Speaker assembly with lighting effects and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a speaker assembly with an illumination effect, comprising at least one speaker (1), a cover (2) covering the at least one speaker (1) in the direction of sound radiation, and a lighting device (3) for illuminating the cover (2). The speaker assembly according to the present invention comprises: - the cover (2) is constituted by a thin plate grill (4) including at least two thin plates (4.1) extending substantially in a first direction (x1); - at least some of the thin plates (4.1) are constituted by a light guide structure (4.1.1) and a reflective structure (4.1.2) integrally manufactured therewith, the reflective structure (4.1.2) having a notch extending in the first direction (x1) on the lower surface (US) of the thin plate, into which the light guide structure (4.1.1) is inserted, and which reflects light emitted from the light guide structure (4.1.1) onto the upper surface (O) of the thin plate of an adjacent thin plate located below it. S); each light guide structure (4.1.1) together with a connecting web (3.1) and at least one light source (3.2) constitutes an illumination device (3), characterized in that light can be coupled into the connecting web (3.1) by the at least one light source (3.2), the connecting web (3.1) extending in a second direction (x2) perpendicular to the first direction (x1), and the light guide structure (4.1.1) contacts or is made integrally with the connecting web (3.1), thereby enabling light propagating in the connecting web (3.1) to be coupled into the light guide structure (4.1.1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a speaker assembly with lighting effects of the kind defined in the preamble of claim 1 and to a vehicle comprising such a speaker assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Speakers with integrated lighting are known to create an "eye-catching effect." Such speakers may be installed in a vehicle, thereby embodying a particularly appealing appearance for vehicle occupants.

[0003] Typically, speakers may be integrated into the A-pillars of a vehicle and into the driver's and passenger's doors. For protection, the speakers are provided with covers, e.g., perforated covers. When such covers are viewed in plan view, in known embodiments, light-emitting means may be arranged behind the speaker to backlight it. The emitted light is reflected back toward the speaker by the side of the cover facing the speaker. This may result in the speaker being visible to the observer, which may be undesirable. Furthermore, the speaker "gets in the way" of the light, making it impossible to generate a consistent light pattern across the surface. To ensure uniform illumination, such speakers must be centrally positioned behind the cover, which limits the design freedom. This can lead to problems when an eccentric positioning of the speaker is necessary for satisfactory acoustics.

[0004] An illuminable speaker enclosure is also known from Patent Document 1. A support structure, which functions as a light guide, is arranged between the speaker and the enclosure. At the outer edge of the support structure, a light emitting means couples light into the light guide and re-emits it laterally. This allows for diffuse illumination of the speaker, and the light emitted from the light guide is emitted toward the observer through the acoustic holes in the enclosure. In this way, the speaker enclosure is backlit. The enclosure and the support structure have different geometries. For example, the enclosure is manufactured as a honeycomb lattice, while the support structure is manufactured as a concentric circular beam structure connected to each other via radial struts. The enclosure serves, inter alia, as a contact protection, while the support structure serves to absorb mechanical loads and further transmit light. When the light is switched on, the support structure rises from the enclosure, which detracts from the visual appearance of the speaker enclosure.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a light speaker driver device. In one embodiment, the device includes a speaker having a speaker grill. An LED is disposed on the underside of each thin plate of the speaker grill, illuminating the upper surface of each adjacent thin plate.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a covering device for a speaker, which includes a frame made as a light guide, to which a speaker grill can be attached and thus backlit.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses an interior component for a vehicle, which includes a speaker enclosure having a support that is at least partially fabricated as a light guide. Furthermore, from DE 10 200 04 143 A1 an illuminated speaker grill is known, in which light from a light source arranged laterally of the speaker grill is coupled into the grill structure of the speaker grill. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] DE102020003325A1 [Patent Document 2] US2018 / 0035187A1 [Patent Document 3] DE202006015232U1 [Patent Document 4] DE102022100064A1 [Patent Document 5] DE102020003925A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved speaker assembly with lighting effects that avoids the drawbacks described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a loudspeaker assembly having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments, as well as vehicles with such a loudspeaker assembly, emerge from the dependent claims.

