Acoustic device and vibration device

Abstract

An acoustic device 1 comprises: a vibration device 100, which includes a vibration source (for example, a VCM system 10 which is an electromechanical conversion device) for generating vibrations on the basis of given sound source information SS, and which is provided with a vibration source side connection part 180 for connecting to a separate sound projection container 200; and the sound projection container 200, which is provided with a sound projection side connection part 280 that is connected to the vibration source side connection part 180, and which projects sound to the outside on the basis of vibrations transmitted via at least the vibration source side connection part 180 and the sound projection side connection part 280. The acoustic device 1 is configured such that the sound projection container 200 is freely attachable to or detachable from the vibration device 100 by connecting or disconnecting the vibration source side connection part 180 and the sound projection side connection part 280 to or from each other. According to the present invention, sound can be projected evenly to the surroundings with a configuration simpler than that of a conventional acoustic device.

Description

Audio device and vibration device

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio device and a vibration device used in the audio device.

[0002] Conventionally, a speaker system (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a "speaker") in which the back of a dynamic speaker unit is surrounded by an enclosure has been widely spread. Separately prepare an amplifier, connect the amplifier and the speaker with a cable, and supply an electrical signal generated by the amplifier based on given sound source information to the speaker via the cable, thereby driving the dynamic speaker unit, and thereby, sound is amplified and output from the speaker to the outside (conventional audio device).

[0003] Utility Model Registration No. 3201736

[0004] The above-described conventional audio device is configured to amplify sound mainly on the front side of the speaker and has directivity, so it is difficult to hear sound from the side or behind, and people around cannot hear the sound equally over 360° around the audio device (directivity problem).

[0005] In order to transmit sound to many people around, there is also a method of using a high-output speaker to transmit sound far away. However, according to this method, it becomes difficult for people nearby to hear because of the high volume, and conversely, it is still difficult to hear for people far away because the sound reaches them at a low volume although there is a difference in degree. Also, when a plurality of speakers located at distant places are sounding, a time difference in sound arrival often occurs and it is often difficult to hear the sound.

[0006] There is also a method of dispersing speakers that sound at a low output here and there. However, according to this method, it is necessary to run cables from the central amplifier to each speaker for a long distance, resulting in a large-scale system. Also, the difficulty of impedance matching becomes a problem. As another approach, there is a method of arranging an amplifier dedicated to each speaker near the dispersed speakers, but according to this method, not only a corresponding installation space is required but also the cost becomes high, and it cannot be said to be a simple configuration.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 describes an acoustic device in which a sound generator is attached to the bottom of a commercially available plastic bottle containing beverages. However, since the acoustic device described in Patent Document 1 uses a general-purpose speaker, it does not solve the same problems as described above due to directivity. In addition, the acoustic device described in Patent Document 1 is intended to be placed on a table at a birthday party or the like with the plastic bottle filled with beverages, and the sound emitted from the speaker built into the bottom of the plastic bottle is trapped between the liquid in the plastic bottle and the table, making it inherently difficult to transmit sound to many people in the vicinity.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems and to provide an acoustic device that has a simpler configuration than conventional acoustic devices while being able to amplify sound without bias to the surroundings. It also aims to provide a vibration device used in such an acoustic device.

[0009] In conventional speakers, acoustic energy is primarily emitted from the front side of the cone of the dynamic speaker unit. On the other hand, sound emitted from the back side of the cone is in opposite phase to the sound from the front side and therefore needs to be contained within an enclosure (container). Since the vibration of the enclosure itself is noise to external listeners, conventional technical measures have focused on suppressing the vibration of the enclosure itself. Through diligent experimentation, the inventor of this invention has discovered a configuration that, by actively vibrating the enclosure of an acoustic device—which is inherently undesirable to vibrate—can amplify sound with practical sound pressure and sound quality, and disperse it evenly to the surroundings, albeit in a simple manner.

[0010] [1] An acoustic device is provided according to one aspect of the present invention. The acoustic device of the present invention comprises a vibration device that has a vibration source that generates vibrations based on given sound source information and is provided with a vibration source side connection part for connecting to a separate sound amplification container, and a sound amplification container that has a sound amplification side connection part connected to the vibration source side connection part and amplifies sound to the outside based on vibrations transmitted at least through the vibration source side connection part and the sound amplification side connection part. The acoustic device of the present invention is configured such that the sound amplification container can be freely attached to or detached from the vibration device by connecting or not connecting the vibration source side connection part and the sound amplification side connection part to each other.

[0011] [2] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vibration device for use in an acoustic device. The vibration device of the present invention is a vibration device to which a sound amplification container that amplifies sound into the surroundings is connected, and comprises a vibration source that generates vibrations based on given sound source information, and a vibration source-side connection part that connects to the sound amplification-side connection part of the sound amplification container. The vibration device of the present invention is configured such that the sound amplification container is attached by connecting the sound amplification-side connection part of the sound amplification container to the vibration source-side connection part, and the sound amplification container resonates and vibrates based on vibrations transmitted at least through the vibration source-side connection part and the sound amplification-side connection part.

[0012] A diagram illustrating the sound device 1 according to Embodiment 1. A cross-sectional view showing details of the vibration device 100 of Embodiment 1. A block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the VCM system 10. A cross-sectional view showing how the sound amplification container 200 is connected to the vibration device 100. A schematic diagram illustrating the propagation of vibrations in the sound device 1 and the amplification of sound from the sound device 1. A cross-sectional view illustrating the sound device 2 according to Embodiment 2. A cross-sectional view illustrating the vibration device 130 used in the sound device 3 according to Embodiment 3. A diagram (front view) showing sound amplification containers 201A to 201F of Modified Example 1. A cross-sectional view showing vibration devices 110' and 130' used in sound devices 4 and 5 according to Modified Example 2, respectively. A schematic diagram showing vibration devices 110'' and 130'' used in sound devices 6 and 7 according to Modified Example 3, respectively. A cross-sectional view showing the vibration device 100' of Modified Example 4. A cross-sectional view showing the vibration device 120 of Modified Example 5. A schematic diagram showing sound devices 8 and 9 according to Modified Example 6. Front view showing application example 1 of sound devices 1, 2, ... Front view showing application example 2 of sound devices 1, 2, ... Block diagram showing application example 3 of sound devices 1, 2, ...

[0013] The acoustic and vibration devices of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures. For components and structures common to each figure, the reference numerals in the previous figure can be used as reference, and therefore, the reference numerals may be omitted in later figures. For reference numerals common to each figure, the explanations already given for those reference numerals can be used as reference in the explanations of other figures, and therefore, their explanations in other figures will be omitted.

[0014] [Embodiment 1] 1. Diagram 1 of the configuration of the sound device 1 according to Embodiment 1 is a diagram shown to explain the sound device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1(a) is a plan view of the sound device 1 as seen along arrow B in Figure 1(b), and Figure 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of the sound device 1 in Figure 1(a) taken along the line A-A.

[0015] (1) As shown in the schematic diagram 1 of the sound device 1, the sound device 1 according to Embodiment 1 is broadly composed of a vibration device 100 and a sound amplification container 200. The sound device 1 is a device that vibrates a sound amplification container 200, which is separate from the vibration device 100, based on mechanical vibrations generated from the vibration device 100, and transmits the sound caused by the vibration to the area around the sound amplification container 200. The vibration device 100 is provided with a vibration source side connection part 180 for connecting to the sound amplification container 200. On the other hand, the sound amplification container 200 is provided with a sound amplification side connection part 280 which is connected to the vibration source side connection part 180. In this specification, "sound amplification" means spreading sound to the area around (outside) the device or container by the device or container vibrating.

