Sound output devices

Abstract

Sound output device (10) with: a sound output unit (21) designed to output sound to an outside; a battery mounting unit (30) to which a power tool battery (B) is attached; and a housing (12) designed to support the sound output unit (21) and the battery mounting unit (30), wherein: the housing (12) has a first inner wall structure configured to define a first interior space (S1) that accommodates the sound output unit (21), and a second inner wall structure configured to define a second interior space (S3) different from the first interior space (S1), and the second inner wall structure is configured to resonate the sound output of the sound output unit (21); and the first interior space (S1) and the second interior space (S3) are separated from each other by a partition wall, and the partition wall has an elastic partition wall which is designed in such a way that that it is capable of vibrating when receiving the sound output of the sound output unit (21).

Description

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to sound output devices capable of emitting sound using a power tool battery as a power source.

[0002] EP 1 685 929 A1 discloses a storage container for a power tool with an integrated audio device. EP 2 541 814 A2, US 2005 / 0 225 288 A1, US 2005 / 0 078 834 A1, and CN 204 104 087 U disclose portable audio devices. WO 2013 / 051699 A1 discloses a mounting mechanism for an audio device.

[0003] On construction sites where interior finishing of houses or similar projects is carried out, battery-powered sound output devices, such as radios with speakers for enjoying music, are increasingly being used. These devices typically use power tool batteries as their power source (see, for example, Publication JP 2013-12984 A). The power tool batteries are rechargeable and are used not only in the sound output devices but also as the power source for the power tools used for interior finishing work. Some of these battery-powered sound output devices may also be compatible with and capable of use with portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, portable music players, and portable gaming machines.

[0004] The loudspeakers described above are used on interior construction sites where dust is likely to be stirred up. Therefore, to mitigate the harmful effects of dust, the loudspeakers employ a hermetic enclosure design to improve dust and water resistance. However, while this hermetic enclosure design does improve dust and water resistance, one of its drawbacks is that it can block out low-frequency sound. Consequently, listeners often complain about rather poor sound quality.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a battery-type sound output device that is capable of both a high level of dustproof / waterproof performance and of emitting sound of high tone quality without excluding low-frequency sound.

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, certain embodiments of the present invention feature a sound output device according to claim 1. The sound output device comprises a sound output unit that emits sound to an outside (an exterior), a battery mounting unit to which a power tool battery is attached, and a housing that supports the sound output unit and the battery mounting unit. The housing has a first inner wall structure that defines a first interior space that accommodates the sound output unit, and a second inner wall structure that defines a second interior space distinct from the first interior space. The second inner wall structure is configured to resonate (to vibrate or resonate with) the sound output of the sound output unit.

[0007] Thus, the sound output from the sound output unit in the first interior space can resonate in the second interior space (e.g., Helmholtz resonance), and the lower-pitched and longer-wavelength components of the emitted sound can be amplified to improve the sound effect. This improvement in sound effect creates resonance in the second interior space, which is distinct from the first interior space housing the sound output unit. Therefore, even if the second interior space is connected to the outside for resonance (communicating) and has an opening through which dust and water can enter from the outside, it acts as a buffer, preventing the dust and water from directly entering the first interior space through the opening. Accordingly, the sound output device exhibits high dust and water resistance and is capable of producing high-quality sound output.

[0008] From another perspective, the first and second inner wall structures within the enclosure can be arranged such that the first is located above and adjacent to the second. Thus, even if the second is connected to the exterior and allows dust and water to enter from the outside, gravity can prevent this ingress from the second interior. This further improves the dustproof / waterproof performance.

[0009] The first and second interior spaces are separated by a partition. This partition has an elastic element designed to vibrate when it receives the sound output from the sound output unit. Thus, the sound output in the first interior space is easily resonated in the second interior space by the vibration of the elastic partition, for example, via Helmholtz resonance. As a result, the lower-frequency and longer-wavelength components of the emitted sound can be amplified, and the overall sound effect can be efficiently improved.

[0010] According to another aspect, the housing may have a third inner wall structure that defines a third interior space containing the battery mounting unit. This third inner wall structure has an opening configured to allow communication between the third interior space and the exterior, and an opening / closing cover (or lid) configured to seal the opening, thus permitting opening and closing. A hermetic sealing structure is provided between an edge of the opening and an edge of the opening / closing cover and is configured to bring the edges into close contact when the opening / closing cover is closed.

[0011] Thus, when the opening / closing cover is closed, the third interior compartment is hermetically sealed, maintaining its dustproof and waterproof properties. This compartment contains a battery mounting unit to which a rechargeable power tool battery is detachably attached. This protects both the battery mounting unit and the power tool battery from dust and water. Consequently, failure of the battery type sound output device and the rechargeable power tool battery due to the ingress of such dust or water is prevented.

[0012] According to another aspect, the second interior space can be designed to accommodate a gadget, such as a small device and / or object. Alternatively, the second interior wall structure can have an opening that allows for the insertion of such a device. Other examples of such devices include portable electronic devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, portable music player, and portable gaming machine. The second interior space design allows these types of devices to be conveniently stored within the battery-powered sound output device.

[0013] According to another aspect, the second inner wall structure can have a door (flap) designed to open and close the second interior space from the outside. This door can improve the dustproof / waterproof properties of the second interior space. Furthermore, the door can prevent the device inside from falling out. The door can also have an opening designed to connect / mediate between the second interior space and the outside. This opening can enhance the effect of Helmholtz resonance within the second interior space. Consequently, the Helmholtz resonance within the second interior space can improve the sound quality.

[0014] According to another aspect, the battery-type sound output device may have a locking mechanism designed to lock the door in a selectively releasable manner. This prevents the theft of the device stored in the second interior compartment by locking the door.

[0015] According to another aspect, the enclosure, e.g., the door, can be provided with a cable exit section designed to allow a cable to be routed from inside the second interior compartment to the outside. Thus, an electrical cable, connected, for example, to an external power source, can be routed into the interior of the second compartment. Consequently, the portable electrical device stored in the second compartment can be recharged.

