Support system for sound converters

Abstract

The invention relates to a support system having connection elements (201) for screwing on the left-hand side and connection elements (202) for screwing on the right-hand side of sound converter modules, characterised in that the connection elements each comprise two outer panels (203) between which an adjusting device, in particular for horizontal displaceability, implements a releasable connection of the modules to the elements (301) to (500), wherein this support system is suitable for connecting a large number of loudspeaker modules to a flat baffle.

Description

[0001] Support system for sound transducers

[0002] The invention relates to a support system for sound transducers, in particular for constructing sound transducer surfaces. It can be used as a standing or suspended system, in particular for constructing flat, two-dimensional sound transducer arrays from loudspeaker modules.

[0003] Such modular arrangements are usually controlled according to the principle of wave field synthesis and can generate one or more sound wave fronts that can be independently controlled in azimuth and elevation, with their direction and beamwidth adjustable separately. This does not require the speaker modules to be mechanically aligned, as is the case with line arrays. Control is achieved via discretely controlled levels and delay times of a large number of transducers.

[0004] A support system is described that allows a flat transducer surface to be constructed from individual modules. This structure places special demands on a mounting system. Firstly, the transducer surface must not be interrupted by large areas where no transducers contribute to generating the wavefront. Excessively large spacing between the modules would result in diffraction effects, which would result in unwanted side lobes outside the system's programmed directivity.

[0005] The maximum size of the sound-radiating surface is limited vertically only by the mechanical strength of the material used; horizontally, the system can be expanded as desired. As the system grows, the precision of positioning the individual modules becomes increasingly important, as errors accumulate with the number of modules. However, the precise position of each individual transducer is essential for calculating the signal propagation time to each individual transducer. Even a difference of just a few millimeters between the calculated position and the actual acoustic center of the individual transducers results in location-dependent changes in the frequency response.The object of the invention is therefore to provide a stable support system for sound transducer modules, with which a large two-dimensional sound transducer surface can be constructed without the tolerances that accumulate with the size of the system leading to errors in the reproduction range. However, the system can also be used for beamforming applications that are constructed as a two-dimensional radiator surface. The structure is described below using the sketches Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 as an example.

[0006] Figure 1 shows the structure of a two-dimensional sound transducer surface consisting of two modules 100 and two modules 101. In the following, starting from a view of the front, we will refer to a left and a right side.

[0007] The front dimensions of modules 100 and 101 are identical. However, in practice, with wave field synthesis, not every module is equipped with a sub-bass speaker. In this example, only module 100 has an additional transducer for the bass range. It is therefore deeper than module 101.

[0008] The support system comprises lateral elements (201) which are mirror-inverted (i.e., different) in this case. These serve for the screw connection on the left side and (202) for the screw connection on the right side of the individual modules and each comprises two sheets (203), between which an adjustment device (i.e., a variable mechanism) consisting of elements (301) to (500) realizes the detachable connection of the modules. The adjustment device can be used, in particular, to move the modules in or against the viewing direction (i.e., and back).

[0009] The mounting system is designed so that both module types 100 and 101 can be mounted in any position within the overall structure. It is also possible to install the type 100 modules reversed, i.e. with their radiating side facing backwards. This setup can be advantageous for individual modules in very large systems, achieving a cardioid directivity of the overall system, even in the bass range. The support system can also be manufactured with a shallower installation depth if only type 101 modules are used. The system can be suspended from the 200 trusses. A standing setup is also possible. For this purpose, 403 feet are hooked into the floor-side connecting bolts, which distribute the load evenly. If they are height-adjustable, precise alignment of the system can be guaranteed. Tall, upright systems can be secured against tipping using the 200 trusses.The 200 trusses have a large number of holes for fastening, so that the system can always be suspended at the center of gravity, even if it is equipped with more or less deep modules.

[0010] Figure 2 shows a connecting mechanism as it is screwed to the right side of each module. The left-hand fastenings are mirror images of each other. The vertical connection of the modules to form a column is achieved via the movable latch 401 as part of the adjustment device. It is embedded between two outer plates (203) and can be moved along two guide pins. In the closed state, it hooks into the connecting pins 403 connected to the module above. The sliding lever 302 is then in the closed position, as shown in the sketch. The relative position of the systems connected to one another as a column is then fixed in all directions. A rail for force absorption 402 can be provided for larger systems if there is a risk that the guide pins 405 cannot absorb the vertical forces when constructing tall module columns.An optional horizontal connection of the module columns using connecting elements 500 can improve the dimensional stability of the system. It is shown here in the closed state, where a tenon would hook into the adjacent right-hand module. However, other options for horizontally connecting the sheets using clamps, screws, or hooks are also conceivable.

