EP1392080A2 - Loudspeaker unit and assembly - Google Patents
Loudspeaker unit and assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1392080A2 EP1392080A2 EP03255098A EP03255098A EP1392080A2 EP 1392080 A2 EP1392080 A2 EP 1392080A2 EP 03255098 A EP03255098 A EP 03255098A EP 03255098 A EP03255098 A EP 03255098A EP 1392080 A2 EP1392080 A2 EP 1392080A2
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- loudspeaker
- resonant panel
- panel
- pistonic
- resonant
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
- H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only
- H04R1/26—Spatial arrangements of separate transducers responsive to two or more frequency ranges
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R7/00—Diaphragms for electromechanical transducers; Cones
- H04R7/02—Diaphragms for electromechanical transducers; Cones characterised by the construction
- H04R7/04—Plane diaphragms
- H04R7/045—Plane diaphragms using the distributed mode principle, i.e. whereby the acoustic radiation is emanated from uniformly distributed free bending wave vibration induced in a stiff panel and not from pistonic motion
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2205/00—Details of stereophonic arrangements covered by H04R5/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2205/022—Plurality of transducers corresponding to a plurality of sound channels in each earpiece of headphones or in a single enclosure
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2440/00—Bending wave transducers covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
- H04R2440/07—Loudspeakers using bending wave resonance and pistonic motion to generate sound
Definitions
- the present invention relates to loudspeaker systems, particularly (although not exclusively) for use in "home cinema” applications.
- surround sound loudspeakers generally comprise two pistonic diaphragm drivers operating out of phase in order to produce a "figure-of-eight" dipole acoustic radiation directivity characteristic (the drivers may be in phase at base frequencies, or there may be a separate low frequency driver in the enclosure).
- the drivers may be in phase at base frequencies, or there may be a separate low frequency driver in the enclosure.
- such conventional pistonic surround sound loudspeakers suffer from the disadvantages that they tend to be expensive, and generally do not produce an entirely convincing ambient sound profile for the listener.
- International patent application WO 99/62294 discloses a method of operating a resonant panel-form loudspeaker system, comprising arranging the loudspeaker panel near to a boundary so as to be acoustically linked to the boundary and with the plane of the loudspeaker panel at an angle (for example substantially normal) to the boundary.
- Such a loudspeaker system lacks a 'pistonic' loudspeaker and thus will not be capable of reproducing bass frequencies.
- a pistonic loudspeaker allows use of a panel which is small and cannot reproduce low mid-range frequencies.
- a pistonic loudspeaker is better able to produce high SPL at low frequencies.
- the present invention seeks to provide a new loudspeaker system which is particularly suitable for creating surround sound reproduction, for example for home cinema applications.
- the invention is not limited to home cinema applications, or to surround sound in general, although such applications will be particularly suited to the invention.
- a first aspect of the invention provides a loudspeaker unit comprising, in combination, a pistonic loudspeaker and a resonant panel loudspeaker arranged such that the resonant panel is movable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker.
- the resonant panel is rotatable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker (i.e., a loudspeaker in which a diaphragm moves in a piston-like motion as a generally rigid whole for at least part of its operating frequency range).
- the pistonic loudspeaker i.e., a loudspeaker in which a diaphragm moves in a piston-like motion as a generally rigid whole for at least part of its operating frequency range.
- the resonant panel may be movable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker between a first position in which the resonant panel at least partially covers the pistonic loudspeaker, and a second position in which pistonic loudspeaker is substantially uncovered from the resonant panel.
- a first position in which the resonant panel at least partially covers the pistonic loudspeaker
- a second position in which pistonic loudspeaker is substantially uncovered from the resonant panel.
- the pistonic loudspeaker in the first position the resonant panel substantially entirely covers the pistonic loudspeaker.
- the pistonic loudspeaker preferably is substantially entirely uncovered from the resonant panel.
- the covering and uncovering of the pistonic loudspeaker by the resonant panel loudspeaker has the advantage (for example) of overcoming potential styling problems.
- the resonant panel loudspeaker When the resonant panel loudspeaker is in its first ("parked") position and covers the pistonic loudspeaker, the resonant panel tends to minimise the visual impact of both loudspeakers (i.e. when they are not in use).
- the "parked" resonant panel also provides a degree of protection to the pistonic loudspeaker.
- the covering or uncovering of the pistonic loudspeaker preferably comprises covering or uncovering of a pistonically driven diaphragm of the pistonic loudspeaker.
