Transmission device of a structure-borne sound transducer which has an excitation unit and a receiving unit, and system for transmitting vibrations

Abstract

The invention relates to a transmission device (22) of a structure-borne sound transducer (28), which has an excitation unit (18) and a receiving unit (20), for introducing vibrations into a flat body, to which the transmission device (22) can be attached and which can be vibrationally connected to the transmission device. The transmission device comprises a central region (12) for receiving the receiving unit (20), said central region having at least two arms (14, 16), wherein the arms (14, 16) are arranged on the circumference of the central region (12) and extend away from the central region (12) in radial directions, in particular in a strip-shaped manner, and the central region (12) and the arms (14, 16) form a first transmission unit (10). According to the invention, the first transmission unit (10) is designed to be connectable to a second transmission unit (24).

Description

[0001] Transmission device of a structure-borne sound transducer having an excitation unit and a recording unit and system for transmitting vibrations

[0002] The invention relates to a transmission device of a structure-borne sound transducer having an excitation unit and a recording unit according to the type specified in claim 1, as well as to a system for transmitting vibrations from a structure-borne sound transducer to a planar body according to the preamble of claim 17.

[0003] Structure-borne sound transducers are well known and typically comprise an excitation unit, or exciter, and a pickup unit, or snap ring, for the excitation unit. Exciters are spring-mass systems that convert electrical input signals into vibroacoustic waves. Applied to resonant objects, they create loudspeakers in the shape of the excited sound body, namely the resonant object. Exciters are suitable for music and speech reproduction. The exciter is detachably connected to the snap ring, allowing the exciter to be easily replaced. The snap ring transmits the vibrations from the exciter to the sound body without loss. The snap ring is usually glued or screwed to the sound body. This has the disadvantage that manufacturing is quite time-consuming and series production is more complicated.

[0004] DE 10 2019 211 778 B4 discloses a transmission device for a structure-borne sound transducer. The transmission device has a plurality of arms connected to a central region, with at least one arm being connected to the central region via a joint. The formation of flat arms is intended to achieve higher quality, in particular better sound, of the reproduced audio signals. The transmission device is made of tensile-resistant material, in particular CFRP, i.e., carbon fiber reinforced plastic, namely carbon. This material is very complex to manufacture and therefore very expensive. The number of arms increases the production effort and the associated costs. A large amount of material is required for the transmission device to achieve higher quality of the reproduced audio signals. For the high quality of the audio signals, a basic rigidity of the transmission device i is necessary.Furthermore, the area required for high-quality audio signals is usually limited due to material parameters.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of developing a transmission device for a structure-borne sound transducer in such a way that the design of the required area can be adapted as needed. This should also allow for savings in expensive materials and the associated production costs and effort, while simultaneously achieving high-quality reproduced audio signals over a wide range.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1 in conjunction with its preamble features.

[0007] The subclaims form advantageous developments of the invention.

[0008] The invention is based on the finding that, by means of a type of modular system or modular system of transmission units, on the one hand the coupling surface of the transmission device with the surface body on the one hand, but also the number of excitation units required for the necessary sound waves and their intensity can be easily coupled together in order to design the transmission device and thus the structure-borne sound transducer as required.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a transmission device of a structure-borne sound transducer comprising an excitation unit and a receiving unit is provided for introducing vibrations into a planar body to which the transmission device can be applied and connected to the latter in a vibration-transmitting manner. The transmission device has a central region for receiving the receiving unit, which has at least two arms. The arms are arranged on the circumference of the central region and extend in radial directions, in particular in a rail-like, strip-like, or similarly elongated form, away from the central region. The central region and the arms form a first transmission unit.

[0010] According to the invention, the first transmission unit can be connected to a second transmission unit, particularly as needed. By connecting the transmission units, it is possible to cover a larger transmission area on the sheet. Preferably, the second transmission unit can be connected to additional, particularly first, transmission units as needed. The excitation units in a structure-borne sound transducer can thus be easily increased, and thus the degree of vibration generation for the sound waves to be generated can be easily adjusted.

[0011] Preferably, at least one end of an arm of the first transmission unit, located remote from the central region, can be connected to a second transmission unit such that the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit can transmit the vibrations generated by the excitation unit to the planar body. This at least increases the transmission area.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second and further transmission units comprise individual strips, rails, and / or elongated configurations that extend the associated arm of the first transmission unit. This provides a simple way to extend the arms of the transmission units or to connect the transmission units to one another. These can be positioned at any angle or as required.

