Acoustic enclosure

Abstract

The invention relates to a stereophonic sound diffusion system comprising: a main active loudspeaker (100) formed by a housing integrating a power supply, a stereophonic amplifier and at least one loudspeaker (110) per channel, and a satellite loudspeaker (200) comprising at least one loudspeaker (210, 220). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Acoustic speaker Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of acoustic speakers, and more particularly the field of connected speakers, in particular portable speakers, and multiroom speakers.

[0002] Portable speakers, although qualitatively limited given their low available power and their small size, offer great ease of connection with current smartphones and tablets while allowing intensive use provided by their transportability and their low weight.

[0003] The multipoint (or multiroom) system consists of a source, a central unit and one or more satellites. The source is responsible for providing the musical message. It can be a computer, a touch tablet, an MP3 player, a smartphone, etc. The central unit is responsible for providing the interface between the source and the broadcaster(s). State of the art

[0004] In the state of the art, solutions are known for connected portable speakers associated with a base.Patent EP3012709 of BOSE describes for example a system comprising a housing of a docking station coupled to a portable media device, with a speaker included in the housing, and a transceiver integrated in the housing for wirelessly transmitting audio content and wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information, the speaker being capable of producing audible signals from the audio content and a remote control which is capable of controlling the operation of the speaker and the transceiver, the remote control also being capable of transmitting a signal to select one or more remote speakers for operation which are remote from the housing, the remote control being usable for control operations of one or more of the remote speakers, the operations including one or more volume, balance, mute and equalization control operations.

[0005] Patent US6741720 also proposed a portable module containing an amplifier and a wall-mounted loudspeaker housed in an elongated housing, having a configuration allowing it to be embedded in a housing provided in a wall by an angular insertion through an opening provided in the wall. It is thus possible to move the module from room to room and to engage it in the opening of the room where one is temporarily located.

[0006] Distributed wireless speaker solutions have also been proposed, with activation of the local speaker based on the detection of the presence of a person in the room in question. Patent US9699579B2 presents such a solution. This prior art solution allows a user moving from their living room to their kitchen to prepare a meal to automatically activate the kitchen speaker when they enter the kitchen and to turn off the networked speakers based on the user's location.

[0007] European patent EP2059066B1 is also known, proposing a multi-mode sound reproduction system for the reproduction of either stereophonic signals or multi-channel signals, comprising: - A first set placed to the left of the user, consisting of a pair of stackable speakers - A second set placed to the right of the user, consisting of a pair of stackable speakers. The system is designed to allow reproduction of: - either in 2.1 stereo mode, requiring the stacking of the two speakers of each pair, - or in 2.2 multichannel mode by separating the two speakers of each pair. The goal of this system is to be able to broadcast both stereophonic and multichannel content with the same system.

[0008] US patent application US20200128328A1 describes a speaker system having a primary speaker module configured to communicate with an external audio device and having a speaker output face and a rear surface, and a secondary speaker module in signal communication with the primary speaker module and having a speaker output face and a rear surface.The main speaker module and the secondary speaker module combine in at least two configurations, a first configuration in which the main speaker module and the secondary speaker module are connected at their rear surfaces and their respective speaker output faces are oriented in opposite directions, and a second configuration in which the main speaker module and the secondary speaker module are side by side and their respective speaker output faces are in substantially the same direction. When the main speaker module and the secondary speaker module are in the first configuration, each speaker module outputs a full sound, and when the main speaker module and the secondary speaker module are in the . second configuration, one of the speaker modules outputs left stereo sound and a second of the speaker modules outputs right stereo sound.

[0009] It has also been proposed, for storage problems, an enclosure for live shows, consisting of a main enclosure equipped with an amplifier and a bass speaker of the "woofer" type in a closed volume, the enclosure having a housing for storing one or two passive secondary speakers, without amplifier, which can be extracted to be positioned at a distance from the main enclosure. This equipment is however not intended for use in a home, nor for a "multiroom" type functionality. Solution provided by the invention

[0010] In order to overcome these drawbacks, the present invention relates, in its most general sense, to a stereophonic sound diffusion system consisting of: - a main active acoustic enclosure formed by a box integrating a power source, a stereo amplifier and at least one loudspeaker per channel, and - a satellite acoustic enclosure comprising at least one loudspeaker, characterized in that - said satellite acoustic speaker consists of an active, portable stereo speaker, formed by a box integrating an autonomous power source, a stereo amplifier and at least one loudspeaker per channel, - each of said active speakers further comprising a wireless communication module for transmitting the same input signal to the amplifier input - said main and satellite acoustic speakers comprising at least one means of interaction acting when they are combined to enable: • a first mode of use where the two loudspeakers are distant from each other and constitute two independent stereophonic diffusion sources where the satellite loudspeaker has an acoustic characteristic adapted to autonomous diffusion And • a second mode of use where the two loudspeakers are associated in a reference position, to form a combined stereophonic diffusion source, the acoustic characteristics of said satellite loudspeaker being modified by said interaction.

