Patent Description:
Known in the prior art in the field of acoustic devices are passive resonators (or radiators) comprising vibrating radiators, which are associated with loudspeakers or cabinets by suitable suspensions. The function of the passive resonators is to extend the response of the loudspeakers, or cabinets, at low frequencies. Examples of such acoustic devices are described in the following patent documents: <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In the prior art acoustic devices, the efficiency of the loudspeaker at certain frequencies (typically low frequencies) may, in some cases, need to be improved; usually, this is done by increasing the weight of the passive resonators. As a result, the radiators are very heavy. This in turn creates a problem of mechanical vibration transmitted from the passive resonators to the cabinet; another problem concerns the suspensions which, because they are highly compliant, tend to yield under the weight of the passive resonator and, over time, lose their original shape.

In the prior art devices, minimizing the mechanical vibration transmitted from the passive resonators to the cabinet often requires mounting a pair of passive resonators on two opposite sides of the cabinet so as to achieve inertial balance. This is not possible, however, where the sound has to be emitted only on one side of the cabinet, so that, for example, the cabinet can be mounted on a wall.

Conversely, a mechanical vibration transmitted from the radiator to the container (that is, to the cabinet) of the loudspeaker may, in other cases, have to be amplified in order to obtain certain acoustic and/or tactile effects.

Patent document <CIT> discloses a speaker wherein one or more masses are provided internally to the cabinet and connected mechanically to the passive resonator, with the attempt to reduce vibrations. However, this solution is disadvantageous because it introduces imbalances that may, on their turn, generate noise or damage to the structure of the speaker.

The present invention is directed to an acoustic device according to claim <NUM> and a method according to claim <NUM>. Further aspects of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims.

This disclosure has for an aim to provide an acoustic device and a method for extending the low frequency response of a loudspeaker to overcome at least one the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

This aim is fully achieved by the acoustic device and method of this disclosure as characterized in the appended claims.

According to one aspect of it, this disclosure relates to an acoustic device. The acoustic device comprises a container (or frame, or enclosure). By container is meant a box-shaped body that delimits a space inside it. The acoustic device also comprises a passive resonator. The passive resonator includes a suspension, connected to the container, and a radiator (or vibrating diaphragm), connected to the suspension. By radiator is meant a rigid element that can move relative to the container. More specifically, the radiator is surrounded by the suspension. The suspension is configured to allow the radiator to oscillate, or vibrate, relative to the container. More specifically, the suspension is compliant, that is to say, elastic.

The acoustic device also comprises a structure that has a first connecting point, where it is connected to the radiator, and a second connecting point, where it is connected to the container. The structure is movable alternately between a first position and a second position, responsive to a vibration of the radiator. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the structure is fixed to the radiator at the first connecting point and to the container at the second connecting point and is deformable so it can move between the first position and the second position. In another embodiment, the structure may be connected movably to the radiator at the first connecting point and to the container at the second connecting point, and it may be rigid.

The acoustic device also comprises one or more masses, spaced from the radiator and associated with the vibrating structure, so that a movement of the vibrating structure between the first position and the second position causes a corresponding movement of the one or more masses.

The movement of the one or more masses may act as a counterweight to the movement of the radiator, thus fulfilling a balancing function useful for counteracting a mechanical vibration transmitted from the radiator to the container. The movement by rotation about the connecting points, and also by translation, approximates a linear movement, by small angles of rotation about the connecting points. This may be useful to avoid overloading the suspensions and, at the same time, to make a system that is sufficiently light but does not have unwanted vibration. This solution also has the advantage of making it possible to make an acoustic device which is very compact but which may nevertheless include a passive resonator of large size and mass (hence having a wide range response at low frequencies). This solution also has the advantage of making it possible to make an acoustic device which is inertially balanced although not geometrically symmetrical (in effect, it may have a passive resonator on one side only).