[0016] (2) Vibration device 100 The vibration device 100 is equipped with a vibration source (in Embodiment 1, the VCM system 10 corresponds to the vibration source) that generates vibrations based on given sound source information SS.

[0017] (2-1) About the vibration source The term "vibration source" refers to a unit (range of configurations) that emits mechanical vibrations. As means of realizing a vibration source, for example, an "electromechanical conversion device" such as a VCM system 10 (Voice Coil Motor System 10; details will be described later with reference to Figure 2), a piezoelectric element system 20 (see Figure 12; described later in Modification 5) using a piezo element 21, etc., can be used. Alternatively, a "mechanical vibration unit" such as a cylinder-type music box mechanism 30 (see Figure 7; described later in Embodiment 3) can be used as another means of realizing a vibration source. Note that an "electromechanical conversion device" refers to a device that generates mechanical vibrations using electrical signals. A "mechanical vibration unit" refers to a unit that generates vibrations using a mechanical configuration (mechanism).

[0018] "Sound source information SS" broadly refers to information related to sound. Microscopically, it can include information such as sound intensity, pitch, pattern, tempo, type of sampled sound, and sound quality. More macroscopically, it can also include data such as music, voice messages, and warning sounds (specifically, music files in various formats such as WAVE, AIFF, MP3, and AAC), and playback content specification information that specifies which content to play from among the variations of the above content (specifically, disc number, track number, music box number, etc.).

[0019] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the vibration device 100. As shown in Figure 2, in Embodiment 1, the vibration source is composed of an electromechanical conversion device, more specifically a VCM system 10.

[0020] The VCM system 10 is a system generally called a voice coil motor, and includes a permanent magnet 11 arranged coaxially with the central axis of the VCM, an electromagnetic coil 12 whose windings are wound cylindrically around the central axis C1 and whose inner wall faces the outer surface of the permanent magnet 11, a magnetic yoke 13 connected to one end of the permanent magnet 11 (one end when viewed along the central axis C1) and whose end face faces the outer wall of the electromagnetic coil 12, and a vibration preamplifier plate 14 mechanically connected to the electromagnetic coil 12. The outer edge of the vibration preamplifier plate 14 is fixed with adhesive or the like to the bottom surface of a groove that constitutes the sound amplification container contact portion 60a, which will be described later, so that vibrations amplified by the vibration preamplifier plate 14 are directly transmitted to the sound amplification container contact portion 60a.

[0021] For reference, the vibration preamplifier plate 14 can be made of paper, plastic (such as Vectrene resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, or polyolefin resin), wood, fiber composite (CFRP, GFRP), or metal (aluminum, titanium, magnesium). If the vibration preamplifier plate 14 is made of a soft material such as plastic or wood, the high-frequency vibrations from the electromagnetic coil 12 will be attenuated, allowing for a softer sound amplification. If it is made of a hard material such as metal or fiber composite, the high-frequency vibrations will not be attenuated, and the vibrations will be transmitted to the relevant parts, resulting in a sound amplification that faithfully reproduces the original sound.

[0022] In Embodiment 1, the main mechanical elements of the VCM system 10 (vibration source) that are particularly related to vibration (permanent magnet 11, electromagnetic coil 12, magnetic yoke 13, vibration preamplifier plate 14, etc.) are housed inside a bottomed cylindrical vibration source case 60. When viewed along the central axis C1, the vibration source case 60 may be circular (bottomed cylindrical) or rectangular or other angular (bottomed rectangular tube).

[0023] A sound-amplifying container contact portion 60a is formed on the opening edge of the vibration source case 60. Specifically, a groove is provided on the inside of the edge that matches the outer dimensions of the opening end 201g of the sound-amplifying container 200, and this groove constitutes the sound-amplifying container contact portion 60a. The bottom surface of the groove is in contact with the end face of the opening end 201g of the sound-amplifying container 200 (the end face of the drinking spout in the case of a beverage container), and the side surface of the groove is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the opening end 201g.

[0024] When the sound amplification container 200 is connected to the vibration device 100 and the sound device 1 is completed (as shown in Figure 1), the central axis of the VCM becomes coaxial with the central axis C1 of the sound amplification container 200. For convenience, the symbol C1 is used in the explanation above.

[0025] The ends of the windings constituting the electromagnetic coil 12 are connected to the drive unit 18 via the drive signal line 19. The drive unit 18 generates a drive signal based on the given sound source information SS and supplies the drive signal (electrical signal) to the electromagnetic coil 12 through the drive signal line 19 (see also Figure 1).

[0026] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the VCM system 10. Although this figure shows the hardware configuration of the VCM system 10 of Embodiment 1, the piezoelectric element system 20 of Modification 5, which will be described later, can also adopt a hardware configuration based on a block diagram similar to this figure.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the VCM system 10 (vibration unit) of Embodiment 1 has a receiving unit 18A and an amplification unit 18B.

[0028] The receiving unit 18A receives sound source information SS via wired or wireless communication. Figure 3 shows the receiving unit 18A using wireless communication, but in this case, wireless communication means such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy: registered trademark) can be used as appropriate. The amplification unit 18B amplifies an electrical signal (a drive signal for driving the electromagnetic coil 12) based on the sound source information SS received by the receiving unit 18A and outputs the electrical signal to the electromagnetic coil 12. As the amplification unit 18B, a Class D amplifier compatible with the BTL (Bridge Transfer Less / Balanced Transfer Less / Bridge-Tied Load) method can be used. Such an amplifier is suitable for the sound device 1 according to Embodiment 1 because it has excellent broadband frequency characteristics and high power efficiency. The electromagnetic coil 12 receives the electrical signal output by the amplification unit 18B, flows a current according to the intent of the sound source information SS, performs electromagnetic induction according to the intent, and thereby vibrates the electromagnetic coil 12. In other words, the electromechanical conversion device (VCM system 10 in Embodiment 1) receives the electrical signal output by the amplification unit 18B and generates mechanical vibrations corresponding to the sound source information SS.

[0029] Because of the above configuration, the vibration device 100 is capable of emitting sounds of multiple frequencies and outputting sounds at multiple levels of sound pressure by appropriately preparing sound source information SS. It should be noted that "emitting sounds of multiple frequencies" means not only emitting "pure tones" consisting of a single frequency, but also that it is possible to emit sounds with variable frequencies, regardless of whether they are pure tones or not.

[0030] For reference, depending on advancements in semiconductor technology, the vibration device 100 may also be configured such that the receiving unit 18A, amplification unit 18B, charge control unit 18C, and power supply unit 18E are configured as integrated circuits within the drive unit 18, and that a power storage unit 18D is also included within the drive unit 18. The charge control unit 18C receives power from an external source and charges the power storage unit 18D based on this power supply. The power supply unit 18E extracts power from the power storage unit 18D to create the necessary DC power supply and supplies the created DC power supply to the receiving unit 18A and amplification unit 18B. The external power supply described above can be realized, for example, by contact power supply via a plug or contactless power supply via a coil. Furthermore, the power storage unit 18D can be realized, for example, by a large-capacity capacitor or battery, and the power storage unit 18D may also be configured to be powered by natural energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines.

