Compact speakers

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to compact speakers. The present disclosure provides an electronic speaker, comprising: a device housing, the device housing defining an internal cavity and including a side wall, the side wall extending around the internal cavity between an upper portion and a lower portion of the device housing; a first sound channel and a second sound channel, the first sound channel and the second sound channel formed at relative positions along the side wall, each of the first sound channel and the second sound channel including a plurality of openings formed through the side wall; a passive radiator array, the passive radiator array including a first passive radiator and a second passive radiator, the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator disposed in the internal cavity, spaced apart from each other in a relative relationship and aligned to project sound through the first sound channel and the second sound channel; an active driver; and an annular sound channel.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 074,230, filed on September 3, 2020; and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 067,611, filed on October 9, 2020; the contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure as a whole relates to electronic smart speakers having compact size and shape and high-quality audio playback. Background Art

[0004] Voice activated / smart speakers are becoming common household items, with many homes having at least one or more such devices. Voice activated speakers allow users to listen to and control music playback, access the Internet, and control various home automation devices in response to voice commands that follow an initial command phrase. While there are a variety of different smart speakers on the market, new and improved smart speaker designs are constantly being sought. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of compact electronic smart speakers. Embodiments of the disclosed smart speakers may have a small footprint while also accurately reproducing music and other audio streams. In some embodiments, the smart speaker may include a support foot having a relatively large surface area, a planar bottom surface that distributes the weight of the speaker over a relatively large contact area of ​​a supporting surface (e.g., a tabletop or countertop), as opposed to the multiple smaller contact points of a separate foot as performed in some compact speakers. The relatively large contact area of ​​the support foot provides a higher degree of protection to the supporting surface on which the speaker may be placed. The foot may include a suspension system that isolates vibrations generated by the speaker, thereby reducing the amount of vibration transmitted to the supporting surface through the foot, thereby helping to ensure that the speaker does not produce undesirable hum or other noise or deflection or jumping on the supporting surface due to such vibrations.

[0006] In some embodiments, an electronic speaker is provided. The speaker may include: a device housing defining an internal cavity and having a sidewall extending around the internal cavity between an upper portion and a lower portion of the device housing; a first sound channel and a second sound channel formed at relative positions along the sidewall, each of the first sound channel and the second sound channel having a plurality of openings formed through the sidewall; and a passive radiator array including a first passive radiator and a second passive radiator, the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator being disposed within the internal cavity, spaced apart from each other in a relative relationship and aligned to project sound through the first sound channel and the second sound channel. An active driver may be disposed in the device housing and configured to generate sound in response to an electrical signal. The active driver may include a driver housing at least partially disposed between the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator, a magnet disposed within the driver housing, a voice coil, and a diaphragm facing downward toward a lower surface of the device housing. The speaker may also include an annular sound channel disposed along the bottom portion of the device housing adjacent the diaphragm of the active driver.

[0007] In various embodiments, the electronic speaker may include one or more of the following features. The device housing may also include a tapered inner sidewall that protrudes away from the bottom portion of the device housing toward the active driver, and the outer sidewall and the annular sound channel may surround the tapered inner sidewall. The lower portion of the device housing may include a plurality of ribs that are radially arranged around the device housing and extend from the outer sidewall toward the bottom surface of the device housing, thereby defining a plurality of slits that form the annular sound channel. The plurality of ribs may include a first group of ribs extending from the outer sidewall to the bottom surface of the device housing, and a second group of ribs that partially extend between the outer sidewall and the bottom surface of the device housing. The plurality of ribs may be arranged in an alternating pattern, wherein one or more ribs from the second group of ribs are arranged between each pair of adjacent ribs in the first group of ribs. The device housing may also include a tapered inner sidewall protruding away from a bottom surface of the device housing toward the active driver, the annular sound aperture may surround the tapered inner sidewall, and each rib in the first set of ribs may include an angled portion adjacent the bottom surface, the angled portion extending inwardly toward the tapered inner sidewall. Each rib in the plurality of ribs may be equally spaced from an adjacent rib by a distance of 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0008] In various implementations, the electronic speaker may further include one or more of: a touch responsive input device located at an upper surface of the device housing, a planar foot coupled to a lower portion of the device housing, and / or an acoustic fabric woven into a mesh configuration and wrapped around the device housing to provide a consistent outer surface for the electronic speaker. Furthermore, the device housing may include separate upper, middle, and lower housing components attached to each other to form the interior cavity. The passive radiator array may include: a frame having an annular outer rim extending completely around an outer periphery of the frame and first and second connecting members protruding from opposite ends of the outer rim; a rigid diaphragm disposed within a central portion of the frame; a primary annular suspension coupling the diaphragm to the annular outer rim of the frame in a manner that allows the diaphragm to move within the frame; and a radiator mass element having a first opposite end and a second opposite end and a central section extending along the length of the radiator mass element between the first opposite end and the second opposite end; and an auxiliary suspension coupling the radiator mass element to the frame in a manner that allows the radiator mass to move within the frame. The width of each of the first opposite end and the second opposite end of the radiator mass may be greater than the width of the central section. The auxiliary suspension may include a first centering support element coupled between the first connecting member of the frame and the first end of the radiator mass, and a second centering support element coupled between the second connecting end of the frame and the second end of the radiator mass. The central section of the radiator mass element may have a generally concave shape, and wherein the radiator mass element is coupled to the auxiliary suspension such that the concave portion of the radiator mass element faces away from the diaphragm. The first centering support element and the second centering support element may be formed from a thin rubber sheet 1 mm-2 mm thick, and / or each of the first centering support element and the second centering support element may be thermoformed into a wavy pattern along the length of the centering support. The frame may have a generally elliptical shape and include a first connecting end and a second connecting end protruding from opposite ends of the frame. The first centering support element can be adhered to the first end of the radiator mass mass element along a first connection portion of the first connection end, and the width of the first connection portion is greater than the width of the central section, and the second centering support element can be adhered to the second end of the radiator mass element along a second connection portion of the second connection end, and the width of the second connection portion is greater than the width of the central section.

[0009] In some embodiments, an electronic speaker is provided, which may include: a device housing defining an interior cavity and including an outer sidewall extending around the interior cavity between an upper portion and a lower portion of the device housing; a first sound channel and a second sound channel formed at relative positions along the outer sidewall, each of the first sound channel and the second sound channel including a plurality of openings formed through the outer sidewall; a passive radiator array including a first passive radiator and a second passive radiator, the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator being disposed within the interior cavity, spaced apart from each other in a relative relationship and aligned to project sound through the first sound channel and the second sound channel; an active driver, which may be disposed in the device housing and configured to generate sound in response to an electrical signal. The active driver may include a driver housing at least partially disposed between the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator, a magnet disposed within the driver housing, a voice coil, and a diaphragm facing downward toward a lower surface of the device housing. Furthermore, the speaker may further include an annular sound channel disposed along the bottom portion of the device housing adjacent to the diaphragm of the active driver, and the device housing may further include a tapered inner sidewall surrounded by the outer sidewall and the annular sound channel and protruding away from the bottom surface of the device housing toward the active driver. In some implementations, each of the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator may include: a frame having an annular outer rim extending completely around an outer periphery of the frame and first and second connecting ends protruding from opposite ends of the outer rim; a rigid diaphragm disposed within a central portion of the frame; a primary annular suspension coupling the diaphragm to the annular outer rim of the frame in a manner that allows the diaphragm to move within the frame; a radiator mass element; and an auxiliary suspension coupling the radiator mass element to the frame in a manner that allows the radiator mass to move within the frame.

