JP2013070291A - Sound contour enhancement device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sound contour enhancement device for a vehicle capable of facilitating the hearing of conversation, siren, or the like, by occupants in a vehicle.SOLUTION: The sound contour enhancement device for a vehicle comprises a sound collection unit 2 collecting sounds, a signal amplifier 3 amplifying a sound signal in a preset specific frequency band, out of the frequency of sounds collected by the sound collection unit 2, to which the hearing is sensitive, an actuator 4 converting the amplified sound signal into solid propagation vibration, and a solid vibration propagation member 5 placed in the vehicle with the actuator 4 being fixed thereto and capable of propagating vibration.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle sound contour emphasizing device for facilitating occupants to hear conversations and the like in a vehicle.

  For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-50532 (Patent Document 1), a technique for canceling noise entering the earphone has been studied. By canceling the external noise, the sound (including all sounds) that you want to hear can be heard more clearly. In this way, a technique for making a sound that a person wants to hear better be studied.

JP 2010-50532 A

  By the way, the conversation in the vehicle becomes less audible due to noise or the like as the vehicle speed increases (for example, at 50 km / h or more). Also, the siren of an emergency vehicle is less audible when traveling than when it is stopped. It is required that passengers can easily hear these sounds while traveling.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle sound contour emphasizing device that makes it easy for passengers to hear sounds such as conversation and siren in a passenger compartment. .

  An invention for a vehicle sound contour emphasizing device according to claim 1 that solves the above-mentioned problems is characterized in that a hearing device reacts sensitively among a sound collecting device that collects sound and a frequency of sound collected from the sound collecting device. A signal amplifier that amplifies a sound signal in a specific frequency band set in advance, an actuator that converts the amplified sound signal into solid-propagation vibration, and a solid-state vibration capable of transmitting vibration in which the actuator is fixed and disposed in a vehicle interior And a transmission member.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission control device for controlling transmission of the solid propagation vibration to the solid vibration transmission member according to the first aspect, wherein the solid vibration transmission member is an ear close to a driver's ear position. A first member having a vicinity portion and a second member having a separation portion separated from the ear vicinity portion, and the transmission control device transmits a vibration converted by the actuator only to the first member. A path switching mechanism that switches between one mode and a second mode that transmits the vibration converted by the actuator to the first member and the second member; and a switching control device that controls the path switching mechanism. It is characterized by.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the first member and the second member are in contact with the actuator, and the path switching mechanism can connect the actuator and the second member. A bypass member capable of transmitting vibrations, and a connection mechanism for connecting / disconnecting the actuator and the second member by the bypass member based on a command from the switching control device. The path length is set to a length that attenuates vibration transmitted to the second member.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the first member and the second member are in contact with the actuator, and the path switching mechanism is fixed to the second member so that a sound signal is solid. A sub-actuator that converts the vibration to propagation vibration; and the switching control device selects a sound signal corresponding to a vibration that attenuates the vibration transmitted to the second member when the first mode is selected. It is characterized by transmitting.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the actuator is fixed to the first member, and the path switching mechanism is a cylinder disposed at a joint portion between the first member and the second member. A piston disposed in the cylinder and capable of transmitting vibrations, and a tank that allows gas or liquid to flow into and out of the cylinder. When the switching control device selects the first mode, the cylinder When the second mode is selected when the joint portion position in the cylinder is filled with gas or liquid, the piston is arranged at the joint portion position in the cylinder.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the path switching mechanism is configured such that the actuator is fixed to the first member such that one end surface and the second member are at a predetermined interval. When the second control mode is selected, the switching control device transmits an amplified sound signal to the actuator so that the amplitude of the actuator is equal to or greater than the predetermined interval.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the switching control device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the switching control device frequency-analyzes the collected sound, and based on the analysis result, the first mode and the second mode Any one of the modes is selected and the path switching mechanism is instructed.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the switching control device according to claim 7, wherein the switching control device selects the second mode when the peak of the frequency of the collected sound is in the conversation sound band, and the peak is the emergency vehicle sound. When in the band, the first mode is selected.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the first member is disposed at a head position of a driver's seat.

