Loudspeaker assembly for electronic equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a speaker assembly for an electronic device. The system of the present disclosure includes an electronic device having a base and a speaker assembly. The speaker assembly may include a speaker support surrounding a speaker and coupled to the base via a spring element. The spring element may be integrally formed with the body of the speaker support and configured to reduce the transmission of vibration from the speaker to the base. For example, the spring element may include an arm that extends within an opening in the body to connect the body to a fastener fixed to the base. The spring element may have features that facilitate widespread distribution of loads and relative movement between the speaker assembly and the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates generally to assemblies for electronic devices, and more particularly to speaker assemblies for electronic devices. Background Art

[0002] Design, weight, ease of portability, and overall aesthetic appearance are factors that many users consider when selecting an electronic device for personal use. At the same time, the components and overall functionality of an electronic device are also important to the user, as durable components can extend the overall life of the device, thereby increasing its value to the user. Various factors that may be considered in the design of electronic device components may include weight, strength, durability, appearance, manufacturability, and performance, among others.

[0003] One design challenge associated with the manufacture of electronic devices is assembling parts that provide different functions into a compact form factor. This design challenge often arises from multiple conflicting design goals, including the performance of individual components and the user experience when interacting with the electronic device. While many designs and techniques used in the past to provide components for electronic devices generally work well, it has always been desirable to provide additional designs and techniques to obtain alternative electronic device components that are aesthetically pleasing but mechanically strong and lightweight. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following drawings.

[0005] Figure 1 A perspective view of an electronic device in an open state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of an exemplary keyboard assembly with a speaker disposed underneath according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0007] Figure 3 A perspective view of a speaker assembly coupled to a base of an electronic device is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 4 Some embodiments according to the present disclosure are shown Figure 3 A magnified view of the speaker assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The specific embodiments shown below are intended to be descriptions of various configurations of the subject technology and are not intended to represent the only configuration that the subject technology can be put into practice. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specific embodiments. The specific embodiments include specific details intended to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and obvious to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details shown herein and can be put into practice without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring the concept of the subject technology.

[0010] Embodiments described herein include assemblies for electronic devices such as laptops, netbooks, tablets, etc. In some embodiments, the audio system architecture may include positioning one or more speakers below the keyboard so that sound is directed through gaps between the keys and / or the body. Vibrations generated by the speakers may be managed so that transmission of such vibrations to other components is reduced.

[0011] During operation, a speaker installed in an electronic device may move in a manner that produces vibrations. At the same time, a user may operate a keyboard or another component of the electronic device by physically contacting such components. The vibrations generated by the movement of the speaker may tend to be transmitted throughout the electronic device. It may be desirable to reduce or eliminate the transmission of such vibrations so that they are not perceptible to the user when in contact with the electronic device. It may also be desirable to achieve such results in an arrangement that minimizes costs in terms of components and assembly time.

[0012] The system of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device having a base and a speaker assembly. The speaker assembly may include a speaker support surrounding the speaker and coupled to the base via a spring element. The spring element may be formed integrally with the body of the speaker support and configured to reduce the transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker to other components. For example, the spring element may include an arm that extends within an opening of the body to connect the body to a fastener fixed to the base. The spring element may have features that are conducive to widely distributing loads and relative movement between the speaker assembly and the base. Utilizing this arrangement, the speaker assembly can be operated from within a laptop (e.g., below the keyboard) to generate sound without propagating excessive vibrations throughout the laptop.

[0013] References below Figures 1 to 4 These and other embodiments are discussed. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0014] The embodiments described herein may be directed to assemblies for electronic devices such as laptops, netbook computers, tablet computers, etc. In some embodiments, the audio system architecture may include positioning one or more speakers below the keyboard assembly so that sound is directed through gaps between the keys and / or the housing. Vibrations generated by the speakers may be managed so that transmission to other components is reduced.

[0015] First reference Figure 1 , an exemplary electronic device in an open state is shown in a right front perspective view. Electronic device 100 may include a body 102 and a cover 104 having a display 106. Cover 104 can be moved from a closed position to an open position by a user, as shown. Display 106 can display visual content such as a graphical user interface, static images such as photos, and video media items such as movies. Display 106 can display images using any appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), an organic LCD ("OLCD"), etc. Cover 104 can be coupled to body 102 using a hinge assembly.

