SPEAKER SYSTEM

Abstract

 A speaker system (10) comprises: a speaker unit (100); a frame (110) to which the speaker unit is attached; and a cover (200) which is disposed at least in a region facing the speaker unit (100) and which is spaced from the speaker unit (100). The cover (200) is formed of pottery or porcelain. A plurality of hole portions (210) are provided in a region of the cover (200) facing the speaker unit (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a speaker system.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, various types of speaker systems are known. Among such speaker systems, a speaker system that can also be used for viewing is also known. For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a speaker system having a speaker unit mounted to a pot made of pottery. In addition, Patent Literature 2 below discloses a speaker system having a speaker unit mounted to a side portion of a spheroidal porcelain.

[0003] In Patent Literatures 1 and 2, a speaker unit is mounted to a side portion of pottery or porcelain having a shape like a pot. That is, the pottery or porcelain serves as a baffle or an enclosure of the speaker unit.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0004] 

Patent Literature 1: JP H6-319187 A

Patent Literature 2: JP 2013-198026 A

Summary

[0005] Baffles for pottery or porcelain speakers may contribute to improved sound quality. However, a sound wave generated by a speaker unit is repeatedly reflected by an inner wall of the pottery or porcelain enclosure, so that unpleasant recoil sound may occur.

[0006] Therefore, a speaker system capable of improving sound quality due to reverberation of pottery or porcelain plate is desired.

[0007] A speaker system according to one aspect comprises a speaker unit, a frame to which the speaker unit is attached, and a cover which is disposed at least in a region facing the speaker unit and which is spaced from the speaker unit. The cover is formed of pottery or porcelain. A plurality of hole portions are provided in a region of the cover facing the speaker unit.

[0008] A cover according to one aspect is a cover attachable to a region facing a speaker unit. The cover is formed of pottery or porcelain. A plurality of hole portions are provided in a region of the cover facing the speaker unit. At least one of a surface of the cover facing the speaker unit and a surface of the cover facing the outside is chamfered and curved at edges of the hole portions.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] 

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a speaker system according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the speaker system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the speaker system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the speaker system according to the first embodiment from which a cover is removed.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the speaker system taken along line 5A-5A in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cover taken along line 6A-6A in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a front view of a speaker system according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a top view of the speaker system according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a front view of a speaker system according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a top view of a pedestal included in the speaker system according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a front view of a speaker system according to a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a front view of a speaker system according to a fifth embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a top view of a speaker system according to a sixth embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the speaker system taken along line 14A-14A in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a front view of the speaker system according to the sixth embodiment in a state where a cover is removed.

Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting member and an elastic member according to the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a frame, a mounting member and a cover according to a seventh embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a partially exploded perspective view for explaining a mounting structure of a frame and a cover according to an eighth embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a partial perspective view for explaining a mounting structure of a frame and a cover according to a ninth embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and ratios of dimensions and the like may be different from actual ones.

(First Embodiment)

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a speaker system according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of the speaker system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a top view of the speaker system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a front view of the speaker system according to the first embodiment from which a cover is removed. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the speaker system taken along line 5A-5A in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cover taken along line 6A-6A in Fig. 1.

[0012] A speaker system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a speaker unit 100, a frame 110 and a cover 200. The speaker unit 100 may have any known configuration.

[0013] As an example, the speaker unit 100 may include, for example, a vibrator 102, a diaphragm 104 and a cone 106. The vibrator 102 may be an element that converts an electric signal (sound signal) into vibration by a combination of a so-called voice coil and a permanent magnet. However, it should be noted that the vibrator 102 is not limited to this configuration. Although not illustrated, the speaker system 100 may include a device, an electric code, or the like for receiving an electric signal (audio signal).

[0014] The diaphragm 104 may be vibratable by an action of the vibrator 102. As the diaphragm 104, any known diaphragm can be used. The cone 106 may typically be conical (more specifically, truncated conical with an open bottom).

[0015] The speaker system 10 may include a plurality of the speaker units 100 described above. In this case, the plurality of speaker units 100 may be mounted to a same frame 110 described later. By changing a frequency band suitable for each speaker unit 100, an audible frequency band of the entire speaker system 10 can be widened.

[0016] The frame 110 may be made of, for example, wood. The frame 110 has a plate to which the speaker unit 100 is mounted. The frame 110 may preferably constitute a box-shaped enclosure. In a case where the frame 110 is a box-shaped enclosure, sound quality in a lower frequency range can be improved. The enclosure is not particularly limited, but may be a so-called sealed type, a bass reflex type, or the like. Note that the enclosure does not need to be completely sealed, and may have a through hole (not illustrated).

[0017] The frame 110 is preferably made of wood. In particular, the frame 110 more preferably constitutes a wooden enclosure. As a result, the speaker system 10 can emit warm and stable sound with suppressed excessive reflection (resonance) of sound waves inside the enclosure. In particular, by a combination of pottery or porcelain (cover 200) and wood (frame 110), it is possible to suppress unpleasant recoil sound due to repeated reflection while maintaining a reverberating sound specific to pottery or porcelain.

[0018]  The cover 200 is provided at least in a region facing the speaker unit 100 at an interval SP from the speaker unit 100. The cover 200 is more preferably provided at an interval SP from the frame 110 to which the speaker unit 100 is mounted.

