Apparatus for outputting a sound

An apparatus may include a passive vibration member, a supporting member overlapping the passive vibration member, and a vibration apparatus between the passive vibration member and the supporting member and configured to include first and second active vibration members connected to each other and intersecting with each other. The first active vibration member may be connected to a first member of one of the passive vibration member and the supporting member, and the second active vibration member may be connected to a second member of the other of the passive vibration member and the supporting member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-214305 filed on Dec. 28, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and particularly to, for example, without limitation, an apparatus for outputting a sound.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

A separate speaker or a sound apparatus may be used to provide a sound. The sound apparatus may include a vibration system which converts an input electrical signal into a physical vibration. Piezoelectric speakers including ferroelectric ceramic or the like are lightweight and have low power consumption, and thus, may be used for various purposes.

In piezoelectric devices used for piezoelectric speakers, a lowest resonance frequency increases due to high stiffness, and as a result, a sound pressure level of a low-pitched sound band is typically insufficient. Therefore, piezoelectric speakers have a technical problem where a sound pressure level of the low-pitched sound band is not sufficient, and consequently, apparatuses including a piezoelectric speaker have a technical problem where a sound pressure level of the low-pitched sound band is not sufficient.

The description provided in the discussion of the related art section should not be assumed to be prior art merely because it is mentioned in or associated with that section. The discussion of the related art section may include information that describes one or more aspects of the subject technology, and the description in this section does not limit the invention.

SUMMARY

The inventor of the present disclosure has recognized the problems and disadvantages of the related art, has performed extensive research and experiments, and has invented an apparatus including a new vibration apparatus, which may enhance a sound pressure level of the low-pitched sound band.

One or more aspects of the present disclosure are directed to providing an apparatus for outputting a sound where a sound pressure level of a low-pitched sound band is enhanced.

One or more other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to providing a sound apparatus and an apparatus including the same, which may enhance a sound pressure level of a low-pitched sound band.

One or more other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to providing a vibration apparatus and an apparatus including the same, which may output a sound having an enhanced sound pressure level of a low-pitched sound band based on a vibration of a flexible vibration member.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

Additional features, advantages, and aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the present disclosure and will also be apparent from the present disclosure or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts provided herein. Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present disclosure may be realized and attained by the descriptions provided in the present disclosure, or derivable therefrom, and the claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and aspects of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, in one or more aspects, an apparatus may comprise a passive vibration member, a supporting member overlapping the passive vibration member, and a vibration apparatus between the passive vibration member and the supporting member and configured to include first and second active vibration members connected to each other and intersecting with each other. The first active vibration member may be connected to a first member of any one of the passive vibration member and the supporting member, and the second active vibration member may be connected to a second member of the other of the passive vibration member and the supporting member.

In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus may comprise a passive vibration member, a supporting member overlapping the passive vibration member, and a plurality of vibration apparatuses disposed between the passive vibration member and the supporting member. Each of the plurality of vibration apparatuses may comprise a plurality of active vibration members arranged to intersect with one another at an intersection portion, and a plurality of adhesive members each disposed between two adjacent active vibration members of the plurality of active vibration members at the intersection portion. The plurality of active vibration members may be divided into a first group and a second group each including one or more active vibration members. The one or more active vibration members in the first group may be connected to the supporting member, and the one or more active vibration members in the second group may be connected to the passive vibration member.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for outputting a sound having an enhanced sound pressure level of a low-pitched sound band may be provided.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for enhancing a sound pressure level of the low-pitched sound band may be provided.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for outputting a sound having an enhanced sound pressure level of the low-pitched sound band based on a vibration of a flexible passive vibration member may be provided.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following description of the present disclosure are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure as claimed.

Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The sizes, lengths, and thicknesses of layers, regions and elements, and depiction thereof may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when a detailed description of well-known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof may be omitted for brevity. The progression of processing steps and/or operations described is an example; however, the sequence of steps and/or operations is not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed, with the exception of steps and/or operations necessarily occurring in a particular order.

Unless stated otherwise, like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout even when they are shown in different drawings. In one or more aspects, identical elements (or elements with identical names) in different drawings may have the same or substantially the same functions and properties unless stated otherwise. Names of the respective elements used in the following explanations are selected only for convenience and may be thus different from those used in actual products.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and implementation methods thereof, are clarified through the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are examples and are provided so that this disclosure may be thorough and complete to assist those skilled in the art to understand the inventive concepts without limiting the protected scope of the present disclosure.

The shapes, sizes, areas, ratios, angles, numbers, and the like disclosed in the drawings for describing embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated details.

When the term “comprise,” “have,” “include,” “contain,” “constitute,” “make up of,” “formed of,” or the like is used, one or more other elements may be added unless a term such as “only” or the like is used. The terms used in the present disclosure are merely used in order to describe particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The terms used herein are merely used in order to describe example embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. Embodiments are example embodiments. Aspects are example aspects. Any implementation described herein as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

In one or more aspects, an element, feature, or corresponding information (e.g., a level, range, dimension, size, or the like) is construed as including an error or tolerance range even where no explicit description of such an error or tolerance range is provided. An error or tolerance range may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external impact, noise, or the like). Further, the term “may” encompasses all the meanings of the term “can.”

In describing a positional relationship, where the positional relationship between two parts is described, for example, using “on,” “over,” “under,” “above,” “below,” “beneath,” “near,” “close to,” “adjacent to,” “beside,” “next to,” or the like, one or more other parts may be located between the two parts unless a more limiting term, such as “immediate(ly),” “direct(ly),” or “close(ly),” is used. For example, when a structure is described as being positioned “on,” “over,” “under,” “above,” “below,” “beneath,” “near,” “close to,” “adjacent to,” “beside,” or “next to” another structure, this description should be construed as including a case in which the structures contact each other as well as a case in which one or more additional structures are disposed or interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the terms “front,” “rear,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “downward,” “upward,” “upper,” “lower,” “up,” “down,” “column,” “row,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference.

In describing a temporal relationship, when the temporal order is described as, for example, “after,” “subsequent,” “next,” “before,” “preceding,” “prior to,” or the like, a case that is not consecutive or not sequential may be included unless a more limiting term, such as “just,” “immediate(ly),” or “direct(ly),” is used.

It is understood that, although the term “first,” “second,” or the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the first element, the second element, and the like may be arbitrarily named according to the convenience of those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like may be used to distinguish components from each other, but the functions or structures of the components are not limited by ordinal numbers or component names in front of the components.

In describing elements of the present disclosure, the terms “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” “(b),” or the like may be used. These terms are intended to identify the corresponding element(s) from the other element(s), and these are not used to define the essence, basis, order, or number of the elements.

For the expression that an element or layer is “connected,” “coupled,” “attached,” or “adhered” to another element or layer, the element or layer can not only be directly connected, coupled, attached, or adhered to another element or layer, but also be indirectly connected, coupled, attached, or adhered to another element or layer with one or more intervening elements or layers disposed or interposed between the elements or layers, unless otherwise specified.

For the expression that an element or layer “contacts,” “overlaps,” or the like with another element or layer, the element or layer can not only directly contact, overlap, or the like with another element or layer, but also indirectly contact, overlap, or the like with another element or layer with one or more intervening elements or layers disposed or interposed between the elements or layers, unless otherwise specified.

The terms such as a “line” or “direction” should not be interpreted only based on a geometrical relationship in which the respective lines or directions are parallel or perpendicular to each other, and may be meant as lines or directions having wider directivities within the range within which the components of the present disclosure can operate functionally.

The expression of a first element, a second elements “and/or” a third element should be understood as one of the first, second and third elements or as any or all combinations of the first, second and third elements. By way of example, A, B and/or C can refer to only A; only B; only C; any or some combination of A, B, and C; or all of A, B, and C. Furthermore, an expression “element A/element B” may be understood as element A and/or element B.

In one or more aspects, the terms “between” and “among” may be used interchangeably simply for convenience unless stated otherwise. For example, an expression “between a plurality of elements” may be understood as among a plurality of elements. In another example, an expression “among a plurality of elements” may be understood as between a plurality of elements. In one or more examples, the number of elements may be two. In one or more examples, the number of elements may be more than two.

In one or more aspects, the phrases “each other” and “one another” may be used interchangeably simply for convenience unless stated otherwise. For example, an expression “different from each other” may be understood as being different from one another. In another example, an expression “different from one another” may be understood as being different from each other. In one or more examples, the number of elements involved in the foregoing expression may be two. In one or more examples, the number of elements involved in the foregoing expression may be more than two.

In one or more aspects, the phrases “one or more among” and “one or more of” may be used interchangeably simply for convenience unless stated otherwise. In one or more aspects, unless stated otherwise, the term “nth” or “nth” may refer to “nnd” or “nnd” (e.g., 2nd where n is 2), or “nrd” or “nrd” (e.g., 3rd where n is 3), and n may be a natural number.

Features of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or wholly coupled to or combined with each other and may be variously inter-operated, linked or driven together. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be carried out independently from each other or may be carried out together in a co-dependent or related relationship. In one or more aspects, the components of each apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are operatively coupled and configured.

Unless otherwise defined, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It is further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is, for example, consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined otherwise herein.

In the following description, various example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. With respect to reference numerals to elements of each of the drawings, the same elements may be illustrated in other drawings, and like reference numerals may refer to like elements unless stated otherwise. In addition, for convenience of description, a scale, dimension, size, and thickness of each of the elements illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be different from an actual scale, dimension, size, and thickness, and thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a scale, dimension, size, and thickness illustrated in the drawings.

FIG.1illustrates an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ illustrated inFIG.1.FIG.3is an exploded perspective view illustrating the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated inFIG.1.

With reference toFIGS.1to3, the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a passive vibration member100, a supporting member300which overlaps the passive vibration member100, and a vibration apparatus500which is connected between the passive vibration member100and the supporting member300.

The apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be a flexible display apparatus, a sound generating apparatus, a sound bar, an analog signage, or a digital signage, or the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The flexible display apparatus may include wearable apparatuses, foldable apparatuses, rollable apparatuses, bendable apparatuses, variable apparatuses, or flexible apparatuses, or the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The analog signage may be an advertising signboard, a poster, a noticeboard, or the like. The analog signage may include signage content such as a sentence, a picture, and a sign, or the like. The signage content may be disposed at the passive vibration member100of the apparatus to be visible. For example, the signage content may be directly attached on the passive vibration member100and the signage content may be printed on a medium such as paper or the like, and the medium may be attached on the passive vibration member100.

