Vehicle audio system

Abstract

Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle audio system (210) for a vehicle (200), the vehicle audio system (210) comprising: at least one audio speaker (325) for converting a speaker audio signal (320) into sound waves; at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker (425) for converting the panel audio signal (420) into sound waves; and a control system (220) in communication with the at least one audio speaker and the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker and configured to cause the at least one audio speaker to convert a speaker audio signal to an acoustic wave and to cause the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker to convert a panel audio signal to an acoustic wave.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle audio systems. Aspects of the invention relate to vehicle audio systems and to vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle audio systems undergo periodic upgrades and improvements, especially now that vehicle audio system designs need to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing needs of consumers and the entire automotive industry.

[0003] For example, consumers expect improvements in the sound quality of their vehicle's audio systems. There is also a growing demand for increasingly immersive and / or interactive experiences when listening to audio in their vehicles. Furthermore, in recent years, there has been an impetus for adopting increasingly sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to vehicle design, as evidenced by the increased use of clean technologies and the growing adoption of electric (or hybrid) vehicles, for example.

[0004] The goal is to integrate with the latest and most modern vehicle audio systems, as well as existing designs of vehicle sound and electrical systems, to improve the user's audio experience and avoid the costs associated with large-scale changes to the underlying vehicle design.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address one or more disadvantages associated with the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a vehicle audio system and a vehicle as described below.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle audio system for a vehicle is provided, comprising: at least one audio speaker for converting speaker audio signals into sound waves; at least one electrostatic panel amplifier for converting panel audio signals into sound waves; and a control system communicating with the at least one audio speaker and the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier, and configured to cause the at least one audio speaker to convert speaker audio signals into sound waves, and to cause the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier to convert panel audio signals into sound waves.

[0008] This invention provides an audio system that combines at least one conventional audio speaker with at least one electrostatic panel amplifier. The electrostatic panel amplifier is thinner than the conventional audio speaker, thus achieving space savings compared to an audio system consisting only of a conventional audio speaker. In one configuration, the at least one audio speaker may be a speaker configured to provide low-frequency frequencies, while the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier may be configured to provide higher audio frequencies.

[0009] Optionally, the at least one audio speaker may include a woofer or a subwoofer.

[0010] A vehicle audio system may include at least one vehicle seat, the at least one vehicle seat including a headrest portion, wherein the at least one electrostatic amplifier includes a headrest electrostatic amplifier unit disposed within the headrest portion. Different configurations can be used to deploy the headrest electrostatic amplifier unit. For example, the unit may include a pair of panels in the headrest on either side of the occupant's head, or alternatively, the unit may include a surround electrostatic panel amplifier. A vehicle audio system may include multiple vehicle seats, each vehicle seat including a headrest portion, wherein each headrest portion includes an electrostatic amplifier unit. The electrostatic amplifier units within the multiple seats may all have the same configuration (e.g., they may all be surround panels), or different configurations may exist within the vehicle compartment (e.g., the front seats may have surround panels, and the rear seats may include a pair of panels).

[0011] The vehicle equipped with the vehicle audio system may include front seats, and the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier may include a first electrostatic amplifier unit and a second electrostatic amplifier unit within the front seats. The first electrostatic amplifier unit is configured to project sound forward of the vehicle, and the second electrostatic amplifier unit is configured to project sound backward of the vehicle. The first and second electrostatic amplifier units may be located on two different surfaces within the vehicle seats.

[0012] A vehicle equipped with a vehicle audio system may include at least one interior trim component, wherein the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker may be disposed within the interior trim component. The vehicle may include multiple trim components, and one or more electrostatic panel loudspeakers may be disposed within one, some, or all of these trim components. The at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker may be located within a recess in the trim component and may be located in a position traditionally occupied by a conventional audio speaker.