[0031] (2-2) Returning to Figure 2, the connection structure between the vibration device 100 and the sound amplification container 200 will be described. The vibration device 100 has a connection cap 70, and the vibration source side connection part 180 is provided on the connection cap 70. The vibration source side connection part 180 is the part that connects to the sound amplification container 200, and also functions as one of the ports that transmit the vibration of the vibration device 100 to the sound amplification container 200.

[0032] In Embodiment 1, the connecting cap 70 has a bottomed cylindrical shape and a structure similar to the screw-type cap of commercially available PET bottles for beverages. The connecting cap 70 is made of plastic materials (polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, etc.), wood, fiber composite materials (CFRP, GFRP), metal materials (iron, aluminum, titanium, magnesium), etc. Furthermore, these materials can be surface-treated with coating resins (lacquer-based, acrylic-based, etc.), natural resins (lacquer, cashew, etc.), metal plating, etc. to obtain an artistic effect. In addition, in the case of soft plastic materials or wood, the high-frequency vibrations transmitted from the vibration device 100 to the sound amplification container 200 can be attenuated, so that the sound can be amplified as a softer sound. On the other hand, in the case of hard metal materials, fiber composite materials, etc., the high-frequency vibrations mentioned above are not attenuated, and the sound can be amplified as a sound that faithfully reproduces the original sound. Note that the specifications of the connecting cap 70 are not limited to those described above.

[0033] On the inner circumferential wall of the bottomed cylinder of the connecting cap 70, near the edge, a female thread 180a is formed that is compatible with the threads of commercially available PET bottles for drinking water. This female thread 180a constitutes the vibration source side connecting portion 180. Conversely, the vibration source side connecting portion 180 is composed of a female thread 180a that is compatible with the threads of commercially available PET bottles for drinking water. Reference numeral 79 in Figure 2 indicates a housing mounting screw for attaching the acoustic device 1 to an external structure, equipment, housing, etc.

[0034] A vibration source case 60 is housed inside the connection cap 70. More specifically, the vibration source case 60, which houses at least some components of the VCM system 10, is fixed to the inner bottom of the connection cap 70. This allows vibrations from the VCM system 10 (vibration source) to be transmitted to the connection cap 70 through the vibration source case 60. While various methods can be used to fix the vibration source case 60, in the example shown in Figure 2, the vibration source case 60 is bonded to the connection cap 70 with adhesive Ad in the region far from the central axis C1 of the outer bottom. At this time, the hole for passing the drive signal line 19 is sealed with adhesive Ad. On the other hand, in the region closer to the central axis C1 of the outer bottom, the vibration source case 60 is directly connected to the connection cap 70 without the intermediary of adhesive Ad, allowing vibrations to be transmitted more directly.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the connection cap 70 has a sealed structure, and when the acoustic device 1 is completed (as shown in Figure 1), the components of the built-in vibration source (electromagnetic coil 12, vibration preamplifier plate 14, vibration source case 60, etc.) are completely isolated from the outside. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a part of the connection cap 70 may be open, allowing the components of the built-in vibration source to communicate with or be exposed to the outside.

[0036] In summary, the vibration device 100 is a device to which a sound amplification container 200 that amplifies sound into the surroundings is connected, comprising a vibration source (here, a VCM system 10) that generates vibrations based on given sound source information SS, and a vibration source side connection part 180 that connects to the sound amplification side connection part 280 of the sound amplification container 200, and the sound amplification container 200 is attached by connecting the sound amplification side connection part 280 of the sound amplification container 200 to the vibration source side connection part 180, and is configured so that the sound amplification container 200 resonates and vibrates based on vibrations transmitted at least through the vibration source side connection part 180 and the sound amplification side connection part 280.

[0037] (3) Sound Amplification Container 200 Returning to Figure 1, the sound amplification container 200 will be described. The sound amplification container 200 is a container that vibrates itself based on vibrations transmitted at least through the vibration source side connection part 180 and the sound amplification side connection part 280, and amplifies the sound caused by the vibration to the outside. As mentioned above, the sound amplification container 200 is provided with a sound amplification side connection part 280. The sound amplification side connection part 280 is the part that connects to the vibration device 100, and also functions as one of the ports that receive vibrations from the vibration device 100.

[0038] The "sound amplification container 200" has a shape similar to a container for liquids such as drinking water or colloids such as yogurt, and may be a container designed to actually hold liquids, or it may be a container not designed for such purposes.

[0039] Suitable materials for the sound amplification container 200 include, as a typical example, PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) resin. Other suitable materials include materials made from natural plants such as corn, and composite materials made by solidifying fibers with resin, such as CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics) and GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics). Furthermore, paper (similar to milk cartons), wood (including wood coated with resin), metal (iron, aluminum), and glass can also be used as appropriate.

[0040] According to the inventor's experiments, the thickness of the sound amplification container 200 (especially the thickness around the body portion 201a) can be suitably configured with a thickness in the range of 200 μm to 1000 μm, depending on the material. Furthermore, many cases have been confirmed in which a thickness in the range of 200 μm to 400 μm can be suitably configured.

[0041] The sound amplification container 200 can adopt a container with an appropriate design according to the installation location, installation purpose, etc. The sound amplification container 200 of Embodiment 1 exemplified here has a substantially bottle shape of a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening 201b portion and a bottom portion 201c facing the opening portion 201b. Although it is a concept of "bottle shape", basically it has a neck portion 201d, a body portion 201a, and a bottom portion 201c, and an opening portion 201b communicating with the inside and outside of the container is formed by an opening-side end portion 201g which is an end portion of the neck portion 201d, and the inside is hollow.

[0042] Regarding the body portion 201a, the bottom portion 201c, etc. of the sound amplification container 200, it may be configured such that a part thereof has holes and is not completely sealed, and a design suitable for the installation location can also be adopted. However, it is preferable that the wall material surrounding the inside of the bottle shape is continuously formed for all except the opening portion 201b, and the inside 201f is sealed except for the opening portion 201b.

[0043] At least a part of the hollow inside 201f is filled with gas. Conversely, a part of the other part may be filled with liquid or solid. In the example of FIG. 1, the entire inside 201f is filled with air. Decorative materials such as paper confetti and styrofoam may be mixed into the inside 201f.

[0044] The sound amplification side connection portion 280 is provided at the neck portion 201d of the bottle shape formed continuously with the opening portion 201b. Specifically, on the outer peripheral wall of the neck portion 201d of the sound amplification container 200, a male screw 280a adaptable to the thread of a screw-type cap of a commercially available drinking water PET bottle is formed. The sound amplification side connection portion 280 is constituted by this male screw 280a. In this way, it becomes possible to appropriately divert a PET bottle container used in the market as the sound amplification container 200, and the acoustic device 1 can be realized simply and easily.

[0045] It is more preferable that the sound amplification container 200 has a structure of a PET bottle for beverages. Since a PET bottle for beverages can be diverted as the sound amplification container 200, the acoustic device 1 according to Embodiment 1 can be realized more simply.

[0046] (4) Attachment / Removal of the Sound Amplifying Container 200 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the sound amplifying container 200 is connected to the vibration device 100. The acoustic device 1 can be connected or disconnected from each other between the vibration source side connection part 180 and the sound amplifying side connection part 280, so that the sound amplifying container 200 can be freely attached or removed from the vibration device 100.

