WO2008117908A1

WO2008117908A1 - Speaker-equipped case for a sound player

Info

Publication number: WO2008117908A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/003408
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kyu-Woong Lee
Original assignee: Paco Electronics Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-03-26
Filing date: 2007-07-13
Publication date: 2008-10-02

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable digital sound device case having a compact speaker attached to the rear surface of a case, which is adapted to receive a portable digital sound device, so that the speaker can act as an external speaker of the portable digital sound device. Even in the case of a portable digital sound device, a separate external speaker needs to be used when, for example, better sound quality is expected or when a number of people are supposed to listen to the same device simultaneously. However, carrying such a separate external speaker degrades the user convenience, because it occupies a large volume and adversely affects the portability and mobility. This problem is solved by providing an external speaker adapted for a portable digital sound device.

Description

Description SPEAKER-EQUIPPED CASE FOR A SOUND PLAYER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a portable digital sound device case, and more particularly to a portable digital sound device case having a compact speaker attached to the rear surface of a case, which is adapted to receive a portable digital sound device, so that the speaker can act as an external speaker of the portable digital sound device. Background Art

[2] Recently, portable digital sound devices are widely used to easily store and play digital sounds (e.g. iPODs, MP3s, MDs, CDPs, PMPs, DMBs, and PDAs).

[3] Such portable digital sound devices generally provide an interface for outputting sounds, and users connect an earset or a headset to the interface.

[4] However, a separate external speaker needs to be used when, for example, better sound quality is expected or when a number of people are supposed to listen to the same device simultaneously.

[5] But carrying such a separate external speaker degrades the user convenience, because it occupies a large amount of space and adversely affects the portability and mobility.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[6] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the present invention provides an external speaker adapted for a portable digital sound device. Technical Solution

[7] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable sound device case equipped with a speaker, including a device mounting unit configured as a case so that a portable digital sound device can be mounted on the case; a sound unit having a housing of a size corresponding to a size of the device mounting unit and ultra-compact speakers contained on both ends of the housing, the sound unit being rotatably coupled to the device mounting unit surface by surface by a rotatable coupling unit formed on a coupling surface of the sound unit, the device mounting unit being coupled to the coupling surface, the device mounting unit having openings formed as through-holes on both ends of the coupling so that the openings are exposed according to a rotation movement and sounds are outputted to a front surface of the device; an elastic unit adapted for torsion, the elastic unit being interposed between the device mounting unit and the sound unit, a first end of the elastic unit being fixed to the coupling surface of the sound unit, and a second surface of the elastic unit being fixed to a coupling surface of the device mounting unit, the sound unit being coupled to the coupling surface; a signal transmission unit fixed to the device mounting unit as a cable for transmitting sound signals from the device to the sound unit, a first end of the signal transmission unit being fixed in such a position that the first end can be connected to an output terminal of the device, and a second end of the signal transmission unit being connected to the sound unit via the rotatable coupling unit; a power on/off unit placed on the coupling surface of the sound unit so as to move up and down by means of elastic force, the power on/off unit being configured as a switch for applying power when moved down and interrupting power when moved up; and a driving adjustment unit formed on the coupling surface of the device mounting unit, the sound unit being coupled to the coupling surface, as a protrusion for moving the power on/off unit downward so that, when the sound unit is rotated and the openings are exposed, the power on/off unit remains moved down and power is supplied to the sound unit.

Advantageous Effects

[8] According to the present invention, a speaker is adapted to be mounted on a case and to interwork with the case so that it can be used as an external speaker of a portable digital sound device. This provides good portability and mobility while guaranteeing excellent sound quality.

