Flat loudspeaker module and arrangement having sound-influencing modules

Abstract

The present invention discloses a flat loudspeaker module (1) having a loudspeaker module housing (2) and at least one loudspeaker driver (7), wherein the at least one loudspeaker driver (7) in each case has a loudspeaker chassis (8), a diaphragm (12) and a magnet driver (9) which is coupled to the diaphragm (12) for the purpose of exciting vibrations and is arranged in front of the diaphragm (12) on the loudspeaker front side forming the sound outlet side. The loudspeaker chassis (8) has fastening means (13) for fastening the loudspeaker to the loudspeaker module housing (2) on the loudspeaker rear side diametrically opposite the sound outlet side.

Description

[0001] Flat speaker module and arrangement with sound-influencing modules

[0002] The invention relates to a flat loudspeaker module with a loudspeaker module housing and at least one loudspeaker driver, wherein the at least one loudspeaker driver has a loudspeaker chassis, a membrane and a magnetic driver coupled to the membrane for vibration excitation, which magnetic driver is arranged in front of the membrane on the loudspeaker front side forming the sound outlet side.

[0003] The invention further relates to an arrangement with a plurality of separately functional sound-influencing modules which have a flat module housing with a depth that is the same for all sound-influencing modules, such as, for example, a flat loudspeaker arrangement with a frame in which at least one such flat loudspeaker module is accommodated.

[0004] There is a need for flat speaker modules that can be hung on the wall while ensuring outstanding sound quality.

[0005] Flat speaker drivers are necessary for this.

[0006] DE 41 26 121 A1 discloses a dynamic loudspeaker, in particular for use in motor vehicles, comprising a loudspeaker chassis carrying a conical membrane, in the centre of which is located a moving voice coil which engages in an air gap between magnetic poles of a permanent magnet arranged in the conical membrane on the side of the sound outlet.

[0007] DE 47089 A discloses a flat panel loudspeaker in which the magnetic driver is arranged in front of the concave side of the diaphragm, as completely as possible within the diaphragm cavity. The diaphragm driver is positioned within the diaphragm cavity on the concave side. WO 2010 / 142315 A1 describes a loudspeaker with a center surround in which the voice coil surrounds only one magnet in the center. The central magnet system is surrounded by the diaphragm, which is coupled to the coil and driven by it. The magnets protrude above and below the plane of the diaphragm.

[0008] Based on this, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved flat loudspeaker module and an improved flat loudspeaker arrangement.

[0009] The object is achieved with the flat loudspeaker module having the features of claim 1 and with the flat loudspeaker arrangement having the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0010] For a generic flat loudspeaker module, it is proposed that the loudspeaker chassis has fastening means for fastening the loudspeaker driver to the loudspeaker cabinet on the loudspeaker rear side, which is diametrically opposite the sound outlet side.

[0011] By attaching the loudspeaker driver to the rear of the loudspeaker cabinet, improved integration of the loudspeaker driver into the loudspeaker cabinet is achieved, reducing disturbing vibrations.

[0012] The loudspeaker chassis can be connected to a metal plate using fasteners. The metal plate can be connected to the loudspeaker cabinet at opening edges on the back of the loudspeaker cabinet. This makes it possible to further reduce the depth of the flat loudspeaker module and optimize the sound-optimized integration of the flat loudspeaker driver into the loudspeaker cabinet. For this purpose, the back of the loudspeaker driver protrudes into an opening in the rear wall of the loudspeaker cabinet. The metal plate connected to the loudspeaker driver covers this opening and is connected to the loudspeaker cabinet at the opening edges. The loudspeaker driver is thus indirectly connected to the loudspeaker cabinet, which is usually made of wood, via the metal plate. The thickness of the metal plate is usually less than the thickness of the rear wall of the loudspeaker cabinet.the thickness of the opening, so that the installation depth is reduced by the difference in material thickness compared to installing the speaker driver directly on the inside of the rear wall of the speaker cabinet.

[0013] This metal plate not only optimizes installation and maintenance, but also improves the acoustic coupling between the speaker driver and the speaker cabinet.

[0014] The fastening elements on the loudspeaker driver can, for example, have threaded openings each for a fastening screw. This could be an internal thread for a machine screw or even a simple hole for a positive connection using a sheet metal screw. However, the fastening elements can also be a simple hole, with the metal plate being positively connected to the metal plate using rivets. Other positive, force-fit, or material-fit connections are also conceivable for the fastening elements to connect the loudspeaker driver directly or indirectly to the rear panel of the loudspeaker cabinet. This connection is preferably a non-destructively removable and reattachable connection.

[0015] At least one of the speakers may have a central air duct extending from the rear of the speaker to the front of the speaker, which forms the sound output side, and through the magnetic driver. This allows for improved cooling of the speaker module without increasing the depth of the flat speaker module and compromising the acoustics.

[0016] A fan can be installed in such an air duct. This improves cooling through forced convection. The fan can also be used to regulate the airflow as needed.

[0017] At least one of the speakers can also be connected to the front of the speaker cabinet via its speaker chassis. For this purpose, the outer edge of the speaker chassis can be connected to the speaker cabinet in the usual way, for example, by screwing. This allows the speaker driver to be integrated into the speaker cabinet even more stably and with less vibration.

[0018] A coaxial driver with a horn open toward the sound exit can also be mounted on the magnetic driver. This allows a tweeter to be integrated into the speaker driver in a space-saving manner. The resulting increase in the mass of the magnetic driver improves the sound characteristics of the woofer by reducing disruptive harmonics generated by the oscillations of the diaphragm and the magnetic driver.

[0019] The flat-panel speaker module can have at least one asymmetric tweeter. This arrangement of the flat-panel speaker module improves sound distribution for different listening levels and directions.

[0020] At least one magnetic fastening element for releasably attaching a horn shell of a horn to the flat loudspeaker module by magnetic force, optionally in one of several possible orientations, can be provided. Thus, the radiation direction of a loudspeaker driver of the flat loudspeaker module can be specified by releasably attaching a horn shell selected from a set of horn shells and in the orientation suitable for achieving the radiation characteristics.

