acoustic modulator

Abstract

The invention relates to an acoustic modulator (100) having: - a housing (110) having a front-side opening (111-111f) and a rear-side opening (112-112f); a drive element (120-120b); and a modulation unit (130-130c), wherein the modulation unit (130-130c) is arranged in an interior space (113) of the housing (110) and divides the interior space (113) into a first interior space volume (114-114c) and a second interior space volume (115-115c), wherein the modulation unit (130-130c) is configured to close and release the front-side opening (111-111f), wherein the modulation unit (130-130c) is configured to close and release the rear-side opening (112-112f), wherein the drive element (120-120b) is arranged opposite the modulation unit (130-130c) and delimits the second interior space volume (115-115c), and wherein the drive element (120-120b) is configured to reduce and enlarge the second interior space volume (115).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an acoustic modulator. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of hearing aids and in-ear headphones, classic electrodynamic loudspeakers are primarily used. To further reduce the installation space of these classic in-ear headphones, balanced armature principles are employed, for example. However, electrodynamic loudspeakers have high current consumption and, due to their structural type, cannot be further reduced in size without performance loss. To further reduce structural size and current consumption, acoustic transducers with micromechanical structures (MEMS) can be used. However, such MEMS loudspeakers exhibit low sound pressure levels, especially at low frequencies, due to their small effective area. For conventional sound generation paths, it is not possible to pump fluid in only one direction and thus build a higher pressure level in the air, because backward movement always involves a pressure drop after the transducer or active moving element has moved forward.

[0003] There exists a series of inventions that utilize the principle of ultrasonic modulation to generate higher sound levels (Pegels) at low frequencies. For this purpose, a first transducer is needed to generate a carrier frequency, while a second transducer is used as a modulator or switch / valve to modulate the lower frequency sound waves. The structures used for generation and modulation are typically constructed stacked vertically, thus requiring installation space and additional process steps to generate different transducer planes.

[0004] When sound is generated directionally by modulated ultrasound in a free field, a very large ultrasonic transducer with a very high ultrasonic level is required, which can cause hearing damage when the sound remains in the near-field region. Furthermore, demodulation is performed nonlinearly through the air medium and is limited to mid- and high frequencies. The resulting sound beam is used to create a narrow directivity and produces no sound outside the direction of emission.

[0005] Another unique structural approach to MEMS transducers utilizes sound generation via digital sampling modulation. A base scanning frequency is emitted as ultrasound, corresponding maximally to the modulated ultrasound signal, where individual pulses are generated by individual small ultrasonic transducers. Additional mirror frequencies are generated through sampling, which are then mirrored back into the audible baseband range, resulting in audible nonlinear distortion. Furthermore, this structural approach exhibits low sound pressure levels even when multiple acoustic transducers are stacked. Additionally, demonstrating the dynamic range equivalent to that of the prior art requires complex manipulation to activate individual transducers, as each transducer is digitally switched.

[0006] Other techniques utilize piezoelectric materials, which may contain environmentally harmful components such as lead. In these approaches, generating high sound pressure levels requires a large, movable surface area in the plane. Furthermore, the generation of high-frequency ultrasound via piezoelectric transducers, as described above, results in high heat loss and high electrical power consumption within the materials. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The acoustic modulator according to the present invention has the following advantages over known technologies: audio signals can be generated in a single process plane by means of ultrasonic modulation or fluid motion. Furthermore, the ultrasonic modulator according to the present invention has the advantage of not causing ultrasonic levels that would lead to hearing damage. By creating the modulated signal in the same MEMS plane, stacked or multi-layered structures are not required. Moreover, the acoustic modulator according to the present invention has the advantage over known technologies of not exhibiting nonlinearity due to mirror frequencies or nonlinear fluctuations in the medium air.

[0008] This is achieved according to the invention by comprising a sound modulator having a housing, a driving element, and a modulation unit. The housing has a front opening and a rear opening. The modulation unit is arranged within the interior space of the housing, thus dividing the interior space into a first interior space volume and a second interior space volume. The modulation unit is configured to close and open the front opening, and the modulation unit is configured to close and open the rear opening. The driving element is arranged opposite the modulation unit and defines the second interior space volume. The driving element is configured to decrease and increase the second interior space volume.