[0013] Preferably, an embodiment of a structure-borne sound transducer comprises a plurality of excitation units and associated pickup units. For this purpose, a plurality of first transmission units are provided, which are interconnected. The structure-borne sound transducer can be easily configured by the plurality of excitation units, each of which is connected to one of the first transmission units via an associated pickup unit. This increases the transmission area of ​​the transmission device, and the vibrations are transmitted to the surface body with high quality and, thanks to the plurality of excitation units, with high intensity.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of first transmission units are connected to one another directly or indirectly via a respective second transmission unit, such that a plurality of first transmission units are coupled to one another. Since the first transmission units can each be connected to an excitation unit, vibrations can be introduced into the planar body over a large transmission surface via a plurality of first transmission units and the second transmission units. However, it is also possible for a plurality of first transmission units to be coupled directly to one another, i.e. without the interposition of a second transmission unit. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transmission units are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or friction-fitting and / or material-fitting manner, in particular via a plug-in connection. This creates a simple and reliable connection between the transmission units.

[0015] Preferably, the first and / or second and / or further transmission unit is constructed in multiple parts, each comprising a support element and a stiffening element. The multi-part design of the transmission unit allows different requirements to be placed on and implemented for the two components. This also allows for savings in costly materials.

[0016] Preferably, the first transmission unit is formed as a single piece. The single-piece design of the first transmission unit eliminates the need for assembly of individual parts. Furthermore, connecting elements or connections of individual sub-elements are eliminated, allowing the transmission unit to be produced more cost-effectively.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stiffening element on one side and the support element on the other side have different stiffnesses. In particular, the stiffening element and the support element are made of different materials. Due to its high stiffness, the stiffening element has good vibration transmission properties, so that the transmission structure ensures the most distortion-free reproduction of audio signals.

[0018] Preferably, the stiffening element is made of a high-strength material, in particular CFRP, i.e., carbon fiber-reinforced plastic such as carbon. A high-strength material, in particular carbon, exhibits high stability and rigidity while maintaining low mass. This ensures good vibration transmission properties.

[0019] The carrier element is preferably made of plastic, in particular a polymer, preferably a polyimide, particularly preferably polyetherimide, preferably produced by an injection molding process. Polyetherimides exhibit very high strength while being cost-effective to produce. This makes this material ideal for a carrier element.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the arms of the first transmission unit are arranged opposite one another on the circumference of the central region. A symmetrical arrangement of the arms facilitates the manufacture of the transmission device and its assembly on the sheet body.

[0021] Preferably, in the first transmission unit, the arms are arranged asymmetrically or at an angle to each other on the circumference of the central region, in particular at an angle between two arms of less than 180°. By forming the arms at an angle to each other, both arms can exhibit different frequency responses.

[0022] Preferably, the arms of the first transmission unit have different lengths and / or widths. This results in different frequency responses, thus improving the amplification of the audio signal.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, two arms are provided. The ratio of the length of the first arm to the length of the second arm is at least 1 to 1.15. Due to the different dimensions of the two arms, the first and second arms exhibit their own frequency response.

[0024] A further aspect of the invention relates to a system for transmitting vibrations from a structure-borne sound transducer to a planar body, comprising a structure-borne sound transducer and a planar body. The structure-borne sound transducer has a transmission device and an excitation unit detachably connectable to a receiving unit. The transmission device is provided with a central region for receiving the receiving unit and with at least two arms. The arms are arranged on the circumference of the central region and extend in radial directions, in particular in a rail-like, strip-like and / or other elongated form, away from the central region. The central region and the arms form a first transmission unit.

[0025] According to the invention, several transmission units are provided and interconnected. By connecting the transmission units, it is possible to cover a larger transmission area on the sheet.

[0026] The transmission device is preferably designed as described above. This ensures that the transmission device has good vibration properties, while at the same time reducing production effort and costs. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the excitation unit is connected to the receiving unit via a positive connection, in particular via a bayonet lock. This ensures that the transmission device has good vibration properties, while at the same time reducing production effort and costs.

[0027] Preferably, the receiving unit is formed integrally with the transmission device, in particular with the carrier element. This eliminates the need for a connection between the receiving unit and the transmission device, simplifying production and eliminating potential losses due to a faulty connection between the receiving unit and the transmission device.

