EP4113506A1 - Speaker system comprising a box and a speaker mounted rotatably - Google Patents

Abstract

Acoustic enclosure (10) comprising a box (12) extending in a direction (L), and a loudspeaker (14) defining an acoustic axis (X). The box defines a first axis (V1) perpendicular to the direction, and a second axis (V2) perpendicular to the direction and to the first axis. The acoustic enclosure is intended to be used in a first configuration, in which the first axis is substantially vertical, and a second configuration, in which the second axis is substantially vertical. The loudspeaker is movable relative to the box around an axis of rotation (D) between a first position, in which the acoustic axis defines with the second axis a first angle less than 30°, and a second position, in which the acoustic axis defines with the first axis (V1) a second angle less than 30°. The axis of rotation defines with the first axis and the second axis two angles between 40° and 50°.

Description

The present invention relates to a loudspeaker comprising a box extending in one direction, and at least one loudspeaker mounted on the box, the loudspeaker comprising a frame, and a membrane adapted to emit sound waves, the membrane being movable relative to the frame along an acoustic axis of the loudspeaker, the box defining a first axis perpendicular to the direction, and a second axis perpendicular to the direction and to the first axis, the acoustic enclosure being intended to be used at least in a first configuration, in which the first axis is substantially vertical, and a second configuration, in which a second axis is substantially vertical.

Such a loudspeaker has for example an elongated shape in the direction and is advantageously used for sound reinforcement of a television screen, for example a large flat screen. Such a loudspeaker is commonly referred to as a “sound bar”. It generally comprises a main loudspeaker, located for example at equal distance from the ends of the box, and secondary loudspeakers, located for example in the ends.

The first configuration corresponds to a use in which the loudspeaker is typically placed on a horizontal surface, for example a piece of furniture, a shelf or the ground, in front of or under the screen, the second axis being substantially directed towards a user located in front the television screen. The acoustic axis of the main loudspeaker is then generally directed substantially towards the user, possibly slightly upwards.

It is known to use such an acoustic enclosure in the second configuration, in which it is typically fixed to a vertical surface, for example a partition, below or above the screen, the first axis being substantially directed towards the user. To pass from the first configuration to the second configuration, the acoustic enclosure is pivoted 90° around the direction, so that the face of the box which was directed towards the user in the first configuration is directed upwards for reasons related to the layout of the secondary loudspeakers. Then, the acoustic enclosure is turned 180° around the second axis (then vertical), so that the face of the box which was directed upwards in the first configuration is directed towards the user in the second configuration, and not towards the bulkhead.

The problem is then that the acoustic axis of the loudspeaker is no longer directed substantially towards the user, but towards the ceiling or the sky. To remedy this problem, it is known to use a second main loudspeaker, mounted on the box in such a way that its acoustic axis is in the right direction. However, this makes the soundbar heavier and more expensive, somewhat unnecessarily, since only one of the two main speakers is really useful in each of the configurations.

One solution would be for the main loudspeaker to have an acoustic axis forming an angle of 45° with a horizontal plane in the first configuration. The acoustic axis would also make an angle of 45° with the horizontal in the second configuration. However, an angle of 45° does not allow good acoustic rendering and is therefore not desirable. The document US 2019/191248 describes a loudspeaker of this type. The document US 2012/263325 also describes an acoustic enclosure in which the loudspeakers are fixed relative to the box.

Another solution would be to mount the main loudspeaker rotating with respect to the box, around an axis parallel to the direction, and to move it from a first position, occupied in the first configuration, to a second position, occupied in the second configuration. The passage from the first position to the second position would be a rotation of substantially 90° of the main loudspeaker relative to the box, which would put the acoustic axis back in the direction of the user. The document US 2020/221217 describes a loudspeaker of this type.

However, this solution has several drawbacks. First of all, the pivot connections between the main loudspeaker and the box are visible and unsightly, and impossible to conceal in the case of a globular-shaped loudspeaker received in a flared housing formed by the box.

In addition, if the loudspeaker has a distinctive mark on its surface, such as a logo, showing some correct orientation for the user in the first configuration of the loudspeaker enclosure and the first position of the loudspeaker, this orientation is reversed and incorrect in the second configuration and the second position. In other words, for the user, the logo is correctly oriented in the first configuration, and is upside down in the second configuration.

Finally, the pivot links make it difficult, if not impossible, to add passive membranes (suitable for emitting sound waves without being excited by a coil) on either side of the main loudspeaker in the direction in question. Indeed, these membranes would be crossed by the pivot connections.