[0019] The cover 200 is formed of pottery or porcelain. Furthermore, a plurality of hole portions 210 is provided in a region of the cover 200 facing the speaker unit 100. Note that the hole portions 210 are indicated by a gray or black area in Figs. 1, 2, 7, and 9. The plurality of hole portions 210 is directly provided in a wall made of pottery or porcelain. That is, the wall around the hole portions 210 is formed of pottery or porcelain. A thickness of the pottery or porcelain constituting the cover 200 may be, for example, about 0.5 mm to 2.0 cm. For example, by setting a thickness of the cover 200 to 0.5 mm or more, the cover 200 can withstand its own weight and is less likely to be distorted during firing.

[0020] In addition, the cover 200 may be integrally formed of pottery or porcelain. That is, the cover 200 itself may be formed seamlessly. In this case, the plurality of hole portions 210 is formed directly in the seamless wall made of pottery or porcelain.

[0021] A sound wave emitted from the speaker unit 100 vibrates the cover 200 formed of pottery or porcelain. As a result, the speaker system 10 can emit a pleasant tone specific to pottery or porcelain. On the other hand, since the plurality of hole portions 210 is provided in the region of the cover 200 facing the speaker unit 100, the sound wave is not excessively and repeatedly reflected by the cover 200 made of pottery or porcelain, so that generation of harsh recoil sound can be suppressed.

[0022] From the viewpoint of suppressing unpleasant recoil sound, in the region of the cover 200 facing the speaker unit 100, an aperture ratio defined by the plurality of hole portions 210 may be, for example, in a range of 20% to 800, and preferably in a range of 30% to 70%. The plurality of hole portions 210 formed in pottery or porcelain can be formed by, for example, a carving method called openwork related to pottery or porcelain wares. Here, the aperture ratio is defined by a total area of the hole portions 210 formed in the region of the cover 200 with respect to an area of the region overlapping the speaker unit 100 when viewed from a direction facing the speaker unit 100.

[0023]  Furthermore, an area S (hereinafter may be referred to as a "hole forming region") where the plurality of hole portions 210 is provided is larger than an area of the speaker unit 100 when viewed from the direction facing the speaker unit 100. Therefore, some (typically a large number) of the plurality of hole portions 210 are provided in a region overlapping the speaker unit 100 when viewed from the direction facing the speaker unit 100, but the remaining some of the plurality of hole portions 210 are provided in a region not overlapping the speaker unit 100 when viewed from the direction facing the speaker unit 100. Therefore, the plurality of hole portions 210 may be provided over an area overlapping the speaker unit 100 and an area not overlapping the speaker unit 100 when viewed from a direction facing the speaker unit 100. Note that the direction facing the speaker unit 100 may be a direction along the X axis in the drawing. When the diaphragm 104 has the above-described cone shape, the facing direction may be a direction along the center axis of the cone.

[0024] As described above, when the plurality of hole forming regions S is larger than the region of the speaker unit 100, a sound wave emitted from the diaphragm 104 passes through the cover 200 and is likely to be effectively transmitted to the outside.

[0025] Furthermore, a total area of the plurality of hole portions 210 viewed from the direction facing the speaker unit 100 is preferably equal to or larger than an area of the diaphragm 104 viewed from the direction facing the speaker unit 100. For example, a total area of the plurality of hole portions 210 viewed from the direction facing speaker unit 100 is more preferably in a range of 1.0 to 2.0 times the area of diaphragm 104 viewed from the direction facing speaker unit 100, and still more preferably in a range of 1.2 to 1.8 times the area of diaphragm 104. The diaphragm 104 acts to vibrate (compress and expand) the air by vibration. In order for the vibrated air (sound wave) to effectively transmit vibration from the plurality of hole portions 210 to the outside, a total area of the hole portions 210 is preferably in the above-described range. Here, in a case where a plurality of speaker units 100 is provided, it is preferable that the relationship between the area of the diaphragm 104 and the total area of the plurality of hole portions 210 is satisfied for each speaker unit 100.

[0026] Furthermore, a minimum distance between the speaker unit 100 and the plurality of hole portions 210 may be, for example, 5 cm or less, and preferably 4 cm or less, such that a sound wave emitted from the diaphragm 104 is easily transmitted from the cover 200 to the outside.

[0027] Preferably, the frame 110 is made of wood, and the cover 200 is made of pottery or porcelain. In addition, the cover 200 is disposed so as to face the frame 110 around speaker unit 100 and the speaker unit 100, and a space SP is formed between the cover 200 and the frame 110. As a result, it is configured that a sound wave emitted by the speaker unit 100 is transmitted to the outside from the plurality of hole portions 210 through the space SP between the frame 110 and the cover 200. That is, a sound wave is transmitted to the outside via the space SP surrounded by wood and pottery or porcelain. As described above, by causing a sound wave to pass through the space SP formed by a combination of pottery or porcelain (the cover 200) and wood (the frame 110), it is possible to suppress unpleasant recoil sound due to repeated reflection by the wood while maintaining a pleasant reverberating sound specific to pottery or porcelain, which can provide a speaker system having comfortable sound quality for the viewer. In particular, the space SP surrounded by wood and pottery or porcelain makes it possible to create an atmosphere like listening to music in a Renaissance-style church using marble.

[0028] In addition, as described above, when the cover 200 is integrally formed seamlessly of pottery or porcelain, it is possible to prevent abnormal noise caused by a collision between pottery or porcelain at a joint due to vibration.