The passive vibration member100may vibrate based on driving (or vibration or displacing) of the vibration apparatuses500. For example, the passive vibration member100may generate one or more of a vibration and a sound based on driving of the vibration apparatuses500. Accordingly, the passive vibration member100may be a vibration object, flexible display panel, a vibration plate, a front cover, a front member, a vibration panel, a sound panel, or a passive vibration panel, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The flexible display apparatus may include a flexible display panel including a plurality of pixels for displaying a black/white and/or color image. For example, the flexible display panel may be a flexible organic light emitting display panel, a flexible light emitting diode display panel, a flexible electrophoresis display panel, a flexible electro-wetting display panel, a flexible micro light emitting diode display panel, or a flexible quantum dot light emitting display panel, or the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in the flexible organic light emitting display panel, a pixel may include an organic light emitting device such as an organic light emitting layer or the like, and the pixel may be, or may include, a subpixel which implements any one of a plurality of colors configuring a color image. For example, the passive vibrating member100may be a vibration panel of an advertising object or a vibration panel of a signage. For example, the advertising object may be a picture frame, a poster, a standing signboard, and a content of a signage, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The passive vibration member100may include a material which is relatively lightweight and has flexibility, compared to the supporting member300. For example, the passive vibration member100according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more materials of wood, rubber, plastic, flexible glass, fiber, cloth, paper, flexible metal, carbon, a mirror, and leather or a combination thereof, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The supporting member300may include at least one or more of a glass material, a metal material, and a plastic material. For example, the supporting member300may include a stacked structure in which at least one or more of a glass material, a plastic material, and a metal material are stacked thereof. For example, the supporting member300may include a material which has a relatively high stiffness or high hardness, compared to the passive vibration member100. For example, the supporting member300may be a rear structure, a supporting structure, a supporting plate, a supporting cover, a rear cover, or a rear member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The supporting member300may be disposed to overlap the passive vibration member100. The supporting member300may be disposed under the passive vibration member100. The supporting member300may cover a rear surface of the passive vibration member100. For example, the supporting member300may cover a whole rear surface of the passive vibration member100with a gap space GS and the vibration apparatus500therebetween. The gap space GS may be provided by the coupling member200disposed between the passive vibration member100and the supporting member300facing each other. The gap space GS may be referred to as an air gap, an accommodating space, a vibration space, or a sound sounding box, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The supporting member300may have the same size as the passive vibration member100.

Each of the passive vibration member100and the supporting member300may have a square shape or a rectangular shape, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and may have a polygonal shape, a non-polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an oval shape. For example, when the apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a sound apparatus or a sound bar, each of the passive vibration member100and the supporting member300may have a rectangular shape where a length of a long side is twice or more times longer than a short side, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The coupling member200may be configured to be connected between a rear periphery portion of the passive vibration member100and a front periphery portion of the supporting member300, and thus, the gap space GS may be provided between the passive vibration member100and the supporting member300facing each other. The coupling member200according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a material which has adhesive properties and is capable of compression and decompression. For example, the coupling member200may include a double-sided tape, a single-sided tape, a double-sided foam tape, or a double-sided adhesive foam pad, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and may be configured as a material (or an elastic material) which has adhesive properties and is capable of compression and decompression. For example, the coupling member200may include an elastic pad such as a rubber pad or a silicone pad, or the like.

The vibration apparatus500may be disposed between the passive vibration member100and the supporting member300. The vibration apparatus500may be configured to vibrate the passive vibration member100based on a composite structure of a 2-degree-of-freedom vibration model. The vibration apparatus500may maximize a displacement width (or vibration width) of the passive vibration member100based on the composite structure of the 2-degree-of-freedom vibration model, thereby enhancing a sound of a low-pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100.

The vibration apparatus500according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to include two or a plurality of active vibration members510and520which are connected to each other. For example, they intersect with each other. For example, the vibration apparatus500may be disposed to intersect with each other with respect to an intersection portion501and may include the plurality of active vibration members510and520which are connected to each other at the intersection portion501. Some (or one or more) of the plurality of active vibration members510and520may be connected to a first member of any one of the passive vibration member100and the supporting member300, and the other may be connected to a second member of the other one of the passive vibration member100and the supporting member300.

The vibration apparatus500according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include first and second active vibration members510and520which are connected to each other. For example, they intersect with each other. For example, the vibration apparatus500according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed to intersect with each other with respect to the intersection portion501and may include the first and second active vibration members510and520which are connected to each other at the intersection portion501.

The first active vibration member510may be connected to the supporting member (or a first member)300. The first active vibration member510may include one first vibration device511connected to the supporting member300.

The second active vibration member520may be connected to the passive vibration member (or a second member)100. The second active vibration member520may be disposed between the passive vibration member100and the first active vibration member510. A portion of the second active vibration member520may be connected to the first active vibration member510at the intersection portion501overlapping the first active vibration member510.

The second active vibration member520may include a 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and a 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2, which are each connected to the first active vibration member510and each connected to the passive vibration member100. The 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2may be arranged along a direction intersecting with the first active vibration member510and may be spaced apart from each other over the first active vibration member510. For example, the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2may be a pair of second active vibration members. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2may be a second active vibration member and a third active vibration member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “2-1st” and “2-2nd”. For example, the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1may be an active vibration member, and the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2may be another active vibration member.

The 2-1stactive vibration member520-1may include a 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2may include a 2-2ndvibration device522. For example, the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be a pair of second vibration devices. The 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be arranged in parallel with each other along a direction intersecting with the first vibration device511and may be spaced apart from each other at the intersection portion501over the first vibration device511. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be a second vibration device (or vibration device) and a third vibration device (or vibration device), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “2-1st” and “2-2nd”. For example, the 2-1stvibration device521may be a vibration device, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be another vibration device.

The first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may each have a tetragonal shape including a short side and a long side, and for example, may have a rectangular shape. Each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may have the same length, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may have the same length within a length which enables an arrangement in a gap space GS.

The first vibration device511may be disposed to intersect with each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522. For example, the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be two-dimensionally arranged at a 90-degree interval with respect to the intersection portion501, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be two-dimensionally arranged in a “+”-shape or a “x”-shape. In such configurations, they are arranged to cross each other.

Each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may include first and second periphery portions which are parallel with each other with the intersection portion (or center portion)501therebetween. A center portion of the first vibration device511may overlap the first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522. Accordingly, the center portion of the first vibration device511may not overlap a center portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522and may be disposed between the center portions of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522.

Each of the first and second periphery portions of the first vibration device511may be connected to the supporting member300. The first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be spaced apart from each other and may be respectively connected to the center portion of the first vibration device511. The second periphery portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be respectively connected to the passive vibration member100.

Each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be a flexural displacement type vibration device (or piezoelectric vibration device). For example, each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be a single-layer vibration device (or piezoelectric vibration device) or a stack type vibration device (or piezoelectric vibration device), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may vibrate (or displace or drive) based on a driving signal input thereto. Each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may vibrate (or displace or drive) as contraction and expansion are alternately repeated based on a piezoelectric effect (or a piezoelectric characteristic) according to a driving signal applied from the outside. The driving signal may be an alternating current (AC) signal such as a sound signal, a vibration driving signal, or a voice signal, or the like. The 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may vibrate (or displace or drive) based on the same driving signal. The driving signal applied to the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may have the same phase (or in-phase) as a driving signal applied to the first vibration device511, or may have opposite phases (or anti-phases) with respect to a phase of the driving signal applied to the first vibration device511.

Each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may include one or more piezoelectric devices. The one or more piezoelectric devices may include a piezoelectric layer, one or more first electrodes disposed at a first surface of the piezoelectric layer, and one or more second electrodes disposed at a second surface different from the first surface of the piezoelectric layer. For example, the piezoelectric layer may include a front surface and a rear surface. For example, the first surface of the piezoelectric layer may be a first region of the front surface (or the rear surface) of the piezoelectric layer, and the second surface of the piezoelectric layer may be a second region, which is spaced apart from the first region of the front surface (or the rear surface) of the piezoelectric layer. For example, the first surface of the piezoelectric layer may be the front surface of the piezoelectric layer, and the second surface of the piezoelectric layer may be the rear surface of the piezoelectric layer.

In each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522, the piezoelectric device may include a piezoelectric layer. In one or more examples, the piezoelectric layer may include a piezoelectric material of a ceramic-based material capable of implementing a relatively high vibration, or may include a piezoelectric ceramic material having a perovskite-based crystal structure. For example, the piezoelectric layer may be configured as a piezoelectric material including lead (Pb) or a piezoelectric material not including lead (Pb). For example, the piezoelectric material including lead (Pb) may include one or more of a lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based material, a lead zirconate nickel niobate (PZNN)-based material, a lead magnesium niobate (PMN)-based material, a lead nickel niobate (PNN)-based material, a lead zirconate niobate (PZN)-based material, or a lead indium niobate (PIN)-based material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the piezoelectric material not including lead (Pb) may include one or more of barium titanate (BaTiO3), calcium titanate (CaTiO3), and strontium titanate (SrTiO3), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The material of the piezoelectric layer is not limited to the examples described herein.

The vibration apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may further include one or more adhesive members551and a plurality of elastic members560and570. For example, the vibration apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an adhesive member551, a first elastic member560, and a second elastic member570.

The adhesive member551may be disposed between the plurality of active vibration members510and520. For example, the adhesive member551may be disposed between the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520. For example, the adhesive member551may be disposed between the first active vibration member510and each of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2. For example, the adhesive member551may be disposed between a pair of second active vibration members521and522and the first active vibration member510. Accordingly, each of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2may be connected to the first active vibration member510by the adhesive member551, and thus, may receive a vibration (or displacement) of the first active vibration member510to vibrate (or displace or drive).

The adhesive member551may be disposed between the first vibration device511of the first active vibration member510and each of the 2-1stvibration device521of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and the 2-2ndvibration device522of the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2. For example, the adhesive member551may be disposed between a pair of second vibration devices521and522and the first vibration device511. Accordingly, each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be connected to the first vibration device511by the adhesive member551, and thus, may receive a vibration (or displacement) of the first vibration device511to vibrate (or displace or drive).

