Device for sound generation

Abstract

A sound-generating device (20) for a vehicle (10), the device (20) comprising: an electric actuator (30); a sound-emitting surface (40), wherein the sound-emitting surface (40) consists of a plate (45) or at least comprises the plate (45), and wherein the sound-emitting surface (40) is connected to the electric actuator (30) by force, form and / or material connection; and a resonance tube (50), wherein the resonance tube (50) penetrates the sound-emitting surface (40), characterized in that the electric actuator (30) is arranged on the sound-emitting surface (40) and wherein the sound-emitting surface (40) is connected to the actuator (30) by force and the sound-emitting surface (40) is set into vibration by the actuator (30).

Description

Field of invention The invention relates to a device for generating sound, in particular for a vehicle. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method and a use. background Vehicles are often equipped with sound-generating devices, particularly loudspeakers. Some of these devices, especially so-called woofers or subwoofers, can be quite space-consuming and, in some cases, can lead to a cramped installation situation when combined with other vehicle components. JP S58195396A shows a loudspeaker for a vehicle, wherein the driver assembly is connected to a voice coil wound around a coil extending from the vehicle trim to cause a vibration of the vehicle trim in accordance with the audio signal. The JP H056734A shows an electronic pipe shaft gauge that is able to easily / accurately align a male form for measuring spindle wall thickness with a shaft-forming female form and to maintain the measurement accuracy of the wall thickness of a shaft to be manufactured at a constant level. WO 97 / 09842 A2 concerns a method for manufacturing an acoustic device, wherein selecting values ​​of the parameters results in the distribution of the natural resonance modes matching the required achievable acoustic effect of the element for the operation of the device over a desired frequency range, and manufacturing an element as at least one component of the device with the selected values. JP 2009 188 774 A shows a loudspeaker in which the loudspeaker effectively utilizes the back-radiation wave of a vibrator and, moreover, produces a stable sound quality regardless of the shape or capacity of the box in which the loudspeaker is installed. DE 10 2016 206 599 A1 concerns an audio system, wherein the audio system comprises at least one structure-borne sound transducer that is attached to a coupling surface. DE 10 2013 020 672 A1 shows a vehicle comprising a loudspeaker system, wherein the sound transducer is positioned on a cross member of the supporting structure, which is connected to two longitudinal members of the supporting structure, wherein a cavity of the cross member together with the cavities of the two longitudinal members forms the resonance chamber. Description The object of the invention is to provide a device for generating sound. This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description. According to a first aspect, a device for generating sound in a vehicle comprises an electric actuator and a sound-emitting surface. The sound-emitting surface consists of, or at least includes, a plate. The plate can be, for example, essentially flat, corrugated, concave, convex, and / or a mixture of these shapes. The sound-emitting surface is connected to the electric actuator by force, form, and / or material bonding. Furthermore, the device includes a resonance tube, which penetrates the sound-emitting surface. The electric actuator is arranged on the sound-emitting surface. The sound-emitting surface and the actuator are positively connected, and the actuator sets the sound-emitting surface into vibration. A sound-generating device converts electrical signals into sound waves. The vehicle in question could be, for example, a motor vehicle such as a car, bus, truck, or motorcycle, or it could also be a rail vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft. An electrical actuator converts electrical signals into movement, for example, movement along a central axis of the actuator. The actuator can utilize, for example, an electrodynamic, permanent magnet, electrostatic, and / or piezoelectric principle. A sound-emitting surface can be a planar structure that distributes movement, e.g., along a normal to the membrane, over at least a large portion of the sound-emitting surface. Depending on its design and frequency, the sound-emitting surface can move, for example, in a piston-like or wave-like manner. The sound-emitting surface can consist, for example, of a substantially flat plate, a corrugated, concave, or convex plate, and / or a plate exhibiting a mixture of these shapes, or at least of a plate with the aforementioned shapes. The plate can project beyond the sound-emitting surface. The sound-emitting surface can have one or more layers. According to the invention, the sound-emitting surface is connected to the electrical actuator by a force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material-fit connection.The sound-emitting surface can be bonded, welded, soldered, clamped, and / or screwed to the electric actuator, for example. The sound-emitting surface is therefore not a loudspeaker with a conical diaphragm, but rather a plate that can have various shapes and which is set into vibration by the actuator according to the invention. This plate can be an existing surface in the vehicle. An example of such an existing surface could be a sheet metal panel that, for example, forms