EA000860B1 - Packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Packaging comprising a board component forming a part of the packaging, characterized in that the board is a distributed mode acoustic radiator having a transducer mounted on the radiator exiting bending waves in said radiator which, causing it to resonate, provides an acoustic output when resonating. 2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the radiator comprises a cellular core sandwiched between skin layers. 3. Packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that the radiator comprises a core of foamed plastics sandwiched between sheets of craft board. 4. Packaging according to claims 1-3, characterized in that the transducer is a piezo-electric bender. 5. Packaging according to claim 1-4, characterized in that the radiator forms one side of a box. 6. Packaging according to claim 1-5, characterized in that comprises a means for triggering actuation of the transducer. 7. Packaging according to claim 6, characterized in that comprises a means for triggering actuation of the transducer on the movement of the box lid. 8. Packaging according to claim 1-7, characterized in that comprises a signal generator for controlling the transducer operation.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to packaging, and more specifically, packaging in which the speakers are enclosed.

Prior art

From UK patent application GBA-2262861, a speaker in the form of a panel is known, comprising:

element of a resonant multimode radiator, which is a one-piece layered sandwich structure panel, made of two outer layers of material with a core located between them, having a transverse cell (pore) structure, in which the panel is made such that it has a stiffness ratio (B) during bending all directions are the mass of the third degree of the panel per unit surface area (μ) of at least 10;

means for mounting the panel on which the panel rests or which freely fastens the panel to the bearing body so as not to dampen vibrations; and electromechanical drive means connected to the panel, which serves to excite multimode resonance in the panel of the emitter under the influence of an input electrical signal within the working speaker frequency band.

In US patent US-A-4607747 (STEINER) describes a package containing means for generating a signal or melody when opening the package. An elastically mounted signal generator is described.

Description of the invention

Examples of the implementation of the present invention use elements of their nature, structure and configuration, corresponding mainly to and / or in particular the technical solutions described in our simultaneously pending PCT application No. WO 97/09842, from the same number. Thus, such elements are capable of supporting and distributing the incoming vibration energy using bending waves in the working area (s) passing across the thickness, but not necessarily to the edges of the element (s); have a configuration with anisotropy or without anisotropy of bending stiffness for the distribution of the components of the resonant oscillations in the specified zone (zones) in such a way that a favorable transfer of acoustic vibrations to the environment is carried out; and have predetermined preferred locations or areas within said zone for transducer means, whose especially active or moving parts affect the activity of acoustic oscillations in said zone (s) and signals, usually electrical, corresponding to acoustic oscillations of such activity. In co-filed international application number WO 97/09842 it is provided for the use of such elements as or in passive acoustic devices without means of transducers, for example, for reverberation or for acoustic filtration or for acoustic sounding of a space or room; and in quality or in active acoustic devices with transducers, for example, in an unusually wide range of sound sources or in speakers, where the input signals should be converted to the specified sound or, for example, in microphones, when the sound is converted to other signals.

This invention in particular relates to packaging, including acoustic devices, for example in the form of speakers. The term packaging covers the general type of container, including containers of this type that are suitable for reusable or single use.

The elements described above are referred to here as sources of distributed acoustic radiation and are intended to describe both in the above-mentioned PCT application and / or as specific elements provided in this application.

The invention is a package containing a sound generator, characterized by a cardboard component, forming part of the package and serving as an element capable of supporting and distributing the incoming vibration energy using bending waves, in at least one working area, passing across the thickness for the distribution of the components of resonant oscillations at the specified at least one zone, and having predetermined preferred locations or areas in said zone for the transducer means and azovatel mounted wholly and exclusively on said member at one of said locations or sites to vibrate the member and excite it to form a resonance acoustic radiation power, which is resonating, provides acoustic output. The element may contain a cellular core that is sandwiched between the outer layers. The element may contain a core of foam, enclosed between sheets of kraftkarttona. The transducer can be a piezoelectric bending element or a crystalline element. The element can form one side of the box. The box may have a lid and means associated with the lid, including a converter when the lid moves relative to the box. The package may contain a signal generator, an amplifier and an electric battery to control the operation of the converter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is schematically illustrated using exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which FIG. 1 shows schematically the dynamics of a distributed acoustic radiation, as described and stated in our simultaneously examined international application number WO 97/09842;

FIG. 2a is a partial sectional view along line A-A of FIG. one;

FIG. 2b is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a source of distributed acoustic radiation of the type shown in FIG. 2a, showing two alternative constructions;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary package implementation, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the transducer.

Preferred examples of the invention

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the speaker 81 is shown in the form of a panel, of the type described and declared in our simultaneously considered international publication No. WO 97/09842, from the same number as this application containing a rectangular frame 1 carrying an elastic suspension 3 located on its inner periphery, in which the panel 2 is installed source of distributed acoustic radiation. Converter 9, for example of this type, which is described in detail with reference to our simultaneously considered international publication No. WO 97/09859; WO 97/09861; WO 97/09858, from the same number as this one, is installed entirely and exclusively on or in panel 2 at a predetermined location defined by dimensions X and Y, this location being calculated as described in our simultaneously reviewed international publication No. WO 97 / 09842, from the same number to direct the bending waves to the panel in order to make the panel resonate to radiate acoustic power.