[0009] If negative pressure is generated due to the expansion of the internal space volume by the drive element and the front opening is released by the modulation unit, fluid flows from the surrounding environment into the second internal space. If the front opening is now closed and the rear opening is released by the modulation unit and the drive element reduces the volume of the second internal space, fluid flows from the second internal space into the external environment through the rear opening.

[0010] Preferred further extensions of the invention are shown in the technical solution.

[0011] Preferably, the acoustic modulator has a first state. In the first state, the modulation unit releases a front opening toward the second internal space. In the first state, the modulation unit releases a rear opening toward the first internal space volume. In the first state, the driving element expands the second internal space volume, resulting in an input volume flow into the second volume through the front opening. An advantage of this embodiment is that this arrangement enables a particularly efficient method for generating the first volume flow into the second internal space volume.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the acoustic modulator has a second state. In the second state, the modulation unit releases a front opening toward the first internal space volume. In the second state, the modulation unit releases a rear opening toward the second internal space volume. In the second state, the driving element reduces the second internal space volume, resulting in an output volume flow exiting the second internal space volume through the rear opening. An advantage of this embodiment is that it enables a particularly efficient method for generating a volume flow exiting the second internal space volume through the rear opening. In conjunction with the second embodiment, a volume flow from the front opening through the second internal space volume to the rear opening can therefore be generated in two strokes of the driving element. Thus, a particularly efficient method for generating a volume flow along the flow direction by means of the acoustic modulation unit is achieved.

[0013] Preferably, the acoustic modulator has a control unit. This control unit is configured to operate the modulation unit and the driving element. The control unit is also configured to place the acoustic modulator into a first state and a second state. An advantage of this embodiment is that the control unit allows for controlled and precise switching between the first and second states, as well as between the stroke of the driving element when expanding and shrinking the second internal space volume.

[0014] Preferably, the control unit is configured to switch between a first state and a second state at a constant frequency. An advantage of this implementation is that it generates a constant volumetric flow through the sound modulator from the front opening to the rear opening. Simultaneously, sound can be optimally generated by rapidly switching between the two directions. This method is particularly efficient in this case. Here, the control unit is specifically configured to switch between the first and second states at a predetermined frequency above the audible range.

[0015] Advantageously, the sound modulator has a third state. In this third state, the modulation unit alternates between releasing a first front opening toward the second internal space volume and simultaneously releasing a rear opening toward the first internal space volume, and between releasing a front opening toward the first internal space volume and simultaneously releasing a first rear opening toward the second internal space volume, at a first frequency. In this third state, the driving element alternates between expanding and shrinking the second internal space volume at a second frequency. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. An advantage of this implementation is that the audio signal can be loaded onto a carrier frequency by means of the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.

[0016] Particularly advantageously, the control unit is configured to place the sound modulator into a third state. The control unit is configured to change the difference between the first and second frequencies such that the difference conforms to a predetermined trend of change, particularly a predetermined audio signal. An advantage of this implementation is that an audio signal can thus be loaded onto a carrier frequency. Preferably, the control unit is configured to map the first and / or second frequencies using a single sinusoidal, square, or pulsed control signal.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the modulation unit includes a front modulation element, a rear modulation element, and a fixing element. The front modulation element is fixedly connected to the fixing element via a first front modulation element end. The rear modulation element is fixedly connected to the fixing element via a rear modulation element end. The front modulation element has a second front modulation element end configured to close and release the front housing opening. The rear modulation element has a second rear modulation element end configured to close and release the rear housing opening. The advantage of this embodiment is that it provides a particularly simple and therefore particularly efficient mechanism for releasing and closing the housing opening.

[0018] Preferably, the ends of the second front modulation element and / or the second rear modulation element are configured as free ends. An advantage of this embodiment is that the opening and closing of the front and / or rear openings can be performed particularly quickly with low structural cost.

[0019] Preferably, the second front modulation element end has a larger cross-section than the first front modulation element end. Alternatively or additionally, the second rear modulation element end has a larger cross-section than the first rear modulation element end. An advantage of this embodiment is that the first opening and / or the second opening can be opened or closed particularly easily.