- the panel When the resonant panel is in its second position, the panel preferably is oriented substantially parallel to an axis along which the diaphragm of the pistonic loudspeaker is pistonically driven.
- the unit preferably is attached to, mounted with respect to (or otherwise arranged with respect to) a wall or other acoustic boundary.
- the unit may for example, be attached to a wall or other boundary such that at least the pistonic loudspeaker is located in a recess in the wall (or other boundary).
- the resonant panel loudspeaker therefore preferably is acoustically linked to the boundary, at least in the sense that the boundary directly modifies the acoustic radiation emitted from the resonant panel.
- the attachment, mounting or arrangement is such that the pistonic loudspeaker is oriented with its pistonic axis generally (and preferably substantially) perpendicular to the boundary.
- the second position of the resonant panel preferably is generally (and more preferably substantially) perpendicular to the boundary.
- the first position of the resonant panel loudspeaker prefferably be a non-operational position
- the second position of the resonant panel loudspeaker prefferably be an operational position in which the resonant panel loudspeaker is able to emit acoustic radiation.
- the resonant panel is arranged to rotate between the first and second positions.
- the resonant panel preferably may be operated in substantially any orientation between the first and second positions (and preferably also in any of a range of positions beyond the second position from the first position).
- the loudspeaker unit may further comprise a support to which the resonant panel is movably (preferably rotatably) attached.
- the loudspeaker unit preferably further comprises a motor, by means of which the resonant panel is movable (preferably rotatable) with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker.
- a second aspect of the invention provides a loudspeaker assembly comprising a resonant panel loudspeaker, a support to which the resonant panel is attached, and a motor by which the resonant panel is movable (preferably rotatable) with respect to the support.
- the loudspeaker unit according to the first aspect of the invention preferably includes the assembly according to the second aspect of the invention (the resonant panel loudspeaker, the motor and the support of the assembly comprising those of the unit as aforesaid).
- a third aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a loudspeaker unit according to the first aspect of the invention, or a loudspeaker assembly according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising moving the resonant panel loudspeaker between a non-operational first position and an operational second position in which the resonant panel loudspeaker is able to emit acoustic radiation.
- the panel loudspeaker By orientating the panel of the resonant panel loudspeaker so that it is non-parallel to a boundary such as wall, the panel loudspeaker normally produces a generally "figure-of-eight" acoustic radiation pattern by emitting acoustic radiation from both opposite major surfaces of the panel, with the "null" of the radiation pattern coincident with the panel itself. Consequently, the use of a resonant panel loudspeaker in this orientation produces the type of acoustic radiation pattern generally required of surround sound. Additionally, resonant panel loudspeakers tend to produce diffuse acoustic radiation, which is ideal for surround sound. These two characteristics in combination mean that the invention generally provides an extremely effective surround sound loudspeaker system. A further advantage is that operating the resonant panel loudspeaker in a non-parallel orientation with respect to a wall or other boundary generally increases the radiation efficiency of the panel.
- Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of a loudspeaker unit 1 according to the invention (which incorporates a loudspeaker assembly according to the invention).
- the example loudspeaker unit 1 comprises, in combination, a pistonic loudspeaker 9 and a resonant panel loudspeaker 3 arranged such that the resonant panel 3 is movable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker 9.
- a pistonic loudspeaker 9 in this specification is meant a loudspeaker in which a diaphragm moves in a piston-like motion as a generally rigid whole for at least part of its operating frequency range (for example up to approximately 700 Hz).
- the resonant panel 3 is rotatable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker 9.
- the resonant panel 3 is movable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker 9 between a first position (a indicated by a dashed outline of the panel and reference numeral 4), in which the resonant panel 3 at least partially covers the pistonic loudspeaker 9, and a second position (as indicated by the panel as drawn in solid outline and indicated by reference numeral 3), in which pistonic loudspeaker 9 is substantially uncovered from the resonant panel 3.
- the first position the resonant panel 3 substantially entirely covers the pistonic loudspeaker 9.
- the pistonic loudspeaker 9 preferably is substantially entirely uncovered from the resonant panel 3.
- the covering and uncovering of the pistonic loudspeaker 9 by the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 has the advantage, for example, of overcoming potential styling problems.
- the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 When the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 is in its first ("parked") position and covers the pistonic loudspeaker 9, the resonant panel 3 tends to minimise the visual impact of both loudspeakers 3, 9 (i.e., when they are not in use).