[0013] Optionally, the vehicle audio system may include multiple electrostatic loudspeakers. These multiple electrostatic loudspeakers may have different sizes. Electrostatic panel loudspeakers can be configured for the deployment environment, so door panel speakers can be larger than headrest panel speakers. Electrostatic panel loudspeakers of different sizes within the vehicle audio system can also be configured to cover different frequency ranges.

[0014] Optionally, the panel audio signal may include a frequency range from 125 Hz to 50 kHz. The speaker audio signal may include a frequency range up to 120 Hz. For subwoofers, the audio signal may have a frequency range up to 80 Hz. For woofers, the audio signal may be in the range of 60 Hz to 120 Hz.

[0015] The control system may include one or more controllers that collectively include at least one electronic processor having an electrical input section for receiving input signals; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and storing instructions therein; and wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions on the at least one memory device to: cause the at least one audio speaker to convert speaker audio signals into sound waves, and cause the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier to convert panel audio signals into sound waves.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle including a vehicle audio system according to the above aspects of the present invention is provided.

[0017] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that all aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives, and particularly their features set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, claims and / or the following description and drawings may be employed individually or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to amend any initially filed claim or accordingly file any new claim, including the right to modify any initially filed claim to subordinate to and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim, even if not initially claimed in this manner. Attached Figure Description

[0018] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 A vehicle with a known vehicle audio system is shown;

[0020] Figure 2a A vehicle audio system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a A schematic representation of a vehicle's audio system;

[0022] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2a and Figure 2b The vehicle audio system shown includes a control system and an audio subsystem.

[0023] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2a and Figure 2b The control system and electrostatic panel subsystem of the vehicle audio system are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 A vehicle 100 with a known vehicle audio system is shown. This vehicle includes multiple different types of audio speakers, including a subwoofer 10, a woofer 20, a midrange speaker 30, and a tweeter 40. It should be noted that in some vehicle models, more than 30 different speakers may be present, controlled by a multi-channel amplifier with approximately 30 different channels. In alternative vehicle configurations, multiple additional smaller amplifiers distributed throughout the vehicle may be present for controlling the various audio speakers.

[0025] Driving so many speakers within a current vehicle is a complex and power-intensive process. Furthermore, traditional speakers require specific space constraints to accommodate their components (e.g., see below regarding...). Figure 3 The description includes the magnet, coil, and cone structure. In environments such as seat headrests (note: headrests can also be called headrestraints), mounting all the necessary speakers within the vehicle structure can be challenging. It should be noted that the front seats may contain five or more speakers. Figure 1 In the middle, each front seat includes multiple tweeters and midrange speakers.

[0026] Refer to the appendix in this article Figure 2a A vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. The vehicle 200 includes a vehicle audio system 210, which includes a control system 220 for controlling the audio output of speakers (10, 20, 50, 60, 70, 80) within the vehicle audio system 210.

[0027] and Figure 1 similar, Figure 2a The vehicle audio system 210 includes a subwoofer 10 and a woofer 20. However, Figure 1 The midrange and tweeter speakers have been replaced by multiple electrostatic panel loudspeakers (50, 60, 70, 80). As shown in Figure 2, the electrostatic panel loudspeakers have different sizes depending on their location in the vehicle.

[0028] exist Figure 2aIn the configuration shown, two large electrostatic panel loudspeakers 50 are located at the front of the vehicle. These loudspeakers 50 can have a wide frequency range, for example, from 125 Hz to 50 kHz. It should be noted that the electrostatic loudspeaker panels 50 can have a frequency range far beyond human hearing levels, thereby minimizing the effects of harmonic distortion.

[0029] The smaller electrostatic panel loudspeaker 60 can be located at the rear of the vehicle, and the headrest-mounted electrostatic panel loudspeakers (70, 80) can be located in the headrest 112 of the front seat 90 and the headrest 114 of the rear seat 110.

[0030] exist Figure 2a In the configuration shown, the rear seat 110 has two electrostatic panel amplifiers 70 in the vehicle seat headrest 114, which direct sound toward the front of the vehicle.