[0016] According to another aspect, the enclosure is equipped with an operating input unit (actuator) designed to allow the operation of a device, such as a portable electrical device, via radio communication. Thus, the operating input unit can control the device stored within the second compartment. Consequently, the device can be operated while stored within the second compartment.

[0017] Additional features / objectives, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be easily understood after reading the following detailed description together with the claims and the accompanying drawings, of which: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a loudspeaker seen from the front; Fig. 2. A perspective view of the loudspeaker seen from behind; Fig. 3 is a front view of the speaker; Fig. 4 a front view of the loudspeaker without a front surface frame; Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view along line VV in Fig. 2 is; Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Fig. 1 is; Fig. 7 is a top view of the loudspeaker; Fig. 8 a perspective view of the loudspeaker on which a portable electrical device is mounted, seen from the rear; Fig. 9 a perspective view of the loudspeaker with an open door seen from behind; Fig. 10. A left side view of the speaker with a cover open and a handle raised; and Fig. 11 a rear view of the speaker of Fig. 10 is.

[0018] In the following section of the disclosure, a sound output device according to one embodiment is described with respect to Fig. 1 to 11 are described. When describing a loudspeaker 10, reference is made to directions such as "front, back, top, bottom, right, and left" indicated in the drawings. The front direction is defined based on the sound output direction of the loudspeaker 10, and the top direction is defined based on the direction in which a handle 90 is raised (where the raised configuration in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 is shown).

[0019] The loudspeaker 10 is an example of a battery-type sound output device. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the loudspeaker 10 is a loudspeaker that emits sound using a power tool battery B as the power source. The loudspeaker 10 also has a housing 12, which essentially represents an outer cover. This housing 12 also serves as a first inner wall structure and a third inner wall structure, as described below.

[0020] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 12 is of an essentially cubic design. The loudspeaker 10 has a front surface 13, a rear surface 14, a top surface 15, a bottom surface 16, a right surface 17, and a left surface 18. The housing 12 also comprises a main body 40, a front surface frame 20, and an opening / closing cover 70. That is, the housing 12 is structurally formed by arranging three external components in the front / back direction and joining these components together.

[0021] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the main body of the enclosure 40 forms the upper surface 15, the lower surface 16, the right surface 17, and the left surface 18. That is, the main body of the enclosure 40 is open, and the loudspeaker is exposed (open) on the front and rear. The enclosure 12 has a front surface frame 20 that defines a portion of the front surface 13, which is located at a front surface opening 401 (shown in Figure 2). Fig. The housing main body 40 is mounted by screws (as shown in Figure 4). The front surface frame 20 section of the housing 12 effectively seals the perimeter of the front surface opening 401 of the housing main body 40 section of the housing 12. The housing 12 also has an opening / closing cover 70 that defines part of the rear surface 14, which is mounted on a rear surface opening 402 of the housing main body 40 (as shown in Figure 4). Fig. 10 is shown), where the opening / closing cover 70 closes the rear surface opening 402.

[0022] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the front surface frame 20 extends along and surrounds the upper, lower, left, and right edges of the main housing body 40 along their respective circumferences. An upper section 201 of the front surface frame 20 projects toward the uppermost section of the housing 12 when the handle is lowered. A lower section 202 of the front surface frame 20 projects toward the lowest section of the housing 12. The outer surfaces of the upper section 201 and the lower section 202 of the front surface frame 20 are covered with elastomer sections 291 and 292. A sound output unit 21 is mounted inside the central section of the front surface frame 20. The sound output unit 21 emits sound to the outside (the exterior). A mesh 293 is stretched over the middle section of the front surface frame 20 and allows easy transmission of sound.The sound output unit 21 and a control panel device 25 are mounted within recesses of the front surface frame 20. The four corners of the front surface frame 20 are fastened to the main housing body 40 by screws 28.

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the sound output unit 21 comprises a loudspeaker main body 22, a tweeter section 23, and a sub-drive section (underdrive section) with a circuit board 24. The loudspeaker main body 22 is integrally mounted to the front surface frame 20. This loudspeaker main body 22 contains a magnet, a voice coil, etc., for sound output and emits sound forward through the mesh 293. The tweeter section 23 primarily outputs sound in the high-frequency range. In contrast to the tweeter section 23, the loudspeaker main body 22 primarily outputs sound in the mid-frequency range. The sub-drive section 24 is configured to control the output of the loudspeaker main body 22 and the tweeter section 23.More precisely, the sub-control section 24 can perform different control operations with respect to the sound output of the main loudspeaker body 22 and the high-frequency loudspeaker section 23.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the control panel device 25 is mounted on the upper section of the front surface frame 20. The control panel device 25 is located above the sound output unit 21. The control panel device 25 has a control panel section 26 and a display section 27. The control panel section 26 can have eight control buttons (operating buttons or actuation buttons) 261 in a multi-row arrangement of buttons placed side by side. Each control button 261 can, in turn, send an operating input signal to a main control unit 42, which has a printed circuit board, by being pressed down, as described below. Non-limiting examples of the operating functions of the eight control buttons 261 include an on / off operation for pairing with a device via Bluetooth (registered trademark), an operation for resuming and stopping the paired device, and an operation for adjusting the output volume.Control panel section 26, with the structure of an arrangement of buttons as described above, is an example of the operating input unit. Control panel section 26 makes it possible to control a portable electrical device T (see . Fig. 8) to be operated via a main control unit 42, in which said main control unit has a printed circuit board as described above (see Fig. 4) Examples of portable electrical equipment T include all portable electrical devices capable of playing music files, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a portable music player, and a portable gaming machine.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the display section 27 is mounted on the front surface frame 20 and positioned below the control panel section 26. The display section 27 has three types of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit three colors: green, red, and blue. More precisely, the display section 27 has a green LED 271 located on the left, a red LED 272 located in the middle, and a blue LED 273 located on the right. The main control unit 42 is connected to the LEDs 271, 272, and 273 and controls each of the LEDs 271, 272, and 273 to turn on and illuminate or flash. More precisely, when the green LED 271 on the left side is switched on or lit, this indicates that an input device is connected with an external input port (second plug section / connector section 941), which represents an AUX or similar port, allowing sound / tone input.When the blue LED 273 on the right is lit, it indicates that the Bluetooth (registered trademark) device pairing process for allowing sound input from an external device has been completed. When the blue LED 273 on the right flashes every two seconds, it indicates that the Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing process is currently being performed and is ongoing by the control unit 42. When the blue LED 273 on the right flashes every two seconds, it indicates that the Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing process is in standby mode.

