Patent Application
20240107210
The present disclosure concerns speaker assemblies. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure concerns a pivoting speaker assembly comprising a compressible ring.
There is a need for speakers such as wall mounted or ceiling mounted speakers to have pivotable or tiltable drivers, so that sound they produce can be directed towards a desired location.
Speakers that provide a user with the ability to tilt or pivot a driver within a casing of the speaker are known in the prior art. Speaker assemblies are known that allow a driver to slide along a track within a speaker casing so that the position of the driver can be changed by the user. Speaker assemblies are known that hold the driver in a socket and allow the driver to be rotated within the socket by keeping it in tension through the use of a plurality of deformable elements such as springs. These pivoting speaker mechanisms can be complex and costly to make and assemble.
There is therefore a need for improved pivoting speaker assemblies, that allow for a driver to be held in tension such that a user can manually pivot the driver while also holding the driver in the orientation desired by the user.
The present disclosure seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present disclosure seeks to provide an improved speaker assembly.
A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a speaker assembly comprising a driver, a clamp, a retainer, and a compressible ring, wherein: the clamp comprises a cavity in which the driver is located, and the retainer is configured to compress the compressible ring against the clamp at a pre-determined compression such that the driver is manually pivotable within the cavity.
A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a speaker assembly, wherein the speaker assembly comprises a driver, a clamp, a retainer and a compressible ring, the method comprising: locating the driver within a cavity of the clamp, and attaching the retainer to the clamp such that the compressible ring is compressed between the retainer and the clamp at a pre-determined compression and the driver is manually pivotable within the cavity.
A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a speaker assembly comprising a driver, a clamp, a bracket, and a single compressible annulus, wherein: the driver is located within the clamp, and the bracket retains the single compressible annulus in a compressed form between the bracket and the clamp such that the driver is manually pivotable within the clamp.
It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present disclosure may be incorporated into other aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the method of the present disclosure may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the present disclosure and vice versa.
Embodiments relate to speaker assembly 100 comprising a driver 120, a clamp 105, a retainer 118 and a compressible ring 116. Clamp 105 comprises a cavity 226 (shown in
A central axis 210 of speaker assembly 100 is represented as a dashed line in
In embodiments, clamp 105 is aligned with compressible ring 116 in the direction of central axis 210. Compressible ring 116 is pressed against a rear facing surface 248 of clamp 105. Rear facing surface 248 is perpendicular to central axis 210. Rear facing surface 248 is annular in shape and centered on central axis 210. Rear facing surface 248 has an inner circumference that is similar to the inner circumference of compressible ring 116. Retainer 118 is aligned with clamp 105 and compressible ring 116 in the direction of central axis 210.
In embodiments, retainer 118 comprises a hook portion 230 that is configured to hook over compressible ring 116 to compress compressible ring 116 against clamp 105 at a pre-determined compression.
In some embodiments, compressible ring 116 comprises a circular cross section, whereas in other embodiments, compressible ring 116 comprises a non-circular cross section such as a square cross section or an oval cross section. In embodiments, front facing surface 244 of hook portion 230 has a complementary shape that allows hook portion 230 to contact a portion of a perimeter of the cross section of compressible ring 116.
In embodiments, compressible ring 116 comprises an o-ring; in such embodiments, compressible ring 116 has a circular cross section in a plane parallel to central axis 210 when not under compression. In embodiments, front facing surface 244 of hook portion 230 has a complementary shape that allows hook portion 230 to contact a portion of a circumference of the cross section of compressible ring 116.
In embodiments, retainer 118 compresses compressible ring 116 against clamp 105 in the direction of central axis 210. Front facing surface 244 of hook portion 230 presses against compressible ring 116. Compressible ring 116 presses against rear facing surface 248 of clamp 105 in the direction of central axis 210.
In embodiments, hook portion 230 is configured to hook over compressible ring 116 around the entire circumference of compressible ring 116. This allows retainer 118 to provide a more uniform compression around compressible ring 116. This helps reduce non-uniform deformation of compressible ring 116. In alternative embodiments, hook portion 230 is configured to hook over compressible ring 116 for one or more portions of the full circumference of compressible ring 116. The circumference of compressible ring 116 is different to a circumference of a cross section of compressible ring 116.
In embodiments, driver 120 comprises a convex outer surface 222 and cavity 226 of clamp 105 comprises a corresponding concave inner surface 224 such that driver 120 remains in contact with clamp 105 when manually pivoted by a user. This allows concave inner surface 224 of clamp 105 to correspond closely to convex outer surface 222 of driver 120. This in turn helps clamp 105 to provide a more uniform compression to convex outer surface 222 of driver 120. This allows convex outer surface 222 of driver 120 to move smoothly over concave inner surface 224 of clamp 105 when manually pivoted, whilst a compressive force on driver 120 from clamp 105 is maintained. This improves the user experience as it helps driver 120 to pivot smoothly within cavity 226 when manually pivoted.
Concave inner surface 224 faces inwards towards central axis 210. Convex outer surface 222 of driver 120 faces outwards, away from central axis 210. Convex outer surface 222 of driver 120 is in contact with concave inner surface 224 of clamp 105. Therefore, a compression force is applied by concave inner surface 224 to convex outer surface 222 of driver 120.
