Speaker device

Abstract

A speaker apparatus comprising: a speaker comprising a diaphragm for transmitting an audio output; at least one light source; and an acoustic lens coupled to the speaker and defining a first opening to enable the first audio output to be transmitted from the first opening at a first predetermined angle, wherein the acoustic lens comprises at least one first light guide extending through the first opening, each of the at least one light source is coupled to at least one of the at least one first light guide such that light emitted by the light source is internally reflected along the respective at least one first light guide, and each of the at least one first light guide comprises a plurality of extraction elements arranged continuously along a length of the light guide, each of the plurality of extraction elements is configured to direct light emitted by a respective one of the at least one light source and internally reflected along the respective at least one first light guide towards a direction away from the speaker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to loudspeaker devices, and more particularly to loudspeaker devices including illuminated loudspeakers. Background Technology

[0002] Loudspeakers are used to generate and emit acoustic sound waves. This is primarily achieved by using a voice coil connected to the diaphragm, which causes movement of the movable diaphragm. Furthermore, there is a growing need for loudspeakers that can be illuminated. In order to illuminate the loudspeaker using a light source provided at or within the loudspeaker, it must be ensured that adding a light source to the loudspeaker does not significantly increase space requirements, especially when the loudspeaker is installed in a vehicle where limited space is available.

[0003] There is a need for a loudspeaker device that can be effectively illuminated, has minimal space requirements, and can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The loudspeaker device according to the various embodiments described herein is effectively illuminated. The light emitted by at least one light source integrated into the loudspeaker device can be enhanced and intensified in a simple and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the light emitted by the light source integrated into the loudspeaker can be directed in a defined direction. Even a defined light pattern that changes over time can be created.

[0005] This document discloses a loudspeaker device. The loudspeaker device includes: a loudspeaker including a diaphragm for transmitting audio output; at least one light source; and an acoustic lens coupled to the loudspeaker and defining a first opening such that a first audio output can be transmitted from the first opening at a first predetermined angle, wherein the acoustic lens includes at least one first light guide extending through the first opening, each of the at least one light source being coupled to at least one of the at least one first light guide such that light emitted by the light source is internally reflected along the corresponding at least one first light guide, and each of the at least one first light guide includes a plurality of extraction elements arranged continuously along the length of the light guide, each of the plurality of extraction elements being configured to guide light emitted by a corresponding one of the at least one light source and internally reflected along the corresponding at least one first light guide toward a direction away from the loudspeaker.

[0006] Other systems, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this specification, within the scope of the invention, and protected by the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The apparatus and method can be better understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather to emphasize the principles of the invention. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same components in different views.

[0008] Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional exploded view of a loudspeaker device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 A three-dimensional exploded view of a loudspeaker device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a loudspeaker device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0011] Figure 4 A top view of the elements of a loudspeaker device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0012] Figure 5 A top view of the elements of a loudspeaker device according to even a further embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0013] Figure 6 A schematic three-dimensional exploded view of a loudspeaker device according to even a further embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a loudspeaker device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0015] Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the elements of a loudspeaker device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Figure 1A schematic three-dimensional exploded view of a loudspeaker device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The loudspeaker device 100 includes: a loudspeaker 110 including a diaphragm for transmitting audio output; at least one light source 130; and an acoustic lens 120 coupled to the loudspeaker 110 and defining a first opening such that a first audio output can be transmitted from the first opening at a first predetermined angle. The acoustic lens 120 includes at least one first light guide 122 extending through the first opening. Each of the at least one light source 130 is coupled to at least one of the at least one first light guide 122 such that light emitted by the light source 130 is internally reflected along the corresponding at least one first light guide 122, and each of the at least one first light guide 122 includes a plurality of extraction elements arranged continuously along the length of the light guide 122, each of the plurality of extraction elements being configured to guide light emitted by a corresponding one of the at least one of the at least one light source 130 and internally reflected along the corresponding at least one first light guide 122 toward a direction away from the loudspeaker 110.