[0010] An electronic speaker according to some embodiments may include an axisymmetric device housing defining an internal cavity and a conical recess at a bottom portion of the device housing, wherein the device housing includes: (i) an outer side wall extending around the internal cavity between a top surface and a bottom surface of the device housing to define an orifice at the top surface, and (ii) a centrally positioned conical side wall surrounded by the outer side wall and protruding upward from the bottom surface of the device housing to a distal tip spaced apart from the top surface to define the conical recess. The electronic speaker may also include a touch-responsive input device disposed within the aperture at the top surface of the device housing; a first sound channel and a second sound channel formed at relative positions along the outer side wall, each of the first sound channel and the second sound channel including a plurality of openings formed through the outer side wall; a passive radiator array including a first passive radiator and a second passive radiator disposed within the internal cavity, spaced apart from each other in a relative relationship and aligned to project sound through the first sound channel and the second sound channel; an active driver disposed outside the device; and The electronic speaker is in a housing and is configured to generate sound in response to an electrical signal, the active driver comprising a driver housing at least partially disposed between the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator, a magnet disposed within the driver housing, a voice coil, and a diaphragm spaced from and facing downward toward the distal tip of the conical surface; an annular sound channel disposed along the bottom portion of the device housing around the conical surface; and a foot assembly partially disposed within the conical recess and connected to the device housing, the foot assembly comprising a planar foot operable to support the electronic speaker and a suspension system operable to suppress vibrations generated by the active driver before the vibrations are transmitted to the planar foot.

[0011] According to yet additional embodiments, an electronic speaker may include: a device housing defining an internal housing cavity; an audio driver disposed within the internal housing cavity; and a foot assembly coupled to the device housing and operable to support the electronic speaker. The foot assembly may include: a foot assembly sidewall having an outer sidewall perimeter extending outwardly away from a central neck; a planar foot having an outer foot perimeter proximate to the outer sidewall perimeter, wherein an upper surface of the planar foot cooperates with an inner surface of the foot assembly sidewall to form an internal cavity within the foot assembly; and a suspension system disposed within the foot assembly internal cavity and coupling the planar foot to the foot assembly sidewall. The suspension system may include an isolator plate disposed within the interior cavity of the foot assembly and mechanically coupled to the planar foot, wherein the isolator plate includes a channel protruding vertically away from the planar foot toward the equipment housing; an isolator stop adapted within the channel and having an aperture formed through the isolator stop aligned with a section of the channel; and an isolator fastener coupled to the foot assembly sidewall and disposed within the channel. The isolator fastener may extend through the isolator aperture formed through the isolator stop and be operable to allow the foot assembly sidewall to translate relative to the planar foot.

[0012] In various specific implementations, the electronic speaker may include one or more of the following features. The device housing may also define an external recessed portion at the bottom surface of the device housing, and the foot assembly may be at least partially disposed within the external recessed portion. The isolator plate may include a plurality of channels, and the suspension system may include a corresponding plurality of isolator stops and a corresponding plurality of isolator fasteners, and each of the plurality of channels may have an isolator stop from the plurality of isolator stops adapted within the channel, and an isolator fastener from the plurality of isolator fasteners disposed within the channel and extending through the aperture formed through its corresponding isolator stop. The foot assembly sidewall may include a plurality of fastener holes, and each isolator fastener may be coupled to the foot assembly sidewall through one of the plurality of fastener holes. A vibration damper comprising a low-durometer compressible material may be included in the speaker and disposed directly between the planar foot and the foot assembly sidewall. The vibration damper may include an annular body disposed around the suspension system near the periphery of the outer foot. The vibration damper may further include a plurality of teeth radially spaced apart from one another along the annular body, and the plurality of teeth may extend away from the annular body toward the planar foot.

[0013] According to some embodiments, an electronic speaker is disclosed, the electronic speaker comprising: a device housing defining an internal housing cavity; an audio driver disposed within the internal housing cavity; and a foot assembly coupled to the device housing and operable to support the electronic speaker. The foot assembly may include: an anchor having a neck and a sidewall extending radially to an annular edge around the neck and away from the neck; a planar foot having an outer periphery proximate to the annular edge of the anchor and an annular channel recessed from the outer periphery and within the circumference of the anchor sidewall, wherein an upper surface of the planar foot cooperates with an inner surface of the anchor to form an internal cavity within the foot assembly; and a suspension system disposed within the internal cavity of the foot assembly and coupling the planar foot to the anchor. The suspension system may include: an isolator plate disposed within the internal cavity of the suspension system and mechanically connected to the planar foot, the isolator plate including a plurality of channels protruding vertically away from the planar foot toward the equipment housing; a plurality of isolator stops, each isolator stop being adapted within one of the plurality of channels and having an orifice formed through the isolator stop aligned with a section of its corresponding channel; a plurality of isolator fasteners connected to the anchor, wherein each isolator fastener may be disposed within one of the plurality of channels and may extend through the isolator stop orifice of its corresponding channel, thereby allowing the anchor to translate relative to the planar foot; and an annular isolator including a low-durometer compressible material disposed between the planar foot and the anchor side wall through the annular channel.

[0014] In some embodiments, a compact speaker sized to be placed on a table is provided. The compact speaker may include: a device housing defining an internal housing cavity and an external conical recess at a bottom surface of the device housing; an audio driver disposed within the internal housing cavity; a foot assembly operable to support the electronic speaker on a surface of a table, wherein the foot assembly is at least partially disposed within the external conical recess and coupled to a bottom portion of the device housing. The foot assembly may include: an anchor having a central neck, a side wall, and a plurality of fastener openings, the central neck including an aperture formed through an upper surface of the neck, the side wall surrounding the neck and extending radially away from the neck to an annular edge, the plurality of fastener openings being formed along the side wall; a fastener extending through the aperture in the neck and coupling the anchor to the device housing; a planar foot spaced apart from the anchor in a relative relationship, the planar foot having an outer periphery proximate to the annular edge and an annular channel recessed from the outer periphery and located within the circumference of the anchor side wall, wherein the upper surface of the planar foot cooperates with the inner surface of the anchor to form an internal cavity within the foot assembly; and a suspension system disposed within the internal cavity of the foot assembly and coupling the planar foot to the anchor. The suspension system is operable to dampen vibrations generated by the audio driver and may include: an isolator plate coupled to the planar foot and disposed within the internal cavity of the suspension system between the planar foot and the anchor, the isolator plate may include a planar surface spaced apart from the planar foot and a plurality of channels protruding perpendicularly toward the device housing away from the planar surface, wherein each of the plurality of channels may include an inner peripheral surface extending from the planar surface to a terminating surface and an orifice formed through the terminating surface; a plurality of isolator stops, wherein each isolator stop may be adapted within one of the plurality of channels, and having an aperture formed through the isolator stop aligned with the channel aperture; a plurality of isolator fasteners, each of which isolator fasteners is positionable in one of the plurality of channels and is extendable through the isolator stop aperture and the channel aperture of its corresponding channel into one of the fastener openings formed in the anchor side wall to mechanically attach the isolator fastener to the side wall, and wherein each isolator fastener is operable to translate within its corresponding channel; and an annular isolator comprising a low durometer compressible material, disposed at the upper surface of the planar leg and the side wall of the anchor through the annular channel.