[0031] The headrests 112 of the front seats 90 have three electrostatic panel loudspeakers (70, 80). There are two electrostatic panel loudspeakers 70 that direct sound forward of the vehicle and another electrostatic loudspeaker 80 that directs sound backward toward the rear seats 110.

[0032] Electrostatic panel loudspeakers (50, 60, 70, 80) can be retrofitted into vehicles in locations previously occupied by traditional midrange and tweeter speakers.

[0033] Electrostatic panel loudspeakers are thinner than traditional audio speakers; for example, the depth of an electrostatic panel loudspeaker can be only 5 mm. Therefore, such panel loudspeakers can also be located in interior trim pieces 84, behind the material trim pieces 84, and can also be formed into curved shapes and other shapes, allowing them to be located in more positions within the vehicle cabin.

[0034] Electrostatic panel loudspeakers feature a low-mass diaphragm that requires less energy to move compared to conventional audio loudspeakers, and stops moving much faster once power is turned off. This contrasts with conventional audio loudspeakers, where the cone can continue moving even after power is cut off due to its higher momentum compared to the panel loudspeaker diaphragm.

[0035] Therefore, compared to traditional speakers, electrostatic panel amplifiers typically require lower power levels to operate and provide a clearer audio experience.

[0036] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2aA simplified representation of vehicle 200 and vehicle audio system 210, wherein control system 220 outputs speaker audio signal 320 to audio speaker subsystem 300 and panel audio signal 420 to panel subsystem 400.

[0037] To better understand the implementation background and advantages of the vehicle audio system 210 of the present invention, refer to Figure 3 A description is provided of an audio loudspeaker subsystem 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a typical woofer 20 or subwoofer 10 audio loudspeaker intended to be used with electrostatic panel loudspeakers (50, 60, 70, 80). Figure 3 and Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b The same features are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0038] Figure 3 The connection to the audio speaker subsystem 300 is shown. Figure 2a / Figure 2b The control system 220.

[0039] The control system 220 is also shown as including a vehicle audio source 305 connected to the audio amplifier 310 via a digital bus 315. The audio amplifier 310 amplifies the incoming signal from the audio source 305 and is configured to output a relatively low-voltage speaker audio signal 320 to the audio speaker subsystem 300. For clarity, Figure 3 A single audio speaker 325 is shown, but it should be understood that the vehicle 200 may include multiple audio speakers 325 in the form of one or more subwoofer audio speakers 10 or bass audio speakers 20. The audio signal is located in the frequency range commonly referred to as the "bass range" for audio speakers, and is typically between about 20 Hz to 200 Hz (for bass speaker systems) and 20 Hz to 80 Hz (for subwoofer systems).

[0040] Audio speaker 325 provides audio transducer functionality: an audio signal 320 output from audio amplifier 310 is transmitted to audio speaker 325, which is configured to convert the incoming audio signal 320 into sound waves. More specifically, audio speaker 325 includes a magnet 330 and a cylindrical coil 335 with wiring located between the magnetic poles of magnet 330. The incoming audio signal 320 is transmitted through coil 335 in alternating directions, causing the coil to move back and forth between the magnetic poles of magnet 330 based on Faraday's law. Audio speaker 325 also includes a speaker cone 340 attached to one end of coil 335 and thus also reciprocated in time with the movement of coil 335. When speaker cone 340 moves, it generates pressure waves in the surrounding air, which propagate and are detected as sound waves by the listener.

[0041] As described above, the audio speaker subsystem 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a woofer 20 or a subwoofer 10 as an audio speaker 125.

[0042] The applicant has recognized that other types of transducers exist that can generate sound waves and thus be used as loudspeakers. For example, electrostatic transducers can be used in loudspeaker systems to generate audio waves other than the audio loudspeaker 325 described above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, an electrostatic transducer in its most general sense is designed to generate sound via a force applied to a membrane (or diaphragm) suspended in an electrostatic field. More specifically, an electrostatic transducer typically comprises a membrane (e.g., a flexible sheet coated with a conductive material) sandwiched between two conductive stators (or grids), thereby leaving a small air gap on either side of the membrane. An incoming audio signal is used to drive the stators, thereby causing an electrostatic field proportional to the audio signal to be generated between the stators. The membrane is charged and maintained at a high voltage relative to the stators. Therefore, a force is applied to the membrane, causing it to move, thereby driving the air on either side of the membrane to generate pressure waves (sound waves).