[0029] A size of the maximum diameter of each of the hole portions 210 is, for example, 3 cm or less, preferably 2 cm or less. As a result, the cover 200 has a large number of small holes. By reducing the size of each of the hole portions 210, foreign matters such as dust and dirt are less likely to enter the inside of the cover 200. In addition, by reducing the size of each of the hole portions 210, it becomes difficult for the speaker unit 100 to be visually recognized from the outside, and the design of the speaker system 10 can be improved. For example, in a case where decoration such as a pattern is applied to the cover 200 formed of pottery or porcelain, the plurality of hole portions 210 can also be recognized as a part of the decoration, which allows the design of the entire speaker system 10 to be improved.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the hole forming region S is provided for each speaker unit 100. It is preferable that the plurality of hole portions 210 provided in the hole forming region S has an enlarged diameter region 212 in which a diameter of the hole portion 210 increases from the outside of the cover 200 toward the speaker unit 100 (see Fig. 6). In other words, a surface of cover 200 facing speaker unit 100 is chamfered and curved at an edge of the hole portions 210. As a result, a sound wave generated in the speaker unit 100 easily passes through the hole portions 210 to the outside, and the sound quality as the speaker system 10 is improved.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferable that the plurality of hole portions 210 has an enlarged diameter region 211 in which a diameter of the hole portion 210 increases from the inside toward the outside of the cover 200 (see Fig. 6). In other words, a surface facing the outside of the cover 200 is chamfered and curved at an edge of the hole portion 210. As a result, when the air flows in from the hole portion 210 due to a vibration of the air caused by a sound wave, the sound wave easily escapes inward through the hole portion 210. As a result, the sound quality as the speaker system 10 is improved. More preferably, as illustrated in the drawing, the diameter of the hole portion 210 formed in the cover 200 is relatively large in the vicinity of both the inner and outer surfaces and relatively small in the vicinity of the center of the cover 200 in the thickness direction.

[0032] Instead, if an edge of the hole portion 210 in the cover 200 is pointed on a surface facing the speaker unit 100, a sound wave is likely to be irregularly reflected, and a high-pitched reverberation sound is likely to be generated. However, as long as the high-pitched reverberation sound is hardly generated, the edge of the hole portion 210 in the cover 200 may be sharp.

[0033] The cover 200 is mounted to the mounted portion by a fixing member 300. In the first embodiment, the mounted portion is the frame 110. As the fixing member 300, for example, various members such as a screw, a screw, a nail, and an anchor can be used. More preferably, the fixing member 300 may be configured by a combination of a wood screw and a decorative screw.

[0034] An elastic member 400 is preferably provided between the frame 110 and the cover 200. The elastic member 400 may be, for example, a rubber member. A vibration of the frame 110 to which the speaker unit 100 is mounted is absorbed by the elastic member 400. As a result, it is possible to suppress a generation of an abnormal noise due to a vibration of the frame 110 directly hitting the cover 200 formed of pottery or porcelain. The rubber member constituting the elastic member 400 may be, for example, silicone-based rubber or urethane-based rubber.

[0035] Furthermore, an elastic member 310 is preferably provided around the fixing member 300, more specifically, between the fixing member 300 and the cover 200. In this case, it is possible to suppress a generation of an abnormal noise caused by a vibration of the frame 110 hitting the cover 200 via the fixing member 300.

(Second Embodiment)

[0036] Next, a speaker system according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a front view of the speaker system according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a top view of the speaker system according to the second embodiment. In the following description, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0037] In the second embodiment, a shape of the frame 110 and a shape of the cover 200 are different from those of the first embodiment. Specifically, the cover 200 covers a front surface 112 of the frame 110 to which the speaker unit 100 is mounted and a side surface 114 continuously extending from the front surface 112. Note that the shape of the front surface 112 and the side surface 114 of the frame 110 is a shape along the shape of the cover 200.

[0038] As a result, the cover 200 has a shape which surrounds a side portion of the front surface 112 to which the speaker unit 100 is mounted, which can suppress sound leakage from the side portion. Therefore, a sound peculiar to pottery or porcelain is likely to be generated.

[0039] In the second embodiment, the hole forming regions S provided for the respective speaker units 100 are provided to overlap each other.

(Third Embodiment)

[0040] Next, a speaker system according to a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a front view of a speaker system according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a top view of a pedestal included in the speaker system according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 10, components other than a pedestal 500 are not illustrated. In the following description, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0041] In the third embodiment, the cover 200 covers the entire frame 110. That is, the cover 200 has, for example, a box shape such as a pot. Here, in a case where the frame 110 is a box-shaped enclosure, a double box-shaped enclosure exists in the third embodiment.

[0042] Since the speaker unit 100 and the frame 110 are surrounded by the cover 200 as an outer enclosure, it is possible to suppress sound from leaking from unintended portions other than the plurality of hole portions 210.

[0043] In the third embodiment, the cover 200 and the frame 110 are provided on the pedestal 500. Each of the cover 200 and the frame 110 may be mounted to the pedestal 500 by a fixing member (not illustrated). As a fixing member, for example, various members such as a screw, a screw, a nail, and an anchor can be used. Furthermore, the elastic member as described above may be provided around the fixing member, more specifically, between the fixing member and the cover 200.

[0044] The cover 200 may not be in direct contact with the speaker unit 100 or the frame 110. As a result, it is possible to suppress a generation of an abnormal noise caused by a vibration of the frame 110 directly hitting the cover 200 formed of pottery or porcelain.