  The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 9, the solid vibration transmitting member is a seat frame.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the solid vibration transmitting member is a separate body from the vehicle frame.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention includes the amplification control device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the amplification control device changes a signal amplification degree of the signal amplifier. The signal amplification degree of the signal amplifier is variable according to at least one of a vehicle speed, an indoor / outdoor noise level, and an occupant state.

  An invention according to a thirteenth aspect includes the amplification control device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the amplification control device changes a signal amplification degree of the signal amplifier, and the amplification control device is driven by a motor by a hybrid vehicle. The signal amplification degree of the signal amplifier is variable according to at least one of indoor and outdoor noise levels and occupant conditions.

  In the vehicle sound contour emphasizing device according to the first aspect of the invention, the frequency band (specific frequency band) part to which the hearing sensitively reacts is amplified among the sounds entering the sound collector, and the solid vibration transmitting member vibrates. Air is propagated into the passenger compartment. For example, vibration is converted into sound from the entire body part and propagates in the air. Since the sound at this time is radiated in all directions (360 °), it does not easily interfere with other room noises and sounds naturally. Thereby, the conversation in the vehicle interior collected by the sound collecting device, the sound of the siren, and the like are emphasized, and the occupant can clearly recognize the outline of the sound (voice). That is, it becomes easier for the occupant to hear conversation and siren sounds. The specific frequency band is a band in which the human ear reacts sensitively, and can be set based on, for example, a loudness curve.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 2, it can switch by the control of a switching control apparatus between the 1st mode in which the object which becomes easy to hear is a driver, and the 2nd mode which becomes easy to hear in the wide range of a vehicle interior. The first member includes a portion of the solid vibration transmitting member that is close to the driver's ear position. When the vibration of the actuator is transmitted only to the first member, the contour of the sound is emphasized to the driver ( First mode). On the other hand, when vibration is transmitted to the first member and the second member, the outline of the sound is emphasized in a wider range in the vehicle interior (second mode).

  In the invention according to claim 3, the bypass member is connected to the actuator and the second member, so that the vibration of the second member is attenuated, and the original vibration (vibration converted from the sound signal by the actuator) is applied only to the first member. ) Is transmitted. Thereby, a 1st mode and a 2nd mode are switched by a simple structure.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 4, the vibration which attenuate | damps the vibration of a 2nd member by a subactuator is generated, the vibration of a 2nd member is attenuated, and a vibration is transmitted only to a 1st member. Thereby, a 1st mode and a 2nd mode are switched by a simple structure.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the degree of vibration transmission is changed depending on whether the joining portion of the first member and the second member is gas or liquid, or a member capable of transmitting vibration, Switching between two modes.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 6, when providing a predetermined space | interval between an actuator and a 2nd member and setting it as a 2nd mode, an actuator is oscillated so that it may contact a 2nd member, and a vibration is transmitted to both members. . Thereby, a 1st mode and a 2nd mode are switched by a simple structure.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 7, based on the frequency band of the collected sound, a 1st mode and a 2nd mode are switched. Thereby, control suitable for the actual situation is possible.

  In the invention according to claim 8, in the case of conversation, the second mode makes it easy to hear in a wide range including the driver, and in the case of a siren, only the driver becomes easy to hear in the first mode. As a result, the passenger's environment becomes comfortable and the driving environment of the driver is improved.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 9, a 1st member is arrange | positioned in the head position of a sheet | seat, and it becomes the arrangement | positioning which is easy to hear to a driver | operator's ear.

  In the invention according to claim 10, since the seat frame, which is a member originally required in the passenger compartment, is used as the solid vibration transmitting member, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed and weight reduction can be achieved.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 11, it can manufacture easily, without considering the intensity | strength etc. of a flame | frame by making a solid vibration transmission member a member different from vehicle frames, such as a seat frame.

  In the invention according to claim 12, the amplification level of the sound signal is variable with respect to the noise that changes in accordance with at least one of the rotational speed of the vehicle drive source, the vehicle speed, the indoor and outdoor noise levels, and the occupant state. And can be controlled in accordance with the running state.