Alternatively, the movement of the one or more masses may further unbalance the system, thus amplifying a mechanical vibration transmitted from the radiator to the container. This is useful for creating certain sound and vibratory effects, for example, in cinema and gaming applications, where the emission of sound is also associated with vibration.

In an embodiment, the structure is made from or includes a deformable elastic material. In this case, the structure is elastically deformable. Preferably, the structure is elastically deformable from the first to the second position, responsive to a force applied by the radiator and, in the absence of forces applied by the radiator, is positioned at the first position. With the expression "the structure is elastically deformable" it is meant here and in the remaining part of the document that the structure as a whole can be moved, through elastic deformation of at least a portion of the structure, from the first to the second position; wherein one or more points or part of the structure may remain undeformed during such a movement.

In one example, the structure includes a compliant mechanism. By compliant mechanism is meant a flexible mechanism which achieves transmission of force and movement through elastic deformation of the box-shaped body. The compliant mechanism may include a material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or other material which, within defined conditions of mechanical stress, allows withstanding a particularly high (practically infinite) number of deformation cycles. The compliant mechanism is formed preferably (at least partly) of a homogeneous material; for example, the compliant mechanism might be made using a combination of different materials; for example, it might include a first part made from a deformable material and a second, rigid part (that is, made from a rigid material); in this context, the first, deformable part is used to make the connecting parts, while the second, rigid part is used to make the vibrating structure. The compliant mechanism is elastically deformable and allows the first connecting point and the second connecting point to move in rotation and translation relative to each other.

Instead of the compliant mechanism, a structure of another kind such as, for example, a sliding system (such as brass bushings) or a rolling bearing system, might be provided. In an example embodiment, the rolling elements might be provided with a static preload to prevent slack and friction.

Preferably, the structure is movable between the first position and the second position with a roto-translational movement about the first and/or the second connecting point. With the expression "roto-translational movement", it is meant that the movement includes both a rotational component and a translational component; in other words, it is a combination of a rotation movement and a translation movement. That way, the structure performs the function of a lever or mechanism between the radiator and the one or more masses.

In one example, the acoustic device comprises a first mass and a second mass. The structure has a third connecting point, where it is connected (specifically, fixed) to the container. Preferably, the first and the second mass are symmetrical about the first (or second) connecting point; preferably, the masses are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis along which the radiator vibrates. That way, when the radiator moves, the acoustic device is not subject to a rotating moment and is thus more balanced.

In one preferred example, the structure is configured for transforming a translational movement of the radiator along a longitudinal axis in a (purely) translational movement of the mass (or mases) along a longitudinal orientation, in opposite direction with respect to the movement of the radiator. In other words, the structure is configured for generating, responsive to a translational movement of the radiator, a purely translational movement of one or more mases. If a single mass is provided, that mass moves along the same longitudinal axis along which the radiator moves. If two or more masses are provided, they move along respective axes which are parallel to the longitudinal axis and are arranged according to an axial symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis.

The structure may be elongated along a transverse direction. Preferably, the acoustic device is shaped symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (and the passive radiator has a circular shape). In an embodiment, the first connecting point, the second connecting point and the third connecting point are aligned along the transverse direction; the second connecting point is interposed between the first and the third connecting point. The first mass and the second mass are disposed mirror symmetrically to each other about the second connecting point. More specifically, the first connecting point is interposed, along the transverse direction, between the first mass and the second connecting point; the second connecting point is interposed, along the transverse direction, between the second mass and the third connecting point.

In an embodiment, the structure is configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a movement of the radiator towards the second connecting point, thereby causing a movement of the one or more masses towards the radiator. In other words, the structure is configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a longitudinal movement of the radiator in a first direction, thereby causing a movement of the one or more masses along a path that includes a longitudinal component in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. In this embodiment, the structure and the one or more masses perform the function of balancing, that is to say, of counteracting the mechanical vibration transmitted from the radiator to the container. Thus, the mass of the loudspeakers can be used as a mass integrated in the radiator of the passive resonator. This improves constructional simplicity.