[0016] The body 102 may include a plurality of user input devices, such as a touchpad 116 and a keyboard 118. The keyboard 118 may include a plurality of keys 120, each having a symbol printed thereon for the user to identify the key input associated with a particular key. The keyboard 118 may be arranged to receive discrete user inputs using finger movements known as keystrokes at each key. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each key may be laser etched to form an extremely clear and durable mark that will not fade under frequently applied keystrokes during the life of the electronic device 100. The touchpad 116 may be configured to receive finger gestures of the user. Finger gestures may include touch events from more than one finger applied in unison. Gestures may also include single finger touch events such as touch strokes or taps.

[0017] Figure 1 The electronic device 100 also includes a speaker 210 within the body 102. The speaker 210 can operate as an audio source to emit sound waves associated with various applications that can be executed on the electronic device 100, such as music and voice. The sound waves can be transmitted to the user through the keyboard 118. For illustrative purposes, Figure 1 , three speakers 210 are shown emitting sound waves, but it should be readily understood that more or fewer speakers may be used as desired. The speakers 210 may include one or more piezoelectric speakers, one or more cone speakers, and / or one or more speakers of another type.

[0018] The gaps between the keys of the keyboard 118 allow sound waves generated within the body 102 to propagate away from the electronic device 100. In other embodiments, other openings in the body 102 can be used to provide an audio propagation path from the inside of the body to the outside. For example, vents used for air cooling of the processor can also be used to propagate sound waves from inside the body 102.

[0019] One advantage of using the gaps between the keys of the keyboard 118 as a path for propagating sound waves may be that no additional openings need to be added to the body 102 for the purpose of sound propagation. The lack of a dedicated opening for the purpose of sound propagation may provide a design that is considered more aesthetically pleasing. In addition, since machining of the body 102 is reduced, manufacturing costs may be reduced. In addition, the lack of a dedicated opening may eliminate possible entry points for dust and liquids, which may adversely affect the electronic components housed within the body 102.

[0020] See now Figure 2 , which is a cross section of an assembly for a keyboard and a speaker disposed below the keyboard. Figure 2 As shown, the key 120 mounted to the support structure 176 is attached to the keyboard substrate 178. The key 120 can be actuated toward the keyboard substrate 178 by applying a force to the top surface of the key 120. An opening 164 slightly larger than the key 120 is provided in the outer layer 166 of the body 102 to accommodate the actuation of the key 120.

[0021] In some embodiments, the speaker assembly 200 (including the speaker 210) can be disposed below the keyboard substrate 178. For purposes of illustration, the speaker assembly 200 is disposed below the keyboard substrate 178. Figure 2 190, but is not limited to such a location. In some embodiments, the speaker assembly 200 may be integrated into the keyboard 118, such as integrated into or mounted to the keyboard substrate 178. In addition, the speaker assembly 200 may be located under each key 120 in the keyboard 118, but is not limited to a specific key location.

[0022] When the speaker 210 is mounted below the keyboard assembly, the keyboard substrate 178 of the keyboard 118 may include an opening 180 located above the speaker 210 to provide an audio transmission path for sound waves generated by the speaker 210 and passing through the keyboard substrate 178. In various embodiments, one or more openings 180 may be provided through the keyboard substrate 178, such as multiple small openings or a single large opening.

[0023] The speaker assembly 200 may provide a speaker support 240 that supports the speaker 210. The speaker support 240 may be mounted to the base 190 or another component of the body 102 of the electronic device, as further described herein. The speaker support 240 may surround at least a portion of the speaker and direct the speaker 210 in a direction away from a portion of the speaker support 240 (e.g., toward the keyboard 118).

[0024] In some embodiments, the speaker support 240 may optionally provide a chamber 244, such as a tube, which may be connected to the speaker 210 to enhance (e.g., amplify) one or more sound wave frequencies emitted from the speaker 210. The chamber 244 may include or be connected to the outlet 170. Although the primary direction of the sound waves emitted from the speaker 210 may be directed to the keyboard 118, the outlet 170 associated with the chamber 244 may be aligned with a vent (e.g., a vent for providing air circulation and cooling to a main logic board located on one side of the body 102).

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, after sound waves are emitted from the speaker 210, the sound waves may propagate through various paths within the body 102 of the electronic device. For example, the sound waves may propagate along a path from a driver of the speaker 210, through a gap between the base 190 and the keyboard substrate 178 of the keyboard 118, through one or more openings 180 in the keyboard substrate 178 of the keyboard 118, through a gap between the keyboard substrate 178 of the keyboard 118 and the outer layer 166 of the body 102, and exit the body 102 between openings 164 between one or more keys 120 and the outer layer 166.