[0047] In the case of the acoustic device 1 according to Embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the central axis C1 of the sound amplifying container 200 is aligned with the central axis (not numbered) of the vibration device 100 (connection cap 70), and the sound amplifying container 200 is rotated relatively around the central axis C1 with respect to the vibration device 100 (connection cap 70) and screwed together, whereby the sound amplifying container 200 is connected to the vibration device 100 and the sound amplifying container 200 is attached to the vibration device 100. Also, if the reverse operation of the above is performed, the sound amplifying container 200 becomes disconnected from the vibration device 100, and the sound amplifying container 200 is removed from the vibration device 100.

[0048] (5) Mounting Portion 80 The vibration source side connection part 180 of the vibration device 100 and the sound amplifying side connection part 280 of the sound amplifying container 200 are collectively referred to as the "mounting portion 80". The connection between the vibration device 100 and the sound amplifying container 200 in the mounting portion 80 is made by "engagement" in a broad sense. In Embodiment 1, the mounting portion 80 is composed of a screw formed by a combination of a male screw 280a and a female screw 180a, and the vibration source side connection part 180 and the sound amplifying side connection part 280 are "engaged" by screwing of the screw. In addition to the screw engagement exemplified in Embodiment 1, for example, "engagement" may be realized by a simple fitting. Although the connection / disconnection in the mounting portion 80 is freely possible, an adhesive or a locking mechanism or the like may be added to the "engagement" portion so that the connection state is semi-fixed.

[0049] Next, we will discuss the position and shape of the mounting portion 80. The mounting portion 80 can be positioned at an appropriate location depending on the external design of the sound amplification container 200, installation conditions, etc. For example, when viewed along the central axis C1, the mounting portion 80 can be provided at a position far from the central axis C1 and close to the outer contour of the sound amplification container 200. However, it is preferable that the mounting portion 80 be provided near the central axis C1 of the sound amplification container 200, as shown in Figure 1.

[0050] The overall shape of the mounting portion 80 can be an appropriate shape depending on the external design of the sound amplification container 200. For example, although the connection between the vibration device 100 and the sound amplification container 200 is a "fit" rather than a "screw," the overall shape of the mounting portion 80 when viewed along the central axis C1 may be elliptical, polygonal, or the like. However, it is preferable that the mounting portion 80 is formed in a substantially annular shape centered on the central axis C1 of the sound amplification container 200, as shown in Figure 1.

[0051] (6) Regarding the propagation of vibrations, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram shown to explain the propagation of vibrations in the sound device 1 and the amplification of sound from the sound device 1. In the figure, vibrations are simulated as sine waves. Although these vibration waves actually propagate inside the components of the vibration device 100 and the sound amplification container 200, the diagram does not allow for the entire pattern to be drawn inside the components, so for convenience, it is drawn on the outside of the components. The propagation of vibrations is indicated by arrows.

[0052] When the electromagnetic coil 12 of the VCM system 10, which is the vibration source, is driven by a drive signal, the electromagnetic coil 12 vibrates along the central axis C1, and the vibration preamplifier plate 14 also vibrates in conjunction with it (see also Figure 2, etc.). The vibration amplified by the vibration preamplifier plate 14 (point P1) vibrates the area around the sound amplification container contact portion 60a provided on the vibration source case 60 (point P2), and is also transmitted to the neck portion 201d of the sound amplification container 200 via the end face and outer surface of the opening end portion 201g that is in contact with the sound amplification container contact portion 60a (point P3). Separately from this transmission route, the vibration of the vibration source case 60 itself is transmitted to the bottom portion 70a of the connecting cap connected directly below it, and this vibration is transmitted to the vibration source side connecting portion 180 (70c) through the body portion 70b of the connecting cap. The sound amplification side connection part 280, which is connected to the vibration source side connection part 180, is also affected by the vibrations in the vibration source side connection part 180 (70c) (point P3). The vibrations of the sound amplification side connection part 280 (point P3) propagate from the neck part 201d to the body part 201a, with the vibrations being amplified (the amplitude increasing) as the inner diameter expands at the shoulder part 201e (point P4), and further propagating to the body part 201a (point P5). The vibrations in the body part 201a, shoulder part 201e, etc. of the sound amplification container 200 cause the air outside the container's components to vibrate, and the sound spreads outwards.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the sound device 1 is preferably configured such that vibrations from the vibration device 100 resonate within the sound amplification container 200, as described above. Even if the vibrations in the vibration device 100 have a relatively small amplitude, the sound can be amplified by the resonant vibration, and the sound can be amplified to a practical sound pressure.

[0054] Although Figure 5 shows how vibrations propagate to the left and right sides of the central axis C1, in reality, vibrations propagate similarly and amplify to the outside not only in these areas but also around the central axis C1 in a 360° radius. Furthermore, regarding the propagation of vibrations from the vibration source to the sound amplification container 200, in addition to the above-described routes, there may also be another route through which sound waves generated by the vibration of the vibration source propagate to the components of the sound amplification container 200 via the inside 201f (hollow part) of the sound amplification container 200.

[0055] 2. Effects of the sound device 1 according to Embodiment 1 (1-1) The sound device 1 according to Embodiment 1 does not include a general directional speaker as a constituent element, and includes a vibration device 100 which includes a vibration source (VCM system 10 in Embodiment 1) that generates vibrations based on given sound source information SS and is provided with a vibration source side connection part 180 for connecting to a separate sound amplification container 200, and a sound amplification container 200 which is provided with a sound amplification side connection part 280 that is connected to the vibration source side connection part 180 and is provided with a sound amplification side connection part 280 that is connected to the vibration source side connection part 180 and is provided with a sound amplification container 200 that amplifies sound to the outside based on vibrations transmitted at least through the vibration source side connection part 180 and the sound amplification side connection part 280.

[0056] Due to this configuration, mechanical vibrations generated from the vibration source (VCM system 10, which is an electromechanical conversion device in Embodiment 1) are transmitted to the sound amplification container 200 through connections at least at the vibration source side connection part 180 and the sound amplification side connection part 280, causing the body of the sound amplification container 200 to vibrate and amplify the sound to the outside of the sound amplification container 200. In the sound amplification container 200, the vibrations are amplified from the sound amplification side connection part 280 to the container body portion (body portion 201a, etc.). Furthermore, because the sound amplification container 200 has the shape of a container, the vibrations are transmitted over 360° around the central axis C1 of the sound amplification container 200. As a result, the sound emitted from the sound amplification container 200 to the outside can be amplified with virtually no bias in sound pressure and the same sound quality regardless of the angle from which it is viewed around the central axis C1 (omnidirectional). In other words, sound can be amplified evenly around the sound device 1, and consequently, people in the surrounding area can hear the sound and the information carried by the sound without bias (see Figure 5, etc.).

[0057] (1-2) Furthermore, since the sound amplification container 200 can be a simple, general-purpose container, it is low-cost and easy to procure. In addition, by connecting or disconnecting the vibration source side connection part 180 and the sound amplification side connection part 280, the sound amplification container 200 can be freely attached to or detached from the vibration device 100, so the sound amplification container 200, which is the part that produces sound, can be easily installed / replaced.Therefore, sound amplification with the above characteristics (sound amplification without bias to the surroundings) can be achieved with a simple configuration without introducing a large-scale speaker system as in the past.