[0020] The drive element is preferably constructed as a bendable beam supported on the housing. This allows the drive element to be easily manufactured as a micromechanical system. The volume change of the second internal space can be easily achieved through the beam's bending capability.

[0021] In a particularly advantageous configuration, the drive element is constructed as a beam clamped on both sides. The beam can be deflected by an actuator implemented as an electrostatic or piezoelectric actuator to thus produce what is known as a volume change.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the drive element is configured as a beam clamped on both sides to reduce the volume of the second internal space by arching towards the modulation unit, and is also configured to expand the volume of the second internal space by arching away from the modulation unit. An advantage of this embodiment is that it allows for a particularly simple implementation of the drive element.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the drive element is configured as a beam with a fixed clamp on one side and each having a movable end. Therefore, the free end of the beam can be moved by an actuator to cause a change in volume. The beam can be, for example, centrally supported on a housing.

[0024] Particularly advantageously, the drive element, as a beam with two movable ends, has a front deflection element, a rear deflection element, and a fastening element. The front deflection element is fixedly connected to the fastening element via a first front deflection element end. The rear deflection element is fixedly connected to the fastening element via a first rear deflection element end. The front deflection element has a second front deflection element end configured as a free end. The rear deflection element has a second rear deflection element end configured as a free end. The advantage of this embodiment is that it allows for particularly precise adjustment of the arching of the drive element.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the drive element is configured as a piston (or rigid diaphragm) and is movably supported relative to the housing. Preferably, the drive element is configured to reduce the second internal space volume by translating displacement parallel to the neutral position, and to expand the second internal space volume by translating displacement parallel to the neutral position. The advantage of this embodiment is that it achieves a particularly large volumetric flow not only when reducing the second internal space volume but also when expanding it. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an earphone having a sound modulator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a sound modulator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the acoustic modulator according to the first embodiment of the present invention at the first operating time point. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the acoustic modulator according to the first embodiment of the present invention at the second operating time point. Figure 5A schematic diagram of the acoustic modulator according to the first embodiment of the present invention at the third operating time point. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a sound modulator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the acoustic modulator according to the second embodiment of the present invention at the first operating time point. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the acoustic modulator according to the second embodiment of the present invention at the second operating time point. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a sound modulator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a sound modulator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the housing of an acoustic modulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a modulation element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a modulation element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a modulation element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a modulation element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the housing of a sound modulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 : A schematic diagram of a modulation element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Preferably, all elements, units, and / or components in all figures have the same reference numerals.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an earphone 10 having a sound modulator 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 2A schematic diagram of an acoustic modulator 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The acoustic modulator 100 has a housing 110, a driving element 120, and a modulation unit 130. The housing 110 has a front opening 111 and a rear opening 112. The modulation unit is arranged in an internal space 113 of the housing 110 and divides the internal space 113 into a first internal space volume 114 and a second internal space volume 115. The modulation unit 130 is configured to close and open the front opening 111. The modulation unit 130 is configured to close and open the rear opening 112. The driving element 120 is arranged opposite the modulation unit and defines the second internal space volume 115. The driving element 120 is configured to shrink and / or expand the second internal space volume.

[0030] The drive element 120 is configured to reduce the second internal space volume 115 by arching towards the modulation unit 130. The drive element 120 is also configured to expand the second internal space volume 115 by arching away from the modulation element. In this embodiment, the drive element 120 is configured as a bendable beam with both ends fixedly clamped. Therefore, the beam ends of the drive element 120 cannot move freely, but the drive element 120 can arch as a beam. Thus, the drive element 120 is partially, i.e., fastened to the housing 110 at its end regions. The actuation is performed, for example, by electrostatic force and / or by piezoelectric force.

[0031] The modulation unit 130 has a front modulation element 131, a rear modulation element 133, and a fixing element 132. The front modulation element 131 is fixedly connected to the fixing element 132 via a first front modulation element end 131a. The rear modulation element 133 is fixedly connected to the fixing element 132 via a first rear modulation element end 133a. The front modulation element end 131 has a second front modulation element end 131b. The second front modulation element end 131b is configured to close and release the front housing opening 111. The rear modulation element end 133 has a second rear modulation element end 133b. The second rear modulation element end 133b is configured to close and / or release the rear housing opening 112. The second front modulation element end 131b and the second rear modulation element end 133b are each configured as free ends.