[0021] The horn shell can comprise a complete horn with a horn neck and horn mouth. It is also conceivable, however, for the horn to be made up of several parts, with a first part comprising the horn neck being permanently mounted in the flat speaker module on the corresponding speaker driver, while the horn shell comprises the horn mouth and forms the second part. The horn shell can then be removably attached by magnetic force to the corresponding speaker driver or the adjacent area of ​​the flat speaker module, or in the multi-part version, to the first part of the horn.

[0022] A set of different horn shells can be available. The first type of horn shell can have an asymmetrical horn mouth opening across the width of the horn shell. Depending on the selected orientation for the magnetic attachment, this can create a radiation pattern directed to the right or left. If the horn shell is aligned horizontally across the width, two orientations rotated 180° to each other can achieve radiation to the right or left. Alternatively, a 90° rotation of the flat speaker module can also achieve an upward or downward radiation direction.

[0023] A second type of horn shell can have at least one slanted ridge extending across the width of the horn shell. Preferably, however, several such ridges are arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another. This achieves an asymmetrical upward or downward radiation pattern in the desired orientation of the flat loudspeaker module, depending on the selected orientation during magnetic attachment, along the height of the horn shell. Upward or downward radiation is determined by the two selectable orientations, rotated 180° relative to one another, that can be selected during magnetic attachment. Alternatively, a radiation direction to the right or left can also be achieved by rotating the flat loudspeaker module as a whole by 90°.

[0024] A third horn shell can have a symmetrically flaring horn mouth. In this variant, the orientation of the magnetic attachment to the flat speaker module is irrelevant.

[0025] In an arrangement with several separately functional sound-influencing modules that have a flat module housing with a depth that is the same for all sound-influencing modules, the sound-influencing modules can be selected from the group of active flat speaker modules, absorber modules, and / or diffuser modules. The sound-influencing modules have fastening elements arranged symmetrically and equally spaced at their edges, and the sound-influencing modules have a height and width dimension that corresponds to a common grid dimension or a multiple thereof. Within the meaning of the present invention, the absorber modules and diffuser modules are passive flat speaker modules, and the flat speaker modules comprising the loudspeaker drivers are active flat speaker modules.

[0026] This allows an optional combination of sound-influencing modules that are flush with one another and connected to one another to create an active or passive sound-influencing element in the form of a narrow wall surface, which has a desired audio characteristic depending on the combination.

[0027] The sound-influencing modules can be assembled in a grid pattern to form a rectangular array, the width and height of which are determined by the number and orientation of the sound-influencing modules. Arrays of varying sizes can be realized.

[0028] In the simplest form, the sound-influencing modules of a set can be square, flat modules with a height and width corresponding to the smallest grid dimension.

[0029] However, the set may also contain rectangular sound-influencing modules, which, for example, have a double grid size in height and a single grid size in width. This corresponds to two square modules with a single grid size arranged side by side or one above the other.

[0030] Furthermore, square sound-influencing modules with a multiple of the grid size can be provided, for example, twice the grid size in height and width. This corresponds to four modules with a single grid size joined together to form a square.

[0031] The sound-influencing modules can each be arranged in one of four different orientations within the array. The sound-influencing modules can have sound-influencing characteristics that depend on their orientation (i.e., the orientation can be varied in 90° rotations). Depending on the selected orientation, the effect of these characteristics can be utilized in a combination of several sound-influencing modules and coordinated to achieve the desired effect of the array.

[0032] The arrangement may have a frame in which at least one active or passive flat speaker module as described above is accommodated.

[0033] The frame can be connectable to the sound-influencing modules at the periphery of the adjacently arranged sound-influencing modules with a flat module housing, which are selected from the group of flat loudspeaker modules, absorber modules and / or diffuser modules, by means of fastening elements arranged symmetrically and equally spaced on the frame and the sound-influencing modules.

[0034] The frame may be multi-part, wherein the plurality of frame parts can be connected to the sound-influencing modules on the circumference of adjacently arranged sound-influencing modules with a flat module housing, which are selected from the group of flat loudspeaker modules, absorber modules and / or diffuser modules, by means of fastening elements arranged symmetrically and equally spaced on the plurality of frame parts and the sound-influencing modules.

[0035] The frame can be filled with absorber material in areas not occupied by flat-panel speaker modules. For this purpose, a passive absorber module can be attached adjacent to another sound-influencing module.

[0036] By arranging absorber material and / or diffusers between the speaker drivers or between the speaker modules, the flat speaker arrangement also dampens and / or diffuses the room acoustics, thus suppressing disruptive reflections from walls and improving the room acoustics. The arrangement thus combines active and, if necessary, passive speakers with absorption panels and / or diffuser modules. The frame can be covered with a fabric on its front side, which forms the sound outlet side. The fabric can be custom-printed or printed. This allows the flat speaker arrangement to be individually adapted to the desired room design. In this way, the flat speaker arrangement not only has an acoustic but also a visual effect and can be used as a room design element.

[0037] To secure the fabric, the frame can have a groove with clamping devices on the front edges or rear sections, preferably on the side webs, for positive and / or force-fitting attachment of the fabric to the frame. The fabric stretched across the front of the frame is then pulled over the front edge of the frame and placed into the groove, where it is clamped in place with clamping devices. This allows the fabric to be easily stretched onto the frame and replaced as needed.

[0038] The frame can have a lighting arrangement on at least one front edge or rear side edge sections. The lighting arrangement can, for example, consist of an LED strip attached to the frame. The LED strip can, for example, be inserted into a groove in the frame and secured there. With the help of this lighting arrangement, the flat speaker arrangement can also be used as a light for illuminating a room as needed. In this case, the flat speaker arrangement emits indirect light.

[0039] The lighting arrangement can, for example, have light sources for multiple colors, thus varying the light color. It is conceivable for the flat-panel loudspeaker arrangement to have a control unit that controls the lighting arrangement depending on the emitted sound. For example, the color can be controlled depending on the frequency spectrum. Similarly, the brightness of the emitted light can be controlled depending on the sound intensity, i.e., the volume. However, it is also conceivable for the lighting to be controlled depending on the type of sound event, for example, depending on the music genre (classical, pop, jazz, etc.).