[0011] A speaker assembly with lighting effects belonging to the art includes at least one speaker, a cover that covers the at least one speaker in a direction of sound radiation, and a lighting device that illuminates the cover with light. the cover is constituted by a thin plate grille including at least two thin plates extending substantially in a first direction; - at least some of the thin plates are each constituted by a light guide structure and a reflecting structure integrally manufactured therewith, the reflecting structure having a notch extending in a first direction on the lower surface of the thin plate, into which the light guide structure is inserted, so that light emitted from the light guide structure can be projected onto the upper surface of the thin plate of an adjacent thin plate located below it; and - Each light guide structure together with a coupling web and at least one light source constitutes a lighting device, wherein the at least one light source is capable of coupling light into the coupling web, the coupling web extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the light guide structure is in contact with or made integrally with the coupling web, thereby improving the invention in that light propagating in the coupling web is capable of being coupled into the light guide structure.

[0012] The speaker assembly according to the present invention can be used to realize a particularly visually appealing cover presentation, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the speaker assembly and thus leads to a value-creating appearance. The light source can include one or more light-emitting means, such as monochromatic or multicolored LEDs. Light emitted from the light source is distributed via the connecting web to the individual light guide structures of the thin plate, which then illuminate each adjacent thin plate. In this way, the speaker assembly cover can be illuminated without the light source being directly visible to the observer. In this case, speakers located behind the cover in the viewing direction do not visually obstruct the surface illumination, which further improves the aesthetic appearance. In this case, the speaker assembly according to the present invention is manufactured so that light reflected by the upper surface of the thin plate is mainly diffused and / or reflected away from the speaker assembly, making it difficult or impossible for the observer to recognize the speakers located behind the thin plate grille. This further improves the aesthetic appearance of the speaker assembly, depending on the observer's preferences.

[0013] The light can also be projected sufficiently in the direction of the speaker so that the speaker is diffusely illuminated so that it is at least somewhat discernible by an observer. To control the proportion of light that can be projected onto the speaker, the inclination angle of the lamellae, the lamella length, and the spacing between the lamellae can be appropriately tailored.

[0014] The speaker assembly may be integrated into a higher structure, such as an A-pillar or a vehicle door, from which it appears in a particularly aesthetic and value-creating manner with lighting effects, especially in unfavourable lighting conditions or in the dark. A constant illumination over the entire surface of the thin-plate grille enhances such effects.

[0015] In this case, the speaker assembly may also have other components, such as a housing set up to house the speaker, which may be covered with a cover, and in this case, such a housing may have a suitable fitting shape of the upper structure, and may serve to easily incorporate the speaker assembly into the upper structure, as well as to protect it from dirt and water.

[0016] The integrated design of the light guide structure and the reflecting structure allows for simple and low-cost manufacturing of the cover, and therefore of the speaker assembly. The light guide structure is not directly perceptible from the observer's point of view, as it is covered by the reflecting structure, which further improves the visual appearance.

[0017] Only some or preferably all of the laminae of the laminae grille can have such light-guiding and reflecting structures. Laminae that should not be illuminated have adjacent laminae above them that do not have light-guiding structures. In this way, the corresponding laminae are not illuminated and appear dark. This allows precise interruptions in the light pattern when design requirements require it.

[0018] The connecting web can be located in front of or behind the sheet-metal grille in a plan view of the speaker assembly. It is preferable to position the connecting web behind the sheet-metal grille, i.e., between the sheet-metal grille and the speaker, which makes it difficult for the observer to directly perceive the connecting web. This contributes to a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the speaker assembly. The connecting web can be located on the sheet-metal grille at any point when viewed in the first direction, for example, in the center or preferably in an edge region. Positioning the connecting web in an edge region, in particular, makes it less perceivable to the observer. On the other hand, if the connecting web is attached to the inner surface of the sheet-metal grille, a uniform light distribution can be ensured even for relatively large sheet-metal grilles. If the width of the sheet-metal grille exceeds a certain limit, there is a risk that the sheet-metal regions further from the connecting web will be increasingly weakly illuminated, which would compromise uniform illumination. However, such an effect may be desirable or even required depending on the design requirements.