[0026] like Figure 2 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the primary direction of sound waves emitted from the speaker 210 can be parallel to the alignment of the opening 164 (e.g., parallel to the actuation direction of one or more keys 120) and perpendicular to the top surface of the speaker support 240 and / or the top surface of the keys 120. In other embodiments, the primary direction 184 can be in other directions.

[0027] During operation, the speaker 210 may move in a manner that produces vibrations. For example, the speaker 210 may move while it is supported by the speaker support 240 of the speaker assembly 200. The vibrations generated by the speaker movement may tend to be transmitted throughout the body 102 of the electronic device. It may be desirable to reduce or eliminate the transmission of such vibrations so that they are not perceptible to the user when in contact with the electronic device. Specifically, if the vibrations generated by the speaker 210 are not managed, such vibrations may be transmitted to the user operating the keyboard 118.

[0028] Reference now Figure 3, an electronic device may have a speaker assembly that is coupled to a base or other component via a spring element that isolates the speaker assembly from the other components to manage the transmission of vibrations generated by a speaker of the speaker assembly. Figure 3 As shown, the base 190 can extend within or along a side of the electronic device. As used herein, the base 190 is any component that provides a support, platform, mounting member, substrate, or surface for coupling the speaker assembly 200 thereto. It should be understood that the base 190 can couple the speaker assembly 200 to one or more other components. It should also be understood that the base 190 can be part of another component (e.g., a keyboard) to which the speaker assembly 200 is directly coupled.

[0029] like Figure 3 As further shown in , the speaker assembly 200 may include a speaker support 240 extending along (e.g., parallel to) at least a portion of the base 190. The speaker support 240 may surround at least a portion of the speaker 210. For example, the speaker support 240 may be attached to the speaker 210 on two or more opposing sides thereof. As another example, the speaker support 240 may extend around and be attached to the entire peripheral edge of the speaker 210. The speaker support 240 may optionally leave the top surface and / or bottom surface of the speaker 210 uncovered.

[0030] The speaker support 240 may include a plurality of spring elements 250 that facilitate coupling the speaker assembly 200 to the base 190. Figure 3 The speaker support 240 is shown as having three spring elements 250, but it should be understood that any number of spring elements 250 may be provided. For example, the spring elements 250 may be provided in sufficient quantity and arrangement to be secured to the base 190. Each of the spring elements 250 may be secured to the base 190 and / or one or more other components, for example, by corresponding fasteners.

[0031] The speaker assembly 200 may be fixed to the base 190 and any other component of the electronic device only via the spring element 250. Therefore, the transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker 210 of the speaker assembly 200 may be reduced by the spring element 250. Therefore, the transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker 210 is reduced, rather than allowing the vibrations to be fully transmitted to the base 190 or any other component of the electronic device.

[0032] Reference now Figure 4 , the spring element 250 can be formed in a manner to isolate the speaker assembly and effectively reduce vibration transmission. Figure 4As shown, the spring element may be at least partially formed within the opening 220 of the body 242 that extends partially or completely through the speaker support 240. The spring element 250 may connect the body 242 to the fastener coupling 230, which in turn facilitates fixation to the base via the fastener 192. For example, the fastener 192 may be attached to both the base and the fastener coupling 230. The fastener 192 may be an item (e.g., a threaded screw, a post, a pin, etc.) that extends from the base to be fixed to the fastener coupling 230. In addition or alternatively, the spring element 250 may provide the fastener 192 as a component thereof or an attachment thereof, and the fastener 192 may be attached to the base.

[0033] The spring element 250 can allow the speaker support 240 to move relative to the base within a range of motion while the fastener 192 secures the spring element 250 to the base. For example, the range of motion can be parallel to the direction of movement of the speaker relative to the speaker support 240. Thus, as movement of the speaker within the speaker support generates vibrations, the spring element 250 can reduce the transmission of the vibrations to the base, such that the transmission of the vibrations is reduced or eliminated, rather than being transmitted to the base or other components of the electronic device.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the spring element 250 can suspend the fastener coupling 230 within the opening 220 provided by the speaker support 240. The spring element 250 can be attached to the body 242 at an outer end 260. The spring element 250 can be attached to the fastener coupling 230 at an inner end 280. Between the outer end 260 and the inner end 280, the spring element 250 can provide an arm 270 extending within the opening 220. The arm 270 can extend at least partially around the fastener coupling 230. For example, the arm 270 can extend from a given radial side of the opening 220 (e.g., at the outer end 260) around the fastener coupling 230 to an opposite radial side of the opening 220, and then extend to the initial radial side of the opening 220 (e.g., at the inner end 280). As another example, the arm 270 can extend around at least half of the fastener coupling 230. As another example, arm 270 may have a curved shape and extend at an arc angle equal to or greater than 120°, 180°, 210°, 240°, 270°, 300°, 330°, or 360°. In the case where the arc angle exceeds 360°, arm 270 may overlap itself in a two-dimensional spiral and / or three-dimensional helix shape. By providing arm 270 with a majority of the length, any strain imposed by the movement caused by the speaker can be distributed along the majority of the length to enhance shock absorption performance.