[0045] In the third embodiment, the cover 200 is mounted to the pedestal 500 as a mounted portion by a fixing member. Although not illustrated, an elastic member (for example, an elastic sheet) capable of absorbing vibration may be provided between the pedestal 500 and the cover 200.

[0046] Here, since the dimensions of pottery or porcelain change due to firing, it is difficult to form the cover 200 according to the previously designed dimensions. On the other hand, since the dimensions of the frame 110 (particularly, the enclosure) of the speaker unit 100 are designed from the viewpoint of acoustics, there is little room for design change.

[0047] Therefore, when the cover 200 is directly mounted to the frame 110, if dimensions of the cover 200 is greatly deviated from the designed dimensions due to a dimensional change at the time of firing, it may be difficult to mount the cover 200 to the frame 110. Here, in the third embodiment, the cover 200 is not directly mounted to the frame 110, but is mounted to the pedestal 500.

[0048] Since it is sufficient that the pedestal 500 has a size and a shape in which the cover 200 and the frame 110 can be mounted, there is a large room for design change. Therefore, after the cover 200 is produced first, a size and a shape of the pedestal 500 can be determined depending on the dimensions of the produced cover 200. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in yield due to a dimensional deviation of the cover 200 formed of pottery or porcelain.

[0049] From such a viewpoint, it is preferable that the pedestal 500 is made of a material whose dimension hardly changes during manufacturing. For example, the pedestal 500 may be made of wood or synthetic resin. More preferably, the pedestal 500 may be made of wood. In this case, as described above, by the combination of pottery or porcelain (cover 200) and wood (frame 110 and pedestal 500), it is possible to suppress unpleasant recoil sound due to repeated reflection while maintaining a reverberating sound specific to pottery or porcelain.

[0050]  Note that in the third embodiment, the speaker system 10 includes three speaker units 100, and hole forming regions S provided for the respective speaker units 100 are provided to overlap each other.

(Fourth Embodiment)

[0051] Next, a speaker system according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a front view of the speaker system according to the fourth embodiment. In the following description, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0052] In the fourth embodiment, the cover 200 covers the entire frame 110 as in the third embodiment. That is, the cover 200 has, for example, a box shape such as a pot. Here, in a case where the frame 110 is a box-shaped enclosure, a double box-shaped enclosure exists in the fourth embodiment.

[0053] In the fourth embodiment, the cover 200 may have a lid portion 600. By taking off the lid portion 600, the speaker unit 100 and the frame 110 can be accessed. Thus, when a failure occurs in the speaker unit 100, the speaker unit 100 can be repaired. In addition, the speaker unit 100 and the frame 110 can be put into the cover 200 at the time of manufacturing in a state where the lid portion 600 is removed.

[0054] Alternatively, a bottom of the cover 200 may be opened, and the speaker unit 100 and the frame 110 may be accessible by removing the cover 200 from the pedestal 500.

[0055] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, a hole forming region S is provided for every two speaker units 100.

(Fifth Embodiment)

[0056] Next, a speaker system according to a fifth embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a front view of the speaker system according to the fifth embodiment. In the following description, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0057] In the fifth embodiment, a pair of left and right speaker systems is illustrated. In the fifth embodiment, as in the third and fourth embodiments, the cover 200 covers the entire frame 110 and a speaker unit 10. That is, the cover 200 has, for example, a box shape such as a pot. Similarly to the third and fourth embodiments, the speaker system 10 further includes the pedestal 500. The materials of the cover 200 and the pedestal 500 are as described in the above-described embodiment.

[0058] In the fifth embodiment, decoration such as a pattern is applied to the cover 200. More specifically, the decoration is integrally applied to both the outside of a hole forming region S and the hole formation region S. By forming a large number of small hole portions 210, decoration like a pattern can also be applied to a wall portion of the cover 200 surrounding the hole portions 210. Thus, a speaker system with high designability can be configured.

(Sixth Embodiment)

[0059] Next, a speaker system according to a sixth embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a top view of the speaker system according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the speaker system taken along line 14A-14A in Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a front view of the speaker system according to the sixth embodiment in a state where a cover and a mounting member is removed. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the mounting member and an elastic member.

[0060] In the following description, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as those of the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment may be omitted.

[0061] Similarly to the first embodiment, the speaker system 10 according to the sixth embodiment may include the frame 110 to which the speaker unit 100 is mounted, and the cover 200. Preferably, the frame 110 is made of wood, and the cover 200 is made of pottery or porcelain.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the frame 110 may have a substantially hexagonal prism shape. In this case, the frame 110 may have a hexagonal shape when viewed from above (see Fig. 13).

[0063] The cover 200 may be configured to cover at least three surfaces adjacent to each other among side surfaces of the frame 110 having a hexagonal prism shape. More specifically, each of the three covering bodies 200 may have a flat plate shape and cover each of the side surfaces of the frame 110. That is, by dividing the cover 200 covering each side surface of the frame 110 into a plurality of portions, each cover 200 can be formed into one having a substantially flat plate shape. Generally, pottery or porcelain easily expands and contracts during firing, and thus it is difficult to manufacture the cover 200 made of pottery or porcelain having a complicated shape. In the sixth embodiment, the plurality of side surfaces of the frame 110 can be covered by forming each of the covering bodies 200 in a flat plate shape and combining the plurality of covering bodies 200.