In another embodiment, the structure is configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a movement of the radiator towards the second connecting point, thereby causing a movement of the one or more masses towards the radiator. In other words, the structure is configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a longitudinal movement of the radiator in a first direction, thereby causing a movement of the one or more masses along a path that includes a longitudinal component in the first direction. In this embodiment, the structure and the one or more masses perform the function of unbalancing, that is to say, of amplifying the mechanical vibration transmitted from the radiator to the container.

The container has a first side, where the suspension is connected (hence where the radiator is located) and a second side, opposite the first side.

The second connecting point is on the second side. Preferably, the second side is without passive resonators. Thus, the second side may be mounted to a wall or a ceiling.

Preferably, the container defines an internal space and the structure is positioned in the internal space. The one or more masses are also positioned in the internal space. In other embodiments, the structure and the one or more masses might be positioned outside the internal space.

In un example embodiment, the device also comprises a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker includes a diaphragm and an electric actuator to move the diaphragm. The vibration of the diaphragm creates a pressure disturbance inside the internal space of the device; this disturbance in turn causes the radiator of the passive resonator to vibrate. Preferably, at least part of the loudspeaker is positioned in the internal space. Thus, the internal space is delimited by the container, by the passive resonator and (as the case may be) by the loudspeaker.

In an embodiment, the loudspeaker is connected to the passive resonator and is movable together with the radiator. More specifically, inside it, the radiator of the passive resonator, has a hole in which the loudspeaker is positioned (fixed). This solution further improves the compactness of the device.

This disclosure also provides a method for extending the low frequency response of a loudspeaker.

The method comprises a step of preparing an acoustic device. The acoustic device comprises a container; the container defines an internal space. The acoustic device comprises the loudspeaker. At least part of the loudspeaker is positioned in the internal space. In one example, the motor that moves the loudspeaker is positioned in the internal space. The acoustic device comprises a passive resonator, including a suspension that is connected to the container, and a radiator that is connected to the suspension to vibrate relative to the container. The electric actuator moves the diaphragm of the loudspeaker, causing the air inside the internal space to vibrate, which in turn moves the radiator of the passive resonator. The method comprises a step of transmitting movement from the radiator to one or more masses positioned inside the internal space, to counteract or amplify a mechanical vibration transmitted from the radiator to the container.

In one example, the loudspeaker includes a structure. The one or more masses are associated to the structure. The structure has at least a first connecting point, where it is connected to the radiator, and a second connecting point, where it is connected to the container. The structure moves alternately between a first position and a second position, responsive to a vibration of the radiator. The structure is configured for moving the one or more masses in a predetermined direction, which is preferably parallel to the direction along which the radiator moves. Hence, at a predetermined first (translational) movement of the radiator of a first stroke, it corresponds (according to the configuration of the structure) a predetermined second (translational) movement of the one or more masses. Preferably, the movement of the radiator and the movement of the masses occur along the same axis or parallel axes.

In order to counteract the mechanical vibration transmitted by the vibrating radiator to the container, the structure is configured so that the movement of the masses responsive to the movement of the radiator occur in opposite direction with respect to the movement of the radiator. The stroke of the radiator and the corresponding stroke of the mass (or equivalent mass resulting from the plurality of masses) may be the same or different, according to the ratio between the mass of the radiator and the mass of the (equivalent mass); for example, if the mass has larger mass than the radiator, the stroke of the radiator is smaller than the corresponding stroke of the mass.

In order to amplify the mechanical vibration transmitted by the vibrating radiator to the container, the structure may for example be configured so that the movement of the masses responsive to the movement of the radiator occur in concurrent direction with respect to the movement of the radiator.