[0028] Preferably, the first transmission unit is provided with a cover that completely covers the excitation unit, in particular sealing it watertight, in conjunction with the transmission unit. Sensitive, particularly electronic, components inside the excitation unit can thus be protected from external influences, such as liquids.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover is detachably connected to the transmission unit. This allows components to be easily replaced, for example, in the event of wear, while simultaneously protecting them from external influences.

[0030] Preferably, the cover is connected to the transmission unit via a snap-in connection, in particular by clipping. This allows for easy connection and removal of the transmission unit and cover.

[0031] Preferably, the excitation unit is provided with an electrical connection leading out of the cover. The electrical connection allows electronic components of the excitation unit to be electrically connected to or supplied with power from external components.

[0032] Further advantages, features, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. The terms and associated reference symbols used in the list of reference symbols below are used in the description, claims, and drawings. In the drawings, the following definitions apply:

[0033] Fig. 1 is a perspective view obliquely from above of a first transmission unit;

[0034] Fig. 2 is a perspective view obliquely from above of a structure-borne sound transducer according to a first

[0035] embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a structure-borne sound transducer with two first transmission units connected to each other via a second transmission unit;

[0037] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a structure-borne sound transducer with two first transmission units connected to one another via a second transmission unit and two further second transmission units;

[0038] Fig. 5 is a detailed view of the connection point of the first and second transmission unit, and

[0039] Fig. 6 is a perspective view obliquely from above of the first embodiment of a structure-borne sound transducer of Fig. 2 with a cover.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a perspective view obliquely from above of a first embodiment of a first transmission unit 10. The first transmission unit 10 has a central region 12. The central region 12 has a circular base. The central region 12 is designed as a receiving unit 20. The receiving unit 20 and the first transmission unit 10 are formed as a single piece.

[0041] Two arms 14, 16 are arranged on the circumference of the central region 12, with each arm 14, 16 being arranged on a semicircular section of the central region 12. The arms 14, 16 are each arranged with their inner end 14a, 16a on the central region. The arms 14, 16 each extend in a radial direction. At the free, outer end 14b, 16b of the arms 14, 16, a connection receptacle 14c, 16c is formed in the form of a circular recess. The arms 14, 16 each have a plate-shaped basic structure. The receptacle unit 20 has an inner limiting ring 20a and an outer limiting ring 20b. The limiting rings 20a, 20b are part of a bayonet lock, which enables a detachable connection to an excitation unit. The excitation unit intervenes in certain areas between the inner limiting ring 20a and the outer limiting ring 20b.

[0042] The arms 14, 16 are each arranged at an acute angle a to each other. The angle a is 160°.

[0043] The ratio of the length of the first arm 14 to the length of the second arm 16 is 1 to 1.15.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view obliquely from above of a first embodiment of a structure-borne sound transducer 28. The first transmission unit 10 is connected to a receiving unit, which is formed as a snap ring 20 with the central region 12 of the first transmission unit 10 in an injection molding process, made of the same material as the snap ring 20. The snap ring 20 is detachably connected to an exciter 18. The detachable connection is realized via the bayonet lock, with the exciter 18 comprising the other part of the bayonet lock.

[0045] The first transmission unit 10, the exciter 18 and the snap ring 20 together form a structure-borne sound transducer 28. A system 30 is formed by the structure-borne sound transducer 28 connected to the surface body.

[0046] The snap ring 20 and the exciter 18 are each cylindrical.

[0047] The exciter 18 has an output 18a in a region on its circumference. An electrical line (not shown here) can be connected to the exciter 18 through the output 18a.

[0048] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a structure-borne sound transducer 28. The structure-borne sound transducer 28 has two first transmission units 10. Both first transmission units 10 are each provided with a snap ring 20 and formed integrally therewith. The snap rings 20 are each connected to an exciter 18 via a bayonet lock. Both first transmission units 10 are constructed correspondingly to one another. The two first transmission units 10 are connected to one another via a second transmission unit 24 and form a transmission device 22. In this embodiment, the transmission device 22 is connected to two exciters 18.

[0049] The second transmission unit 24 is elongated and strip-like. The second transmission unit 24 has a connection receptacle 24a at each end.

[0050] The first transmission unit 10, which is on the left in relation to Fig. 3, is connected by its second arm 16 to one end of the second transmission unit 24. The connection receptacle 16c of the second arm 16 is aligned with the connection receptacle 24a of one end of the second transmission unit 24. A connecting element 26 is inserted through both connection receptacles 16c, 24a, thus establishing a positive connection between the first connection unit, the second connection unit, and the sheet (see Fig. 5).