[0019] In one preferred embodiment of the speaker assembly, the sheet grille is manufactured by two-component injection molding. This further facilitates the low-cost and simple production of the sheet grille. Using injection molding, large quantities of standard components can be manufactured reliably and inexpensively. Two different components are used to construct the light guide structure and the reflecting structure. It is particularly preferred to use a relatively light-transmitting material, such as polymethyl methacrylate, for the light guide structure, and an opaque material, such as a light-impermeable plastic, for the reflecting structure. The color of the material used for the reflecting structure can be precisely tailored to the conditions of use of the speaker assembly. Dark colors, such as gray or black, or light colors, such as beige or white, can be used. The reflecting structure may be coated and / or structured, at least in the region of the upper sheet surface, to adjust a specific scattering or reflectance ratio.

[0020] In yet another preferred embodiment of the speaker assembly, for at least one of the lamellas, the cutouts of the reflective structure and the light guide structures inserted therein extend in the first direction across the entire width of the respective lamella. This further promotes uniform illumination of the cover. In particular, the entire surface of the lamella grille is illuminated in this way, which allows for a sharper outline and therefore a clearer distinction of the illuminated speaker assembly from the structures above. It is preferred that all lamellas have appropriately continuous cutouts with appropriately inserted light guide structures. However, in order to precisely adapt the visual appearance of the speaker assembly to the design requirements when the light is switched on, individual lamellas can also have cutouts shortened in the first direction with appropriately matching light guide structures.

[0021] Furthermore, another preferred embodiment of the speaker assembly contemplates that the upper surface of at least one sheet that can be illuminated by an adjacent sheet has a light-reflective coating, or the reflective structure of each sheet contains a light-reflective material. In this context, "light-reflective" refers to a material capable of producing a reflective surface. For example, the upper surface of the sheet can be chrome-plated or have a coating that looks like chrome. This ensures a relatively high reflectivity, which allows particularly large amounts of light to be reflected back toward the surroundings. Accordingly, the sheets of the sheet grill appear particularly bright. Individual sheets can be coated with or made of different materials. In this way, the reflectivity of each sheet can be configured differently. This can be used to precisely adapt the visual appearance to various requirements. Multi-component injection molding can also be used for manufacturing.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the loudspeaker assembly, the connecting web is provided with a light-tight covering on the side of the thin grille that is observed in a plan view. The connecting web may be fully or only partially covered. A full covering has the effect of making the connecting web invisible to the observer. The loudspeaker assembly may be bonded to a superordinate structure such that a portion of the superordinate structure hides the connecting web. The covering may have a notch, allowing light propagating through the connecting web to exit toward the surroundings through the notch. This can be used, for example, to incorporate self-illuminating pictograms or logos into the loudspeaker assembly. The light-tight covering may be placed or disposed directly or indirectly on the connecting web. If the connecting web is above the thin grille in the viewing direction, the covering may be placed directly on the connecting web. On the other hand, if the connecting web is disposed between the loudspeaker and the thin grille, the light-tight covering may be placed or attached to the thin grille.

[0023] The connecting web may be manufactured with a reduced transmission capacity on the side facing the viewer, so that a higher proportion of light propagates within the connecting web and is "bleeded" less or not at all in the direction of the viewer. For this purpose, techniques established in light guide technology are taken into consideration.

[0024] Furthermore, another preferred embodiment of the speaker assembly contemplates that the ratio of the sheet length, the inclination angle of the sheets, and the spacing between the sheets in the second direction is fabricated so that, in a plan view of the sheet grill, each sheet blocks the line of sight to the area located behind the sheet grill. In this way, when the speaker assembly is viewed directly in a plan view, the speaker cannot be recognized by the observer. This further promotes the aesthetic appearance of the speaker assembly in cases where the speaker should not be directly recognized.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the tilt angle of the lamellae can be freely adjusted. For this purpose, established techniques, such as rasterized or stepless adjustment, are taken into consideration. Such tilt angle adjustment is known, for example, for adapting the discharge angle of the air flow in vehicle ventilation systems. This allows the viewer to adjust the visual appearance of the speaker assembly to their own preferences during use.