[0032] The second pre-modulation element end 131b has a larger cross-section than the first pre-modulation element end 131a. The pre-modulation element 130 has a club-shaped cross-section extending from the first pre-modulation element end 131a toward the second pre-modulation element end 131b. The rear modulation element 133 has a club-shaped cross-section extending from the first rear modulation element end 133a toward the second rear modulation element end 133b.

[0033] Figure 3A schematic diagram of an acoustic modulator 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a neutral position is shown. Figure 3 In this configuration, the drive element 120 is positioned opposite the modulation element 133 in a neutral position, and neither shrinks nor expands the second internal space volume 115. Therefore, there is neither negative pressure nor overpressure in the second internal space volume 115. The modulation element 133 is also in a neutral position and covers not only the front opening 111 but also the rear opening 112.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an acoustic modulator 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a first state. The acoustic modulator 100 has a first state. In this first state, the modulation unit 130 releases a front opening 111 toward a second internal space volume 115. In the first state, the modulation unit 130 releases a rear opening 112 toward a first internal space volume. The drive element 120 expands the second internal space 115, resulting in an input volume flow into the second internal space volume 115 through the front opening 111.

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the acoustic modulator 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a second state is shown. In this state, the modulation unit 130 opens towards the front opening 111 of the first internal space volume 114. In this second state, the modulation unit 130 opens towards the rear opening 112 of the second internal space volume 115. The drive element 120 reduces the second internal space volume 115, resulting in an output volume flow exiting the second internal space volume 115 through the rear opening 112.

[0036] The sound modulator 100 also has a third state. In the third state, the modulation unit 130 alternates between releasing the front opening 111 towards the second internal space volume 115 and simultaneously releasing the rear opening 112 towards the first internal space volume 114, and between releasing the front opening 111 towards the first internal space volume 114 and simultaneously releasing the first rear opening 112 towards the second internal space volume 115, at a first frequency. In the third state, the driving element 120 alternates between expanding and shrinking the second internal space volume 115 at a second frequency. The first frequency is different from the second frequency.

[0037] The sound modulator 100 has a control unit (not shown here). The control unit is configured to operate the modulation unit 130 and the drive element 120. The control unit is configured to place the sound modulator 100 into a first state and a second state. The control unit is configured to switch between the first state and the second state at a constant frequency. The control unit is configured to place the sound modulator 100 into a third state. The control unit is configured to change the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency such that the difference conforms to a predetermined trend of change, particularly a predetermined audio signal.

[0038] The driving element 120 and the modulation unit 130 are arranged in the same plane. This simplifies the fabrication of the acoustic modulator 100 as a micromechanical system, since the fabrication must be carried out in only one plane.

[0039] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a sound modulator 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second embodiment has features similar to those of the first embodiment. The sound modulator 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has features similar to those of the sound modulator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The sound modulator 100 has a housing 110, a first driving element 120a, a second driving element 120b, a first modulation unit 130a, a second modulation unit 130b, and a third modulation unit 130c. The housing 110 has a first front opening 111a, a second front opening 111b, a third front opening 111c, a first rear opening 112a, a second rear opening 112b, and a third rear opening 112c.

[0041] A first modulation unit 130a is disposed within the internal space 113 of the housing 110, dividing the internal space 113 into a first internal space volume 114a and a second internal space volume 115a. The first modulation unit 130a is configured to close and open a first front opening 111a. The first modulation unit 130a is configured to close and open a first rear opening 112a. A first drive element 120a is disposed opposite to the first modulation unit 130a and defines the second internal space volume 115. The first drive element 120a is configured to reduce and / or expand the second internal space volume 115.