- the "parked" resonant panel 3 also provides a degree of protection to the pistonic loudspeaker 9 from impact and the ambient.
- the covering or uncovering of the pistonic loudspeaker 9 preferably comprises covering or uncovering of a pistonically driven diaphragm 10 of the pistonic loudspeaker 9.
- the panel 3 When the resonant panel 3 is in its second position, the panel 3 preferably is oriented substantially parallel to an axis along which the diaphragm 10 of the pistonic loudspeaker 9 is pistonically driven.
- the first position of the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 is a non-operational position
- the second position of the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 is an operational position in which the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 is able to emit acoustic radiation.
- the resonant panel 3 is arranged to rotate between the first and second positions.
- the resonant panel 3 preferably may be operated in substantially any orientation between the first and second positions (and preferably also in any of a range of positions beyond the second position from the first position).
- the loudspeaker unit 1 is preferably attached to, mounted with respect to (or otherwise arranged with respect to) a wall or other acoustic boundary.
- the unit 1 may for example, be attached to a wall or other boundary such that at least the pistonic loudspeaker 9 is located in a recess in the wall (or other boundary).
- the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 therefore preferably is acoustically linked to the boundary, at least in the sense that the boundary directly modifies the acoustic radiation emitted from the resonant panel 3.
- the attachment, mounting or arrangement is such that the pistonic loudspeaker 9 is oriented with its pistonic axis generally (and preferably substantially) perpendicular to the boundary.
- the second position of the resonant panel 3 preferably is generally (and more preferably substantially) perpendicular to the boundary.
- the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 is attached by means of a support 7 to a wall 5.
- the support 7 includes mechanical gearing and the like (e.g. a cam) by which an electric motor 8 is able to rotate the resonant panel 3 (as indicated by the arrow).
- the electric motor 8 may be controlled by remote control, and a remote control circuit forms part of the unit and is indicated by reference numeral 6.
- the resonant panel 3 is rotated by the electric motor 8 between a first, non-operational position as indicated by a dashed outline of the panel and reference numeral 4, and a second, operational position as indicated by the panel as drawn in solid outline and indicated by reference numeral 3.
- the resonant panel 3 In the second, operational position the resonant panel 3 is substantially perpendicular to the wall 5, and in the first, non-operational position the panel 3 is substantially parallel to the wall 5.
- the panel 3 preferably is substantially flush with the wall 5 and covers a pistonic loudspeaker 9 which also forms part of the loudspeaker unit 1.
- the pistonic loudspeaker 9 is mounted in a recess in the wall 5 and is oriented such that its pistonic axis (shown as a dashed line A-A) is substantially perpendicular to the wall and consequently sound emitted from it is a hemi-spherical wave.
- the pistonic loudspeaker 9 preferably is a low frequency loudspeaker (e.g. a bass speaker, or "woofer”); preferably the pistonic loudspeaker 9 comprises a moving coil driven cone diaphragm loudspeaker.
- the loudspeaker unit 1 further includes an enclosure 11 for the pistonic loudspeaker 9.
- the enclosure 11 comprises part of a housing for the entire loudspeaker unit 1.
- the unit 1 is preferably installed in a recess in the wall 5 (or other boundary) as shown in Figure 1, but it may be merely attached to a boundary or located near to a boundary, for example.
- the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 comprises a panel which is arranged to vibrate by means of one or more exciters (i.e. the driving elements of the loudspeaker, not shown).
- Resonant panel loudspeakers are often termed “distributed-mode” loudspeakers (DMLs) because they generally function by exciting a plurality of vibrational modes distributed throughout the panel (the panel generally operating wholly in resonance).
- DMLs distributed-mode loudspeakers
- the panel loudspeaker 3 comprises a resonant panel and one or more exciters for exciting the panel.
- the exciter(s) may generally comprise any type of transducer, for example electromagnetic (e.g. moving coil), piezoelectric, or electrostatic.
- the panel itself may be formed from any of a wide variety of materials, for example polymeric materials and/or glass fibre materials and/or carbon fibre materials and/or cardboard (or the like).
- the panel may comprise a single sheet of material, a plurality of layers (or other composite construction) and/or may include a core, for example of honeycomb or foam construction.
- the panel is preferably substantially planar (i.e. a thin and flat panel). This has the advantage that the acoustic radiation patterns which emanate from each major surface of the panel may be substantially the same as each other (thereby, for example, enhancing the diffuse surround sound nature of the sound reproduction).