Brief Description of the Drawings [9] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a portable digital sound device case according to an embodiment of the present invention; [11] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the portable digital sound device case according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ; [12] FIG. 3 shows the operation of the portable digital sound device case according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ; [13] FIG. 4 shows the operation of internal components of the portable digital sound device case according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ; [14] FIG. 5 shows exemplary use of the portable digital sound device case according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 together with a case;

[15] FIG. 6 shows a stand according to an alternative embodiment; and

[16] FIGs. 7 and 8 show exemplary connection jack location adjusters for changing the location of connection jacks. Mode for the Invention

[17] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[18] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a portable digital sound device case according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the portable digital sound device case according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The portable digital sound device case includes a sound unit 10 configured as an external speaker for playing sound signals and outputting them to the outside; a device mounting unit 20 configured as a case for receiving and protecting a device A, the first surface of the device mounting unit 20 being coupled to the sound unit 10 and the second surface being adapted to receive the device A; a rotatable coupling unit 30 placed on the coupling surface of the sound unit 10 as a coupler rotatably coupled to the device mounting unit 20; a signal transmission unit 40 configured as a cable for transmitting sound signals outputted from the device A to the sound unit 10; and an elastic unit 50 interposed between the coupling surfaces of the sound unit 10 and the device mounting device 20 as an elastic body adapted for torsion so that the sound unit 10 can rotate by means of elastic restoration force.

[19] The sound unit 10 includes a housing of a size corresponding to that of the device A and an ultra-compact speaker contained in the housing to play sound signals. As such, the sound unit 10 acts as a portable speaker. The sound unit 10 has an opening 101 extending through a portion of the housing, which corresponds to the speaker, so that played sounds can be emitted. The opening may have various shapes (e.g. ripple pattern, waterdrop pattern) for aesthetic appearance.

[20] The opening 101 is formed on the coupling surface of the sound unit 10, which contacts the device mounting unit 20. Therefore, the opening 101 remains hidden when the sound unit 10 overlaps the device A in the same direction and is exposed to the outside together with both ends of the sound unit when the user rotates the sound unit 10 to use the speaker, as shown in FIG. 3, so that sounds can be outputted toward the front surface of the portable digital sound device.

[21] If two speakers are installed on both ends of the inside the sound unit, they implement a stereo function and improve the sound quality.

[22] FIG. 4 shows the operation of internal components when the sound unit rotates.

[23] The sound unit is adapted to repeat rotating at a right angle for driving and returning to the original position. In order to limit the movement range, the sound unit 10 has a limiter 102 formed as a protrusion protruding from the coupling surface, which contacts the device mounting unit 20. The limiter 102 has a guide 201 obtained by denting the surface of the device mounting unit 20, to which the sound unit 10 is coupled, as a recess in a circular arc so as to receive the limiter 102.

[24] As such, the guide 201 is configured as a recess with a limited length and has steps on both ends so as to control the movement range of the limiter 102, i.e. it moves only within the recess of the guide unit 201.

[25] The repeated operation of the sound unit 10 is implemented by interposing an elastic unit 50 between the sound unit 10 and the device mounting unit 20 as an elastic body adapted for torsion. Particularly, the first end of the elastic unit 50 is fixed to the coupling surface of the sound unit, and the second end of the elastic unit 50 is fixed to the surface of the device mounting unit, to which the sound unit is coupled, so that the user gets a better impression when operating it and that the condition after a location change can be maintained.

[26] According to an exemplary method for fixing the elastic unit 50 shown in the drawing, one end of the elastic unit is fixedly wound around a first elastic support 105, which is formed on the coupling surface of the sound unit as a protrusion, and the other end is fixedly wound around a second elastic support 205, which is formed on the surface of the device mounting unit to which the sound unit is coupled.

[27] Those skilled in the art can easily understand that the detailed method for fixing the elastic body is not limited in any manner according to the present invention, and can be modified as desired.

[28] Preferably, the device mounting unit 20 has an elastic guide 202 obtained by denting its surface, to which the sound unit 10 is coupled, as a guide space for receiving the elastic unit so as to ensure the accurate operation of the elastic unit 50 and limit the operation range.