[0011] It is specified that the system can of course comprise one or more main speakers and one or more satellite acoustic speakers which would complement the basic system consisting of a main speaker and a satellite speaker.

[0012] The aim of the invention is to propose several forms of use, each with optimal acoustic reproduction quality.

[0013] It is thus possible to use the main speaker alone, as an active speaker, to provide sound for a living room, with good listening quality, the main speaker being optimized from an acoustic point of view for autonomous operation.

[0014] The user can also go to another room, to the kitchen or to his garden, and then take a satellite speaker of generally smaller dimensions, to continue listening to the same audio program in another place, always with good listening quality, the active satellite speaker also being optimized from an acoustic point of view, although it may be of different dimensions from those of the main active speaker. For such nomadic use, the satellite speaker will generally be powered by a rechargeable battery.

[0015] The user can also combine the main active speaker and the satellite active speaker, by simply placing one on top of the other or, according to a particular variation, by embedding the satellite speaker in the main speaker. The acoustic behavior will then be disturbed, without the solution proposed by the invention.

[0016] Indeed, if each active speaker is optimized for autonomous and independent operation, their juxtaposition will alter the perception of the acoustic field and the sound space.

[0017] By "acoustic characteristic suitable for autonomous diffusion" is meant a normal operation of an active speaker, with loudspeakers emitting the sounds in a listening direction and an amplifier adjusted so that the bandwidth of the loudspeakers is as wide and linear as possible. In other words, these are the basic acoustic characteristics of the active speaker used in isolation.

[0018] By "modified acoustic characteristics" is meant a modification of the way in which the loudspeakers emit sounds, either by an interaction at the output of the loudspeakers, for example by the interposition of an element modifying the diffusion by absorption or reflection, or by a modification of the filtering of the audio signal, to modify the bandwidth, for example to attenuate the low frequencies and modify the balance between the treble and the bass.

[0019] The invention is based on the fact that the association of two active speakers is not limited to a “mechanical” juxtaposition where the sounds emitted by the different loudspeakers are added together, but by a modification of the sounds emitted by the loudspeakers of one of the speakers (or possibly of the two speakers), which has the following effect: effect that the listener perceives a stereophonic sound which is not that which would result from the simple addition of the stereophonic sounds of one and the other of the speakers, and that the stereophonic sound perceived by the listener when combining two stereophonic speakers is not degraded by this combination, but is at least as good or even better than the sound perceived when using one of the two speakers in isolation. This improvement results for example from the maintenance of linearity over the bandwidth, without imbalance with the bass, and better immersion due to an enlarged diffusion volume of the low frequencies, due to the offset of the loudspeakers of the two speakers.

[0020] The invention aims to remedy the acoustic problems resulting from the juxtaposition of two active speakers, the sounds emitted by one of which would interfere in an uncontrolled manner with the sounds emitted by the other, to achieve a combination of sound reproduction producing an improved and more immersive effect, typically (but not exclusively) leading to a reduction in the bass level of the active satellite speaker. Higher frequencies produce a stronger localization effect, and by favoring them, the immersive perception of the combination resulting from the association of the two active speakers is reinforced. The simple juxtaposition of two speakers would cause distortions and would result for the listener in the perception of sounds coming from slightly offset loudspeakers, the bass of which, which is not very localized, would be added together, while the treble, which is more directional, would appear slightly attenuated compared to the bass.

[0021] Incidentally, since the amplifier's consumption is highly dependent on the bass level, the satellite speaker's consumption is reduced in combined mode, which improves battery life and speeds up recharging.

[0022] Finally, certain particular embodiments, in particular the variation providing for embedding of the satellite enclosure in the main enclosure, also make it possible to improve the combined acoustics by using a wall of the main enclosure as a reflector and diffuser when the loudspeakers of the satellite enclosure are placed opposite, with a reinforcement of the immersive effect.

