WO2019073401A1

WO2019073401A1 - Electric lighting and loudspeaker device

Info

Publication number: WO2019073401A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/057843
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrea CINCOTTO
Original assignee: Cincotto Andrea
Priority date: 2017-10-12
Filing date: 2018-10-10
Publication date: 2019-04-18
Also published as: IT201700114954A1

Abstract

There is disclosed herein an electric lighting and loudspeaker device comprising a container, which is adapted to also act as a heat sink, and contains at least one acoustic actuator and at least one LED which are separately coupled to a heat sink for dissipating the generated heat to the outside environment.

Description

ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND LOUDSPEAKER DEVICE

Description

There is disclosed herein an electric lighting and loudspeaker device.

Devices are known for diffusing both sound and light.

Namely, devices are known in which sound and light are diffused by means of a transparent panel, illuminated by LEDs and vibrated by one or more acoustic actuators, usually magnetodynamic acoustic actuators.

US 8,042, 961 (Massara) discloses a device which comprises: a housing, a plurality of LEDs in the housing, and a transparent panel placed on one mouth of the housing, vibrated by an acoustic actuator, from which the light generated by the LEDs is emitted.

The housing of the device has holes for natural ventilation and hence dissipation of the heat generated by the LEDs and the acoustic actuator.

US 2003/0052613A1 (Kolpasky) discloses a speaker whose sound is produced by a vibrating panel, which is vibrated by an acoustic actuator.

The acoustic actuator has one part attached to the housing of the speaker, and the other part is connected, via a drive rod, to the vibrating panel.

A lighting device is placed in the speaker and the vibrating panel allows the passage of light.

WO 2016/135517 (Cook, et al.) discloses a few examples of devices that comprise a single magnetodynamic loudspeaker and one or more LED lighting devices.

A common feature of the various embodiments as disclosed in WO 2016/135517 is that the central dome of the loudspeaker (also known as "dust cap") that covers the central opening of the speaker diaphragm, is replaced by a LED lighting device, which may be a single LED or a LED matrix.

The LED device on the acoustic axis of the loudspeaker is cooled using the magnetic circuit of the loudspeaker driver.

Namely, the LED device is thermally coupled to the free end of the central element of the magnetic circuit (so-called "pole" or "polar piece") which also acts as a guide for the moving coil of the loudspeaker driver. Therefore, the end opposite to the free end of the pole piece of the magnetic circuit is coupled to a heat sink (which may also act as an enclosure of the device) or even form ope piece with such heat sink

In certain variants of the Cork device, the pole piece may have a hollow may be interiorly hollow to contain a generally identified "heat pipe" through which the heat generated by th LED device flows out.

US 2013/016864 (Ivey Loyd) discloses certain embodiments of a lighting and loudspeaker device.

In one of these embodiments, the device (Figures 5 and 6) comprises a container for the LEDS; the container being closed by a transparent or translucent panel, allowing the passage of the light generated by the LEDs.

Two or more acoustic actuators are placed in the chamber, on the panel, for vibrating the panel. Prior art embodiments still suffer from various drawbacks.

For example, in the prior art as disclosed in US 8,042,961 or US 2003/0052613 Al, the audio signal playback quality is pour, sound power is limited and also luminous light power is limited.

The devices as disclosed in WO 2016/135517 cannot provide high luminous powers and/or high sound powers.

The device as shown in Figures 5 and 6 of US 2013/016864 has low sound power and luminous power; furthermore, the quality of the sound signal generated is poor.

Also, the various prior art devices are expensive and prone to failure and malfunctioning.

The object of this invention is to obviate at least some of prior art problems and particularly the ones as mentioned hereinbefore.

This object is fulfilled by means of devices according to the description and the accompanying drawings.

Certain possible embodiments of a loudspeaker and lighting device will be now described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of a lighting and loudspeaker device of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of a lighting and loudspeaker device of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a third embodiment of a lighting and loudspeaker device of the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a lighting and loudspeaker device of the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a lighting and loudspeaker device of the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a lighting and loudspeaker device of the invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a lighting and loudspeaker device of the invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a lighting and loudspeaker device of the invention;

Figure 9 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a ninth embodiment of a lighting and loudspeaker device of the invention;

Referring to the drawings, numeral 1 generally designates a lighting and loudspeaker device.