The adhesive member551according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a 1-1stadhesive member551aand a 1-2ndadhesive member551b. For example, the adhesive member551may be an adhesive portion, a first adhesive portion, or a first adhesive member. For example, the 1-1stadhesive member551aand the 1-2ndadhesive member551bmay be a pair of adhesive members or a pair of first adhesive members. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 1-1stadhesive member551aand the 1-2ndadhesive member551bmay be a first adhesive member and a second adhesive member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “1-1st” and “1-2nd”.

The 1-1stadhesive member (or 1-1stadhesive portion)551amay be adhered between a first periphery portion of the 2-1stvibration device521and the first vibration device511. The 1-1stadhesive member551amay be adhered between the first periphery portion of the 2-1stvibration device521and a first side (or first portion) of the center portion of the first vibration device511. Accordingly, the first periphery portion of the 2-1stvibration device521may be connected to the center portion of the first vibration device511by the 1-1stadhesive member551a, and thus, may receive a vibration (or displacement) of the first vibration device511to vibrate (or displace or drive).

The 1-2ndadhesive member (or 1-2ndadhesive portion)551bmay be adhered between a first periphery portion of the 2-2ndvibration device522and the first vibration device511. The 1-2ndadhesive member551bmay be adhered between a first periphery portion of the 2-2ndvibration device522and a second side (or second portion) of the center portion of the first vibration device511. Accordingly, the first periphery portion of the 2-2ndvibration device522may be connected to the center portion of the first vibration device511by the 1-2ndadhesive member551b, and thus, may receive a vibration (or displacement) of the first vibration device511to vibrate (or displace or drive). Accordingly, the first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may vibrate (or displace or drive) together based on a vibration (or displacement) of the first vibration device511.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive member551may not be divided into the 1-1stadhesive member551aand the 1-2ndadhesive member551band may be attached at the whole center portion (or the intersection portion501) of the first vibration device511. Accordingly, the first periphery portion of the 2-1stvibration device521and the first periphery portion of the 2-2ndvibration device522may be commonly connected to the adhesive member551disposed at the whole (or entire) center portion (or the intersection portion501) of the first vibration device511and may be spaced apart from each other over the adhesive member551.

The adhesive members551,551a, and551bmay be configured as an adhesive material capable of compression and decompression. For example, the adhesive members551,551a, and551bmay be configured as an adhesive material which is low in elastic modulus. The adhesive members551,551a, and551bmay be configured as an adhesive resin material, an adhesive, or an adhesive tape, or the like. The adhesive resin material may include one of an epoxy-based resin material, an acrylic-based resin material, and a silicone-based resin material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the adhesive members551,551a, and551bmay include an acrylic-based material having a characteristic which is relatively strong in adhesive force and relatively high in hardness compared to a urethane-based material so that a vibration of the first vibration device511is effectively transferred to the first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522.

The first elastic member560may be connected between the first active vibration member510and the supporting member (or the first member)300. For example, the first elastic member560may be connected between the supporting member300and each of the first and second periphery portions of the first active vibration member510. For example, the first elastic member560may be connected between the first vibration device521and the supporting member300. For example, the first elastic member560may be connected between the supporting member300and each of the first and second periphery portions of the first vibration device511. For example, a center portion of the supporting member300may overlap a region between the first and second periphery portions of the first vibration device511, or may overlap the center portion of the first vibration device511.

The first elastic member560according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a 1-1stelastic member561and a 1-2ndelastic member562. For example, the first elastic member560may be a first elastic portion or a first elastic supporting portion. For example, the 1-1stelastic member561and the 1-2ndelastic member562may be a pair of first elastic portions or a pair of first elastic members. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 1-1stelastic member561and the 1-2ndelastic member562may be a first elastic member and a second elastic member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “1-1st” and “1-2nd”. For example, the 1-1stelastic member561may be an elastic member, and the 1-2ndelastic member562may be another elastic member.

The 1-1stelastic member (or 1-1stelastic portion)561may be connected between the first periphery portion of the first vibration device511and the supporting member300. The 1-1stelastic member561may include a first surface connected to the first periphery portion of the first vibration device511and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface and is connected to a first connection region300aof the supporting member300. Accordingly, the 1-1stelastic member561may elastically or flexibly support the first periphery portion of the first vibration device511. For example, the first periphery portion of the first vibration device511may be connected to the supporting member300by the 1-1stelastic member561to enable a vibration (or displacement).

The 1-2ndelastic member (or 1-2ndelastic portion)562may be connected between the second periphery portion of the first vibration device511and the supporting member300. The 1-2ndelastic member562may include a first surface connected to the second periphery portion of the first vibration device511and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface and is connected to a second connection region300bof the supporting member300. Accordingly, the 1-2ndelastic member562may elastically or flexibly support the second periphery portion of the first vibration device511. For example, the second periphery portion of the first vibration device511may be connected to the supporting member300by the 1-2ndelastic member562to enable a vibration (or displacement).

The first elastic members560,561, and562according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include an elastic material having elasticity or flexibility. The first elastic members560,561, and562may be configured as an elastic body having an elastic modulus (or Young's modulus) which is lower than each of the first vibration device511and the supporting member300. For example, the first elastic members560,561, and562may include a double-sided tape, a single-sided tape, a double-sided foam tape, or a double-sided adhesive foam pad, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and may include an elastic pad such as a rubber pad or a silicone pad, or the like, which has adhesive properties and is capable of compression and decompression. For example, an adhesive layer of the first elastic members560,561, and562may include an acrylic-based material having a characteristic which is relatively strong in adhesive force and relatively high in hardness.

The first elastic members560,561, and562according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may increase a weight (or mass) of the first vibration device511, and thus, may act as a mass (or mass body) which decreases a resonance frequency (or natural frequency) of the first vibration device511. Therefore, the first vibration device511may increase in mass of both ends thereof due to the first elastic members560,561, and562and may increase in elasticity due to a composite action based on an elastic modulus of each of the first elastic members560,561, and562, and thus, a vibration width (or displacement width) may increase. The first vibration device511may decrease in resonance frequency (or natural frequency) due to the first elastic members560,561, and562, and thus, may vibrate at a relatively low frequency. For example, the first vibration device511may decrease in lowest resonance frequency (or lowest natural frequency) due to a mass (or weight) action of each of the first elastic members560,561, and562, and thus, may have a lowest vibration number (or lowest vibration frequency) of several hertz (Hz) to tens of Hz and a vibration width (or displacement width) may be maximized based on a lowest resonance frequency (or lowest natural frequency).

The second elastic member570may be connected between the second active vibration member520and the passive vibration member (or the second member)100. For example, the second elastic member570may be connected between the passive vibration member100and each of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2of the second active vibration member520. For example, the second elastic member570may be connected between the second periphery portions of the pair of second active vibration member521and522and the passive vibration member100. Accordingly, the second periphery portion of each of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2may be connected to the passive vibration member100by the second elastic member570, thereby vibrating (or displacing) the passive vibration member100.

The second elastic member570may include a 2-1stelastic member571and a 2-2ndelastic member572. For example, the second elastic member570may be a second elastic portion or a second elastic supporting portion. For example, the 2-1stelastic member571and the 2-2ndelastic member572may be a pair of second elastic portions or a pair of second elastic members. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 2-1stelastic member571and the 2-2ndelastic member572may be a third elastic member and a fourth elastic member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “2-1st” and “2-2nd”. For example, the 2-1stelastic member571may be an additional elastic member, and the 2-2ndelastic member572may be another additional elastic member.

The 2-1stelastic member (or 2-1stelastic portion)571may be connected between the second periphery portion of the 2-1stvibration device521and the passive vibration member100. The 2-1stelastic member571may include a first surface connected to the second periphery portion of the 2-1stvibration device521and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface and is connected to a first connection region100aof the passive vibration member100. Accordingly, the 2-1stelastic member571may elastically or flexibly support the second periphery portion of the 2-1stvibration device521. For example, the second periphery portion of the 2-1stvibration device521may be connected to the passive vibration member100by the 2-1stelastic member571to enable a vibration (or displacement).

The 2-1stelastic member571according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include an elastic material having elasticity or flexibility. The 2-1stelastic member571may be configured as an elastic body having an elastic modulus (or Young's modulus) which is lower than each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the passive vibration member100. The 2-1stelastic member571may be configured as the same elastic material as each of the first elastic members560,561, and562, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the 2-1stelastic member571may be configured with or as an elastic body having an elastic modulus (or Young's modulus) which is lower than the first elastic members560,561, and562. For example, an adhesive layer of the 2-1stelastic member571may include an acrylic-based material having a characteristic which is relatively strong in adhesive force and relatively high in hardness, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the 2-1stelastic member571may increase a weight (or mass) of the 2-1stvibration device521, and thus, may act as a mass (or mass body) which decreases a resonance frequency (or natural frequency) of the 2-1stvibration device521. Therefore, the 2-1stvibration device521may increase in mass of both ends (or both sides) thereof due to the 2-1stelastic member571and the first vibration device511and may increase in elasticity due to a composite action based on an elastic modulus of each of the 2-1stelastic member571and the first elastic member561, and thus, a vibration width (or displacement width) may increase. The 2-1stvibration device521may decrease in resonance frequency (or natural frequency) due to the 2-1stelastic member571and the first vibration device511, and thus, may vibrate at a relatively low frequency. For example, the 2-1stvibration device521may decrease in lowest resonance frequency (or lowest natural frequency) due to a mass (or weight) action of the first vibration device511, and thus, may have a lowest vibration number (or lowest vibration frequency) of several Hz to tens of Hz and a vibration width (or displacement width) may be maximized based on a lowest resonance frequency (or lowest natural frequency).

The 2-2ndelastic member (or 2-2ndelastic portion)572may be connected between the second periphery portion of the 2-2ndvibration device522and the passive vibration member100. The 2-2ndelastic member572may include a first surface connected to the second periphery portion of the 2-2ndvibration device522and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface and is connected to a second connection region100bof the passive vibration member100. Accordingly, the 2-2ndelastic member572may elastically or flexibly support the second periphery portion of the 2-2ndvibration device522. For example, the second periphery portion of the 2-2ndvibration device522may be connected to the passive vibration member100by the 2-2ndelastic member572to enable a vibration (or displacement).