[0023] The invention relates more particularly to stereo speakers (with two channels corresponding to the right channel and the left channel). The speaker will generally comprise a right loudspeaker and a left loudspeaker arranged on either side of a transverse median plane of the speaker. But other configurations are possible: the speaker could, for example, comprise several loudspeakers (for example, low-midrange and tweeter) for each of the channels, arranged on either side of a median plane or even one or more midrange and / or treble loudspeakers per channel, plus a single bass loudspeaker, the low frequencies being more difficult to locate.

[0024] It should be noted that the invention could also be implemented in the form of monophonic speakers, with in this case for each speaker a monophonic amplifier and a single output channel for one or more loudspeakers, all other characteristics being unchanged.

[0025] For the purposes of this patent, the term “association” means a physical approximation according to a predetermined reference position, for example by mechanical or magnetic attachment, by predetermined relative positioning, or by total or partial embedding.

[0026] According to a first variant embodiment, said interaction means is constituted by an acoustic reflection wall provided on said main acoustic enclosure, said reference position corresponding to a position of the satellite enclosure where its loudspeakers are oriented in the direction of said acoustic reflection wall, in a direction opposite to the direction of the loudspeakers of said main acoustic enclosure, the sounds produced by the loudspeakers of said satellite enclosure being reflected in the same direction as the sounds emitted by said main acoustic enclosure thanks to said reflection wall.

[0027] Preferably, said acoustic reflection wall extends parallel to the front of said main acoustic enclosure on which the loudspeakers are mounted, said acoustic reflection wall being centered relative to said front face.

[0028] Advantageously, said acoustic reflection wall has convex surfaces spaced the same distance apart as the loudspeakers of said satellite enclosure.

[0029] According to a second variant embodiment, said interaction means is constituted by means of detecting the association of said satellite acoustic speaker with said main acoustic speaker, said detection means controlling the parameters of the amplifier of at least one of said acoustic speakers according to a first type of parameters when said two acoustic speakers are associated to operate according to said second mode of use and according to a second type of parameters when said two acoustic speakers are dissociated to operate according to said first mode of use.

[0030] This second embodiment variant is not exclusive of the first embodiment variant, the two being able to coexist in the same system and complement each other.

[0031] Advantageously, said detection means controls the attenuation of frequencies lower than 600 Hz.

[0032] Advantageously, at least one of said active speakers integrates a connected module for managing audio streams coming from a paired peripheral, the output of said connected module for managing audio streams being connected on the one hand to the input of the stereo amplifier of the active speaker equipped with said connected module of audio stream management, and on the other hand to the electronic wireless transmission module for transmitting the same signal to the amplifier of the other active speaker.

[0033] This audio stream management module allows the system to be controlled from a smartphone or tablet, or other audiovisual equipment. This audio stream management module can be fitted to the active satellite speaker, the main speaker then being a “slave” to the “master” satellite speaker. This solution favors a nomadic mode of use. But it is also possible to equip the main active speaker with the audio stream management module, the satellite speaker(s) then becoming a “slave”, which corresponds to “multiroom” use.

[0034] It is also possible to equip each of the active speakers with an audio stream management module, each then possibly being completely autonomous, the detection of the proximity then controlling the selection of a single audio source when the speakers are close together.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment, said system comprises a third type of operation of the amplifier of said connected speakers when they are out of range of said electronic wireless transmission modules.

[0036] Preferably the system comprises a means for recharging the battery (207) of said satellite enclosure by the main enclosure, activated by the association of said satellite enclosure with the main enclosure.

[0037] Advantageously, said recharging means consists of an energy transfer by induction.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, said main acoustic enclosure has a housing for the insertion of the satellite enclosure.

[0039] According to another particular embodiment, said main acoustic enclosure has feet to form a piece of furniture.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, said main acoustic enclosure has a predetermined housing or relative positioning for the insertion of the satellite enclosure.

[0041] Preferably, said housing for inserting the satellite speaker has a diffusing surface arranged opposite the loudspeakers of said satellite speaker.

[0042] Advantageously, said housing for inserting the satellite speaker has a sound reflection wall, placed opposite the speaker(s) of said satellite speaker when said satellite speaker is associated with said main speaker.

[0043] Advantageously, said housing for the insertion of the satellite enclosure opens onto the upper face of said main enclosure, for the insertion of said satellite enclosure in a direction between +45° and -45° relative to a vertical plane.