The device 1 comprises a body 2 and a panel 3, which is mechanically connected to the body 2. The body 2 and the panel 3 define a chamber 7.

In the illustrated example, the body 2 is configured to define the chamber 7, that is open to the outside, and the panel 3 is in such a position as to close the chamber 7 to the outside environment.

The panel 3 may be approximately placed at the top of the opening of the chamber 7 (see Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9) or inside the chamber 7 (Figure 5).

The panel 3 is mechanically connected to the support structure 2 and has a first side, or inner side 31, facing the chamber 7, and a second side, or outer side 32, opposite to the first side 31.

In the illustrated examples,the panel 3 may be a substantially and/or generally plate-like element, extending on a plane, with an outer edge defined by a closed broken line or a closed curve.

In the illustrated examples, the panel 3 has a quadrangular or round shape.

Such arrangements are not binding and other geometric arrangements may be provided.

In the illustrated examples the surface of the panel 3 is a continuous surface, without openings. In all the embodiments as disclosed herein, the panel 3 allows the passage of light and is also designed to act as a vibrating diaphragm to convert mechanical vibrations into sound waves.

Thus, in terms of optical properties, the panel 3 must be substantially and/or generally transparent and/or translucent.

As used herein, the term substantially and/or generally transparent and/or translucent encompasses the panels whose transmittance T, i.e. is the ratio of the luminous intensity output of the panel 3 to the incident luminous intensity is greater than 0.6.

From a mechanical point of view the panel 3 has a small thickness and is formed with a low density material.

The material that is used to make the panel 3 may be, for example: methacrylate, polypropylene, cellular polypropylene, ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), polyethylene terephthalate, graphene, crystal polystyrene or polycarbonate.

The average thickness of the panel 3 depends on the material in use.

For example, using cellular polypropylene, the average thickness of the panel 3 may range from 1.5 mm to 5 mm, and preferably from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm

The device 1 comprises at least one electric light source 4, placed within the chamber 7, which is rigidly joined to the body 2.

Therefore, the body 2 also acts as a support structure for the electric light sources 4 within the chamber 7 .

In the illustrated examples, the electric light source 4 may be a conventional LED or a conventional LED matrix.

The term "electric light source" may also encompass other arrangements, such as SMD LEDs, COB (Chip On Board) LEDs and OLEDs.

Each electric light source 4 is optically connected to the panel 3, such that the light emitted by the light source 4, or at least part of it, will be emitted from the panel 3.

The light generated by the electric light source 4 in the chamber 7 may reach the panel 3 directly and/or by reflection and/or diffusion and/or refraction.

In the illustrated embodiments, the panel 3 has no openings or holes. The device 1 also comprises at least one acoustic actuator 5 (also known in the art as "sound actuator" or "exciter"), which has the purpose to transduce an electric audio signal into a mechanical vibration and to thereby vibrate the panel 3.

Thus, the panel 3 will transduce the mechanical vibrations generated by the or each acoustic actuator 5 into sound waves.

The acoustic actuator 5 may be, for example, a conventional magnetodynamic transducer such as those available from Dayton Audio, US, advertised in the website www . davtonaudio .com .

Each acoustic actuator 5 has a longitudinal axis X and comprises a stationary first part 51 and a moving second part 52, which is adapted to move relative to the stationary portion 51 along the longitudinal axis X.

The stationary part 51 and the moving part 52 are coaxial with the longitudinal axis X.

The moving part 52 of each acoustic actuator 5 is rigidly joined to the panel 3, to be able to vibrate the panel 3.

In the illustrated embodiments the stationary part 51, of each acoustic actuator 5, is rigidly joined to the body 2.

This arrangement provides a wider frequency range and an audio signal free of any spurious component, thereby improving the quality of the sound signal obtained.

Furthermore, this arrangement improves reliability of the device 1 with time, thereby avoiding malfunctioning and failures.