part of the firewall and / or can serve as the end of a longitudinal member in the engine compartment. Furthermore, such a design can be particularly robust, for example, against mechanical damage. The resonance tube, or bass reflex tube, penetrates the sound-emitting surface of the device. The resonance tube is thus integrated into the sound-emitting surface, which is excited by the actuator. The resonance tube is designed to vibrate in sync with the sound-emitting surface. The resonance tube can be dimensioned, for example, by its length and cross-section, such that it determines the lower resonant frequency of the device. This design allows the sound generation device to be very compact and / or space-saving. Furthermore, it reduces weight. Practical experiments have also shown that the sound generation device can exhibit good to very good acoustic quality. In addition, the device is very well suited for integration into existing vehicle components. In some embodiments, the resonance tube is connected to the sound-emitting surface by force-fit, form-fit, and / or material bonding, and / or the resonance tube and the sound-emitting surface form a single, integral element. For example, the resonance tube can be bonded, welded, soldered, clamped, and / or screwed to the sound-emitting surface. The resonance tube and the sound-emitting surface can be manufactured as a single, integral element and / or supplied in this configuration. This can, for example, simplify the inventory management of the device's components. In some embodiments, the sound-emitting surface is acoustically connected to a volume that is at least partially formed by a cavity made up of parts of the vehicle's supporting components. Load-bearing components of a vehicle can be those that fulfill a function within the vehicle and are, in a sense, "already present" during the vehicle's design and manufacture. For example, load-bearing components can be longitudinal beams, which influence the vehicle's crash behavior and are therefore considered essential to its function, and thus often regarded as "already present." This design can advantageously result in a smaller space requirement for the sound generation device. This can significantly reduce the space required in the vehicle, especially for woofers or subwoofers. Furthermore, this design can contribute to high rigidity, for example, against resonance. In some embodiments, the sound-emitting surface acoustically seals the volume. This design can at least reduce or prevent acoustic short-circuiting, even at low frequencies. Furthermore, an interaction with the adjacent sealed volume can enable audio reproduction specifically tailored for bass frequencies. This allows, for example, the creation of sound generation devices that allow for the division into different frequency ranges (e.g., via a crossover network), thus enabling the use of components optimized for each of these frequency ranges. In some embodiments, the sound-emitting surface consists of, or incorporates, a lightweight and / or rigid material. This material is selected from a group that includes plastics, sheet metal, aluminum, wood, and / or composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), aramid fiber reinforced plastic (AFRP), and / or natural fiber reinforced plastic (NFRP). In some embodiments, the electric actuator is based on an electrodynamic, permanent magnet dynamic and / or piezoelectric principle. In one embodiment, the device is designed as a woofer. A sound-generating device, which is specifically designed for generating tones below 200 Hz, for example below 100 Hz, and especially below 60 Hz, is referred to, for example, as a woofer, bass box, and / or subwoofer. Such systems can be used, for example, to build a loudspeaker system with several specialized sound-generating devices—for example, together with tweeters and / or midrange drivers—and thus contribute to a very good listening experience. In one embodiment, the actuator is arranged within the outer contour of the volume. The actuator therefore does not protrude into the interior of the vehicle, but can be located behind a cover over the sound-emitting surface and / or, in a sense, "within" the volume. This is particularly advantageous when concealment of the devices is desired. In one embodiment, the actuator is arranged outside the outer contour of the volume. The actuator can be visible inside the vehicle and, for example, positioned in front of a panel covering the sound-emitting surface. This is particularly advantageous when visibility of the sound-generating devices is desired. Another aspect concerns a method for manufacturing a sound-generating device for a vehicle. The electric actuator is arranged on the sound-emitting surface. The sound-emitting surface is positively connected to the actuator, and the actuator sets the sound-emitting surface into vibration. The method comprises the following steps: - providing a volume that is at least partially formed by a cavity containing parts of the vehicle's load-bearing components; - providing a sound-emitting surface; - arranging an electric actuator on the sound-emitting surface; and - enclosing the volume with the sound-emitting surface. The provision of the volume can occur during the vehicle's manufacturing process, for example, by incorporating the load-bearing components. The provision of the sound-emitting surface and / or the placement of the electrical actuator can take place, for example, before, after, or during the provision of the volume. The placement of the electrical actuator on the sound-emitting surface can be achieved through a