This disclosure also provides a method for extending the low frequency response of a loudspeaker of a loudspeaker cabinet (or loudspeaker box). The method comprises a step of vibrating the diaphragm of the loudspeaker to generate sound waves in an internal space. Preferably, at least part of the loudspeaker is positioned in an internal space of the cabinet. The method comprises a step of vibrating (or oscillating) a radiator of a passive resonator included in the cabinet. More specifically, the vibration of the loudspeaker diaphragm causes the radiator of the passive resonator to vibrate. The method comprises a step of moving the one or more masses with oscillating motion, in response to the movement of the radiator, so as to counteract or amplify a mechanical vibration transmitted to the container by the oscillation of the radiator.

It should be noted that in at least one embodiment, this invention provides a "passive resonator" that is self-consistent, that is to say, installable in any loudspeaker cabinet, in the same way as the loudspeaker is installed, thus fulfilling a mechanical vibration balancing function.

These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

With reference to this disclosure, the numeral <NUM> denotes an acoustic device.

With reference to this disclosure, the numeral <NUM> denotes a balanced, passive radiator acoustic device. The acoustic device <NUM> comprises a container <NUM>. In an embodiment in which the device constitutes a self-consistent passive resonator intended for mounting in a cabinet, the container <NUM> constitutes a mounting frame, that is to say, a structure which, thanks to the flanged mounting, transmits the constraining forces to the cabinet in which the device is operatively mounted.

The acoustic device <NUM> comprises a passive resonator, comprising a suspension <NUM> and a radiator (or vibrating diaphragm) <NUM>. The radiator <NUM> is a rigid, oscillating (vibrating) element adapted to displace a quantity of air during (or by the effect of) its movement.

The acoustic device <NUM> may also comprise a loudspeaker <NUM>. The passive resonator is positioned on a first side 2A of the container <NUM>. The container <NUM> also has a second side 2B, opposite the first side. The container <NUM>, the passive resonator and, where provided, the loudspeaker <NUM> delimit a closed space.

When the loudspeaker <NUM> is active, it causes the air (or other gas) to vibrate inside the closed space; the vibrating air causes the radiator <NUM> of the passive resonator to oscillate, that is, to resonate, that is to say, it causes it to move with reciprocating motion relative to the container <NUM>; this movement is made possible by the compliance of the suspension <NUM>. The radiator <NUM> moves relatively along a longitudinal direction L.

The acoustic device <NUM> comprises a system for balancing the movement of the radiator <NUM>, so as to minimize the displacement of the centre of mass of the acoustic device <NUM> caused by the vibration of the radiator <NUM>, thereby also minimizing the vibration transmitted from the radiator <NUM> to the container. The system for balancing the movement of the radiator <NUM> is illustrated schematically in <FIG>.

The acoustic device <NUM> comprises a system for unbalancing the movement of the radiator <NUM>, so as to maximize the displacement of the centre of mass of the acoustic device <NUM> caused by the vibration of the radiator <NUM>, thereby also maximizing the vibration transmitted from the radiator <NUM> to the container. The system for unbalancing the movement of the radiator <NUM> is illustrated schematically in <FIG>.

The acoustic device <NUM> comprises a structure <NUM> that extends along a transverse direction T, transverse (perpendicular) to the longitudinal direction L. The structure <NUM> is connected to the radiator <NUM> at a first connecting point <NUM> and to the container <NUM> at a second connecting point <NUM>. The second connecting point <NUM> is located on the second side 2B of the container <NUM>. The first connecting point <NUM> is spaced from the second connecting point <NUM> along the transverse direction T. It should be noted that the first connecting point <NUM> is located on a first longitudinal side of the structure <NUM>, and the second connecting point <NUM> is located on a second longitudinal side of the structure <NUM>, opposite the first longitudinal side. The structure <NUM> or a part of it can move with rotational or rototranslational motion relative to the radiator <NUM> and container <NUM>; more specifically, the structure <NUM> may be flexible so it can move relative to the radiator <NUM> and container <NUM>. Thus, the structure <NUM> works like a lever.

The device <NUM> comprises at least a first mass <NUM> connected to the structure <NUM>. The mass <NUM> is aligned with the first connecting point <NUM> and the second connecting point <NUM> along the transverse direction T.