[0035] The arm 270 may have a variable thickness along its arc length. For example, the arm 270 may form a first thickness at the outer end 260 and the inner end 280. The arm 270 may also form a second thickness at or along the segment between the outer end 260 and the inner end 280, the second thickness being less than the first thickness. For example, the arm 270 may optionally have a minimum thickness at the intermediate segment between the outer end 260 and the inner end 280. At the smaller thickness portion, the arm 270 may provide greater flexibility. At the larger thickness portion, the arm 270 may provide a secure attachment to the body 242 and the fastener coupling 230.

[0036] The speaker support 240 (including the body 242 and the spring element 250) can be a monolithic structure, rather than an assembly of separate parts. As used herein, a monolithic structure is a structure formed integrally from a single piece of material, rather than a structure formed by separate pieces joined together by an interface. For example, the body 242 and the spring element 250 can be a monolithic and / or integral structure. By providing a monolithic, integral and / or monolithic structure, the body 242 and the spring element 250 do not include interfaces or interruptions, such as those that appear in assembled parts. Therefore, the monolithic, integral and / or monolithic speaker support 240 can be manufactured to more precise and consistent dimensions and provide greater structural support. It should be understood that various processes can be performed to obtain a monolithic structure. By way of example, a molding and / or injection process can be performed to obtain a monolithic structure. For example, multiple elements can be co-molded and / or co-injected. Such elements can include different materials, but still obtain a monolithic structure.

[0037] The speaker support 240 (including the body 242 and the spring element 250) can be a material that provides protection for the speaker 210. The material can be plastic, metal, and / or another material. The material can be selected to provide sufficient tensile strength for stiffness and robustness, and sufficient flexibility to reduce vibration transmission.

[0038] By providing a single piece, the speaker support 240 (including the body 242 and the spring element 250) can be formed at once. For example, the speaker support 240 can be formed in a molding process, resulting in a spring element 250 that is easily formed and ready to be secured to a base or other component. Therefore, additional dampers or other components may not be required for assembly and securing to the base, thereby reducing the additional time and expense of such additional components.

[0039] The spring element 250 can facilitate movement of the speaker support 240 relative to the base. For example, the spring element 250 can provide a range of motion parallel to the movement of the speaker, parallel to the fastener 192, and / or parallel to an axis extending through the opening 220. Such movement can counteract the effects of speaker vibrations at the location to which the speaker support 240 is coupled.

[0040] In addition, the spring element 250 can facilitate movement in other directions. For example, the spring element 250 can provide a range of motion parallel to the top surface of the speaker support 240 and / or the base. Such motion can provide shock absorbing properties in multiple axes.

[0041] The properties of the spring element 250 may be selected to reduce the transmission of vibrations and provide sufficient robustness. For example, the spring element 250 may have a specific material, arm length (e.g., arc length), arm thickness, etc. to provide desired performance characteristics. For example, the spring element 250 may be tuned to isolate the speaker assembly for a specific frequency or frequency range. Thus, as the speaker of the speaker assembly vibrates, the spring element 250 may be formed in a manner that isolates the speaker assembly from the rest of the electronic device.

[0042] Although various embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated with respect to a laptop computer, it should be understood that the subject technology may encompass and be applied to other devices. For example, the speaker assemblies and arrangements described herein may be included in an electronic device that operates the speaker during use. Such an electronic device may be or may include a desktop electronic device, a display, a television, a portable device, a phone, a tablet electronic device, a mobile electronic device, a wearable device, a watch, and / or a digital media player.

[0043] Although various embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated with respect to speakers, it should be understood that the subject technology can encompass and be applied to devices that generate vibrations. For example, the components and arrangements described herein can be included in electronic devices that operate fans, hard drives, etc. It should also be understood that the subject technology can encompass and be applied to devices that include components to be protected from vibrations. For example, the components and arrangements described herein can be included in electronic devices that provide sensors, where the components can isolate the sensors from vibrations. Such isolation can protect the sensors from long-term damage and improve their sensing functions.