[29] A power on/off unit 104 is configured as a switch for applying power to the sound unit 10. The power on/off unit 104 is placed on the coupling surface of the sound unit while being able to move up and down by means of elastic force.

[30] The power on/off unit 104 interrupts power when moved up, and it applies power when moved down by external force. As such, the power on/off unit guarantees that power is automatically applied as the sound unit rotates.

[31] Particularly, the power on/off unit 140 is positioned in such a manner that, when the sound unit 10 rotates and stops at a right angle relative to the device mounting unit, the power on/off unit 104 can contact a driving adjuster 203, which is formed on the surface of the device mounting unit 20, to which the sound unit is coupled, as a protrusion. When the power on/off unit 204 contacts the driving adjuster 203 and moves down, it connects the power circuit and applies power.

[32] When the sound unit returns to the original position, the driving adjuster 203 no longer presses the power on/off unit 104, which then moves up again by means of elastic force and interrupts power. [33] Preferably, the device mounting unit 20 further includes a stand 204 with a rotatable end, as shown in FIG. 5, so that the device can stand upright.

[34] The stand 204 has an internal rotatable body 207 on an end while being slanted at an angle. This means that, when the stand 204 rotates about the internal rotatable body 207, it has a slope corresponding to that angle (e.g. 3.5°) relative to the body. As a result, the device can be erected more stably.

[35] Preferably, the device mounting unit 20 includes a cover 206 adapted to cover the device A after it is seated, so that the device A can be protected and the stand 204 can be introduced easily. However, the cover 206 is an optional component, and may be omitted.

[36] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment, wherein the device A has a larger size and a stand 204 is provided to lift the lower end of the device mounting unit outward.

[37] As such, the detailed construction of the stand 204 is not limited in any manner according to the present invention, and those skilled in the art can easily modify it according to the design requirement or device type.

[38] In addition, the sound unit 10 is mounted on the lower part of the device mounting unit 20 so as to overlap it and, when the speaker is driven, the sound unit 10 rotates and forms a cross together with the device mounting unit. Although the crossing occurs on the upper portion of the device as shown in FIG. 5 or 6, the crossing point may be variously modified according to device characteristics or design requirements (e.g. it may occur on the central or lower portion of the device).

[39] Any type of rotatable coupling unit 30 may be adopted as long as it rotatably couples the sound unit 10 to the device mounting unit 20. For example, the rotatable coupling unit 30 is shaped as a rotatable disk adapted to be coupled to a rotatable body 30a, which is formed on the coupling surface of the sound unit, as shown in the drawing.

[40] A signal transmission unit 40 is fixed to the device mounting unit 20 to transmit sound signals from the device A to the sound unit. The signal transmission unit 40 has a connection jack positioned on one end and fixed in a position so that it can be coupled to the device A. The other end of the signal transmission unit 40 is connected to the sound unit via the rotatable coupling unit 30 so that sound signals from the device A can be stably transmitted to the sound unit without being affected by the rotation movement of the sound unit.

[41] FIGs. 7 and 8 show processes for changing the location of the connection jack 208, which is fixed to the device mounting unit 20 to transmit signals to the device A. It is generally known in the relevant field that, if the device A has a different version and the location of the connection jack is changed, the case cannot be used without modification even if other portions have the same shape. [42] Therefore, a connection jack location adjuster is additionally placed on the lower portion of the connection jack, which is connected to the internal rotatable body 207, more particularly, which is installed on the connection end of the signal transmission unit near the device output terminal so as to be inserted into the output terminal of the device. This guarantees that, if the location of the connection jack is solely modified, the same case can be used without modification (i.e. dual-mode case is provided).

[43] This can be implemented by, for example, placing a circular connection jack location adjuster 209 on the internal rotatable body 207, as shown in FIGs. 7 and 8, so that the connection jack 208 can change its location between those shown in FIGs. 7 and 8.