force-fit, form-fit, and / or material-fit connection, such as gluing, welding, soldering, clamping, and / or screwing. The sealing of the volume by the sound-emitting surface constitutes an acoustic seal. This seal can be achieved through a force-fit, form-fit, and / or material-fit connection. Another aspect concerns the use of a sound-generating device as described above and / or below, or a sound-generating device manufactured as described above and / or below, as a loudspeaker and / or as a woofer for a vehicle. For further clarification, the invention is described with reference to embodiments illustrated in the figures. These embodiments are to be understood as examples only, and not as limitations. Brief description of the characters Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle with a device according to one embodiment; Fig. 2a schematically shows a part of a device according to one embodiment; Fig. 2b schematically shows a part of a device according to the prior art; Fig. 3a schematically shows a device according to one embodiment; Fig. 3b schematically shows a device according to the prior art; Fig. 4 schematically shows a device according to a further embodiment; Fig. 5 schematically shows a device according to a further embodiment in a rear view; Fig. 6 schematically shows a manufacturing method according to one embodiment. Detailed description of embodiments Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 10 with a sound-generating device 20 according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 20 is arranged in a longitudinal member of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the device 20 is arranged in a front region of the vehicle 10; however, this is not to be understood as a limitation. The device can also be arranged in a rear or middle region of the vehicle. In particular, the device 20 can be arranged, at least partially, in load-bearing components of the vehicle 10. The device 20 has a sound-emitting surface 40, which is oriented towards an interior space of the vehicle 10. The sound-emitting surface 40 can be acoustically connected to a volume 60 and / or acoustically seal off the volume 60. Fig. 2a schematically shows a part of a sound-generating device 20 according to one embodiment. The part of the device 20 shown comprises the sound-emitting surface 40. It is clearly visible that the sound-emitting surface 40 consists of a plate 45 or at least has a plate 45. The plate 45 is shown as a substantially flat plate. However, the plate can also be, for example, corrugated, concave, convex, and / or have a mixture of these shapes or other shapes. Fig. 2b schematically shows a part of a prior art device. The device has a conical membrane 41, which is made, for example, of paper. Fig. 3a schematically shows a device 20 for sound generation according to one embodiment. It is clearly visible that a resonance tube 50 penetrates the sound-emitting surface 40. Fig. 3b schematically shows a device 21 according to the prior art. It is clearly visible that a resonance tube 51 is arranged next to a diaphragm 41. Fig. 4 schematically shows a device 20 for sound generation according to a further embodiment. A sound-emitting surface 40 is arranged at one end of a volume 60. The volume 60 can, for example, be located in a longitudinal member of the vehicle 10. The sound-emitting surface 40 can be acoustically connected to the volume 60 and / or acoustically seal off the volume 60. The sound-emitting surface 40 consists of a plate 45 or at least includes the plate 45. Besides the essentially flat shape shown, the plate 45 can also be, for example, corrugated, concave, convex, and / or have a mixture of these shapes or other shapes. The plate 45 can be larger than the sound-emitting surface 40 and, in particular, project beyond it.The parts extending beyond the sound-emitting surface 40 may still play a role in sound generation; however, these may be of lesser importance than a core area of ​​the sound-emitting surface (marked with reference numeral 40). The sound-emitting surface 40 is connected to an electrical actuator 30 by force-fit, form-fit, and / or material-fit connection. Furthermore, it is evident that a resonance tube 50 penetrates the sound-emitting surface 40. Fig. 5 schematically shows a device 20 for sound generation according to a further embodiment. The device 20 is shown in a rear view. The sound-emitting surface 40 consists of a plate 45 or at least includes the plate 45. As shown, the plate 45 can be larger than the sound-emitting surface 40 and, in particular, can project beyond it. An electric actuator 30 and a resonance tube 50 are arranged on the sound-emitting surface 40. It is evident that the resonance tube 50 penetrates the sound-emitting surface 40. Fig. 6 schematically shows a flowchart 70 of a method for manufacturing a sound-generating device 20 (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5) according to one embodiment. In step 71, a volume 60 is provided, which may be at least partially formed by a cavity containing parts of the load-bearing components of a vehicle 10. In step 72, a sound-emitting surface 40 is provided. In step 73, an electric actuator 30 is arranged on the sound-emitting surface 40 according to the invention. Step 71 can be performed, for example, before, after, or during steps 72 and / or 73. In step 74, the volume 60 is enclosed by the sound-emitting surface 40. List of reference symbols 10 Vehicle 20 Sound-generating device 21 Device 30 Actuator 40 Sound-emitting surface 41 Conical membrane 45 Flat plate 50 Resonance tube 51 Resonance tube 60 Volume 70 Flowchart 71 - 74 Steps