[0017] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the loudspeaker device 100 includes a single (exactly one, no more than one) light source 130. According to some examples, the light emitted by the light source 130 can be directly coupled to one or more first light guides 122 of at least one light guide 122. This may depend on the specific arrangement of the first light guides 122 relative to a first opening and relative to the light source 130. Figure 1 In the example shown, the acoustic lens 120 includes a plurality of first light guides 122 extending parallel to each other through a first opening. That is, the first ends of the different light guides 130 are arranged away from each other, wherein the first ends are those ends of the first light guides 122 into which light enters. In this case, one or more additional elements may be required to guide the light emitted by the light source 130 to each of the one or more first light guides 122. This will be referenced below. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Let me describe it in more detail.

[0018] At least one of the first light guides 122 may be a conventional light guide. Different implementations of light guides are well known. A light guide is generally a device for directing light from a light source to one or more places where light is needed. Light guides are typically made of glass or plastic with a refractive index typically of about 1.5. Light incident at a defined angle into a light guide is trapped within the light guide due to a phenomenon commonly referred to as internal reflection or TIR. Once trapped, the light remains inside the light guide until it is extracted by one or more extraction elements. Using a light guide, light can be directed from one end of the light guide to the other, or extracted along the length of the light guide. Light can be extracted from a specific direction. This makes the light guide or portions of the light guide appear lit. Extraction can be achieved by arranging extraction elements (e.g., paint dots or textures such as prisms, bumps, or holes) along the length of the light guide, which affect the path of the reflected light, thereby breaking the TIR condition and causing the light to leave the light guide.

[0019] By integrating one or more first light guides 122 into the acoustic lens 120, the acoustic lens 120 appears to be illuminated. As mentioned above, the light guide is typically made of glass, plastic, or any other rigid transparent material suitable for use as a light guide. That is, the first light guide 122 not only illuminates the speaker but also acts as part of the acoustic lens, thereby guiding the sound emitted by the speaker 110 in the desired direction.

[0020] The light emitted by one or more first light guides 122 can be static. That is, the color and brightness of the light may not change. However, the color and / or brightness of the light emitted by at least one of the one or more first light guides 122 can also be changed. By changing the color and / or brightness of the light emitted by some or all of the at least one first light guide 122, different patterns can be produced. According to some examples, the pattern can be changed based on the audio output generated by means of the speaker 110. For example, the pattern can be changed based on the rhythm, tempo, and / or volume of the audio output generated by means of the speaker 110.

[0021] The acoustic lens 120, implemented in conjunction with the speaker assembly, can alter the directivity of the speaker 110 to match or achieve a desired audio experience. The acoustic lens can typically have any suitable shape and design. Speakers are typically used to generate and emit acoustic waves. This is primarily achieved by means of a voice coil attached to the diaphragm causing movement of the movable diaphragm. The speaker 110 of the speaker assembly 100 according to the various embodiments disclosed herein can typically be implemented in any suitable manner.

[0022] There is a growing need for illuminated loudspeakers. To illuminate a loudspeaker using one or more light sources provided at or within the loudspeaker, it is essential to ensure that adding one or more light sources does not drastically increase space requirements, especially when the loudspeaker is mounted in a vehicle where limited space is available. According to some examples, loudspeaker 110 can be a relatively flat loudspeaker. Flat loudspeakers can be integrated into space-critical applications, such as in-vehicle loudspeakers or wall-mounted loudspeakers. The illuminating acoustic lens 120 of the loudspeaker assembly 100 disclosed herein provides an efficient method for illuminating a loudspeaker (e.g., a flat loudspeaker) even when only a small amount of space is available.

[0023] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The speaker device 100 may further include a second light guide 124 disposed between each of at least one light source 130 and at least one first light guide 122. The second light guide 124 includes a plurality of extraction elements arranged continuously along its length. Each of the at least one extraction element is configured to guide light emitted by the at least one light source 130 and reflected along the interior of the second light guide 124 into a different first light guide among the at least one first light guide 122. This allows light from a single light source 130 to be distributed to more than one first light guide 122. Light is then extracted within each of the at least one first light guide 130 by means of one or more extraction elements. For example, a plurality of extraction elements may be arranged continuously along the length of each of the at least one first light guide 122. In this way, each of the at least one first light guide 122 may appear to be illuminated along its entire length. Alternatively, however, the extraction elements may also be arranged only in certain sections of the first light guide 122, such that the corresponding first light guide 122 appears to be only partially illuminated.