[0044] Preferably, said sound reflection wall has at least one convex hemispherical sound reflection surface.

[0045] According to a particular embodiment, said sound reflection wall is inclined according to a plane forming an angle of 45° ±10° relative to the plane parallel to the front face of the main enclosure (100), and in this said housing is configured to receive said satellite enclosure (200) in a position where the face provided with the speaker(s) forms an angle of 90° ±30° relative to the plane of said wall.

[0046] According to a particular variant, the diffusion axis of the loudspeaker of said satellite enclosure and the diffusion axis of the loudspeakers of said main enclosure form an angle of 135°±45° between them, when said satellite enclosure is associated with said main enclosure. Detailed description of an example of implementation

[0047] The present invention will be better understood on reading the following description, concerning a non-limiting example of embodiment illustrated by the appended drawings where:

[0048] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a schematic view of a first example of realization

[0049] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a view of the response curves of the satellite speaker

[0050] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a main enclosure according to the invention

[0051] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a top view of the satellite enclosure positioned in the main enclosure

[0052] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a partial sectional view of the satellite enclosure

[0053] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a perspective view of the system according to a third example of the invention with the enclosure in associated configuration

[0054] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a perspective view of the system according to a third example of the invention with the enclosure in a separate configuration

[0055] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents a partial sectional view of the main enclosure according to a fourth embodiment

[0056] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents a top view of the main enclosure associated with the satellite enclosure according to a fourth embodiment

[0057] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents a rear view of the satellite enclosure according to a fourth embodiment

[0058] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] represents a perspective view of the main enclosure associated with the satellite enclosure according to a fourth embodiment

[0059] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] represents a perspective view of the main enclosure associated with the satellite enclosure according to a fifth embodiment

[0060] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] represents a perspective view of the main enclosure separated from the satellite enclosure according to a fifth embodiment

[0061] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] represents a front view of the main enclosure associated with the satellite enclosure according to a sixth embodiment

[0062] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] represents a sectional projection view of the main enclosure associated with the satellite enclosure according to a sixth embodiment. General principle of the invention

[0063] The system according to the invention consists of a main acoustic enclosure (100) and a satellite acoustic enclosure (200), the two enclosures (100, 200) being stereophonic.

[0064] The main speaker (100) is a box comprising two tweeters (120, 130), one for the right channel, the other for the left channel, and a bass speaker (110). The box integrates a mains transformer and a power supply, as well as a stereo amplifier. The amplifier of this main speaker receives the signal coming from a connected satellite speaker (200). It can optionally itself be connected to an audio management module making it possible to process streams coming from different remote wireless sources, for example a smartphone (10) or a tablet. The input of the amplifier is connected to a communication module of the Bluetooth or Wifi type for example.

[0065] The satellite acoustic speaker (200) comprises two wideband speakers (210, 220) on the front, one for the right channel, the other for the left channel, as well as a stereo amplifier powered by a battery. The amplifier is connected to an audio management module for processing streams from different remote wireless sources, for example a smartphone (10) or a tablet. The satellite acoustic speaker (200) also comprises a communication module for transmitting the audio stream from the audio management module to the main speaker (100).

[0066] The satellite acoustic enclosure (200) can be associated with the main enclosure (100) by placing it on the latter. The detection of the association can be done by a short-range sensor, by an electromechanical contactor, by a magnetic or optical sensor.

[0067] In the case of induction charging, the detection of the association of the satellite speaker is carried out by analyzing the electrical signal supplying the induction loop of the main speaker. The current supplying the induction loop is fixed at a first level at rest. The approach of a satellite speaker results in an inductive coupling, the detection of which controls the supply of the induction coil of the main speaker with a higher current. The satellite speaker comprises a solenoid with a single-layer winding as well as capacitive plates at each end, which tune the coil to the frequency of the transmitter, thus eliminating the energy loss of "wave problem".

[0068] In the case of an association, the configuration of the amplifiers, in particular of the amplifier of the satellite speaker (200), is modified so that all of the loudspeakers (110, 210, 220) form a cooperating assembly. Typically the bass of the satellite speaker (200) is attenuated or even cut and the low mids are lightened.

[0069] The system allows different listening modes: - Listening with the satellite speaker (200) alone, constituting a self-contained portable diffuser that can be taken by the user anywhere. - Listening to the satellite speaker (200) at the same time as the main speaker (100) but at an average distance (between 30 cm and 30 m, without association - Listening to the satellite speaker (200) associated with the main speaker (100) forming an augmented speaker. - Possibly: Listening to the main speaker alone, when it is distant from the satellite speaker.