The 2-2ndelastic member572according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured with or as an elastic body which is substantially the same as the 2-1stelastic member571, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted. According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the 2-2ndelastic member572may increase a weight (or mass) of the 2-2ndvibration device522, and thus, may act as a mass (or mass body) which decreases a resonance frequency (or natural frequency) of the 2-2ndvibration device522. This may be substantially the same as the 2-1stelastic member571, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted. Accordingly, the 2-2ndvibration device522may decrease in lowest resonance frequency (or lowest natural frequency) due to a mass (or weight) action of the 2-2ndelastic member572and the first vibration device511, and thus, may have a lowest vibration number (or lowest vibration frequency) of several Hz to tens of Hz and a vibration width (or displacement width) may be maximized based on a lowest resonance frequency (or lowest natural frequency).

The vibration apparatus500according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may have a vibration width (or displacement width) based on a composite vibration (or combined vibration) of the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520, in driving (or vibrating). When a vibration width (or displacement width) increases in driving (or vibrating) of the vibration apparatus500, a total vibration width (or displacement width) of the vibration apparatus500may increase. For example, the vibration apparatus500may have a large vibration width (or displacement width) based on a composite vibration (or combined vibration) of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522by a resonance phenomenon based on a lowest resonance frequency (or natural frequency) of each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, when driving signals respectively applied to the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522have the same phase, a total vibration width (or displacement width) of the vibration apparatus500may be added to a vibration width (or displacement width) of the first vibration device511and a vibration width (or displacement width) of the 2-1stvibration device521(or the 2-2ndvibration device522), and thus, may be maximized. For example, a vibration generated in the first vibration device511and a vibration generated in each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be reinforced with each other, and thus, vibration efficiency (or vibration characteristic) may be enhanced. Accordingly, the vibration apparatus500according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may increase (or amplify) or maximize a vibration width (or displacement width) of the passive vibration member100and may vibrate the passive vibration member100at a lowest vibration number (or lowest vibration frequency) of several Hz to tens of Hz.

Therefore, the vibration apparatus500according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may enhance a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of the low-pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100and may vibrate the passive vibration member100at a lowest vibration number (or lowest vibration frequency) of several Hz to tens of Hz, thereby enhancing a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a super-low-pitched sound band (or an ultra-low-pitched sound band) of 100 Hz or less. For example, the super-low-pitched sound band (or the ultra-low-pitched sound band) may be a pitched sound band which is inaudible (or which users or their ears cannot hear).

FIG.4illustrates a vibration model of an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIGS.2to4, the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may have the composite structure of the 2-degree-of-freedom vibration model. For example, the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a composite model of one undamping model and one damping model.

In the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a first active vibration member510may be connected to a supporting member300by a first elastic member560, the first active vibration member510and a second active vibration member520may be connected to each other, and the second active vibration member520may be connected to a passive vibration member100by a second elastic member570. Therefore, the supporting member300may be modeled based on a first mass m1, the first elastic member560may be modeled based on a first spring constant k1 and a first damping coefficient c1, the first active vibration member510may be modeled based on a second mass m2, the second active vibration member520may be modeled based on a third mass m3, the second elastic member570may be modeled based on a second spring constant k2 and a second damping coefficient c2, and the passive vibration member100may be modeled based on a fourth mass m4. The first active vibration member510may be directly connected to the second active vibration member520, and thus, the second mass m2 and the third mass m3 may be substituted into one composite mass “m2+m3”.

The second active vibration member520and the passive vibration member100may be connected to each other by the second elastic member570, and thus, may each vibrate (or displace or drive) independently. A force generated based on a vibration of each of the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520may vibrate the passive vibration member100. The fourth mass m4 of the passive vibration member100affected by the force generated based on a vibration of each of the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520may be reduced due to the second elastic member570, and thus, an acceleration applied to each of the first active vibration member510, the second active vibration member520, and the passive vibration member100may increase based on the force generated based on a vibration of each of the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520, and an acceleration applied to each of the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520may be increased further by the second elastic member570. Therefore, the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520may resonate at a large displacement. In addition, a displacement (or vibration) of each of the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520may be gradually transferred through the second elastic member570, and thus, the displacement (or vibration) of each of the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520may not be prevented (or reduced) by the fourth mass m4 of the passive vibration member100.

Accordingly, the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may increase a displacement amount (or displacement width) of each of the first active vibration member510, the second active vibration member520, and the passive vibration member100, thereby enhancing a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a low-pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100. In addition, the vibration apparatus500according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may vibrate the passive vibration member100at a lowest vibration number (or lowest vibration frequency) of several Hz to tens of Hz, thereby enhancing a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a super-low-pitched sound band (or an ultra-low-pitched sound band) of 100 Hz or less. For example, the super-low-pitched sound band (or the ultra-low-pitched sound band) may be a pitched sound band which is inaudible (or which ears of users cannot hear).

FIG.5illustrates an example of a displacement width (or displacement amount) of a vibration apparatus based on a driving signal applied to the first active vibration member and the second active vibration member illustrated inFIGS.2and3.

With reference toFIGS.2,3, and5, a driving signal (or a first driving signal) applied to the first vibration device511of the first active vibration member510has the same phase as a driving signal (or a second driving signal) applied to the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522of the second active vibration member520, the first vibration device511, the 2-1stvibration device521, and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be flexed (or displaced or driven or vibrated) in the same shape. For example, the first vibration device511may be flexed (or displaced or driven or vibrated) in a first shape based on the first driving signal, and thus, the first and second periphery portions of the first vibration device511may be flexed (or displaced or driven or vibrated) in a direction closer to the supporting member300. Simultaneously, each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be flexed (or displaced or driven or vibrated) in the first shape based on the second driving signal having the same phase as the first driving signal, and thus, the second periphery portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be flexed (or displaced or driven or vibrated) in a direction closer to the supporting member300. Accordingly, when driving signals having the same phase are applied to the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520, the vibration apparatus500may have a first displacement width (or displacement amount) corresponding to a shortest distance between the first and second periphery portions of the first vibration device511and a center portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522.

When the driving signal (or the first driving signal) applied to the first vibration device511of the first active vibration member510has an opposite phase of the driving signal (or the second driving signal) applied to each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522of the second active vibration member520, the first vibration device511may be flexed (or displaced or driven or vibrated) in a shape which differs from each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522. For example, the first vibration device511may be flexed (or displaced or driven or vibrated) in a second shape opposite to the first shape based on the second driving signal having an opposite phase of the first driving signal, and thus, the first and second periphery portions of the first vibration device511may be flexed (or displaced or driven or vibrated) in a direction closer to the passive vibration member100. Simultaneously, each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be flexed (or displaced or driven or vibrated) in the first shape based on the second driving signal having the same phase as the first driving signal, and thus, the second periphery portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522may be flexed (or displaced) in a direction closer to the supporting member300. Therefore, when driving signals having opposite phases are applied to the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520, the vibration apparatus500may have a second displacement width (or displacement amount) corresponding to a shortest distance between the center portion of the first vibration device511and the center portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522.

As seen inFIG.5, when driving signals having the same phase are applied to the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520, the vibration apparatus500according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may have a first displacement width W1, and when driving signals having opposite phases are applied to the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520, the vibration apparatus500may have a second displacement width W2 which is smaller than the first displacement width W1.

Therefore, the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may supply driving signals having the same phase to the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520of the vibration apparatus500, and thus, may increase a displacement amount (or displacement width) of the passive vibration member100, thereby enhancing a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a low-pitched sound band (for example, a super-low-pitched sound band (or an ultra-low-pitched sound band) of 100 Hz or less) generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100. In addition, the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may supply driving signals having opposite phases to the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520of the vibration apparatus500, and thus, may increase a displacement amount (or displacement width) of the passive vibration member100, thereby enhancing a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a high-pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100.

FIG.6is an example of another cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ illustrated inFIG.1.FIG.7illustrates a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated inFIG.6.FIGS.6and7illustrate an embodiment where a mass member is additionally provided in the apparatus or the vibration apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure described above with reference toFIGS.1to5. Therefore, in the description ofFIGS.6and7, the elements except a mass member and relevant elements may be referred to by like reference numerals, and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

With reference toFIGS.6and7, an apparatus or a vibration apparatus500according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a mass member555.

The mass member555may be disposed between a plurality of active vibration members510and520. For example, the mass member555may be disposed at an intersection portion501between a plurality of active vibration members510and520. For example, the mass member555may be disposed between a first active vibration member510and a second active vibration member520. For example, the mass member555may be disposed at an intersection portion501between the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520. For example, the mass member555may be disposed between each of a 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and a 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2and the first active vibration member510. For example, the mass member555may be disposed between an adhesive member551and the first active vibration member510or between the adhesive member551and the second active vibration member520. For example, the mass member555may be disposed between each of a 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and a 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2and the adhesive member551.

The mass member555may be disposed between a first vibration device511and each of a 2-1stvibration device521and a 2-2ndvibration device522. For example, the mass member555may be disposed between a first vibration device511and the adhesive member551. For example, the mass member555may be disposed between each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522and the adhesive member551. The mass member555may be embedded in the adhesive member551. The adhesive member551may be disposed to wholly surround the mass member555(or to surround the entire mass member555).

The mass member555may include a 1-1stmass member555aand a 1-2ndmass member555b. For example, the mass member555may be referred to as a first mass portion, a first mass member, a first mass, or a first weight. For example, the 1-1stmass member555aand the 1-2ndmass member555bmay be a pair of first mass portions, a pair of first mass members, a pair of first masses, or a pair of first weights. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 1-1stmass member555aand the 1-2ndmass member555bmay be a first mass member and a second mass member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “1-1st” and “1-2nd”. For example, the 1-1stmass member555amay be a first mass member, and the 1-2ndmass member555bmay be a second mass member.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the 1-1stmass member (or a 1-1stmass portion)555aand the 1-2ndmass member (or a 1-2ndmass portion)555bmay include a first surface and a second surface.

The first surface of the 1-1stmass member555amay be connected (or adhered) to a 1-1stadhesive member551a. The first surface of the 1-2ndmass member555bmay be connected (or adhered) to a 1-2ndadhesive member551b. The second surface of the 1-1stmass member555amay be connected (or adhered) to a first periphery portion of the first vibration device511or the 2-1stvibration device521. The second surface of the 1-2ndmass member555bmay be connected (or adhered) to a first periphery portion of the first vibration device511or the 2-2ndvibration device522.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the mass member555may not be divided into the 1-1stmass member555aand the 1-2ndmass member555band may be configured as one body (or as one unitary body). For example, the mass member555may have a polygonal pillar shape or a circular pillar shape having a size which is smaller than or equal to a center portion (or intersection portion501) of the first vibration device511. For example, a first surface of the mass member555may be connected (or adhered) to the adhesive member551. A second surface of the mass member555may be connected (or adhered) to the center portion of the first vibration device511, or may be commonly connected (or adhered) to a first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stvibration device521and the 2-2ndvibration device522.

