DE8712588U1 - Hifi stereo system - Google Patents

Description

Designers:

Stephan Apetauer
Kaulbachstr.92
8000 Munich 40

and

Thomas Möker Oberbettringerstr.6 7070 Schwäbisch Gmünd

Modular stereo hifi device

The invention relates to a modular stereo hi-fi device, which can be designed in the form of various device assemblies with different widths, such as digital cassette device, CD player, tuner, integrated amplifier etc. The modular stereo hi-fi devices, in the form of various device assemblies, are connected to each other and to separate connecting devices (loudspeakers, headphones, screen, computer, etc.) using fiber optic transfer cables and copper network cables.

Stereo systems in which the various device components form self-contained device units and, due to their usual box shape, are placed either on top of one another and/or next to one another and are connected to one another and to the separate connecting devices using connecting cables on the rear wall of the housing, have been known for many years. The device units are usually box-shaped, the operating elements are usually located on the front, and the sockets for the connecting cables are on the rear of the housing facing away from the user.

The disadvantages of this conventional principle mentioned at the beginning are now apparent in various points. On the one hand, the interconnection of the individual device modules involves some inconvenience for the user, especially since the system is located on a shelf or similar and the back of the individual control panels is only accessible with difficulty. With the introduction of digital signal transmission technology using

Fiber optic cables, which have the property of not being kinked or being able to be rolled up very tightly in order to be able to be stowed behind flaps on the back, and thus the individual device units with this new type of transmission technology require a greater distance to the back from the wall or similar, the search for a new solution for the structure and use of such a system equipped with digital transmission technology is urgent, especially since devices such as compact disc players or DAT recorders are no longer technically dependent on being set up exclusively in a horizontal or vertical position.

The invention is based on the object of finding a novel, uniform structure for the individual device units which corresponds to the novel digital technology mentioned at the beginning and exploits its advantages. The device units should be able to be put together to form a system without difficulty by the user. A variety of setup options should be offered to the user, in contrast to the horizontal or vertical installation options mentioned above. The system should therefore have an object-like character and be viewable from all sides, including the base of the device. The individual device units should be connected together using a minimum of cables which are easily accessible in every position of the individual device units. The operating elements should be reduced to a minimum in order to significantly simplify the use of the system.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the device assemblies are uniformly designed as flat, bridge-shaped modular units, that the modular units have uniformly the same depth, the same height and the same side view, that the operation of the system is mainly carried out via a remote control and therefore the operating elements

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on the module units themselves are concealed under appropriate flaps, that the plug strips for the corresponding cable connections are located on the top of the individual module units, which means that the cable connections are easily accessible for the user in any position, that the cables have thus been visibly incorporated into the design of a stereo hi-fi system for the first time, that the system can be set up in many variations due to its shape described at the beginning and thus meets the individual needs of the user and that the individual module units are designed in a formal aesthetic manner on all sides and can therefore stand freely in any position in the room.

The module units have different widths and are in a certain relationship to each other, so that the system always presents a complete overall picture in a wide variety of setups. This is particularly evident when the amplifier is folded up in reverse behind the three other module units, namely the CD player, DAT recorder and tuner.

In order to achieve static safety when folded up and to maintain aesthetically favorable proportions, the three surfaces - front, plug-in strip and foot section - form certain angles to one another in the side view of the individual module units.

In order to achieve a high formal aesthetic quality, especially with the large number of different installation options, which form one of the main claims of the invention, all module units have the same surface division, namely button area for opening the corresponding flaps, emergency function flaps, light strip, function area, plug strip and foot part. This surface division is also of

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I Meaning, so that the individual module units in each

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₍ the wiring with each other, as well as the operating

\ friendliness in operating mode.

; In contrast to the flat, flat top of the individual

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I modular units, the floor groups are provided with certain shapes. The modular units thus have a

On the one hand, in side view, a uniform common flat

However, depending on the design, the height can be different <' dimensioned forms, which can be specific to the device; e.g. for various

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,"' mechanical components. Nevertheless, these formations are proportional and according to their arrangement of a modular unit

I to the other in a certain formal relationship to each other in order to achieve a closed appearance of the complex.