An object of the invention is to overcome all or part of the above drawbacks, and in particular to propose an acoustic enclosure such that a logo placed on the main loudspeaker is not reversed in the second configuration, and having a quality comparable acoustics and a competitive cost.

To this end, the invention relates to a loudspeaker according to claim 1.

According to particular embodiments, the acoustic enclosure comprises one or more of the characteristics corresponding to claims 2 to 10, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique, en perspective, d'une enceinte acoustique selon l'invention dans la première configuration, le haut-parleur étant dans la première position par rapport au caisson ;
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique, en section selon un plan perpendiculaire à la direction, de l'enceinte acoustique représentée sur la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique, en perspective, de l'enceinte acoustique représentée sur les figures 1 et 2, mais dans la deuxième configuration, le haut-parleur étant dans la deuxième position par rapport au caisson ; et
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique, en section selon le plan perpendiculaire à la direction, de l'enceinte acoustique représentée sur la figure 3

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic view, in perspective, of an acoustic enclosure according to the invention in the first configuration, the loudspeaker being in the first position with respect to the box;
• the figure 2 is a schematic view, in section along a plane perpendicular to the direction, of the acoustic enclosure represented on the figure 1 ;
• the picture 3 is a schematic view, in perspective, of the acoustic enclosure represented on the figure 1 and 2 , but in the second configuration, the loudspeaker being in the second position relative to the box; and
• the figure 4 is a schematic view, in section along the plane perpendicular to the direction, of the acoustic enclosure represented on the picture 3

In reference, to figures 1 to 4 , an acoustic enclosure 10 according to the invention is described.

The acoustic enclosure 10 is, for example, a sound bar, advantageously adapted to add sound, possibly with other acoustic elements (not shown), to a television screen (not shown).

The acoustic enclosure 10 comprises a box 12 extending in a direction L, and a loudspeaker 14 mounted on the box 12. Advantageously, the acoustic enclosure 10 also comprises loudspeakers 16, 18 mounted in the ends 20 , 22 of the box 12 opposite in the direction L.

The acoustic enclosure 10 is intended to be used in a first configuration ( figure 1 and 2 ), in which a first axis V1 defined by box 12 and perpendicular to direction L is substantially vertical, and in a second configuration ( figure 3 and 4 ), in which a second axis V2 defined by the box 12 and perpendicular to the first axis V1 in the direction L is substantially vertical.

In the first configuration ( figure 1 ), the acoustic enclosure 10 is intended to rest on a horizontal surface, for example on a piece of furniture or the floor (not shown). The second axis V2 is intended to be directed towards a user (not shown).

In the second configuration ( picture 3 ), the acoustic enclosure 10 is intended to be fixed on a vertical surface, for example a partition (not shown). The first axis V1 is intended to be directed towards the user.

In each of the ends 20, 22, the loudspeakers 16, 18 are for example one, two or three in number.

According to a variant not shown, there are no loudspeakers in the ends 20, 22.

The box 12 advantageously has an oblong shape in the direction L, for example parallelepipedic.

The direction L is a longitudinal direction in the example shown.

Alternatively (not shown), the direction L is not longitudinal. The box 12 is then more extended in at least one other direction perpendicular to the direction L.

According to variants not shown, the box 12 has other shapes, for example spherical, elliptical, or cylindrical, or with the ends 20, 22 rounded or not.

The box 12 is for example wider along the second axis V2 than along the first axis V1.

According to a variant not shown, it is the reverse.

In the example, the box 12 comprises a front face 24 perpendicular to the second axis V2 and oriented towards the user (not shown) in the first configuration, a rear face 26, an upper face 28 perpendicular to the first axis V1, and a lower face 30. The box also has two end faces in the direction L, for example perpendicular to the latter.

The box 12 defines for example a housing 36 in which the loudspeaker 14 is partially located, and a support 37 advantageously located at the bottom of the housing 36 and on which the loudspeaker is mounted.

The housing 36 is for example located at an equal distance from the ends 20, 22 in the direction L. The housing 36 advantageously extends over the upper face 28 and over the front face 24. In other words, the housing 36 opens onto the upper face 28 and on the front face 24.

The housing 36 has for example a flared shape around the first axis V1, and opening onto the front face 24 along the second axis V2. Housing 36 advantageously has a shape resulting from the deformation of an elastic surface (upper face 28) under the effect of a heavy ball (loudspeaker 14).