[0058] (1-3) For reference, the inventors of the present invention conducted measurement experiments to confirm the amplification effect. First, a sound pressure sensor was placed in a quiet space, and then the sound device 1 was placed about 400 mm away from the sound pressure sensor. Then, a musical note G4 as sound source information SS was transmitted to the sound device 1 from an external terminal via Bluetooth (registered trademark). The sound device 1 received the sound source information SS with a receiving unit 18A, amplified the signal with an amplification unit 18B which is a Class D amplifier compatible with the BTL method, and drove the electromagnetic coil 12 of the vibration source, which is a VCM system 10, to vibrate the vibration source. Then, as a "comparative example," the sound pressure due to amplification from the sound device 1 was measured in the case without the sound amplification container 200 and as an "experimental example" with the sound amplification container 200 attached. For the samples of the sound amplification container 200, variations in material, shape, capacity, and material thickness were appropriately varied as parameters. Specifically, we tested various types of commercially available plastic bottles for beverages, paper cartons for beverages and milk, plastic containers for yogurt, metal containers, and wooden containers.

[0059] In the comparative example, the measured sound pressure was 43 dB, while the various sound pressures measured in the experimental example ranged from 60 dB to 67 dB. If the sound pressure measured in the comparative example is set as a relative ratio of 1.0 (reference), the relative ratios of the various sound pressures measured in the experimental example ranged from 7.1 to 15.8. In other words, the sound pressure was amplified by more than seven times by the sound amplification container 200, confirming that the acoustic device of the present invention, despite its simple configuration, can secure a practical level of sound pressure.

[0060] As can be understood from the above, the sound device 1 according to Embodiment 1 has a simpler configuration than conventional sound devices, yet it is possible to amplify sound without bias towards the surroundings.

[0061] Furthermore, while some acoustic energy may escape from the vibration device 100 as well as the acoustic energy emitted from the acoustic device 1, the primary acoustic power is dispersed from the sound amplification container 200. Because the primary acoustic power is emitted only from the sound amplification container 200, all frequencies across the entire audible range are amplified equally in all directions around the central axis C1, and there is basically no special bias or directionality in any particular frequency range. This effect can be said to be similar to the phenomenon where, for example, a cuckoo bird singing on top of a utility pole wakes up nearby residents in a 360° radius.

[0062] (2) In the first embodiment, a sound amplification container contact portion 60a is formed on the vibration source case 60, and the opening end portion 201g of the sound amplification container 200 is in contact with the sound amplification container contact portion 60a. As a result, the vibration amplified by the vibration pre-amplification plate 14 is directly transmitted to the opening end portion 201g of the sound amplification container 200 via the sound amplification container contact portion 60a. In the sound amplification container 200, the strong vibration immediately after amplification is introduced from the end of the vibration medium (container), and the vibration can be transmitted to the container body (body portion 201a, etc.) with higher efficiency compared to when the vibration is introduced from the middle of the vibration medium (outer surface of the neck portion 201d, shoulder portion 201e, etc.) (see Figure 5).

[0063] (3) In the sound device 1, the mounting portion 80, which is composed of the vibration source side connection portion 180 and the sound amplification side connection portion 280, and / or the sound amplification container contact portion 60a are preferably located near the central axis C1 when viewed along the central axis C1 of the sound amplification container 200 (for example, when projected from the bottom portion 201c of the sound amplification container 200). In other words, the vibration transfer portion (not indicated by a reference numeral; here the mounting portion 80 and the sound amplification container contact portion 60a correspond to the vibration transfer portion) that transfers vibrations from the vibration device 100 to the sound amplification container 200 is preferably located near the central axis C1.

[0064] If vibration transmission parts (not indicated by symbols), such as the mounting part 80, are located near the central axis C1 rather than in a slightly off-center location closer to the outer contour of the container, the path from the mounting part 80 where vibrations begin to propagate to the main body of the sound amplification container 200 (e.g., the body portion 201a) will be roughly uniform, and vibrations to the main body of the sound amplification container 200 will propagate over 360° without further bias. This further reduces bias in sound pressure, sound quality, etc., due to the angle around the central axis C1.

[0065] (4) In the sound device 1, the mounting portion 80 is preferably formed in a substantially annular shape with respect to the central axis C1 of the sound amplification container 200. In other words, the vibration transmission portion (not indicated by a numeral) described above is preferably formed in a substantially annular shape with respect to the central axis C1. With such a configuration, the starting points of vibration propagation to the sound amplification container 200 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the central axis C1, and the paths from these starting points to the main body of the sound amplification container 200 (for example, the body portion 201a) can be made even more uniform. Consequently, biases in sound pressure, sound quality, etc., due to angles with respect to the central axis C1 can be further reduced.

[0066] (5) In the sound device 1, the mounting portion 80 is preferably made of a screw formed by a combination of a male screw 280a and a female screw 180a. The sound amplification container 200 can be reliably attached (connected) to the vibration device 100 without the need for special tools or jigs. It is also preferable that the screw is a screw suitable for the threads near the mouth of a commercially available PET bottle for drinking water, and the threads of a screw-type cap.

[0067] (6) In the sound device 1, the sound amplification container 200 is preferably a bottomed cylindrical, substantially bottle-shaped container having an opening 201b and a bottom portion 201c facing the opening 201b, and the inside is sealed except for the opening 201b, and the sound amplification side connection portion 280 is provided at the bottle-shaped neck portion 201d formed continuously from the opening 201b.

[0068] Since all parts except the opening 201b (the spout / mouthpiece in the case of a bottle) are basically continuous with the container material (there are no notches / openings in the shoulder 201e, body 201a, etc.), vibration propagation can be achieved without bias, without interruption or diffraction. Furthermore, since the mounting part 80 (sound amplification side connection part 280) is not provided, vibration can be transmitted to the body 201a in a way that gradually spreads from the neck 201d, and vibration can be effectively amplified.

[0069] Furthermore, since the inside of the sound amplification container 200 is sealed, it prevents rain, water, etc. from entering the interior. For example, by appropriately waterproofing the area around the vibration device 100 and the mounting part 80 with resin molding, silicone sealing, etc. (see, for example, Figure 13(b) described later), the entire acoustic device can be made waterproof, and the acoustic device can be installed outdoors exposed to wind and rain, or underwater in swimming pools, etc. In addition, the acoustic device can be installed underwater in settings such as aquarium exhibits or seabed surveys and used as a communicator to interact with saltwater fish.

[0070] (7) In the acoustic device 1, the vibration source is composed of an electromechanical conversion device (VCM system 10) that generates mechanical vibrations using electrical signals. By appropriately changing the electrical signals, the output sound can be changed (grayscale, sound pressure, etc.), and various types of information can be transmitted more flexibly.

[0071] (8) In the sound device 1, the vibration device 100 equipped with an electromechanical conversion device (VCM system 10) is configured to emit sounds of multiple frequencies and to output sounds at multiple levels of sound pressure. This makes it possible to convey many types of information with variously variable sounds. Furthermore, it can also output music such as musical pieces.

[0072] (9) In the acoustic device 1, the vibration device 100 has a receiving unit 18A that receives sound source information SS by wired communication or wireless communication, and an amplification unit 18B that amplifies an electrical signal based on the sound source information SS received by the receiving unit 18A, and the electromechanical conversion device (VCM system 10) is configured to generate mechanical vibrations by inputting the electrical signal output by the amplification unit 18B (see Figure 3).