Assume, for example that the electric connection contacts of the actuator 5 are placed on the stationary part 51 and therefore the stationary part 51 is subjected to vibration.

If a single acoustic actuator 5 is used, it should be preferably mounted in a central position relative to the panel 3, for improved sound playback.

In the embodiment of Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the device 1 includes a plurality of acoustic actuators 5, 5 (for example two acoustic actuators).

If multiple acoustic actuators 5 are provided, these shall be in phase with one another.

The choice of using acoustic actuators 5 instead of conventional loudspeakers, involves several advantages. For example, with devices 1 of the same size, the sound power and the acoustic efficiency of the device 1 may be increased by increasing the number of the acoustic actuators in the chamber 7.

A further advantage obtained with the use of acoustic actuators instead of speakers is to minimize the size of the device 1.

A further advantage obtained with the use of acoustic actuators is to maximize the inner volume of the chamber 7, which acts as an acoustic load, to achieve a better frequency response.

Due to the presence of the baskets, speakers have a heavier weight and a greater size than acoustic actuators.

Yet another advantage obtained with the use of acoustic actuators instead of speakers is a higher luminosity, as the absence of the speaker baskets avoids undesired light screening effects.

In the illustrated examples, the chamber 7 of the device 1 has a closed chamber, to thereby operate as an acoustic load.

This will avoid or at least reduce acoustic short circuits to improve the acoustic performances of the device.

In certain embodiments (not shown), the chamber 7 can communicate with the outside through a pipe (not shown), thereby providing a "Bass Reflex" or "Transmission Line" acoustic load.

Furthermore, the chamber 7 may be coupled to an additional closed or partially closed volume by forming slots in the body 2 (not shown).

The additional volume extends the low frequency response.

The fact that the chamber 7 is a closed chamber also entails improved dust and moisture protection for the device 1.

In the illustrated embodiments the device 1 has such a construction that the light sources 4 will not contact the panel 3.

This prevents, or at least reduces the risk that the panel 3 may be subject to deformation or color changes due to the heat radiated by the light sources 4 placed inside the chamber 7.

The nominal distance between the panel 3 and the electric light sources 4 is chosen by accounting for the power of the LEDs 4 as well as the displacement of the panel 3 toward the light source 4 due to the vibrations generated by the acoustic actuators 5. In all the illustrated embodiments the device 1 also comprises at least one heat sink 2, 21 which is thermally coupled to each electric light source 4 and to each acoustic actuator 5, to dissipate the heat generated in the chamber 7 outside the device 1.

The heat sink 2, 21 may be formed with a highly thermally conductive material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

In all the illustrated embodiments, the electric light sources 4 and the acoustic actuators 5 are separately coupled to the heat sink 2, 21.

Therefore the heat from the electric light sources 4 to the heat sink 2, 21 does not flow through any of the acoustic actuators 5.

Likewise, the heat generated by each acoustic actuator 5 and directed toward the heat sink 2, 21 does not flow through any of the electric light sources 4.

In other words, the heat flows generated by the electric light sources 4 and the acoustic actuators 5 separately reach the heat sink 2, 21.

With this arrangement, the heat generated by the electric light sources 4 and of the acoustic actuators 5 is more effectively dissipated.

This arrangement avoids the risk that the heat generated by the electric light sources 4 may disturb the operation of the acoustic actuators 5 and vice versa.

Particularly, this arrangement avoids the drawbacks of the prior art techniques in which heat dissipation is hindered by the fact that the heat generated by LED devices is forced to flow through the magnetic circuit and/or the magnet of magnetodynamic devices, i.e. components with poor thermal conductivity.

The magnetic circuit of a driver of an acoustic actuator or a speaker must be formed with a material having a high relative magnetic permeability (typically μ/μ_0Γ > 100) such as, for example, soft iron.

However, materials with a high magnetic permeability have a poor thermal conductivity (for example soft iron, which is commonly used in the manufacture of the drivers of magnetodynamic loudspeakers and o magnetodynamic acoustic actuators, has a thermal conductivity of about 73 W/m°C).