[0015] To better understand the essence and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that each of the accompanying drawings is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a definition of limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, as a general rule, and unless clearly contrary to the description, if the same reference numeral is used for elements in different figures, the elements are generally the same or at least similar in function or purpose. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The present disclosure will be readily understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like structural elements, and in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a simplified perspective diagram of a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0018] Figure 2A is an exploded view of various components housed within a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 2B to FIG. 2D are additional exploded views of various components housed within a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0020] Figure 3 After the speaker is assembled FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D A simplified cutaway view of the smart speaker shown;

[0021] Figure 4A is a simplified top perspective view of an embodiment of a top enclosure of a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0022] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A a bottom plan view of the top package shown;

[0023] Figure 5A is a simplified cross-sectional side view of an upper portion and user interface of a compact smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0024] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An exploded view of a portion of the compact smart speaker and user interface as shown;

[0025] Figure 5C is an exploded view of various components housed within a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 5D is a simplified top view of a portion of a selected component of a user interface according to some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 5Eis an exploded view of various components housed within a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0028] Fig. 5F It is in assembled state Figure 5E A simplified perspective view of the components shown;

[0029] Fig. 6A is a bottom perspective view of a touch sensor assembly according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 6B is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a user interface according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 6C is formed according to some embodiments Fig. 6A A simplified illustration of a plurality of capacitive touch pixels on a touch sensor of;

[0032] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a middle housing portion of a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 8 is a simplified perspective view of a heat sink according to some embodiments;

[0034] Fig. 9A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a passive radiator array according to some embodiments;

[0035] Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A A simplified plan view of one of the passive radiators in the passive radiator array shown;

[0036] Fig. 9C Shows Fig. 9B A cross-sectional view of a passive radiator is shown;

[0037] Fig. 10A is a bottom-up perspective view of a bottom package of a compact smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0038] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A A top perspective view of the bottom package is shown;

[0039] Fig. 10C is an exploded view of various components housed within a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0040] Fig. 10D yes Fig. 10C an expanded view of a portion of;

[0041] Fig.11Ais a simplified exploded view of an embodiment of a foot assembly that may be coupled to and support a compact speaker according to some embodiments;

[0042] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A a simplified side plan view of the depicted leg assembly;

[0043] Fig. 12A is an exploded view of various components housed within a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0044] Fig. 12B is a simplified perspective view of an isolation ring that may be included in a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0045] Fig. 12C is a simplified cross-sectional view of a foot assembly according to some embodiments;

[0046] Fig.12D is an expanded simplified cross-sectional view of a foot assembly according to some embodiments;

[0047] Fig.13 is an exploded perspective view of a power cable assembly for a smart speaker according to some embodiments;

[0048] Fig.14 is Fig.13 A simplified perspective view of an embodiment of a smart speaker with a power cable assembled as depicted;

[0049] Fig.15 is a diagram indicating different types of connected electronics that may communicate and / or interact with a smart speaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0050] Fig.16 is a block diagram illustrating communication and interoperability between various electronic components of a smart speaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Representative applications of the methods and apparatuses according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are provided only to add context and aid in understanding the described embodiments. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other cases, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments, well-known processing steps are not described in detail. Other applications are possible, so that the following examples should not be considered limiting.

[0052] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, it is to be understood that these examples are not limiting; other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.

[0053] Figure 1 A simplified perspective view of a compact smart speaker 100 according to some embodiments is shown. The compact smart speaker 100 may include a body 102 having a continuous, aesthetically pleasing outer surface having a symmetrical and generally spherical shape. For example, the body 102 may have an outer surface in which points along a given horizontal cross-section through the body 102 are equidistant relative to a central axis extending through the body perpendicular to the cross-section.

[0054] The body 102 may include one or more packaging parts ( Figure 1 ). In some embodiments, the acoustic fabric 104 may cover the body 102, thereby providing a consistent and aesthetically pleasing exterior finish and surface while hiding the various audio ports and other components of the smart speaker 100. The acoustic fabric 104 may be a woven mesh configuration that may have minimal impact on the volume or audio quality of any audio playback leaving the compact smart speaker. For example, audio waves leaving the compact smart speaker 100 may pass through the acoustic fabric 104 without any interference. In some embodiments, the acoustic fabric 104 may have a pattern that is specifically selected and designed to hide the location of components or features beneath the acoustic fabric 104.

[0055] The upper portion of the compact smart speaker 100 may include a user interface 106 that may allow a user to adjust settings of the compact smart speaker 100 (such as track selection and speaker volume changes). In some embodiments, the user interface 102 may be a touch-sensitive surface, etc. The user interface 102 may also include one or more light sources (eg, light sources) that illuminate various areas of the user interface 102 to help the user interact with the user interface 102. Figure 1 not shown).

[0056] Smart speaker housing and overall architecture

[0057] Figure 2A is a simplified exploded view of a housing 200 for a smart speaker according to some embodiments. The housing 200 may be Figure 1 The specific implementation of the subject 102 discussed in Figure 2AAs shown, the housing 200 includes three main components: an upper housing 210, a middle housing 220, and a lower housing 230. Figure 2A Also shown are a foot assembly 240 that can be connected to the lower housing 230 and an acoustic fabric material 250 that can represent the fabric 104 and can be wrapped around the housing 200 to provide a consistent and aesthetically pleasing exterior finish and surface for the smart speaker including the housing 200.

[0058] The housing 200 may define a symmetrical and generally spherical shape of a smart speaker by stacking three housing encapsulation portions (upper housing 210, middle housing 220, and lower housing 230) together to define an interior cavity that may house various components of the smart speaker as described below. For example, the upper housing 210 may include a planar top surface 212 and a tapered sidewall 214 extending downwardly and outwardly from the planar top surface 212. The middle housing 220 may include a curved sidewall surface 222 extending between an upper surface 224 and a lower surface (not numbered). The lower housing 230 may include a planar bottom surface (at Figure 2A ) and a curved side wall 232 extending upward from the planar bottom surface.

[0059] When upper housing 210, middle housing 220, and lower housing 230 are coupled together in a stacked relationship, a generally spherical shape is formed for housing 200. When stacked in this manner, the curvature of sidewall surface 222 may align with the curvature of sidewalls 214 and 232 to form an exterior surface having a continuous curvature from planar top surface 212 to a planar bottom surface of lower housing member 230. Each of the bottom surface of upper housing 210, the top and bottom surfaces of middle housing 220, and the top surface of lower housing 230 may include features (e.g., lips, channels, tabs, etc.) that enable the upper and lower housing portions to be properly aligned and mechanically attached to each other to form an integral housing 200.