The mass member555or the 1-1stmass member555aand the 1-2ndmass member555bmay include an elastic material capable of acting as a mass (or mass body) on the vibration devices511,521, and522. For example, the mass member555or the 1-1stmass member555aand the 1-2ndmass member555bmay include an elastic material having strength which is less than a bending strength of each of the vibration devices511,521, and522. For example, the mass member555or the 1-1stmass member555aand the 1-2ndmass member555bmay include the same elastic material as elastic members560and570or a coupling member200, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the mass member555or the 1-1stmass member555aand the 1-2ndmass member555bmay be formed by elastomer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the mass member555or the 1-1stmass member555aand the 1-2ndmass member555bmay include an adhesive layer, or may not include the adhesive layer. For example, when the mass member555or the 1-1stmass member555aand the 1-2ndmass member555bdo not include the adhesive layer, the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an adhesive member which is attached on a first surface of the mass member555.

The mass member555or the 1-1stmass member555aand the 1-2ndmass member555bmay act as a mass (or mass body) which increases a mass (or weight) of each of the first vibration device511and the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522to decrease a lowest resonance frequency (or lowest natural frequency) of each of the vibration devices511,521, and522. Accordingly, each of the first vibration device511and the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522may more decrease a lowest resonance frequency (or lowest natural frequency), and thus, may vibrate at a relatively lower frequency.

As described above, the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a mass member555, and thus, may further enhance a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a super-low-pitched sound band (or an ultra-low-pitched sound band) of 100 Hz or less generated based on a vibration of a passive vibration member100.

The apparatus or the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated inFIG.8, may further include a secondary mass member556for increasing a mass (or weight) of each of the first vibration device511and the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522.

The secondary mass member556may be connected to a second active vibration member520, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the secondary mass member556may be connected to a rear center portion of the first vibration device511. The secondary mass member556may include an elastic material which is the same as the mass member555. For example, the secondary mass member556may be configured to have a polygonal pillar shape or a circular pillar shape having a size which is smaller than or equal to a center portion (or intersection portion501) of the first vibration device511. Accordingly, the apparatus or the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include at least one of the mass member555and the secondary mass member556, and thus, may have a larger vibration width (or displacement width) based on a composite vibration (or combined vibration) of a first active vibration member510and a second active vibration member520.

FIG.9is an exploded perspective view illustrating an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated inFIG.1.FIG.9illustrates an embodiment implemented by modifying the first active vibration member in the apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.1to8. Therefore, in the description ofFIG.9, the elements except the first active vibration member and relevant elements may be referred to by like reference numerals, and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

With reference toFIG.9, in the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a first active vibration member510may be configured to have the same size as a second active vibration member520. For example, the first active vibration member510may be configured to have the same size as a sum of (a) a size of a 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and (b) a size of a 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2of the second active vibration member520. For example, a length of the first active vibration member510in the second direction Y may be configured to be a sum of (a) a length of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1in the first direction X and (b) a length of the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2in the first direction X. For example, a length of the first active vibration member510in the second direction Y may be configured to be a sum of (a) a length of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1in the first direction X, (b) a length of the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2in the first direction X and (c) the size (or a length) of the gap at the intersection portion501in the first direction X. For example, the first active vibration member510may be configured to have the same short-side length as a short-side length of each of the 2-1stand 2-2ndactive vibration members520-1and520-2of the second active vibration member520. Therefore, the first active vibration member510illustrated inFIG.9may have a size which is greater than the first active vibration member510illustrated inFIGS.2to8, and thus, may have a vibration width (or displacement width) which is greater than the first active vibration member510illustrated inFIGS.2to8.

The first active vibration member510according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first vibration device512.

The first vibration device512may be configured to have the same size as the second active vibration member520. For example, the first vibration device512may be configured to have the same size as a sum of (a) a size of a 2-1stvibration device521of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and (b) a size of a 2-2ndvibration device522of the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2. For example, a length of the first vibration device512in the second direction Y may be configured to be a sum of (a) a length of the 2-1stvibration device521in the first direction X and (b) a length of the 2-2ndvibration device522in the first direction X. For example, the first vibration device512may be configured to have a size that is greater than a sum of (a) a size of a 2-1stvibration device521of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and (b) a size of a 2-2ndvibration device522of the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2. For example, the first vibration device512may be configured to have a size that is equal to a sum of (a) the size of a 2-1stvibration device521of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1, (b) the size of a 2-2ndvibration device522of the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2, and (c) the size of the gap at the intersection portion501. For example, the first vibration device512may be configured to have a long-side length that is greater than a sum of (a) a long-side length of a 2-1stvibration device521of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and (b) a long-side length of a 2-2ndvibration device522of the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2. For example, the first vibration device512may be configured to have a long-side length that is a sum of (a) a long-side length of a 2-1stvibration device521of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1, (b) a long-side length of a 2-2ndvibration device522of the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2, and (c) the length of the gap at the intersection portion501along the length of the second active vibration member520. For example, the first vibration device512may be configured to have the same short-side length as a short-side length of each of a 2-1stvibration device521of the 2-1stactive vibration member520-1and a 2-2ndvibration device522of the 2-2ndactive vibration member520-2. Therefore, the first vibration device512illustrated inFIG.9may have a size which is greater than the first vibration device511illustrated inFIGS.2to8, and thus, may have a vibration width (or displacement width) which is greater than the first vibration device511illustrated inFIGS.2to8.

As described above, the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a vibration width (or displacement width) which is greater than the vibration apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.1to8, based on a size of the first active vibration member510or the first vibration device512. Accordingly, a vibration width (or displacement width) of a passive vibration member100may further increase, and thus, a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a low-pitched sound band (for example, a super-low-pitched sound band (or an ultra-low-pitched sound band) of 100 Hz or less) generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100may be further enhanced.

FIG.10is an example of another cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ illustrated inFIG.1.FIG.11is a plan view of a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated inFIG.10.FIG.12is an example of a perspective view illustrating a vibration apparatus illustrated inFIGS.10and11.FIGS.10to12illustrate an embodiment where a third active vibration member is additionally configured (or provided) in the apparatus or the vibration apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.1to9. Therefore, in the description ofFIGS.10to12, the elements except a third active vibration member and relevant elements may be referred to by like reference numerals, and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

With reference toFIGS.10to12, an apparatus or a vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a third active vibration member530.

The third active vibration member530may be disposed to intersect with each of first and second active vibration members510and520. For example, the apparatus or the vibration apparatus500may include first to third active vibration members510,520, and530which are disposed to intersect with one another at an intersection portion501and are connected to one another at the intersection portion501. For example, the first to third active vibration members510,520, and530may be disposed to have a “*”-shape in two dimensions.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the first to third active vibration members510,520, and530may be divided (or classified) into or may include a first group (or a first member group) G1 and a second group (or a second member group) G2, or may include the first group (or the first member group) G1 and the second group (or the second member group) G2. Each of the first group G1 and the second group G2 may include one or more of the first to third active vibration members510,520, and530. For example, one or more active vibration member510of the first to third active vibration members510,520, and530may be included in the first group G1, and the other active vibration members520and530except the one or more active vibration member510in the first group G1 among the first to third active vibration members510,520, and530may be included in the second group G2. Accordingly, the vibration apparatus500may include the first group G1 and the second group G2 configured to include one or more active vibration members510,520, and530.

The one or more active vibration member510in the first group G1 may be connected to a supporting member300. The one or more active vibration members520and530in the second group G2 may be connected to a passive vibration member100. For example, the first active vibration member510may be included in the first group G1, the second active vibration member520may be included in the second group G2, and the third active vibration member530may be included in the first group G1 or the second group G2. For example, the number of active vibration members in the second group G2 may be more than the number of active vibration members in the first group G1.

The third active vibration member530may be disposed to intersect with the second active vibration member520and may be connected to the second active vibration member520at the intersection portion501. The third active vibration member530may be connected to a passive vibration member (or a second member)100. For example, the third active vibration member530may be connected to the passive vibration member100, so as to reinforce a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a low-pitched sound band, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited. For example, the third active vibration member530may be connected to the supporting member300, so as to reinforce a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a high-pitched sound band.

The third active vibration member530may include a 3-1stactive vibration member530-1and a 3-2ndactive vibration member530-2, which are each connected to the second active vibration member520and the passive vibration member100. The 3-1stactive vibration member530-1and the 3-2ndactive vibration member530-2may be disposed along a direction intersecting with the second active vibration member520and may be spaced apart from each other at a center portion of the second active vibration member520. For example, the 3-1stactive vibration member530-1and the 3-2ndactive vibration member530-2may be a pair of third active vibration members. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 3-1stactive vibration member530-1and the 3-2ndactive vibration member530-2may be a fourth active vibration member and a fifth active vibration member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “3-1st” and “3-2nd”.

The 3-1stactive vibration member530-1may include a 3-1stvibration device531, and the 3-2ndactive vibration member530-2may include a 3-2ndvibration device532. The 3-1stvibration device531and the 3-2ndvibration device532may be a pair of third vibration devices. The 3-1stvibration device531and the 3-2ndvibration device532may be disposed in parallel with each other along a direction intersecting with a first vibration device511and 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522and may be spaced apart from each other at an intersection portion501over the first vibration device511. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 3-1stvibration device531and the 3-2ndvibration device532may be a fourth vibration device (or vibration apparatus) and a fifth vibration device (or vibration apparatus), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “3-1st” and “3-2nd”.

Each of the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532may be configured to have the same shape, size, and structure as each of the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522. The first vibration device511of the first active vibration member510may have a length which is smaller than each of the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532and the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522, but is not limited thereto and may have the same shape and size as each of the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532and the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522.