The lower face 30 is advantageously adapted to rest on the horizontal surface in the first configuration, or to be fixed on the vertical surface in the second configuration.

The loudspeaker 14 is for example located at an equal distance from the ends 20, 22 in the direction L.

Loudspeaker 14 comprises a chassis 38 ( figure 2 and 4 ), and a membrane 40 adapted to emit sound waves, the membrane being movable relative to the frame 38 along an acoustic axis X.

The loudspeaker 14 is movable relative to the box 12 in rotation around an axis of rotation D between a first position ( figure 1 and 2 ), intended to be occupied when the acoustic enclosure 10 is in the first configuration, and a second position ( figure 3 and 4 ), intended to be occupied when the acoustic enclosure is in the second configuration.

The loudspeaker 14 advantageously comprises a fixing part 42 integral with the frame 38 and mounted, for example using ball bearings 44, on the support 37 so as to form a notched pivot connection.

Loudspeaker 14 advantageously comprises an outer envelope 46, for example of globular shape, integral with fixing part 42 and enveloping frame 38 and membrane 40.

Advantageously, the loudspeaker 14 comprises two passive membranes 48, 50 mounted on the outer casing 46, and for example opposite to each other in the direction L.

The loudspeaker 14 passes for example from the first position to the second position by a rotation around the axis of rotation D by an angle comprised between 160° and 200°, for example around 180°.

In the first position, the acoustic axis X defines with the second axis V2 a first angle α1 less than 30° in absolute value, preferably less than 15° in absolute value.

In the second position, the acoustic axis X defines with the first axis V1 a second angle α2 less than 30° in absolute value, preferably less than 15° in absolute value.

By “in absolute value”, it is meant that any orientation of the angle is not taken into account.

The axis of rotation D defines with the first axis V1 a third angle β1 between 40° and 50° in absolute value, and with the second axis V2 a fourth angle β2 between 40° and 50° in absolute value. The axis of rotation D advantageously lies in a plane P defined by the first axis V1 and the second axis V2.

The third angle β1 and the fourth angle β2 are advantageously between 43° and 47° in absolute value. For example, the third angle β1 is substantially equal to 45° in absolute value.

The outer casing 46 has an outer surface 52 advantageously bearing a distinctive sign 54, for example a logo.

The distinctive sign 54 has a certain orientation with respect to the second axis V2 when the acoustic enclosure 10 is in the first configuration and the loudspeaker 14 in the first position, and has the same orientation with respect to the first axis V1 when the acoustic enclosure 10 is in the second configuration and the loudspeaker in the second position.

The operation of the acoustic enclosure 10 will now be described.

The first setup ( figure 1 and 2 ) corresponds to a use in which the acoustic enclosure 10 is typically placed on the horizontal surface (not shown). The second axis V2 is horizontal and directed towards the user. Loudspeaker 14 is in the first position. Thus, the acoustic axis X forms the first angle α1 with the second axis V2 and is directed substantially towards the user, possibly slightly upwards. The distinctive sign 54 is correctly oriented.

To switch from the first configuration to the second configuration ( figure 3 and 4 ), the acoustic enclosure 10 is pivoted for example to 90° in absolute value around the direction L so that the front face 24 is directed upwards, then the acoustic enclosure is rotated 180° around the second axis V2 ( then vertical), so that the upper face 28 is directed towards the user and not towards the partition. The first axis V1 is horizontal and directed towards the user.

If the loudspeaker 14 were left in the first position, in which the acoustic axis X forms the first angle α1 with the second axis V2, the acoustic axis X would not be directed towards the user, but clearly upwards . Furthermore, at this stage, the distinctive sign 54, seen by the user, is upside down.

Also, the loudspeaker 14 is moved relative to the box 12 from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the acoustic axis X forms the second angle α2 with the first axis V1 and again directed towards the user, possibly a little upwards. In the example represented, the passage from the first position to the second position is a rotation of 180° around the axis of rotation D which forms an angle of 45° in absolute value with the horizontal This puts the loudspeaker 14 in the same orientation relative to the user as originally occupied.

Furthermore, as the rotation is substantially 180°, it perfectly reverses the orientation of the distinctive sign seen by the user. The orientation of the distinctive sign 54 is therefore again correct once the loudspeaker 14 is in the second position.