[0073] For example, if the receiving unit 18A receives wirelessly, sound source information SS can be received without running cables. Conversely, since sound source information SS can be transmitted to many sound devices 1 scattered over a wide area, sound source information SS can be managed centrally. In addition, since cable wiring work is unnecessary, flexibility is increased, such as changing the installation location of the sound devices 1.

[0074] [Embodiment 2] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sound device 2 according to Embodiment 2.

[0075] The sound device 2 according to Embodiment 2 has basically the same configuration as the sound device 1 according to Embodiment 1, but differs from the sound device 1 according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the sound amplification container. That is, as shown in Figure 6, the sound amplification container 202 of the sound device 2 has a substantially funnel shape with a first opening 202b and a second opening 202g positioned opposite the first opening 202b and having a larger opening area than the first opening 202b. In other words, the hollow part, in terms of bottle shape, is open to the outside. The sound amplification side connection part 280 is provided on the funnel foot part 202d (which can also be called the neck part) formed continuously with the first opening 202b.

[0076] The sound amplification container 202, with its distinctive design featuring a hollow section open to the outside, can be installed appropriately according to the installation location, purpose, etc., further expanding the applications of the sound device of the present invention.

[0077] Furthermore, the sound amplification container 202 may be made of wood with a thickness of 1000 μm and shaped like a spotlight shade. Alternatively, for example, a container with a beverage PET bottle structure may be used, with the bottom cut out and the resulting opening configured as the second opening 202g. Since commercially available beverage PET bottles can be repurposed as the sound amplification container 202 of Embodiment 2, the sound device 2 can be easily realized.

[0078] The acoustic device 2 according to Embodiment 2 has basically the same configuration as the acoustic device 1 according to Embodiment 1, except for the configuration of the sound amplification container. Therefore, the acoustic device 2 has the same effects as the acoustic device 1.

[0079] [Embodiment 3] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vibration device 130 used in the acoustic device 3 according to Embodiment 3.

[0080] The acoustic device 3 according to Embodiment 3 has basically the same configuration as the acoustic devices 1 and 2 according to Embodiments 1 and 2, but differs from the acoustic devices 1 and 2 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 in the configuration of the vibration source. That is, the vibration source in the vibration device 130 of Embodiment 3 is composed of a mechanical vibration unit. The vibration source by the mechanical vibration unit generates vibrations through a mechanical configuration (mechanical mechanism), and can be anything as long as it ultimately generates sound in the audible range.

[0081] It is preferable to use a music box mechanism 30 as the vibration source for the mechanical vibration unit. Some music box mechanisms 30 can generate vibrations without using electricity, eliminating the need to consider external power supply and allowing for a simpler sound device.

[0082] The music box mechanism 30 can employ, for example, a cylinder-type music box. As shown in Figure 7, a cylinder-type music box includes a cylinder 31 with pins 32 attached to its outer surface, a metal diaphragm 33 that vibrates (produces sound) when struck by the pins 32, and a fixing member 34 that fixes one end of the diaphragm 33 to the music box base 35. In the example in Figure 7, the music box base 35 is fixed to the vibration source case 60 and mechanically connected. The vibration source case 60 also serves as a connection cap 70, and a female thread is formed near the edge of the inner circumferential wall of the vibration source case 60 (connection cap 70), thereby forming the vibration source side connection part 180.

[0083] In the vibration device 130, which is equipped with a mechanical vibration unit similar to a cylinder-type music box, it is possible to produce multiple musical scales by appropriately setting the arrangement of the pins 32, and the arrangement of the pins 32 attached to the cylinder 31 itself constitutes sound source information SS.

[0084] Although not shown in the diagram, it is also possible to prepare multiple mechanical vibration units (music box mechanisms 30) containing different musical pieces inside the vibration source case 60 / connection cap 70.

[0085] In this case, the vibration device (unspecified) may have a plurality of mechanical vibration units (music box mechanisms 30) and a receiving unit (unspecified) that receives sound source information SS via wired or wireless communication. The receiving unit may be configured to select a mechanical vibration unit to vibrate from among the plurality of mechanical vibration units (music box mechanisms 30) based on the sound source information SS received by the receiving unit. In this case, the sound source information SS is information that specifies which of the plurality of music box mechanisms 30 contained within the vibration device to activate. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to create an acoustic device that can produce sounds according to the information to be conveyed, such as music to simply draw attention or music to warn of a high degree of danger or urgency.

[0086] The acoustic device 3 according to Embodiment 3 has basically the same configuration as the acoustic devices 1 and 2 according to Embodiments 1 and 2, except for the configuration of the vibration source. Therefore, the acoustic device 3 has the same effects as the acoustic devices 1 and 2.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, and for example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0088] [Modification 1] In Embodiment 1, a simple-shaped bottle made by repurposing a commercially available PET bottle for drinking water was used as an example of the sound amplification container 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape of the sound amplification container can be any appropriate shape, as shown in Figure 8, for example.

[0089] Figure 8 shows (front view) the sound amplification containers 201A to 201F of Modification 1. Figure 8(a) shows sound amplification container 201A with a recess in the bottom 201Aa, Figure 8(b) shows sound amplification container 201B with a protrusion in the bottom 201Ba, Figure 8(c) shows sound amplification container 201C with multiple recesses 201Ca in the body, Figure 8(d) shows sound amplification container 201D with a convex part 201Da in the body, Figure 8(e) shows sound amplification container 201E with an umbrella 201Ea on the shoulder to assist in sound amplification, and Figure 8(f) shows sound amplification container 201F with an umbrella 201F near the bottom of the body to assist in sound amplification. By appropriately providing recesses and umbrellas in this way, variations of sound amplification containers 201A to 201F with different external designs and acoustic characteristics can be prepared.

[0090] Furthermore, by ensuring compatibility of the sound amplification side connection part 280 among various sound amplification containers, even if the vibration devices 100, 130, etc. are the same, the sound amplification containers 200, 201A to 201F can be freely attached and detached. By selecting a sound amplification container according to the installation location and purpose (TPO) of the sound device and attaching it to the vibration device, it is possible to easily create a sound device with a design and acoustic characteristics suitable for the TPO (flexibility in specification changes).

[0091] [Modification 2] In each embodiment described so far, a configuration in which the vibration source (VCM system 10, music box mechanism 30, etc.) is housed inside the connection cap 70 has been used as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, as shown in Figure 9, the vibration source may be arranged on the outside of the connection cap.

[0092] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the vibration devices 110' and 130' used in the acoustic devices 4 and 5 according to Modification 2, respectively. The vibration device 110' shown in Figure 9(a) has a configuration in which a VCM system 10' (vibration source), which is an electromechanical conversion device, is cased in a vibration source case 60' and connected to an external connection cap 70' by a connection bolt 78. Reference numeral 90 indicates a vibration transmission unit. The vibration device 130' shown in Figure 9(b) has a configuration in which a music box mechanism 30, which is a mechanical vibration unit, is cased in a vibration source case 60'' and connected to an external connection cap 70'' via a vibration transmission unit 90'. The present invention can employ various configurations such as Modification 2, thus offering a high degree of design freedom and fewer constraints on the installation of the acoustic device.

[0093] [Modification 3] In Modification 2, a configuration was described in which the vibration source cases 60', 60'' are fixedly connected to separate connecting caps 70', 70''. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, as shown in Figure 10, the vibration source cases and connecting caps may be connected by a rotating shaft or the like.