The 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532may vibrate (or displace or drive) based on the same driving signal. The driving signal applied to the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532may have the same phase (or in-phase) as a driving signal applied to the first vibration device511, or may have opposite phases (or anti-phases) with respect to a phase of the driving signal applied to the first vibration device511. The driving signal applied to the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532may have the same phase (or in-phase) as a driving signal applied to the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522, or may have opposite phases (or anti-phases) with respect to a phase of the driving signal applied to the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, driving signals applied to the first vibration device511, the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522, and the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532may have the same phase. For example, when the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532are connected to the passive vibration member100, driving signals applied to the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532may have the same phase as driving signals applied to the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522and may have the same phase or an opposite phase (or an anti-phase) with respect to a phase of a driving signal applied to the first vibration device511. For example, when the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532are connected to the supporting member300, the driving signals applied to the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532may have the same phase or an opposite phase with respect to the driving signals applied to the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522and may have the same phase as the driving signal applied to the first vibration device511. Accordingly, driving signals applied to the first vibration device511, the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522, and the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532may all have the same phase, or only a driving signal applied to a vibration device connected to the supporting member300may have an anti-phase.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more active vibration members in the first group G1 may include one vibration device511connected to the supporting member300, one or more active vibration members in the second group G2 may include a pair of vibration devices (521,522) and (531,532) which intersect with the one vibration device511and are spaced apart from each other at the intersection portion501.

The apparatus or the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second adhesive member552and a third elastic member580.

The second adhesive member552may be disposed between the second and third active vibration members520and530. The second adhesive member552may be disposed between the 3-1stactive vibration member531and a first side of a first periphery portion of each of 2-1stand 2-2ndactive vibration members520-1and520-2and may be disposed between the 3-2ndactive vibration member532and a second side of the first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stand 2-2ndactive vibration members520-1and520-2.

The second adhesive member552according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a 2-1stadhesive member552aand a 2-2ndadhesive member552b. The second adhesive member552may be a second adhesive portion. For example, the 2-1stadhesive member552aand the 2-2ndadhesive member552bmay be a pair of second adhesive members. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 2-1stadhesive member552aand the 2-2ndadhesive member552bmay be a third adhesive member and a fourth adhesive member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “2-1st” and “2-2nd”.

The 2-1stadhesive member (or a 2-1stadhesive portion)552amay be attached between the 3-1stactive vibration member531and the first side of the first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stand 2-2ndactive vibration members520-1and520-2. Accordingly, a first periphery portion of the 3-1stactive vibration member531may be connected to the first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stand 2-2ndactive vibration members520-1and520-2by the 2-1stadhesive member552a, and thus, may vibrate (or displace or drive) based on a vibration (or displacement or drive) of each of the first vibration device511and the 2-1stand 2-2ndactive vibration members520-1and520-2.

The 2-2ndadhesive member (or a 2-2ndadhesive portion)552bmay be attached between the 3-2ndactive vibration member532and the second side of the first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stand 2-2ndactive vibration members520-1and520-2. Accordingly, a first periphery portion of the 3-2ndactive vibration member532may be connected to the first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stand 2-2ndactive vibration members520-1and520-2by the 2-2ndadhesive member552b, and thus, may vibrate (or displace or drive) based on a vibration (or displacement) of each of the first vibration device511and the 2-1stand 2-2ndactive vibration members520-1and520-2.

The second adhesive members552,552a, and552bmay include a material which is substantially the same as the first adhesive members551,551a, and551b, and thus, their detailed descriptions may be omitted.

The third elastic member580may be connected between the third active vibration member530and the passive vibration member (or the second member)100. For example, the third elastic member580may be connected between the passive vibration member100and each of a 3-1stactive vibration member530-1and a 3-2ndactive vibration member530-2of the third active vibration member530. For example, the third elastic member580may be connected between the passive vibration member100and a second periphery portion of a pair of third active vibration members531and532. Accordingly, a second periphery portion of each of the 3-1stactive vibration member530-1and the 3-2ndactive vibration member530-2may be connected to the passive vibration member100by the third elastic member580, and thus, may vibrate (or displace or drive) the passive vibration member100.

The third elastic member580according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a 3-1stelastic member581and a 3-2ndelastic member582. For example, the third elastic member580may support a third elastic portion or a third elastic supporting portion. For example, the 3-1stelastic member581and the 3-2ndelastic member582may be a pair of third elastic members or a pair of third elastic members. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 3-1stelastic member581and the 3-2ndelastic member582may be a fifth elastic member and a sixth elastic member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “3-1st” and “3-2nd”.

The 3-1stelastic member (or 3-1stelastic portion)581may be connected between the passive vibration member100and a second periphery portion of the 3-1stvibration device531. The 3-1stelastic member581may elastically or flexibly support the second periphery portion of the 3-1stvibration device531. For example, the second periphery portion of the 3-1stvibration device531may be connected to the passive vibration member100by the 3-1stelastic member581so as to enable a vibration (or displacement or drive). The 3-1stelastic member581may be configured with or as an elastic body which is substantially the same as the second elastic member570described above with reference toFIGS.2and3, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted. The 3-1stelastic member581may increase a mass (or weight) of the 3-1stvibration device531, and thus, may act as a mass (or mass body) which decreases a resonance frequency (or natural frequency) of the 3-1stvibration device531. This may be substantially the same as the 2-1stelastic member571, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted.

The 3-2ndelastic member (or 3-2ndelastic portion)582may be connected between the passive vibration member100and a second periphery portion of the 3-2ndvibration device532. The 3-2ndelastic member582may elastically or flexibly support the second periphery portion of the 3-2ndvibration device532. For example, the second periphery portion of the 3-2ndvibration device532may be connected to the passive vibration member100by the 3-2ndelastic member582so as to enable a vibration (or displacement). The 3-2ndelastic member582may be configured with or as an elastic body which is substantially the same as the second elastic member570described above with reference toFIGS.2and3, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted. The 3-2ndelastic member582may increase a mass (or weight) of the 3-2ndvibration device532, and thus, may act as a mass (or mass body) which decreases a resonance frequency (or natural frequency) of the 3-2ndvibration device532. This may be substantially the same as the 2-2ndelastic member572, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, first and second periphery portions of one vibration device511configured in an active vibration member of the first group G1 may be connected to the supporting member300by at least a pair of first elastic members561and562. The second periphery portion of each of at least a pair of vibration devices (521,522) and (531,532) provided in an active vibration member of the second group G2 may be connected to the passive vibration member100by at least a pair of second elastic members (571,572) and (581,582).

In the apparatus or the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first and second adhesive members551and552may be configured to have a polygonal pillar shape or a circular pillar shape having a size which is smaller than or equal to a center portion (or intersection portion501) of the first vibration device511.

As described above, the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a vibration width (or displacement width) which is greater than the vibration apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.1to9, based on a composite vibration (or combined vibration) of the first to third active vibration members510,520, and530. For example, a vibration generated in each of the vibration devices511,521,522,531, and532configured in the first to third active vibration members510,520, and530may be reinforced with each other, and thus, vibration efficiency may be enhanced. Accordingly, a displacement amount (or displacement width) of the passive vibration member100may further increase, and thus, a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a low-pitched sound band (for example, a super-low-pitched sound band (or an ultra-low-pitched sound band) of 100 Hz or less) generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100may be further enhanced.

The apparatus or the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a secondary mass member557for increasing a mass (or weight) of each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522, and the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532.

The secondary mass member557may be disposed to overlap with the intersection portion501. As an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the secondary mass member557may be connected to a third active vibration member530, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As another example embodiment of the present disclosure, the secondary mass member557may be connected to a rear center portion of the first vibration device511. For example, the secondary mass member557may overlap with the mass member555. The secondary mass member557may include an elastic material which is the same as the mass member555. For example, the secondary mass member557may be configured to have a polygonal pillar shape or a circular pillar shape having a size which is smaller than or equal to the intersection portion501. Accordingly, the apparatus or the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a secondary mass member557, and thus, a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a super-low-pitched sound band (or an ultra-low-pitched sound band) of 100 Hz or less generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100may be further enhanced.

FIG.13is an example of another cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ illustrated inFIG.1.FIG.14is an example of a plan view of a vibration apparatus illustrated inFIG.13.FIGS.13and14illustrate an embodiment where a fourth active vibration member is additionally configured in the apparatus or the vibration apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.10to12. Therefore, in the description ofFIGS.13and14, the elements except a fourth active vibration member and relevant elements may be referred to by like reference numerals, and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

With reference toFIGS.13and14, an apparatus or a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a fourth active vibration member540.

The fourth active vibration member540may be disposed to intersect with each of first to third active vibration members510,520, and530. For example, the apparatus or the vibration apparatus500may include the first to fourth active vibration members510,520,530, and540which are disposed to intersect with one another at an intersection portion501and are connected to one another at the intersection portion501. For example, the first to fourth active vibration members510,520,530, and540may be arranged at a 45-degree interval with respect to an intersection portion501two-dimensionally, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited. For example, the first and fourth active vibration members510and540may be arranged to have a “+”-shape two-dimensionally, and the second and third active vibration members520and530may be arranged to have a “x”-shape two-dimensionally.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the first to fourth active vibration members510,520,530, and540may be divided (or classified) into or may include a first group (or a first member group) G1 and a second group (or a second member group) G2, or may include the first group (or the first member group) G1 and the second group (or the second member group) G2. Each of the first group G1 and the second group G2 may include one or more of the first to fourth active vibration members510,520,530, and540. For example, one or more active vibration members510and540of the first to fourth active vibration members510,520,530, and540may be included in the first group G1, and the other active vibration members520and530except the one or more active vibration members510and540in the first group G1 among the first to fourth active vibration members510,520,530, and540may be included in the second group G2. Accordingly, the vibration apparatus500may include the first group G1 and the second group G2 configured to include one or more active vibration members510,520,530, and540.

The one or more active vibration members510and540in the first group G1 may be connected to a supporting member300. The one or more active vibration members520and530in the second group G2 may be connected to a passive vibration member100. For example, the first active vibration member510may be included in the first group G1, the second active vibration member520may be included in the second group G2, the third active vibration member530may be included in the first group G1 or the second group G2, and the fourth active vibration member540may be included in the first group G1 or the second group G2. For example, the number of active vibration members in the second group G2 may be more than the number of active vibration members in the first group G1.

The fourth active vibration member540may be disposed to intersect with the first active vibration member510and may be connected to each of the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520at the intersection portion501. The fourth active vibration member540may be connected to the supporting member (or a first member)300. For example, the fourth active vibration member540may be connected to the passive vibration member100, so as to reinforce a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a low-pitched sound band, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited. For example, the fourth active vibration member540may be connected to the supporting member300, so as to reinforce a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a high-pitched sound band.

The fourth active vibration member540may include one fourth vibration device541which is disposed between the first active vibration member510and the second active vibration member520.