- the panel need not be planar, but may, for example, be curved in one or two dimensions.
- the panel of the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 in operation (in the second position), the panel of the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 preferably is arranged such that the panel is generally perpendicular to the wall 5 or other acoustic boundary.
- generally perpendicular is meant deviating from the perpendicular by, for example, no more than about 30 degrees, preferably no more than about 20 degrees, and especially no more than about 10 degrees.
- the panel of the loudspeaker 9 is substantially perpendicular to the wall 5 or other boundary during operation of the loudspeaker.
- the pistonic loudspeaker 9 may, for example, comprise a moving coil diaphragm loudspeaker having said a cone diaphragm 10.
- the pistonic loudspeaker 9 is a low frequency loudspeaker (e.g. a bass speaker or "woofer").
- the pistonic loudspeaker 9 may be mounted in or on the wall 5 or other boundary.
- the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 is movable between substantially parallel (first) and substantially non-parallel (second) orientations with respect to the wall 5 (or other boundary).
- first substantially parallel
- second substantially non-parallel
- the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 may cover (at least partially) the pistonic loudspeaker 9.
- Orientating the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 for use (to its second position) may therefore also expose the further loudspeaker 9 for use.
- the panel loudspeaker 9 By orientating the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 so that it is non-parallel to a wall 5 (or other boundary) the panel loudspeaker 9 normally produces a generally "figure-of-eight" acoustic radiation pattern by emitting acoustic radiation from both opposite major surfaces of the panel, with the "null" of the radiation pattern coincident with the panel itself. Consequently, the use of a resonant panel loudspeaker 3 in this orientation produces the type of acoustic radiation pattern generally required of surround sound. Additionally, resonant panel loudspeakers tend to produce diffuse acoustic radiation, which is ideal for surround sound.
- example loudspeaker unit 1 generally provides an extremely effective surround sound loudspeaker system.
- a further advantage is that operating the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 in a non-parallel orientation with respect to the wall 5 or other boundary generally increases the radiation efficiency of the panel 3.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to loudspeaker systems, particularly (although not exclusively) for use in "home cinema" applications.
- A crucial aspect of home cinema systems is the nature and quality of the sound reproduction. An important feature of good home cinema sound reproduction is so-called "surround sound", i.e. the illusion that the reproduced sound is emanating from all around the listener rather than from specific discrete sources (i.e. the surround sound loudspeakers). Conventionally, surround sound loudspeakers generally comprise two pistonic diaphragm drivers operating out of phase in order to produce a "figure-of-eight" dipole acoustic radiation directivity characteristic (the drivers may be in phase at base frequencies, or there may be a separate low frequency driver in the enclosure). However, such conventional pistonic surround sound loudspeakers suffer from the disadvantages that they tend to be expensive, and generally do not produce an entirely convincing ambient sound profile for the listener.
- International patent application WO 99/62294 discloses a method of operating a resonant panel-form loudspeaker system, comprising arranging the loudspeaker panel near to a boundary so as to be acoustically linked to the boundary and with the plane of the loudspeaker panel at an angle (for example substantially normal) to the boundary. Such a loudspeaker system lacks a 'pistonic' loudspeaker and thus will not be capable of reproducing bass frequencies. A pistonic loudspeaker allows use of a panel which is small and cannot reproduce low mid-range frequencies. A pistonic loudspeaker is better able to produce high SPL at low frequencies.
- The present invention seeks to provide a new loudspeaker system which is particularly suitable for creating surround sound reproduction, for example for home cinema applications. However, the invention is not limited to home cinema applications, or to surround sound in general, although such applications will be particularly suited to the invention.
- Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a loudspeaker unit comprising, in combination, a pistonic loudspeaker and a resonant panel loudspeaker arranged such that the resonant panel is movable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker.
- Preferably the resonant panel is rotatable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker (i.e., a loudspeaker in which a diaphragm moves in a piston-like motion as a generally rigid whole for at least part of its operating frequency range).
- Advantageously, the resonant panel may be movable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker between a first position in which the resonant panel at least partially covers the pistonic loudspeaker, and a second position in which pistonic loudspeaker is substantially uncovered from the resonant panel. Preferably, in the first position the resonant panel substantially entirely covers the pistonic loudspeaker. When the resonant panel is in its second position the pistonic loudspeaker preferably is substantially entirely uncovered from the resonant panel.