[0026] The ratio of the thin plate length, tilt angle, and spacing can be changed so that the speaker located behind the thin plate grille is not visible in the first tilt angle region, but is visible in the second tilt angle region. As the tilt angle is increased, the proportion of light reflected in the direction of the speaker can be increased, making the speaker appear increasingly bright.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the speaker assembly, at least one speaker is positioned outside the center point of the surface of the sheet grille in a plan view of the sheet grille. The speaker assembly according to the present invention can be used to realize illumination of the cover, such that the cover itself is illuminated with light and thus diffusely illuminated, while the speaker located behind it remains dark. Therefore, the position of the speaker plays no role in the visual appearance of the speaker assembly, which allows it to be positioned anywhere, even eccentrically. Therefore, acoustic requirements can be taken into account when designing the speaker assembly without adversely affecting the visual appearance.

[0028] In alternative embodiments of the speaker assembly, where the speaker is also illuminated, an eccentric arrangement of the speaker is also possible in an advantageous manner, since the position of the speaker has no effect on the light distribution on the sheet metal, exactly the opposite to speaker backlighting.

[0029] Furthermore, another preferred embodiment of the speaker assembly contemplates that at least one light source is controllable so that the light emitted from the light source is variable in brightness and / or color over time to generate dynamic lighting effects. Generally, a light source can emit static light. That is, when the light source is activated, the light source, or one or more light-emitting means of the light source, emits light of the same color or brightness. However, special effects can be generated if the brightness and / or color of one or more light-emitting means of the light source is changed. In this case, for example, the light source can be activated when the vehicle ignition is started, the vehicle lights are switched on, or music begins to play, and the brightness and color change over time. Effects can be, for example, glowing lights, flickering lights, or drowsiness-reducing lights. For example, the brightness can increase continuously or pulse over time, and the color can change simultaneously.

[0030] A separate control device can be used to control the light source. This control device can also be an integrated component of the speaker assembly or can be fabricated externally thereto. The speaker assembly accordingly has a corresponding signal input for receiving the control signal. The simple application or variation of an operating voltage is also understood to be "control" of the light source.

[0031] If the speaker assembly is integrated into a vehicle, the control of the light source may be inherited so that the light pattern to be generated matches the global vehicle settings, such as ambient lighting, and may also be selected depending on further factors, such as the music being emitted through the speaker.

[0032] The connecting web is preferably divided into at least two segments when viewed in the second direction, each of which is assigned a separate, independently controllable light source, with the segment boundaries being designed to prevent light from passing between the segments. In this way, the speaker assembly according to the present invention can be used to generate particularly abstract light patterns, which further improves the visual appearance and the resulting value. For example, when viewed in the second direction, individual groups of lamellae can be illuminated or "switched on" one after the other. Different lamellae can also be illuminated with different colors and / or different brightnesses. In this way, brightness gradients and / or color gradients can be realized. In this case, static or dynamic illumination of the individual lamellae groups is also conceivable. Each segment may be assigned multiple light sources, each with one or more light-emitting means.

[0033] As already mentioned, the speaker assembly described above is preferably incorporated into a vehicle. The vehicle may be any road vehicle, such as a car, truck, transporter, bus, or may be a rail vehicle, water vehicle, or aircraft. In a road vehicle, the speaker assembly may be incorporated into areas such as the instrument panel, rear shelf, A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, footwell, door lining, etc.

[0034] Further advantageous embodiments of the loudspeaker assembly according to the invention will become apparent from the examples which are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 shows a plan view of a speaker assembly according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows a plan view of the underside of a sheet of the sheet grille that functions as a cover. [Figure 3]1 shows a plan view of a speaker assembly according to the present invention having a covering attached to a bonding web. [Figure 4] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the section shown in FIG. 1 of a laminar grill of a speaker assembly. [Figure 5] 10 shows a plan view of an alternative speaker assembly having multiple connecting webs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] 1 shows a plan view of a loudspeaker assembly according to the invention, including at least one loudspeaker 1, which in the illustrated plan view is arranged behind a cover 2. The cover 2 is a thin-plate grille 4 having a number of thin plates 4.1 extending in a first direction x1. The thin plates 4.1 block the view of the loudspeaker 1 for the observer and serve, among other things, as touch protection. The gaps between the individual thin plates 4.1 are sufficiently wide to allow sufficient passage of the sound emitted by the loudspeaker 1 through the cover 2. To simplify the drawing, only several similar components have been given the same reference numerals.