[0026] If the red LED 272 (as in Fig. 3 in the middle of control panel 27) flashes continuously, this indicates that the remaining battery capacity of the power tool battery B (see Fig. 6), which is attached to a battery mounting unit 30, is 5 percent or less. The red LED 272 in the center also flashes in response to the operation (activation) of each of the control buttons 261. For example, when the output volume is increased or decreased by pressing the control buttons 261, the red LED 272 in the center flashes at the time the button is pressed. When the volume buttons are pressed and the output volume has reached maximum or minimum, at which point further volume adjustment operation is impossible, the red LED 272 in the center turns on or illuminates.This indicator that the output volume has reached maximum or minimum can be cleared in an off state upon detection of a signal indicating that the volume control knob is no longer pressed down and has been released; or it can be cleared after a fixed period of time has elapsed following the detection of such a signal. Alternatively or additionally to the above configuration, the display section 27 can be configured to display numbers, letters, etc. For example, numbers and letters can be displayed depending on playback information about a music file or the like, which is transmitted by the portable electrical device T (see . Fig. 8) is displayed.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the main housing body 40 is provided with an internal partition 41 that divides the interior of the housing 12 into front and rear compartments. When positioned substantially centrally in the front-to-back direction of the interior of the housing 12, the internal partition 41 extends in a top-bottom / right-left plane to divide the interior of the housing 12 into front and rear compartments. A front compartment S1 is defined in front of the internal partition 41 to accommodate the sound output unit 21. A first interior compartment comprises the front compartment S1 and a rear compartment S2, which is described below. The main control unit 42 is provided on the front surface of the internal partition 41. The main control unit 42, which has a printed circuit board as described above, further includes a built-in radio / wireless communication module (on the printed circuit board).In an exemplary operating mode, the main control unit 42 operates the portable electrical device T based on operator input from the control panel section 26. The main control unit 42 receives sound output data from the portable electrical device T to cause sound output by the sound output unit 21. The radio communication module can enter short-range radio communication, which conforms to standards for generally low-power short-range radio communication, such as "Bluetooth (registered trademark)" or "ZigBee (registered trademark)".

[0028] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the battery mounting unit 30 is provided on the rear surface of the inner partition 41. The battery mounting unit 30 is designed to accommodate two types of power tool batteries B. The battery mounting unit 30 has a first battery mounting unit 31 on the left side and a second battery mounting unit 35 on the right side. The rear compartment S2, which accommodates the battery mounting unit 30, is defined on the rear (back) side of the inner partition 41. A third interior space comprises the rear compartment S2 and the front compartment S1.

[0029] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the first battery mounting unit 31 is designed to allow the sliding attachment of a relatively large power tool battery B (with an output voltage of, for example, 18 V or 14.4 V). In contrast, the second battery mounting unit 35 is designed to allow the sliding attachment of a relatively smaller power tool battery (battery not shown; with an output voltage of, for example, 10.8 V). The relatively large power tool battery B has a large number of cells, and the relatively smaller power tool battery has significantly fewer cells. While the batteries that are attached to and removed from the first battery mounting unit 31 and the second battery mounting unit 35 differ in size, both batteries are mounted in a sliding manner to either the battery mounting unit 31 or 35.The voltage supplied by the relatively large power tool battery B, which is attached to the first battery mounting unit 31, is reduced. The voltage supplied by the relatively small power tool battery, which is attached to the second battery mounting unit 35, is increased. As a result, the voltage supplied by the power tool battery is adjusted to a predetermined voltage (12 V) and is used for the sound output of the sound output device 21.

[0030] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the first battery mounting unit 31 and the second battery mounting unit 35 each have structural components with terminals 32 and 36, sliding guide sections 33 and 37, and female hooks 34 and 38 formed by recesses (recesses). The terminals 32 and 36 have connections 321 and 361, respectively, which can be connected to the terminal of the power tool battery B, which is slid into place. The sliding guide sections 33 and 37 engage with the sliding guide section of the power tool battery B in the sliding direction. A male hook of the power tool battery B, formed by a projection, engages with the female hooks 34 and 38 when the sliding installation of the power tool battery B is complete.

[0031] Only one power tool battery B can be attached to the first battery mounting unit 31 and the second battery mounting unit 35 at a time. For example, if an attempt is made to attach the power tool battery corresponding to battery mounting unit 35 (not shown) with an attached power tool battery (e.g., the one designated by symbol B of Fig. 11) to be attached, a housing corner section (e.g. the one indicated by reference numeral B1 of Fig. 11) of the power tool battery (e.g. the one indicated by symbol B of Fig. (as indicated in Figure 11) on a housing corner section of the power tool battery (not shown) when attempting to slide it in. Thus, it is impossible to attach both power tool batteries simultaneously. Power tool battery B is attached to the first battery mounting unit 31 by sliding it downwards from top to bottom. The electric battery can be discharged by using it as the power source for the loudspeaker 10. Power tool battery B is removed from battery mounting unit 31 by releasing the male hook from the female hook 34 and sliding it upwards from bottom to top. The discharged electric battery can be recharged using a dedicated charger. The electric battery corresponding to battery mounting unit 35 (not shown) can be removed and detached analogously by releasing the male hook from the female hook 38.