[0064] Even in this case, the cover 200 is preferably configured to cover at least three surfaces adjacent to each other among the side surfaces of the frame 110. At this time, the cover 200 at the center may be disposed at a position facing the speaker unit 100 mounted to the frame 110. In this case, the hole portion 210 may be formed at least in the cover 200 disposed at a position facing the speaker unit 100. As a result, a sound wave emitted from the speaker unit 100 is transmitted from the hole portion 210 to the outside through a space SP surrounded by the cover 200 made of pottery or porcelain and the frame 110 made of wood.

[0065] In the sixth embodiment, the elastic member 400 is preferably provided between the frame 110 and the cover 200. More preferably, the cover 200 may be mounted to a mounting member 700, and the mounting member 700 may be fixed to the frame 110 via the elastic member 400.

[0066] The mounting member 700 may extend along an end side of the cover 200. The mounting member 700 may be made of a member such as, for example, metal or synthetic resin. The mounting member 700 may have a C-shape in a cross-sectional view (see Fig. 14). An end side of the cover 200 may be fitted into the mounting member 700 having the C-shape.

[0067] In the sixth embodiment, a pair of mounting members 700 is provided on an upper side and a lower side of each cover 200. Alternatively, the mounting member 700 may be provided on an end side other than the upper side and the lower side of the cover 200 as long as the cover200 can be held.

[0068] The mounting member 700 may be fixed to the frame 110 via the elastic member 400. In this case, the elastic member 400 is sandwiched between the mounting member 700 and the frame 110. The elastic member 400 may be, for example, a rubber member. As a result, even when the frame 110 vibrates due to sound, the vibration is absorbed by the elastic member 400. As a result, it is possible to suppress a generation of an abnormal noise due to a vibration of the frame 110 directly hitting the cover 200 formed of pottery or porcelain.

[0069] The mounting member 700 may be fixed to the frame 110 by a fastening member 730 such as a screw. More preferably, the fastening member 730 may be a wood screw from the viewpoint of suppressing generation of abnormal noise. In this case, a rubber washer 740 is preferably mounted around the fastening member 730. That is, the rubber washer 740 is disposed between a head of fastening member 730 and the mounting member 700 (see Fig. 16). As a result, even if the fastening member 730 vibrates due to vibration of the frame 110, the mounting member 700, or the like, the vibration is absorbed by the rubber washer 740.

[0070] Furthermore, a rubber adhesive 710 may be provided at a contact portion between the mounting member 700 having a C-shape and the cover 200 (see Fig. 14). More preferably, the rubber adhesive 710 is provided in a recess 705 of the mounting member 700 having a C-shape. By using the rubber adhesive 710, abnormal noise caused by vibration of the cover 200 can be suppressed.

[0071] Here, a width of the recess 705 of the mounting member 700, specifically, a width W in the direction along the thickness direction of the cover 200 may be in a range of 1.1 to 2.0 times the thickness of the cover 200. Here, in a case where the cover 200 is made of pottery or porcelain, the cover 200 is easily deformed during firing of the pottery or porcelain, and the cover 200 may have a shape slightly deviated from the design. When the width of the recess 705 of the mounting member 700 is sufficiently larger than the thickness of the cover 200, the cover 200 can be fixed to the mounting member 700 even if a shape of the cover 200 is slightly deviated from the design. Even in this case, the cover 200 can be firmly fixed to the mounting member 700 by using the rubber adhesive 710 described above.

[0072] Instead of the illustrated aspect, the rubber adhesive 710 may not be provided. In this case, the width W of the recess 705 of the mounting member 700 is preferably substantially equal to the thickness of the cover 200. When the rubber adhesive 710 is not provided, the cover 200 can be mounted to and detached from the mounting member 700 fixed to the frame 110 by sliding. In this case, replacement of the cover 200 becomes easy. When the cover 200 has a pattern, the designability of the speaker system 10 can be easily changed by replacing the cover 200.

(Seventh Embodiment)

[0073] Next, a speaker system according to a seventh embodiment will be described. Fig. 17 is a partially exploded perspective view of a frame, a mounting member, and a cover according to the seventh embodiment. In the following description, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment to the sixth embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as those of the first embodiment to the sixth embodiment may be omitted.

[0074] Similarly to the sixth embodiment, the speaker system 10 according to the seventh embodiment includes the frame 110 and the cover 200. In the seventh embodiment, the mounting member 700 is not used. The cover 200 may be fixed to the frame 110 via the elastic member 400. In this case, the cover 200 is mounted to the frame 110 by the fixing member 300. As the fixing member 300, for example, various members such as a screw, a screw, a nail, and an anchor can be used. More preferably, the fixing member 300 may be configured by a wood screw. Furthermore, an elastic member 310 is preferably provided around the fixing member 300, more specifically, between the fixing member 300 and the cover 200. The elastic member 310 may be, for example, a rubber washer.

[0075] The fixing member 300 may be a screw. In this case, the frame 110 may have a nut 350. In an example illustrated in Fig. 17, the nut 350 is embedded in a hole made in a tree constituting the frame 110. The cover 200 is fixed to the frame 110 by screwing the fixing member 300 described above, specifically, a screw into the nut 350.

[0076] In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 17, the speaker system 10 may include a metal bracket 900 that covers the fixing member 300. Specifically, the metal bracket 900 is provided at a position overlapping the fixing member 300 when viewed from a thickness direction of the cove 200. The fixing member 300 is covered with the metal bracket 900 to improve designability of the speaker system 10. From the viewpoint of improving designability, the metal bracket 900 may have a pattern.