[0040] The sound-influencing modules can be arranged flush next to each other. The sound-influencing modules can have fastening elements arranged symmetrically and equally spaced on their housings, preferably at the edges of the housings. The frame components can also have such fastening elements, located at mounting points aligned to a grid dimension.

[0041] The fastening elements can, for example, have threaded nuts for fastening screws and, if necessary, a recess for a mounting plate. The mounting plate can be screwed to the fastening threads of the sound-influencing modules using fastening screws. This allows flush-fitting sound-influencing modules to be firmly screwed together to form a stable surface arrangement. The frame no longer needs to have a load-bearing function when the modules are joined together in this way.

[0042] The sound-influencing modules can preferably have suspension elements or fastening elements for screwing on suspension elements, such as tabs, angles or eyebolt holders, at their edge areas.

[0043] For example, fastening tabs that have at least one hanging opening can be screwed to a fastening point of the module, for example one of the symmetrical and equally spaced fastening elements.

[0044] However, L-shaped angle brackets can also be screwed to selected attachment points on the module, such as one of the symmetrical and equally spaced fastening elements. This allows the arrangement to be positively suspended from a wall rail mounted on a wall using the L-shaped angle brackets. This allows the position of the module to be adjusted horizontally. As hanging elements, U-shaped threaded holders with a thread, threaded bolt, or nut can also be screwed to a selected attachment point on the sound-influencing module, for example, to one of the symmetrical, equally spaced fastening elements. This allows an eyebolt or threaded rod to be screwed into the threaded holder to attach the arrangement to a supporting structure.

[0045] The fastening elements located at the edges of the array, which are symmetrical and equally spaced on the sound-influencing modules, can also be used to attach separate stands. This allows, for example, stands to be screwed onto the sides and, if necessary, the bottom edge of the array. The feet extend perpendicular to the plane spanned by the module arrangement and rest on a floor.

[0046] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0047] Figure 1 - Sectional view of a flat speaker module;

[0048] Figure 2 - Top view of a first embodiment of a

[0049] Flat speaker arrangement;

[0050] Figure 3 - Top view of a second embodiment of a

[0051] Flat speaker arrangement;

[0052] Figure 4 - Top view of a third embodiment of a

[0053] Flat speaker arrangement;

[0054] Figure 5 - Sectional view of a flat speaker arrangement with

[0055] Detail views;

[0056] Figure 6 - Detail view b) of the flat loudspeaker arrangement from Figure 5;

[0057] Figure 7 - Detail view c) of the flat loudspeaker arrangement from Figure 5;

[0058] Figure 8 - Sectional view through a loudspeaker driver with additional

[0059] coaxial driver;

[0060] Figure 9 - Side view of an embodiment of the flat loudspeaker module from Figure 1;

[0061] Figure 10 - Flat speaker arrangement from Figure 9 with additional

[0062] Fan; Figure 11 - Front view of flat speaker modules with dimensions based on a common pitch;

[0063] Figure 12 - Side view of the square flat speaker module with the

[0064] Dimensions of the grid from Figure 11 ;

[0065] Figure 13 - Front view of the square flat speaker module with the

[0066] Dimensions of the grid dimension from Figure 11 in different orientations of the flat loudspeaker module or its loudspeaker inserts;

[0067] Figure 14 - Front, side and rear view of a diffuser module;

[0068] Figure 15 - Front view of a first variant of a planar loudspeaker arrangement for the 16:10 format (computer screen format);

[0069] Figure 16 - Front view of a second variant of a planar speaker arrangement for the 16:9 format (HDTV) with optional monotonous loudspeakers for surround sound;

[0070] Figure 17 - Front view of a third variant of a planar loudspeaker arrangement for the cinema format;

[0071] Figure 18 - Front view of a fourth variant of a planar speaker arrangement for the 16:9 format with immersive, room-filling sound and optional additional monotonous loudspeakers for surround sound;

[0072] Figure 19 - Top view of different frame elements of a set for

[0073] Formation of a framework for the arrangements that can be assembled in different dimensions using the grid dimension;

[0074] Figure 20 - Top view of various designs of horn shells;

[0075] Figure 21 - Sketch of a horn bowl with magnetic attachment over a

[0076] Speaker drivers.

[0077] Figure 1 shows a side view of a flat loudspeaker module 1 with a module housing 2. The module housing 2 can have a front plate 3, a rear plate 4 and side walls 5 which connect the front plate 3 to the rear plate 4. Openings are made in the front plate 3 and rear plate 4, with a loudspeaker driver 7 being received in a pair of aligned openings 6a, 6b. The loudspeaker driver 7 has a loudspeaker chassis 8 which carries a magnetic driver 9. The magnetic driver 9 has magnets 10 in a manner known per se and a voice coil 11 guided in a slot of the magnets 10. The magnets 10 or magnet arrangement is preferably concentric, with the voice coil 11 being inserted into an annular slot of the concentric magnet arrangement.

[0078] The voice coil 11 is connected to a diaphragm 12 to excite the diaphragm 12 to vibrate as it moves within the magnet assembly 10. The diaphragm 12 is connected at its outer peripheral edge to the front, outer peripheral edge of the chassis 8.

[0079] The magnetic driver 9 is located at the front of the loudspeaker driver 7, entirely or partially within the spatial area enclosed by the diaphragm 12. It can extend beyond the plane of the loudspeaker chassis 8, which is spanned at the front by its outer edge with the excitation of the diaphragm 12 to the loudspeaker chassis 8.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic driver 9 projects beyond the upper, front plane of the loudspeaker chassis 8 to the front side of the loudspeaker driver 7, which forms the sound exit side, and utilizes the space or its depth provided by the front plate 3 of the module housing 2.

[0081] The front plate 3 can have an offset into the interior of the module housing 2 in the area of ​​the opening 6a in order to increase the depth between the outer plane of the front plate 3 and the inner fastening plane for supporting the front outer edge of the loudspeaker chassis 8.

