CN-122002182-A - Vehicle audio system

Abstract

Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle audio system (210) for a vehicle (200), the vehicle audio system (210) comprising at least one audio speaker (325), the audio speaker (325) for converting a speaker audio signal (320) into sound waves, at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker (425), the electrostatic panel loudspeaker (425) for converting a panel audio signal (420) into sound waves, a control system (220), the control system (220) being in communication with the at least one audio speaker and the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker and configured to cause the at least one audio speaker to convert the speaker audio signal into sound waves and the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker to convert the panel audio signal into sound waves.

Inventors

• Paul Wiles
• Sam Thor

Assignees

• 捷豹路虎有限公司

Dates

Publication Date

20260508

Application Date

20251103

Priority Date

20241101

Claims (11)

1. 1. A vehicle audio system for a vehicle, comprising: at least one audio speaker for converting speaker audio signals into sound waves; At least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker for converting panel audio signals into sound waves; A control system in communication with the at least one audio speaker and the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker and configured to cause the at least one audio speaker to convert the speaker audio signal into sound waves and to cause the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker to convert the panel audio signal into sound waves.
2. 2. The vehicle audio system of claim 1 wherein the at least one audio speaker comprises a woofer.
3. 3. The vehicle audio system of claim 1 wherein the at least one audio speaker comprises a subwoofer.
4. 4. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, comprising at least one vehicle seat comprising a headrest portion, wherein the at least one electrostatic microphone comprises a headrest electrostatic microphone unit disposed in the headrest portion.
5. 5. The vehicle audio system according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of vehicle seats, each vehicle seat comprising a headrest portion, wherein each headrest portion comprises an electrostatic loudspeaker unit.
6. 6. The vehicle audio system of claim 4 or claim 5, comprising a front row of vehicle seats, wherein the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker comprises a first electrostatic loudspeaker unit and a second electrostatic loudspeaker unit within the front row of seats, the first electrostatic loudspeaker unit configured to project sound toward the front of the vehicle and the second electrostatic loudspeaker unit configured to project sound toward the rear of the vehicle.
7. 7. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, comprising at least one interior trim component, wherein the at least one electrostatic loudspeaker is disposed within the interior trim component.
8. 8. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of electrostatic loudspeakers.
9. 9. The vehicle audio system of claim 8 wherein the plurality of electrostatic loudspeakers are of different sizes.
10. 10. The vehicle audio system of claim 1 wherein the panel audio signal comprises a frequency range from 125 Hz to 50 kHz.
11. 11. A vehicle comprising the vehicle audio system of claim 1.

Description

Vehicle audio system Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a vehicle audio system. Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle audio system and to a vehicle. Background Audio systems in vehicles undergo periodic upgrades and modifications, particularly as they currently need to develop and adapt to vehicle audio system designs based on the changing needs of the consumer and the entire vehicle industry. For example, consumers desire improvements in the sound quality of their vehicle audio systems. As they listen to audio in vehicles, the need for more and more immersive and/or interactive experiences is also growing. In addition, in recent years, as seen from, for example, the increased use of cleaning technologies and the increased adoption of electric (or hybrid) vehicles, there has been a drive to adopt increasingly sustainable and eco-friendly methods for vehicle design. It is desirable to be able to coordinate with existing designs of the latest and most modern vehicle audio systems, as well as vehicle sound and power systems, in order to improve the user's audio experience and avoid the costs associated with extensive changes in the base vehicle design. It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. Disclosure of Invention Aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle audio system and a vehicle as described below. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle audio system for a vehicle comprising at least one audio speaker for converting a speaker audio signal into sound waves, at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker for converting a panel audio signal into sound waves, a control system in communication with the at least one audio speaker and the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker and configured to cause the at least one audio speaker to convert a speaker audio signal into sound waves and to cause the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker to convert a panel audio signal into sound waves. The present invention provides an audio system that combines at least one conventional audio speaker with at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker. The electrostatic panel loudspeaker is thinner than the conventional audio speaker, and thus the present audio system can achieve space saving as compared with an audio system composed of only the conventional audio speaker. In one configuration, the at least one audio speaker may be a speaker configured to provide bass frequencies, and the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker may be configured to provide higher audio frequencies. Alternatively, the at least one audio speaker may comprise a woofer or a subwoofer. A vehicle audio system within a vehicle may include at least one vehicle seat including a headrest portion, wherein the at least one electrostatic microphone includes a headrest electrostatic microphone unit disposed in the headrest portion. Different configurations may be used to deploy the headrest electrostatic speaker unit. For example, the cell may include a pair of panels in a headrest on either side of the occupant's head, or alternatively the cell may include a surround electrostatic panel loudspeaker. The vehicle audio system may include a plurality of vehicle seats, each vehicle seat including a headrest portion, wherein each headrest portion includes an electrostatic microphone unit. The electrostatic microphone units within the plurality of seats may all have the same configuration (e.g., they may all be surround panels), or there may be different configurations within the vehicle cabin (e.g., the front row of seats may have surround panels, and the rear row of seats may include a pair of panels). A vehicle in which the vehicle audio system is deployed may include a front row of vehicle seats, and the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker may include a first electrostatic loudspeaker unit and a second electrostatic loudspeaker unit within the front row of seats, the first electrostatic loudspeaker unit configured to project sound toward a front of the vehicle, and the second electrostatic loudspeaker unit configured to project sound toward a rear of the vehicle. The first electrostatic microphone unit and the second electrostatic microphone unit may be located in two different surfaces in the vehicle seat. A vehicle having a vehicle audio system disposed therein may include at least one interior trim component, wherein the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker may be disposed within the interior trim component. The vehicle may include a plurality of trim components, and one or more electrostatic panel loudspeakers may be disposed within one, some, or all of the plurality of trim components. The at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker may be located within a recess within the decorative component and may be located in a position conventionally occupied by a conventional a