The materials used to manufacture permanent magnets for loudspeakers or acoustic actuators also have a poor thermal conductivity. In short, by separately coupling the LED light sources 4 and the acoustic actuators 5 to the heat sink 2, 21, the luminous and acoustic powers of the device 1 without causing overheating of the light sources 4 and of the acoustic actuators 5, thereby avoiding all the problems due to an excessive temperature increase.

It shall be noted that the efficiency of the magnetodynamic acoustic actuators 5 (as well as the efficiency of the drivers of the magnetodynamic loudspeakers) decreases as their temperature increases.

Furthermore, an increase of the temperature of the acoustic actuators entails a reduction in the maximum electric power applied at their input.

Moreover, in case of an excessive increase of the temperature of the acoustic actuators, the acoustic transduction efficiency decreases, possibly leading to demagnetization of the permanent magnets.

It shall be further appreciated that the LEDs 4 are devices that, in case of overheating, may be subject to early degradation, in terms of duration or variation of the wavelength corresponding to the emitted light, or even to irreversible failures.

The coupling between the electric light sources 4 and the heat sink 2, 21 and between the acoustic actuators 5 and the heat sink 2, 21 may take place with the interposition of conventional materials for improving thermal coupling such as thermal grease or thermally conductive silicone.

Preferably the heat sink 2, 21 has such a size that the average operating temperature of the LEDs 4 and of the acoustic actuators 5 remains below a value of 50°C (assuming that the device 1 is placed in an environment with a temperature not exceeding 25 °C).

In other variants, not shown, the heat sink 2, 21 may be also used to cool any electronic circuits possibly accommodated in the chamber 7, e.g. electronic circuits designed to operate the light source (such as LED drivers or wireless controls for turning the light on and off) or to manage the audio part (for example, a wireless receiver and/or an audio amplifier) or circuit architectures that can use the light source 4 as a Li-Fi transmitter or photosensitive receivers capable of detecting Li-Fi transmission from the light source 4.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 1 may be manufactured at least partially using commercially available components.

Particularly, the LED devices 4 and the acoustic actuators 5 that are used to manufacture the device 1 are standard commercially available components, that require no change or adaptation. This is a significant advantage as compared with the prior art techniques that use non-standardized components, such as ad hoc speakers.

In certain embodiments (Figs. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9) the body 2 of the device 1 itself acts as a heat sink 2.

In this case the body 2 of the device 1 is made of a material that is able to promote heat dissipation, for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

In other embodiments (Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6) the heat sink comprises an element 21, which is separate and distinct from the body 2, but rigidly joined to the latter.

In these cases the body 2 can still be made of metal (such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy) to contribute, albeit to a reduced extent, to heat dissipation with the heat sink 21.

In certain embodiments, the body 2 may act as a thermal bridge between the acoustic actuators 5 and/or the LEDs 4, placed in the chamber 7, and the heat sink 21, which is separate from the support structure 2 (Fig. 4).

In order to maximize dissipation of the heat generated by the LEDs 4 and the acoustic actuators 5, the outer surface 25 of the heat sink 2, 21, or at least part of it, may be suitably shaped to increase the convection heat transfer surface.

In the embodiments as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9, the acoustic actuators are placed in the chamber 7.

The stationary part 51 of the actuator 5 may be thermally coupled to the body 2 which also acts as a heat sink (see Figs. 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9) or may be thermally coupled to a heat sink 21 that is separate from the body 2 (see Figs. 3, 5 and 6).

The moving part 52 of the acoustic actuator 5 is mechanically connected to the panel 3, namely to at least one contact area located to the inner side 31 of the panel 3.

The moving part 52 of the acoustic actuator 5 and the contact area of the inner side 31 of the substantially and/or generally plate-like element 3 may be fixed together, for example, by means of adhesives.

The moving part 52 of the acoustic actuator 5 may be joined to the generally plate-like element 3 directly (e.g. by means of an adhesive) or with the interposition of a connecting rod 53 (between the moving part 52 of the acoustic actuator 5 and the inner side 31 of the panel 1) whose ends are fixed to the moving part 52 of the acoustic actuator 5 and the inner side 31 of the element 3 (see Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

The connecting rod 53 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape or a conical or frustoconical shape with the vertex facing the inner side 31 of the element 3 and the base facing the moving part 52 of the acoustic actuator 5, or may have a layered construction.