; On the top of the system, in a certain area, there are all the sockets for wiring the individual

« individual module units are intended to be connected to one another. This ensures that both the fiber optic transfer cables and the power cables can run from one module unit to another unhindered, without affecting their function and in a clearly arranged manner. After a final design, the above-mentioned sockets on each module unit are arranged according to the same principle in order to ensure a high level of operating comfort for the user and a problem-free cable routing. On this connector strip, each module unit has both a power input and a power output socket, so the individual module units can be connected in series for power supply, these

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The series connection can theoretically be continued indefinitely to expand the system with additional module units. Therefore, only one power cable leads to the socket to supply power to all module units.
The new fiber optic technology in the transfer cables as well as the new series connection of the power cables can
Reduce the number of connecting cables to a minimum
in contrast to high-quality HiFi stereo systems.

The sockets for cables leading from the individual module units to external devices such as loudspeakers or antenna sockets in the wall are mounted on the base group of the corresponding module units, since
These cable connections do not connect the individual module units with each other and the above-mentioned
Should not affect cable connections·

In the lateral mold dividing groove of the individual module in-

units there is a low-voltage power supply, which |

the remote control in the plugged-in state with energy J

Each module unit has a final ^

Design a locking option for the remote |

operation on the floor assembly. This can be a detent, an S.

clamping mechanism or similar*, as well as a form-integra- ß

tive solution. 1

ir The entire hifi stereo system with its various devices is centrally controlled by a single remote control. This remote control can be connected to the side of each of the individual devices and functions
thus as a control panel for the entire system and is simultaneously supplied with energy through the above-mentioned power supply groove and by means of a battery in the remote control
The remote control can also be charged by a

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Inffäfötsendef can be used mobile. This offers several advantages for the user, firstly, the system can be controlled via a remote control, and secondly, if the remote control is attached to the system for charging or as a control board, it is simultaneously a part of the entire stereo hi-fi system when kept tidy.

The remote control is equipped with an LCD screen and a minimum of buttons in order to keep complexity as low as possible and to offer the user maximum ease of use. All functions of each individual module unit can be called up on the LCD screen. This is done using corresponding buttons - color-coded, illuminated, dedicated to each module unit - which then make the corresponding functions visible on the LCD screen. The desired function can then be selected and carried out using four additional buttons. The above-mentioned colored illuminated buttons are responsible for both switching each device on and off and calling up the individual function programs on the LCD screen. In contrast to all other functions that are operated via the screen, a volume control is located on the remote control as a separate control element that is always ready for use. This method was chosen because a modern digital hi-fi stereo system hardly needs any controls other than a volume control and an on/off switch. This means that the user is no longer confused by avoiding the multitude of buttons found on conventional devices and by limiting the functions to the most important ones. The functions on

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the screen are written out in words and are therefore self-explanatory; of course, all common and special functions of the entire system with all its modular units can be carried out using this screen technology.

Each module unit has a different colored -tiT*ö"i"For» Wot* ·£&aacgr;&tgr;*&EEgr;"1-&idiagr;/*&EEgr; m -&idigr; 4* r\ c%*-% I aii

remote control and lights up when switched on. This increases the ease of use and provides a check to see whether a device has been switched on or off accidentally.

Each module unit has so-called emergency function flaps, which can be opened at the push of a button on the device. Underneath them is a complete keyboard for operating the device. This measure is intended for the case that the remote control should fail and the individual module units should still be usable.

Each module unit has a so-called functional area on its top. In the CD player and the DAT recorder, the compact disc and the DAT cassette are located under flaps that can be opened automatically at the push of a button after the final design. These flaps swing back at an angle of 120°-140° (towards the connector strip). Other swing or folding mechanisms would also be conceivable if designed accordingly. In the amplifier module, there are vertically arranged cooling fins in this area, and in the tuner module there are two LCD displays, one for the selected frequency and the other for the corresponding program (in international designation).

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The individual module units can be assembled into a system in various variations. Firstly, the individual devices can be placed next to each other in a row, although this requires a lot of space; due to the formal concept of the individual devices, they can be installed in the middle of the room, making them appear as objects. There are practically no limits to what the user can do to adapt the system to his or her individual needs. Special attention should be given to four other installation options: The system can be installed in a space-saving manner, folded up, standing in a mirror image, folded up and inserted into a special base, and hanging on the wall. The system can therefore be individually adapted to the spatial conditions such as the space ratio and position in the room. Of course, the system can be expanded with additional components and is fully compatible with other third-party devices that work with digital fiber optic transmission technology (digital optical transmission).