[0032] The power tool battery B, removed from the first battery mounting unit 31, can also be detachably attached to the main body of a power tool by sliding it relative to the main body. That is, the power tool battery B can be used as the power source for the power tool. Examples of power tools include a screwdriver, wrench, drill, reciprocating saw, chainsaw, band saw, jigsaw, circular saw, grinder, and stapler. Examples of the power tool battery B include the product "BL1830" in Makita's general catalog, published in April 2012.

[0033] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the opening / closing cover 70 opens and closes the rear compartment S2, which accommodates the battery mounting unit 30, with respect to the outside. When the opening / closing cover 70 is open to allow communication between the rear compartment S2 and the outside, the power tool battery can be installed and removed with respect to the battery mounting unit 30 located in the rear compartment S2. The lower edge 71 of the opening / closing cover 70 is pivotally connected to the main housing body 40 by a hinge pin 79. This hinge pin 79 is held against the main housing body 40. As shown in Figure 6, the opening / closing cover 70 is opened and closed with respect to the rear compartment S2. Fig. As shown in Figure 10, this opening / closing cover 70 is designed in a size that allows the power tool battery B to be removed from the battery mounting unit 30 when it is open. More precisely, the design and size of the opening / closing cover 70 are such that, when the opening / closing cover 70 is open, the top and rear surfaces of the power tool battery B, which is attached to the battery mounting unit 30, are completely exposed. Furthermore, when the opening / closing cover 70 is open, it exposes the right and left surfaces of the power tool battery B, allowing these surfaces to be gripped.

[0034] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the opening / closing cover 70 has a rear surface 731, which essentially comprises the entire rear surface 14 of the housing 12, an upper surface 732, which comprises part of the upper surface 15, a right surface 733, which comprises part of the right surface 17, and a left surface 734, which comprises part of the left surface 18. The design and size of the upper surface 732, the right surface 733, and the left surface 734 are such that, when the opening / closing cover 70 is open, the power tool battery B is exposed so that the power tool battery B can be grasped.In particular, when the opening / closing cover 70 is open, the male hook actuation section of the power tool battery and the lateral gripping surface of the power tool battery, which is attached to the battery mounting unit 30, are exposed on the outside. Thus, the power tool battery B can be removed from the battery mounting unit 30 by releasing the hook of the power tool battery B and sliding the power tool battery B out of the unit.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the rear surface 731 of the opening / closing cover 70 is formed with an opening 74 in its lower section. The opening 74 is located at the rear of an opening 63 of the resonance housing 50 (see Figure 9). Fig. 5) to expose the opening 63, which is located on the rear section of the resonance chamber 50, to the outside. Support sections 75 are located on both the right and left sides of the opening 74. The support sections 75 are continuous with the right and left surfaces 733 and 734 and extend downwards from the right and left surfaces 733 and 734. The support sections 75 are located in the lower central region of the rear surface 14 and are situated between the lower right and lower left perimeters of the rear surface 14, where the lower right and lower left perimeters of the rear surface 14 are defined by and integral with the lower regions of the right surface 17 and the left surface 18, respectively. A lower rim (a lower edge) 71 is provided on the lower section of each support section 75 and projects towards the opening 74 from the right and left surfaces 17 and 18.The hinge pin 79 extends between and through the two lower edges 71. Both ends of the hinge pin 79 are held in the lower right and lower left regions of the rear surface 14. As shown in . Fig. 2, Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, a snap-in (locking) mechanism 76 is provided on the front section of the upper surface 732 of the opening / closing cover 70.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the locking mechanism 76 secures the opening / closing cover 70 to the main housing body 40 in a closed position. The locking mechanism 76 has a support projection 761, a locking support section 763, and a locking main body 77. The support projection 761 extends upward from the upper surface 732 of the opening / closing cover 70. One end of the locking support section 763 is connected to the support projection 761 via a shaft, allowing it to rotate with respect to the support projection 761. The other end of the locking support section 763 is connected to the locking main body 77 via a shaft, allowing it to rotate with respect to the locking main body 77. The main locking body 77 has a handle 771 near the shaft connection of the locking support section 763 and has a hook 773 on the opposite side of the main locking body 77.The hook 773 is designed to be able to lock the main body hook 45 on the upper surface of the housing main body 40.

[0037] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the locking support section 763 rotates relative to the support projection 761 when the handle 771 is pulled to displace the main locking body 77. Corresponding to the rotation of the locking support section 763, the hook 773 of the main locking body 77 is locked or unlocked relative to the main body hook 45. The main locking body 77 has an upper surface 775. The upper surface 775 is oriented such that it extends in the horizontal direction when the hook 773 is locked to the main body hook 45. A retaining rubber 78 is mounted on the upper surface of the upper surface 775. The retaining rubber 78 is made of an elastic material, such as a rubber resin. Notches are formed on the upper surface of the retaining rubber 78. The retaining rubber 78 generates a high frictional force (holding force) due to its elasticity and surface notches. Thus, as in Fig. Figure 8 shows the portable electrical device T, which is installed on the mounting rubber 78, held in a stable manner without major deviations in movement with respect to the mounting rubber 78 in place.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, a sealing structure is provided between the edge 43 of the main housing body 40 and the edge 72 of the opening / closing cover to bring the edges 43 and 72 into close contact with each other when the opening / closing cover 70 is closed. The edge 43 of the main housing body 40 rests against the edge of a rear surface opening 402 of the main housing body 40. The sealing structure creates a seal between the edge 43 and the edge 72 by utilizing the sealing properties of, for example, a sealing ring (a sealing plate). More precisely, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a groove (recess) 431 is formed along the edge 43 of the main housing body 40, and a section of a rubber sealing ring (a rubber sealing plate) 432 is inserted into the groove 431. In the closed state, the rubber sealing ring 432 is held in close contact with the edge 72 of the opening / closing cover 70.