A center portion of the fourth vibration device541may be disposed to intersect with a center portion of the first active vibration member510and may be disposed to intersect with each of 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522of the second active vibration member520. First and second periphery portions of the fourth vibration device541may be connected to the supporting member300, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and may be connected to the passive vibration member100.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the center portion of the fourth vibration device541may be connected to a center portion of the first active vibration member510by a first adhesive member551and may be connected to a first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522of the second active vibration member520by an additional adhesive member.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the center portion of the fourth vibration device541may be connected between the first adhesive member551and a mass member555. For example, the center portion of the fourth vibration device541may be connected to a center portion of the first active vibration member510by the adhesive member551and may be connected to the first periphery portion of each of the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522by the mass member555. Therefore, an additional adhesive member for connecting each of the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522to the fourth vibration device541may be omitted.

The fourth vibration device541may have the same shape and structure as the first vibration device511. The fourth vibration device541may have a length which is smaller than each of the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532and the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and may have the same shape and size as each of the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532and the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522as illustrated by a dotted line inFIG.14.

The fourth vibration device541may vibrate (or displace or drive) based on a driving signal applied thereto. The driving signal applied to the fourth vibration device541may have the same phase or an opposite phase (or an anti-phase) with respect to a phase of a driving signal applied to each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522, and the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532. For example, the driving signal applied to each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522, the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532, and fourth vibration device541may all have the same phase (or in-phase), or only a driving signal applied to a vibration device connected to the supporting member300may have an anti-phase.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more active vibration members in the first group G1 may include one or more vibration devices511or/and541connected to the supporting member300, and one or more active vibration members in the second group G2 may include at least a pair of vibration devices (521,522) or/and (531,532) which intersect with the one vibration device511or/and541in the first group G1 and are spaced apart from each other at the intersection portion501.

The apparatus or the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a fourth elastic member590.

The fourth elastic member590may be connected between the supporting member (or a first member)300and the fourth active vibration member540. For example, the fourth elastic member590may be connected between the supporting member300and first and second periphery portions of the fourth active vibration member540. Accordingly, the first and second periphery portions of the fourth active vibration member540may be connected to the supporting member300by the fourth elastic member590.

The fourth elastic member590according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a 4-1stelastic member591and a 4-2ndelastic member592. For example, the fourth elastic member590may support a fourth elastic portion or a fourth elastic supporting portion. For example, the 4-1stelastic member591and the 4-2ndelastic member592may be a pair of fourth elastic members or a pair of fourth elastic members. In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the 4-1stelastic member591and the 4-2ndelastic member592may be a seventh elastic member and an eighth elastic member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the notations such as “4-1st” and “4-2nd”.

The 4-1stelastic member (or 4-1stelastic portion)591may be connected between the supporting member300and a first periphery portion of the fourth vibration device541. The 4-1stelastic member591may elastically or flexibly support the first periphery portion of the fourth vibration device541. The 4-1stelastic member591may be configured with or as an elastic body which is substantially the same as the 1-1stelastic member561of the first elastic member560described above with reference toFIGS.2and3, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted.

The 4-2ndelastic member (or 4-2ndelastic portion)592may be connected between the supporting member300and a second periphery portion of the fourth vibration device541. The 4-2ndelastic member592may elastically or flexibly support the second periphery portion of the fourth vibration device541. The 4-2ndelastic member592may be configured with or as an elastic body which is substantially the same as the 1-2ndelastic member562of the first elastic member560described above with reference toFIGS.2and3, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted.

The fourth elastic member590or the 4-1stelastic member591and 4-2ndelastic member592may increase a mass (or weight) of the fourth vibration device541, and thus, may act as a mass (or mass body) which decreases a resonance frequency (or natural frequency) of the fourth vibration device541. This may be substantially the same as the first elastic member560, and thus, the repetitive description thereof may be omitted.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, first and second periphery portions of one or more vibration devices511and541configured in an active vibration member of the first group G1 may be connected to the supporting member300by at least a pair of first elastic members (561,562) and (591,592). The second periphery portions of each of at least a pair of vibration devices (521,522) and (531,532) provided in an active vibration member of the second group G2 may be connected to the passive vibration member100by at least a pair of second elastic members (571,572) and (581,582).

In the apparatus or the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first and second adhesive members551and552may be configured to have a polygonal pillar shape or a circular pillar shape having a size which is smaller than or equal to a center portion (or intersection portion501) of the first vibration device511.

In the apparatus or the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the mass member555may be configured to have a polygonal pillar shape or a circular pillar shape having a size which is smaller than or equal to a center portion (or intersection portion501) of the first vibration device511.

The mass member555according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed between the first group G1 and the second group G2. For example, with respect to a thickness direction Z of the passive vibration member100, the mass member555may be disposed between an active vibration member disposed at an uppermost layer of the first group G1 and an active vibration member disposed at a lowermost layer of the second group G2.

As described above, the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a vibration width (or displacement width) which is greater than the vibration apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.1to12, based on a composite vibration (or combined vibration) of the first to fourth active vibration members510,520,530, and540. For example, a vibration generated in each of the vibration devices511,521,522,531, and532configured in the first to fourth active vibration members510,520,530, and540may be reinforced with each other, and thus, vibration efficiency may be enhanced. Accordingly, a displacement amount (or displacement width) of the passive vibration member100may further increase, and thus, a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a low-pitched sound band (for example, a super-low-pitched sound band (or an ultra-low-pitched sound band) of 100 Hz or less) generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100may be further enhanced.

The mass member555according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include one or more secondary mass members557which are connected to one or more of the first group G1 and the second group G2. The one or more secondary mass members557may be configured to increase a mass (or weight) of each of the first vibration device511, the 2-1stand 2-2ndvibration devices521and522, the 3-1stand 3-2ndvibration devices531and532, and the fourth vibration device541.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more secondary mass members557may be disposed at one or more of a rear center portion of an active vibration member disposed at a lowermost layer of the first group G1 and a front center portion of an active vibration member disposed at an uppermost layer of the second group G2, with respect to the thickness direction Z of the passive vibration member100. The one or more secondary mass members557may include the same elastic material as the mass member555. The one or more secondary mass member557may be configured to have a polygonal pillar shape or a circular pillar shape having a size which is smaller than or equal to the intersection portion501.

Therefore, the apparatus or the vibration apparatus500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include the mass members555and557disposed at one or more of a portion between the active vibration member disposed at the uppermost layer of the first group G1 and the active vibration member disposed at the lowermost layer of the second group G2, the rear center portion of the active vibration member disposed at the lowermost layer of the first group G1, and the front center portion of the active vibration member disposed at the uppermost layer of the second group G2, and thus, a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a super-low-pitched sound band (or an ultra-low-pitched sound band) of 100 Hz or less generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100may be further enhanced.

FIG.15is an example of another cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ illustrated inFIG.1.FIG.15illustrates an embodiment where a plurality of vibration apparatuses are configured (or provided) in the apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.1to14. Therefore, in the following description, the elements except a plurality of vibration apparatuses and relevant elements may be referred to by like reference numerals, and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

With reference toFIG.15, an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nwhich are connected between a passive vibration member100and a supporting member300.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be configured as one of the vibration apparatus500described above with reference toFIGS.1to5, the vibration apparatus500described above with reference toFIGS.6and8, the vibration apparatus500described above with reference toFIG.9, the vibration apparatus500described above with reference toFIGS.10to12, and the vibration apparatus500described above with reference toFIGS.13and15. For example, each of the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be configured as the same vibration apparatus or a different vibration apparatus of the vibration apparatuses500described above with reference toFIGS.1to15. Accordingly, a repetitive description of each of the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be omitted. In one or more aspects, n may represent a natural number. In one or more examples, n may represent a natural number greater than 1.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be divided (or classified) into or may include a first apparatus group and a second apparatus group, or may include the first apparatus group and the second apparatus group. Each of the first apparatus group and the second apparatus group may include one or more of the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-n. For example, one or more of the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be included in the first apparatus group, and one or more other vibration apparatuses except the one or more vibration apparatuses included in the first apparatus group among the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be included in the second apparatus group. For example, the first apparatus group may be a first vibration portion, a first vibration group, or a first driving group, and the second apparatus group may be a second vibration portion, a second vibration group, or a second driving group.

The number of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nin the first apparatus group may be equal to or different from the number of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nin the second apparatus group.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be divided (or classified) into or may include the first apparatus group and the second apparatus group based on an arrangement position, or may include the first apparatus group and the second apparatus group. For example, with respect to an arrangement position disposed along a first direction X and/or a second direction Y, odd-numbered vibration apparatuses500-1,500-3, and so on of the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be included in the first apparatus group, and even-numbered vibration apparatuses500-2,500-4, . . . , and500-nof the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be included in the second apparatus group.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, with respect to a center line CL, the passive vibration member100may include a first region A1 and a second region A2. For example, the first region A1 may be a left region of the passive vibration member100, and the second region A2 may be a right region of the passive vibration member100. Accordingly, one or more of vibration apparatuses500-1,500-2,500-3, and so on disposed at the first region A1 of the passive vibration member100among the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be included in the first apparatus group, and one or more of vibration apparatuses500-1,500-2. . . , and500-ndisposed at the second region A2 of the passive vibration member100among the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be included in the second apparatus group.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a driving signal applied to one or more vibration apparatuses in the first apparatus group may be equal to a driving signal applied to one or more vibration apparatuses in the second apparatus group. For example, in the one or more vibration apparatuses in the first apparatus group, a driving signal applied to one or more active vibration members in a first group among a plurality of active vibration members and a driving signal applied to one or more active vibration members in a second group among the plurality of active vibration members may have the same phase, and in the one or more vibration apparatuses in the second apparatus group, a driving signal applied to one or more active vibration members in a first group among a plurality of active vibration members and a driving signal applied to one or more active vibration members in a second group among the plurality of active vibration members may have the same phase.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a driving signal applied to one or more vibration apparatuses in the first apparatus group may differ from a driving signal applied to one or more vibration apparatuses in the second apparatus group. For example, in the one or more vibration apparatuses in the first apparatus group, a driving signal applied to one or more active vibration members in a first group among a plurality of active vibration members and a driving signal applied to one or more active vibration members in a second group among the plurality of active vibration members may have the same phase, and in the one or more vibration apparatuses in the second apparatus group, a driving signal applied to one or more active vibration members in a first group among a plurality of active vibration members and a driving signal applied to one or more active vibration members in a second group among the plurality of active vibration members may have an opposite phase (or an anti-phase).