[0011] Figure 3 shows the open position of the connecting elements. The locking lever 301 is pushed from the front to open the vertical connection. This allows the sliding lever 302 to be raised, causing the movable latch 401 to move into a position where the upper module can be lifted off with its connecting pin 403. The horizontal connecting element (500), in its upper position, releases the horizontal connection to the adjacent module.

[0012] Figure 4 shows a side view of the closed connection. The sliding lever 302 holds the movable latch 401 in its forward position until the locking lever 301 is pressed, as shown. The pivot point 410 of the sliding latch 302 is located slightly above the sliding bolt 409. The tension spring 404 therefore secures the lever in its position to such an extent that a force is first required to release it before the spring 404 assists in lifting the sliding lever 302.

[0013] Additionally, the closed position of the sliding lever (302) is secured by the locking hook (406). This engages a groove in the sliding lever (302) so that it cannot be lifted. Only when the color-coded locking lever (301) is applied does the locking hook (406) rotate around its pivot point (407) against the force of the weak tension spring of the locking hook (408) to such an extent that it releases the groove in the sliding lever (302) for separating the modules. The system is thus doubly secured by the tension spring (404) and the locking hook (406) against accidental opening of the vertical module connection.

[0014] Reference symbol:

[0015] 100 module with mid- and high-frequency transducers and sub bass

[0016] 101 module with mid-range and high-frequency transducers

[0017] 200 trusses for suspending the system

[0018] 201 Left connecting element consisting of two steel plates and connecting mechanism in between

[0019] 202 Right connecting element consisting of two steel plates and connecting mechanism in between

[0020] 203 Outer sheets

[0021] 301 locking lever

[0022] 302 shift lever

[0023] 401 movable bolt

[0024] 402 Rail for force absorption

[0025] 403 connecting bolts

[0026] 404 tension spring

[0027] 405 guide bolts

[0028] 406 safety hooks

[0029] 407 Pivot point of the safety hook

[0030] 408 Tension spring of the safety hook

[0031] 409 sliding bolt

[0032] 410 Pivot point of the safety hook

[0033] 500 Horizontal connecting element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Support system with connecting elements (201) for screwing on the left side and (202) for screwing on the right side of sound transducer modules, characterized in that the Connecting elements each have two outer plates (203) between which an adjustment device, in particular for horizontal displacement with the elements (301) to (500), realizes a detachable connection of the modules, wherein this support system is suitable for connecting a plurality of loudspeaker modules to a flat baffle.

2. Carrier system with connecting elements (201 ) for screwing on the left side and (202) for screwing on the right side of sound transducer modules according to claim 1 , characterized in that it is also possible to install the modules of type (100) in reverse, i.e. with their radiating side to the rear, which can be advantageous when building large systems in order to achieve a cardioid directivity of the overall system in the bass range as well.

3. Support system with connecting elements (201 ) for screwing on the left side and (202) for screwing on the right side of sound transducer modules according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it can accommodate modules of different installation depths if corresponding mounting holes are provided in the support system. A support system with connecting elements (201) for screwing on the left side and (202) for screwing on the right side of transducer modules according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vertical connection to a module column is effected via a movable latch (401) which is embedded between the two outer plates (203) and which can be moved along two guide pins (405), engaging in the closed position with the pins (403) connected to the module above. A support system with connecting elements (201) for screwing on the left side and (202) for screwing on the right side of transducer modules according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optional horizontal connection of the module columns by the levers (500) or other connection options can improve the dimensional accuracy of the system.Carrier system with connecting elements (201 ) for screwing on the left side and (202) for screwing on the right side of sound transducer modules according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot point of the locking hook (410) is located slightly above the center of the sliding bolt (409), whereby the tension spring (404) secures the sliding lever (302) in its closed position to such an extent that. A force is first required to release the sliding lever (302) before the tension spring (404) assists in lifting it. A support system with connecting elements (201) for screwing on the left side and (202) for screwing on the right side of transducer modules according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closed position of the sliding lever (302) is fixed by the locking hook (406), which engages in a groove in the sliding lever (302) so that it cannot be lifted until pressure on the locking lever (301) rotates the locking hook (406) against the force of a weak tension spring of the locking hook (408) to such an extent that it releases the groove in the sliding lever (302) for separating the modules.

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