[0070] The communication modules of the satellite enclosure (200) and the main enclosure (100) include automatic pairing functionalities, for example by initiating a procedure consisting of: - Start the pairing process by pressing a dedicated key - Automatically identify detectable connected equipment on one of the speakers, with filtering eliminating equipment belonging to a category other than a speaker likely to be associated, - If there are multiple speakers, select the speaker(s) to be paired - Save the pairing parameters and activate a light or sound acknowledgment signal, for example a voice message broadcast by one or other of the speakers (100, 200).

[0071] The main enclosure (100) may have a reception area for the satellite enclosure (200) to ensure correct positioning, for example in the form of a hollow area or lugs complementary to the base of the satellite enclosure (200).

[0072] It may also have a housing in which the satellite enclosure (200) can be partially engaged. Filtering

[0073] As indicated previously, the filtering parameters of the amplifier of the satellite speaker (200) vary depending on whether or not it is associated with a fixed speaker (100). [Fig.2] represents the curves in the following cases: - Curve (11), with attenuation of frequencies below 600 Hz, when the satellite speaker detects association with a fixed speaker (100) - Curve (12) without bass attenuation when the satellite speaker (200) is separated from the fixed speaker (100) and operates alone - Curve (13) representing the resultant of the fixed enclosure (100) and the satellite enclosure (200).

[0074] The invention makes it possible to have very good sound when the satellite speaker (200) is used alone, in an ambulatory setting, and when it is associated with the fixed speaker (100), its filtering parameters are automatically adapted to form with the fixed speaker (100) an “augmented speaker” where the bandwidth is adapted to form an optimal resulting bandwidth.

[0075] Furthermore, the limitation of its bandwidth allows, despite the low amplification power available on batteries, which would be insufficient at full power in wideband use, to obtain homogeneous sound reproduction and to maintain satisfactory dynamics as well as a low overall distortion rate.

[0076] This limitation also allows, thanks to the reduction in total electrical energy consumption, the possible recharging of the batteries of the satellite speaker at the same time as the latter is operating on its recharging base. Description of a second example of realization

[0077] Figures 3 and following illustrate a particular embodiment where the main enclosure (100) is formed by a bass-reflex box (101) having a cutout for the loudspeaker, a left tweeter (120) and a right tweeter (130) and a resonant vent (105) on the rear face.

[0078] The upper face of the box (101) forms a surface (106) intended to receive the satellite speaker (200). It is extended at the rear by a perpendicular wall (150). This sound reflection wall (150) has two hemispherical protrusions (153, 154), the front face of the satellite speaker (200) having the speaker(s) (210, 220) being placed opposite these hemispherical protrusions (153, 154) when the two speakers (100, 200) are associated.

[0079] The satellite speaker (200) is provided with a strap (205) for carrying. The satellite speaker (200) can be placed on the upper face (107) of the box (101) of the main speaker (100), "upside down", that is to say with the loudspeakers (210, 220) oriented on the side opposite the loudspeakers (110, 120, 130) of the main speaker (100). This upper face (107) can have wedging means ensuring a predefined positioning of the satellite speaker (200) relative to the speaker (100), and in particular an alignment of the main acoustic axes.

[0080] [Fig.4] represents a partial view of the satellite enclosure (200) placed on the main enclosure (100). Description of the satellite speaker

[0081] [Fig.5] represents a detailed view of the satellite enclosure (200) which is formed by a box (201) provided on its upper face (202) with a carrying handle (203). The box (201) contains the two speakers (210, 220) respectively right and left as well as a battery pack (207) and an electronic amplifier circuit.

[0082] The recharging of the battery (207) of the satellite enclosure (200) can be carried out by conductive pads arranged on the receiving surface of the main enclosure (100) on the one hand and a wall of the satellite enclosure (200) on the other hand, or by induction, using an induction loop (151) of the main enclosure (100) and on the other hand on the base of the satellite enclosure (200). Recharging is also possible when the satellite enclosure is far from its base using a separate induction charging system. Self-calibration of the satellite speaker (200)

[0083] Since the satellite speaker (200) is intended to be used in different locations, having different acoustic characteristics due to the size of the room, its furnishings, its wall coverings, etc., the satellite speaker (200) optionally includes a self-calibration circuit. This circuit is advantageously controlled by a circuit comprising an accelerometer to detect the removal of the satellite speaker (200) after a move, typically after transfer from one room to another. This circuit is also controlled by the detection of the association of the satellite speaker (200) with a main speaker (100). In the latter case, the self-calibration will take into account the overall characteristics of the two associated speakers, and the information will be transmitted by the satellite speaker (200) to the configuration circuit of the main speaker (100).