- The covering and uncovering of the pistonic loudspeaker by the resonant panel loudspeaker has the advantage (for example) of overcoming potential styling problems. When the resonant panel loudspeaker is in its first ("parked") position and covers the pistonic loudspeaker, the resonant panel tends to minimise the visual impact of both loudspeakers (i.e. when they are not in use). The "parked" resonant panel also provides a degree of protection to the pistonic loudspeaker.
- The covering or uncovering of the pistonic loudspeaker preferably comprises covering or uncovering of a pistonically driven diaphragm of the pistonic loudspeaker. When the resonant panel is in its second position, the panel preferably is oriented substantially parallel to an axis along which the diaphragm of the pistonic loudspeaker is pistonically driven.
- At least in use, the unit preferably is attached to, mounted with respect to (or otherwise arranged with respect to) a wall or other acoustic boundary. The unit may for example, be attached to a wall or other boundary such that at least the pistonic loudspeaker is located in a recess in the wall (or other boundary). The resonant panel loudspeaker therefore preferably is acoustically linked to the boundary, at least in the sense that the boundary directly modifies the acoustic radiation emitted from the resonant panel. Preferably the attachment, mounting or arrangement is such that the pistonic loudspeaker is oriented with its pistonic axis generally (and preferably substantially) perpendicular to the boundary. Additionally or alternatively, the second position of the resonant panel preferably is generally (and more preferably substantially) perpendicular to the boundary.
- It is particularly preferred for the first position of the resonant panel loudspeaker to be a non-operational position, and the second position of the resonant panel loudspeaker to be an operational position in which the resonant panel loudspeaker is able to emit acoustic radiation. Preferably the resonant panel is arranged to rotate between the first and second positions. Advantageously, therefore, the resonant panel preferably may be operated in substantially any orientation between the first and second positions (and preferably also in any of a range of positions beyond the second position from the first position).
- Advantageously, the loudspeaker unit may further comprise a support to which the resonant panel is movably (preferably rotatably) attached.
- The loudspeaker unit preferably further comprises a motor, by means of which the resonant panel is movable (preferably rotatable) with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker.
- A second aspect of the invention provides a loudspeaker assembly comprising a resonant panel loudspeaker, a support to which the resonant panel is attached, and a motor by which the resonant panel is movable (preferably rotatable) with respect to the support.
- The loudspeaker unit according to the first aspect of the invention preferably includes the assembly according to the second aspect of the invention (the resonant panel loudspeaker, the motor and the support of the assembly comprising those of the unit as aforesaid).
- A third aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a loudspeaker unit according to the first aspect of the invention, or a loudspeaker assembly according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising moving the resonant panel loudspeaker between a non-operational first position and an operational second position in which the resonant panel loudspeaker is able to emit acoustic radiation.
- By orientating the panel of the resonant panel loudspeaker so that it is non-parallel to a boundary such as wall, the panel loudspeaker normally produces a generally "figure-of-eight" acoustic radiation pattern by emitting acoustic radiation from both opposite major surfaces of the panel, with the "null" of the radiation pattern coincident with the panel itself. Consequently, the use of a resonant panel loudspeaker in this orientation produces the type of acoustic radiation pattern generally required of surround sound. Additionally, resonant panel loudspeakers tend to produce diffuse acoustic radiation, which is ideal for surround sound. These two characteristics in combination mean that the invention generally provides an extremely effective surround sound loudspeaker system. A further advantage is that operating the resonant panel loudspeaker in a non-parallel orientation with respect to a wall or other boundary generally increases the radiation efficiency of the panel.
- Other preferred and optional features of the invention are described below.
-
- Figure 1 shows an example schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of a loudspeaker unit 1 which incorporates a loudspeaker assembly, according to the present invention.
-
- An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figure 1.
- Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of a loudspeaker unit 1 according to the invention (which incorporates a loudspeaker assembly according to the invention).