Converter 9 is controlled by a signal amplifier 1, such as an audio amplifier, connected to the converter by conductors 28. The requirements for the load and power of the amplifier can be absolutely normal, the same as in conventional cone speakers, the sensitivity is about 8688 dB / W under load conditions indoors. The impedance of the load of the amplifier is largely affected at 6 ohms, with a power of 20-80 watts. When the core of the panel and / or the outer layers are made of metal, they can serve as a heat sink to remove heat from the motor winding of the converter and thus improve the distribution of energy.

FIG. 2a and 2b are partial typical cross-sections of the speaker 81 of FIG. one . FIG. 2a shows that the frame 1, the suspension 3 and the panel 2 are joined together in the respective adhesive (adhesive) joint joints 20. Suitable materials for the frame are light frames, like picture frames, of molded metal, such as an alloy of aluminum or plastic. Suitable materials for the circumferential frame of the insert are elastic materials, such as foam rubber and foams. Suitable adhesive agents for the joints 20 include adhesives such as epoxy adhesive, acrylic and cyanoacrylate adhesive.

FIG. 2b depicts, on an enlarged scale, that panel 2 is a rigid lightweight panel having a core 22, for example of rigid foam 97, that is, structured (cross-linked) polyvinyl chloride or cellular (porous) matrix 98, for example, a matrix of metal foil, plastic or similar honeycomb material structures with cells located across the plane of the panel, enclosed between opposing outer layers 21, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal foil or sheet. When layers are made of plastic, they must be reinforced with fibers, such as carbon, fiberglass, material with the brand name Kevlar or similar material, using the already known method to increase their modules.

Thus, the materials that are used for the outer layers and reinforcing elements include carbon, glass, Kevlar, Nomex (heat-resistant fiber of aromatic polyamides), for example, twisted and intertwined in various ways, as well as paper, laminated glued paper, melamine and various synthetic plastic high modulus films such as Mylar, Captan (brand names), polycarbonate-based plastics, phenols, polyesters or similar plastics, reinforced fiber plastics and etc. and metal sheet or foil. Studies of liquid crystal polymer thermoplastics show that they can be successfully used for injection molding of ultrathin layers or shells of small size, for example, up to 30 cm in diameter. This material in itself forms an oriented crystal structure in the direction of injection and preferable orientation for good energy distribution of sound frequencies from the send point to the perimeter of the panel.

In addition, this type of molding for this type of thermoplastics and for their other types, allows using equipment to provide fixed locations, such as grooves or rings, for precise positioning of converter components, such as a motor and a magnetic suspension. In addition, when using weaker materials for the core, it is considered that it would be advisable to increase the thickness of the outer layer in some places, for example, in the area of the annular space up to 150% of the transducer diameter to reinforce this area and, it is advisable, to add vibration energy to the panel. Thus, using softer foams will improve the amplitude-high-frequency response.

Materials intended to form a core layer include fabricated honeycomb structures or corrugated structures from sheet aluminum or foil alloy, Kevlar, Nomex, plain paper or laminated sized paper and various synthetic plastic films, as well as foam or foam, or cellulosic materials, even air-borne metals, if they have a suitable low density. Some materials suitable for the core layer themselves are able to effectively create their shell during their manufacture and / or, in another case, have sufficient inherent rigidity to use without forming a layered structure between the two outer layers. Such a cellular material having high performance is known under the trade name Rohacell, and may be suitable for manufacturing a radiation source panel without outer layers. From a practical point of view, the goal is to provide overall lightness and rigidity, allowing, in particular, to achieve optimal solutions to the core and outer layers and transitions between them.

Some of the preferred panel compositions use outer layers of metal or metal alloy, or alternatively, carbon fiber reinforcing material. Both the one and the other, as well as structures using an Airgel alloy core or a honeycomb metal core structure, will have significant radiofrequency shielding properties that are essential in some cases of electromagnetic compatibility. Conventional speakers, panel or cone, do not have the inherent shielding ability of electromagnetic compatibility.

In addition, the preferred type of piezo and electrodynamic transducers have a slight electromagnetic radiation or a slight magnetic stray field. Conventional speakers have a large magnetic field, up to 1 m, unless special counter-measures for compensation are used.

If it is important to maintain shielding, you can make electrical connection to the conductive parts of the corresponding DML panel, or an electrically conductive foam or similar boundary layer can be used to set the edges.

The suspension (3) can dampen or reduce the amplitude of oscillation of the edges of the panel (2), preventing excessive movement of the panel in the edges. In addition, or alternatively, additional damping means can be applied, for example, the overlays glued to the panel at selected locations to absorb or dampen excess movement so that the resonance is evenly distributed over the panel. The lining can be of bitumen-based material, which is commonly used in conventional speaker enclosures, or it can be made of elastic or rigid polymeric sheet material. Some materials, especially paper and cardboard, and some types of core may have the property of self-damping. If necessary, it is possible to envisage an increase in the damping effect in the manufacture of the panels, using adhesives that set in an elastic rather than in a solid state.

