DE102015119809A1 - Speaker connection device and speakers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a loudspeaker connection device (1) for two loudspeakers (21, 22) to be mechanically connected to one another, the connection device (1) being adjustable in length by means of a sliding element (5) mounted on a bearing block (4) for mechanical connection is provided with an adjacent connecting device or an adjacent speaker, wherein the sliding element (5) is displaceably mounted on or in a bearing block (4), wherein the movement of the sliding element (5) on or in the bearing block (4) via a releasable latch (6 ) can be blocked, wherein at least one on or in the bearing block (4) mounted pawl (7) can engage in a plurality formed on the sliding element recesses (8) and / or locking lugs for adjusting the length, wherein the latching movement of the sliding element (5) in allows a first direction to the bearing block or releases it upon release. Furthermore, the invention relates to a speaker with such a speaker-connection device and a line array of such speakers.

Description

The invention relates to a loudspeaker connection device for two loudspeakers suspended one above the other which are mechanically connected to one another. Furthermore, a speaker as well as a line array with such a speaker-connection device.

For large-scale public address applications suitable loudspeaker arrangements must be compiled to achieve the desired sound pressure level and the most even spatial distribution over the surface. Today, this is primarily solved by the use of so-called line arrays, a row arrangement of several equal speaker elements - usually in the vertical plane.

When assembling the arrangements and the suspension of this arise several problems which need to be solved. Depending on the power class, the individual speaker elements are big and heavy. Depending on the required range, the number of interconnected assemblies arranged together can reach more than twenty elements. For a uniform level distribution, the arrays must be curved in a specific manner, which is realized by different angles between the elements. The curvature must be redetermined and adjusted for each application.

The transport of the elements usually takes place on individual roller carriages or in small groups on rolling transport frames. The local conditions of the site are very different and range from smooth concrete floors in multi-purpose halls to sloping and uneven lawns at open-air events. During the construction of the loudspeakers several other trades of stage construction and lighting are active at the same time. This often results in additional spatial and temporal restrictions. In general, the construction and dismantling with minimum personnel expenditure is desired in the shortest possible time.

In the prior art, the individual elements are connected in a customary manner to the front, sound-radiating side in such a way that they remain movable about an axis, which is the same as a joint.

On the back, the elements are connected to a device that varies in length. The shorter the rear connection is selected or adjusted, the stronger becomes the angle between the elements or the curvature of the overall arrangement over its course.

The simplest and most frequently encountered solution consists of a perforated rail fixedly connected to the rear side of an element or a perforated profile and a connector lug attached to it movably. The connector tab is attached via a bolt in the hole profile located on the next speaker element. The hole profile offers this a plurality of possible positions to the spanned length of the connection and thus to choose the angle of the elements. The biggest disadvantage of this solution is that the bolt connection absorbs forces immediately and the angle of the elements must already be selected when assembling the compilation. The connection of the elements is immediately rigid and thus unwieldy. The larger the number of composed elements becomes, the more difficult it becomes to add more elements. A subsequent change in the angle is possible only by complete disassembly of the compilation, as the bolts are otherwise under load and can not be removed.

A refinement of the standard solution is presented by KLING et al. in the US 8130996 , As before, the connection is made via a bolt fastened to the hole profile connector tab. However, the desired angle is only preset in the construction of the arrangement. The connector tab remains load-free. About a snap mechanism, the clamping length of the compound is then automatically shortened and locked as soon as the assembly is pulled up from the ground. This solution provides that before all speaker elements are connected lying on its front side. The assembly is then similarly raised to a link chain, thereby locking the back links.

Similar in approach, however, the solution of BOTHE is simpler to implement US 7967103 , Instead of the snap mechanism consists of the connector tab of a simple hook. This snaps when pulling up the arrangement solely by gravity on the pre-assembled bolt. The solutions from KLING and BOTHE have a number of disadvantages. They only pick up load on train. A stationary transport of several connected elements is not possible because the rear connections then coincide. The above-mentioned construction procedure as link chain requires a lot of space as well as a flat ground condition.

Common to all the aforementioned solutions is that the number of possible angular increments is directly dependent on the overall depth of the device. If a large number of possible positions are to be available, the device quickly becomes large and heavy.

KEMPER et al. Describes in US 2012/0189420 an automatically latching device, which is realized via a complex arrangement of interlocking levers. The solution consists of a variety of special parts and is therefore very expensive, very expensive and heavy. It requires a lot of space both inside and outside the case. Again, the build-up procedure is provided as a link chain with the above-mentioned disadvantages.

ENGEBRETSON et al. Describes in US 7298860 a device in which the rear connection is realized by means of sliding rails. The desired maximum angle between the elements is realized via an adjustable stop in one of these rails. This solution provides mandatory that the arrangement is suspended on two consecutive chain hoists. The rear chain hoist serves merely to lift the fully connected arrangement on its back, and so pull the above rails together to the attacks. The rear chain hoist then remains permanently under load.