[0060] The housing encapsulation portions 210, 220, 230 may be coupled together using any suitable attachment technique or mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the housing components may be joined together by one or more of the following: mechanical fasteners (such as screws, bolts, wire fasteners, etc.), adhesive glue or adhesive tape, or by laser or ultrasonic welding, etc. In some embodiments, each housing portion is configured to fit over, around, and / or under each other while providing a smooth and seamless engagement between the connection points of each housing portion. The acoustic fabric 250 may be wrapped around the housing 200 to provide a consistent and aesthetically pleasing exterior finish and surface while hiding potential seams in the housing, various audio ports, and other components of the smart speaker.

[0061] In some cases, the surface (e.g., the top surface of a table or desk) (sometimes referred to herein as a "support surface") on which a compact speaker (such as a compact smart speaker) is placed can have an adverse effect on the sound quality of the compact speaker. Because of this, many previously known speaker and smart speaker designs include multiple separate feet that elevate the speaker a small distance above the surface on which the speaker rests. The separate feet distribute the weight of the speaker to relatively small points of contact with the support surface. The relatively small points of contact can cause damage to the support surface in the form of dents, scratches, or other marks over time. While reducing the weight of a compact speaker can reduce the likelihood and / or extent of such potential damage, high-quality audio components can be heavy, and using lighter or smaller components can be a trade-off for sacrificing audio quality for weight.

[0062] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a foot assembly 240 that is coupled to the lower housing 230 and provides a single, substantially flat, large contact area that distributes the weight of the compact speaker over the large contact area, rather than multiple smaller contact points that are individually charged as is done with many known compact speakers. To this end, in some embodiments, the foot assembly 240 includes a large, planar foot 242 that evenly distributes the weight of the compact speaker throughout the surface area of ​​the planar foot 242 and the supporting surface upon which the compact speaker device is placed. In some embodiments, the foot assembly 240 can also act as a damper to isolate and reduce the amount of vibration projected onto the contact surface. Additional details of specific implementation examples of the foot assembly 240 are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B and FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D Give a description.

[0063] See now FIG. 2B to FIG. 2D , which are simplified perspective views of housing portions 210, 220, and 230, respectively, and selected components of a smart speaker that may fit within an interior cavity enclosed by the housing portions, according to some embodiments. Figure 2B As shown, according to some embodiments, a touch module assembly 216 can be coupled to the upper housing 210 to allow a user to interact with the smart speaker and control various features of the smart speaker. The touch module assembly can be, for example, a touch-sensitive input device and can include a display that presents information and / or controls (e.g., volume controls) to the user. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5F and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Details of an exemplary touch module assembly according to some embodiments are described.

[0064] like Figure 2CAs shown, the main logic board 226 can be connected to the upper surface of the intermediate housing 220, and the passive radiator array 228 can be adapted within a portion of the housing interior cavity defined by the intermediate housing 220. The main logic board 226 can be adapted within the cavity formed by the upper housing portion 210, and can include a plurality of integrated circuits, such as a processor that controls the operation of the smart speaker, and various components that receive, transmit, and deliver electrical signals to components disposed within the interior cavity of the compact smart speaker 200. The passive radiator array 228 can acquire sound generated by an active audio driver (e.g., a speaker 234 discussed below) disposed within the housing 200 and produce low-frequency sound waves that increase the bass response of the speaker without including a voice coil or magnet assembly included in the active speaker. For example, the passive radiator array 228 can resonate with the air within the enclosure and be excited by the output from the active audio driver 234 to move the diaphragm of the passive radiator. Thus, the passive radiator array 228 may be tuned to provide a lower frequency output for a compact speaker, thereby improving audio playback quality compared to speaker designs having only a single (active) audio driver.

[0065] refer to Figure 2D , an active audio driver 234 may be coupled to an upper surface 236 of the bottom package 230 and positioned so that the diaphragm of the audio driver faces downwardly directly toward the bottom package 230 and the foot assembly 240. When the compact speaker is fully assembled, an upper end of the active audio driver 234 (including the magnets and other components of the driver) may be disposed within a portion of the interior cavity defined by the intermediate housing 220 between portions of the passive radiator array 228. The audio driver 234 is configured to convert audio electrical signals into audio waves using a dynamic or electrodynamic driver, and in some embodiments, may include a coil of wire suspended in a magnetic circuit air gap to generate audio playback based on the input.

[0066] The audio driver 234 may also include a cone-shaped diaphragm (in Figure 2DThe diaphragm may be mounted on the edge of a tapered frame and may be urged to move in a direction perpendicular to the frame when placed in a magnetic field generated by one or more magnets by a force applied to a coil of wire by passing an electric current through the coil of wire. The resulting back-and-forth movement of the diaphragm generates a pressure differential that travels as an audio wave in a direction away from the diaphragm. The lower housing 230 may include a tapered protrusion 235 extending from its bottom surface toward the audio driver 234. The air pressure waves generated by the active audio driver 234 travel toward the tapered protrusion 235 and may be urged radially outward from the speaker housing through an annular sound channel 238 formed around the tapered protrusion 235 in the lower portion of the lower housing 230. In some embodiments, the annular sound channel 238 may include a plurality of slits or openings formed between adjacent ribs, such as Figure 2D As shown and the following relative to FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D Discussed in more detail. The audio driver 234 may also include a driver housing 237 made of a conductive material, wherein electrical signals and power may be routed to and from the driver housing via wires.

[0067] Figure 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fully assembled smart speaker 300 according to some embodiments. The smart speaker 300 may be a specific implementation of the smart speaker 100 and may include the above relative to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The upper housing member 210, the middle housing member 220, and the lower housing member 230 discussed, which combine to form the housing interior cavity 205. The speaker 300 may also include a foot assembly 240 and may be wrapped with an acoustic fabric 250, as discussed above. In some embodiments, an acoustic seal may be located between each of the adjacent housing members and between the upper housing member 210 and the touch module assembly 216 to achieve a sealed rear volume of the speaker 234.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the touch component module 216 can be positioned at the upper surface of the smart speaker 300, thereby providing a touch-sensitive user interface that enables the user to control various aspects of the smart speaker 300. For example, in some embodiments, the touch-sensitive user interface allows the user to control one or more of the following features: speaker volume, advance a track, or turn the smart speaker on and off. The main logic board 226 can be positioned directly below the touch component module 216 and can be mechanically attached to the upper portion of the middle housing component 220, as shown.

[0069] The active speaker 234 can be disposed at a central location within the housing of the smart speaker 300 such that it is located directly above the foot assembly 240 and directly below the main logic board 226. The active speaker can be mechanically attached to the lower housing portion 230 with its voice coil and imaging portion extending upward into the portion of the interior cavity 205 defined primarily by the middle housing component 220. The diaphragm 239 of the active speaker can face downward toward the foot assembly 240 and direct sound waves toward the cone 235. Sound from the speaker can be pushed radially outward by the cone 235 through the annular sound aperture 238.

[0070] One or more sensors may be included within the smart speaker 300. As a specific example, a temperature sensor may be included within the internal cavity 205. The temperature sensor may provide input to a processor or other controller on the main logic board 226, which in turn may cause the ambient temperature of the environment in which the smart speaker 300 is located to be displayed on the display portion of the touch module assembly (in some embodiments where the display has sufficient resolution), and / or the temperature information may be used to inform other aspects of a smart home system that is communicatively coupled to the smart speaker 300 via, for example, a wired or wireless network. In some specific embodiments, the temperature sensor may be positioned within the housing of the speaker 234 (such as in region 233) and may have a direct port through one of the housing portions 210, 220, or 230 to the environment outside the smart speaker.

