.g., a base or frame for a shape-measuring loudspeaker support). In this case, the annular diaphragm 1 can have fixing points 13, 13a, which are adapted to engage with wires to support the loudspeaker by constraining the annular diaphragm to the support points 200 of the body or fixed support 300. This represents a variation of the presence of a hook-like element.

[0060] Indoor or outdoor lighting elements can be combined with a ring-shaped membrane.

[0061] The annular inflatable membrane 1, made from a single piece, possesses inherent rigidity due to its annular shape and the air contained within it (which is of a low-pressure type and can be inserted without the use of any compressor). This eliminates the need for reinforcing members such as those described in DE102004007020.

[0062] For producing sound, the DE4302593 provides the use of a diaphragm in at least two parts, one part being dome-shaped and the other being conical, the two parts forming a sealed space filled with compressed air.

[0063] Furthermore, unlike the DE4302593, a loudspeaker with an annular inflatable diaphragm projecting laterally from plate 3A can radiate sound not only from the front but also in space (i.e., over the entire solid angle around plate 3A—4π square radians) in a substantially isotropic manner at the side of the plate, and as described above, this loudspeaker solves the low-frequency problem in small loudspeakers.

[0064] exist Figure 6 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the alternative version of the invention shown, the diaphragm is integrally joined to the engagement region 20 of the coil 10. The engagement region 20 is a cylindrical or frustoconical body 22 having an opposite open base and a screw portion (or bayonet type, etc.). The screw portion is fixed to a corresponding region (e.g., a threaded region) 21. The engagement region 20 is directly disposed on the exposed portion of the coil (essentially forming a tweeter) so that the high frequency generated by such a coil passes through the hole 12 of the annular diaphragm 1, which is further amplified by the horn-conical shape of the hole 12 of the annular diaphragm 1.

[0065] In this configuration, the loudspeaker will emit high frequencies (generated by the exposed portion of the coil), which will pass through the cylindrical part 22 and the hole 12 of the annular diaphragm 1, while the annular diaphragm 1 will emit low frequencies through its surfaces 1A and 1B, assuming that the annular diaphragm 1 moves by the vibration of the coil directly connected to the diaphragm 1 through the fitting area 20-21.

[0066] The membrane can be inflated through the inflation zone 24.

[0067] Therefore, the invention is characterized by the fact that the annular diaphragm is rigidly connected to the vibrating coil, and assuming that the annular diaphragm is directly and integrally joined to the vibrating coil (e.g., at the exposed portion of the coil, as is known in itself), the annular diaphragm vibrates together with the vibrating coil. Thus, sound is produced, as occurs with the diaphragm of a conventional loudspeaker. Given the shape and size of the annular diaphragm, in addition to being rigid under ultra-low pressure (it can be inflated), the annular diaphragm amplifies the frequency it emits because it requires no additional components or devices to operate. Given the shape and size of the annular diaphragm, it is also capable of producing ultra-low frequencies, and last but not least, due to the annular shape protruding from plate 3A, the annular diaphragm is capable of emitting sound waves substantially over the entire solid angle.

[0068] Furthermore, considering the annular shape suitable for both purposes, the annular membrane simultaneously allows for the generation of low frequencies and the generation of amplified high frequencies (high-frequency horn-shaped loads) through a tapered element formed at the center of the annulus.

[0069] Therefore, the ratio between the number of components, weight, and overall size and the efficiency-amplitude of the audio frequency response is much larger than that of conventional loudspeakers.

[0070] If it is possible Figure 5 The observed emission surface (perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the direction of air compression) is much larger than that of existing solutions, and the area where the waves tend to cancel each other out due to their opposite phase is very small. Instead, it creates a linear region for virtually separating the two main surfaces 1A and 1B, thereby allowing the waves of one of the two surfaces to be at least partially converted by simply positioning the loudspeaker properly (bass reflex effect type), so that the low frequencies bounced off the rear surface 1B near the wall are eventually added to the waves generated by the front surface.

[0071] The loudspeaker according to the invention allows for the production of high-quality sound; it is capable of emitting high-frequency, mid-frequency, and deep bass sounds, and features a single annular diaphragm—even in its small size—without the common bass-reflex enclosure. The loudspeaker is lightweight and cost-effective. Furthermore, the loudspeaker generates sound that propagates in both the front and rear regions (essentially 360°) via surfaces 1A and 1B. These features distinguish this loudspeaker from currently available loudspeaker manufacturing / design methods.

[0072] The loudspeaker according to the invention is a single loudspeaker capable of emitting a wide range of frequencies without needing to be confined to a bass-reflex enclosure without a sealed enclosure.

[0073] Therefore, the loudspeaker 100 allows for a new concept of audio system that utilizes the synergy of physical principles, components, sound generation and management, and general characteristics.

[0074] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0075] Complete high-power amplifiers with Bluetooth receivers, USB players, various inputs, etc. are available on the market, costing tens of euros or slightly more, and are a few centimeters in size, such as 4x4-5x5, and even weigh a few grams; however, they must be paired with proportional acoustic enclosures or bass reflex enclosures, which are at least as large as heavy, expensive and bulky small pieces of furniture.

[0076] The loudspeaker 100 encompasses all the features required to produce high-quality sound with a wide frequency response without the need for a loudspeaker with a large rigid diaphragm, metal frame, wooden bass reflex enclosure, and various other components. The annular diaphragm 1 (which can be separated from the coil 10) is characterized by being very light and rigid at the same time, and the annular diaphragm 1 allows for the emission of sound with a wide range of frequencies.

[0077] Therefore, speaker 1 is used without a bass reflex enclosure.