  In the invention according to claim 13, in a hybrid vehicle, when the motor is driven with low noise, the amplification level of the sound signal is made variable according to at least one of the indoor and outdoor noise levels and the occupant state. Control according to the state is possible.

It is a perspective view of the sheet | seat which saw through the inside in order to show the structure of the sound outline emphasis apparatus 1 for vehicles of 1st embodiment. It is an image figure for demonstrating a specific frequency band. It is a front view of the sheet | seat which saw through the inside in order to show the structure of the sound outline emphasis apparatus 1 for vehicles of 1st embodiment. It is the front view of the sheet | seat which saw through the inside in order to show the structure of 1 A of sound outline emphasizing apparatuses for vehicles of 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows ECU3 of the deformation | transformation aspect of 2nd embodiment. It is a front view of the sheet | seat which saw through the inside in order to show the deformation | transformation aspect of 2nd embodiment. It is a front view of the sheet | seat which saw through the inside in order to show the structure of the vehicle sound outline emphasis apparatus 1B of 3rd embodiment. It is a front view of the sheet | seat which saw through the inside in order to show the structure of 1 C of vehicle sound outline emphasis apparatuses of 4th embodiment. It is the schematic diagram seen from the sheet | seat side which shows the 1st member 51 of 5th embodiment, the 2nd member 52, and the actuator 4.

  Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments.

<First embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 1, the sound contour emphasizing device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a sound collector 2, an ECU 3, an actuator 4, and a seat frame 5 in a vehicle interior. The vehicle interior includes a space where passengers can get on and off, and means the inside of the vehicle body (panel or door panel on the outer surface of the vehicle body).

  First, the vehicle seat 9 will be described. The seat 9 mainly has a head portion 91, a backrest portion 92, and a seat portion 93. The head portion 91 is a portion corresponding to the head position of the occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat 9. The backrest portion 92 is a portion corresponding to the back position of the occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat 9. The seat portion 93 is a portion where an occupant is seated. A seat frame 5 is disposed in the seat 9. In this embodiment, the seat 9 is a driver side seat.

  The sound collection device 2 is a microphone that collects sound, and is arranged in the seat portion 93 in this embodiment.

  The ECU 3 (corresponding to “signal amplifier”) is an electronic control unit and is disposed in the backrest portion 92. The ECU 3 is connected to the sound collector 2 and the actuator 4 by a wiring cable. The ECU 3 converts the sound input from the sound collecting device 2 into a sound signal, and amplifies the sound signal (audio signal) for a specific frequency band set in advance. That is, the ECU 3 converts sound (analog signal) into a sound signal (digital signal) by a converter, extracts a specific frequency band of the sound signal by a frequency filter, and extracts a specific frequency band of the sound signal by an amplifier (amplifier). Amplify about.

  The specific frequency band is a frequency band in which human hearing (the eardrum) responds sensitively, and is set based on a loudness curve (equal loudness curve). The loudness curve is obtained by measuring the sound pressure level at which the loudness becomes equal when the sound frequency is changed and connecting them as contour lines. Loudness is a sense of loudness felt by human hearing. According to the loudness curve, human hearing is sensitive to sounds in the frequency band of approximately 500 Hz to 4 kHz. In the present embodiment, this frequency band of 500 Hz to 4 kHz is set as the specific frequency band.

  The actuator 4 is a magnetostrictive actuator using a magnetostrictive material. The actuator 4 converts the amplified sound signal transmitted from the ECU 3 into solid propagation vibration. The actuator 4 is fixed to the seat frame 5 in the seat 9. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 4 is disposed at an upper position of the backrest portion 92 of the seat frame 5. The vibration of the actuator 4 is transmitted to the seat frame 5.

  The seat frame 5 is a member that forms a skeleton of the seat 9 disposed in the driver's seat 9. The seat frame 5 is made of a metal material (for example, a steel plate) and can transmit vibration. The seat frame 5 transmits the vibration of the actuator 4 to the entire seat frame 5 (solid propagation) and also transmits the vibration to the air around the seat frame 5 (air propagation). That is, the sound in which the specific frequency band is amplified (that is, the sound that the auditory senses reacts sensitively) is propagated by the seat frame 5 into the vehicle interior. As a result, a sound with an emphasized outline is transmitted to passengers in the passenger compartment, in particular, the driver sitting on the seat 9.