For the setups "folded up and tilted next to each other" (Fig.6) and "hanging on the wall" (Fig.7), a special U-profile is required, which in the former position is inserted into the grooves on the base of the individual devices and thus holds them together in pairs in a mirror image. If the system is to be hung on the wall, the U-profile is screwed horizontally to the wall with the open side facing upwards. The individual module units can then simply be hung on their specially shaped feet in two directions, with the base facing upwards or with the base facing downwards.

Because the U-profile is available in different lengths _, depending on the width of the individual module units and/or longer, the devices can be arranged in any order.

hung in any position relative to one another, e.g. next to one another, one below the other, mirrored, offset, etc. The U-profile has holes at each end for wall mounting.

For the installation option "folded up on an additional foot" (Fig. 9), an additional foot is offered that holds the individual module units together at the foot parts after a final design. This base can be adjusted to the respective width of the individual module units after a final design and connected to one another in a modular manner.

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The invention is explained in more detail using an embodiment shown schematically in the drawings. It shows:

Figure 1, schematically the structure of the top of the modular stereo hifi device,

Figure 2, schematically the structure of the bottom of the modular stereo hifi device,

Figure 3, schematic side view of the modular stereo hifi device,

Figure 4, a modular stereo hi-fi system made up of four module units and connected to each other with fiber optic transfer and power cables,

Figures 5 to 9, several examples of the different setup options for the stereo hi-fi system,

Figures 10 to 12, the U-profile and schematically its possible applications,

Figure 13, schematically the arrangement of the sockets on the connector strip,

Figure 14, schematic cross-section through one of the module units with its low-voltage power supply in the molding groove.

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Figure 4 shows four module units 1.0 to 4.0, which have the same height, depth and side view but have different widths. The individual module units 1.0 to 4.0 are connected to each other with fiber optic transfer cables 8.0 and power cables 9.0. The module unit 1.0 is a CD player with its button area 1.1, emergency function flap 1.2, light strip 1.2.1, the flap under which the compact disc is located 1.3, connector strip 1.4 with connection sockets, foot section 1.5 and base group 1.7. The module unit 2.0 is a DAT recorder with its button area 2.1, emergency function flap 2.2, light strip 2.2.1, the flap 2.3 under which the digital audio tape is located, and the connector strip 2.4 with connection sockets. The module unit 3.0 is a tuner module with its button area 3.1, emergency function flap 3.2, light strip 3.2.1, the function area 3.3 where there are two digital displays, and the connector strip 3.4 with connection sockets. The module unit 4.0 is an integrated amplifier with its button area 4.1, emergency function flap 4.2, light strip 4.2.1, the cooling fins 4.3 and the connector strip 4.4 with connection sockets.

Figure 1 shows a module unit, here the CD player, in more detail. The following points in Figure 1 are explained above: On the flap 1.3 there is a viewing window 1.3.1 for the compact disc, similar to the one for the cassette on the DAT recorder. On the side there is the molded parting groove 1.8. On the connector strip 1.4 there are the connection sockets 1.4.1.1, 1.4.1.2, 1.4.2 and 1.4.3.

In Figure 2, the base assembly 1.7 of the CD player is shown as a representative of all module units with the following features: Stabilization wedge 1.7.1, which serves to ensure the static safety of the chassis, molding for the power supply 1.7.2,

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Formations for the connection sockets 1.7.3, formations for various electronic or mechanical components 1.7.4, as well as feet 1.7.5, which can also be used for wall mounting

Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a single module unit. It is noted that the individual surfaces 1.6, 1.4 and 1.5 are intended to form certain angles: angle A in the range from 100° to 110° and angle B in the /Ss range

from 130° to 145°. In a final design, these angles are precisely defined.

f. Figures 5 to 9 show several important installation options for the individual module units 1.0 to 4.0.

In Figure 5, the individual module units 1.0 to 4.0 are placed next to each other, and another illustration in Figure 5 shows that the system can be expanded as required with additional devices, e.g. 2.0 and 7.0.

In Figure 6, the individual module units 1.0 to 4.0 are folded up and tilted one above the other, whereby a further illustration should point out that there are several variants for this setup option.

t In Figure 7, the individual module units 1.0 to 4.0 are hung next to each other on the wall. It is important to note that there are a number of variants for this installation option, such as one above the other, mirrored to each other or offset, etc.

In Figure 8, the individual module units 1.0 to 4.0 are mirror-inverted to each other.