[0071] Top package

[0072] Figure 4A It shows that it can be represented Figure 2A and Figure 2B A top perspective view of the upper housing 400 of the upper housing 210 is shown, and Figure 4B 4 is a bottom plan view of the upper housing 400. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the upper housing 400 may include a sidewall 404 extending from an upper surface 402 of the upper housing 400 to a bottom surface 406. The upper surface 402 may be in the form of a substantially flat rim 410 surrounding an aperture 408. Although the aperture 408 may have any suitable shape, in the embodiment of the present invention, the aperture 408 may be a substantially flat rim 410. Figure 4A In the depicted embodiment, the aperture 408 has a circular shape. The rim 410 may have a diameter just slightly larger than the diameter of the aperture 406 and may form a narrow ledge around the aperture. In some embodiments, the rim 410 may include one or more indentations, alignment features, or mounting features to enable the internal components to be mounted to and supported by the upper housing.

[0073] In some embodiments, the top package 400 can be a unitary structure that is roughly conical in shape and defines an interior space or cavity surrounded by sidewalls 404. The upper housing 400 can be made of any suitable material, and in some embodiments is made of a solid and / or rigid plastic polymer material that can be molded to maintain a specific shape. As a non-limiting example, the plastic polymer material can be polycarbonate or any moldable plastic material that can maintain a specific shape to act as a protective structure for internal components and impart the shape of the top (approximately third) portion of the compact smart speaker. As discussed herein, various electrical components and other components can be housed in the internal cavity and protected by the upper housing 400.

[0074] The aperture 408 may be a hole that allows the user to access the touch module ( Figure 4A The sidewall 404 may extend radially outward and downward from the upper surface 402 of the upper housing 400 toward the bottom surface 406, such that the diameter of the sidewall 404 gradually increases from the smallest diameter portion at the upper surface 402 to the largest diameter portion at the bottom surface 406. In some embodiments, the sidewall 404 is generally conical in shape and is in the form of a solid smooth piece of plastic polymer.

[0075] The side wall 404 may include one or more openings, such as openings 412a-412d, spaced apart along the side wall. Each opening may extend completely through the side wall 404 and may facilitate attaching one or more components to the upper housing 400. For example, the openings 412a-412d may be configured to receive a fastening mechanism (such as Figure 2B The upper housing 400 is provided with an opening for a screw 218 as shown to secure components mounted within the interior cavity defined by the side wall 404 or to couple the upper housing 400 to the intermediate housing.

[0076] As shown, bottom surface 406 defines the end of side wall 404 and thus defines the bottom of upper package 400. Bottom surface 406 can have a similar cross-sectional shape as upper surface 402, which can be circular in some embodiments. Since side wall 404 extends radially outward from upper surface 402 to bottom surface 406, the diameter of the bottom surface can also be greater than the diameter of upper surface 402. In some embodiments, bottom surface 406 can be configured to receive a protrusion formed on the upper surface of the intermediate housing component, as discussed below.

[0077] user interface

[0078] Figure 5A is a simplified cross-sectional view of a user interface module 500 that fits within a portion of the upper housing 400, and Figure 5B yes Figure 5A500. The user interface module 500 may include a touch display 502 that may be mounted to the upper housing 400 via a mounting frame 504, a cover 506 that supports a diffuser 508, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 510. In some embodiments, the mounting frame may be attached to the upper housing 400 via fasteners 505 (such as screws), and one or more sealing elements may be disposed between the two components to form a strong seal between the mounting frame 504 and the upper housing 400, such as Figure 5C As shown. The sealing element may include, for example, an O-ring 545 and one or more adhesive layers. The touch display 502 can display information to the user and identify and detect where the user touches on the surface to control various aspects of the smart speaker. In some embodiments, the touch display 502 can be a multi-layer module including an upper protective top cover 512 (e.g., a transparent resin layer), a transparent window 514, and a transparent touch sensor 516. An optically transparent adhesive 513 can be used to adhere the top cover 512 to the window 514.

[0079] In some embodiments, the touch display 502 can include a convex outer touch surface 503 as the uppermost, outer layer of the touch display 502. For example, the top cover 512 can have a convex disk shape, where the top surface forms the outer touch surface of the user interface module 500. To accommodate the spherical geometry of the compact speaker device, the thickness in the middle portion of the top cover 512 and / or the transparent window 514 can be greater than the thickness at the edge portions.

[0080] In some embodiments, the touch surface 503 may have a circular display area (in addition to or in lieu of a convex outer surface), and the user interface module 500 may include various mechanical and material layers arranged in the three-dimensional space of the user interface module 500 to achieve the desired attenuation and diffusion of the illumination illuminating the touch display 502. For example, the user interface 500 may include one or more of the following features to achieve the desired illumination at the touch surface 503: the LEDs 510 may be positioned below and arranged in a specific geometry so as to project light upward toward the touch surface 503 in a uniform and dispersed manner, multiple apertures may be formed at locations around and within the user interface module to control the brightness distribution, optical masks may be employed along the outer edges of the components, various components may be coated with coatings having specific reflective and absorptive properties to control light reflection within the interface module, and / or the optically clear adhesive 513 may be selected to have a refractive index that further controls the light diffusion properties within the module. As an additional specific example, the window 514 may be configured to absorb and recycle some of the light emitted from the LED 510 to produce the attenuation effect further described herein.

[0081] The touch sensor 516 can be fixed to the upper portion of the window 514, and the thickness of the window 514 can vary to accommodate the curvature of the spherical geometry of the compact smart speaker, wherein the middle portion of the window can be thicker than the edge portion. In some embodiments, the touch sensor can be calibrated during assembly to adjust the curvature at the outer surface of the top cover 512 and enable consistent user input across the entire external touch surface of the touch display 502. In this way, it is possible to avoid the situation where the touch input is read at a different speed at the center than along the periphery of the touch sensor. In some embodiments, the window 514 may be coated with an ink layer that further diffuses the light passing through the display.

[0082] The top cover 512 may be in the form of a layer of glass or a transparent polymer material (such as a polycarbonate material) to provide a smooth surface on which the user can comfortably perform touch input. The top cover 512 may include a depicted pattern including symbols corresponding to increasing and decreasing settings within a smart speaker (such as a compact smart speaker 100). For example, in some embodiments, plus (+) and minus (-) symbols are visible on opposite sides of the touch surface 503 and may be represented by independent touch areas that allow the user to increase or decrease the volume or skip tracks in a song. As an example of a specific implementation of such an interface, a short press on the touch display in the area of ​​the plus (+) symbol may be configured to increase the volume, while a long press on the plus (+) symbol may be configured to jump to the next track in the media playlist. Similarly, a short press on the minus (-) symbol may be configured to reduce the volume, while a long press on the minus (-) symbol may be configured to jump back to the previous track in the media playlist.