[0043] The applicant has recognized that there are several benefits associated with the use of electrostatic transducers (e.g., improved audio response and sound quality, improved versatility of implementation) and that it would be useful to combine the aforementioned vehicle audio subsystem 300 (including one or more audio speakers 325) for bass response with an electrostatic speaker system for mid-range and high-frequency ranges.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 4 A panel for an electrostatic loudspeaker according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 4 and Figure 1 , Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 3The same features are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0045] Figure 4 The connection to the electrostatic panel loudspeaker subsystem 400 is shown. Figure 2a / Figure 2b The control system 220.

[0046] Similarly, Figure 3 As shown, the control system 220 includes a vehicle audio source 305 connected to the audio amplifier 310 via a digital bus 315. Figure 4 As shown, the audio amplifier 310 is also configured to amplify the incoming signal from the audio source 305 and output a relatively low-voltage panel audio signal 420 to the electrostatic panel loudspeaker subsystem 400. For clarity, in Figure 4 A single electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425 is shown, but it should be understood that the vehicle 200 may include, for example, a single electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425. Figure 2a Multiple panel loudspeakers 425 are shown in various locations within the vehicle.

[0047] It should be noted that Figure 4 The electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425 shown corresponds to the electrostatic panel loudspeakers (50, 60, 70, 80) shown in Figure 2.

[0048] It should also be noted that components 305 (audio source), 310 (audio amplifier), and 315 (digital bus) are similar to those previously referenced. Figure 3 The description is the same. The output panel audio signal 420 corresponds to... Figure 3 The audio signal 320 output from the middle is directed to the audio speaker 325, and the panel audio signal 420 is directed to the electrostatic panel amplifier 425.

[0049] The electrostatic loudspeaker subsystem 400 includes an electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425 that provides transducer functionality. Specifically, the electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425 includes an electrostatic transducer 430 configured to convert a panel audio signal 420 output from an audio amplifier 310 into sound waves. More specifically, the electrostatic transducer 430 includes a pair of stators 435a, 435b and a diaphragm 440 located between the pair of stators 435a, 435b. The stators 435a, 435b are configured to receive the incoming audio signal 320 and generate an electrostatic field; and the diaphragm 440 is configured to move within the electrostatic field and generate sound waves.

[0050] Additionally, the electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425 also includes a voltage conversion module 445 configured to receive the panel audio signal 420 output by the audio amplifier 310 and convert the input signal (as previously mentioned, which corresponds to a relatively low voltage speaker level signal) into a relatively high voltage audio signal 420a, which can be used by the stators 435a, 435b to generate an electrostatic field of sufficient strength to move the diaphragm 440.

[0051] To perform its function, the voltage conversion module 445 includes at least one audio transformer 450 (i.e., a transformer with audio quality) configured to "step-up" the voltage of the incoming audio signal 420 to a predefined voltage level suitable for operating the electrostatic transducers 430 (and specifically stators 435a, 435b) in a desired manner. This predetermined voltage value is typically on the order of several hundred V (e.g., between approximately 500 V and 700 V); in specific cases, the predetermined voltage value is between approximately 550 V and 650 V, and more specifically approximately 600 V. The transformer 450 used in the voltage conversion module 445 can correspond to any suitable transformer with audio quality and capable of providing the necessary step-up functionality for the audio signal. In a specific example, the transformer 450 can be implemented as a toroidal transformer. The advantages associated with using such a transformer—such as high efficiency and small size—make it particularly suitable for use in the environment of the electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425.