  As shown in FIG. 2, generally, the strong main component of the sound (voice) emitted by men is around 50 Hz, and around 150 Hz for women. The main component of the siren that an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance rings is about 1 kHz. By amplifying a specific frequency region among the frequencies of these sounds, it becomes a sound that is easy for humans to hear.

  According to the present embodiment, it is easy for the occupant to hear the conversation in the passenger compartment and the siren of the emergency vehicle even when the vehicle is running. Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the vehicle seat frame is used as the solid vibration transmitting member, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and weight of the vehicle. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the occupant does not need to wear anything, only needs to sit down, and troublesomeness is eliminated.

  In the present embodiment, the mounting position of the actuator 4 is not limited to the above. The actuator 4 may be fixed to a solid vibration transmission member (metal member or wood), and may be fixed to, for example, another seat frame, a vehicle door frame, a ceiling interior panel, or the like. In this case, instead of the seat frame 5, a door frame or a ceiling interior panel functions as a solid vibration transmitting member.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a sub panel 5a may be prepared separately from members such as a frame of the vehicle, and the actuator 4 may be attached to the sub panel 5a. In this case, the same effect as described above is exhibited by disposing the sub panel 5a in the vehicle interior (in the seat 9 in FIG. 3). In this case, although the number of parts increases, it is not necessary to consider the strength, so that a thinner plate can be used as the sub-panel 5a. Thereby, the sound outline emphasis device 1 becomes easy to propagate a higher sound (specific frequency band).

  In addition, the present embodiment may include an analog filter that passes a specific frequency band and an amplifier that amplifies sound that has passed through the analog filter, instead of the ECU 3. The specific frequency band can be changed by setting.

<Second embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 4, the sound contour emphasizing device 1 </ b> A of the second embodiment includes a sound collecting device 2, an ECU 3, an actuator 4, a solid vibration transmission member 50, and a transmission control device 6. About the same structure as 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The solid vibration transmitting member 50 is a thin plate made of metal and is disposed in the driver's seat 9 (in the backrest portion 92) so that the longitudinal direction is the vertical direction. The solid vibration transmission member 50 includes a first member 51 and a second member 52.

  The first member 51 is an upper part including the upper end portion of the solid vibration transmitting member 50. Since the solid vibration transmitting member 50 is disposed on the backrest 92, the first member 51 has a portion of the solid vibration transmitting member 50 that is closest to the position of the occupant's ear when the occupant is seated on the seat 9. doing.

  The second member 52 is a separate part from the first member 51 and is a lower part including the lower end portion of the solid vibration transmitting member 50. That is, the second member 52 includes an end portion (corresponding to a “separation site”) on the opposite side of the solid vibration transmitting member 50 that is separated from the site near the ear of the first member 51. The first member 51 and the second member 52 are in contact with the actuator 4. That is, the actuator 4 is connected to the lower end portion of the first member 51 and the upper end portion of the second member 52. In the connection, the actuator 4 is sandwiched between a first member 51 pressed downward from above by a spring member (not shown) and a second member 52 pressed upward from below by a spring member (not shown). It is done in. The connection may be bonding with an adhesive or the like. In the present embodiment, the second member 52 is longer than the first member.

  The transmission control device 6 controls transmission of solid propagation vibration to the solid vibration transmission member 50, and includes a path switching mechanism 60, a switching control device, and an amplification control device. The path switching mechanism 60 includes a bypass member 61 and a connection mechanism 62. The bypass member 61 is a thin plate made of metal, and has a substantially L shape. The bypass member 61 has one end connected to the actuator 4 and the other end disposed at a predetermined interval with respect to the second member 52. The total length (length from one end to the other end) of the bypass member 61 is set to a length that can attenuate the vibration of the second member with the other end connected to the second member 52.

  That is, the vibration propagated from the actuator 4 to the bypass member 61 has a phase (for example, opposite phase) that cancels the vibration directly transmitted from the actuator 4 to the second member 52 by the entire length (path length) of the bypass member 61. 52 is reached. Cancellation of vibration in the second member 52 can be realized by adjusting the path length of the bypass member 61.