[0083] The touch display 502 can be supported by a mounting frame 504. In some embodiments, the mounting frame 504 can include an annular flange portion 540 that supports the touch display 502. A foam insert 542 can be disposed between an inner surface of the mounting frame 504 and the cover 506 to enable the cover to be press-fitted against the mounting frame. In some embodiments, the foam insert 542 includes two separate foam pieces disposed in opposing relationship along a portion of the annular mounting frame, such as Figure 5E shown.

[0084] like Figure 5E As shown, the cover 506 can be a unitary structure having a generally circular shape with a body defining ribs, as discussed below. Two outwardly projecting flanges 556 can be formed on opposite sides of the cover, each of which includes a channel 544 that receives a foam insert 542. Each foam insert 542 can be sized to provide a gap between the bottom surface of the flange portion 540 and the top surface of the cover 506, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B shown.

[0085] The mounting frame 504 may have a circular ring shape that fits within the inner perimeter of the sidewall of the upper housing 400 and may be coupled to the area of ​​the upper housing near the top aperture 402. The ring shape of the mounting frame 504 enables the mounting frame to define a central space within the upper housing 400 that accommodates the various components of the user interface module 500.

[0086] Re-reference Figure 5B , which is Figure 5A 4. The mounting frame 504 and the upper housing 400 may be combined to form a channel 530 that extends around the inner periphery of the upper housing 400 and may receive an end portion of an acoustic fabric cover 532 that may be relative to the upper housing 400. Figure 2D Specific implementation of the acoustic fabric 250 discussed. The channel 530 allows the end of the acoustic fabric to be conveniently wrapped around the mounting frame 504 along the channel 530 and bonded to the upper housing. In some embodiments, the channel 530 can be sized to provide an interference fit between the soft acoustic fabric and the hard top cover 512 of the touch display, thereby ensuring that there is no open trim gap between the fabric and the display.

[0087] The light emitting component 510 can be disposed on the control board 520 and positioned to project light toward the window 514 to illuminate the upper surface of the touch display 502. In some embodiments, the touch display 502 provides an edge-to-edge display within the aperture 408 of the upper housing 400, and the components of the user interface module 500 work together to minimize or eliminate lighting hot spots and color separation or breakup on the display while providing uniform brightness distribution and color contrast on the display. For example, in some embodiments, the light emitting component 510 is a group of LEDs arranged in a ring pattern that is aligned with the circular shape of the aperture 408 and therefore aligned with the circular shape of the touch display 502.

[0088] refer to Figure 5D , which is a simplified plan view of a portion of a user interface module 500 depicting a layout of LEDs as light emitting components 510 according to some embodiments. Figure 5D As shown, the light emitting component 510 may include a central LED 510(1) surrounded by a first inner ring 510(2) having five LEDs and a second outer ring 510(3) having twelve LEDs. Each LED in the LED groups 510(1), 510(2), and 510(3) may be mounted on a control board 520.

[0089] The housing 506 may include an inner baffle 522 that surrounds the various groupings of LEDs to constrain the angular spread of illumination from each LED. As shown, the inner baffle 522 includes an inner ring 524 surrounding the center LED 510(1), an outer ring 526 that separates the inner LED ring 510(2) from the outer LED ring 510(3), and three separate ribs 528 that connect the inner ring 524 and the outer ring 526 to the main body of the housing 506 and also separate the groupings of LEDs in each of the inner and outer LED rings from other LEDs in the same ring. The individual groups of LEDs may be individually controlled to produce optical attenuation, wherein light emitted by the LEDs is concentrated to a central location and the emitted light dissipates as it reaches the outer edges of the touch display 502.

[0090] Figure 5E A simplified exploded perspective view of a portion of the user interface module 500 including the cover 506 and its bezel 522 is provided, and Fig. 5F In assembled form Figure 5E A simplified perspective view of a portion of the user interface module 500 is shown. Figure 5E and Fig. 5F As shown, the cover 506 may also include a bottom surface and feet 552 that may facilitate attachment of the cover to the control board 520 via a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 554 lining the bottom surface of the cover and the feet 552. The cover 506 may be disposed over the LEDs 510(1)-510(3) and may support a diffuser 508 within a circular recess 548 that positions the diffuser in the illumination path of the LEDs below the touch display 502 and spaced apart from both the LEDs and the display. An adhesive or glue layer 550 may secure the diffuser within the recess 548. The diffuser 508 may be made of a translucent material selected to mix the light generated by the LEDs 510(1)-510(3) to reduce hot spots and other undesirable artifacts, thereby evenly spreading the light from the LEDs 510(1)-510(3) across the touch display 502.

[0091] In some embodiments, the diffuser 508 can take the form of a single piece of glass that diffuses the light from each of the LEDs 510(1)-510(3). In other embodiments, the diffuser 508 can include a plurality of discrete lenses that help mix and diffuse the light emitted by the LEDs. In some embodiments, the diffuser 508 can be formed from a transparent polycarbonate resin doped with particles having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the transparent polycarbonate resin. For example, the polycarbonate resin can be doped with titanium oxide particles that give the diffuser 508 a white appearance and help further diffuse the light passing through the diffuser 508. In some embodiments, the diffuser 508 can also have a domed upper surface to help the diffuser 508 achieve the same curvature as the outer surface of the touch display 502. In various embodiments, the cover 506 can be made of a relatively dark, light-absorbing plastic, and the curvature of the upper surface 546 of the cover 506 can help further reduce hot spots by constraining the diffusion of light between the LEDs and the touch display and absorbing reflected light.

[0092] Each of the LEDs 510(1)-510(3) can be operated to emit light of multiple colors, such as red, green, and blue. The LEDs can also be configured to cooperatively generate various designs associated with the touch interface assembly 500. Each color emitted by the LED can be associated with a touch interface area within the touch display 502. The light emitted by the LED can be modulated based on touch input processed by a touch sensor 516 of the touch display 502. The touch sensor 516 can be designed to allow light to pass through the sensor into the window 514 and the protective resin layer 512, while also receiving user input through a series of sensor areas defined on the surface of the touch sensor, as further described herein. In one specific embodiment, two volume control areas can be represented by the touch display 502 with plus and minus symbols associated with increasing and decreasing the volume of the smart speaker, respectively (for example, as Figure 1 In some embodiments, the light emitted by the LED 510 and diffused by the aforementioned diffusing element can synergistically generate a light mixture in which the brightness is concentrated at a desired position within the top cover 512.

[0093] Touch display

[0094] Fig. 6A 600 according to some embodiments. The touch sensor assembly 600 may include a touch sensor 602 disposed within and coupled to a touch frame 604. The touch sensor 602 may be FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D The specific implementation of the touch sensor 516 discussed, and the touch frame 604 can be (for example) also relative to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5DMounting frame 504 discussed. Touch frame 604 may include a plurality of apertures 615 that enable the frame, and therefore touch sensor 602, to be secured to other components of the smart speaker (such as circuit board 520) via fasteners. Since touch sensor assembly 600 may be disposed in the optical path between illumination source 510 and touch display 502, touch sensor 602 may be positioned directly below the touch display, which is substantially transparent to light. Electrical traces 605 for the touch sensor may be routed around the outer perimeter of the sensor to a flexible circuit 610, which may electrically couple touch sensor 600 to control circuitry (e.g., on a main logic board) and other components in the smart speaker via flexible circuit 610.