[0039] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the opening / closing cover 70 is rotatably connected to the main housing body 40 by a hinge pin 79. The main housing body 40 supports the hinge pin 79 near its rear end and near the lower end of the housing 12. The center of gravity of the closed opening / closing cover 70 is located above and on the front side of the hinge pin 79. Thus, due to the center of gravity, the weight of the closed opening / closing cover 70 acts directionally, causing the cover to rotate forward and holding it in the closed position. Both the right and left sections of the main housing body 40, located near the hinge pin 79, are covered with an elastomer 69 similar to the elastomer 292 of the lower section of the front surface frame 20.

[0040] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a resonance enclosure 50 is provided below the front chamber S1 and the rear chamber S2. The resonance enclosure 50 has an interior space that is a resonance chamber S3. The resonance chamber S3 is defined such that it is separated from the front chamber S1 and the rear chamber S2. The resonance enclosure 50 has a first box-shaped component 51 and a second box-shaped component 61, which are arranged on the front and rear sides, respectively. The first box-shaped component 51 and the second box-shaped component 61 form the resonance chamber S3. The resonance chamber S3 comprises the interior space of the first box-shaped component 51 and the interior space of the second box-shaped component 61. The first box-shaped component 51 essentially has a box shape to define the resonance chamber S3, such that it separates the resonance chamber S3 from the front chamber S1.More precisely, the first box-shaped component 51 is designed as a rectangular tube with a bottom, an upper wall 511, a front wall 512, a right wall 513, a left wall 514 and a lower wall 515.

[0041] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the rear section of the first box-shaped component 51 is open, allowing its interior to be fully connected to the interior of the second box-shaped component 61. The lower wall 515 is in surface contact with the inner bottom surface 44 of the main housing body 40. The upper wall 511, the front wall 512, the right wall 513, and the left wall 514 act as partitions to separate the resonance chamber S3 (second interior space) from the front chamber S1 (first interior space). The first box-shaped component 51 and the second box-shaped component 61 form a second interior wall structure that defines the second interior space. The front chamber S1 and the resonance chamber S3 are separated from each other by the first box-shaped component 51 (resonance chamber 50) and are adjacent to each other.

[0042] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the second box-shaped component 61 is essentially a right-angled tube that separates the resonance chamber S3 from the rear chamber S2. More precisely, as shown in Figure 6, it is a Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the second box-shaped component 61 is designed as a rectangular tube with an upper wall 611, a right wall 613, a left wall 614, and a lower wall 615. The front section of the second box-shaped component 61 is open, so that it is continuous with the interior of the first box-shaped component 51. An opening 63 is formed in the rear section of the second box-shaped component 61, which allows the interior of the second box-shaped component 61 to communicate with the exterior. The upper wall 611, the right wall 613, and the left wall 614 act as partitions that separate the resonance chamber S3 (second interior space) from the rear chamber S2 (third interior space).

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first box-shaped component 51 and the second box-shaped component 61 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction and are connected to each other by screws 60. The first box-shaped component 51 and the second box-shaped component 61 are seamlessly connected and, as a whole, form a rectangular tube with a bottom. More precisely, the upper walls 511 and 612 are seamlessly connected. The right walls 513 and 613 are seamlessly connected. The left walls 514 and 614 are seamlessly connected. The lower walls 515 and 615 are also seamlessly connected. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a double lower wall 65 is located below the lower wall 615 of the second box-shaped component 61. As shown, the double lower wall 65 is essentially parallel to the lower wall 615. The rear section of the lower wall 615 and the rear section of the double lower wall 65 are connected to each other.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a circular opening 53 is formed in the upper wall 511 of the first box-shaped component 51. A drone cone 55 is installed in the circular opening 53 to close it. The drone cone 55 acts as an elastic partition, forming part of the wall separating the resonance chamber S3 (second interior space) from the front chamber S1 (first interior space). Also referred to as a passive loudspeaker, the drone cone 55 oscillates (vibrates) when it receives the sound emitted by the main loudspeaker body 22. The drone cone 55 is made of an elastic material that readily resonates in accordance with the sound output. For example, the elastic material could be a rubber resin.The resonating cone 55 comprises a circular flat disk 551 and a curved (arched) section 552, which is integrally formed with the circular flat disk 551, such that it extends along the outer circumference of the circular flat disk 551. The curved section 552 is of a curved design that allows slight elastic deformation, so that the circular flat disk 551 can be easily subjected to resonance.

[0045] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, an opening 63 is provided at the rear end of the resonance housing 50. The opening 63 allows the interior of the resonance housing 50 to communicate with the exterior. Small objects (articles) can be housed in the resonance chamber S3 located within the resonance housing 50. Examples of such small objects include a portable electronic device T, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a portable music player, and a portable gaming machine. The resonance chamber S3 is sized to accommodate a smartphone with a 6-inch display screen. Such a portable electronic device T can be placed in and removed from the resonance chamber S3 of the resonance housing 50 (second box-shaped component 61) via the opening 63.A door (flap) 80 is provided on the rear bottom section of the loudspeaker 10, which is positioned on the bottom section of the opening / closing cover 70, for opening and closing the opening 63 when the opening / closing cover 70 is in a closed position. The resonance chamber S3 is opened to the outside by opening the door 80. A damping mat 67 is mounted on the lower walls 515 and 615 and positioned inside the resonance chamber S3. The damping mat 67 can mitigate the shock wave on the portable electrical device T.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the door 80 has a door body 81 which is mounted by the hinge pin 79 so that it allows opening and closing with respect to the opening / closing cover 70. The lower edge 82 of the door body 81 is rotatably mounted by the housing main body 40 via the hinge pin 79. The hinge pin 79 mounts the opening / closing cover 70 so that it allows opening with respect to the housing main body 40. The hinge pin 79 also mounts the door body 81 of the door 80 so that it allows opening and closing with respect to the opening / closing cover 70. The hinge pin 79 is mounted by the housing main body 40 near the lower rear end of the housing 12. An opening 83 is formed in the central section of the door body 81 and extends vertically through the left-to-right plane of the door body 81. The opening has a size and design that corresponds to that of the opening 63 of the resonance housing 50.As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 2, when the opening / closing cover 70 is in the closed position and the door 80 is in the closed position, the opening 74 (see Figure 2) Fig. 9) and the opening 83 is located in the rear area, which corresponds to the opening 63 of the resonance chamber 50. Thus, the openings 63, 74 and 83 overlap each other, enabling the resonance chamber S3 to be linearly connected to the outside via the openings 63, 74 and 83.