[0094] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the vibration devices 110'' and 130'' used in the acoustic devices 6 and 7 according to Modification 3, respectively. In the acoustic device 6 shown in Figure 10(a), an electromechanical conversion device (VCM system 10, etc.) is housed inside the vibration source case 60', and an electric rotation mechanism 17 that rotates the shaft 95 relative to the vibration source case 60' is also housed inside. The shaft 95 is connected to the bottom of the connecting cap 70', and when the shaft 95 rotates, the connecting cap 70' also rotates around the central axis C1. In other words, when the electric rotation mechanism 17 rotates the shaft 95, the sound amplification container 200 (, 201, 201...; the notation of symbols will be omitted below) rotates around the central axis C1. The vibration from the electromechanical conversion device is transmitted to the sound amplification container 200 via the shaft 95.

[0095] In the sound device 7 shown in Figure 10(b), a mechanical vibration unit (music box mechanism 30) is housed inside the vibration source case 60'', and a mainspring mechanism 37, which is the power source for the mechanical vibration unit, is housed inside. The winding shaft (knob) for winding the mainspring of the mainspring mechanism 37 is used directly or indirectly as a shaft 96, and one end of this shaft 96 is connected to the bottom of a separate connecting cap 70''. When the shaft 96 rotates, the connecting cap 70'' also rotates around the central axis C1. In other words, the winding shaft of the mainspring mechanism 37 is configured to coincide with the central axis C1 of the sound amplification container 200.

[0096] With this structure, the mainspring mechanism 37 can be wound up by rotating the sound amplification container 200 connected through the connecting cap 70" (rotating it in the direction of the mainspring's winding). Also, by stopping the winding and releasing the mainspring, the music box mechanism 30 is activated by the rotation caused by the return force of the mainspring mechanism 37, and in turn, the sound amplification container 200 can be rotated. The vibrations from the music box mechanism 30 are transmitted to the sound amplification container 200 via the shaft 96. Here, we have described the mechanical vibration unit of the mainspring mechanism 37, but in recent years, it has become possible to automatically play music using electronic data from a CPU with a mechanical vibration unit, and a similar configuration in which the sound amplification container 200 is rotated around the central axis C1 can be realized with such a mechanical vibration unit as well, using an electric rotation mechanism in combination.

[0097] According to the configuration shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), sound amplification can be performed while rotating the sound amplification container 200, so that sound can be amplified more evenly around the surroundings, regardless of the direction and angle viewed from the central axis C1.

[0098] [Modification 4] In the VCM system 10 as a vibration source in Embodiment 1 and related modifications, a vibration preamplifier plate 14 having the shape shown in Figure 2 was described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a vibration preamplifier plate 14' having a shape close to a cone shape, as shown in Figure 11, may also be used. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the vibration device 100' of Modification 4.

[0099] [Modification 5] In Embodiment 1 and related modifications, the electromechanical conversion device as a vibration source was described using a VCM system 10. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a piezoelectric element system 20 using piezoelectric elements may be used to configure the vibration source.

[0100] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a vibration device 120 using a piezoelectric element system 20 of Modification 5. In the piezoelectric element system 20 shown in Figure 12, a piezoelectric element, the piezo element 21, is fixed to a vibration preamplifier plate 22 via adhesive Ad, and the periphery of the vibration preamplifier plate is fixed to a vibration source case 62. The vibration source case 62 is housed inside a connection cap 70, similar to Embodiment 1. An example of the electrical hardware configuration can be seen in Figure 3 (the piezoelectric element system 20 of Modification 5 is indicated by a reference numeral in the 20s). By configuring the vibration device 120 with the piezoelectric element system 20, vibrations can be generated without requiring a permanent magnet 11, an electromagnetic coil 12, etc., resulting in an even simpler acoustic device.

[0101] [Modification 6] Further waterproofing measures can be applied to the acoustic devices 1, 3, etc. of embodiments 1, 3 and related modifications. The acoustic device 8 shown in Figure 13(a) has a configuration in which the space between the vibration devices 100, 120, etc. and the sound amplification container 200, etc. is waterproofed with a packing or mold made of resin or the like. Specifically, measures are taken to prevent moisture from entering the interior from the outside at the mounting portion 80, which consists of the vibration source side connection portion 180 and the sound amplification side connection portion 280. The acoustic device 9 shown in Figure 13(b) has a configuration in which, in addition to the configuration of the acoustic device 8, the receiving functions such as the communication antennas 18F, 28F and the charging supply paths 18G, 28G are waterproofed with a packing or mold made of resin or the like. Reference numerals 600 and 610 indicate the installation targets (various enclosures, equipment, buildings, etc.) of the acoustic device 8. The same applies to reference numeral 600 in the drawings described below.

[0102] Conventional speakers were generally difficult to install outdoors where rain or other adverse weather conditions were expected. Furthermore, placing speakers on lakes, the sea, or underwater in swimming pools required extremely stringent countermeasures.

[0103] On the other hand, in each embodiment and related modified acoustic devices 1, 2, 3, etc., sound amplification is performed from a sound amplification container 200, etc. that is resistant to water, so that the sound amplification function can be achieved even if the sound amplification container 200, etc. itself gets wet. In addition to this, by strengthening waterproofing measures mainly around the mounting part 80, as in modified example 6, the acoustic device can be installed in more severe environments despite its relatively simple configuration. For example, the acoustic device of the present invention can be installed on the outside of vending machines installed outdoors, for tourist information and audio tours outdoors in tourist areas, for providing audio guidance for emergency evacuation routes in facilities both indoors and outdoors, for alerting swimmers and rowboats on lakes, the sea, swimming pools, etc., and for alerting people in the sea, swimming pools, etc.

[0104] [Application Example 1] In each embodiment and related modification, the explanation has been given with the bottom portion of the sound amplification container 200 facing upward in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity g, as shown in Figure 14(a). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as another application example, the bottom portion of the sound amplification container 200 may be positioned facing downward, as shown in Figure 14(b), or the central axis C1 of the sound amplification container 200 may be positioned horizontally, as shown in Figure 14(c) (Application Example 1).

[0105] In the acoustic devices 1, 2, ... according to the present invention, the sound amplification containers 200, ... can be appropriately replaced by the mounting part 80. In addition, by appropriately combining variations in the installation direction in [Application Example 1], variations in the design and acoustic characteristics of the sound amplification containers 200, ... in [Modified Example 1], and waterproofing measures in [Modified Example 6], the acoustic devices 1, 2, ... can be flexibly applied according to the characteristics of the installation location and purpose of the acoustic devices 1, 2, .... For example, by attaching a container about the size of a beverage bottle, the acoustic devices 1, 2, ... become relatively compact, and can be introduced as an alternative to conventional speakers even in narrow spaces where it is difficult to install conventional speakers. In this case, it can be constructed to be relatively lightweight, making it easy to install on ceilings, pillars, walls, etc. (compact and lightweight). Furthermore, by adopting a compact sound amplification container 200, ..., it is also possible to make the acoustic devices 1, 2, ... relatively inconspicuous. The sound devices 1, 2, etc. are designed to not interfere with the interior / exterior design and are normally unobtrusive, but can also emit sound when needed, such as for emergency voice guidance (inconspicuous installation). Conversely, the sound amplification containers 200, etc. can be decorated or have messages added as appropriate, so in addition to their sound-emitting function, they can also serve as decorative elements and advertising tools that contribute to the interior / exterior (conspicuous installation).