  The connection mechanism 62 is a mechanism that connects / disconnects the other end of the bypass member 61 and the second member 52 based on a command from the ECU 3. The connection mechanism 62 is, for example, an electromagnetic switch, and connects the bypass member 61 to the second member 52 when receiving a high signal from the ECU 3, and returns the bypass member 61 to its original position when receiving a low signal.

  When the bypass member 61 is connected to the second member 52, the vibration of the second member 52 is attenuated. That is, in this case, the original vibration of the actuator 4 is transmitted only to the first member 51 (first mode). On the other hand, when the bypass member 61 and the second member 52 are not connected, the original vibration is transmitted to the first member 51 and the second member 52 (second mode). That is, the path switching mechanism 60 transmits the vibration (original vibration) converted by the actuator 4 only to the first member 51 and the vibration (original vibration) converted by the actuator 4 in the first member 51 and This is a mechanism for switching between the second mode transmitted to the second member 52.

  The ECU 3 has a function of controlling the connection mechanism 62 in addition to the function of the first embodiment. That is, the ECU 3 also serves as a switching control device. The ECU 3 issues a connection command to the connection mechanism 62 when selecting the first mode, and issues a non-connection command to the connection mechanism 62 when selecting the second mode. The mode selection may be performed manually by a passenger (physical switch or the like), automatically performed according to preset conditions, or both. In the case of manual operation, the ECU 3 issues a command in conjunction with the occupant's operation (switch).

  According to the second embodiment, by selecting the first mode, the vibration of the actuator 4 is transmitted only to the first member 51 including the portion close to the driver's ear position. Therefore, in the first mode, a sound with an enhanced contour is propagated particularly to the driver. The first mode is effective when selected, for example, when the occupant is only the driver or when a sound (for example, a siren) that is sufficient to be heard only by the driver is propagated.

  On the other hand, when the second mode is selected, the vibration is transmitted to both the first member 51 and the second member 52. Therefore, in the second mode, a sound with an emphasized outline is propagated to a wider cabin than in the first mode. The second mode is effective when it is selected, for example, when there are a plurality of passengers or when a sound (for example, conversation) that all passengers want to hear is propagated. Thus, in the second embodiment, the first mode and the second mode can be switched. Note that the first member 51 may be disposed in the head portion 91 and the second member 52 may be disposed in the backrest portion 92. According to this, the first member 51 becomes closer to the driver's ear position and is more effective. In addition, the shape of the 1st member 51 and the 2nd member 52 is not restricted above, For example, the 2nd member 52 is good also as an L-shape or a reverse T-shape.