[0084] For this purpose, the satellite speaker (200) comprises an integrated or possibly detachable microphone, and a circuit controlling the emission by the loudspeakers (210, 220) of the satellite speaker (200) of an impulse signal ("impulse response") and the analysis of the impulse response to provide a spectral echogram. The comparison of the spectral echogram with a reference spectrum determines the parameters of the satellite speaker (200) in the room where it has just been installed.

[0085] In the case where the self-calibration is triggered by the detection of the association between the main speaker (100) and the satellite speaker (200), the pulse signal, for example a brief white noise, will be emitted by the loudspeakers (110, 120, 130) of the main speaker (100) and the loudspeakers (210, 220) of the satellite speaker (200) and requested by the microphone of the satellite speaker (200). The processing will control the parameterization of the amplifier of the satellite speaker (200) and the transmission to the parameterization circuit of the main speaker (100) of the information resulting from the analysis. Third embodiment

[0086] Figures 6 and 7 show a third embodiment where the main enclosure (100) has four feet (150) to form a piece of furniture. Its front facade is equipped with two full-range speakers (120, 130) respectively left and right.

[0087] The satellite enclosure (200) can be embedded in a housing opening in the example described on the front face, or removed as shown in [Fig.7]. Fourth embodiment

[0088] Figures 8 to 10 show another alternative embodiment where the satellite active enclosure (200) can be embedded in the main active enclosure (100).

[0089] The main enclosure (100) is formed by a bass-reflex box (101) whose front face has a cutout for the bass speaker (110), a cutout for the left tweeter (110), a cutout for the right tweeter (120) and a resonant vent (105) cut out in the rear face.

[0090] The upper face of the box (101) has an opening opening into a cradle forming a housing (106) intended to receive the satellite speaker (200). This cradle has a wall (151) and a perpendicular wall (150, 152) on which are provided two convex sound reflection parts forming two hemispherical protrusions (153, 154). In the “combined” mode of use where the two speakers (100, 200) are brought together, the satellite speaker (200) is engaged in the cradle, its rear face, opposite the loudspeakers resting on the wall (150) and the front face of the satellite speaker (200) having the loudspeakers (210, 220) being placed opposite these hemispherical protrusions (153, 154). The front face of the satellite enclosure (200) provided with the loudspeakers (210, 220) is oriented in the opposite direction to the front face of the main enclosure (100) provided with the loudspeakers (120, 130).It is also inclined at approximately 45° relative to the vertical plane corresponding to the plane of the front face of the main enclosure (200). Description of the satellite speaker

[0091] [Fig. 10] shows a detailed view of the satellite speaker (200) which is formed by a box (201) provided on its upper face (202) with a carrying handle (203). The box (201) contains the two loudspeakers (210, 220) as well as a battery pack (207) and a printed circuit (208) for the amplifier.

[0092] The satellite speaker (200) also has side loops (205) for attaching a strap for carrying. The satellite speaker (200) can be introduced into the cradle opening on the upper face (107) of the box (101) of the main speaker (100), “upside down”, that is to say with the loudspeakers (210, 220) oriented on the side opposite the loudspeakers (110, 120, 130) of the main speaker (100). This upper face (106) can have wedging means ensuring a predefined positioning of the satellite speaker (200) relative to the speaker (100), and in particular an alignment of the main acoustic axes.

[0093] The recharging of the battery (207) of the satellite enclosure (200) can be carried out by conductive pads arranged on the receiving surface of the main enclosure (100) on the one hand and a wall of the satellite enclosure (200) on the other hand, or by induction, using an induction loop (151) of the main enclosure (100) and on the other hand on the base of the satellite enclosure (200). Recharging is also possible when the satellite enclosure is far from its base using a separate induction charging system.

[0094] [Fig. 11] shows a partial view of the satellite enclosure (200) embedded in the main enclosure (100). Fifth embodiment

[0095] Figures 12 and 13 represent a perspective view of a fifth embodiment respectively in the situation of association of the main enclosure (100) and the satellite enclosure (200) and in the situation of dissociation.