- The example loudspeaker unit 1 comprises, in combination, a
pistonic loudspeaker 9 and a resonant panel loudspeaker 3 arranged such that the resonant panel 3 is movable with respect to thepistonic loudspeaker 9. By "pistonic loudspeaker" in this specification is meant a loudspeaker in which a diaphragm moves in a piston-like motion as a generally rigid whole for at least part of its operating frequency range (for example up to approximately 700 Hz). - Preferably the resonant panel 3 is rotatable with respect to the
pistonic loudspeaker 9. As such, the resonant panel 3 is movable with respect to thepistonic loudspeaker 9 between a first position (a indicated by a dashed outline of the panel and reference numeral 4), in which the resonant panel 3 at least partially covers thepistonic loudspeaker 9, and a second position (as indicated by the panel as drawn in solid outline and indicated by reference numeral 3), in whichpistonic loudspeaker 9 is substantially uncovered from the resonant panel 3. Preferably, in the first position the resonant panel 3 substantially entirely covers thepistonic loudspeaker 9. When the resonant panel 3 is in its second position thepistonic loudspeaker 9 preferably is substantially entirely uncovered from the resonant panel 3. - The covering and uncovering of the
pistonic loudspeaker 9 by the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 has the advantage, for example, of overcoming potential styling problems. When the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 is in its first ("parked") position and covers thepistonic loudspeaker 9, the resonant panel 3 tends to minimise the visual impact of both loudspeakers 3, 9 (i.e., when they are not in use). The "parked" resonant panel 3 also provides a degree of protection to thepistonic loudspeaker 9 from impact and the ambient. - The covering or uncovering of the
pistonic loudspeaker 9 preferably comprises covering or uncovering of a pistonically driven diaphragm 10 of thepistonic loudspeaker 9. When the resonant panel 3 is in its second position, the panel 3 preferably is oriented substantially parallel to an axis along which the diaphragm 10 of thepistonic loudspeaker 9 is pistonically driven. - It is particularly preferred for the first position of the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 to be a non-operational position, and the second position of the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 to be an operational position in which the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 is able to emit acoustic radiation. Preferably the resonant panel 3 is arranged to rotate between the first and second positions. Advantageously, therefore, the resonant panel 3 preferably may be operated in substantially any orientation between the first and second positions (and preferably also in any of a range of positions beyond the second position from the first position).
- At least in use, the loudspeaker unit 1 is preferably attached to, mounted with respect to (or otherwise arranged with respect to) a wall or other acoustic boundary. The unit 1 may for example, be attached to a wall or other boundary such that at least the
pistonic loudspeaker 9 is located in a recess in the wall (or other boundary). The resonant panel loudspeaker 3 therefore preferably is acoustically linked to the boundary, at least in the sense that the boundary directly modifies the acoustic radiation emitted from the resonant panel 3. Preferably the attachment, mounting or arrangement is such that thepistonic loudspeaker 9 is oriented with its pistonic axis generally (and preferably substantially) perpendicular to the boundary. Additionally or alternatively, the second position of the resonant panel 3 preferably is generally (and more preferably substantially) perpendicular to the boundary. - As such, in the example described herein, the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 is attached by means of a
support 7 to a wall 5. Thesupport 7 includes mechanical gearing and the like (e.g. a cam) by which anelectric motor 8 is able to rotate the resonant panel 3 (as indicated by the arrow). Theelectric motor 8 may be controlled by remote control, and a remote control circuit forms part of the unit and is indicated by reference numeral 6. - The resonant panel 3 is rotated by the
electric motor 8 between a first, non-operational position as indicated by a dashed outline of the panel and reference numeral 4, and a second, operational position as indicated by the panel as drawn in solid outline and indicated by reference numeral 3. In the second, operational position the resonant panel 3 is substantially perpendicular to the wall 5, and in the first, non-operational position the panel 3 is substantially parallel to the wall 5. In the first position, the panel 3 preferably is substantially flush with the wall 5 and covers apistonic loudspeaker 9 which also forms part of the loudspeaker unit 1. - The
pistonic loudspeaker 9 is mounted in a recess in the wall 5 and is oriented such that its pistonic axis (shown as a dashed line A-A) is substantially perpendicular to the wall and consequently sound emitted from it is a hemi-spherical wave. Thepistonic loudspeaker 9 preferably is a low frequency loudspeaker (e.g. a bass speaker, or "woofer"); preferably thepistonic loudspeaker 9 comprises a moving coil driven cone diaphragm loudspeaker. - The loudspeaker unit 1 further includes an
enclosure 11 for thepistonic loudspeaker 9. Preferably theenclosure 11 comprises part of a housing for the entire loudspeaker unit 1. The unit 1 is preferably installed in a recess in the wall 5 (or other boundary) as shown in Figure 1, but it may be merely attached to a boundary or located near to a boundary, for example. - Preferably, the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 comprises a panel which is arranged to vibrate by means of one or more exciters (i.e. the driving elements of the loudspeaker, not shown). Resonant panel loudspeakers are often termed "distributed-mode" loudspeakers (DMLs) because they generally function by exciting a plurality of vibrational modes distributed throughout the panel (the panel generally operating wholly in resonance).