[0037] In order to realize a value-creating impression of the speaker assembly, the speaker assembly further comprises a lighting device 3 for providing lighting effects to the sheet grille 4 or the cover 2. Here, the speaker assembly according to the invention is intended for lighting of the individual sheets 4.1 of the sheet grille 4, which, unlike backlit speakers known from the prior art, allows for uniform lighting over the entire viewing surface of the cover 2, which contributes to the particularly aesthetic appearance of the speaker assembly. Here, the components used for lighting the sheet 4.1 are hidden and therefore not visible to the viewer, which further improves the appearance.

[0038] A speaker assembly according to the present invention may also include other components, not shown in detail, such as a housing, a support cradle, or a support frame to which further components are attached. This allows for easy assembly of the speaker assembly to a higher-level structure 7, such as a vehicle part. That is, the speaker assembly may be integrated into the vehicle, for example, into an A-pillar, door lining, dashboard, etc.

[0039] In the examples shown in the figures, the cover 2 or the thin grille 4 is made square. However, the cover 2 may have any shape in plan view, such as a circular or elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, e.g., a triangle, a trapezoid, or a hexagon. The thin grille 4 may also be geometrically configured to have both corners and chamfers in plan view. In this case, the thin plates 4.1 may extend to different distances when viewed in the first direction x1, i.e., have different widths b. The thin plates 4.1 may be surrounded by a frame 4.2 on some or all of their edges.

[0040] Some, or preferably all, of the thin plates 4.1 have an integrated structure consisting of a light-guiding structure 4.1.1 and a reflecting structure 4.1.2, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The light-guiding structure 4.1.1 serves to illuminate the upper surface OS of the thin plate shown in Figure 4, and the reflecting structure 4.1.2 serves to scatter or reflect the received light accordingly. The light-guiding structure 4.1.1 thus forms, together with the connecting web 3.1 and at least one light source 3.2, an illumination device 3. Figure 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment in which the light-guiding structure 4.1.1 extends over the entire width b of the thin plate 4.1.

[0041] The light source 3.2 may be a single light emitting means or a system of multiple light emitting means, for example, a monochromatic or multicolored LED. The light emitted by the light source 3.2 is coupled into the connecting web 3.1 and propagates therethrough. The light source 3.2 may be positioned relative to the connecting web in any suitable manner, and may be positioned in any suitable manner relative to the connecting web.

[0042] From the connecting web 3.1, the light propagates into the light guide structures 4.1.1 of the individual lamellas 4.1 and exits accordingly at the lower surface US of the lamella, as also shown in FIG. 4. The connecting web 3.1 and the light guide structures 4.1.1 can be manufactured in one piece or in multiple pieces. A one-piece embodiment manufactured by two-component injection molding is particularly preferred. In the case of the movable lamella 4.1, a multiple-piece embodiment is also contemplated.

[0043] Thus, the light guide structure 4.1.1 and the connecting web 3.1 comprise materials that are transparent to the light emitted by the light source 3.2. The light-conducting components, i.e., the light guide structure 4.1.1 and the connecting web 3.1, can be manufactured in such a way that the light propagating inside these structures is relatively strongly reflected by the inner walls and can be easily emitted only at the intended exit opening, i.e., at the lower surface US of the sheet, by designing this area to have a low internal reflectivity and a correspondingly high transmittance. This contributes to an efficient light distribution.

[0044] As already mentioned, the light source 3.2 may be provided at any point for bonding to the connecting web 3.1, for example, at the end of the connecting web 3.1 when observed in a second direction x2 perpendicular to the first direction x1, as shown in Figure 1. However, the light source 3.2 may also be located further up, for example in the center or at the upper edge of the connecting web 3.1 when observed in the second direction x2. A plurality of light sources 3.2 (not shown) distributed over the extension of the connecting web 3.1 may also be provided, for example, a light source 3.2 for each illuminated thin plate 4.1.

[0045] Since the speaker 1 does not affect the light distribution along the cover 2, uniform illumination is possible even if the speaker 1 is positioned eccentrically in a plan view of the cover 2.

[0046] 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the loudspeaker assembly in which the connecting web 3.1 is provided with a coating 5 on the side S (see FIG. 1) facing the observer. This further enhances the value-creating visual appearance of the loudspeaker assembly, since in this way it is ensured that light emitted from the connecting web 3.1 is not unintentionally perceived by the observer. Instead of the coating 5, an opaque coating can also be applied to the connecting web 3.1 in appropriate places. The loudspeaker assembly can also be inserted into a superordinate structure 7 or housing, so that the housing or part of the superordinate structure 7 at least partially conceals the connecting web 3.1.

