Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – Electro-acoustic audio transducer – Thermal response to – or generation of – sound vibration
Reexamination Certificate
1997-03-13
2001-07-17
Kuntz, Curtis (Department: 2643)
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
Electro-acoustic audio transducer
Thermal response to, or generation of, sound vibration
C381S117000, C381S397000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06263084
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to a combination amplifier and speaker system. More specifically this invention relates to a combination amplifier and speaker system wherein the speaker itself performs a heat sinking function for the amplifier.
Conventional audio systems contemplate a separate speaker and amplifier. Generally, a heat sink associated with the amplifier dissipates heat generated by (a) power stage(s) of the amplifier. Generally, the heat sink is selected based upon the maximum power handling requirements of the power stage(s). Therefore, for (a) particular power stage(s), the heat sink must have a heat dissipating capability sufficient to maintain the temperature of the power stage(s) at or below the desired maximum temperature level at any output. For high power amplifiers, this separate heat sink often increases the cost and the bulk of the audio system. A not insubstantial portion of the bulk of an audio system may be traceable to the heat sink(s) for the power stage(s).
An object of this invention is to integrate a speaker and an amplifier, so that the speaker functions as a heat sink in order to reduce the bulk associated with the speaker/amplifier combination.
According to the invention, an integrated amplifier and speaker combination is provided. The combination comprises a speaker including a frame and motor assembly. A power amplifier is mounted on the motor assembly in heat conducting relationship therewith. The heat generated by the power amplifier is conducted from the power amplifier to the speaker motor assembly. Thus, the thermal characteristics of the motor assembly and frame of the loudspeaker sinks heat generated by the operation of the power amplifier.
Illustratively, according to the invention the motor assembly includes a front plate providing a projection which extends outwardly from the motor assembly. The projection serves as a mounting for (a) power stage(s) of the power amplifier. Heat generated by the power stage(s) is transferred through the projection, the front plate, the magnet and the back plate of the motor assembly and the frame, all of which are coupled together in heat conducting relationship with each other. Frequently, an electrical insulator will be provided between the power stage(s) and the projection to isolate, for example, the case of the power stage(s) electrically from the speaker.
A heat transfer bracket can be positioned between the motor assembly and the power stage(s) in heat conducting relationship with both. The bracket permits electrical isolation to be effected either between the power stage(s) and the bracket or between the bracket and the motor assembly, or both, at the circuit designer's option. The bracket also provides flexibility in mounting orientations of the power stage(s) with respect to the speaker. The bracket may also provide a heat spreading function.
According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the motor assembly includes a pot-shaped shell, a permanent magnet and a core tip. A thermally conductive bracket is mounted in thermal communication with the pot-shaped shell. The power stage is mounted in thermal communication with the bracket.
Illustratively, a thermally conductive material is interposed between the bracket and the pot-shaped shell to promote thermal communication between the bracket and the pot-shaped shell.
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Cressman Karl W. F.
Fay Richard Dennis
Barnes & Thornburg
Harman International Industries Incorporated
Kuntz Curtis
Ni Suhan
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