[0042] The second modulation unit 130b is disposed in the internal space 113 of the housing 110, and divides the internal space 113 into a third internal space volume 114b and a fourth internal space volume 115b. The second modulation unit 130b is configured to close and open the second front opening 111b. The second modulation unit 130b is configured to close and open the second rear opening 112b. The second drive element 120b is disposed opposite to the second modulation unit 130b and defines the fourth internal space volume 115b. The second drive element 120b is configured to reduce and / or expand the fourth internal space volume 115b.

[0043] A third modulation unit 130c is disposed within the internal space 113 of the housing 110, dividing the internal space 113 into a fifth internal space volume 114c and a sixth internal space volume 115c. The third modulation unit 130c is configured to close and open a third front opening 111c. The third modulation unit 130c is configured to close and open a third rear opening 112c. A second drive element 120b defines the fifth internal space volume 114c. The second drive element 120b is configured to reduce and / or expand the fifth internal space volume 114c.

[0044] The first drive element 120a is configured to reduce the second internal space volume 115a by arching the drive element toward the first modulation unit 130a. This is achieved, for example, by deflection using electrostatic force or by using a piezoelectric actuator. The first drive element 120a is also configured to expand the second internal space volume 115a by arching the first drive element away from the first modulation unit 130a. The first drive element 120a has a bendable wall configuration. The first drive element 120a is partially fastened to the housing 110. The second drive element 120b is configured to reduce the fourth internal space volume 115b by arching the drive element toward the second modulation unit 130b. The second drive element 120b is also configured to expand the fourth internal space volume 115b by arching the second drive element away from the second modulation unit 130b. The second drive element 120b has a bendable wall configuration. The second drive element 120b is partially fastened to the housing 110.

[0045] The first modulation unit 130a has a first front modulation element 131, a first rear modulation element 133, and a first fixing element 132. The first front modulation element 131 is fixedly connected to the first fixing element 132 via a first front modulation element end 131a. The first rear modulation element 133 is fixedly connected to the first fixing element 132 via a first rear modulation element end 133a. The first front modulation element 131 has a second front modulation element end 131b. The second front modulation element end 131b is configured to close and release the first front housing opening 111a. The first rear modulation element 133 has a second rear modulation element end 133b. The second rear modulation element end 133b is configured to close and / or release the first rear housing opening 112a. The second front modulation element end 131b and the second rear modulation element end 133b are respectively configured as free ends.

[0046] The second modulation unit 130b has a second front modulation element 134, a second rear modulation element 136, and a second fixing element 135. The second front modulation element 134 is fixedly connected to the second fixing element 135 via a third front modulation element end. The second rear modulation element 136 is fixedly connected to the second fixing element 135 via a third rear modulation element end. The second front modulation element 134 has a fourth front modulation element end. The fourth front modulation element end is configured to close and release the second front housing opening 111b. The second rear modulation element 134 has a fourth rear modulation element end 133b. The fourth rear modulation element end is configured to close and / or release the second rear housing opening 112b. The fourth front modulation element end and the fourth rear modulation element end are each configured as free ends.

[0047] The third modulation unit 130c has a third front modulation element 137, a third rear modulation element 139, and a third fixing element 138. The third front modulation element 137 is fixedly connected to the third fixing element 137 via a fifth front modulation element end. The third rear modulation element 139 is fixedly connected to the third fixing element 138 via a fifth rear modulation element end. The third front modulation element 137 has a sixth front modulation element end. The sixth front modulation element end is configured to close and release the third front housing opening 111c. The third rear modulation element 137 has a sixth rear modulation element end. The sixth rear modulation element end is configured to close and / or release the third rear housing opening 112c. The sixth front modulation element end and the sixth rear modulation element end are each configured as free ends.

[0048] Figure 7A schematic diagram of the sound modulator 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a first state is shown. The first driving element 120a and the second driving element 120b simultaneously perform the same movement. Except for the state in the first embodiment, the second internal space volume 115a expands due to the shrinkage of the first driving element, resulting in the expansion of the third internal space volume 114b. Simultaneously, the shrinkage of the fourth internal space volume 115b results in the expansion of the fifth internal space volume 114c. Due to the visible positions of the first modulation unit 130a, the second modulation unit 130b, and the third modulation unit 130c, fluid simultaneously flows into the second internal space volume 115a and the fourth internal space volume 115b. In this case, fluid simultaneously exits from the third internal space volume 114b and the fifth internal space volume 114c.