(Modification)
The ECU 3 can be set to select a mode according to preset conditions. For example, the ECU 3 may analyze the frequency of the sound collected from the sound collection device 2 and determine the mode based on the strong frequency band. It can be said that the ECU 3 has a frequency analysis unit and a mode determination unit (not shown). In this case, the ECU 3 selects the second mode when the frequency peak of the collected sound is in the conversation sound band (conversation voice band) (approximately 40 to 150 Hz), and the peak is an emergency vehicle sound such as a siren. When in the band (about 1 kHz), the first mode may be set to be selected. As a result, the sound sufficient for the driver, such as a siren, is sufficient for the driver, and contour enhancement according to the scene is possible. Further, in this case, when the peak position is neither the conversation sound band nor the emergency vehicle sound band, it may be set that the contour enhancement (amplification operation) is not performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the ECU 3 sets the amplification degree for a specific frequency band to predetermined information such as indoor / outdoor noise, engine speed, vehicle information via the vehicle network (EV mode, motor speed, vehicle speed, It may be changed based on at least one of turn signal, door opening / closing, window opening / closing, and occupant state (may be variable). In this case, the ECU 3 also serves as an amplification control device. For example, the ECU 3 may receive information on the engine speed (tachometer: TACH) and increase or decrease the amplification degree according to the increase or decrease in the engine speed. For example, the ECU 3 may be set to increase the amplification degree when the rotational speed exceeds a predetermined value. The noise increases as the engine speed increases, but the ease of hearing can be maintained by increasing the amplification. According to this, contour emphasis according to a running state is possible. Moreover, you may increase / decrease an amplification degree according to increase / decrease in a motor rotation speed, a vehicle speed, the indoor and outdoor noise level, and a passenger | crew's state.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the case of a hybrid vehicle, the ECU 3 may change the amplification degree depending on whether the vehicle is currently driven by an engine or a motor. For example, the ECU 3 detects whether or not the vehicle is motor-driven based on vehicle information (EV traveling) or the like, and decreases the amplification degree when the motor is driven and increases the amplification degree when the engine is driven. As a result, the degree of amplification is reduced when the motor is driven with relatively low noise, and contour enhancement according to the running state is possible. Further, in the case of motor driving, the signal amplification degree of the signal amplifier may be made variable according to at least one of indoor and outdoor noise levels and occupant conditions, for example. For example, when driving a motor with relatively low noise, it is possible to enhance the contour according to the running state by increasing or decreasing the amplification level according to the increase or decrease of the indoor or outdoor noise level or the state of the occupant. Note that the control in which the ECU 3 changes the amplification degree according to the traveling state is also applicable to the first embodiment. Examples of vehicle information include EV travel information, vehicle speed information, turn signal information, door opening / closing information, window opening / closing information, and indoor noise information.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the solid vibration transmission member 50 may be a seat frame 7 of the driver seat 9. In this case, the seat frame 7 includes, for example, a first member 71 that is a frame of the head portion 91 and a second member 72 that is a frame of the backrest portion 92. The first member 71 is a substantially U-shaped metal frame that is open at the bottom. The second member 72 is a substantially U-shaped metal frame that is open at the top, and is disposed at a distance from the first member 71.

  In this case, the actuator 4 is connected to one end of the first member 71 and one end of the second member 72. The other end of the first member 71 and the other end of the second member 72 are not connected. The path switching mechanism 60 is disposed on the one end side of the second member 72.

  By using the seat frame 7 as the solid vibration transmitting member 50, an increase in the number of parts and an increase in the weight of the vehicle can be suppressed. In the above case, as a result, the first member 71 is disposed on the head portion 91, so that the driver can easily hear.

<Third embodiment>
A vehicle sound contour emphasizing apparatus 1B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, the path switching mechanism in the second embodiment is changed. The other parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  The path switching mechanism 60 is configured by fixing the subactuator 63 to the second member 52. Although the fixing may be performed at any position, in the present embodiment, the fixing is performed in the vicinity of the actuator 4 at the upper end portion of the second member 52. The subactuator 63 converts the sound signal from the ECU 3 into solid propagation vibration.

  When selecting the first mode, the ECU 3 transmits a sound signal to the subactuator 63 together with the actuator 4. The sound signal transmitted to the subactuator 63 is set to a signal that attenuates the sound signal of the actuator 4 (for example, an antiphase signal). That is, the ECU 3 transmits to the subactuator 63 a sound signal corresponding to the vibration that attenuates the vibration transmitted from the actuator 4 to the second member 52 in the first mode. Thus, in the first mode, vibrations are transmitted to the second member 52 from both the actuator 4 and the subactuator 63, and both vibrations cancel each other. Therefore, in the first mode, the vibration of the second member 52 is canceled and the vibration is transmitted only to the first member 51. Thereby, the first mode and the second mode are switched.

  In the third embodiment, the same modification as in the second embodiment is possible. For example, the solid vibration transmission member 50 may be the seat frame 7.

<Fourth embodiment>
A vehicle sound contour emphasizing apparatus 1C according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the fourth embodiment, the fixed position of the actuator 4 and the path switching mechanism in the second embodiment are changed. The other parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The actuator 4 is fixed at the center of the first member 51 and is not directly connected to the second member 52.

  The path switching mechanism 60 includes an elastic member 64 and a pump 65. The elastic member 64 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with rubber. The elastic member 64 includes a fitting convex portion 64a and a pressure chamber 64b. The fitting convex portion 64a is a portion that protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface over the entire inner peripheral surface. The fitting convex part 64a is provided in one place up and down. The upper fitting convex portion 64 a is fitted in the fitting concave portion 51 a of the first member 51, and the lower fitting convex portion 64 a is fitted in the fitting concave portion 52 a of the second member 52.