[0044] For convenience, various examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are described as clauses below. These examples are provided by way of example and do not limit the subject technology.

[0045] Item A: An electronic device comprising: a frame; and a speaker assembly, the speaker assembly comprising: a speaker; a unitary speaker support surrounding the speaker, the speaker support including a spring element; and a fastener securing the spring element to a base, wherein the spring element is configured to reduce the transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker to the base.

[0046] Item B: A speaker assembly comprising: a speaker; a speaker support surrounding the speaker; and a plurality of spring elements, each spring element being configured to receive one of a plurality of fasteners, the spring elements being configured to allow the speaker support to move within a range of motion relative to the fasteners.

[0047] Item C: A speaker support for surrounding a speaker mounted to the speaker support, the speaker support comprising: a body defining an opening extending through the body; a fastener coupling positioned within the opening; and an arm having a first end connected to the body and a second end connected to the fastener coupling, the arm extending around at least half of the fastener coupling between the first end and the second end.

[0048] One or more of the above clauses may include one or more of the following features. It should be noted that any of the following clauses may be combined with each other in any combination and placed in a corresponding independent clause, for example, clause A, B or C.

[0049] Clause 1: The spring element permits the loudspeaker support to move within a range of motion relative to the base when the fastener secures the spring element to the base.

[0050] Clause 2: The range of motion is parallel to the direction of movement of the loudspeaker relative to the loudspeaker support.

[0051] Item 3: A keyboard coupled to a speaker assembly.

[0052] Clause 4: The speaker assembly comprises: additional spring elements; and additional fasteners, each additional fastener securing a corresponding one of the additional spring elements to the base.

[0053] Clause 5: The single speaker support is formed of a plastic material.

[0054] Clause 6: The speaker support comprises a body defining a plurality of openings extending through the body, wherein each of the plurality of spring elements is positioned in a corresponding one of the plurality of openings.

[0055] Clause 7: The speaker support comprises a body defining a plurality of openings, wherein each of the plurality of spring elements is positioned in a corresponding one of the openings.

[0056] Item 8: Each spring element comprises: a fastener coupling positioned within a corresponding one of the openings; and an arm having a first end connected to the body and a second end connected to the fastener coupling, the arm extending around at least half of the fastener coupling between the first end and the second end.

[0057] Clause 9: Each of the spring elements is integrally formed with the speaker support.

[0058] Clause 10: The spring element and the loudspeaker support are formed of a plastic material.

[0059] Item 11: The arm extends from a first side of the opening around the fastener coupling to a second side of the opening and then to the first side.

[0060] Item 12: The arm has a variable thickness along its length.

[0061] Clause 13: The arm forms: a first thickness along its length at a first end and a second end; and a second thickness at a section between the first end and the second end, the second thickness being less than the first thickness.

[0062] Item 14: The arm extends at least once around the entire fastener coupling.

[0063] Item 15: The body, fastener coupling, and arm are integrally formed together.

[0064] Item 16: The body also defines additional openings extending through the body; the speaker support also includes: additional fastener couplings, each of which is located within a corresponding one of the additional openings; and additional arms, each of which connects a corresponding one of the additional fastener couplings to the body.

[0065] Item 17: The body, fastener coupling, and arm are formed of a plastic material.

[0066] Unless otherwise specified, an element mentioned in the singular does not mean unique, but refers to one or more. For example, "a" module may refer to one or more modules. An element prefixed with "a", "an", "the" or "said" does not exclude the existence of additional identical elements without further limitations.

[0067] Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word "exemplary" is used to mean used as an example or illustration. To the extent that the terms "including," "having," and the like are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as being interpreted to include when used as transition words in the claims. Relational terms such as "first" and "second," and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0068] Phrases such as aspect, this aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, a specific implementation, this specific implementation, another specific implementation, some specific implementations, one or more specific implementations, an embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, configuration, this configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject technology, disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations, etc. are for convenience and do not mean that the disclosure involving such one or more phrases is essential to the subject technology, or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosures involving such one or more phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosures involving such one or more phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this applies similarly to the other aforementioned phrases.