[0106] [Application Example 2] Another application example of the present invention is that a pair of sound amplification containers 200L and 200R having equivalent performance can be placed at an appropriate distance apart to produce a stereo effect. Figure 15(a) shows an example in which the sound amplification containers 200L and 200R are placed with their bottoms facing upwards. Figure 15(b) shows an example in which the central axes C1 of the sound amplification containers 200L and 200R are aligned and the bottoms of each container are placed facing outwards.

[0107] [Application Example 3] In the sound devices 1, 2, ... of the present invention, various types of sound source information SS can be applied to what kind of media they are stored in. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing application example 3 of the sound devices 1, 2, .... As shown in Figure 16(a), if sound source information SS is transmitted and received via wireless communication, sound can be produced by the same sound device 1, 2, ... using sound source information SS stored on various media such as TVs (televisions), PCs (personal computers), and mobile phones (sound system 550).

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16(b), media such as PCs and mobile phones receive and store the latest sound source information SS according to the time, place, and occasion from a server system that provides sound distribution services and tourist information services via an internet connection. Based on this latest sound source information SS, the sound devices 1, 2, ... of the present invention amplify the sound, thereby enabling services such as public broadcasting services from government agencies, disaster prevention services, and emergency evacuation guidance (sound system 560). In particular, the sound devices 1, 2, ... of the present invention are provided as relatively small devices, and can amplify sound with the same sound pressure and sound quality without special cable wiring and without bias in the surroundings, so they are especially effective in systems that assume a wide area as described above. In addition, it is possible to install sound devices 1, 2, ... linked to a TV in a home near a person with hearing impairment, so that the person with hearing impairment can watch the same TV together with a person with normal hearing.

[0109] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9... Acoustic device, 10, 10'... VCM system, 11... Permanent magnet, 12... Electromagnetic coil, 13... Magnetic yoke, 14, 14', 22... Vibration preamplifier plate, 17... Electrical rotation mechanism, 18... Drive unit, 18A... Receiving unit, 18B... Amplifier unit, 18C... Charging control unit, 18D... Energy storage unit, 18E... Power supply unit, 18F, 28F... Communication antenna, 18G, 28G... Charging supply path, 19... Drive signal line, 20... Piezoelectric element system, 21... Piezo element, 3 0...Music box mechanism, 31...Cylinder, 32...Pin, 33...Vibrating plate, 34...Fixing member, 35...Music box base, 37...Spring mechanism, 60, 60', 62...Vibration source case, 60a...Contact part for sound amplification container, 70, 70'...Connecting cap, 70a...Bottom (of connecting cap), 70b...Body (of connecting cap), 78...Connecting bolt, 80...Mounting part, 90'...Vibration transmission part, 95, 96...Shaft, 100, 100', 110, 110', 120, 130, 130' ...Vibration device, 180...Vibration source side connection part, 180a...Female thread, 200, 200L, 200R, 201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E, 201F, 202...Sound amplification container, 201Aa, 201Ba...Bottom part, 201Ca...Recess, 201Da...Convex part, 201Ea, 201Fa...Umbrella, 201a...Body part, 2 01b...Opening, 201c...Bottom, 201d...Neck, 201e...Shoulder, 201f...Interior (Hollow), 201g...Opening side end, 202b...First opening, 202d...Funnel foot, 202g...Second opening, 280...Sound amplification side connection, 280a...Male screw, 550, 560...Acoustic system, Ad...Adhesive, SS...Sound source information

Claims

1. A sound device comprising: a vibration device having a vibration source that generates vibrations based on given sound source information and having a vibration source-side connection part for connecting to a separate sound amplification container; and a sound amplification container having a sound amplification-side connection part connected to the vibration source-side connection part and amplifying sound to the outside based on the vibrations transmitted at least through the vibration source-side connection part and the sound amplification-side connection part, wherein the sound amplification container can be freely attached to or detached from the vibration device by connecting or disconnecting the vibration source-side connection part and the sound amplification-side connection part from each other.

2. The sound device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion, which is composed of the vibration source side connection portion and the sound amplification side connection portion, is provided near the central axis of the sound amplification container.

3. The sound device according to claim 2, wherein the mounting portion is formed in a substantially annular shape with respect to the central axis of the sound amplification container.

4. The sound device according to claim 3, wherein the mounting portion is made of a screw formed by a combination of male and female threads.

5. The sound device according to claim 4, wherein the sound amplification container has a substantially bottle shape with a bottom, having an opening and a bottom facing the opening, and the inside is sealed except for the opening, and the sound amplification side connection part is provided at the neck of the bottle shape formed continuously from the opening.

6. The sound amplification container has the structure of a beverage PET bottle, as described in claim 5.

7. The sound device according to claim 3, wherein the sound amplification container has a substantially funnel shape having a first opening and a second opening positioned opposite the first opening and having a larger opening area than the first opening, and the sound amplification side connection portion is provided on the funnel foot formed continuously with the first opening.

8. The sound amplification container is configured as the second opening, wherein the bottom of a beverage PET bottle structure is cut off and the resulting opening is made.

9. The acoustic device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration source is a mechanical vibration unit that generates the vibration by a mechanical mechanism.

10. The acoustic device according to claim 9, wherein the vibration device comprising the mechanical vibration unit is capable of emitting a plurality of musical scales.

11. The acoustic device according to claim 9, wherein the vibration device comprises a plurality of mechanical vibration units and a receiving unit that receives the sound source information by wired communication or wireless communication, and the receiving unit selects a mechanical vibration unit to be vibrated from among the plurality of mechanical vibration units based on the sound source information received by the receiving unit.

12. An acoustic device according to claim 9, wherein the vibration device has a connection cap on which the vibration source side connection portion is formed, and a spring mechanism which is the power source of the mechanical vibration unit is connected to the connection cap.

13. The acoustic device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration source is an electromechanical conversion device that generates mechanical vibrations by an electrical signal.

14. The acoustic device according to claim 13, wherein the vibration device comprising the electromechanical conversion device is capable of emitting sounds of multiple frequencies and is configured to output sounds at multiple levels of sound pressure.

15. The acoustic device according to claim 14, wherein the vibration device comprises a receiving unit that receives the sound source information by wired communication or wireless communication, and an amplification unit that amplifies an electrical signal based on the sound source information received by the receiving unit, and the electromechanical conversion device is an acoustic device that generates the mechanical vibration by inputting the electrical signal output by the amplification unit.

16. An acoustic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration from the vibration device resonates and vibrates through the sound amplification container.

17. A vibration device to which a sound-amplifying container for amplifying sound is connected, comprising: a vibration source that generates vibrations based on given sound source information; and a vibration source-side connection part that connects to the sound-amplifying-side connection part of the sound-amplifying container, wherein the sound-amplifying container is attached by connecting the sound-amplifying-side connection part of the sound-amplifying container to the vibration source-side connection part, and the vibration device is configured such that the sound-amplifying container resonates based on the vibrations transmitted at least through the vibration source-side connection part and the sound-amplifying-side connection part.

18. A vibration device according to claim 17, wherein the vibration source side connection portion is configured with a female thread that is compatible with the threads of commercially available PET bottles for drinking water.

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