[0049] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the acoustic modulator 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a second state is shown. In addition to the second state in the first embodiment, the expansion of the first driving element causes the third internal space volume 114b to shrink. Simultaneously, the expansion of the fourth internal space volume 115b causes the fifth internal space volume 114c to shrink. Due to the visible positions of the first modulation unit 130a, the second modulation unit 130b, and the third modulation unit 130c, fluid simultaneously flows into the third internal space volume 114b and the fifth internal space volume 114c. In this case, fluid simultaneously exits from the second internal space volume 115a and the fourth internal space volume 115b.

[0050] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a sound modulator 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. A sound modulator 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention has features similar to those of the sound modulators according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention. The driving element 120 has a front deflection element 121, a rear deflection element 123, and a fastening element 122. The front deflection element 121 is fixedly connected to the fastening element 122 via a first front deflection element end 121a. The rear deflection element 123 is fixedly connected to the fastening element 122 via a first rear deflection element end 123a. The front deflection element 121 has a second front deflection element end 121b. The second front deflection element end 121b is configured as a free end. The rear deflection element 123 has a second rear deflection element end 123b. The second rear deflection element end 123b is configured as a free end.

[0051] Figure 10A schematic diagram of an acoustic modulator 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The acoustic modulator 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has a combination of features of the acoustic modulators 100 according to the second and third embodiments. The operating principle of the acoustic modulator 100 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the acoustic modulator 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a housing 110 of an acoustic modulator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The housing 110 has a front side and a rear side opposite to the front side. The housing 110 has an upper side and a lower side opposite to the upper side. The front side of the housing has a front opening, and the rear side of the housing has a rear opening. When the acoustic modulator 100 is in operation, i.e., when switching between a first state, a second state, or a third state, a volumetric flow is created from the front side of the housing 110 through the internal space of the housing toward the rear side of the housing 110.

[0053] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a modulation element 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this case, the modulation element 130 has a club-shaped cross-section extending from the first front modulation element end 131a toward the second front modulation element end 131b.

[0054] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a modulation element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this case, the first modulation element 131 has a T-shaped cross-sectional orientation.

[0055] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the end of the modulation element is shown. In this case, the first modulation element 131 has a tapered cross-sectional orientation.

[0056] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a modulation element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this case, the cross-sectional orientation of the modulation element is funnel-shaped.

[0057] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the housing 110 of an acoustic modulator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The housing 110 has a front side and a rear side opposite to the front side, as well as an upper side and a lower side opposite to the upper side. The front housing opening is arranged on the upper side. The rear housing opening is arranged on the lower side.

[0058] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the modulation element in two different states according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 17 The position of the front modulation element relative to the housing opening on the upper side of the housing 110 is shown in the first and second states.

Claims

1. A sound modulator (100) having: - Housing (110), the housing having a front opening (111-111f) and a rear opening (112-112f). -Drive element (120-120b), and - Modulation unit (130-130c). -in, The modulation unit (130-130c) is arranged in the internal space (113) of the housing (110) and divides the internal space (113) into a first internal space volume (114-114c) and a second internal space volume (115-115c). -The modulation unit (130-130c) is configured to close and release the front opening (111-111f). -The modulation unit (130-130c) is configured to close and release the rear opening (112-112f). - wherein the driving element (120-120b) is arranged opposite the modulation unit (130-130c) and defines the second internal space volume (115-115c), and -The driving element (120-120b) is configured to reduce and expand the second internal space volume (115).

2. A sound modulator (100), characterized in that, It has a first state, wherein, in the first state, - The modulation unit (130-130c) releases the front opening (111-111f) toward the second internal space volume (115-115c). - The modulation unit (130-130c) releases the rear opening (112-112f) toward the first internal space volume (114-114c), and - The drive element (120-120b) expands the second internal space volume (115) so that an input volume flow is generated that flows into the second internal space volume (115-115c) through the front opening (111-111f).