- Therefore, preferably the panel loudspeaker 3 comprises a resonant panel and one or more exciters for exciting the panel. The exciter(s) may generally comprise any type of transducer, for example electromagnetic (e.g. moving coil), piezoelectric, or electrostatic. The panel itself may be formed from any of a wide variety of materials, for example polymeric materials and/or glass fibre materials and/or carbon fibre materials and/or cardboard (or the like). The panel may comprise a single sheet of material, a plurality of layers (or other composite construction) and/or may include a core, for example of honeycomb or foam construction.
- The panel is preferably substantially planar (i.e. a thin and flat panel). This has the advantage that the acoustic radiation patterns which emanate from each major surface of the panel may be substantially the same as each other (thereby, for example, enhancing the diffuse surround sound nature of the sound reproduction). However, the panel need not be planar, but may, for example, be curved in one or two dimensions.
- As mentioned above, in operation (in the second position), the panel of the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 preferably is arranged such that the panel is generally perpendicular to the wall 5 or other acoustic boundary. By "generally perpendicular" is meant deviating from the perpendicular by, for example, no more than about 30 degrees, preferably no more than about 20 degrees, and especially no more than about 10 degrees. Most preferably the panel of the
loudspeaker 9 is substantially perpendicular to the wall 5 or other boundary during operation of the loudspeaker. - The
pistonic loudspeaker 9 may, for example, comprise a moving coil diaphragm loudspeaker having said a cone diaphragm 10. Preferably thepistonic loudspeaker 9 is a low frequency loudspeaker (e.g. a bass speaker or "woofer"). - As aforementioned, the
pistonic loudspeaker 9 may be mounted in or on the wall 5 or other boundary. In especially preferred embodiments, the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 is movable between substantially parallel (first) and substantially non-parallel (second) orientations with respect to the wall 5 (or other boundary). When in its parallel orientation (i.e. its first position) the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 may cover (at least partially) thepistonic loudspeaker 9. Orientating the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 for use (to its second position) may therefore also expose thefurther loudspeaker 9 for use. - By orientating the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 so that it is non-parallel to a wall 5 (or other boundary) the
panel loudspeaker 9 normally produces a generally "figure-of-eight" acoustic radiation pattern by emitting acoustic radiation from both opposite major surfaces of the panel, with the "null" of the radiation pattern coincident with the panel itself. Consequently, the use of a resonant panel loudspeaker 3 in this orientation produces the type of acoustic radiation pattern generally required of surround sound. Additionally, resonant panel loudspeakers tend to produce diffuse acoustic radiation, which is ideal for surround sound. These two characteristics in combination mean that the example loudspeaker unit 1 according to the present invention generally provides an extremely effective surround sound loudspeaker system. A further advantage is that operating the resonant panel loudspeaker 3 in a non-parallel orientation with respect to the wall 5 or other boundary generally increases the radiation efficiency of the panel 3. - The present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof; however, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.
Claims (19)
- A loudspeaker unit comprising, in combination, a pistonic loudspeaker and a resonant panel loudspeaker arranged such that the resonant panel is movable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker.
- A loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, in which the resonant panel is rotatable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker.
- A loudspeaker unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the resonant panel is movable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker between a first position in which the resonant panel at least partially covers the pistonic loudspeaker, and a second position in which pistonic loudspeaker is substantially uncovered from the resonant panel.
- A loudspeaker unit according to claim 3, in which, in the first position the resonant panel substantially entirely covers the pistonic loudspeaker.
- A loudspeaker unit according to claim 3 or claim 4, in which, when the resonant panel is in its second position the pistonic loudspeaker is substantially entirely uncovered from the resonant panel.
- A loudspeaker unit according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which said covering or uncovering of the pistonic loudspeaker comprises covering or uncovering of a pistonically driven diaphragm thereof.
- A loudspeaker unit according to claim 6, in which, when the resonant panel is in its second position, the panel is oriented substantially parallel to an axis along which the diaphragm of the pistonic loudspeaker is pistonically driven.
- A loudspeaker unit according to any one of claims 3 to 7, in which the first position of the resonant panel loudspeaker is a non-operational position, and the second position of the resonant panel loudspeaker is an operational position in which the resonant panel loudspeaker is able to emit acoustic radiation.
- A loudspeaker unit according to any preceding claim, in which the pistonic loudspeaker is a low frequency loudspeaker.
