Speaker device with speaker and lighting unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a speaker device (LA) comprising a speaker (1) and a lighting unit (BE). According to the invention, the glass body (7) and / or components of the speaker (1) have a visual symbol (Z), and the lighting unit illuminates the glass body (7) and / or components of the speaker (1) to illuminate the visual symbol (Z). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with such a speaker device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a speaker device including a speaker and a lighting unit. [Background technology]

[0002] From US Pat. No. 5,649,999 an illuminated speaker is known. The speaker includes a light source configured to emit input light. A diaphragm is configured to move when a magnet receives an electrical signal. A first photoluminescent structure is arranged on the diaphragm. A second photoluminescent structure is also arranged on the diaphragm. The input light emitted from the light source is converted into output light by the first and second photoluminescent structures.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an interior lighting element for a vehicle, comprising an elongated light guide, a diffuser, and a reflector, wherein the light guide is at least partially housed within the diffuser. The reflector is disposed on the inner surface of the diffuser and has a reflective surface facing the light guide. The reflector is configured to reflect light from the light guide toward the outer surface of the light guide, and in this case, the reflector has a rough surface to diffusely reflect the light from the light guide. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses glasses of any shape and / or color, in which a two-dimensional or three-dimensional glass sculpture is fixedly incorporated into the interior space of the glass, i.e., the place where the beverage is poured. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE102016122078A1 [Patent Document 2] DE102016115750A1 [Patent Document 3] DE202016006556U1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem on which the invention is based is to provide a novel loudspeaker arrangement comprising a loudspeaker and a lighting unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned problems are solved by a speaker device having the features set forth in claim 1 and a vehicle having the features set forth in claim 10.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The speaker device includes a speaker and a lighting unit. According to the present invention, the glass body and / or the speaker component have a visual symbol, and the lighting unit illuminates the glass body and / or the speaker component to illuminate the visual symbol.

[0009] The speaker device so configured can be used to illuminate and thereby optically highlight a visual symbol, which may be a trademark and / or a visual symbol representing a product, to give the impression of optically highlighting the trademark and / or product and to draw attention to the speaker device.

[0010] Here, direct or indirect illumination of, inter alia, visual symbols is integrated as an additional function into the speaker cover as a structural unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, a support structure made at least partially of a transparent and / or translucent material is arranged on the rear surface of the speaker cover, the support structure having a plurality of light-isolating structures. In particular, a visual symbol is arranged relative to at least one of the light-isolating structures so that the visual symbol is illuminated by direct or indirect lighting. In this case, the speaker cover can be formed as a mesh, in particular a metal mesh, whereby the speaker diaphragm is arranged to be protected, in particular from mechanical damage.

[0012] In one development of the loudspeaker device, the lighting unit has a light-guiding element surrounding the edge of the support structure and at least one light-coupling element, the light-guiding element being coupled to the at least one light-coupling element, such that the lighting unit is relatively inexpensive and can be used to improve the impression of the loudspeaker device.

[0013] In one embodiment, a diffuser is disposed on the support structure as a component together with the glass body disposed in the holder. Alternatively or additionally, a visual symbol can be disposed on the diffuser, again illuminated using the lighting unit.

[0014] In one embodiment of the speaker device, the light emitted by the at least one optical coupling element and coupled into the light-guiding element is emitted directly or indirectly through the optical isolation structure of the support structure, through the holes in the speaker cover, in the area of the glass body and / or through the glass body for lighting effects.

[0015] In another embodiment, the visual symbol is located on the underside of the glass body, on the top side of the glass body, and / or inside the glass body and is formed by printing, foil, recessing, embossing, and / or matting.

[0016] If the visual symbol is arranged on the underside of the glass body, the visual symbol is arranged in such a way that it is well protected from the accumulation of dirt and dust. Alternatively or additionally, if the visual symbol is arranged on the upper side of the glass body, it is particularly possible to change the visual symbol, for example by removing the visual symbol and / or pasting a new one on top of it. Thus, the user of the speaker device or the owner of the vehicle in which the speaker device is arranged has the option to change the visual symbol as needed. This makes it possible, for example, to personalize the speaker cover by having the initials of the user, i.e., the speaker owner, form an illuminated visual symbol.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, if the visual symbol is formed inside the glass body, the visual symbol may have a three-dimensional shape, which is illuminated directly or indirectly using the lighting unit to create a lighting effect.