[0024] Each of the at least one light source 130 may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED). Each of the at least one light source 130 may have a defined color, such as white, blue, red, yellow, green, purple, etc. However, each of the at least one light source 130 may also be configured to change its color in response to a corresponding control signal. According to one example, at least one of the at least one light source 130 includes a so-called RGB-LED. An RGB-LED is a type of LED that can emit multiple colors. RGB-LEDs are well known and will not be described in further detail herein. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the at least one light source 130 is dimmable.

[0025] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, all of the at least one first light guide 122 are illuminated with the same color, which depends on the color of the light emitted by the single light source 130 coupled to the second light guide 124. Furthermore, the intensity of the light emitted by each of the at least one first light guide 122 is substantially the same. Figure 2 A schematic three-dimensional exploded view of a loudspeaker device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the speaker device, and Figure 4 A top view schematically illustrating the elements of a loudspeaker device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 In the diagram, arrows indicate light guided within the respective first light guide 122 and second light guide 124, and circles indicate the positions where the light exits the extraction elements of the respective first light guide 122. For example, the light source 130 can be arranged on a printed circuit board PCB 132. Corresponding driving circuitry for the light source 130 can be provided on the PCB 132.

[0026] Now for reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 According to an alternative embodiment, the loudspeaker device 100 includes a plurality of first light guides 122 and a plurality of light sources 130, each of the plurality of light sources 130 being arranged to emit light into a subset of the plurality of first light guides 122. In the example specifically illustrated herein, the number of first light guides 122 is equal to the number of light sources 130. That is, each of the plurality of light sources 130 is directly coupled to a different first light guide among the plurality of first light guides 122. Each of the plurality of light sources 130 may emit light of the same color and / or intensity as the other light sources 130 among the plurality of light sources 130. However, it is also possible for different light sources 130 to emit light of different colors and / or intensities. The light sources 130 may also be turned on and off according to a specific pattern. That is, at a certain moment, a subset of the light sources 130 may be turned on while another subset of the light sources 130 is turned off. In this way, different light patterns can be achieved. Different light sources 130 may change the color and / or intensity of the emitted light over time, and / or may be turned on or off at specific times. In this way, constantly changing light patterns can be generated.

[0027] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As exemplarily illustrated, the speaker device 100 may also include a printed circuit board PCB 132, wherein each of the plurality of light sources 130 is attached to the PCB 132. Corresponding driving circuitry for the plurality of light sources 130 may be provided on the PCB 132.

[0028] However, the speaker devices shown in the accompanying drawings and described above are merely examples. For instance, one could also... Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 5 to 8 Different implementation schemes can be combined with each other. That is, for example, each of the plurality of light sources 130 can be coupled to one or more (but not all) of the plurality of first light guides 122 by means of a different second light guide 124. That is, one or more (but not all) of the plurality of light guides 122 can be illuminated by means of one of the plurality of light sources 130.

[0029] Referring still to the accompanying drawings, the loudspeaker device 100 according to some embodiments may further include a carrier 140. An acoustic lens 120 may be coupled to the loudspeaker 110 by means of the carrier 140. For example, the carrier 140 may include an opening, and the acoustic lens 120 may be arranged at least partially within the opening formed in the carrier 140. The loudspeaker 110 may be arranged behind the carrier 140 and the acoustic lens 120, and may not be directly visible to a user of the loudspeaker device 100.

[0030] Each of a plurality of extraction elements arranged continuously along the length of at least one first light guide 122 and optionally along the length of at least one second light guide 124 may include, for example, a prism, a microlens array, a microstructure, or an optical pattern, or be composed thereof. Different types of extraction elements for light guides are well known. According to some examples, the type of extraction element in at least one first light guide 122 and optionally at least one second light guide 124 may depend on the specific implementation of the loudspeaker device 100. For example, if a layer of fabric is arranged in front of the loudspeaker device 100 (visible to the user of the loudspeaker device), a three-dimensional extraction element (e.g., a texture such as a prism, bump, or hole) may be used. The size of the three-dimensional extraction element (e.g., a texture such as a prism, bump, or hole) may increase along the length of the respective first light guide 122.

[0031] For example, if a speaker grille is arranged in front of the speaker device 100 (the speaker grille is visible to the user of the speaker device), a two-dimensional extraction element (e.g., paint dots) can be used. According to some examples, the amount of paint used to form the extraction element can be increased along the length of the corresponding first light guide 122.