[0082] The front opening 6a in the front plate 3 can be tapered (sloped) from the outside to the interior so as not to impede sound radiation. The shape and angle of the opening 6a can be adapted to the angle of the diaphragm 12 and continue the shape of the diaphragm 12.

[0083] Fasteners 13 are provided on the rear of chassis 8. These may be threaded holes into which a fastening screw is screwed, as shown. A metal plate 14 is connected to the speaker chassis 8 at the rear of chassis 8 in this way. The metal plate 14 rests against the opening edges of the rear opening 6b of the rear plate 4 of the module housing and is screwed there to the rear plate 4 with fastening screws 15.

[0084] The metal plate 14 may have an opening into which the chassis 8 is inserted, wherein the metal plate 14 is then connected to the fastening means 13 of the loudspeaker chassis 8 at the edges of the opening.

[0085] It is clear that the loudspeaker driver 7 is thus housed in a module housing 2 that is as flat as possible, utilizing the openings 6a, 6b on the front plate 3 and the rear plate 4 for installation. The loudspeaker driver 7 is connected to the module housing 2 indirectly via the rear metal plate 14.

[0086] The speaker driver 7 can also be screwed to the front plate 3 on the front outer perimeter of the speaker chassis 8. This is optional and further reduces the risk of distortion.

[0087] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the front of a flat speaker assembly 16 with a frame 17 in which, for example, three flat speaker modules 1_L, 1_C, and 1_R are installed for the left side, the center, and the right listening plane. It can be seen that each flat speaker module 1_L, 1_C, and 1_R has several loudspeaker drivers 7 for the different frequency ranges, in particular bass, midrange, and treble.

[0088] The tweeters 18, which can be designed, for example, as coaxial drivers with a horn open at the front, are aligned asymmetrically in the illustrated embodiment. While in the middle flat loudspeaker module 1_C the horn is symmetrical, the alignment of the horn for the left and right sides can be asymmetrical. It can be seen that on the right side the horn is aligned asymmetrically to the left and on the right side the horn is aligned asymmetrically to the right. In the illustrated embodiment, a bass loudspeaker driver 19a, 19b is arranged at the bottom and top of the respective flat loudspeaker module 1 for the lower and middle listening levels. In between, two midrange speakers 20a, 20b are arranged one above the other, for example in a line, i.e. not offset laterally.

[0089] The tweeter 18, for example in the form of a coaxial driver, is then arranged between the two midrange speakers 20a, 20b.

[0090] An absorber plate 21 is arranged between the left flat speaker module 1_L and the middle flat speaker module 1_C, as well as between the middle flat speaker module 1_C and the right flat speaker module 1_R, or the space is filled with the absorber material 21. Likewise, the free space between the frame 17 above the respective flat speaker modules 1_L, 1_C, and 1_R to the upper crosspiece of the frame 17 is filled with absorber material 21, for example, with an absorber plate.

[0091] It is conceivable that the flat speaker modules 1_L, 1_C, and 1_R, as well as the absorber material 21, are secured to the frame 17 using fasteners, for example, by means of a form-fitting connection. For this purpose, the flat speaker modules 1_L, 1_C, and 1_R and the absorber material 21 can be clipped between the crossbars of the frame 17 and the center bars, for example.

[0092] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the flat panel loudspeaker arrangement 16. This includes an additional loudspeaker module 1_LO and 1_RO for the upper listening level on the right and left sides, respectively. These loudspeaker modules have only one woofer 19c, one midrange driver 20c, and one tweeter 18. This allows for an improved sound experience to be provided for the upper listening level as well.

[0093] Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of a flat-panel loudspeaker arrangement 16, in which, as in the second embodiment according to Figure 3, two loudspeaker modules 1_LU and 1_LO, as well as 1_RU and 1_RO, are arranged one above the other on the left and right sides for the lower and upper listening levels. The flat-panel loudspeaker modules 1_LU and 1_RU for the lower listening level, like the upper flat-panel loudspeaker modules 1_LO, 1_RO, are each equipped with a bass driver 19a, a midrange driver 20a, and a tweeter 18 for only one listening level.

[0094] For example, the loudspeaker modules 1_LU and 1_LO or 1_RU and 1_RO can each be arranged mirror-symmetrically to each other, so that the bass speakers are arranged closer to each other than the tweeters 18.

[0095] It can be seen that absorber material 21, for example in the form of absorber plates, is arranged between the flat loudspeaker modules 1_LO, 1_LU, 1_RO and 1_RU.

[0096] Figure 5 shows a sectional view through a flat speaker assembly 16 with a frame 17 that is L-shaped toward the rear. It can be seen that a flat speaker module 1 is connected to each of the outer transverse webs 17, which, in this embodiment, is integrated with its module frame into the frame of the flat speaker assembly 16. The module frame thus consists at least partially of the frame 17 of the flat speaker assembly 16.

[0097] However, it is also conceivable that the flat loudspeaker module 1 also forms a completely independent, separate element with its frame, wherein the frame 2 is connected to the frame 17 of the flat loudspeaker arrangement 16.

[0098] It can also be seen that in this exemplary embodiment at least a part of the bass loudspeakers 19 is formed as a passive loudspeaker by a non-actively deflectable membrane 22.

[0099] Adjacent to this is a loudspeaker driver 7, which is connected to the module frame 2 or the frame 17 of the flat speaker assembly 16 by a metal plate attached to the rear. This is shown and described in detail in Figure 1. Reference is made to this.

[0100] The loudspeaker chassis 8 of the loudspeaker driver 7 is equipped with a coaxial driver

[0101] 18, whose loudspeaker chassis 8 is in turn connected to the frame 17 of the flat loudspeaker arrangement 16 or optionally to the module frame 2 of the loudspeaker module.

[0102] The arrangement and fastening of the loudspeaker driver 7 can be seen more clearly in the detail view b), in particular the fastening on the right side with the loudspeaker chassis 8 of the coaxial driver 18.