[0047] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the resonance chamber S3 is permeable to air through opening 63 and opening 83 (first through-hole section). A mesh component 85 is attached to opening 83 of the door body 81. The mesh component 85 is designed as a net-like material that is suitably permeable to air. Although the mesh component 85 allows outside air to flow into the resonance chamber S3, it prevents a human finger or the like from being inserted into the resonance chamber S3. A cable exit section 84, through which a cable C runs, as shown in Figure 9, is also present. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the opening / closing cover 70 and the door 80 are defined, allowing the door 80 to sit flush against the opening / closing cover 70 despite the passage of the cable. As shown, the cable exit section 84 is located in the (adjacent) area to the left side of the opening 74. The cable C can be connected to the portable electrical device T, for example, when the portable electrical device T needs to be recharged. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, cable C has a main body-side connector C1 at one end. As shown in Figure 1. Fig. As shown in Figure 5, cable C has a portable electrical device T-side connector C2 at the other end. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the connecting cable C is pulled out from the resonance chamber S3 to the outside via the cable exit section 84. The cable exit section 84 (second through-hole section) has a first cutout section 841, which is provided in the door body 81, and a second cutout section 842, which is provided in the opening / closing cover 70. The first cutout section 841 and the second cutout section 842 are positioned opposite each other and, when the door body 81 is against the cover 70, form a complementary composite space to allow the cable C to pass through.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first cutout section 841 (second through-hole section) is designed to cut out from the left side of the opening 83 to the left edge of the door body 81. The cutout depth of the first cutout section 841 increases as it extends towards the left side. The second cutout section 842 (second through-hole section) is designed to cut out the support section 75 on the left side of the opening / closing cover 70. The cutout depth of the second cutout section 842 decreases as it extends towards the left side. The speaker 10 has a locking device that locks the door 80 in the closed position and a keyhole 88 that actuates the locking device.A key is inserted into the keyhole 88 and turned relative to the keyhole 88 to actuate the locking device, causing the locking device to either keep the door 80 in the closed position or to release the locked door 80. The locking device can lock the door 80 directly to the main housing body 40 in the closed position. Alternatively, the locking device can lock not only the door 80 in the closed position, but also the opening / closing cover 70 to the main housing body 40 in the closed position. As a result, the door 80 can be prevented from being opened freely. A recess 86 is formed in the rear surface 14 and is located above the door 80 and above the opening 63. The recess 86 facilitates ease of use for a user of the device, allowing the user to insert a finger into the recess 86 to grasp the upper edge of the door 80.Additionally, a recess 87 is formed in the upper area of ​​the rear surface 14. This recess 87 also facilitates ease of use for the user of the device, as the user can insert their fingers into the recess 87 to grasp and operate the handle 90 when gripping the handle 90.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the handle 90 is mounted on the upper surface 15 of the housing 12. The handle 90 can be gripped by hand when carrying the speaker 10. The handle 90 has a handle body 91 that is rotatably connected to the upper section of the housing body 40 by means of shaft connecting elements 92. When not in use, the handle 90 can be stored in accordance with the essentially cubic design of the housing 12. The housing 12 is provided with three connector sections 931, 941, and 951. The first connector section 931 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector. The cable C can be connected to the first connector section 931. Electrical power from the power tool battery B, which is attached to the battery mounting unit 30, is supplied to the portable electrical device T through the first connector section 931 and the cable C.As a result, the portable electrical device T can be recharged. The second connector section 941 is an external input port, such as an AUX port. The portable electrical device T can be connected to the second connector section 941 by a cable attached to it. As a result, the portable electrical device T can transmit sound output data to the main control unit 42, even if it lacks radio communication capabilities. The third connector section 951 is an external input or output port, such as a headphone jack. When headphones are connected to the third connector section 951, the user can enjoy sound output solely through the headphones, without relying on the speaker output.

[0050] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the first to third connector sections 931, 941 and 951 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction on the left surface 18 of the housing 12. The first to third connector sections of 931, 941 and 951 are each provided with cover sections 932, 942 and 952. When the first to third connector sections 931, 941, and 951 are not used, the cover sections 932, 942, and 952 cover them to protect them. The cover sections 932, 942, and 952 are integrally connected to the main body of the housing 40 via hinge sections 933, 943, and 953, which are fixed to the lower edge of the cover sections 932, 942, and 952. The hinge sections 933, 943, and 953 are formed from thin-walled resin so that they act as hinges. A recess 935 is formed in the left surface 18.This recess 935 supports ease of use of the hinges, where a user's finger can be inserted into the recess 935 to hook the finger on the upper edges of the cover sections 932, 942 and 952, which facilitates the opening of the cover sections 932, 942 and 952.