[0032] The first opening defined by the acoustic lens 120 can typically have any suitable shape. According to some embodiments of the invention, the first opening can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, kidney-shaped, or semi-circular. Figure 1 In the example shown, the first opening has a circular shape. Figures 2 to 8 In the example shown, the first opening typically has a kidney-shaped or semi-circular shape, one of several possible shapes. One or more first light guides 122 may extend through the first opening in any suitable manner. According to some examples, each of the plurality of first light guides 122 is substantially parallel to each other of the plurality of first light guides 122. According to other examples, the first ends of the plurality of first light guides 122 may be arranged closer to each other than their respective second ends, wherein the first end of the first light guide 122 is the end in which light emitted by the respective light source 130 enters the respective first light guide 122.

[0033] For example, the speaker devices according to the various embodiments disclosed herein can be integrated into a vehicle. For example, the speaker devices according to the various embodiments disclosed herein can be integrated into the roof or doors of a vehicle. However, the illuminated speakers according to the various embodiments disclosed herein can also be implemented in any other suitable environment and application. One or more first light guides 122 and one or more second light guides 124 can be readily integrated into or formed into any type of acoustic lens.

[0034] It is understood that the systems and methods shown are merely examples. While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Specifically, those skilled will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments. Although these techniques and systems have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it should be understood that these techniques and systems can be extended from the specifically disclosed embodiments to other embodiments and / or uses and their obvious modifications. Therefore, the invention is not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0035] The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Suitable modifications and changes to the embodiments can be made in light of the above description or can be obtained by means of practice. The described apparatus is exemplary in nature and may include additional elements and / or omit elements. As used in this application, elements referred to in the singular form and followed by the words “a” or “an” should be understood to not exclude a plurality of said elements unless such exclusion is stated. Furthermore, references to “an embodiment” or “an example” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of other embodiments also incorporated with the described features. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as illustrative marks and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular order of placement on their objects. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of various systems and configurations and other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed. The following claims specifically point to subject matter considered novel and non-obvious from the foregoing disclosure.

Claims

1. A loudspeaker device (100), comprising: A loudspeaker (110) includes a diaphragm for transmitting audio output; At least one light source (130); as well as An acoustic lens (120) is coupled to the speaker (110) and defines a first opening such that the first audio output can pass through the first opening at a first predetermined angle, wherein... The acoustic lens (120) includes at least one first optical guide (122) extending through the first opening. Each of the at least one light source (130) is coupled to at least one of the at least one first light guide (122), such that light emitted by the light source (130) undergoes internal reflection along the corresponding at least one first light guide (122), and Each of the at least one first light guide (122) includes a plurality of extraction elements arranged continuously along the length of the light guide (122), each of the plurality of extraction elements being configured to guide light emitted by a corresponding one of the at least one light source (130) and internally reflected along the corresponding at least one first light guide (122) toward a direction away from the speaker (110).

2. The loudspeaker device (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one light source (130) comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED).

3. The loudspeaker device (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the at least one light source (130) is configured to change its color and / or intensity in response to a corresponding control signal.

4. The loudspeaker device (100) as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein each of the plurality of extraction elements arranged continuously along the length of the at least one first light guide (122) comprises or is composed of a prism, a microlens array, a microstructure, a paint dot or an optical pattern.

5. The loudspeaker device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second light guide (124) disposed between each of the at least one light source (130) and the at least one first light guide (122), and comprising a plurality of extraction elements disposed continuously along the length of the second light guide (124), each of the at least one extraction element being configured to guide light emitted by the at least one light source (130) and internally reflected along the second light guide (124) into a different first light guide of the at least one first light guide (122).

6. The loudspeaker device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the loudspeaker device (100) includes a plurality of first light guides (122) and a plurality of light sources (130), each of the plurality of light sources (130) being arranged to emit light into a subset of the plurality of first light guides (122).

7. The loudspeaker device (100) of claim 6, further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) (132), wherein each of the plurality of light sources (130) is attached to the PCB (132).

8. The loudspeaker device (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a carrier (140), wherein the acoustic lens (120) is coupled to the loudspeaker (110) by means of the carrier (140).

9. The loudspeaker device (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first opening defined by the acoustic lens (120) has a circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, kidney-shaped or semi-circular shape.

10. A vehicle comprising a loudspeaker device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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