[0052] Advantageously, the use of an audio transformer in the voltage conversion module 445 to provide the desired voltage boost for the signal utilizes a simple and straightforward solution that optimizes the desired results while minimizing the number of additional electronic components that need to be installed. Therefore, minimizing the overall physical size of the voltage conversion module 445 is useful, as the module needs to be mounted physically close to the electrostatic transducer 430 to provide the necessary functionality. Thus, the voltage conversion module 445 can be combined with the electrostatic transducer 430 without unduly increasing the overall size of the electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425. This is particularly advantageous when replacing speaker systems installed in space-constrained locations within a vehicle.

[0053] Additional electronic (processing) components can also be provided as part of the electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425, such as a smoothing component 455, which is configured to perform signal smoothing on the boosted signal before it is input to the electrostatic transducer 430. Although these smoothing components... Figure 4 They are shown as part of forming voltage conversion module 445, but they can alternatively be provided as completely independent modules.

[0054] As previously mentioned, for the electrostatic transducer to operate correctly, the membrane located between the stators needs to be charged to a high potential (voltage). Therefore, the vehicle audio system 210 also includes a high-voltage module 460 configured to provide the necessary high-voltage power to charge the membrane 440 in the electrostatic transducer 430. The high-voltage module 460 is essentially a small voltage conversion module (frame) that can convert a low input voltage (12 V) into a significantly higher output voltage. The high-voltage module 460 can be installed in various locations within the vehicle with adequate space, such as loading areas. The appropriate power level provided by the high-voltage module 460 is typically in the order of several kilovolts (e.g., between approximately 2 kV and 5 kV); in specific cases, it is between 2.5 kV and 4 kV, more specifically between 2 kV and 3 kV, and even more specifically, about 3 kV.

[0055] The power supply 465, which provides appropriate power to the high-voltage module 460, also forms part of the vehicle audio system 400. This power supply 465 can correspond to a standard (vehicle) battery used to power other components of the vehicle in which the audio system 400 is installed. Therefore, although the electrostatic speaker system 425 has different power and signal strength requirements compared to the standard audio system 325, the vehicle audio system 400 can still be seamlessly integrated (and retrofitted) into existing vehicle systems.

[0056] It should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A vehicle audio system for a vehicle, comprising: At least one audio speaker, the at least one audio speaker being used to convert speaker audio signals into sound waves; At least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker, the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker being used to convert panel audio signals into sound waves; A control system that communicates with the at least one audio speaker and the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier, and is configured to cause the at least one audio speaker to convert the speaker audio signal into sound waves, and to cause the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier to convert the panel audio signal into sound waves.

2. The vehicle audio system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one audio speaker includes a woofer.

3. The vehicle audio system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one audio speaker includes a subwoofer.

4. The vehicle audio system according to claim 1, comprising at least one vehicle seat, the at least one vehicle seat including a headrest portion, wherein, The at least one electrostatic loudspeaker includes a headrest electrostatic loudspeaker unit disposed in the headrest portion.

5. The vehicle audio system according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of vehicle seats, each vehicle seat including a headrest portion, wherein, Each headrest section includes an electrostatic speaker unit.

6. The vehicle audio system according to claim 4 or claim 5, comprising a front vehicle seat, wherein, The at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker includes a first electrostatic loudspeaker unit and a second electrostatic loudspeaker unit located within the front seats, the first electrostatic loudspeaker unit being configured to project sound toward the front of the vehicle, and the second electrostatic loudspeaker unit being configured to project sound toward the rear of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, comprising at least one interior trim component, wherein, The at least one electrostatic loudspeaker is disposed within the interior decorative component.

8. The vehicle audio system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of electrostatic loudspeakers.

9. The vehicle audio system according to claim 8, wherein, The multiple electrostatic loudspeakers have different sizes.

10. The vehicle audio system according to claim 1, wherein, The panel audio signal includes a frequency range from 125 Hz to 50 kHz.

11. A vehicle comprising the vehicle audio system according to claim 1.

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