[0095] The electrical traces 605 can be bonded to the flexible circuit 610 by any suitable means, and in some embodiments are connected to the flexible circuit 610 by an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) adhesive 608, which is a heat-bondable conductive adhesive film that includes a thermosetting epoxy / acrylate adhesive matrix randomly loaded with conductive particles. The particles allow the circuit lines to be interconnected through the adhesive thickness after bonding, but are spaced far enough apart to electrically insulate the ACF adhesive in the plane of the adhesive. In some embodiments, the touch sensor includes an outer region 606 adjacent to where the electrical traces 605 are bonded to the flexible circuit 610, having a high curvature bend. Region 606 creates design space for the ACF adhesive 608 and helps prevent display artifacts around the sensing area 602. The electrical traces 605 can be made of silver nanowires made of silver paste, which can be layered into a desired geometry, allowing the traces to bend with the portion of the touch sensor 600 in region 606 to achieve high curvature bends. Figure 6B 600 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of touch sensor 600 coupled to mounting frame 504 , which further illustrates how touch sensor 600 may be layered into non-planar geometries. Specifically, regions of high curvature 606 are shown at the outer edges of touch sensor 600 .

[0096] refer to Figure 6C, the touch sensor 600 may include a plurality of capacitive touch receiving pixels 620 of different sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, the touch sensing portion 602 includes a silver paste layer having silver nanowires printed onto the surface in a specific pattern of traces 622 to allow each individual pixel 620 to be separated and specified. The silver nanowires define the shape and size of each pixel 620 and form the boundaries of each pixel. As shown, the area of ​​some pixels 620 is larger than the area of ​​other pixels, and some pixels 620 may have a shape similar to or different from other pixels. Each group of silver nanowires 622 is routed to the outer periphery of the touch sensing portion 602, from where the nanowires are routed into the flexible cable 610, as described above.

[0097] Intermediate packaging

[0098] Figure 7 is a simplified perspective view of an intermediate housing 700 according to some embodiments. The intermediate housing 700 may represent the intermediate housing 700 described above with respect to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The intermediate housing 220 discussed above. The intermediate housing 700 may include sidewalls 704 extending between upper surface 702 and lower surface 706, respectively. The sidewalls 704 define an interior cavity 710 extending from a top aperture 712 to a bottom aperture (not labeled). The intermediate housing 700 may be a one-piece structure made of a solid and rigid plastic polymer or other suitable material. The intermediate housing 700 may be made of the same or different material (e.g., a plastic polymer) as the upper housing 500 and the lower housing 1000 (discussed below). In some embodiments, the intermediate housing (and each of the upper housing member and the lower housing member) has a smooth finish at its outer surface.

[0099] The intermediate housing 700 may include a lip 720 that protrudes from the upper surface 702 and is recessed a small distance from the outer perimeter of the sidewall 704. The lip 720 may define the shape and size of the top aperture 712 and is operable to engage with a corresponding feature on the upper housing 500 to secure the two housing components together. When the intermediate housing 500 and the upper housing 300 are joined together, the top aperture 712 is aligned with the bottom aperture through the upper housing 500.

[0100] The lip 720 may include a ledge 722 around a portion of the inner periphery of the lip that may receive a logic board, such as Figure 2C The main logic board 226 or Figure 5A The control board 520 shown. A support bridge 724 may span a portion of the top aperture 710 to provide additional support for the main logic board or other components. The support bridge 724 may include one or more arms (not labeled) that provide a ledge on which the main logic board may be mounted and / or secured. Figure 7As shown, the support bridge 724 is a "Y" shaped structure connected to three different locations along the inner periphery of the lip 720. In some embodiments, the intermediate housing 700 (including the lip 720, the support bridge 724 and other elements of the intermediate housing) is a single integral structure formed by an injection molding process. However, in other embodiments, the various components of the intermediate housing 700 (such as the support bridge 724) can be formed separately and joined together by the aforementioned mechanical or chemical means (or both).

[0101] In some embodiments, the side wall 704 may include an acoustic channel 730, which may be, for example, a series of geometrically designed slots formed at various points around the perimeter of the body that are aligned with the passive radiator array 228 discussed herein. For example, the acoustic channel 730 may be formed at two opposing locations on the side wall 704, such as Figure 7 The acoustic channel 730 allows for improved audio quality by enabling audio output through the sidewalls 704 to evenly distribute sound 360 degrees radially around the compact smart speaker while providing a surface and structure for an outer acoustic fabric layer (such as acoustic fabric 750) to be attached to the intermediate housing 700. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the dimensions of the individual slots in the sound channel 730 may vary to maximize audio performance. For example, as shown, a series of slots in the sound channel 730 may be formed in such a manner that the slots combine to form a generally elliptical shape, as slots 730a at opposite ends of the ellipse are shorter than adjacent slots 730b, which in turn are shorter than slots 730c in the middle portion of the elliptical sound channel. Although Figure 7 The slots in the sound channel 730 depicted in the figure are generally elongated slits or lines, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to slots of any particular shape, and in some embodiments, the sound channel 730 may include slots or cutouts that are circular, rectangular, hexagonal, etc., with rounded or angled corners.

[0102] heat sink

[0103] Figure 8710 is a simplified perspective view of a heat sink 800 that can be housed in a cavity 710 defined by an intermediate package 700. The heat sink 800 can be an integral structure with a specially designed geometry that is designed to conduct any heat generated by components inside the smart speaker away from other components that may be heat-sensitive. The size and shape of the heat sink 800 may vary depending on the amount of heat that needs to be exchanged in a given embodiment. Generally speaking, the surface area of ​​the heat sink 800 determines the amount of heat conduction. A larger surface area will increase the effectiveness of heat exchange, while a smaller surface area will allow a more compact and lighter heat sink. For example, a geometry with a large surface area will conduct heat away from the area more effectively than a geometry with a smaller surface area. In addition, the exchange direction can also be controlled by the shape of the heat sink. The heat sink 800 can be made of a highly thermally conductive material that can maintain a specific shape, such as copper or other suitable metals or thermally conductive materials (such as aluminum, diamond, silicon carbide, or a mixture of one or more different thermally conductive materials).

[0104] exist Figure 8 In the depicted embodiment, the heat sink 800 includes a horizontal surface 802 extending to a step transition portion 804. The sidewall 806 extends downward away from the step 804. The horizontal surface 802 may be planar and positioned to redirect and radiate heat generated from the internal cavity away from the upper housing 500 to protect heat-sensitive components (such as the main logic board 520). In some embodiments, the horizontal surface 802 may be directly coupled to a spacer (not shown) positioned below the main logic board 520 to ensure that the main logic board and its components still have optimal operating efficiency due to any potential interference from other components within the smart speaker. For example, the spacer may act as an EMI shield to shield the magnets of the audio driver away from the magnetically sensitive components on the main logic board 520. In essence, the spacer may be formed of a gasket material that can block the EMI field generated by another adjacent component. In some embodiments, the heat sink 800 may also be directly coupled to the heat-sensitive components on the main logic board by a thermally conductive adhesive or the like.