In the implementation in which the structure <NUM> is used to balance the movement of the vibrating radiator <NUM>, the second connecting point <NUM> is interposed, along the transverse direction T, between the first mass <NUM> and the first connecting point <NUM>. Thus, moving the radiator <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L towards the second connecting point <NUM>, that is to say, towards the second side 2B of the container <NUM>, causes the first mass <NUM> to move away from the second side of the container <NUM>, that is to say, towards the radiator <NUM>.

In an example useful for understanding the present invention, the distance L1 along the transverse direction T between the first connecting point <NUM> and the second connecting point <NUM> is equal to the distance L2 along the transverse direction T between the second connecting point <NUM> and the first mass <NUM>, and the first mass <NUM> has a mass (or weight) that is equal to that of the radiator <NUM>. In another example useful for understanding the present invention, the distance L1 along the transverse direction T between the first connecting point <NUM> and the second connecting point <NUM> is less than the distance L2 along the transverse direction T between the second connecting point <NUM> and the first mass <NUM>, and the first mass <NUM> has a mass (or weight) that is less than that of the radiator <NUM>. In another example useful for understanding the present invention, the distance L1 along the transverse direction T between the first connecting point <NUM> and the second connecting point <NUM> is greater than the distance L2 along the transverse direction T between the second connecting point <NUM> and the first mass <NUM>, and the first mass <NUM> has a mass (or weight) that is greater than that of the radiator <NUM>.

It should be noted that the structure <NUM> performs the function of lever: the portion of the structure <NUM> of length L1, between the first connecting point <NUM> and the second connecting point <NUM>, perform the function of a first lever arm; the portion of the structure <NUM> of length L2, between the first connecting point <NUM> and the second connecting point <NUM>, performs the function of a second lever arm, and the second connecting point <NUM> performs the function of fulcrum. A motive force is applied on the first lever arm due to the effect of the movement of the radiator <NUM>, and a resistant force is applied on the second lever arm due to the effect of the mass <NUM>. In the case where a second mass <NUM> and a third connecting point <NUM> are provided, the structure <NUM> performs the function of double lever: a first lever has the second connecting point <NUM> as its fulcrum and a second lever has the third connecting point <NUM> as its fulcrum.

In the implementation in which the structure <NUM> is used to unbalance the movement of the radiator <NUM>, the first connecting point <NUM> is interposed between the first mass <NUM> and the second connecting point <NUM>. A distance L3 between the first connecting point <NUM> and the second connecting point <NUM> may be greater or smaller than a distance L4 between the first connecting point <NUM> and the first mass <NUM>, depending on how much the vibration of the container <NUM> needs to be amplified. In this implementation, moving the radiator <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L towards the second connecting point <NUM>, that is to say, towards the second side 2B of the container <NUM>, causes the first mass <NUM> to move towards the second connecting point <NUM>, that is to say, towards the second side 2B of the container <NUM>, that is to say away from the radiator <NUM>.

In one example, the device <NUM> comprises at least a first mass <NUM> and a second mass <NUM>, both connected to the structure <NUM>.

In one example, the structure <NUM> has a third connecting point <NUM> that connects it to the container <NUM>. The third connecting point <NUM> is aligned with the first and the second connecting point <NUM>, <NUM> along the transverse direction T.