[0096] The main enclosure (100) is in the form of a piece of furniture with feet (150). In this fifth example, the loudspeakers (120, 130) are placed on the front panel. Optionally, a bass loudspeaker can be placed on the bottom of the furniture, directed downwards. The rear bottom (152), opposite the front panel, is vertical and has two hemispherical protuberances (153, 154) whose median normal (155) is directed at an angle of 45°.

[0097] The front face (206) of the satellite (200) comprises a right loudspeaker (210) and a left loudspeaker (220). The distance between the two loudspeakers (210, 220) corresponds to the distance between the two hemispherical protrusions (153, 154). The front face (206) is inclined in a plane forming an angle of 45° relative to the vertical, substantially with the same angle as the normal (155) of the two hemispherical protrusions (153, 154).

[0098] The front face of the main enclosure (100) has an opening for embedding the satellite enclosure (200), in a horizontal insertion direction, perpendicular to the plane of the front facade (100). When the satellite enclosure (200) is engaged in the receiving housing of the main enclosure (100), its loudspeakers (210, 220) emit sound in a direction opposite to that of the loudspeakers (120, 130) of the main enclosure, the sound of the loudspeakers (210, 220) of the satellite enclosure being deflected upwards by the two hemispherical protuberances (153, 154), which produces a more immersive sound. Sixth embodiment

[0099] Figures 14 and 15 show a view of a sixth embodiment in a situation of association of the main enclosure (100) and the satellite enclosure (200) respectively in front view and in side projection view. The main enclosure (100) is in the form of a piece of furniture with legs (150). In this sixth example, the left and right speakers (120, 130) are placed on the bottom (160) of the main speaker (100), and are oriented downwards.

[0100] The satellite enclosure (200) is inserted as in the previous example into a housing of the main enclosure (100) opening on the front face.

[0101] According to a first alternative, the loudspeakers (210, 220) of the satellite speaker (220) are oriented towards the front, and emit a sound in a direction perpendicular to the front face of the main speaker (100) towards the front.

[0102] According to a second alternative, the loudspeakers (210, 220) of the satellite enclosure (220) are oriented towards the rear, and emit a sound in a direction perpendicular to the front face of the main enclosure (100) towards the rear, towards the rear face provided with two convex hemispherical protuberances (153, 154).

[0103] As in the previous examples, the upper wall of the main enclosure (100) in this case has a cutout to allow the sound to diffuse in a vertical direction. General considerations

[0104] It should be noted that in all cases where the satellite speaker (200) is positioned so that the sound emitted by the loudspeakers (210, 220) of the satellite speaker (200) is directed in an opposite direction to the sound emitted by the loudspeakers (120, 130) of the main speaker, the detection of the association of the main speakers (100) and (200) controls the inversion of the left-right channels of one of the two speakers (100, 200), when they are stereophonic.

[0105] It should also be noted that in order not to unnecessarily burden the description, certain technical details described in an exemplary embodiment are not systematically repeated in the other exemplary embodiments, which should not be interpreted as the fact that these details are exclusive to the example in which they were developed; This means in particular that in the other examples where a technical aspect appears implicitly, the characteristics developed in another example must be understood as also applicable to the less detailed example.

[0106] For example, the fact that the presence of an amplifier, a power supply is not mentioned and illustrated in each example should not be interpreted as the fact that in certain examples, the integration of an amplifier, a power supply is absent.

[0107] Similarly, the six exemplary embodiments described are not exclusive of other exemplary embodiments, in particular examples combining characteristics of one example with those of another example.

Claims

Claims

1. Stereophonic sound diffusion system consisting of: - a main active acoustic enclosure (100) formed by a housing integrating a power source, a stereo amplifier and at least one loudspeaker (110) per channel, and - a satellite acoustic enclosure (200) comprising at least one loudspeaker (210, 220), characterized in that - said satellite acoustic speaker (200) is constituted by an active, portable stereo speaker, formed by a housing integrating an autonomous power source, a stereo amplifier and at least one loudspeaker (110) per channel, - each of said active speakers (100, 200) further comprising a wireless communication module for transmitting the same input signal to the amplifier input - said main (100) and satellite (200) acoustic enclosures comprising at least one interaction means acting during their association to allow: • a first mode of use where said main (100) and satellite (200) acoustic speakers are distant from each other and constitute two independent stereophonic diffusion sources where the satellite acoustic speaker (200) has an acoustic characteristic adapted to an autonomous stereophonic diffusion And • a second mode of use where the two acoustic enclosures (100, 200) are associated in a reference position, to form a combined stereophonic diffusion source, the acoustic characteristics of said satellite acoustic enclosure (200) being modified by said interaction.