^i: In Figure 9 the individual module units 1.0 to 4.0 are folded up and placed in an additional foot 5.0.

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Figure 10 shows the U-profile 6.0, which holds the two module units i.Ö and 2. Ö together at the respective foot parts 1·5 and 2.5 according to the installation option in Fig.6. To do this, the U-profile 6.0 is inserted into the grooves provided 1.8 and 2.8 (see arrow direction).

In Figure 11 the U-profile is shown schematically in perspective. For fastening it to the wall using screw strips , corresponding holes 6.1 and 6.2 are provided at the respective ends.

In Figure 12, the U-profile 6.0 is screwed to the wall, according to the installation option in Fig.7. The module units, here 1.0, are thus hung on it using their specially shaped feet 1.7.5 (see arrow direction).

Figure 13 shows a schematic of the connector strip 4.4 of the amplifier module 4.0. It contains the digital connection sockets 4.4.1 for DAT recorders, CD players _, tuners and additional devices (Aux 1 and Aux 2). The positions 4.4.1*1 and 4.4.1.2 make it clear that the inputs are at the top and the outputs are at the bottom. The mains input and output sockets 4.4.3 and 4.4.2 and the headphone socket 4.4.4 are also shown.

Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-section (left half) through one of the module units, here 1.0. In the mold dividing groove 1.8, a low-voltage cable 1*8.1 (positive pole) runs at the top and a low-voltage cable 1.8.2 (negative pole) insulated from it runs at the bottom. They are designed as current-carrying metal strips that run along the mold dividing groove and serve to supply power to the remote control when plugged in.

Claims (1)