[0103] The enlarged detail c) shows the edge area of ​​the frame 17 of the flat loudspeaker arrangement 16. It can be seen that the end faces of the L-shaped edge area of ​​the frame 17 taper towards the back. This forms an inclined surface 23 around which a fabric covering (not shown) can be pulled from the front to the back. Adjacent to the end face is a groove 24 which has clamping means 25 for the positive fastening of a fabric pulled over the front of the flat loudspeaker arrangement 16 for the covering. The fabric can thus be laid over the front of the frame 17, stretched there and laid into the groove 24 via the inclined surface 23. The fabric is then clamped into the groove 24 with the clamping means 25. This ensures that the fabric is positively and releasably fastened and can thus be easily tensioned, installed and replaced.

[0104] A lighting arrangement 26 is also provided on the rear side of the frame 17, or rather, on the L-shaped frame strip milled there. This can be inserted into a preferably circumferential groove 27 and can be designed as an LED light strip. The lighting arrangement 26 can preferably have multiple light sources for emitting different colors, thus providing lighting that is tailored to requirements, not only in terms of brightness but also in terms of color impression.

[0105] It is conceivable that the flat-panel loudspeaker arrangement 16 has, or is connected to, control electronics that actuate the lighting arrangement 26 depending on the emitted sound. However, it is also conceivable that the lighting arrangement 26 is coupled to a room lighting control system in order to thus influence, either wired or wirelessly, the illumination of the room in which the flat-panel loudspeaker arrangement 16 is installed. Figure 6 shows a partial view of a section through the loudspeaker driver 7 from Figure 5 and the partial illustration b) therein. Reference is also made to the illustration in Figure 1.

[0106] It can be seen that the loudspeaker chassis 8 is connected at the rear to the metal plate 14 on the rear plate 4 of the module housing 2 or the frame 17 of the flat loudspeaker arrangement 16.

[0107] The loudspeaker driver 7 is also screwed to the loudspeaker chassis 8 from the inside, at the front outer periphery of the loudspeaker chassis 8, to the front plate 3 of the module housing 2 or the frame 17 of the flat loudspeaker assembly 16. This can be done, for example, using wood screws that penetrate into the edge area of ​​the front plate 3 adjacent to the front opening 6a.

[0108] Another fastening method instead of the wood screws 28, for example by means of machine screws and an associated nut, for example in the form of a drive-in sleeve or a screw connection from the front, is also conceivable.

[0109] The same applies to the fastening of the metal plate 14 to the rear plate 4, which can be done, for example, with machine screws or also with wood screws or similar.

[0110] Figure 7 shows a partial view of the section of the L-shaped frame 17 corresponding to illustration c) in Figure 5. This shows the groove 24 with the clamping element 25 for attaching the fabric (not shown) intended to cover the front of the flat speaker assembly 16 more clearly. The clamping assembly 25 can have elastically deflectable fingers inserted into the groove, between which a rod is clamped. The rod is at least partially surrounded by the fabric in order to clamp the fabric between the rod and the clamping fingers.

[0111] Also visible is the groove 27 with the light assembly 26 incorporated therein. This can, for example, be implemented as LED light strips circumferentially mounted on the rear side of the frame 17. The light assembly 26 radiates toward the rear wall, where the flat-panel speaker assembly 16 can be mounted. This emits indirect light, with the slanted surface 23 on the side face improving the radiation.

[0112] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a loudspeaker driver 7, which can be designed, for example, as a bass or midrange driver for the corresponding frequency range. It can be seen that the membrane 12 extends from the outer periphery at the front of the loudspeaker chassis 8 toward the center to the rear, where it is connected to the loudspeaker chassis 8 by an elastic region 29.

[0113] On the sound radiation side, i.e., toward the front of the diaphragm 12, the magnetic driver 9 with its magnet is arranged in front of the diaphragm 12. The magnetic driver 9 is screwed to the loudspeaker chassis 8. The voice coil 11, which is coupled to the diaphragm 12, is inserted into the circumferential slot of the magnetic driver 9.

[0114] In the illustrated embodiment, an additional coaxial driver 18 is arranged in the center of the loudspeaker driver 7. The horn 30 of the coaxial driver 18 is aligned with the diaphragm 12 toward the sound exit side, ie, toward the front of the loudspeaker driver 7.

[0115] It can be seen that the coaxial driver 18 is connected to the loudspeaker chassis 8 of the loudspeaker driver 7. It can be designed as a separate element, ie as a separately functional loudspeaker driver, and at the same time carries the magnetic driver 9 for the loudspeaker driver 7. This coaxial driver

[0116] 18 thus provides a functional element for the loudspeaker driver 7 through the magnetic driver 9, to which the coaxial driver 18 is connected.

[0117] Figure 9 shows a side sectional view of a flat loudspeaker module 1 corresponding to the illustration in Figure 1. Therefore, reference can essentially be made to the description therein. It can be seen that the loudspeaker driver 7 has an air duct 31 at its center. This allows an air flow L, indicated by arrows, to flow from the rear to the front side, which forms the sound exit side, through which the loudspeaker driver 7 is cooled.

[0118] Figure 10 shows a modified embodiment of the flat loudspeaker module 1, in which, in addition to the air duct 31 in Figure 9, a fan 32 (ventilator) is also built into the central air duct 31. This allows the air flow L to be additionally forced and controlled. For example, with the aid of a thermometer, the heating of the loudspeaker driver 7 can be measured, and the fan 32 can be controlled depending on the loudspeaker driver temperature. The temperature can be measured directly at the loudspeaker driver 7 or indirectly in its surroundings. However, it is also conceivable to control the fan 32 depending on the power supplied to the loudspeaker driver 7 and / or depending on the operating time of the loudspeaker driver 7.

[0119] Figure 1 1 shows a front view of flat loudspeaker modules M1, M2, M4 with dimensions based on a common grid dimension.

[0120] Illustration a) shows a square first module M1 with a height and width corresponding to the smallest grid dimension.

[0121] Figure b) shows a rectangular second module M2, which corresponds to twice the grid dimension. The height is twice the grid dimension, and the width is the grid dimension.