2. Stereophonic sound diffusion system according to claim 1 characterized in that said interaction means is constituted by an acoustic reflection wall provided on said main acoustic enclosure (100), said reference position corresponding to a position of the satellite enclosure (200) where its loudspeakers are oriented towards said acoustic reflection wall, in a direction opposite to the direction of the loudspeakers of said main acoustic enclosure (100), the sounds produced by the loudspeakers of said satellite enclosure (200) being reflected in the same direction as the sounds emitted by said main acoustic enclosure (100) thanks to said reflection wall.

3. Stereophonic sound diffusion system according to claim 2 characterized in that said acoustic reflection wall extends parallel to the front of said main acoustic enclosure (100) on which the loudspeakers are mounted, said acoustic reflection wall being centered relative to said front face.

4. Stereophonic sound diffusion system according to claim 2 or 3 characterized in that said acoustic reflection wall has convex surfaces spaced apart by the same distance as the loudspeakers of said satellite enclosure (200).

5. Stereophonic sound diffusion system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said interaction means is constituted by means for detecting the association of said satellite acoustic speaker (200) with said main acoustic speaker (100), said detection means controlling the parameters of the amplifier of at least one of said acoustic speakers (100, 200) according to a first type of parameters when said two acoustic speakers are associated to operate according to said second mode of use and according to a second type of parameters when said two acoustic speakers (100, 200) are dissociated to operate according to said first mode of use.

6. Sound diffusion system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said detection means controls the attenuation of frequencies lower than 600 Hz, when it detects the association of the satellite speaker (200) with a fixed speaker (100).

7. Sound diffusion system according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one of said active speakers (100, 200) integrates a connected module for managing audio streams coming from a paired peripheral, the output of said connected module for managing audio streams being connected on the one hand to the input of the stereo amplifier of the active speaker equipped with said connected module for managing audio streams, and on the other hand to the electronic wireless transmission module for transmitting the same signal to the amplifier of the other active speaker.

8. Sound diffusion system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said system comprises a third type of operation of the amplifier of said connected speakers (100, 200) when they are out of range of said electronic wireless transmission modules.

9. Sound diffusion system according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a means of recharging by the main speaker (100) the battery (207) of said satellite speaker (200), activated by the association of said satellite speaker (200) with the main speaker (100).

10. Sound diffusion system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said recharging means consists of an energy transfer by induction.

11. Sound diffusion system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said main acoustic enclosure (100) has a housing for the insertion of the satellite enclosure (200).

12. Sound diffusion system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said main acoustic enclosure (100) has feet to form a piece of furniture.

13. Sound diffusion system according to claim 1 characterized in that said main acoustic enclosure (100) has a housing for the insertion of the satellite enclosure (200).

14. Sound diffusion system according to claim 13 characterized in that said housing for the insertion of the satellite speaker (200) opens on the upper face of said main speaker (100), for the insertion of said satellite speaker (200) in a direction between +45° and -45° relative to a vertical plane.

15. Sound diffusion system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said main enclosure (100) has a diffusing surface (153, 154) arranged opposite the loudspeakers (220, 230) of said satellite enclosure (200).

16. Sound diffusion system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said main enclosure (100) has a sound reflection wall (150), placed opposite the speaker(s) (210, 220) of said satellite enclosure (200) when it is associated with said main enclosure (100).

17. Sound diffusion system according to the preceding claim characterized in that said sound reflection wall has at least one convex hemispherical sound reflection surface (153, 154).

18. Sound diffusion system according to claim 15 characterized in that said sound reflection wall is inclined according to a plane forming an angle of 45° ±10° relative to the plane parallel to the front face of the main enclosure (100), and in that said housing is configured to receive said satellite enclosure (200) in a position where the face provided with the speaker(s) forms an angle of 90° ±30° relative to the plane of said wall.

19. Sound diffusion system according to claim 1 characterized in that the diffusion axis of the loudspeaker of said satellite enclosure (200) and the diffusion axis of the loudspeakers of said main enclosure (100) form between them an angle of 135°±45°, when said satellite enclosure (200) is associated with said main enclosure.

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