3. A sound modulator (100), characterized in that, It has a second state, wherein, in the second state, - The modulation unit (130-130c) releases the front opening (111-111f) toward the first internal space volume (114-114c). - The modulation unit (130-130c) releases the rear opening (112-112f) toward the second internal space volume (115-115c). - The drive element (120-120b) reduces the second internal space volume (115-115c) so that an output volume flow is produced from the second internal space volume (115-115c) through the rear opening (112-112f).

4. The acoustic modulator (100) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that, It has a control unit. -The control unit is configured to operate the modulation unit (130-130c) and the driving element (120-120b). -The control unit is configured to place the sound modulator (100) into the first state and the second state.

5. The acoustic modulator (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to switch between the first state and the second state at a constant frequency.

6. The acoustic modulator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It has a third state. -In the third state, the modulation unit (130-130c) alternates at a first frequency between releasing the front opening (111-111f) towards the second internal space volume (115-115c) and simultaneously releasing the rear opening (112-112f) towards the first internal space volume (114-114c), and between releasing the front opening (111-111f) towards the first internal space volume (114-114c) and simultaneously releasing the first rear opening (112-112f) towards the second internal space volume (115-115c). -In the third state, the driving element (120-120c) alternates between expanding and shrinking the volume of the second internal space (115-115c) at a second frequency, and - Wherein, the first frequency is different from the second frequency.

7. The acoustic modulator (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, - The control unit is configured to place the acoustic modulator (100) into the third state. -The control unit is configured to change the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency such that the difference conforms to a predetermined trend of change, in particular a predetermined audio signal.

8. A sound modulator (100), characterized in that, - The modulation unit (130-130c) includes a pre-modulation element (131, 134, 137), a post-modulation element (133, 136, 139), and a fixed element (132, 135, 138). - wherein the pre-modulation elements (131, 134, and 137) are fixedly connected to the fixed elements (132, 135, and 138) through the ends (131a, 134a, and 137a) of the first pre-modulation elements. - Wherein, the post-modulation elements (133, 136, 139) are fixedly connected to the fixed elements (132, 135, 138) through the ends (133a, 136a, 139a) of the first post-modulation elements. -The front modulation elements (131, 134, 137) have second front modulation element ends (131b, 134b, 137b), which are configured to close and release the front housing openings (111 to 111f). -The rear modulation elements (133, 136, 139) have a second rear modulation element end (133b, 136b, 139b), which is configured to close and release the front housing opening (111 to 111f).

9. The acoustic modulator (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, - The second front modulation element end (131b, 134b, 137b) and / or the second rear modulation element end (133b, 136b, 139b) are configured as free ends.

10. The acoustic modulator (100) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, - The second pre-modulation element ends (131b, 134b, 137b) have a larger cross-section than the first pre-modulation element ends (131a, 134a, 137a), and / or - The second post-modulation element end (133b, 136b, 139b) has a larger cross-section than the first post-modulation element end (133a, 136a, 139a).

11. A sound modulator (100), characterized in that, The drive element (120 to 120c) is constructed as a bendable beam supported on the housing (110).

12. The acoustic modulator (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The drive element (120 to 120c) is constructed as a beam clamped on both sides.

13. The acoustic modulator (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The driving elements (120 to 120c) are configured for, - Reduce the volume of the second internal space (115-115c) by arching the driving elements (120 to 120c) toward the modulation unit (130-130c), and - The second internal space volume (115-115c) is expanded by the driving element (120-120b) arching away from the modulation unit (130-130c).

14. The acoustic modulator (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The drive element (120 to 120c) is constructed as a beam with movable ends.

15. The acoustic modulator (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, - The drive element (120-120c) has a front deflection element (121, 124), a rear deflection element (123, 126) and a fastening element (122, 124). -The front deflection elements (121, 124) are fixedly connected to the fastening elements (122, 124) through the ends (121a, 124a) of the first front deflection elements. -The rear deflection elements (123, 126) are fixedly connected to the fastening elements (122, 124) through the ends (123a, 126a) of the first rear deflection elements. - wherein the front deflection elements (121, 124) have a second front deflection element end (121b, 124b) configured as a free end, and - wherein the rear deflection elements (123, 126) have a second rear deflection element end (123b, 126b) configured as a free end.

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