(Eighth Embodiment)

[0077] Next, a speaker system according to an eighth embodiment will be described. Fig. 18 is a partially exploded perspective view for explaining a mounting structure of a frame and a cover according to the eighth embodiment. In the following description, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment to the seventh embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as those of the first embodiment to the seventh embodiment may be omitted.

[0078] Similarly to the sixth embodiment, the speaker system 10 according to the eighth embodiment includes the frame 110, the mounting member 700, and the cover 200. Although the cover 200 is not illustrated in Fig. 18, the cover 200 may be actually mounted to the mounting member 700 as in the sixth embodiment.

[0079] The speaker system 10 according to the eighth embodiment may include magnets 800, 810 that fix the mounting member 700 to the frame 110. In the illustrated aspect, the magnet 800 may be embedded in a tree constituting the frame 110. The magnet 810 is configured to be fixed to the corresponding magnet 800 by magnetic force. The magnet 810 may be fixed to the mounting member 700 by, for example, an adhesive. Thus, the cover 200 mounted to the mounting member 700 can be mounted to the frame 110 by the magnets 800, 810. In this case, the cover 200 can be detached from the frame 110 together with the mounting member 700 by being pulled with a force stronger than the magnetic force. Therefore, the cover 200 can be easily replaced.

[0080] As illustrated in Fig. 18, the elastic member 400 may be provided between a pair of magnets 800, 810. A material of the elastic member 400 is as described above.

[0081] In Fig. 18, a pair of magnets 800, 810 is provided. Instead of this aspect, if the mounting member 700 is made of metal, the magnet 810 is unnecessary. In this case, the mounting member 700 is fixed to the frame 110 by a magnetic force of the magnet 800. Even in this case, the elastic member 400 is preferably provided.

(Ninth Embodiment)

[0082] Next, a speaker system according to a ninth embodiment will be described. Fig. 19 is a partially exploded perspective view for explaining a mounting structure of a frame and a cover according to the ninth embodiment. In the following description, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment to the eighth embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as those of the first embodiment to the eighth embodiment may be omitted.

[0083] Similarly to the sixth embodiment, the speaker system 10 according to the ninth embodiment includes the frame 110, the mounting member 700, and the cover 200. In Fig. 19, a position of the mounting member 700 is schematically indicated by a dotted line, but a specific shape of the mounting member 700 may be similar to that of the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, although the cover 200 is not illustrated in Fig. 18, the cover 200 may be actually mounted to the mounting member 700 as in the sixth embodiment.

[0084] In the ninth embodiment, the frame 110 includes a holding member 850 into which the mounting member 700 can be fitted in a thickness direction of the cover 200. On the other hand, the mounting member 700 has a held member 860 fitted into the holding member 850. Thus, the cover 200 and the mounting member 700 can be easily mounted to and detached from the frame 110.

[0085] In a specific example, the holding member 850 has a roller catch type structure. The roller catch type structure includes a pair of rollers and a spring structure that biases the pair of rollers so as to bring the pair of rollers close to each other. On the other hand, the held member 860 has a projection that can be inserted between the pair of rollers described above. As a result, the held member 860 is held in a state of being fitted into the holding member 850.

[Sound quality evaluation test]

[0086] Next, as a sound quality evaluation test of the speaker system 10 of the present aspect, the speaker systems of an experimental example, a reference example 1, and a reference example 2 were prepared as follows.

(Speaker (A): Experimental Example)

[0087] A speaker system having a wooden frame to which a speaker unit was mounted and three covering bodies made of pottery was prepared. The three covering bodies made of pottery were disposed so as to cover a front surface of the frame to which the speaker unit was mounted and two side surfaces adjacent to the front surface. The cover has a plurality of hole portions in a region facing the speaker unit.

(Speaker (B): Reference Example 1)

[0088] A speaker unit in which the cover made of pottery of the speaker unit in the experimental example was changed to a wooden cover was prepared. The wooden cover has the same thickness and area as those of the experimental example, and has hole portions at the same places as those of the cover made of pottery of the experimental example.

(Speaker (C): Reference Example 2)

[0089] A speaker unit in which the cover made of pottery was removed from the speaker unit of the experimental example was prepared (a case without cover).

[0090] The above three types of speaker systems were prepared, and 5 songs were made to listen to 20 listeners (who are 20 to 62 years old), and sensory evaluation (questionnaire) was performed on each song. A distance from the speaker system to the listener was the same in both the experimental example and the reference examples 1 and 2. In the questionnaire, the music of each genre was listened in order with three kinds of speaker systems, and then an answer was immediately obtained. In the questionnaire, each song and each speaker system were rated. The evaluation score was defined by a 10 point scale. Specifically, scores were given by the audience at intervals of 0.5 points from 0.5 points to 5 points. The score was determined based on a criterion of "5 points (best), 4 points (very good), 3 points (good), 2 points (slightly poor), 1 point (very poor)". The audience scored each song per speaker system.

[0091] The listening music is as follows.

• Trial listening music 1. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra-II. Andante

[0092] Hilary Hahn The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Hugh Wolff Trial listening time: 9 minutes 7 seconds

• Trial listening music 2. Work (Live)

[0093] Chick Corea Christian McBride Brian Blade Trial listening time: 4 minutes 54 seconds

• Trial listening music 3. Niji, Aoi Teshima Trial listening time: 5 minutes 20 seconds
• Trial listening music 4. Tom's Diner (*only female voice) Trial listening time: 2 minutes 9 seconds
• Trial listening music 5. Keith Don't Go Nils Lofgren Trial listening time: 6 minutes 50 seconds

[0094] The evaluation results are as follows.