[0051] The first arm 14 of the left first transmission unit 10 has a connecting element 26 in its connection receptacle 14c. This connecting element 26 establishes a connection to the surface body.

[0052] The right-hand first transmission unit 10 is connected by its first arm 14 to the other end of the second transmission unit 24. The connection receptacle 14c of the first arm 14 is aligned with the connection receptacle 24a of the other end of the second transmission unit 24. A connecting element 26 is inserted through both connection receptacles 14c, 24a, thus establishing a positive connection between the first connection unit, the second connection unit, and the sheet body.

[0053] The second arm 16 of the right first transmission unit 10 has a connecting element 26 in its connection receptacle 16c. This connecting element 26 establishes a connection to the surface body.

[0054] The first transmission unit 10 and the second transmission unit 24 are each formed in multiple parts with a support element and a stiffening element. The support element is connected to the stiffening element. The support element is made of polyetherimide. The stiffening element is made of carbon. The transmission units 10, 24 are each vibration-tightly connected to a sheet (not shown) so that vibrations can be transmitted to the sheet. The connection is established via the connecting element 26. Alternatively, the transmission unit is glued to the sheet.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view obliquely from above of a third embodiment of a structure-borne sound transducer 28.

[0056] In contrast to the first embodiment, the third embodiment of the structure-borne sound transducer 28 is characterized in that a second transmission unit 24 is additionally connected to the first arm 14 of the left first transmission unit 10 by a connecting element 26, as described above. Furthermore, a second transmission unit 24 is additionally connected to the second arm 16 of the right first transmission unit 10 by a connecting element, as described above.

[0057] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of a connection area between a first transmission unit 10 and a second transmission unit 24. The first transmission unit 10 is shown with its second arm 16 and a part of the central area 12 with snap ring 20.

[0058] The second arm 16 has a shoulder 16d at its outer end 16b. The end of the second transmission unit 24 has a complementary shoulder 24b. When connected, the underside of the first transmission unit 10 and the underside of the second transmission unit 24 rest against each other. Both transmission units 10, 24 can be applied flatly to the sheet body and connected to it. Both transmission units 10, 24 transmit vibrations to the sheet body without loss due to the flat support.

[0059] A washer 34 is arranged between the head of the connecting element 24 and the end of the second transmission unit 24.

[0060] Figure 6 shows a perspective view obliquely from above of a structure-borne sound transducer 28 according to a first embodiment, but the first transmission unit 10 is connected to a cover 36. The cover 36 encapsulates the snap ring 20 and the exciter 18 in a watertight manner.

[0061] Furthermore, the exciter 18 is connected to an electrical supply 38. The electrical supply 38 is formed by an electrical supply line 38a and a terminal 38b for connection to an external power source.

[0062] The cover 36 is provided to protect the exciter 18 from external influences and is detachably connected to the first transmission unit 10. The cover 36 has an opening for the electrical supply 38.

[0063] By forming the system 30 or the structure-borne sound transducer 28 from a plurality of first and / or second transmission units 10, 24, the coupling surface of the transmission device 22 with the surface body is increased on the one hand, but the number of excitation units 18 required for the necessary sound waves is also simply coupled together in order to design the transmission device 22 and thus the structure-borne sound transducer 28 as required.

[0064] List of reference symbols

[0065] 10 first transmission unit

[0066] 12 Central area

[0067] 14 first arm

[0068] 14a inner end of the first arm 14

[0069] 14b outer end of the first arm 14

[0070] 14c Connection of the first arm 14

[0071] 14d Paragraph of the first arm 14

[0072] 16 second arm

[0073] 16a inner end of the second arm 16

[0074] 16b outer end of the second arm 16

[0075] 16c Connection socket of the second arm 16

[0076] 16d Paragraph of the second arm 16

[0077] 18 Exciter / Excitation unit

[0078] 18a Exciter output 18

[0079] 20 Snapring

[0080] 20a inner limit ring of the snap ring 20

[0081] 20b outer limit ring of the snap ring 20

[0082] 22 Transmission device

[0083] 24 second transmission unit

[0084] 24a Connection of the second transmission unit 24

[0085] 24b Paragraph of the second transmission unit 24 26 Connecting element

[0086] 28 structure-borne sound transducers

[0087] 30 systems

[0088] 34 Washer

[0089] 36 Cover 38 electrical supply

[0090] 38a electrical supply line

[0091] 38b Connection of the electrical supply 38

Claims

Patent claims 1. A transmission device (22) of a structure-borne sound transducer (28) comprising an excitation unit (18) and a receiving unit (20) for introducing vibrations into a planar body to which the transmission device (22) can be applied and connected to it in terms of vibration technology, with a central region (12) for receiving the receiving unit (20), which central region has at least two arms (14, 16), wherein the arms (14, 16) are arranged on the circumference of the central region (12) and extend in radial directions, in particular in the manner of a strip, away from the central region (12), wherein the central region (12) and the arms (14, 16) form a first transmission unit (10), characterized in that the first transmission unit (10) can be connected to a second transmission unit (24).

2. Transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second transmission unit (24) can be connected to further, in particular first, transmission units (10, 24) as required.

3. Transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one end of an arm (14, 16) of the first transmission unit (10) remote from the central region (12) can be connected to a second transmission unit (24) in such a way that the first transmission unit (10) and the second transmission unit (24) can transmit the vibrations generated by the excitation unit (18) to the surface body and thus at least the transmission surface is enlarged.

4. Transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second and further transmission unit (24) have individual strips which support the associated arm (14, 16) of the first transmission unit (10) extend.

5. Transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a design for a structure-borne sound transducer (28) which has a plurality of excitation units (18) and associated recording units (20), in which a plurality of first transmission units (10) are provided and connected to one another.

6. Transmission device according to claim 5, characterized in that a plurality of first transmission units (10) are connected to one another directly or indirectly via a respective second transmission unit (24), so that a plurality of first transmission units (10) are coupled to one another.

7. Transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission units (10, 24) are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or friction-fitting and / or material-fitting manner, in particular via a plug-in connection.

8. Transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second and / or further transmission unit (10, 24) is constructed in several parts and each has a support element and a stiffening element.

9. Transmission device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first transmission unit (10) is formed in one piece.

10. Transmission device according to claim 8, characterized in that the stiffening element on one side and the support element on the other side have different stiffnesses, in particular are formed from different materials.

11. Transmission device according to claim 10, characterized in that the stiffening element is made of high-strength material, in particular CFRP, i.e. carbon fiber reinforced plastic, such as carbon.

12. Transmission device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the carrier element is made of plastic, in particular of a polymer, preferably of a polyimide, particularly preferably of polyetherimide, preferably produced by an injection molding process.

13. Transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first transmission unit (10) the arms (14, 16) are arranged opposite one another on the circumference of the central region (12).

14. Transmission device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that in the first transmission unit (10) the arms (14, 16) are arranged asymmetrically or at an angle to one another on the circumference of the central region (12), in particular at an angle between two arms (14, 16) of less than 180°.

15. Transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first transmission unit (10) the arms (14, 16) have different lengths and / or widths.

16. Transmission device according to claim 15, characterized in that two arms (14, 16) are provided, wherein the ratio of the length of the first arm (14) to the length of the second arm (16) is at least 1 to 1.

1.

17. System (30) for transmitting vibrations from a structure-borne sound transducer (28) to a planar body, comprising a structure-borne sound transducer (28) and a planar body, wherein the structure-borne sound transducer (28) has a transmission device (22) and an excitation unit (18) detachably connectable to a receiving unit (20), wherein the transmission device (22) is provided with a central region (12) for receiving the receiving unit (20) and with at least two arms (14, 16), wherein the arms (14, 16) are arranged on the circumference of the central region (12) and extend in radial directions, in particular in the manner of a strip, away from the central region (12), wherein the central region (12) and the arms (14, 16) form a first transmission unit (10), characterized in that a plurality of transmission units (10, 24) are provided and connected to one another.

18. System according to claim 17, characterized in that the transmission device (22) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 16.

19. System according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the excitation unit (18) is connected to the receiving unit (20) via a positive connection, in particular a bayonet lock.

20. System according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the receiving unit (20) is formed integrally with the transmission device (22), in particular with the carrier element, and is thus part of the transmission device (20). 21 . System according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the first transmission unit (10) is provided with a cover (36) which completely covers the excitation unit (18) in cooperation with the transmission unit (10), in particular sealing it in a watertight manner.

22. System according to claim 21, characterized in that the cover (36) is detachably connected to the transmission unit (10).

23. System according to claim 22, characterized in that the cover (36) is connected to the transmission unit (10) via a snap-in connection, in particular by clipping.

24. System according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the excitation unit (18) is provided with an electrical connection (38) leading out of the cover (36).

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