[0018] In another alternative or additional embodiment of the speaker device, the visual symbol is disposed on the upper surface of a diffuser as a component of the speaker, and is formed by printing, foil, recessing, embossing, and / or matting. In this embodiment, the diffuser also has a holder with a glass body disposed on the upper surface of the diffuser, and the glass body is disposed on the upper surface of the diffuser so that the visual symbol is protected from dirt.

[0019] In one development of the loudspeaker device, the diffuser and / or the glass body arranged thereon is coupled to the light source and / or a separate light guide for light coupling, whereby different illumination areas can be generated and, if necessary, light sources of different colors can be used as light coupling elements.

[0020] In one configuration of the speaker device, the transparent and / or translucent portions of the support structure are positioned so that the coupled light exits exclusively, directly or indirectly, through the glass body of the speaker device. In this configuration, because the light exits exclusively through the glass body, the visual symbol can form a unique eye-catcher and attract the viewer's attention.

[0021] Furthermore, in one possible configuration, the optical coupling elements are coupled to a control unit for turning on and off at least one optical coupling element to control the brightness, color and / or frequency of the emitted light, thereby realizing the generation of different flashing colors and / or flashing lights, which also form eye-catchers and improve the impression of the speaker device, especially the speaker cover.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a vehicle with a speaker device, which includes a speaker and a speaker cover, the speaker cover being configured as described above and which can be personalized using visual symbols. If the speaker with the speaker cover is arranged in the door lining of a vehicle door, the direct and / or indirect light emission can also be used for relatively unobtrusive illumination of the entry and exit areas. For example, the light emission can be controlled accordingly for illumination.

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic front view of a speaker device with a speaker and a speaker cover; [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a speaker device with a speaker and a speaker cover; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate corresponding parts.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a front view of a speaker device LA equipped with a speaker 1 and a speaker cover 2, and Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the speaker device LA equipped with the speaker 1 and the speaker cover 2. The speaker 1 and the speaker cover 2 are particularly disposed in a vehicle, for example, in the door lining of a vehicle door. The speaker 1 and the speaker cover 2 each have a circular shape.

[0027] The loudspeaker 1 comprises a so-called loudspeaker basket 1.1, a carrier structure 1.2 and a loudspeaker diaphragm 1.3, which is arranged so as to be protected, in particular from mechanical damage, by a loudspeaker cover 2.

[0028] In particular, speaker covers 2, which are arranged directionally in the vehicle interior, often have a decorative or artistic function in addition to the function of covering and protecting the speaker diaphragm 1.3. Many lighting functions are known, which either frame the speaker cover or shed light through the speaker cover.

[0029] The speaker cover 2 described below, in addition to the function of protecting and covering the speaker 1, also has an illumination function, which is realized by a lighting unit BE, e.g., with a visual symbol Z for individualization. If the speaker 1 is arranged in the door lining of a vehicle, the lighting unit BE can also be used, e.g., to illuminate the entry and exit areas of the vehicle door.

[0030] In one possible configuration, the speaker cover 2 is formed as a mesh, in particular from a metal sheet with holes P, which is stabilized against mechanical influences by means of a support structure S arranged on the back side.

[0031] The support structure S is made from a transparent and / or translucent material. In an alternative embodiment, the support structure S has portions at predetermined locations that are made from a transparent and / or translucent material.

[0032] The support structure S has arranged on its periphery a light-guiding element 3, i.e. an annular light-guiding element 3, as a component of the lighting unit BE, which is coupled to two light-coupling elements 4, i.e. two light sources, e.g. in the form of LEDs, as further components of the lighting unit BE. The number of light-coupling elements 4 can vary, and there can be one or more light-coupling elements 4.

[0033] In the center of the speaker cover 2, a diffuser 5 is arranged on the support structure S, which diffuses the light L coupled into the support structure S uniformly. For this purpose, the support structure S has a plurality of light separating structures S1, S2, and the light L coupled out via the light out-coupling structure S1 is scattered uniformly by the diffuser 5.

[0034] The diffuser 5 has a holder 6, in particular a base, on which a glass body 7 is arranged, with the diffuser 5 located on the underside of the glass body 7. The holder 6 surrounds the diffuser 5 and the glass body 7 so that the diffuser 5 and the glass body 7 are arranged directly next to each other. In particular, the glass body 7 is framed by the holder 6 like a jewel.

