Support system for an acoustic transducer

Abstract

The invention relates to a support system having a connection element (201) for screwing the left side of an acoustic transducer module and a connection element (202) for screwing the right side of the acoustic transducer module, each of which comprises two outer panels (203) between which an adjustment device, in particular for horizontal displaceability, provides a releasable connection of the modules to the elements (301)-(500), which support system is suitable for connecting a number of loudspeaker modules to a flat baffle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support system for an acoustic transducer, in particular for the construction of an acoustic transducer surface, which can be used as a standing or hanging system, in particular for the construction of flat two-dimensional acoustic transducer arrangements from loudspeaker modules. [Background technology]

[0002] Such module arrangements are typically controlled according to the principles of wave field synthesis to generate one or more sound wavefronts that can be independently controlled in the azimuth and elevation planes and whose direction and opening angle can be separately adjusted. The loudspeaker modules do not need to be mechanically aligned, as is the case with line arrays. Control is achieved via discretely controlled levels and delay times of multiple transducers.

[0003] A support system is described that allows a flat acoustic transducer surface to be built from individual modules. This construction places special demands on the fastening system. On the other hand, the transducer surface must not be interrupted by larger areas where no transducers contribute to the generation of the wavefront. If the distance between the modules is too large, diffraction effects occur, resulting in unwanted side lobes outside the programmed directivity of the system.

[0004] The maximum size of the acoustic radiating surface is only limited vertically by the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the materials used; in the horizontal plane, the system can be expanded if necessary. The larger size places special demands on the accuracy of the positioning of the individual modules, since the errors add up with the number of modules. However, the exact position of each individual transducer is crucial in order to calculate the signal propagation time to each individual transducer. Even a difference of just a few millimeters between the calculated position of an individual transducer and its actual acoustic center leads to position-dependent changes in the frequency response. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a stable support system module for an acoustic transducer, with which large two-dimensional acoustic transducer surfaces can be built without the tolerances added to the size of the system resulting in errors in the reproduction range. The system can also be used for beamforming applications where it is built as a two-dimensional radiator surface. In the following, the structure is explained using the schematic diagrams in Figures 1 to 4 as an example. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] No description available. [Diagram 2] No description available. [Diagram 3] No description available. [Figure 4] No description available. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] 1 shows the structure of a two-dimensional acoustic transducer surface consisting of two modules 100 and two modules 101. In the following, starting from the front view, the left and right sides will be described.

[0008] The front dimensions of modules 100 and 101 are identical. However, in reality, not all modules in a wave field synthesis are equipped with a sub-bass loudspeaker. In this example, only module 100 has an additional transducer for the low frequency range, and is therefore deeper than module 101.

[0009] The support system comprises a lateral element (201), here constructed in mirror image (i.e. differently), which serves to screw the left side of the individual modules and (202) which serves to screw the right side of the individual modules, and two panels (203), between which an adjustment device (i.e. a variable mechanism) constructed of elements (301)-(500) realises a removable connection of the modules. The adjustment device can in particular be used to move the modules towards the viewing direction or against it (i.e. backwards).

[0010] The mounting system is designed to allow both modules type 100 and 101 to be mounted at any position within the overall structure. It is also possible to install type 100 modules inverted, i.e. with their radiating side facing backwards. This design can be advantageous for individual modules in very large systems to achieve a cardioid directivity of the whole system, even in the low frequency range. However, the support system can also be manufactured with a smaller mounting depth if only type 101 modules are used.

[0011] The system can be suspended from the truss 200. However, a standing construction is also possible. For this purpose, standing feet are suspended on connecting bolts 403 on the floor to distribute the load evenly. They can be designed to be adjustable in height and ensure a precise alignment of the system. High standing systems can be fixed against tilting to the truss 200. The truss 200 has several fastening holes so that the system can always be suspended at the center of gravity depending on the equipment with more or less modules in depth.