[0069] The phrase "at least one" preceding a list of items, with any of the items separated by the terms "and" or "or," modifies the list as a whole rather than each member of the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows for a meaning that includes at least one of any one item and / or at least one of any combination of items and / or at least one of each item. For example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" refers to A only, B only, or C only; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0070] It should be understood that the specific order or level of the disclosed steps, operations or processes is an illustration of an exemplary method. Unless otherwise clearly stated, it is understandable that the specific order or level of steps, operations or processes can be performed in different orders. Some of the steps, operations or processes can be performed simultaneously. The attached method claims (if any) present the elements of each step, operation or process in an exemplary order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or level presented. These can be performed in serial, linear, parallel or different orders. It should be understood that the instructions, operations and systems described can usually be integrated together in a single software / hardware product, or be packaged in multiple software / hardware products.

[0071] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to a direct coupling. On the other hand, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to an indirect coupling.

[0072] Terms such as top, bottom, front, back, side, horizontal, vertical, etc. refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, not the usual gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such terms may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

[0073] The present disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring the concepts of the subject technology. The present disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications of these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0074] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public regardless of whether the disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. No claim element shall be interpreted under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is stated using the phrase “step for…”

[0075] The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the present disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than as limiting descriptions. They are not considered to be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, it can be seen in the detailed description that for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure, the description provides illustrative examples, and various features are combined together in various specific implementations. The disclosed method should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than those expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are thereby incorporated into the specific embodiments, with each claim itself as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0076] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompassing all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims encompass subject matter that is inconsistent with applicable patent law requirements and should not be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device include: Base; and A speaker assembly, the speaker assembly comprising: speaker; a one-piece speaker support surrounding the speaker and defining an opening, the speaker support including a spring element having opposed ends positioned within the opening; and A fastener secures the spring element to the base, wherein the spring element is configured to reduce the transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker to the base.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein when the fastener secures the spring element to the base, the spring element allows the speaker support to move within a range of motion relative to the base. 3 . The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the range of motion is parallel to a direction of movement of the speaker relative to the speaker support. 4 . The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising a keyboard coupled to the speaker assembly.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the speaker assembly include: Additional spring elements; and Additional fasteners each secure a corresponding one of the additional spring elements to the base.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the single speaker support is formed of a plastic material.

7. A speaker assembly, the speaker assembly include: speaker; a unitary speaker support surrounding the speaker and defining an opening; and a plurality of spring elements, each spring element being configured to receive one of the plurality of fasteners and having respective opposite ends positioned within a respective one of the openings, the spring elements being configured to allow the speaker support to move within a range of motion relative to the fastener, each of the spring elements comprising: a fastener coupling positioned within a corresponding one of the openings; and An arm is connected to the speaker support and the fastener coupling, extends within the corresponding one of the openings and around the fastener coupling, and has a variable thickness along its length.

8. The speaker assembly of claim 7, wherein the speaker support includes a body defining a plurality of openings extending through the body, wherein each of the plurality of spring elements is positioned in a corresponding one of the plurality of openings.

9. The speaker assembly of claim 7, wherein the arm extends around at least half of the fastener coupling.

10. The loudspeaker assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the spring elements is integrally formed with the loudspeaker support.

11. The speaker assembly of claim 7, wherein the spring element and the speaker support are formed of a plastic material.

12. A speaker assembly, the speaker assembly include: speaker; A single speaker support member, the speaker support member is used to surround the speaker mounted to the speaker support member, the speaker support member comprises: a body defining an opening extending therethrough; a fastener coupling positioned within the opening; and a spring element having opposed ends positioned within the opening and configured to reduce transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker to the body, the spring element comprising an arm having a first end connected to the body and a second end connected to the fastener coupling, the arm extending at least halfway around the fastener coupling between the first and second ends.

13. The speaker assembly of claim 12, wherein the arm extends from a first side of the opening, around the fastener coupling, to a second side of the opening, and then to the first side.

14. The loudspeaker assembly of claim 12, wherein the arm forms: a first thickness along its length at the first end and the second end; and A second thickness at a section between the first end and the second end, the second thickness being less than the first thickness.

15. The speaker assembly of claim 12, wherein the arm extends at least once around the entire fastener coupling.

16. The speaker assembly of claim 12, wherein the body, the fastener coupling, and the arm are integrally formed together.

17. The loudspeaker assembly according to claim 12, in: The body further defines an additional opening extending through the body; The speaker support also includes: an additional fastener coupling, each of the additional fastener couplings being positioned within a corresponding one of the additional openings; and An additional arm, each of the additional arms connects a corresponding one of the additional fastener couplings to the main body.

18. The speaker assembly of claim 12, wherein the body, the fastener coupling, and the arm are formed of a plastic material.

Images