In each of the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-n, when a driving signal applied to one or more active vibration members in a first group among a plurality of active vibration members and a driving signal applied to one or more active vibration members in a second group among the plurality of active vibration members have the same phase, a vibration width (or displacement width) of a vibration apparatus may considerably increase, thereby enhancing a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a low-pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100. Accordingly, a driving signal applied to one or more vibration apparatuses in the first apparatus group and a driving signal applied to one or more vibration apparatuses in the second apparatus group may be varied (or controlled) to be equal or differ, based on a sound source. For example, when a sound of 100 Hz or less is included in a sound source, driving signals applied to a plurality of active vibration members provided in the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-nmay be varied (or controlled) to all have the same phase.

As described above, the apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may vary (or control) a phase of a driving signal, applied to each of the plurality of vibration apparatuses500-1to500-n, to an in-phase or an anti-phase based on the sound source, and thus, may output (or generate) a sound which is optimized for or correspond to the sound source, based on a vibration of the passive vibration member100.

FIG.16is a graph showing an output characteristic of a sound of a low-pitched sound band in an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure and an apparatus according to an experimental example. InFIG.16, the abscissa axis represents a frequency (Hz), and the ordinate axis represents an amplitude. The amplitude is a number (or a digit) expressed as a relative value with respect to a maximum amplitude. In addition,FIG.16shows a log-log scale graph. A dotted line inFIG.16represents an output characteristic of a sound of the low-pitched sound band in the apparatus according to the experimental example, and a solid line inFIG.16represents an output characteristic of a sound of the low-pitched sound band in the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure described above with reference toFIGS.2and3. The apparatus according to the experimental example includes two piezoelectric devices connected to each other to intersect with each other and an elastic member connected between an intersection portion of the two piezoelectric devices and a rear surface of a passive vibration member.

As seen inFIG.16, comparing with the apparatus according to the experimental example, in the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be seen that an amplitude in about 300 Hz or less increases. For example, in about 100 Hz or less, it may be seen that the apparatus according to the experimental example has an amplitude of about 10 or less, and the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure has an amplitude of about 30 or more. Addition, in about 70 Hz or less, it may be seen that the apparatus according to the experimental example has an amplitude of about 5 and the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure has an amplitude of about 30. Accordingly, comparing with the experimental example, the apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may have a relatively high amplitude in about 300 Hz or less, and thus, a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic in about 300 Hz or less may be enhanced.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a vibration apparatus where a sound characteristic and a sound pressure level characteristic of a super-low-pitched sound band (or an ultra-low-pitched sound band) are enhanced based on a composite vibration (or combined vibration) of a plurality of vibration members and an apparatus including the vibration apparatus may be provided.

A vibration apparatus according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a vibration apparatus disposed at (or provided in or at) an apparatus. The apparatus according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to mobile apparatuses, video phones, smart watches, watch phones, wearable apparatuses, foldable apparatuses, rollable apparatuses, bendable apparatuses, flexible apparatuses, curved apparatuses, sliding apparatuses, variable apparatuses, electronic organizers, electronic book, portable multimedia players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 players, mobile medical devices, desktop personal computers (PCs), laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, navigation apparatuses, automotive navigation apparatuses, automotive display apparatuses, automotive apparatuses, theater apparatuses, theater display apparatuses, TVs, wall paper display apparatuses, signage apparatuses, game apparatuses, notebook computers, monitors, cameras, camcorders, home appliances, and so on. Addition, the vibration apparatus according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to organic light emitting lighting apparatuses or inorganic light emitting lighting apparatuses. When the vibration apparatus according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure is applied to lighting apparatuses, the lighting apparatus may act as lighting and a speaker. Addition, when the vibration apparatus according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure is applied to a mobile device or the like, the vibration apparatus may act as one or more of a speaker, a receiver, and a haptic apparatus, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

In one or more aspects, the term “passive” for a passive vibration member and the term “active” for an active vibration member are used merely for convenience to distinguish the passive vibration member and the active vibration member from each other. In one or more aspects, the term “passive” does not require a passive vibration member to be (or to include) a passive element. In one or more aspects, the term “active” does not require an active vibration member to be (or to include) an active element.

Apparatuses and features according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure are described below.

An apparatus according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a passive vibration member, a supporting member overlapping the passive vibration member, and a vibration apparatus between the passive vibration member and the supporting member and configured to include first and second active vibration members connected to each other and intersecting with each other. The first active vibration member may be connected to a first member of one of the passive vibration member and the supporting member, and the second active vibration member may be connected to a second member of the other of the passive vibration member and the supporting member.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus may comprise an adhesive member between the first active vibration member and the second active vibration member, a first elastic member between the first active vibration member and the first member, and a second elastic member between the second active vibration member and the second member.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus may further comprise a mass member between the adhesive member and the second active vibration member.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the second active vibration member may comprise an active vibration member (e.g., a 2-1stactive vibration member) and another active vibration member (e.g., a 2-2ndactive vibration member) each connected to the first active vibration member by the adhesive member and each connected to the second member by the second elastic member, and the active vibration member (e.g., the 2-1stactive vibration member) and the another active vibration member (e.g., the 2-2ndactive vibration member) may be disposed along a direction intersecting with the first active vibration member and are spaced apart from each other over the first active vibration member.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the first active vibration member may comprise a first vibration device, the active vibration member (e.g., the 2-1stactive vibration member) may comprise a vibration device (e.g., a 2-1stvibration device). The another active vibration member (e.g., the 2-2ndactive vibration member) may comprise another vibration device (e.g., a 2-2ndvibration device). Each of the vibration device (e.g., the 2-1stvibration device) and the another vibration device (e.g., the 2-2ndvibration device) may have a length which is equal to or different from a length of the first vibration device.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the adhesive member may be disposed between a first periphery portion of the vibration device (e.g., the 2-1stvibration device) and the first vibration device and between a first periphery portion of the another vibration device (e.g., the 2-2ndvibration device) and the first vibration device.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the first elastic member may comprise an elastic member (e.g., a 1-1stelastic member) between a first periphery portion of the first vibration device and the first member and another elastic member (e.g., a 1-2ndelastic member) between a second periphery portion of the first vibration device and the first member, and the second elastic member may comprise an additional elastic member (e.g., a 2-1stelastic member) between a second periphery portion of the vibration device (e.g., the 2-1stvibration device) and the second member and another additional elastic member (e.g., a 2-2ndelastic member) between a second periphery portion of the another vibration device (e.g., the 2-2ndvibration device) and the second member.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus may further comprise a mass member between the adhesive member and the second active vibration member, and the mass member may comprise a first mass member (e.g., a 1-1stmass member) between the adhesive member and a first periphery portion of the vibration device (e.g., the 2-1stvibration device), and a second mass member (e.g., a 1-2ndmass member) between the adhesive member and a first periphery portion of the another vibration device (e.g., the 2-2ndvibration device).

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first mass member (e.g., the 1-1stmass member) and the second mass member (e.g., the 1-2ndmass member) may comprise an elastic material having a strength which is less than a bending strength of each of the first active vibration member and the second active vibration member.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a driving signal for being applied to the first active vibration member may have a phase same as or opposite to a phase of a driving signal for being applied to the second active vibration member.

An apparatus according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a passive vibration member, a supporting member overlapping the passive vibration member, and a plurality of vibration apparatuses disposed between the passive vibration member and the supporting member. Each of the plurality of vibration apparatuses may comprise a plurality of active vibration members disposed to intersect with one another at an intersection portion, and a plurality of adhesive members each disposed between two adjacent active vibration members of the plurality of active vibration members at the intersection portion. The plurality of active vibration members may be divided into a first group and a second group each including one or more active vibration members, and the one or more active vibration members in the first group may be connected to the supporting member, and the one or more active vibration members in the second group may be connected to the passive vibration member.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of active vibration members in the first group may be equal to or different from the number of active vibration members in the second group.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of vibration apparatuses may be divided into a first apparatus group and a second apparatus group each including one or more vibration apparatuses, and the number of vibration apparatuses in the first apparatus group may be equal to or different from the number of vibration apparatuses in the second apparatus group.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a driving signal for being applied to the one or more vibration apparatuses in the first apparatus group may be same as or different from a driving signal for being applied to the one or more vibration apparatuses in the second apparatus group.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, in the one or more vibration apparatuses in the first apparatus group, a driving signal for being applied to the one or more active vibration members in the first apparatus group may have the same phase as a phase of a driving signal for being applied to the one or more active vibration members in the second apparatus group. In the one or more vibration apparatuses in the second apparatus group, a driving signal for being applied to the one or more active vibration members in the first group may have a phase opposite to a phase of a driving signal for being applied to the one or more active vibration members included in the second group.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the passive vibration member may comprise a first region and a second region, the one or more vibration apparatuses in the first apparatus group are disposed at the first region of the passive vibration member, and the one or more vibration apparatuses in the second apparatus group may be disposed at the second region of the passive vibration member.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more active vibration members in the first group may comprise one or more vibration devices connected to the supporting member, and the one or more active vibration members in the second group may comprise at least a pair of vibration devices which intersect with the one or more vibration devices and are spaced apart from each other at the intersection portion.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a driving signal for being applied to the one or more vibration devices may have a phase same as or opposite to a phase of a driving signal for being applied to the pair of vibration devices.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the pair of vibration devices may comprise a first periphery portion disposed at the intersection portion and a second periphery portion connected to the passive vibration member. Each of the plurality of vibration apparatuses may comprise at least a pair of first elastic members connected between the supporting member and each of first and second periphery portions of the one or more vibration devices, and at least a pair of second elastic members connected between the passive vibration member and a second periphery portion of each of the pair of vibration devices.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of vibration apparatuses may further comprise a mass member disposed at one or more of an intersection portion between the first group and the second group, a rear center portion of an active vibration member disposed at a lowermost layer of the first group, and a front center portion of an active vibration member disposed at an uppermost layer of the second group.

According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may comprise an apparatus. The apparatus may be configured to act as one or more of a speaker, a receiver and a haptic apparatus in the electronic device. The apparatus may comprise a passive vibration member, a supporting member overlapping the passive vibration member, and a vibration apparatus between the passive vibration member and the supporting member and configured to include first and second active vibration members connected to each other and intersecting with each other. The first active vibration member may be connected to a first member of one of the passive vibration member and the supporting member, and the second active vibration member may be connected to a second member of the other of the passive vibration member and the supporting member.