[0122] Illustration c) shows a square third module that corresponds to four times the grid size. Both the height and width are twice the grid size.

[0123] Similarly, further module variants are conceivable, corresponding to a multiple x of the grid dimension in terms of the height and width of the modules Mx. Due to the uniform grid dimension of, for example, approximately 60 x 60 cm, an arrangement of sound-influencing modules can be arranged in such a way that the combination of the modules' acoustic characteristics leads to the desired acoustic characteristics and the arrangement has the desired area. This area can, for example, be used as a screen for the visual projection of images or films by covering the front with a sound-permeable fabric. The fabric can also be printed or painted, so that the sound-influencing module arrangement can also be used as a design element.

[0124] The depth of the flat sound-influencing modules is significantly smaller than the grid dimension. For example, the depth of a flat module can be selected to be a maximum of 20% of the grid dimension. Preferably, the depth is selected in the range of 10 to 20% of the grid dimension and can be, for example, 70 mm for a grid dimension of 600 mm.

[0125] Figure 11 shows, by way of example, active flat panel loudspeaker modules with an arrangement of loudspeaker drivers 7, such as a horn loudspeaker 18 as a tweeter, at least one midrange speaker 19 and at least one woofer 20. To control the multiple loudspeaker drivers 7, control electronics with suitable frequency filters can be integrated into the active flat panel loudspeaker module.

[0126] It is conceivable that a pair of adjacent loudspeaker drivers tuned to the same frequency range could be controlled with a time delay relative to each other by delay electronics. This delay (D = delay) in the radiation by one of the two loudspeaker drivers results in an acoustically perceptible effect as a tilting of the radiation direction. This allows the radiation characteristics of the flat-panel loudspeaker module to be changed, for example, by activating a delay switch in the control electronics.

[0127] For the second module, M2, the radiation direction would result in sound being emitted diagonally downwards if the lower speaker driver were delayed (see arrow D). If the second module, M2, were rotated 180°, it would then emit sound diagonally upwards. A rotation of 90°, however, would result in sound being emitted diagonally to the right or diagonally to the left. Diagonally downwards / upwards / right / left refers to radiation from the front to the front with a radiation angle oriented diagonally from the horizontal radiation plane in the respective direction and determined by the delay time.

[0128] In the third module, M4, a delay of both right-hand loudspeaker drivers results in the sound signal emitted by the loudspeaker drivers being directed diagonally to the right. If only one of the loudspeaker drivers is delayed, a radiation direction that is diagonally to the right and downwards or diagonally to the right and upwards can also be set. By varying the orientation of the flat loudspeaker module M4 in a module arrangement in 90° steps, the radiation direction rotates accordingly. In this way, a variety of active flat loudspeaker arrangements can be put together using the three standard modules shown as examples. This means that numerous acoustic characteristics can be achieved through the selection, positioning and orientation of the sound-influencing modules as well as the orientation of the loudspeaker drivers installed therein and, if necessary, an activated delay.

[0129] Figure 12 shows a side view of the square flat loudspeaker module M1 with the grid dimensions of approximately 600 x 600 mm from Figure 11. It can be seen that grooves 33 are provided on the narrow sides of the loudspeaker module housing. These can be used to route electrical cables between the modules when sound-influencing modules are joined flush with one another.

[0130] Figure 13 shows a front view of the square flat loudspeaker module M1 with the dimensions of the grid dimension from Figure 11 in different orientations of the flat loudspeaker module M1 or its loudspeaker inserts.

[0131] In the first basic variant a), the midrange driver 19, the tweeter 18, and the woofer 20 are positioned vertically from top to bottom. The control electronics 34, for example, is located to the left of the woofer 20 under a screwed-on cover plate. This primarily supports the horizontal dispersion characteristics thanks to the oval shape of the tweeter's horn shell, which extends horizontally with its longer side.

[0132] In the second orientation b), the basic version a) is rotated 90° to the left, so that the arrangement of midrange driver 19, tweeter 18, and woofer 20 are now aligned horizontally next to each other. Thus, the 90° rotation of the horn shell supports a vertical dispersion pattern.

[0133] In the third variant c), the basic variant is modified by rotating the upper speaker insert, consisting of midrange driver 19 and tweeter 18, by 90°. The woofer 20 continues to operate on the lower listening level, while the alignment of the midrange driver 19 and tweeter 18 enhances the vertical dispersion characteristics by vertically aligning the oval horn shell of the tweeter 18.

[0134] In a corresponding manner, further rotations allow for a wide variety of variations to achieve a desired radiation characteristic with the standard flat loudspeaker module M1.

[0135] Figure 14 shows a front, side, and rear view of a diffuser module 36. This also has dimensions in grid dimensions, e.g., approximately 600x600mm, or a multiple thereof. This allows the sound to be distributed more evenly throughout the room. The diffuser module 36 has a plurality of webs 37, which are arranged in a matrix-like or checkerboard pattern, spaced apart from one another and intersecting at intersection points in a diffuser frame 38. In this exemplary embodiment, the diffuser frame 38 has no grooves, since the routing of electrical cables is only required for active flat panel loudspeaker modules. Optionally, grooves can also be provided on the narrow sides of the diffuser frame 38. This allows for increased space for cable routing and, even with a system consisting only of passive sound-influencing modules, allows for cable routing to, for example, lights in the frame.

[0136] The grid dimensions allow for a variety of arrangement configurations, such as a two-channel stereo characteristic with a medium size of 3,100 x 1,900 x 70 mm in 16:10 format, a 3.0 stereo characteristic with a large size of 5,500 x 3,100 x 70 mm and, based on this, a 5.1 surround characteristic with additional satellite subwoofers, a 3.0 stereo characteristic with very large dimensions of 7,300 x 3,100 x 70 mm in 2.35:1 cinema format, a 5.0 surround system with surround sound with a large dimension of 5,500 x 3,100 x 70 mm in 16:9 format, and, based on this, an immersive sound characteristic with additional satellite subwoofers.