[0051] The Speaker 10 offers several advantages compared to existing speakers. For example, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the enclosure 12 contains the resonance chamber S3, which is subdivided by the front chamber S1. The front chamber S1 houses the loudspeaker main body 22. The dedicated compartment containing the resonance chamber S3 acts as a resonator, causing resonance of the sound output from the loudspeaker main body 22. The resonance chamber S3 can cause the sound output from the loudspeaker main body 22 in the front chamber S1 to undergo Helmholtz resonance within the resonance chamber S3 and can amplify the lower-frequency and longer-wavelength components of the output sound to improve the sound produced. The resonance chamber S3 is connected to the outside via the communication (connection) mechanism described above, thus allowing for resonance with the outside. Therefore, even with the presence of a mesh screen, etc., there remains a possibility of dust and water ingress from the outside into the resonance chamber S3.Since the resonance chamber S3 and the front chamber S1 are designed separately, direct penetration of even remaining dust and water into the front chamber S1 can be suppressed.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the resonance chamber S3 can be connected to the outside, allowing dust and water to penetrate from the outside. The juxtaposition of S1, S2, and S3 is shown, where the front chamber S1 adjoins the resonance chamber S3 on its upper side. This prevents dust and water in the resonance chamber S3 from penetrating the front chamber S1, as the dust and water in the resonance chamber S3 are subject to the effects of gravity. Furthermore, the front chamber S1 and the resonance chamber S3 are designed to be separated from each other by the housing 12 and the resonance chamber 50. The front chamber S1, which houses the main loudspeaker body 22, can be hermetically sealed by the presence of the upper wall 511 of the resonance chamber 50, which forms a barrier to S3. The configuration described above can improve the dustproof / waterproof performance of the front chamber S1.The resonance chamber S3 adjoins the front chamber S1 while being separated from it, so that, while providing a dust / waterproof effect, the sound output in the front chamber S1 can be resonated in the resonance chamber S3 by Helmholtz resonance.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the resonance cone 55 is designed to vibrate when receiving sound output from the loudspeaker body 22. The vibrating resonance cone 55 can easily resonate the sound output in the front chamber S1 in a manner similar to Helmholtz resonance. Consequently, the sound effect can be effectively enhanced by amplifying the lower frequencies of the emitted sound. That is, the resonance chamber S3 can provide an effect similar to that of a bass reflex mechanism. For example, a sound with a frequency of 100 Hz can be amplified by 3 dB. Furthermore, a sound with a frequency in an audible range lower than a sound at the audible / audio frequency can be attenuated. Thus, the loudspeaker 10 can output sound with high sound quality while simultaneously improving its dustproof / waterproof performance.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a rubber sealing ring 432 is provided between the edge 43 of the main housing body 40 and the edge 72 of the opening / closing cover 70. The rubber sealing ring 432 brings the edges 43 and 72 into close contact when the opening / closing cover 70 is closed. The rubber sealing ring 432 hermetically seals the front compartment S1 and the rear compartment S2 in the housing 12 when the opening / closing cover 70 is closed. Thus, the sealing ring further improves the dustproof / waterproof performance of the front compartment S1 and the rear compartment S2 in the housing 12. The rear compartment S2 contains the battery mounting unit 30, to which and from which the power tool battery B is attached and detached. Thus, the battery mounting unit 30 and the power tool battery B are protected from dust and water. This can suppress failure of speaker 10 or power tool battery B.

[0055] The resonance chamber S3 is designed to accommodate the portable electronic device T, for example, a 6-inch smartphone. Providing such a storage device, in addition to a cable exit provision, including the special structure described above, can further enhance the user-friendliness of the loudspeaker 10. The door 80 can improve the dustproof / waterproof properties of the interior of the resonance chamber S3. The door 80 is designed with an opening 83 that allows ventilation between the resonance chamber S3 and the exterior with a fitted mesh, as described above. Thus, due to this unique structural design, the loudspeaker 10, like a bass reflex mechanism, can easily induce Helmholtz resonance in the resonance chamber S3.

[0056] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9 and previously described, the loudspeaker 10 has a locking device that locks the door 80 in the closed position and a keyhole 88 for actuating the locking device. This locking device provides a security-enhancing feature for the loudspeaker 10, whereby the door 80, locked in the closed position, can prevent the portable electrical device T from being stolen from inside the resonance chamber S3. As described above, the door 80 is provided with a cable exit section 84, which makes it possible to lead a cable C from inside the resonance chamber S3 to the outside. Thus, the cable C, which is connected to the first plug section 931, can be routed into the interior of the resonance chamber S3. As a result, the portable electrical device T, which is stored in the resonance chamber S3, can be recharged. As described in Figure 9, the door 80 is equipped with a cable exit section 84, which makes it possible to lead a cable C from inside the resonance chamber S3 to the outside. Fig.As shown in Figure 1, the housing 12 is provided with a control panel section 26, which allows operation of the portable electrical device T via radio communication. Thus, the portable electrical device T, which is stored in the resonance chamber S3, can also be operated using the control panel section 26.

[0057] The housing 12 can also have a configuration other than the essentially cubic one described above. As described above, the housing 12 has three partition components: the main housing body 40, the front surface frame 20, and the opening / closing cover 70. Alternatively, the housing 12 can have another suitable partition configuration. The resonance chamber S3 can be located above and adjacent to the front chamber S1, as described above. Alternatively, the resonance chamber S3 can be located at a vertically central position within the front chamber S1. In this configuration, the door 80 can be located above the bottom surface or the elastomers 292 and 69 that contact the bottom surface.This design can improve the dustproof / waterproof properties of the interior of the resonance chamber S3, since the resonance chamber S3 is separated from the dust on the floor surface.

[0058] As described above, the resonance enclosure 50 can be equipped with the damping cone 55. Alternatively, the resonance enclosure 50 can be equipped without the damping cone 55. For example, the damping cone 55 can be omitted, and the first interior space (front chamber S1) and the second interior space (resonance chamber S3) can be adjacent to each other, with the first and second interior spaces arranged in such a way that they are only partially connected or separated. Even in this configuration, the first and second interior spaces are defined as distinct spaces. Thus, even if the second interior space is connected to the outside for resonance and dust and water can penetrate from the outside, the dust and water cannot directly enter the first interior space.