[0012] In FIG. 2 the connection mechanism is shown, which is screwed to the right side of each module. The fasteners on the left side are constructed in mirror image, respectively. The vertical connection of the modules in a row is achieved via a movable latch 401 as part of the adjustment device. It is embedded between the two outer panels (203) and can move along two guide pins. In the closed state, it is hooked to a connection bolt 403 connected to the upper module. The slide lever 302 is then in the closed position, as shown in the schematic diagram. The relative position of the systems connected in a row is then fixed to each other in all directions. If there is a risk that the guide bolt 405 cannot absorb the vertical forces when erecting high module rows, a force absorbing rail 402 can be provided for larger systems. The optional horizontal connection of the module rows using a connection element 500 can improve the dimensional stability of the system. Here shown in the closed state, the pin is hooked to the adjacent right module. However, other possibilities for connecting the panels horizontally using clamps, screws or hooks are also conceivable.

[0013] Figure 3 shows the open position of the connection element. The fixed lever 301 is pushed from the front to open the vertical connection. This allows the sliding lever 302 to be lifted, which moves the movable latch 401 to a position where the upper module can be lifted using its connection bolt 403. In its upper position, the horizontal connection element (500) releases the horizontal connection to the adjacent module.

[0014] A side view of the closed connection is shown in Figure 4. The sliding lever 302 holds the movable latch 401 in its forward position as shown until the fixed lever 301 is depressed. The pivot 410 of the sliding latch 302 is located slightly above the sliding bolt 409. The tension spring 404 therefore locks the lever in place to such an extent that force is first required to release the lever before the spring 404 supports lifting of the sliding lever 302.

[0015] In addition, the closed position of the slide lever (302) is secured by a safety hook (406), which fits into a groove in the slide lever (302) so that the slide lever (302) cannot be lifted. Only when the color-coded locking lever (301) is pressed, the safety hook (406) rotates around its pivot (407) against the force of the weak tension spring of the safety hook (408) until it releases the groove in the slide lever (302) to separate the modules. Thus, the system is doubly secured against unintentional opening of the vertical module connections by the tension spring (404) and the safety hook (406). [Explanation of symbols]

[0016] 100 Module with mid-range and high-frequency transducers and sub-bass 101 Module with mid-range and high-frequency transducers 200 Truss for hanging the system 201 The left-hand connection element consists of two steel plates and a connection mechanism between them 202 Right-hand connection element consisting of two steel plates and a connection mechanism between them 203 Outer Panel 301 Fixed lever 302 Slide lever 401 Movable Latch 402 Force absorbing rail 403 Connection bolt 404 Tension Spring 405 Guide bolt 406 Safety Hook 407 Safety hook pivot 408 Safety Hook Extension Spring 409 Slide Bolt 410 Safety hook pivot 500 horizontal connection elements

Claims

1. A support system for a first acoustic transducer module, wherein the support system is: A first side element configured to be screwed to the left side of the first acoustic transducer module, the first side element comprising a first plurality of panels, A second side element configured to be screwed to the right side of the first acoustic transducer module, the second side element comprising a second plurality of panels, A first adjustment device configured to be guided between the first plurality of panels, the first adjustment device includes a first movable bar, the first movable bar configured to slide along a linear direction to engage with a first connecting bolt of a second acoustic transducer module adjacent to the first acoustic transducer module in the transducer system, the first adjustment device is configured to be held in the engaged position by a first slide lever, the first slide lever is rotatably mounted and fixed by a first locking lever, the first adjustment device, A second adjustment device configured to be guided between the second plurality of panels, the second adjustment device includes a second movable bar, the second movable bar configured to slide along the linear direction so as to engage with a second connecting bolt of the second acoustic transducer module, the second adjustment device is configured to be held in the engaged position by a second slide lever, the second slide lever is rotatably mounted and fixed by a second locking lever, and the second adjustment device and A support system equipped with these features.