[0137] Figure 15 shows a front view of a first variant of a planar loudspeaker arrangement for the 16:10 format (computer screen format). This is constructed from a matrix of three grid rows and five grid columns and has an active flat loudspeaker module M1 in the basic grid dimensions, e.g., 600 x 600 x 70 mm, at the upper right and left corners. This achieves a two-channel stereo sound characteristic. The spaces between are filled with passive flat loudspeaker modules, i.e., absorber modules 21 or diffuser modules 36. These absorber modules 21 or diffuser modules 36 also have dimensions in the grid dimension or a multiple thereof, so that the sound-influencing modules M1, M2, M4, 21, 36 can be joined flush next to one another to form a planar arrangement. The sound-influencing modules M1, M2, M4, 21, 36 have fastening elements 40 at their edges, e.g.in the form of recesses for accommodating a mounting plate and threaded holes, so that adjacent modules can be joined together with a mounting plate connecting the modules using fastening screws screwed into the threaded holes. The fastening elements 40 are symmetrical and equally spaced on the modules at a predetermined grid spacing. This allows for independent fastening in different orientations, i.e., 90° rotations, of the modules.

[0138] This fastening results in a stable connection of the modules to form an arrangement of sound-influencing modules, which has an audio characteristic that depends on the selection, positioning and arrangement of the individual sound-influencing modules combined to form an arrangement.

[0139] The modules can be suspended from a wall, for example, using the upper fastening elements 40. There, for example, brackets with an eyelet, L-shaped profiles for positive support on a wall rail, U-shaped threaded brackets for threaded rods or eyebolts, or similar can be mounted.

[0140] A separate frame 41 can be attached to the outer perimeter of the sound-influencing modules. This frame can also have symmetrically and equally spaced fastening elements 40 corresponding to the sound-influencing modules. Thus, the frame 41 can be attached to the sound-influencing modules using the fastening elements 40 and the adjacent fastening elements 40 of the sound-influencing modules. The frame 41 can be multi-part and assembled from a set comprising L-shaped angle frame parts 42 and straight frame strip parts 43.

[0141] Figure 16 shows a front view of a second variant of a flat panel speaker arrangement for the 16:9 format (HDTV) with optional monotone loudspeakers 44 for surround sound. Five grid rows and nine grid columns are provided to span a screen / acoustic wall measuring 5,500 x 3,100 x 70 mm. This is suitable for rooms up to 200 m 2 and a room height of up to 3.7 m. Three active M2 flat-panel loudspeaker modules with a double grid spacing are provided, vertically aligned at twice their grid height. The spaces between them are filled with passive sound-influencing modules with a single, double, and quadruple grid spacing. Absorber modules 21 are used in particular. To even out the spatial sound, diffuser modules 36 can be used in selected grid segments.

[0142] Figure 17 shows a front view of a third variant of a flat-panel speaker arrangement for the cinema format. This is divided into five grid rows and twelve grid columns to achieve a ratio of 2.35:1, for example, with dimensions of 7,300 x 3,100 x 70 mm. Active flat-panel speaker modules M4 with quadruple grid spacing are used. The spaces between them are filled with passive sound-influencing modules with double and quadruple grid spacing. The rectangular sound-influencing modules with double grid spacing are aligned horizontally or vertically, depending on the segment to be filled. This combined screen and acoustic wall is suitable for medium and large rooms up to 350 m². 2 and up to 4 m room height, such as a cinema hall.

[0143] By additionally distributing subwoofers throughout the room, which may also have tweeters and midrange speakers, a surround sound characteristic can be achieved (surround sound).

[0144] Figure 18 shows a front view of a fourth variant of a flat-panel speaker arrangement for the 16:9 format, with immersive, room-filling sound and optional additional monotonous speakers for surround sound. This allows for a 5.0 surround system to be realized, in which the small active flat-panel speaker modules M1 act as reflective "phantom" surround sound speakers. The surround sound can be further enhanced by additional optional sub-speakers 44, which are distributed throughout the room.

[0145] This acoustic wall can have a size of 5,500 x 3,100 x 70 mm and is particularly suitable for medium-sized rooms up to 200m 2 and 3.7m room height.

[0146] Figure 19 shows a plan view of different frame elements 42, 43 of a set for forming a frame 41 for the arrangements that can be assembled in different dimensions using the grid dimension.

[0147] It can be seen that an L-shaped bracket 42 with isosceles strips is provided to form the frame 41 at the corner areas. The length of the strips, with their inner dimensions, can correspond to the grid dimension, e.g., 600 mm, or preferably a sub-division thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer dimensions are 350 x 350 mm, with the inner dimension of 300 mm corresponding to half the grid dimension.

[0148] Furthermore, the set of frame elements includes straight frame strip parts 43 of varying lengths with the grid dimension and multiples thereof. Thus, the set includes single frame strips R1 with a single grid dimension of, for example, 600 mm, double frame strips R2 with a double grid dimension, for example, 1,200 mm, triple frame strips R3 with a triple grid dimension, for example, 1,800 mm, and quadruple frame strips R4 with a quadruple grid dimension, for example, 2,400 mm. By selecting the appropriate frame parts, a frame 41 can be assembled with the size required for the arrangement of sound-influencing modules. The individual frame parts are attached to the adjacent sound-influencing modules using their fastening elements 40, for example, fastening plates and fastening screws, and the fastening elements 40 of the adjacent sound-influencing modules.

[0149] These frame parts can have on their rear side, as shown in Figure 5 a), a groove and fastening elements for attaching a screen stretched over the front of the arrangement and / or a lighting arrangement (e.g. LED strips).

[0150] Figure 20 shows a top view of various embodiments of horn shells 45. These have a horn neck 46 or can be coupled to the output of a separate horn neck of a loudspeaker driver. A horn mouth 47 adjoins the horn neck 46, looking forward.

[0151] In variant a), this is oriented asymmetrically to the side, so that the sound is directed diagonally to the front right, or, when rotated 180°, diagonally to the front left. When the horn bowl 45 is vertically oriented, i.e., when rotated 90°, the sound is directed asymmetrically diagonally upwards or downwards.