  The elastic member 64 is fitted to the first member 51 and the second member 52 in a state of being slightly extended in the vertical direction. In other words, the elastic member 64 urges the first member 51 and the second member 52 to come close to each other and comes into contact therewith.

  The pressure chamber 64 b is formed by a recess on the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member 64 around the contact portion between the first member 51 and the second member 52. The inside of the pressure chamber 64b is in a sealed state, and a pipe from the pump 65 is inserted. The pump 65 has a motor 65a, and allows air to flow into the pressure chamber 64b under the control of the ECU 3.

  When selecting the first mode, the ECU 3 instructs the pump 65 to cause air to flow into the pressure chamber 64b. As a result, the pressure in the pressure chamber 64b increases, and the pressure overcomes the urging force of the elastic member 64 to isolate the first member 51 and the second member 52 from each other. That is, the ECU 3 releases the contact state between the first member 51 and the second member 52 by air pressure. Thereby, in the first mode, air intervenes between both members 51 and 52, and vibration is transmitted only to the first member 51 to which the actuator 4 is fixed.

  When selecting the second mode, the ECU 3 instructs the pump 65 to stop the inflow of air and collect the air that has flowed into the pressure chamber 64b. As a result, the first member 51 and the second member 52 come into contact with each other due to the urging force of the elastic member 64. Thereby, vibration is transmitted to both members 51 and 52 in the second mode. The liquid that flows into the pressure chamber may be liquid.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, a modification similar to the second embodiment is possible. For example, the solid vibration transmission member 50 may be the seat frame 7. In this case, the elastic member 64 is installed at each of both end portions of the first member 71.

<Fifth embodiment>
A vehicle sound contour emphasizing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the fifth embodiment, the fixed position of the actuator 4 and the path switching mechanism in the second embodiment are changed, and description of other parts is omitted. FIG. 9 is a view of the first member 51, the second member 52, and the actuator 4 as seen from the side of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the arrangement position of the actuator 4 constitutes a path switching mechanism.

  The actuator 4 is fixed to the lower end portion of the first member 51, and is disposed with a predetermined distance ΔL in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the second member 52. That is, the path switching mechanism is configured such that the actuator 4 is fixed to the first member 51 such that the one end surface of the actuator 4 and the second member 52 are at a predetermined interval ΔL. The first member 51 and the actuator 4 and the second member 52 are not connected.

  In the first mode, the ECU 3 transmits to the actuator 4 a sound signal in which the vibration of the actuator 4 does not contact the second member 52, and in the second mode, the vibration of the actuator 4 causes the second member 52 to vibrate. A sound signal that is a vibration that contacts the actuator 4 is transmitted to the actuator 4. In other words, when selecting the second mode, the ECU 3 transmits to the actuator 4 a sound signal amplified so that the amplitude of the actuator 4 is equal to or greater than the predetermined interval ΔL. Thereby, in the second mode, the vibration of the actuator 4 is transmitted to both the first member 51 and the second member 52. That is, the ECU 3 can switch modes by controlling the amplitude of the actuator 4.

  The fifth embodiment can be modified in the same manner as the second embodiment. For example, the solid vibration transmission member 50 may be the seat frame 7.

  In the second to fifth embodiments, the switching between the first mode and the second mode may be performed by a simple switch mechanism. The present invention includes, for example, a first member 51 to which the actuator 4 is fixed, a second member 52 that is spaced apart from the first member 51, and a switch that connects / disconnects the actuator 4 and the second member 52. (Not shown). When one end of the switch is fixed to the actuator 4, the ECU 3 physically separates the other end of the switch from the second member 52 in the first mode, and disconnects the other end of the switch in the second mode. What is necessary is just to contact the 2nd member 52. Thereby, the mode can be switched.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C: sound contour emphasizing device for vehicles,
2: sound collecting device, 3: ECU, 4: actuator, 5, 7: seat frame,
5a: sub-panel, 50: solid vibration transmission member,
51, 71: first member, 52, 72: second member, 6: transmission control device,
60: Path switching mechanism, 61: Bypass member, 62: Connection mechanism,
63: Subactuator,
64: elastic member, 64b: pressure chamber, 65: pump