[0059] In the second interior space, a labyrinthine structure can be provided, if appropriate. For example, the resonance chamber S3 has an opening at its rear end, where the door 80 is located. A connection is established between the resonance chamber S3 and the front chamber S1 in front of and above the resonance chamber S3. That is, the passage leading from the outside, through the second interior space, to the first interior space is not a simple straight passage, but has a labyrinthine structure. As a result, dust and water do not easily enter the first interior space from the second interior space. Alternatively, the second interior space (resonance chamber), which is of a suitable design and does not have a reverberation cone 55, can be provided between the door 80 and the first interior space. Furthermore, the second interior space can have a shape that prevents dust and water from flowing from the door 80 into the first interior space.

[0060] As described above, the loudspeaker 10 has the door 80 for opening and closing the resonance chamber S3 with respect to the outside. Thus, the door 80 prevents the ingress of dust and water into the resonance chamber S3.

[0061] The resonance chamber 50 can be configured in a suitable way. For example, in the embodiment described above, the second box-shaped component 61 can separate the first interior space (space S1, S2) and the second interior space (resonance chamber S3) from each other. The damping cone 55 also acts to separate the first and second interior spaces. Instead of this configuration, a different configuration, design, or material can be used to separate the first and second interior spaces.

[0062] The embodiment described above comprises space S1, which houses the sound output unit, and space S2, which houses the battery mounting unit 30, with space S1 and space S2 being interconnected. Alternatively, a suitable partition separating space S1 and space S2 may be provided between them. Space S1 and space S2 may be interconnected with any other space.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, electrical power is supplied by the power tool battery. Alternatively or additionally, electrical power can be supplied by the household AC power source.

[0064] The embodiment described above is specified as a sound output device in which the focus is on sound output. Alternatively, the embodiment can consist of an electrical product to which the battery-type sound output device described above is applied and into which it can be incorporated. For example, it can be a radio or a telephone with a battery-type sound output device, such as the loudspeaker 10. Alternatively, it can be a radio with a battery-type sound output device and with a transmitter / receiver unit configured for transmitting / receiving sound (sound data) via radio communication. Alternatively, it can be a telephone with a battery-type sound output device and with a transmitter / receiver unit configured for transmitting / receiving sound (sound data) via radio communication.

[0065] The various examples described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings are intended to be representative of the invention and are therefore not limiting. The detailed description is intended to teach a person skilled in the art to implement, use, and / or apply various aspects of the teachings presented here and is therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, each of the additional features and teachings disclosed above can be used separately or in combination with other features and teachings to provide improved battery-type sound output devices and / or methods for implementing / manufacturing and using the same.

[0066] It is explicitly emphasized that all features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are to be considered separate and independent of one another for the purposes of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, irrespective of the combinations of features in the embodiments and / or the claims. It is explicitly stated that all range specifications or specifications of groups of units disclose every possible intermediate value or subgroup of units for the purposes of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, in particular also as a boundary of a range specification.

Claims

[1] Sound output device (10) with: a sound output unit (21) designed to output sound to an outside; a battery mounting unit (30) to which a power tool battery (B) is attached; and a housing (12) designed to support the sound output unit (21) and the battery mounting unit (30), wherein: the housing (12) has a first inner wall structure configured to define a first interior space (S1) that accommodates the sound output unit (21), and a second inner wall structure configured to define a second interior space (S3) different from the first interior space (S1), and the second inner wall structure is configured to resonate the sound output of the sound output unit (21); and the first interior space (S1) and the second interior space (S3) are separated from each other by a partition wall, and the partition wall has an elastic partition wall which is designed in such a way that that it is capable of vibrating when receiving the sound output of the sound output unit (21). [2] Sound output device (10) of claim 1, wherein the first inner wall structure and the second inner wall structure are provided in the housing (12) such that the first interior space (S1) is above and adjacent to the second interior space (S3). [3] Sound output device (10) of one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the housing (12) has a third inner wall structure configured to define a third interior space (S2) containing the battery mounting unit (30), the third interior wall structure has an opening (402) configured to cause the third interior space (S2) to communicate with the exterior, and an opening / closing cover (70) configured to close the opening (402) so that it allows opening and closing, and a sealing structure is provided between an edge (43) of the opening (402) and an edge (72) of the opening / closing cover (70) and is designed to bring the edges (43 and 72) into close contact with each other when the opening / closing cover (70) is closed. [4] Sound output device (10) of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second interior space (S3) is configured to be able to contain a device. [5] Sound output device (10) of one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second inner wall structure has a door (80) configured to open and close the second interior space (S3) with respect to the outside. [6] Sound output device (10) of claim 5, wherein the door (80) has an opening (402) designed to connect between the second interior space (S3) and the outside. [7] Sound output device (10) of claim 5 or 6, further comprising a locking device designed to releasably lock the door (80). [8] Sound output device (10) of one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the housing (12) is provided with a cable exit section (84) which is designed to allow a cable (C) to be guided from inside the second interior space (S3) to the outside. [9] Sound output device (10) of one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (12) is provided with an operating input unit (26) configured to operate a device, such as a portable electrical device, via radio communication, wherein the operating input unit has an arrangement of buttons (261). [10] Sound output device (10) of one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the power tool battery (B) which is capable of supplying electrical power to the sound output unit (21). [11] Sound output device (10) of one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sound output unit (21) comprises a magnet and a voice coil. [12] Sound output device (10) of one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the battery mounting unit (30) has an electrical contact connection and a female hook formed by recesses for mounting the battery (B). [13] Sound output device (10) of one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sound output unit (21) further comprises a loudspeaker main body (22), a tweeter (23) and a sub-control section (24), wherein the sub-control section (24) comprises a printed circuit board configured to control the output of the loudspeaker main body (22) and the tweeter (23). [14] Sound output device (10) of one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the battery mounting unit (30) further comprises a sliding guide section (33) with a flange for mounting, interlocking and guiding the sliding of the battery (B) into and out of the device (10).

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