For optimized acoustic performance, the connecting rod 53 must both be rigid and have a very light weight.

For more uniform lighting, the connecting rod 53 will be preferably made of transparent or translucent materials.

In certain embodiments, not shown, the connecting rod 53 may have a branched construction, to connect multiple moving parts 52 of corresponding actuators 5 to a same contact area of the inner side 31 of the substantially and/or generally plate-like element 3.

Otherwise, the connecting rod 53 may have a branched construction to connect the moving part 52 of the actuator 5 with multiple contact areas on the inner side 31 of the panel 3.

In a possible embodiment the connecting rods 3 are formed with materials having a low thermal conductivity.

Likewise, the fixation between the moving part 52 of the actuator 53 and the connecting rod 52 on one hand and between the connecting rod 52 and the contact area of the inner side 31 of the substantially and/or generally plate-like element 3 on the other may be obtained, for example, by means of adhesives

In certain cases, screws or clips may be used to facilitate fixation between the connecting rod 53 and the substantially and/or generally plate-like element 3.

Here, lightweight materials may be used, such as plastic or aluminum, and suitable glues or seals may be applied both for ensuring tightness of the container, and to prevent vibration and loosening of the screw.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the stationary part 51 of the acoustic actuators 5 is joined to the support structure 2 by means of second connecting rods 54.

The second connecting rods 54 may be made of a material with a good thermal conductivity to facilitate transfer of the heat generated by the actuator 5 to the body 2 and/or to the heat sink 21. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the acoustic actuators are located outside the chamber 7.

In the embodiments as disclosed herein, the panel 3 may be joined to the support structure 2 by means of a suspension 6 which surrounds the edge of the panel 3.

The suspension 6 may be, for example, a conventional rubber suspension (for example made of silicone rubber) that affords considerable displacement of the panel 3 and an excellent wear resistance, while also providing a high degree of protection against dust and water.

The provision of the suspension 6 improves the acoustic output of the device 1 while increasing compliance to the longitudinal displacement of the acoustic actuator 5 along the axis X.

In all the illustrated embodiments, the inner surface 26 the chamber 7, or at least part of it, may be used as a surface to reflect and/or diffuse the light generated in the chamber 7 by the electric light sources 4.

This results in uniform lighting of the panel 3 and improved luminous efficiency of the device

In the examples of Figures 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 lighting is obtained by means of a plurality of LEDs 4 placed near or on the bottom of the chamber 7 of the container 2 (see Figures 1, 7, 8 and 9).

These embodiments of Figures 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 afford a considerable uniformity of the light radiated through the panel 3.

In the embodiments of Figures 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, the electric light sources 4 are LEDs placed near or on the bottom 68 of the chamber 2 of the body 2 which is suitable to operate as a heat sink.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the electric light sources 4 may be, for example, LEDs arranged on the side walls 69 the chamber 7, proximate to the edge of a transparent panel 67 placed inside the chamber 7 and rigidly joined to the support structure 2.

The transparent panel 67 has the purpose to diffuse the light from the LEDs 4 arranged on the side walls of the container 2, toward the panel 3.

In Figure 2 the transparent panel 67 is spaced apart both from the inner side 31 of the panel 3 and from the bottom 68 of the support structure or container 2.

In the embodiment as shown in Figure 2 an element 62 is placed between the transparent panel 67 and the bottom of the container 2, e.g. a plate 62 having a white or reflective surface, to thereby maximize the brightness of the device 1 while maintaining a high lighting uniformity. In a further embodiment, not shown, the transparent panel 67 directly contacts the bottom 68 of the container 2 or the plate 62.

The element 62 may be omitted if the bottom 68 of the container 2 is white or reflective.

Alternatively, the layer of reflective or white material may be applied directly to the transparent panel 67, on the surface opposite to the one that faces the panel 3.

In the embodiment of Figure 2 at least part 21 of the body 2, at the walls of the container 2, is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity (for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy) to act as a heat sink.