[0152] In variant b), the horn mouth 47 is symmetrically aligned. However, there are webs 48 in the horn mouth spaced apart from one another, extending in the direction of the longer extension of the horn shell 45. They are angled in the direction of sound propagation, i.e., in the viewing direction, in order to radiate the sound diagonally downwards or, if the horn shell 45 is rotated 180°, diagonally upwards. If the horn shell is rotated 90°, a radiation direction diagonally to the respective right or left side can also be realized in the same way.

[0153] Variant c) showed a symmetrical basic variant of the horn shell with a primarily horizontal, forward-facing radiation characteristic. Figure 21 shows a sketch of a horn shell 45 with magnetic fastening above an associated loudspeaker driver 7. At least one magnetic fastening element 49 is arranged on the loudspeaker driver 7 or the loudspeaker module housing (not shown). This is preferably a permanent magnet. The horn shell 45 can be made of a metal sheet which, when placed on the magnetic fastening element 49, is detachably connected to it. The sketched horn neck 46 can be part of the horn shell 45, part of the loudspeaker driver 7, or an additional separate part that is positioned between the loudspeaker driver 7 and the horn shell 45 and connected to them.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Flat loudspeaker module (1 ) with a loudspeaker module housing (2) and at least one loudspeaker driver (7), wherein the at least one loudspeaker driver (7) has a loudspeaker chassis (8), a diaphragm (12) and a magnet driver (9) coupled to the diaphragm (12) for vibration excitation, which is arranged on the loudspeaker front side forming the sound output side in front of the diaphragm (12), characterized in that the loudspeaker chassis (8) has fastening means (13) for fastening the loudspeaker to the loudspeaker module housing (2) on the loudspeaker rear side, which is diametrically opposite the sound output side.

2. Flat loudspeaker module according to claim 1, characterized in that the loudspeaker chassis (8) is connected to a metal plate (14) by means of the fastening means (13) and the metal plate (14) is connected to the loudspeaker module housing (2) at opening edges on the rear of the loudspeaker module housing.

3. Flat loudspeaker module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening means (13) have threaded openings for receiving at least one fastening screw.

4. Flat loudspeaker module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the loudspeaker drivers (7) is connected to its loudspeaker chassis (8) on the front of the loudspeaker module housing (2).

5. Flat loudspeaker module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the loudspeaker drivers (7) has a projection from the rear of the loudspeaker to the sound output side. The loudspeaker module has a central air channel (31) extending through the front of the loudspeaker and through the magnet driver (9). A flat loudspeaker module according to claim 5, characterized in that a fan (32) is arranged in the air channel (31). A flat loudspeaker module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a coaxial driver (18) is arranged on the magnet driver (9), the driver having a horn (30) open towards the sound outlet. A flat loudspeaker module according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one magnetic fastening element for detachably attaching a horn shell of the horn (30) by magnetic force is selectively provided on the flat loudspeaker module in one of several possible orientations.Flat loudspeaker module according to claim 8, characterized in that at least the horn shell of the horn (30) is a first horn shell with a horn mouth opening asymmetrically towards the right or left side in the direction of the width of the horn shell according to the selected orientation for magnetic attachment, a second horn shell with a radiation pattern influenced asymmetrically upwards or downwards in the direction of the height of the horn shell by slanted struts extending in the direction of the width of the horn shell according to the selected orientation for magnetic attachment, or a third horn shell with a symmetrically opening horn mouth. Flat loudspeaker module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one asymmetric tweeter (18).Flat loudspeaker module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loudspeaker module housing (2) has a groove extending over the entire length of at least one narrow side wall. Flat loudspeaker module according to claim 1, characterized in that an electrical connection for the at least one loudspeaker driver (7) is arranged in the groove. Arrangement (16) with several separately functional sound-modifying modules, which have a flat module housing (2) with a depth of the same for all sound-modifying modules, characterized in that the sound-modifying modules are selected from the group of active flat loudspeaker modules, absorber modules and / or diffuser modules, wherein the sound-modifying modules have symmetrically and equally spaced mounting elements at their edge regions and the sound-modifying modules have a height and width dimension that corresponds to a common grid dimension or a multiple thereof.Arrangement (16) according to claim 13, characterized in that the group of sound-modifying modules comprises at least one flat loudspeaker module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and includes absorber modules (21) comprising absorber material and / or diffuser modules designed as sound diffusers in the areas not occupied by flat loudspeaker modules (1) of the sound-modifying modules arranged side by side and connected to one another in a grid pattern. Arrangement according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a frame (17) on the circumference of the adjacently arranged sound-modifying modules with flat module housings (2), which are selected from the group of flat loudspeaker modules, absorber modules and / or diffuser modules, can be connected to the sound-modifying modules by means of fastening elements arranged symmetrically and equally spaced on the frame and the sound-modifying modules respectively.Arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that the frame (17) is multi-part, wherein the multiple frame parts are arranged around the circumference of adjacent sound-influencing modules with flat module housing (2). The flat loudspeaker modules, absorber modules, and / or diffuser modules, selected from the group, can be connected to the sound-modifying modules by means of fastening elements arranged symmetrically and equally spaced on the several frame parts and the sound-modifying modules. Flat loudspeaker arrangement according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the frame (17) is covered with a fabric on its front side forming the sound-outward side, in particular with a fabric that can be printed on or is printed with a user-specific design. Flat loudspeaker arrangement according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the frame (17) has a lighting arrangement (26), preferably an LED strip light arranged on an end edge or on a rear side area.A flat loudspeaker arrangement according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the frame (17) has a groove (24, 27) with clamping means (25) in its rear side region for clamping a fabric that can be stretched over the front of the flat loudspeaker arrangement (16). A flat loudspeaker arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that at least one of the sound-modifying modules has a coaxial driver (18) with a horn (30) open towards the sound-out side, wherein at least one magnetic fastening element is provided for the releasable fastening of a horn shell of the horn (30), selectable from a set of different horn shells, by magnetic force in one of several possible orientations on the associated coaxial driver (18).Flat loudspeaker arrangement (16) according to one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that the flat loudspeaker arrangement (16) has at least one flat loudspeaker module (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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