GIVRE introduces an approach based on this basic idea US 8807270 in front. However, this solution is many times more complex. It involves very high costs and weights and requires a lot of space due to its design. Instead of the sliding rails, GIVRE provides for sliding cylinders into each other. A dial can be used to set the desired stop for defining the angle. In contrast to ENGBRETSON, however, the connection engages here as soon as the stop is reached. The rear chain hoist is therefore needed only for assembly and disassembly.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved loudspeaker connection device and a loudspeaker with such a line array, which is connected by means of such loudspeaker connection devices.

This object is achieved by a speaker-connection device according to the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a loudspeaker connecting device is proposed for two loudspeakers suspended one above the other, which is provided at the rear part of two loudspeakers to be arranged one above the other, and in that the connecting device is adjustable in length by means of a sliding element mounted on a bearing block for mechanical connection to an adjacent loudspeaker Connecting device or an adjacent speaker is provided, wherein the sliding element is displaceably mounted on or in a bearing block, wherein the movement of the sliding element is blockable on or in the bearing block via a releasable latching, wherein at least one mounted on or in the bearing block pawl in a plurality formed on the sliding element Recesses and / or locking lugs can lock to adjust the length, the latch allows movement of the sliding member in a first direction to the bearing block or at L sen same release.

As a result, a sliding against the locking direction of the locking displacement of the sliding element is made possible.

Preferably, it is provided that the sliding element has a slot through which an axis mounted on the bearing block extends, whereby the sliding element can slide along the slot on the bearing block.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a variable presettable end stop is provided on the bearing block, which limits a movement of the sliding element in at least one direction on the bearing block.

Following the latching acts in the direction of movement of the sliding element in which the sliding element can slide against the end stop.

Advantageously, the end stop is formed by a pin or bolt, which can be plugged into provided therefor prefabricated holes for preselecting the position of the end stop in the bearing block.

An advantageous development of the invention provides that the holes are arranged along a curved. This curvature corresponds to a variant of the angle of attack of the speakers to each other.

The sliding element advantageously has two juxtaposed rows of recesses and / or latching lugs, which are used interactively with each matching parallel pawls cooperatively used. As a result, finer settings than a simple sequence of locking lug could be achieved.

Advantageously, the pawls spring-loaded against the recesses and / or latching lugs. As a result, a secure engagement of the pawls is ensured.

According to a first further aspect of the invention, a loudspeaker with a loudspeaker connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 8 is proposed.

According to a first further aspect of the invention, a line array of a plurality of loud speakers is proposed, which are connected to one another by a loudspeaker connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 8.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the other dependent claims or their possible sub-combinations.

The invention will be further explained with reference to the drawings. In detail, the schematic representation in:

1 a schematic representation of a loudspeaker according to the invention with a loudspeaker connecting device according to the invention,

2 a schematic view of a line array, wherein the speakers are connected to speaker-connecting device according to the invention,

3 a side view of a speaker-connection device,

4 a view obliquely from above on a speaker-connection device,

5 a detailed view of the sliding element,

6 a further view of a speaker with a loudspeaker connecting device according to the invention in the pulled-out state and set end stop, and

7 another schematic view of the speaker-connecting device.

The same reference numerals in the figures designate the same or equivalent elements.

In 1 is an exemplary arrangement of a speaker-connection device 1 on a speaker to be mechanically connected to another speaker 21 shown.

2 shows such a formed line array 3 from two speakers 21 and 22 ,

The connection device 1 is in the 3 and 4 explained in more detail. The connection device 1 is by means of a on a storage block 4 mounted sliding element 5 adjustable in length, wherein the sliding element 5 on or in a storage block 4 is slidably mounted, wherein the movement of the sliding element 5 on or in the warehouse block 4 via a releasable locking 6 is blockable, with at least one on or in the storage block 4 mounted latch 7 in several recesses formed on the sliding element 8th can lock to adjust the length, the latching a movement of the sliding element 5 in a first direction to the bearing block permits or releases upon release thereof.

The sliding element 5 has a slot for this purpose 9 on, through which one on the storage block 4 mounted axle 10 enough, whereby the sliding element 5 along the long hole 9 at the warehouse block 4 can slide.

The adjustment of the angle of the speakers to each other by a variable presettable end stop 11 at the warehouse block 4 , which is a movement of the sliding element 5 in at least one direction on the storage block 4 limited.

The locking 6 acts in the direction of movement of the slider 5 in the sliding element against the end stop 11 can slide.

The end stop 11 is through a pen 12 formed, which provided in this prefabricated holes 13 for preselection of the position of the end stop 11 in the warehouse block 4 can be plugged.

The holes 13 are arranged along a curved. This is advantageous in the setting.

The sliding element 5 has acc. 5 . 6 and 7 two juxtaposed rows of recesses and / or latching lugs, which are used mutually cooperatively with each matching parallel pawls used. As a result, a finer adjustment is possible than would be possible through the recess / pawl.

The pawl / n 7 are against the recesses 8th and / or locking lugs spring preloaded, this ensures a secure engagement when mounting a line array.