In a variant (not shown) of the embodiment of Figure 2, the acoustic actuator 5 has a stationary part 51 rigidly joined to the transparent panel 67 which is in turn rigidly joined to the support structure 2 and a moving part 52, which is mechanically connected to the panel 3, namely to its inner side 31.

Here, the light source 4 may be located behind the inner side 31 of the panel 3, for example, coaxial with the optical axis of the device 1, to thereby directly illuminate the panel 3.

The arrangements proposed by the inventor afford a reduction of manufacturing costs and provide devices with a high degree of protection against moisture and dust, thereby reducing the risks of failure or malfunctioning.

Namely, the arrangements proposed by the inventor can minimize the size of the device 1, under the same luminous and acoustic power conditions.

Preferably, the portions of the container 2 impinged upon by the largest amount o heat flow have an outer surface with a morphology that increases the heat transfer surface.

In the embodiments of Figures 3, 5 and 6, the light source 4 and the actuators 5 are thermally coupled to the heat sink 21 that is in turn mechanically connected to the support 2.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the light source 4 is thermally coupled to the heat sink 21 whereas the stationary part 51 of the actuators 5 is thermally coupled to the structure 2, which is made of metal.

In the embodiment of Figure 5 the position of the panel 3 and the geometry of the support 2 are chosen in such a manner that one end of the support 2 also acts as a horn.

The embodiment of Figure 5 can improve the acoustic performances of the device 1. In the embodiment of Figure 5 the support 2 has: A container function (for the light sources 4 and for the acoustic actuators 5), a support function (for the panel 3) and a horn function.

In a modified embodiment (not shown) the part that forms the horn can be distinguished from the part used to form the chamber 7.

Here, the horn may be formed with a material other than that used for the container 2, e.g. wood, glass fiber, carbon fiber or a transparent or translucent material.

The inner surface of the container 2 can be optically reflective, when a maximized amount of light produced by the light source 4 should be concentrated on the panel3.

In the embodiments of Figures 3, 4 and 5 and 6 the body 2 may be made of a metal material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, if it is required to contribute to dissipation of the heat generated by the light sources 4 and the acoustic actuators 5.

Conversely, the container 2 may be made of other materials, such as optically transparent or translucent materials.

In the embodiments of Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 a heat sink 21 is also provided, distinct from the support structure 2, for the COB LEDs 4 or LED matrices and for the actuators 5, which also acts as a rear closure of the chamber 7.

In other embodiments similar to those of Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 (not shown), a plurality of LEDs or COBs are mounted to the periphery of the heat sink 21, and one or more actuators 5 are mounted in central part of the heat sink 21, with a corresponding rod 53 connected to the plate-like element 3.

In the embodiment of Figure 6, the acoustic actuators 5 are placed outside the chamber 7 and their stationary part 51 is directly fixed to the heat sink 21.

In this embodiment, the container 2 has openings 27 for the passage of the drive rods 53 which connect the moving part 52 of the actuators 5 with the inner side 31 of the panel 3.

The device of Figure 6 comprises an enclosure 22, here a tubular element, which encloses the support structure or container 2 and protects both the actuators 5 and the associated drive rod 53 and the chamber 7.

The space 77 between the enclosure 22 and the container 2 forms a second chamber or outer chamber 77. In the embodiment of Fig. 7 the support structure 2 has a geometric shape that maximizes the surface available for the LEDs 4.

In the embodiments of Figures 8 and 9 the device 1 can also illuminate on the side facing away from the panel 3.

In the embodiment of Figure 8 light sources 4 (here LEDs) are also provided outside the chamber 7.

In this embodiment of Figure 8 the LEDs placed outside the chamber 7 are fixed on the exterior of the heat sink container 2, 21.

In the embodiment of Figure 9, the LEDs 4 are only provided inside the chamber 7.

In this embodiment optical fibers or light guides 44 are provided, which extend through the wall of the enclosure and heat sink 2, 21 , to thereby direct part of the light emitted by the LEDs 4 on the side facing away from the panel 3.