2. The support system according to claim 1, wherein the first acoustic transducer module is fastened to the first side element and the second side element such that its radiating side faces the rear side of the support system.

3. The support system according to claim 1, wherein the first side element and the second side element each include a plurality of fastening holes configured to accommodate acoustic transducer modules of different depths.

4. The first movable bar is embedded between the first plurality of panels and is configured to be movable along two guide bolts between an open position and a closed position, In the closed position, the first movable bar engages with the first connecting bolt of the second acoustic transducer module so as to form a row. The support system according to claim 1, wherein the shift lever is rotatably mounted such that it fixes the first movable bar in the closed position.

5. The support system according to claim 1, further comprising a horizontal connecting element configured to horizontally couple the support system to the second acoustic transducer module, wherein the horizontal connecting element comprises a pin, the pin being configured to engage with a receiving structure on the second acoustic transducer module in order to improve the dimensional stability of the support system.

6. The first adjustment device is A safety hook is rotatably mounted at a pivot point located slightly above the center of the slide bolt, A tension spring, wherein the tension spring is configured to hold the first slide lever in a closed position with a force such that the initial release force is required to overwhelm the spring tension before the tension spring assists in lifting the first slide lever. The support system according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. The support system according to claim 1, wherein the first slide lever is held in a closed position by a safety hook, and the safety hook is engaged with the groove in the first slide lever so as not to be lifted until the safety hook is rotated by the restoring force of a weak tension spring, thereby releasing the groove in the first slide lever and allowing the first acoustic transducer module and the second acoustic transducer module to be separated.

8. A method for assembling a transducer system comprising a first acoustic transducer module and a second acoustic transducer module adjacent to the first acoustic transducer module, wherein the method is: The first side element is screwed to the left side of the first acoustic transducer module, wherein the first side element includes a first plurality of panels. The second side element is screwed to the right side of the first acoustic transducer module, wherein the second side element includes a second plurality of panels. The method involves guiding a first adjustment device between the first plurality of panels, wherein the first adjustment device includes a first movable bar configured to slide along a linear direction. The first movable bar is slid so as to engage with the first connecting bolt of the second acoustic transducer module, The first movable bar is fixed in the engagement position by mounting the first slide lever so as to be rotatable and fixing the first slide lever with the first fixing lever, The method involves guiding a second adjustment device between the second plurality of panels, wherein the second adjustment device includes a second movable bar configured to slide along the linear direction. The second movable bar is slid so as to engage with the second connecting bolt of the second acoustic transducer module, The second movable bar is fixed in the engagement position by mounting the second slide lever so that it can rotate and fixing the second slide lever with the second fixing lever. Methods that include...

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising fastening the first acoustic transducer module to the first side element and the second side element such that the radiating side of the first acoustic transducer module faces the rear side of the support system.

10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising providing a plurality of fastening holes in the first side element and the second side element to accommodate acoustic transducer modules of different depths.

11. The first movable bar is embedded between the first plurality of panels, Moving the first movable bar along two guide bolts between the open position and the closed position, In the closed position, the first movable bar is engaged with the first connecting bolt of the second acoustic transducer module, The shift lever is rotatably mounted so as to fix the first movable bar in the closed position. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising horizontally coupling the support system to the second acoustic transducer module using a horizontal connecting element, wherein the horizontal connecting element comprises a pin, the pin being configured to engage with a receiving structure on the second acoustic transducer module to improve the dimensional stability of the support system.

13. A safety hook is rotatably mounted at a pivot point located slightly above the center of the slide bolt, The first slide lever is held in the closed position using a tension spring, and it is required that the initial release force overwhelms the spring tension before the tension spring assists in lifting the first slide lever. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:

14. In order to hold the first slide lever in the closed position, the safety hook is engaged with a groove in the first slide lever, By operating the locking lever to rotate the safety hook in response to the restoring force of a weak tension spring, the groove is released, enabling the separation of the first acoustic transducer module and the second acoustic transducer module. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:

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