[0047] The covering 5 or coating may also have appropriate cutouts to make certain light patterns visible to the observer, such as pictograms or logos 8 shown in Figure 5. If the connecting web 3.1 is located between the loudspeaker 1 and the thin plate grille 4, the individual thin plates 4.1 may also have corresponding cutouts to allow the light emerging from the connecting web 3.1 to pass through, to allow the embodiment of logos 8. The covering 5 may also be produced integrally with the thin plates 4.1, i.e. as a kind of "connecting web".

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of section A shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 clearly illustrates the integral structure of the thin plate 4.1, which consists of the light-guiding structure 4.1.1 and the reflecting structure 4.1.2. The thin plate 4.1 has an inclination angle α and a length L. Furthermore, the individual thin plates 4.1 are arranged such that they are spaced apart by a distance a when viewed in the second direction x2. The individual parameters of the distance a, the inclination angle α, and the length L can be freely adapted to meet customer requirements. For example, the thin plate 4.1 can be designed so that the viewer's line of sight through the thin plate grille 4 to the area 6 located behind it is blocked or blocked. In particular, the inclination angle α can be used to control the proportion of light scattered or reflected toward the area 6, thereby precisely controlling the illumination of the speaker 1 located behind the cover 2. It may be desirable for the speaker 1 to be invisible even when the light is switched on. However, it may also be desirable for it to be particularly brightly illuminated and therefore visible. In this case, one possible embodiment is intended to allow the user to freely and steplessly adjust the inclination angle α, for example, through a pinion, an opening / closing lever, or the like and a corresponding mechanism.

[0049] 4 also illustrates the propagation direction of light emitted from the light-guiding structure 4.1.1, as indicated by the arrows. Depending on the surface properties of the reflecting structure 4.1.2, the light is scattered and / or reflected. The degree of scattering or reflection can be adjusted in a known manner, for example, by changing the surface color and / or surface structure of the reflecting structure 4.1.2 at least on the upper surface OS of the sheet. A reflective material, such as a chrome layer or a coating that creates the appearance of a chrome layer, may be applied to the upper surface OS of the sheet.

[0050] The connecting web 3.1 may be offset in a third direction x3, which is perpendicular to the first direction x1 and the second direction x2, i.e., further to the left or right in the view of Fig. 4. For example, the connecting web 3.1 may lie essentially in one plane together with the lamina 4.1, so that in this case the connecting web 3.1 may lie outside the periphery of the surface area occupied by the cover 2 when viewed in the first direction x1.

[0051] Of course, the entire lamella grille 4 may be rotated to lie in this plane, so that the lamella 4.1 faces upward instead of downward in FIG. 4, or towards or away from the viewer.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows another alternative embodiment of the loudspeaker assembly, in which multiple connecting webs 3.1 are provided. In FIG. 5, multiple alternative embodiments are shown in combination. The connecting webs 3.1 are preferably arranged at the lateral edges of the thin grille 4, as shown in FIG. 1 when viewed in the first direction x1. However, multiple connecting webs 3.1, e.g., two, three, or more, may also be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, three connecting webs 3.1 may be provided, with two connecting webs 3.1 at both lateral edges and one connecting web 3.1 in the center when viewed in the first direction x1. In this way, even light distribution and therefore sufficient illumination of the cover 2 can be ensured, especially when the thin grille 4.1 has a relatively large width b.

[0053] FIG. 5 also shows another possible embodiment of the connecting web 3.1. This alternative embodiment is illustrated in the connecting web 3.1 shown on the right side of FIG. 5. The connecting web 3.1 is divided into a number of segments 3.1.S, each of which is assigned a separate light source 3.2. The light sources 3.2 are arranged laterally with respect to the connecting web 3.1. Light propagation through each segment 3.1.S is prevented by the insertion of an appropriate shielding layer 9. This shielding layer 9 is a relatively thin layer of light-opaque material. The individual light sources 3.2 can be controlled independently of one another. This allows for dynamic lighting, for example, through time-varying brightness and / or color effects. By dividing the connecting web 3.1 into segments 3.1.S, adjacent sheets 4.1 in the second direction x2 can be illuminated at different times. This allows for the implementation of animations. For example, the lamellae 4.1 can be illuminated sequentially and / or a color or brightness transition can be implemented in the second direction x2. Similarly, the other connecting webs 3.1 can also be divided into segments 3.1.S, which also makes it possible to implement a color or brightness transition in the first direction x1.