[44] FIGs. 7 and 8a show the changing location of the connection from below, FIG. 8b shows the front view of horizontal movement of the connection jack, and FIG. 8c shows application and driving of the connection jack location adjuster.

[45] The connection jack location adjuster 209 is configured as a circular rotatable body, and includes a location adjustment lever 209a, a movement limiter 209b, and a stepped portion 209c. The movement limiter 209b is adapted to rotate between necessary connection jack locations. The stepped portion 209c corresponds to the movement limiter 209b.

[46] If the connection jack location adjuster 209 is rotated by using the location adjustment lever 209a, the connection jack 208 rotates within the range defined by the movement limiter 209b and changes the location of the connection jack 208.

[47] Although several exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] A portable sound device case equipped with a speaker, comprising: a device mounting unit configured as a case so that a portable digital sound device can be mounted on the case; a sound unit having a housing of a size corresponding to a size of the device mounting unit and ultra-compact speakers contained on both ends of the housing, the sound unit being rotatably coupled to the device mounting unit surface by surface by a rotatable coupling unit formed on a coupling surface of the sound unit, the device mounting unit being coupled to the coupling surface, the sound unit having openings formed as through-holes on both ends of the coupling so that the openings are exposed according to a rotation movement and sounds are outputted to a front surface of the device; an elastic unit adapted for torsion, the elastic unit being interposed between the device mounting unit and the sound unit, a first end of the elastic unit being fixed to the coupling surface of the sound unit, and a second surface of the elastic unit being fixed to a coupling surface of the device mounting unit, the sound unit being coupled to the coupling surface; a signal transmission unit fixed to the device mounting unit as a cable for transmitting sound signals from the device to the sound unit, a first end of the signal transmission unit being fixed in such a position that the first end can be connected to an output terminal of the device, and a second end of the signal transmission unit being connected to the sound unit via the rotatable coupling unit; a power on/off unit placed on the coupling surface of the sound unit so as to move up and down by means of elastic force, the power on/off unit being configured as a switch for applying power when moved down and interrupting power when moved up; and a driving adjustment unit formed on the coupling surface of the device mounting unit, the sound unit being coupled to the coupling surface, as a protrusion for moving the power on/off unit downward so that, when the sound unit is rotated and the openings are exposed, the power on/off unit remains moved down and power is supplied to the sound unit.

[2] The portable sound device case as claimed in claim 1, the sound unit further comprises a limiter formed on the coupling surface as a protrusion for limiting a movement range during rotation, and the device mounting unit further comprises a guide formed by denting the coupling surface, the sound unit being coupled to the coupling surface, in a circular arc shape as a recess for receiving the limiter.

[3] The portable sound device case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device mounting unit further comprises an elastic guide formed by denting the coupling surface, the sound unit being coupled to the coupling surface, as a space for receiving the limiter.

[4] The portable sound device case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sound unit comprises a first elastic support formed on the coupling surface as a protrusion so that the first end of the elastic unit can be fixed, the device mounting unit comprises a second elastic support formed on the coupling surface, the sound unit being coupled to the coupling surface, as a protrusion so that the second end of the elastic unit can be fixed, and both ends of the elastic unit are fixedly wound around the elastic supports.

[5] The portable sound device case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device mounting unit further comprises a stand having a rotatable end.

[6] The portable sound device case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device mounting unit further comprises a cover connected to a side of a device mounting surface so that the device mounting surface can be opened/closed.

[7] The portable sound device case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal transmission unit has a connection jack placed on an end connected to an output terminal of the device, the connection jack being inserted into the output terminal of the device, and a connection jack location adjuster coupled to a lower part of the connection jack so that the connection jack can change a location.

[8] The portable sound device case as claimed in claim 7, wherein the connection jack location adjuster is configured as a circular rotatable body coupled to an internal rotatable body (207), and the connection jack location adjuster comprises a location adjustment lever (209a), a movement limiter (209b), and a stepped portion (209c) so that rotation is possible within a range defined by the movement limiter (209b).