In the implementation in which the structure <NUM> is used to balance the movement of the radiator <NUM>, the first connecting point <NUM> is interposed, along the transverse direction T, between the second connecting point and the third connecting point <NUM>. The third connecting point <NUM> is located on the same side of the structure <NUM>, that is, its second longitudinal side, as the second connecting point <NUM>. The distance L1 between the first connecting point <NUM> and the second connecting point <NUM> is equal to the distance between the first connecting point <NUM> and the third connecting point <NUM>; the distance L2 between the second connecting point <NUM> and the first mass <NUM> is equal to the distance between the third connecting point <NUM> and the second mass <NUM>. The distance L1 may be equal to the distance L2 and the first mass <NUM> and the second mass <NUM> may each have a mass (or weight) that is half the mass (or weight) of the radiator <NUM>. Alternatively, the distance L1 may be less than the distance L2 and the first mass <NUM> and the second mass <NUM> may each have a mass (or weight) that is less than half the mass (or weight) of the radiator <NUM>. Alternatively, the distance L1 may be greater than the distance L2 and the first mass <NUM> and the second mass <NUM> may each have a mass (or weight) that is greater than half the mass (or weight) of the vibrating radiator <NUM>.

In an implementation, the structure <NUM> is a flexible, elastic structure. The structure <NUM> is fixed to the second side 2B of the container at the second and the third connecting point <NUM>; the structure <NUM> is also fixed to the radiator <NUM> at the first connecting point <NUM>. The structure <NUM>, responsive to a movement of the radiator <NUM> towards the second side 2B of the container <NUM>, flexes and thereby displaces the first and second masses <NUM> and <NUM> towards the radiator <NUM>. That way, the displacement of the mass of the radiator <NUM> is counteracted by the displacement of the first and second masses <NUM> and <NUM> and the centre of mass of the device <NUM> remains unchanged. Since the structure <NUM> is elastic, it will then tend to displace the radiator <NUM> away from the second side 2B of the container <NUM> (to its original position) and to displace the first and second masses <NUM> and <NUM> away from the radiator <NUM> (to their original positions). Thus, the structure <NUM> also performs a function of relieving the suspension <NUM> in that it contributes to returning the radiator <NUM> to its original position; the suspension <NUM> can thus be more flexible.

In an embodiment, the acoustic device <NUM> does not include a loudspeaker and is configured to be associated with a loudspeaker or a cabinet outside of the device. In this context, the container <NUM> might be provided with openings <NUM> which can put the space inside the container <NUM> operatively in communication with the space inside a loudspeaker or a cabinet. The openings <NUM> are preferably made on the second side 2B of the container. The acoustic device is thus associable with a loudspeaker or a cabinet.

It should be noted that the structure <NUM> includes parts that are in relative motion, connected to each other at articulation points. These articulation points constitute joints that allow these parts of the structure to move relative to each other, performing relative movements that include translational movements relative to each other; in addition to relative rotation, the articulation points preferably also allow translational movements. Thus, the articulation points constitute points (or zones) of constraint, where the parts of the structure are connected in such a way that they can move relative to each other.

More specifically, the structure <NUM> includes first articulation points <NUM> (or one first articulation point <NUM>) and second articulation points <NUM> (or one second articulation point <NUM>). The first articulation points <NUM> are connected (directly) to the first connecting points (or zones) <NUM> and allow the first connecting points <NUM> to rotate relative to the rest of the structure <NUM>. The second articulation points <NUM> are connected (directly) to the second connecting points (or zones) <NUM> (or to the third connecting points <NUM>) and allow the second (or the third) connecting points <NUM> to rotate relative to the rest of the structure <NUM>. Thus, starting from the radiator <NUM> and going towards the masses <NUM>, the second articulation points <NUM> are located downstream of the first articulation points <NUM>.

It should be noted that, in another embodiment, the structure <NUM> may also comprise third articulation points <NUM>. The third articulation points <NUM> are connected (directly or indirectly) to the masses <NUM> and allow the masses <NUM> to perform a (further) rotation relative to the rest of the structure <NUM>. Thus, starting from the radiator <NUM> and going towards the masses <NUM>, the third articulation points <NUM> are located downstream of the second articulation points <NUM>; the third articulation points <NUM> are interposed between the second articulation points <NUM> and the masses <NUM>.