[0054] The speaker assembly according to the present invention allows the thin grille 4 to be visually and aesthetically raised from the superordinate structure 7 in a particularly aesthetic way. This contributes to a particularly attractive visual appearance. One or more such speaker assemblies can be integrated into a vehicle, which leads to an improved user experience for the vehicle occupants when traveling in the vehicle. Based on the above-described design, the speaker assembly can be manufactured easily and inexpensively. Since the light-guiding elements are integrated into the cover 2 or the thin grille 4, it is possible to omit the provision of additional components required for lighting. This further simplifies the construction. The available design space can be utilized accordingly and efficiently. Furthermore, the lighting effect is not hindered by the speaker 1 located behind the cover 2 in the viewing direction.

Claims

1. A speaker assembly with lighting effects, comprising at least one speaker (1), a cover (2) that covers the at least one speaker (1) in a direction of sound radiation, and a lighting device (3) for illuminating the cover (2), - the cover (2) is substantially oriented in a first direction (x １ ) a thin plate grill (4) including at least two thin plates (4.1) extending from the At least some of said lamellae (4.1) are constituted by a light guide structure (4.1.1) and a reflecting structure (4.1.2) made integrally therewith, said reflecting structure (4.1.2) being oriented in said first direction (x ) on the lower surface (US) of the lamellae. １ ) into which the light guide structure (4.1.1) is inserted so that light emitted from the light guide structure (4.1.1) can be projected onto the upper surface (OS) of the adjacent thin plate located below; and - each said light guide structure (4.1.1) together with a coupling web (3.1) and at least one light source (3.2) constitutes said lighting device (3), said at least one light source (3.2) being able to couple light into said coupling web (3.1), said coupling web (3.1) being oriented in said first direction (x １ a second direction (x ２ ), and the light guide structure (4.1.1) is in contact with or made integrally with the connecting web (3.1), thereby allowing light propagating in the connecting web (3.1) to be coupled to the light guide structure (4.1.1).

2. 2. A loudspeaker assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheet grille (4) is manufactured by two-component injection molding.

3. For at least one of the lamellae (4.1), the cutout of the reflecting structure (4.1.2) and the light guide structure (4.1.1) inserted therein are aligned in the first direction (x 1 ) over the entire width (b) of the respective lamellae (4.1). １ 3. A loudspeaker assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it extends to

4. 4. A loudspeaker assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the upper surface (OS) of at least one sheet, which can be illuminated by light from an adjacent sheet, is provided with a light-reflective coating or the reflective structure (4.1.2) of each sheet (4.1) comprises a light-reflective material.

5. 5. A loudspeaker assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting web (3.1) is provided with a light-impermeable coating (5) on the side (S) observed in plan view of the thin grille (4).

6. The length of the lamella (L), the inclination angle (α) of the lamella (4.1), and the second direction (x ２ 6. A loudspeaker assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio of the spacing (a) between the thin plates (4.1) to the thickness (b) of the thin plate grille (4) is made so that, in a plan view of the thin plate grille (4), each thin plate (4.1) blocks the line of sight to an area (6) located behind the thin plate grille (4).

7. 7. The speaker assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the speakers (1) is arranged outside the center point of the surface of the thin grill (4) in a plan view of the thin grill (4).

8. 8. A loudspeaker assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the light sources (3.2) is controllable such that the light emitted from the light source (3.2) is variable in terms of brightness and / or color over time for the generation of dynamic lighting effects.

9. The connecting web (3.1) is in the second direction (x ２ 9. A loudspeaker assembly according to claim 1, wherein the loudspeaker is divided into at least two segments (3.1.S) when observed from a distance of 1000 m, each of said segments (3.1.S) being assigned an individual light source (3.2) that can be controlled separately from each other, and the segment boundaries are fabricated in such a way that light transfer between each of the segments (3.1.S) is prevented.

10. A vehicle, The vehicle characterized by at least one speaker assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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