Effective damping involves the use of permanent means intended for this purpose in the panel and its sheet material. Edges and angles are of particular importance for the main mode of oscillation and less important for the scattered low-frequency mode of oscillation in the panels. Fastening damping means along the edges of the panel is advisable, since its specified sheet material is entirely framed, although their corners can often be relatively free, for example, to increase the range of lower frequencies. Fastening can be done with an adhesive or with materials that have the property of self-gluing. Other types of damping, especially for finer effects and / or medium and high frequencies, can be achieved by using a suitable mass or masses attached to the sheet material at predetermined calculated locations of the specified space.

The acoustic panel described above works in two directions. Sound energy emanating from behind does not have a strong phase dependence on sound energy emanating from the front. Therefore, there is a benefit consisting in the general summation of acoustic power in the room, obtaining sound energy with a uniform distribution of frequencies, reducing the effect of the reflected and standing waves, and the advantage of excellent reproduction of the natural space and environment in reproducible sound recordings.

Since the radiation from the acoustic panel is largely not directed, the percentage of information, depending on the phase, increases away from the axis. In order to improve the focusing of the parasitic stereo effect, the arrangement of the speakers, like pictures, at the height of a standing person gives the advantage of a moderate displacement from the axis for a normally sitting listener, which optimally improves the stereo effect. Similarly, the triangular left / right geometric shape relative to the position of the listener provides an additional angular component. Therefore, you can get a good quality stereo.

For a group of listeners, there is still an additional advantage compared to playing a regular speaker. The scattered nature of the sound radiation, inherent in the acoustic panel, gives the volume level of the sound, which does not obey the inverse square law for the distance of the source located at the equivalent point. Since the decrease in intensity with distance is much less than that dictated by the inverse square law, therefore, the intensive field of the panel dynamics provides an excellent stereo effect for listeners who are in disadvantageous places, compared to the capabilities of ordinary speakers. This is because the listener who is not in the center does not experience double problems due to the proximity of the nearest speaker: firstly, an excessive increase in the volume of the nearest speaker, and secondly, respectively, a decrease in the volume of the more distant speaker.

The advantage also lies in the fact that the speaker is a flat, light panel of attractive appearance, with good quality sound, where only one transducer is required and no crossover to separate the spectrum of the audio signal to provide a full range of sound from each aperture of the panel.

FIG. 3 shows the package including the speaker of FIG. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the package has the form of a box 111 with a hinged lid 139, wherein the box or at least part of it is made of a composite containing a core made of foam plastic and enclosed between sheets of kraft cardboard to form a panel as shown in FIG. 2a, b in such a way that the box contains a hard, light source of distributed acoustic radiation, as described with reference to FIG. 1 and 2 (a, b).

In this case, the back panel 140 of the box is used to form the speaker 81 of a source of distributed acoustic radiation, although any of the panels forming the sides of the box is suitable for this, provided that it is designed accordingly. Alternative placement of the transducer 9 is shown by dashed lines.

As shown in figure 4, a piezoelectric transducer 9 is used as a transducer, which is mounted on the inner surface of the rear panel 1 40 of the box and operates from the sound generator / amplifier / battery node 112, also mounted on the rear panel. The node 112 is controlled by a switch, which is made integral with the hinge 53, with which the cover 1 39 is attached to the box, as a result of which the sound generator starts to work when the cover rises.

In this device, the end of the edges of the panel 2 is formed by the corners of the box, so that no additional frame 1 or suspension 3 of the type shown in FIG. 1 and 2.

It should be understood that the packaging does not have to be of such a form as shown in the drawing and may, for example, have the form that content requires. Thus, the packaging may have a shape encompassing a compact disc or the like, and may be arranged to provide a sound pre-setting of the contents of the compact disc, or so as to provide other information relating to it. As another example, packaging may form a music box. As a next example, the packaging can be arranged to give sound instructions regarding the content.

FIG. 4 shows a transducer 9 for a panel 2 of distributed acoustic radiation in the form of a crystalline disc-shaped piezoelectric element 27 operating in a bend mounted on a disk 118, such as brass, which is glued to the surface of panel 2, for example an adhesive bond 20. During operation, the acoustic signal applied to the transducer 9 through leads 28, causes the piezo-disc 27 to bend and thus cause local elastic deformation of panel 2 to send bending waves to the panel.

Claims (8)

CLAIM 1. A package containing a component forming a part of the package, characterized in that the component is a distributed acoustic emitter, on which a transducer is installed, which excites bending vibrations in the said emitter, which, by causing resonance in the emitter, produce an audio signal. 2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the emitter has a honeycomb core enclosed between two outer layers of the shell. 3. The packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that the core is made of foam, and the outer layers are sheets of kraft cardboard. 4. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transducer is a piezoelectric bending element. 5. Packaging according to any one of paragraphs. 1 -4, characterized in that the acoustic emitter forms one of the sides of the package. 6. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it contains means for turning on the converter. 7. The package according to claim 6, characterized in that it contains means for turning on the converter when opening or closing the package. 8. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it contains means for generating a signal that controls the operation of the converter. 9 _h 7 X * , _ £ A \\