- A loudspeaker unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising a support to which the resonant panel is movably attached.
- A loudspeaker unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising a motor by means of which the resonant panel is movable with respect to the pistonic loudspeaker.
- A loudspeaker assembly comprising a resonant panel loudspeaker, a support to which the resonant panel is attached, and a motor by which the resonant panel is movable with respect to the support.
- A loudspeaker unit according to claim 11 or an assembly according to claim 12, in which the motor is an electric motor.
- A loudspeaker unit or an assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a remote control system arranged to control the movement of the resonant panel.
- A loudspeaker unit according to claim 9, or an assembly according to claim 11 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the resonant panel is rotatable with respect to the support.
- A loudspeaker unit or an assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the resonant panel loudspeaker comprises a resonant panel and one or more exciters arranged to excite the panel.
- A loudspeaker unit or an assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the resonant panel comprises two opposite major surfaces, and the resonant panel loudspeaker is arranged to emit acoustic radiation from both opposite major surfaces of the panel simultaneously.
- A loudspeaker unit or an assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the resonant panel is substantially planar.
- A method of operating a loudspeaker unit or a loudspeaker assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising moving the resonant panel loudspeaker between a non-operational first position and an operational second position in which the resonant panel loudspeaker is able to emit acoustic radiation.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0219244.1A GB0219244D0 (en) | 2002-08-17 | 2002-08-17 | Loudspeaker system |
GB0219244 | 2002-08-17 | ||
GB0317446 | 2003-07-25 | ||
GB0317446A GB0317446D0 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2003-07-25 | Loudspeaker unit and assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1392080A2 true EP1392080A2 (en) | 2004-02-25 |
EP1392080A3 EP1392080A3 (en) | 2004-12-22 |
Family
ID=28456041
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP03255098A Withdrawn EP1392080A3 (en) | 2002-08-17 | 2003-08-18 | Loudspeaker unit and assembly |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1392080A3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2392044B (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH01109898A (en) * | 1987-10-22 | 1989-04-26 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Remote controller position detector for stereo |
EP0568716A1 (en) * | 1990-11-14 | 1993-11-10 | Dieter Lang | Loudspeaker system |
WO1999062294A1 (en) * | 1998-05-23 | 1999-12-02 | New Transducers Limited | Panel-form loudspeaker |
WO2000036875A2 (en) * | 1998-12-15 | 2000-06-22 | Wharfedale International Limited | Loudspeaker |
WO2000067524A2 (en) * | 1999-04-29 | 2000-11-09 | New Transducers Limited | Bending wave loudspeakers |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19955867A1 (en) * | 1999-11-22 | 2001-06-21 | Harman Audio Electronic Sys | Flat speaker arrangement for bass reproduction |
DE20002930U1 (en) * | 2000-02-20 | 2000-05-18 | Theis Karl Heinz | Horn speaker |
GB2368484B (en) * | 2000-10-25 | 2004-06-16 | B & W Loudspeakers | Distributed mode panel type loudspeakers |
US7002070B2 (en) * | 2001-06-22 | 2006-02-21 | Shelley Katz | Electronic piano |
GB2387500B (en) * | 2003-01-22 | 2007-03-28 | Shelley Katz | Apparatus and method for producing sound |
-
2003
- 2003-08-18 EP EP03255098A patent/EP1392080A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-08-18 GB GB0319298A patent/GB2392044B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH01109898A (en) * | 1987-10-22 | 1989-04-26 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Remote controller position detector for stereo |
EP0568716A1 (en) * | 1990-11-14 | 1993-11-10 | Dieter Lang | Loudspeaker system |
WO1999062294A1 (en) * | 1998-05-23 | 1999-12-02 | New Transducers Limited | Panel-form loudspeaker |
WO2000036875A2 (en) * | 1998-12-15 | 2000-06-22 | Wharfedale International Limited | Loudspeaker |
WO2000067524A2 (en) * | 1999-04-29 | 2000-11-09 | New Transducers Limited | Bending wave loudspeakers |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 0133, no. 50 (E-800), 7 August 1989 (1989-08-07) & JP 1 109898 A (MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC IND CO LTD), 26 April 1989 (1989-04-26) * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2392044B (en) | 2005-12-28 |
GB0319298D0 (en) | 2003-09-17 |
GB2392044A (en) | 2004-02-18 |
EP1392080A3 (en) | 2004-12-22 |
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