Claims

A sound-generating device (20) for a vehicle (10), the device (20) comprising: an electric actuator (30); a sound-emitting surface (40), wherein the sound-emitting surface (40) consists of a plate (45) or at least comprises the plate (45), and wherein the sound-emitting surface (40) is connected to the electric actuator (30) by force, form and / or material connection; and a resonance tube (50), wherein the resonance tube (50) penetrates the sound-emitting surface (40), characterized in that the electric actuator (30) is arranged on the sound-emitting surface (40) and wherein the sound-emitting surface (40) is connected to the actuator (30) by force and the sound-emitting surface (40) is set into vibration by the actuator (30). Device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the resonance tube (50) is connected to the sound-emitting surface (40) by force, form and / or material connection and / or the resonance tube (50) and the sound-emitting surface (40) form a single-piece element. Device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sound-emitting surface (40) is acoustically connected to a volume (60) which is at least partially formed by a cavity made of parts of the supporting parts of the vehicle. Device (20) according to claim 3, wherein the sound-emitting surface (40) acoustically seals the volume (60). Device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sound-emitting surface (40) consists of or comprises a light and rigid material, wherein the material is selected from a group of materials which includes plastic, sheet metal, aluminum, wood and / or composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic, CFRP, glass fiber reinforced plastic, GFRP, aramid fiber reinforced plastic, AFRP, and / or natural fiber reinforced plastic, NFRP. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical actuator (30) is based on an electrodynamic, permanent dynamic and / or piezoelectric principle. Device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (20) is designed as a woofer. Device (20) according to claim 3 or one of claims 4 to 7, each referring back to claim 3, wherein the actuator (30) is arranged within an outer contour of the volume (60). Device (20) according to one of claims 3 or one of claims 4 to 7, each referring back to claim 3, wherein the actuator (30) is arranged outside the outer contour of the volume (60). Method for manufacturing a sound-generating device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for a vehicle (10), wherein the electric actuator (30) is arranged on the sound-emitting surface (40) and wherein the sound-emitting surface (40) is force-fit connected to the actuator (30) and the sound-emitting surface (40) is set into vibration by the actuator (30), comprising the steps of: - providing a volume (60) which is at least partially formed by a cavity which has parts of the supporting parts of the vehicle (10); - providing a sound-emitting surface (40); - arranging an electric actuator (30) on the sound-emitting surface (40); and - closing off the volume (60) by the sound-emitting surface (40). Use of a sound generation device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 9 or a sound generation device (20) manufactured according to claim 10 as a loudspeaker and / or as a woofer for a vehicle (10).

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