On the back of each speaker element 21 or 22 a hole profile arrangement is arranged. With this hole profile arrangement, one or more movable, slidingly mounted connector tabs (bearing block) are inseparably connected. One side of the connector tabs is designed as a row of teeth. Furthermore, one of the number of connector tabs corresponding number hooks attached to the hole profile. These hooks are resiliently mounted so that they can engage in the rows of teeth of the connector tabs. The arrangement of hooks and connector tabs is chosen to accommodate load on train. The distances of the teeth are chosen so that the hooks engage when reaching a defined angle between the speaker elements. If very narrow angle graduations desired If necessary, several connector tabs with staggered rows of teeth must be realized to provide sufficiently large-scale teeth for receiving the loads.

The maximum angle between the speaker elements is determined load-free by adjusting a stop, to which the connector tabs can be inserted into the hole profile assembly. This is most easily realized by appropriately placed ball lock pins. Through this upper stop, the device is not only on train but also on pressure loadable. Several connected speaker elements can thus be transported perpendicular to each other. Since the pressure load is usually much lower than the usual tensile loads, comparatively small cross-sections can be used for the stop bolts. This makes the already very compact device even smaller and lighter.

The preferred assembly and disassembly procedure requires very little space and is not critical to the local soil conditions. It consists in the delivery of several pre-connected, perpendicular to a transport device speaker elements. The first pre-assembled group is lifted, causing the stop bolts to be unloaded. The user inserts the stop bolts from the 0 degree stop position to the desired angle position. The group is raised further until another group finds space below. This is fixed under the already hanging and then the bolt positions are repositioned for the desired angle.

This continues until the arrangement is complete. During the assembly, the arrangement always depends largely perpendicular, which facilitates the connection of the groups.

Once the assembly is complete, it must be compressed so that the connector tabs are inserted into the hole profiles, the hooks engage, and the assembly reaches the desired curvature. This can be accomplished using the dead weight of the assembly by placing it on the ground and lowering it further and further until all the connector tabs reach their respective stops. Alternatively, it can also be used for this purpose, a second, located behind the arrangement chain hoist, which is attached to the lowermost element and the arrangement raises the back.

The degradation takes place in exactly the reverse order. The hooks engaged in the rows of teeth can be released by releasing them from the floor by lifting them by hand until the connector tabs reach their lower safety stop at 0 degrees. The stop bolts are put back in their 0-degree position so that the elements can again be transported standing in groups.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Speaker connecting device

21, 22

speaker

23

rear part

3

 Line Array

4

 bearing block

5

 Slide

5a, 5b

Slide

6

 latching

7

 pawl

8th

 recess

9

 Long hole

10

axis

11

end stop

12

pen

13

drilling

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 8130996 [0008]
• US 7967103 [0009]
• US 2012/0189420 [0011]
• US 7298860 [0012]
• US 8807270 [0013]

Claims (10)

Speaker connection device ( 1 ) for two mechanically suspended loudspeakers ( 21 . 22 ), characterized in that the connecting device ( 1 ) adjustable in length by means of a bearing block ( 4 ) mounted sliding element ( 5 ), which is provided for mechanical connection with an adjacent connecting device or a neighboring loudspeaker, wherein the sliding element ( 5 ) on or in a storage block ( 4 ) is displaceably mounted, wherein the movement of the sliding element ( 5 ) on or in the warehouse block ( 4 ) via a releasable latching ( 6 ) is blockable, wherein at least one on or in the storage block ( 4 ) mounted latch ( 7 ) in a plurality of recesses formed on the sliding element ( 8th ) and / or latching lugs for adjusting the length can engage, wherein the latching movement of the sliding element ( 5 ) in a first direction to the bearing block permits or releases upon release thereof. Speaker connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding element ( 5 ) a slot ( 9 ), through which one on the storage block ( 4 ) Axis ( 10 ), whereby the sliding element ( 5 ) along the slot ( 9 ) at the warehouse block ( 4 ) can slide. Speaker connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a variable presettable end stop ( 11 ) at the warehouse block ( 4 ) is provided, which is a movement of the sliding element ( 5 ) in at least one direction on the storage block ( 4 ) limited. Speaker connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the latching ( 6 ) in the direction of movement of the sliding element ( 5 ) acts in the sliding element against the end stop ( 11 ) can slide. Loudspeaker connecting device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the end stop ( 11 ) through a pen ( 12 ) or bolt is formed, which provided in this prefabricated holes ( 13 ) for preselecting the position of the end stop ( 11 ) in the warehouse block ( 4 ) can be plugged. Speaker connection device according to claim 5, characterized in that the bores ( 13 ) are arranged along a curved. Loudspeaker connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding element ( 5 ) has two juxtaposed rows of recesses and / or latching lugs, which are used mutually cooperatively with each matching parallel pawls used. Speaker connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pawl / n ( 7 ) against the recesses ( 8th ) and / or latching lugs are spring loaded. Speaker ( 21 . 22 ) with a speaker-connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 8. Line array ( 3 ) from several speakers ( 21 . 22 ) connected by a loudspeaker connection device ( 1 ) are interconnected according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connecting device ( 1 ) at the back ( 23 ) of two speakers to be arranged one above the other ( 21 . 22 ) is provided.

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