Protection claims . Module ares stereo hi-fi device,
characterized, that the device (1.0) is designed as a flat, bridge-shaped modular unit (Fig. 1 to 3), that the connector strip (1.4) of the device (1.0), which is used for cabling using fiber optic transfer cable η (8.0) or copper network cables (9.0) with other modular units of the same design (2.0, 3.0, 4.0), such as DAT recorder (2.0), tuner (3.0), integrated amplifier (4.0) and the like, is located on top of the housing (Fig. 1, Fig. 4), that the device (1.0) can be set up in various arrangements with other modular units of the same design (2.0, 3.0, 4.0) due to its shape (Fig. 5 to 9), that the device (1.0) is identical to the other modular units (2.0, 3.0, 4.0) in terms of depth, height and side view (Fig. 4), that the device (1.0) is formally designed on all sides (top, bottom, sides) so that it can stand freely in the room (Fig. 1 to 9), that the device (1.0) is operated primarily via a removable control panel and therefore the operating elements on the device (1.0) itself are concealed under a corresponding flap (1.?). Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1.0) has a certain width (approx. diameter of a compact disc), the additional module units (2.0, 3.0, 4.0) can have either the same or different widths, that the device (4.0) can have two and a half times the width of the module (1.0), that the device (3.0) can also have half the width of the module (1.0) described above (Fig. 4). I φ < t · &igr;!·&igr; III ·· · 3. Modul ares Stereo Hifi device according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that in the side view of the device (1.0) the three surfaces front (1.6), connector strip (1.4) and base (1.5) form certain angles to each other (Fig. 3). 4. Modul ares Stereo Hifi device according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in» that the device (1.0) has a specific area division, namely (from front to back) button area (1.1), emergency function flap (1-2}, light strip (1.2.1), function area (1.3), plug strip (1.4) and base (1.5). 5. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that that the base (1.7) of the device (1.0) has a shaped stabilization wedge (1.7.1), a molding for the power supply (1.7.2), moldings for plug sockets (1.7.3), moldings for motors, capacitors, etc. (1.7.4) and feet (1.7.5) which also serve for wall mounting (Fig. 2), that these formations have the same arrangement for module units with other widths (2.0, 3.0, 4.0), that these formations can vary in their dimensions depending on the device type . 6. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 1, 3 and 4, ' characterized in that that the device (1.0) has a connector strip (1.4) on the top, that on this connector strip (1.4), (Fig. 13), see sockets (1.4.1) are located for fiber optic transfer cable (8.0), sockets (1.4,/i, 1.4.3) for power cable (9.0) and sockets (1.4.4) for headphones or third-party devices. If t·»* I ■ i &Ggr;&igr; :' 7. Module ares stereo hi-fi device according to claim 6 j characterized by j that the sockets for loudspeakers or antenna cables etc. are located on the bottom (1.7) of the device (1.0)» especially on the integrated amplifier (4.0) or tuner (3.0). 8. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 6, characterized in that that the sockets (1.4.1) on the connector strip (1.4) of the device (1.0) are arranged according to a specific system, that the sockets (1.4.1) of the upper play cable (8.0) are aligned to the left on the connector strip (1.4) (Fig. 13)» that the input (1.4.1.1) and output sockets (1.4.1.2) of the upper play cable (8.0) are arranged at the top and bottom of the connector strip (1.4) (Fig. 13), that the device (1.0) has a mains input socket (1.4.3) and a mains output socket (1.4.2) on its connector strip (1.4) (Fig. 13), that on the device (1.0) the mains input (1.4.3) and mains output sockets (1.4.2) are arranged next to each other, right-aligned, on the top of the connector strip (1.4), that module units with other widths (2.0, 3.0, 4*0) have the same system on the corresponding connector strips, that the device (1.0) can therefore be connected in series with the same or the other module units (2.0, 3.0, 4.0) using a power cable (9.0) (Fig. 4-9), that therefore only a single power cable is required to supply power to all module units (1.0, 2.0 ₃ 3.0, 4*0) to the socket five (Fig. 4), that the above-mentioned arrangements can be logically rearranged accordingly in a final design. 4 4.4 · . . 4 4 « ) . . «4 «4 ·4 4 - ?,.. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 1, characterized in that that the device (1.0) has a dividing groove (1.8) on the side with low-voltage current guide (1.8.1) for the power supply of a removable control panel (Fig. 14, schematic cross-section through the housing). 10. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that that the device (1.0) has a locking option for the control panel on the floor" &Pgr;.· Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 1, 9 and 10, characterized in that the device (1.0) is controlled via a mobile control panel, that this control panel, which is an integral and functional part of the device (1-0), can be removed from the device, » that this control panel is supplied with energy through the power supply groove (1,8.1), that the control panel can also be used mobile and in this case is supplied with energy by an internal accumulator, that the control panel can also be connected to module units with different widths (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0). 12. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 1 to 11, _{characterized} in that that the control panel has an LCD screen and a keyboard with a very reduced number of keys, that all functions of the device (1-0) and the module units (2.0, 3.0 _and 4.0) can be controlled, that the control panel has a volume control that is always ready for use, that the control panel has buttons that can be used to switch the device (1.0) and the module units (2.0, 3.0, 4.0) on and off or to call up the corresponding function program on the LCD screen. 13. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 4 and 12 _s characterized in that the device (1.0) and the other module units (2.0, 3.0, 4.0) have light strips (1.2.1), that the respective light strips (1.2.1) on the module units (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0) correspond to the correspondingly coded buttons on the control panel and light up when the device is switched on. 14. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claims 1 to 13, characterized in that that the device (1.0) has a flap (1.2) which can be opened by a button (1.1.1), that under this flap (1.2) there is a complete keyboard for operating the device. 15. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 4, characterized in that that the device (1.0) has a functional area (1.3) on which the compact disc is located under the flap (1.3), that this flap (1.3) is opened and closed using the button (1.1.2). 6 - 16. Modul ares stereo hi-fi device according to claims 1 to 15, characterized in that that the device (1.Ö) in conjunction with other modular units (2.0, 3.0, 4.0) can be set up in at least the following different positions, in a row next to each other (Fig. 5), folded up = ^s tilted one above the other (Fig. 6), hanging on the wall next to each other (Fig. 7), standing mirror-inverted (Fig. 8), folded up on an additional base (5.0), (Fig. 9). 17. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 16, characterized in that that for the positions (Fig. 6 and 7) a U-profile (6.0), which is a component of the device base (1.5), is attached (Fig. 10 to 12). 18. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 5, 16 and 17, characterized in that \ that the U-profile (6.0) is inserted into the mould dividing groove (1.8) on the foot part (1.5) in the position (Fig. 6) for locking (Fig. 10), that the U-profile (6.0) is screwed to a vertical surface at the position (Fig. 7) and the device (1.0) is hung with the feet (1.7.5) in the U-profile (6.0) (Fig. 12). 19. Modular stereo hi-fi device according to claim 7 and 18, _{characterized} in that that the U-profile (6.0) is formed in different lengths, according to the different widths of the device, and has holes (6.1 and 6.2) for wall mounting.