Claims (13)

A sound collecting device for collecting sounds;
A signal amplifier that amplifies a sound signal in a predetermined frequency band that is sensitive to hearing among frequencies of sound collected from the sound collection device; and
An actuator for converting the amplified sound signal into a solid propagation vibration;
A solid vibration transmitting member capable of transmitting vibration, wherein the actuator is fixed and disposed in a vehicle interior;
A vehicle sound contour emphasizing device. In claim 1,
A transmission control device for controlling transmission of the solid propagation vibration to the solid vibration transmission member;
The solid vibration transmitting member includes a first member having a near-ear part near the driver's ear position, and a second member having a spaced-apart part spaced from the near-ear part,
The transmission control device includes:
A path switching mechanism that switches between a first mode for transmitting the vibration converted by the actuator only to the first member and a second mode for transmitting the vibration converted by the actuator to the first member and the second member;
A switching control device for controlling the path switching mechanism;
A sound contour emphasizing device for vehicles, further comprising: In claim 2,
The first member and the second member are in contact with the actuator,
The path switching mechanism is configured to connect the actuator and the second member so that the actuator and the second member can be connected to each other, and to transmit the actuator and the second member by the bypass member based on a command from the switching control device. A connection mechanism for connecting / disconnecting, and
The vehicle sound contour emphasizing device, wherein a path length of the bypass member is set to a length that attenuates vibration transmitted to the second member. In claim 2,
The first member and the second member are in contact with the actuator,
The path switching mechanism includes a sub-actuator that is fixed to the second member and converts a sound signal into a solid propagation vibration,
The switching control device, when selecting the first mode, transmits a sound signal corresponding to vibration that attenuates vibration transmitted to the second member to the sub-actuator. Emphasis device. In claim 2,
The actuator is fixed to the first member;
The path switching mechanism includes an elastic member that abuts the first member and the second member by biasing, a pressure chamber provided around a contact portion of the first member and the second member, A pump for flowing gas or liquid into and out of the pressure chamber based on a command of the switching control device,
When the first mode is selected, the switching control device causes a gas or a liquid to flow into the pressure chamber to isolate the first member and the second member from each other. In claim 2,
The path switching mechanism is configured such that the actuator is fixed to the first member such that one end surface and the second member are at a predetermined interval.
When the second control mode is selected, the switching control device transmits to the actuator a sound signal amplified so that the amplitude of the actuator becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined interval. In any one of Claims 2-6,
The switching control device performs frequency analysis on the collected sound, selects either the first mode or the second mode based on the analysis result, and instructs the path switching mechanism. A sound contour enhancement device for a vehicle. In claim 7,
The switching control device selects the second mode when the peak of the frequency of the collected sound is in the conversation sound band, and selects the first mode when the peak is in the emergency vehicle sound band. A vehicle sound contour emphasizing device. In any one of Claims 1-8,
The vehicle sound contour emphasizing device, wherein the first member is disposed at a head position of a driver's seat. In any one of Claims 1-9,
The vehicle sound contour emphasizing device, wherein the solid vibration transmitting member is a seat frame. In any one of Claims 1-9,
The vehicle sound contour emphasizing device, wherein the solid vibration transmitting member is separate from the vehicle frame. In any one of Claims 1-11,
An amplification control device that changes a signal amplification degree of the signal amplifier, the amplification control device according to at least one of a rotational speed of a vehicle drive source, a vehicle speed, an indoor / outdoor noise level, and an occupant state; A sound contour emphasizing device for a vehicle, wherein the signal amplification degree of the signal amplifier is variable. In any one of Claims 1-11,
An amplification control device that changes a signal amplification degree of the signal amplifier, the amplification control device according to at least one of an indoor / outdoor noise level and an occupant state when the hybrid vehicle is driven by a motor; A vehicle sound contour emphasizing device characterized in that the signal amplification degree of the signal amplifier is variable.

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