[0035] The glass body 7, alternatively crystal glass, together with the diffuser 5 and the holder 6 is attached to the support structure S and / or the light-guiding element 3 by a material, form and / or force connection, for example by being glued and / or clipped to the support structure S.

[0036] The glass body 7 and / or the diffuser 5 have a visual symbol Z, also called a mark. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the glass body 7 has a visual symbol Z that is incorporated into the glass body 7, i.e., formed inside the glass body 7.

[0037] The visual symbol Z is formed inside the glass body 7 by printing, foil, recessing, embossing, and / or matting, whereby the visual symbol Z can also have a three-dimensional shape. For example, the visual symbol Z can be a logo, a trademark, and / or the initials of the vehicle owner, thereby increasing the degree of personalization of the vehicle.

[0038] In particular, the visual symbol Z can be introduced into the glass body 7 by a laser and can also be formed in three dimensions. Alternatively or additionally, the glass body 7 can be formed in two parts, such that the visual symbol Z is applied or introduced onto and / or into one part and / or the other part of the two-part glass body 7 using one or more of the introduction methods listed above.

[0039] To make the visual symbol Z very prominent and draw attention to it, the edges and / or surfaces of the glass body 7 can be cut like crystal glass or diamond, especially if the glass body 7 is made of real glass. If the glass body 7 is made of acrylic glass, the edges and / or surfaces can be machined with a tool, in which case the edges and / or surfaces refract the light L according to the effect to be achieved.

[0040] According to the present embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, the glass body 7 has cut surfaces F, in other words facets, in its peripheral region 7.1.

[0041] In a first alternative or additional embodiment, the visual symbol Z is arranged on the underside of the glass body 7 and is formed by printing, a foil, e.g. a chrome foil, recessing, embossing and / or matting, for example by means of a laser beam, mechanical processing and / or matting using a tool. The various introduction methods can also be combined with one another; for example, recessing followed by matting is conceivable.

[0042] In a second alternative or additional embodiment, the visual symbol Z is arranged on the upper surface of the glass body 7 and is formed by printing, a foil, e.g. a chrome foil, a recess, an embossing and / or a matt finish. Here too, the various methods of introduction can be advantageously combined.

[0043] In a third alternative or additional embodiment, the visual symbol Z is located on the upper or lower surface of the diffuser 5, and is formed using one of the introduction methods specifically listed above.

[0044] The glass body 7 is highlighted and illuminated by the light L emitted from the lighting unit BE, in particular the light coupling element 4 in the form of an LED and the annular light guiding element 3, as well as the light separating structures S1, S2. Here, the light L separated via the light separating structure 3.1 is scattered uniformly by the diffuser 5 and refracted at the visual symbol Z.

[0045] Depending on the embodiment, different effects can be achieved based on different lighting scenarios regarding the light interaction on the glass body 7 and the visual symbol Z.

[0046] For example, the lighting scenarios include a switch-on scenario and a switch-off scenario, and at least one dimming function.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the lighting scenario using a single optocoupler 4 or using multiple optocouplers 4 can emit cool white light L or warm white light L, can vary in color, and / or can pulse the emitted light L. For example, the optocoupler 4 or multiple optocouplers 4 can be connected to a control unit, not shown in detail, to set up different lighting scenarios.

[0048] If two or more optical coupling elements 4 are provided, special optical effects, such as light and / or color transitions and brilliance, can be produced at the cut surface F of the glass body 7 and / or at the visual symbol Z.

[0049] The light separation, i.e. the light emission and light action, takes place via the surface of the glass body 7 with the cut facets F and / or directly in the transparent area B between the speaker cover 2, i.e. the metal sheet with the holes, and the holding part 6 of the glass body 7. This allows the light L to pass through the holes P in the speaker cover 2 and enter the adjacent area located on the outside.

[0050] The speaker cover 2 is additionally illuminated from the visible side by indirect lighting in the transparent area B around the glass body 7. This can enhance the floating effect of the glass body 7 and the holder 6.

[0051] The optical coupling element 4 or multiple optical coupling elements 4 can be controlled to display display options relating to vehicle related entry and exit scenarios, e.g. warning functions, comfort displays e.g. warm / cold, ambient lighting functions, mood lighting scenarios, and / or optical sound support.