[0078] Therefore, due to the surface, shape, and volume characteristics of the diaphragm, the diaphragm generates ultra-low frequencies through vibration. Thus, the loudspeaker 100 overcomes the need to use any other components typically used as a bass reflex enclosure, except for the vibrating coil and the like (and minimal support structure), and the size and power of the loudspeaker 100—due to the amplification power of the diaphragm—can also be greatly reduced without compromising sound power and quality.

[0079] In addition to transmitting balanced low frequencies without the need for a bass reflex enclosure, the annular diaphragm also allows for the amplification of high-frequency sounds through a tapered element formed in the center of the annular diaphragm (called the "horn load" of the tweeter) to achieve a powerful and balanced sound.

[0080] The speaker 100 has a diaphragm 1 that is easy to inflate and deflate; once the diaphragm 1 is deflated, the speaker has an extremely small size, weight, and volume. Furthermore, the speaker is easy to carry in a pocket. Due to the simplicity of its components, it is very easy to transport. The speaker is also very cost-effective compared to systems of the same weight.

[0081] The combined shape, lightweight, and rigid characteristics of the speaker 100 make it highly sensitive. Therefore, even at low volumes, the speaker 100 is able to produce a wide range of harmonics, low frequencies, and a full and balanced sound, similarly applicable to both small and large environments. Background listening does not compromise the fullness and integrity of the sound. Thus, the speaker 100 allows for the simultaneous emission of low-frequency and high-frequency sounds, which are also amplified by the shape (essentially conical) of the central portion 12 of the annular diaphragm 1.

[0082] The loudspeaker according to the invention enables low frequencies—which are typically not directional in conventional systems—to become more directional, assuming that the lower the frequency, the more uniformly it propagates in the environment. This is due to the fact that in the loudspeaker 100, the surfaces 1A and 1B of the inflatable diaphragm 1 operate in opposite phases, and therefore, the sound and bass portions are attenuated on the sides (around the perimeter) of the annular diaphragm, while the sound and bass portions are more pronounced on the front of both surfaces.

[0083] Therefore, the loudspeaker 100 allows sound to be managed via a guiding diaphragm as needed, thus creating "corridors" or areas with more attenuated sound and other "corridors" or areas with higher sound at the same distance from the loudspeaker. (See also) Figure 5 ).

[0084] The surface 1B, arranged to face the wall at the rear, can produce a bass reflection effect based on its distance from and orientation to this wall—a rear acoustic barrier.

[0085] The two loudspeakers 100 can also be fixed with the diaphragms 1 facing each other (magnet to magnet), and they can be connected in reverse phase, so that the thrust of the coil (on the corresponding diaphragm) is amplified by the reverse thrust of the other coil; this allows for an increase in the power of the sound emitted by the diaphragm.

[0086] Alternatively, two diaphragms and associated coils arranged in a front-to-back manner relative to each other can be combined and connected to opposite electrodes (in opposite phase) to add and merge the timbres emitted by each diaphragm, or other combinations may be possible.

[0087] In view of the above, in the loudspeaker 100, the characteristics of the sound can be arbitrarily modified by various combinations (not only the combinations described, which are non-limiting examples of the invention), by different orientations of the loudspeaker, or by easily replacing the diaphragm with a diaphragm of a different size, thereby obtaining different timbres.

[0088] However, the features of the present invention are defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A loudspeaker comprising a magnet, a movable coil (10), a body (8) for supporting the movable coil, and an inflatable body defining a diaphragm of the loudspeaker, the diaphragm converting the movement of the movable coil (10) into sound, characterized in that, The membrane is rigidly connected to a support element (3) of the membrane, the support element (3) being fixed to the body (8) for supporting the movable coil. The membrane is made of a single piece, is annular and protrudes from the support element (3), and has a free first surface (1A) away from the support element (3) and a free second surface (1B) near the support element and protruding from the side of the support element. Both the first surface and the second surface emit sound in accordance with the movement of the coil (1).

2. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular inflatable membrane (1) is connected to the movable coil (10) via the body (8), and the support element (3) of the membrane is constrained to the body (8).

3. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular inflatable membrane is fitted with a tube (2) fixed to the support element (3) of the membrane. The tube (2) has a hole (2k) for inflating the annular membrane and is closed at one end and open at the other end for inflating and deflating the annular membrane (1). The open end of the tube (2) is fitted with a closure cap (5).

4. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable coil is provided with a threaded portion adapted to be screwed into the support body (8) integrally engaged with the support element (3) of the membrane, or adapted to be bayoneted into the support body (8).

5. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support element (3) includes a plate (3A) to which an annular inflatable membrane (1) made of a single piece is fixed.

6. The loudspeaker according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plate has a foldable protruding arm (4).

7. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loudspeaker includes at least one centering element adapted to keep the annular diaphragm (1) coaxial with the movable coil (10).

8. The loudspeaker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The centering element provides an external counterweight (14) that is integrally engaged with the support element (3) to keep the support element and the annular membrane (1) coaxial with the movable coil (10).

9. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular membrane is combined with elements for indoor and outdoor lighting.

10. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device is provided with elements (13, 13a) for constraining the annular membrane (1) to the support member (15) and the fixing element (200), the fixing element (200) being adapted to allow the loudspeaker to be supported by and suspended on the fixing structure (300).

11. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The speaker emits sound with a frequency range from low to high frequencies.

12. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular inflatable membrane (1) has a central hole through which high-frequency sound generated by the movable coil (10) passes.

13. The loudspeaker according to claim 12, characterized in that, The high-frequency sound is amplified by the central portion (12) of the horn-shaped cone of the diaphragm.

14. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular membrane (1) can be replaced.

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