The addition of the third articulation points <NUM> allows the masses <NUM> to move solely in translation (and preferably axial-symmetrically relative to the passive radiator <NUM> to be balanced) responsive to the translational (oscillatory) movement of the radiator <NUM>, through a double rotation of the structure <NUM>. Hence, in at least an example, the structure <NUM> comprises first articulation points <NUM>, second articulation points <NUM> and third articulation points <NUM>, spaced from one another and kinematically interposed between the radiator <NUM> and the one or more masses <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the one or more masses <NUM>, <NUM> undergo a purely translational movement, responsive to the movement of the radiator <NUM>, the (vibrational) movement of the radiator being a translation movement in its turn.

In an example of this embodiment, the device <NUM> comprises a single mass <NUM> connected to the structure <NUM>, preferably at a position lying on an axis of symmetry of the radiator <NUM>.

In this embodiment, too, the structure <NUM> may comprise a compliant mechanism. In this example embodiment (with compliant mechanism and first, second and third articulation points), the structure <NUM> has a first connecting point (or zone) <NUM> that is connected (for example, glued) to the radiator <NUM>. This connecting point (or zone) <NUM> preferably extends in the transverse direction. In this embodiment, the structure <NUM> is also connected to the container <NUM> (specifically, to the second side 2B thereof) at a pair of connecting points <NUM> and <NUM>. The connecting points <NUM> and <NUM> are aligned with each other along the transverse direction T. The mass <NUM> is interposed between the connecting points <NUM> and <NUM> along the transverse direction T; preferably, the mass <NUM> is equidistant from the connecting points <NUM> and <NUM>. Preferably, the mass <NUM> extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L and to the transverse direction T. The third connecting point <NUM> is located on the same side of the structure <NUM>, that is, its second longitudinal side, as the second connecting point <NUM>; the second longitudinal side is opposite the first side 2A that is connected to the radiator <NUM>. Preferably, between its longitudinal side 2A, which is connected to the radiator <NUM>, and its second longitudinal side, the structure <NUM> has an opening <NUM> which makes the structure <NUM> more elastic.

In this embodiment, the mass <NUM> moves with substantially linear (rectilinear) motion along the longitudinal direction L in axially (mirror) symmetric fashion relative to the radiator <NUM>. This reduces unwanted harmonic components and improves the balancing effect.

In an embodiment, the acoustic device <NUM> includes at least one loudspeaker <NUM>. More specifically, the acoustic device <NUM> may be integrated in a cabinet <NUM>. The cabinet <NUM> comprises a plurality of loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted on the radiator <NUM> of the passive resonator; more specifically, the radiator <NUM> is surrounded by the suspension <NUM> connected to the container <NUM> and includes a plurality of openings in which the loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted. That way, the loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM><NUM> are movable as one with the radiator <NUM>. A cover <NUM>, fixed to the container <NUM>, may be provided above the radiator <NUM>. The cover <NUM> constitutes an elastic suspension element allowing the radiator <NUM> and the loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to move relative to the container <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An acoustic device (<NUM>), comprising:
- a container (<NUM>);
- a passive resonator, including a suspension (<NUM>) connected to the container (<NUM>) and a radiator (<NUM>) connected to the suspension (<NUM>), wherein the suspension (<NUM>) is configured to allow the radiator (<NUM>) to oscillate relative to the container (<NUM>);
- a structure (<NUM>) having at least a first connecting point (<NUM>), where it is connected to the radiator (<NUM>), and a second connecting point (<NUM>, <NUM>), where it is connected to the container (<NUM>), the structure (<NUM>) being movable alternately between a first position and a second position, responsive to a vibration of the radiator (<NUM>);
- one or more masses (<NUM>), spaced from the radiator (<NUM>) and associated with the structure (<NUM>), so that a movement of the structure (<NUM>) between the first position and the second position causes a corresponding movement of the one or more masses (<NUM>),
characterized in that the structure (<NUM>) is configured for generating, responsive to a translational movement of the radiator (<NUM>) along a longitudinal axis, a purely translational movement of the one or more masses (<NUM>) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.