In embodiments, retainer 118 comprises a plurality of protrusions 117 (as shown most clearly in
In embodiments, retainer 118 is attached to clamp 105 at a plurality of attachment points 260 on clamp 105. This allows a compressive force between retainer 118 and clamp 105 to be distributed between a number of attachment points 260, allowing more uniform compression of clamp 105. Retainer 118 comprises a plurality of attachment elements 256. Attachment elements 256 are located on protrusions 117 of retainer 118. Attachment elements 256 attach to attachment points 260 to hold the retainer 118 to the clamp 105. In embodiments, attachment elements 256 on retainer 118 are fixed to attachment points 260 on clamp 105 by a snap-fit or other fixing mechanism. In embodiments, retainer 118 comprises three protrusions 117. Each protrusion 117 has an attachment element 256 located on it. Protrusions 117 are located 120 degrees apart around central axis 210 and are configured to line up with three attachment points 260 located 120 degrees apart around central axis 210 on clamp 105.
In embodiments, convex outer surface 222 of driver 120 comprises a truncated sphere and concave inner surface 224 of clamp 105 comprises a truncated sphere. This helps convex outer surface 222 of driver 120 to move smoothly against concave inner surface 224 of clamp 105. This provides an improved user experience as driver 120 can be manually pivoted smoothly within clamp 105. This helps convex outer surface 222 of driver 120 to slide smoothly over concave inner surface 224 of clamp 105 whilst maintaining full contact with it.
In embodiments, driver 120 is manually pivotable about a point (not shown) on central axis 210 which passes centrally through main opening 228 of speaker assembly 100 through which driver 120 is configured to radiate sound.
In embodiments, compressible ring 116 comprises an elastomeric material. Compressible ring 116 therefore deforms when under compression thus allowing a desired compression to be applied by retainer 118.
In embodiments, during assembly of speaker assembly 100, front clamp portion 304 and rear clamp portion 306 are positioned either side of driver 120 and brought together around driver 120 so that they partially enclose convex outer surface 222. This allows concave inner surface 224 to correspond closely to the shape of convex outer surface 222.
Front clamp portion 304 has a rear facing surface 340 which is perpendicular to central axis 210. Rear clamp portion 306 has a front facing surface 342 which is perpendicular to central axis 210. Rear facing surface 340 is pressed against front facing surface 342. Both front facing surface 342 and rear facing surface 340 are annular and centred on central axis 210.
In embodiments, retainer 118 is attached to front clamp portion 304, and retainer 118 compresses compressible ring 116 against rear clamp portion 306. This allows retainer 118 to hold front clamp portion 304, rear clamp portion 306 and compressible ring 116 together under compression. This allows clamp 105 to provide an appropriate compressive force on either side of driver 120.
In embodiments, retainer 118 is attached to front clamp portion 304 at plurality of attachment points 260. This allows a compressive force between retainer 118 and clamp 105 to be distributed between a number of attachment points, allowing more uniform compression of clamp 105.
In embodiments, clamp 105 has an outer surface 358 that faces outwards from central axis 210. Outer surface 358 is partially covered by retainer 118. Outer surface 358 is convex. Retainer 118 has a shape that compliments outer surface 358, such that retainer 118 wraps closely around outer surface 358.
In embodiments, clamp 105 comprises a front shoulder 434 configured for alignment of retainer 118 in relation to clamp 105. Front shoulder 434 allows retainer 118 to be more easily aligned with clamp 105 during assembly, for example by a snap-fit or other fixing mechanism. In embodiments, front shoulder 434 runs around the full circumference of clamp 105 in a plane perpendicular to central axis 210. In embodiments, front shoulder 434 is made up of multiple elements situated at intervals around the circumference of clamp 105. In embodiments, each element of front shoulder 434 comprises an attachment point 260. In embodiments, front shoulder 434 is made up of three elements that are situated 120 degrees apart about the central axis on clamp 105. In embodiments, plurality of attachment points 260 is formed by front shoulder 434; in such embodiments, attachment point 260 is configured to be attached to attachment element 256 of retainer 118 as shown in
In embodiments, rear clamp portion 306 comprises a plurality of perforations 438. Perforations 438 allow air to pass more freely into and out of the region surrounding driver 120, which helps avoid large pressure changes within driver 120 during use. In embodiments, perforations 438 comprise holes or windows in clamp 105. In embodiments, perforations 438 are located towards the rear of clamp 105. In embodiments, perforations 438 comprise square shaped holes in clamp 105. In embodiments, perforations 438 comprise holes in concave inner surface 224 of clamp 105 that extend through to outer surface 358 of clamp 105. In embodiments, perforations 438 are distributed around the circumference of clamp 105. Convex outer surface 222 of driver 120 is able to slide over a region of concave inner surface 224 where perforations 438 are located.
In embodiments, compressible ring 116 comprises a rectangular cross section. In embodiments, annular groove 432 comprises a rectangular cross section in a plane parallel to central axis 210 that is shaped to allow compressible ring 116 to sit in annular groove 432.
In embodiments, the cross section of annular groove 432 corresponds to the cross section of compressible ring 116, which helps to keep compressible ring 116 positioned within annular groove 432. Annular groove 432 is centred on central axis 210 and extends in a plane perpendicular to central axis 210. Annular groove 432 is aligned with compressible ring 116 in the direction of central axis 210. In embodiments, annular groove 432 comprises a cross-section in a plane parallel to central axis 210 that allows compressible ring 116 to deform under compression.
In embodiments, speaker assembly 100 has a circular shape in plan view. Frame 502 is annular in plan view and forms an outer edge of speaker assembly 100. In embodiments, frame 502 is used to mount speaker assembly 100 into a ceiling recess. In embodiments, frame 502 is used to mount speaker assembly 100 into a wall recess.
Whilst the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.
In alternative embodiments, speaker assembly comprises a driver; a clamp; a bracket; and a single compressible annulus. The driver is located within the clamp. The bracket retains the single compressible annulus in a compressed form between the bracket and the clamp such that the driver is manually pivotable within the clamp. Having a single compressible annulus allows the speaker assembly to be more easily manufactured.
Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present disclosure, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the present disclosure that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the present disclosure, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.