The example described is in a way a preferred example, in which the inversion of the orientation of the distinctive sign 54 by the passage from the first position to the second position is "perfect", because the axis of rotation D is in the plane P, that the axis of rotation D forms an angle of 45° in absolute value with these axes, and that the rotation is 180°.

However, it is understood that an inversion is nevertheless possible even if these three conditions are not strictly observed. Indeed, we understand that it is possible to obtain an interesting inversion, even when the axis of rotation D is not quite in the plane P, does not form quite an angle of 45° in absolute value with the first axis V1 and the second axis V2, or that the rotation is not exactly 180°. Thus, the invention cannot be reduced to the fact that these three "particular" conditions.

Thanks to the characteristics described above, in particular the passage from the first position to the second position, the distinctive sign 54 placed on the loudspeaker 14 is not inverted in the second configuration and the acoustic axis X remains correctly directed. Thus, the acoustic enclosure 10 retains a comparable acoustic quality, and a competitive cost.

In addition, it is understood that the invention makes it possible to mount the loudspeaker 14 "from the rear" on the box 12, at the bottom of the housing 36. This makes it possible to easily hide the pivot connection connecting the loudspeaker 14 to the box 12 .

This also makes it possible, for example, to provide one or two passive membranes 48, 50 located on either side of the loudspeaker 14 in the direction L. Such an arrangement would be impossible in the presence of a pivot connection whose axis would itself be in the direction L. In the invention, the axis of rotation D is located in, or is close to the plane P, that is to say that it is rather perpendicular to the direction L. The pivot connection is therefore remote from the passive membrane(s).

Claims (10)

Acoustic enclosure (10) comprising a box (12) extending along a direction (L), and at least one loudspeaker (14) mounted on the box (12), the loudspeaker (14) comprising a frame ( 38), and a membrane (40) adapted to emit sound waves, the membrane (40) being movable relative to the chassis (38) along an acoustic axis (X) of the loudspeaker (14), the box (12) defining a first axis (V1) perpendicular to the direction (L), and a second axis (V2) perpendicular to the direction (L) and to the first axis (V1), the acoustic enclosure (10) being intended to be used less in a first configuration, in which the first axis (V1) is substantially vertical, and a second configuration, in which the second axis (V2) is substantially vertical, the loudspeaker (14) being movable with respect to the box (12 ) in rotation around an axis of rotation (D) between a first position, intended to be occupied when the acoustic enclosure (10) is in the first e configuration and in which the acoustic axis (X) defines with the second axis (V2) a first angle (α1) less than 30° in absolute value, and a second position, intended to be occupied when the acoustic enclosure (10 ) is in the second configuration and in which the acoustic axis (X) defines with the first axis (V1) a second angle (α2) less than 30° in absolute value, the axis of rotation (D) defining with the first axis (V1) a third angle (β1) between 40° and 50° in absolute value, and with the second axis (V2) a fourth angle (β2) between 40° and 50° in absolute value. Acoustic enclosure (10) according to Claim 1, in which the axis of rotation (D) lies in a plane (P) defined by the first axis (V1) and the second axis (V2). Acoustic enclosure (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the third angle (β1) and the fourth angle (β2) are between 43° and 47° in absolute value. Acoustic enclosure (10) according to Claim 3, in which the third angle (β1) is equal to 45° in absolute value. Acoustic enclosure (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the first angle (α1) and the second angle (α2) are less than 15° in absolute value. Acoustic enclosure (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the loudspeaker (14) passes from the first position to the second position by a rotation of an angle comprised between 160° and 200° around the axis of rotation (D). Acoustic enclosure (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the box (12) has an oblong shape in the direction (L), the box (12) having two ends (20, 22) opposite the to each other in the direction (L), the loudspeaker (10) having loudspeakers (16, 18) mounted in said two ends (20, 22). Acoustic enclosure (10) according to claim 7, in which the loudspeaker (14) is located equidistant from the two ends (20, 22). Acoustic enclosure (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the loudspeaker (14) comprises an external surface (52) and a distinctive sign (54) on the external surface (52), the distinctive sign (54) having a certain orientation relative to the second axis (V2) when the acoustic enclosure (10) is in the first configuration and the loudspeaker (14) in the first position, and having the same orientation relative to the first axis (V1) when the acoustic enclosure (10) is in the second configuration and the loudspeaker (14) in the second position. Acoustic enclosure (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the loudspeaker (14) comprises at least one passive diaphragm (48, 50) located on one side of the frame (38) in the direction ( L).

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