(Speaker (A): Experimental Example)

[0095] 

	Music 1	Music 2	Music 3	Music 4	Music 5
Listener 1	4.5	4.5	5.0	4.5	5.0
Listener 2	4.0	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5
Listener 3	4.0	4.5	4.5	5.0	4.5
Listener 4	4.5	4.5	4.0	4.0	5.0
Listener 5	5.0	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5
Listener 6	4.0	4.0	5.0	5.0	4.0
Listener 7	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5
Listener 8	4.5	4.5	4.5	5.0	4.5
Listener 9	5.0	4.5	4.0	4.0	5.0
Listener 10	4.5	5.0	5.0	4.5	4.5
Listener 11	5.0	4.5	5.0	4.5	4.5
Listener 12	4.0	4.0	4.5	4.5	4.0
Listener 13	4.5	5.0	4.5	4.5	4.5
Listener 14	5.0	5.0	4.5	4.5	4.5
Listener 15	4.5	5.0	4.5	4.5	5.0
Listener 16	4.5	4.5	4.5	5.0	4.5
Listener 17	4.5	4.5	4.0	5.0	5.0
Listener 18	4.5	5.0	4.5	4.5	4.5
Listener 19	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.5	4.5
Listener 20	5.0	4.5	4.0	4.5	4.5
Average	4.5	4.55	4.475	4.575	4.575

(Speaker (B): Reference Example 1)

[0096] 

	Music 1	Music 2	Music 3	Music 4	Music 5
Listener 1	3.0	3.5	3.0	3.5	4.0
Listener 2	3.0	3.0	3.0	3.0	3.5
Listener 3	3.0	3.5	3.5	4.0	3.5
Listener 4	2.5	3.5	3.0	3.5	4.0
Listener 5	3.0	3.0	3.5	3.5	3.5
Listener 6	3.0	3.0	3.0	3.0	4.0
Listener 7	3.5	3.0	3.5	4.0	3.5
Listener 8	3.0	3.5	3.0	4.0	3.5
Listener 9	3.5	3.5	3.0	3.5	3.5
Listener 10	3.0	3.0	3.0	3.5	3.5
Listener 11	3.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	3.5
Listener 12	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0
Listener 13	3.5	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0
Listener 14	3.0	3.0	3.0	3.5	3.5
Listener 15	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.5	4.0
Listener 16	2.5	2.5	3.0	3.5	3.0
Listener 17	3.0	3.0	3.0	3.0	3.5
Listener 18	3.0	3.5	3.0	3.5	3.5
Listener 19	3.0	4.0	3.5	3.5	4.0
Listener 20	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.5
Average	3.125	3.375	3.3	3.575	3.65

(Speaker (C): Reference Example 2)

[0097] 

	Music 1	Music 2	Music 3	Music 4	Music 5
Listener 1	3.5	4.0	4.5	4.0	4.5
Listener 2	4.0	4.5	4.5	4.0	4.5
Listener 3	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.5	4.0
Listener 4	4.0	4.5	4.0	4.0	4.5
Listener 5	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0
Listener 6	4.0	4.0	5.0	5.0	4.0
Listener 7	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.5
Listener 8	4.0	4.0	4.0	5.0	4.0
Listener 9	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.5
Listener 10	4.5	5.0	5.0	4.0	4.0
Listener 11	5.0	4.0	4.0	4.5	4.5
Listener 12	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0
Listener 13	4.0	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5
Listener 14	5.0	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.0
Listener 15	4.0	5.0	4.5	4.0	4.5
Listener 16	4.0	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5
Listener 17	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.5	4.5
Listener 18	4.5	4.5	4.0	4.0	4.0
Listener 19	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.5
Listener 20	4.5	4.0	4.0	4.5	4.5
Average	4.15	4.25	4.25	4.275	4.3

[0098] From the above evaluation results, the evaluation point of the speaker system of the experimental example is higher by one point or more on average in any music as compared with the speaker system of the wooden cover (Reference Example 1). Therefore, it can be seen that the speaker system of the experimental example emits sound quality that is significantly comfortable for the listener.

[0099] In addition, the speaker system of the experimental example has a higher evaluation score by 0.225 to 0.35 points on average in any song as compared with the speaker system without the cover (Reference Example 2). Therefore, it can be seen that the speaker system of the experimental example emits sound quality that is significantly comfortable for the listener.

[0100] It can be seen from the above experimental results that sound quality significantly comfortable for the viewer can be obtained by transmitting the sound wave emitted by the speaker unit to the outside from the plurality of hole portions through the space between the wooden frame and the cover made of pottery or porcelain.

[0101] From the above description, it should be noted that at least the following inventions can be specified from the description of this specification.

(Note 1)

[0102] A speaker system comprising:

a speaker unit;

a frame to which the speaker unit is attached; and

a cover which is disposed at least in a region facing the speaker unit and which is spaced from the speaker unit, wherein

the cover is formed of pottery or porcelain, and

a plurality of hole portions are provided in a region of the cover facing the speaker unit.

(Note 2)

[0103] The speaker system according to the note 1, wherein
at least one of a surface of the cover facing the speaker unit and a surface of the cover facing outside is chamfered and curved at edges of the hole portions.