The device 1 may be fixed to a structure, such as a ceiling or a wall, by means of conventional arrangements such as mounting brackets or hooks.

For this purpose, the body 2 may comprise holes for receiving screws.

The body 2 may have a rotational symmetry (see Figures 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9) or may be a solid of revolution (see Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6).

In the examples of Figures 1, 2, 8 and 9, the body 2 is shaped as a box-like container (for example having a quadrangular base) with a bottom wall 68 and side walls 69.

In the illustrated examples, a single transparent and/or translucent panel 3 is provided..

Other embodiments, not shown, may use, for example, two transparent and/or translucent vibrating panels my be provided, of equal or different sizes, each vibrated by a distinct acoustic actuator.

If the two transparent/translucent plate-like panels 3, 3 have equal sizes and the acoustic actuators have the same characteristics this arrangement will provide a stereophonic lighting device.

If the two transparent/translucent plate-like elements 3, 3 are of different sizes and/or if the acoustic actuators have different characteristics, they can provide a tweeter and a woofer.

A screen or grid ma be applied to the device 1 against vandalism (not shown).

In further embodiments, not shown, the panel 3 is a standalone light element and comprises, for example, a matrix of OLEDs (Organic LED). Of course, the device 1 may be also provided in countless different mechanical embodiments, possibly with the use of light sources 4 having different chromatic properties, or LEDs that reproduce the three primary colors (RGB) to be mixed together to reproduce a large number of chromatic properties.

For example, in other embodiments, not shown, the device 1 may have such a shape and such a size as to be used as a headlight of a motor vehicle, or light sign or a light indicator.

The device 1 may be used to eliminate or at least reduce ambient noise, by acoustic subtraction.

For this purpose a microphone (not shown) may be provided in the space in which the noise has to be reduced.

The microphone transmits the noise to be eliminated to a microprocessor (not shown) which processes data by appropriately dephasing the signal and sending it to the audio amplifier.

Claims

1. An electric lighting and loudspeaker device (1) comprising

a) a body (2),

b) a panel (3),

bl) mechanically connected to said body (2),

b2) wherein said body (2) and said panel (3) define a chamber (7),

b3) which is substantially and/or generally transparent and/or translucent,

b4) has a first side, or inner side (31), and a second side, or outer side (32),

b5) and has no openings,

c) at least one electric light source (4);

cl) which is mechanically connected to said support structure (2),

c2) is located inside said chamber (7),

c3) and is optically connected to said panel (3),

d) at least one acoustic actuator (5), for vibrating said panel (3),

dl) said acoustic actuator comprising a stationary part (51) and a moving part (52) which moves relative to said stationary part, said stationary part (51) being rigidly joined to said body (2), said moving part (52) being rigidly joined to said panel (3),

e) at least one heat sink (2, 21),

e l) said heat sink (2,21) being thermally coupled to said at least one electric light source (4), to dissipate the heat generated by said at least one electric light source (4) inside said chamber (7) outside said device (1),

e2) said heat sink (2, 21) being thermally coupled to said at least one acoustic actuator (5), to dissipate the heat generated by said at least one acoustic actuator (5) inside said chamber (7) outside said device (1),

wherein

said electric light sources (4) do not contact said panel (3),

and wherein said electric light sources (4) and said acoustic actuators (5) are separately coupled to said heat sink

(2, 21).

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said heat sink (2, 21) comprises said body (2) or at least part of it.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said heat sink (21) is an element (21) that is distinct from said body (2).

4. A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said panel (3) is joined to said body (2) by means of a suspension (6).

5. A device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said acoustic actuator (5) is placed inside said chamber (7).

6. A device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said moving part (52) of said at least one acoustic actuator (5) is connected to said panel (3) by means of a rod (53).

7. A device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the stationary part (51) of said

at least one acoustic actuator (5) is connected to said body (2, 21) by means of a second rod (54).

8. A device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a transparent panel (67), located inside said chamber (7) and rigidly joined to said body (2), wherein said light sources (4) are placed around one or more edges of said transparent panel (67).

9. A device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a part of said body (2) has such a shape as to form a horn (24).