[0052] When the speaker device LA comprising the speaker 1 and the speaker cover 2 is arranged inside a vehicle door or is at least partially integrated into the door, the speaker cover 2 can be arranged and attached to a housing 9 formed by the door trim, baffle, etc. using a frame 8.

[0053] By creating and emphasizing the visual symbol Z, the appearance of the speaker 1 equipped with the speaker cover 2 can be characterized and its value can be increased.

[0054] Further functions and / or moods can be integrated into the speaker cover 2 altogether at relatively low cost.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the transparent and / or translucent parts of the support structure S, i.e. the separating structures S1, S2 of the support structure S, are arranged in such a way that the coupled light L exits directly or indirectly only via the glass body 7. For example, for this purpose the support structure S is at least partially provided with an opaque coating, separate opaque parts and / or opaque two-component parts, which makes it possible to exclude light from exiting in the area of the speaker cover 2, i.e. the area of the perforated metal sheet.

[0056] In an alternative configuration of speaker cover 2, glass body 7 is illuminated through diffuser 5 using a light source or light sources not shown in detail. In this case, the light source or light sources are positioned relative to diffuser 5 such that light L is coupled from the underside of diffuser 5 through the diffuser 5 into glass body 7.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the glass body 7 may be illuminated from below by means of a separate light-guiding element, not shown in detail.

[0058] It is also possible to arrange separate light guide elements around the periphery of the glass body 2 to illuminate the glass body, with the light separating surface extending over the separate light guide elements.

[0059] The loudspeaker device LA, comprising a loudspeaker 1 and a loudspeaker cover 2 with a glass body 7 that may have a visual symbol Z and that is directly and / or indirectly illuminated, is not only intended to be placed in vehicles: the loudspeaker 1 with the loudspeaker cover 2 can also be placed in any conceivable indoor and outdoor area.

[0060] The overall appearance of the loudspeaker device LA can be individually configured in various representations and can have as eye-catchers any conceivable visual symbol Z, for example in the form of a trademark and / or product logo.

Claims

1. A speaker device (LA) comprising a speaker (1) and a lighting unit (BE), - the glass body (7) and / or the components of said loudspeaker (1) have a visual symbol (Z), The loudspeaker device (LA), characterized in that the lighting unit illuminates the glass body (7) and / or the components of the loudspeaker (1) in order to illuminate the visual symbol (Z).

2. 2. The speaker device according to claim 1, characterized in that a support structure (S) made at least partially of a transparent and / or translucent material is arranged on the rear surface of the speaker cover (2), said support structure having a plurality of light separating structures (S1, S2).

3. 3. The speaker device according to claim 2, wherein the lighting unit comprises a light-guiding element (3) surrounding the edge of the support structure (S) and at least one optical coupling element (4), the light-guiding element (3) being coupled to the at least one optical coupling element (4).

4. 4. The loudspeaker arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a diffuser (5) as a component together with the glass body (7) arranged in a holder (6) is arranged on the support structure (S).

5. 5. The loudspeaker device according to claim 3, wherein the light (L) emitted by the at least one optical coupling element (4) and coupled into the light-guiding element (3) exits directly or indirectly through the light-separating structures (S1, S2) of the support structure (S), through holes (P) in the loudspeaker cover (2), in the region of the glass body (7) and / or through the glass body (7).

6. 6. The speaker device (LA) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the visual symbol (Z) is arranged on the underside of the glass body (7), on the upper side of the glass body (7) and / or inside the glass body (7) and is formed by printing, foil, recesses, embossing and / or matting.

7. 7. A loudspeaker device (LA) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the visual symbol (Z) is arranged on the upper surface of the diffuser (5) and is formed by printing, foil, recessing, embossing and / or matting.

8. 9. A loudspeaker device (LA) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the transparent and / or translucent parts of the support structure (S) are arranged so that the coupled light (L) exits exclusively directly or indirectly through the glass body (7) of the loudspeaker cover (2).

9. 9. A loudspeaker device (LA) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the optical coupling elements (4) are coupled to a control unit for turning on and off at least one optical coupling element (4) in order to control the brightness, color and / or frequency of the emitted light (L).

10. A vehicle equipped with a speaker device (LA) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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