(Note 3)

[0104] The speaker system according to the note 1 or 2, wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of hole portions increases from a center in a thickness direction of the cover toward the speaker unit and/or toward an outer side of the cover.

(Note 4)

[0105] The speaker system according to any one of the notes 1 to 3, wherein

the frame is made of wood,

the cover is disposed to face the speaker unit and the frame around the speaker unit, and the cover forms a space between the cover and the frame, and

the speaker system is constructed so that a sound wave emitted by the speaker unit is transmitted from the plurality of hole portions to the outside through the space between the frame and the cover.

(Note 5)

[0106] The speaker system according to any one of the notes 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of hole portions is provided over an area overlapping the speaker unit and an area not overlapping the speaker unit when viewed from a direction facing the speaker unit.

(Note 6)

[0107] The speaker system according to any one of the notes 1 to 5, wherein an aperture ratio defined by the plurality of hole portions is in a range of 20% to 80% in the region of the cover facing the speaker unit.

(Note 7)

[0108] The speaker system according to any one of the notes 1 to 6, wherein the frame is made of wood and has a box shape.

(Note 8)

[0109] The speaker system according to the note 7, wherein
the cover covers:

a front surface of the frame to which the speaker unit is attached and a side surface of the frame continuously extending from the front surface; or

an entire of the frame.

(Note 9)

[0110] The speaker system according to any one of the notes 1 to 8, wherein

the cover is attached to a mounted portion by a fixing member, and

an elastic member is provided between the cover and the mounted portion.

(Note 10)

[0111] The speaker system according to any one of the notes 1 to 8, further comprising a mounting member that holds an end side of the cover, wherein
the mounting member is fixed to the frame via an elastic member.

(Note 11)

[0112] The speaker system according to any one of the notes 1 to 8, further comprising a mounting member that is attached to the frame and holds an end side of the cover, wherein
the cover is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the mounting member by sliding.

(Note 12)

[0113] The speaker system according to the note 10 or 11, further comprising a magnet that fixes the mounting member to the frame.

(Note 13)

[0114] The speaker system according to the notes 10 or 11, wherein the frame includes a holding member to which the mounting member is insertable in a thickness direction of the cover.

(Note 14)

[0115] A cover attachable to a region facing a speaker unit, wherein

the cover is formed of pottery or porcelain,

a plurality of hole portions are provided in a region of the cover facing the speaker unit, and

at least one of a surface of the cover facing the speaker unit and a surface of the cover facing outside is chamfered and curved at edges of the hole portions.

(Note 15)

[0116] The cover according to the note 14, wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of hole portions increases from a center of the cover in a thickness direction toward an outer side or an inner side of the cover in the thickness direction.

[0117] As described above, the contents of the present invention have been disclosed through the embodiments. However, it should not be understood that the description and drawings forming a part of the present disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is determined only by the matters specifying the invention according to the claims that are appropriate from the above description.

Claims

1. A speaker system comprising:

a speaker unit;

a frame to which the speaker unit is attached; and

a cover which is disposed at least in a region facing the speaker unit and which is spaced from the speaker unit, wherein

the cover is formed of pottery or porcelain, and

a plurality of hole portions are provided in a region of the cover facing the speaker unit.

2. The speaker system according to claim 1, wherein
at least one of a surface of the cover facing the speaker unit and a surface of the cover facing outside is chamfered and curved at edges of the hole portions.

3. The speaker system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of hole portions increases from a center in a thickness direction of the cover toward the speaker unit and/or toward an outer side of the cover.

4. The speaker system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

the frame is made of wood,

the cover is disposed to face the speaker unit and the frame around the speaker unit, and the cover forms a space between the cover and the frame, and

the speaker system is constructed so that a sound wave emitted by the speaker unit is transmitted from the plurality of hole portions to the outside through the space between the frame and the cover.

5. The speaker system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of hole portions is provided over an area overlapping the speaker unit and an area not overlapping the speaker unit when viewed from a direction facing the speaker unit.

6. The speaker system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an aperture ratio defined by the plurality of hole portions is in a range of 20% to 80% in the region of the cover facing the speaker unit.

7. The speaker system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the frame is made of wood and has a box shape.

8. The speaker system according to claim 7, wherein
the cover covers:

a front surface of the frame to which the speaker unit is attached and a side surface of the frame continuously extending from the front surface; or

an entire of the frame.

9. The speaker system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein

the cover is attached to a mounted portion by a fixing member, and

an elastic member is provided between the cover and the mounted portion.

10. The speaker system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a mounting member that holds an end side of the cover, wherein
the mounting member is fixed to the frame via an elastic member.

11. The speaker system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a mounting member that is attached to the frame and holds an end side of the cover, wherein
the cover is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the mounting member by sliding.

12. The speaker system according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a magnet that fixes the mounting member to the frame.

13. The speaker system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the frame includes a holding member to which the mounting member is insertable in a thickness direction of the cover.

14. A cover attachable to a region facing a speaker unit, wherein

the cover is formed of pottery or porcelain,

a plurality of hole portions are provided in a region of the cover facing the speaker unit, and

at least one of a surface of the cover facing the speaker unit and a surface of the cover facing outside is chamfered and curved at edges of the hole portions.

15. The cover according to claim 14, wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of hole portions increases from a center of the cover in a thickness direction toward an outer side or an inner side of the cover in the thickness direction.

Drawing