[0105] The heat sink 800 may also redirect sound waves away from the top portion of the intermediate housing 700, downward toward the bottom opening of the intermediate housing. In some embodiments, the main logic board 520 may include vibration sensitive components mounted thereon, and the heat sink 800 may serve as a barrier to block and redirect sound waves away from the main logic board 520 and, therefore, away from the vibration sensitive components. For example, the surface area of ​​the horizontal surface 802 of the heat sink 800 may be large enough to cover most or all of the top aperture 712 of the intermediate enclosure 700, thereby redirecting sound waves and heat away from the main logic board 520. In other cases, the combination of the horizontal surface 802 and the support bridge 724 may cover the entire top aperture 712 of the intermediate housing 700 to redirect sound waves away from the main logic board.

[0106] like Figure 8 As shown, the stepped portion 804 extends into a vertical surface of the sidewall 806 that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface 802. The sidewall 806 can be disposed adjacent to the sidewall 704 of the intermediate package 700 such that the sidewall 806 is parallel to a portion of the sidewall 704 that does not include the slot 730. In some embodiments, the sidewall 806 is a planar surface, but in other embodiments, the sidewall 806 can have a curvature that matches the curvature of the sidewall 704, for example.

[0107] Passive Radiator Array

[0108] In some embodiments, the heat sink 800 can be disposed in a portion of the internal cavity 712 between opposing radiators of the passive radiator array. The passive radiator array can obtain heat from an active driver (e.g., Figure 2D The passive radiator array may include any reasonable number of individual passive radiators radially distributed around the package at equally spaced intervals, but in some embodiments, two passive radiators are included in the housing in an opposing relationship, which advantageously produces a force cancellation design. Additionally, in addition to the heat sink 800 being at least partially positioned between the passive radiators, an active driver (or a portion of an active driver) may be disposed between the spaced apart passive radiators.

[0109] See now 9A to 9C ,in Fig. 9A is a simplified perspective view of a passive radiator array 900 including a first passive radiator 910a and a second passive radiator 910b positioned in an opposing relationship, Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A A back plan view of passive radiator 910a is shown, and Fig. 9C is a top plan view of passive radiator 910a. Due to the space constraints imposed by a speaker housing (e.g., housing 200) in some embodiments, passive radiators 910a and 910b have unique and efficient shapes to fit within the housing and create the desired low frequency audio components for a compact speaker. Fig. 9A As shown, passive radiators 910a and 910b can be substantially identical to one another and spaced apart in an opposing relationship to one another by a distance D. In some embodiments, distance D is greater than width W1 of horizontal surface 802 and / or width W2 of sidewall 806, and / or the diameter of a voice coil or magnet assembly included in an active speaker. Fig. 9ANot shown, each of the two passive radiators 910a, 910b may be positioned directly adjacent to a slot 730 or other opening in the side wall 704 of the intermediate housing 700 that allows sound waves to pass through.

[0110] Each of the passive radiators 910a, 910b may include a central diaphragm 912 surrounded by a primary suspension 914 that may be connected to a frame 916. The frame 916 may be mechanically secured to a structural member of the housing 200, such as an inner perimeter of an upper surface 702 and / or a lower surface 706 of the intermediate housing 700 that define apertures therethrough, respectively. A secondary suspension may be provided by a centering bracket member 920 that couples a radiator mass 922 to the frame 916. The secondary suspension system provides rotational stiffness to the passive radiator while reducing unwanted rotational vibrations.

[0111] The compact design of the housing 200 limits the clearance between the passive radiators 910a, 910b and the active speaker driver 234. In order to provide sufficient mass for the radiator mass 922 to enable the passive radiator to generate the desired low frequencies, and to provide a sufficient bonding surface for the centering support member 920 to the radiator mass 922, in some embodiments, the mass 922 has a dog bone shape. For example, Fig. 9B As shown, the opposing first end 930 and second end 934 of the mass 922 may have a width that is wider than the central portion 932 of the mass. Fig. 9C As shown, the radiator mass 922 can have a slightly concave shape so that additional space is provided between the center portions 932 of the two passive radiators 910a, 910b as compared to the space between the corresponding end portions of the two passive radiators. The additional space provided by the narrowing of the center portion 932 and the concave nature of the passive radiators allows the active driver 234 to be slightly larger than otherwise possible and allows other components to fit inside the housing 200, all of which can result in improved sound quality from the small, compact size of the speaker.

[0112] In some embodiments, the centering support member 920 can be made of a rubber material that has been heat compression molded into a wavy pattern including a series of adjacent peaks and valleys coupled together to define a single integral structure, such as Fig. 9CAs shown. In some embodiments, the centering support member 920 may have a rectangular shape and a thickness between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, and in some cases a thickness of approximately 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm. The centering support member 920 allows the support frame 914 to provide rotational stiffness by reducing any unwanted rotational vibrations generated within the internal cavity of the speaker housing (such as the internal cavity 205). The corresponding centering support member 920 can be connected to the first end 930 and the second end 934 of the radiator mass 922 by a connecting mechanism (such as a silicone-based glue). In some embodiments, the radiator mass 922 is a one-piece metal material that has been formed into a dog-bone shape, wherein as described above and as Fig. 9B As shown, portions are removed on the top and bottom sides of the radiator mass, and there are cutouts. The cutouts allow for the portion of the audio driver 234 to be accommodated between each of the passive radiators 910a, 91b that will be disposed in the space or area 915. In some embodiments, the radiator mass 922 is made of stainless steel that is significantly thicker than the thickness of the centering support member 920. In some embodiments, the passive radiator array 900 can be positioned within the internal cavity 710 in a manner such that each passive radiator is aligned with a sound channel 730 formed in the side wall 704 of the intermediate housing 700, so that sound waves generated from the passive radiator array 900 can be directed out of the slots in the sound channel 730.

[0113] Bottom package

[0114] Fig. 10A is a simplified bottom perspective view of the lower housing 1000 according to some embodiments, and Fig. 10B 1000 is a simplified top perspective view of the lower housing 1000. The lower housing 1000 may represent the Figure 2A The lower housing 230 is discussed and may be part of the overall housing of a compact smart speaker, such as the compact smart speaker 100. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B In both cases, the lower housing 1000 can have a generally inverted conical shape and include a sidewall 1004 that extends completely around the outer perimeter of the housing between the upper surface 1002 and the lower surface 1006. The sidewall 1004 defines an interior cavity 1010 that leads to an orifice 1008 at the top surface 1002. In some embodiments, the lower housing 1000 can be a one-piece structure made of a solid and rigid plastic polymer with a substantially smooth exterior finish. The lower housing 1000 can be made of the same or different plastic polymer as the upper housing 500 and / or the intermediate housing 700.

[0115] The lower housing 1000 can be mechanically secured to the intermediate housing 700 by various attachment features. For example, the lower housing 1000 can include a channel 1020 extending along the periphery of the upper surface 1002 that is slightly recessed from the outer periphery of the lower housing. The intermediate housing 700 can include a rim along its bottom surface that is aligned with and fits within the channel 1020. Additionally, the intermediate housing 700 can include fastener holes that align with holes 1022 on the lower housing 1000, the holes being evenly spaced at 90 degree intervals between the channel 1020 and the outer periphery. Mechanical fasteners such as screws can be inserted through the holes 1022 and threaded into corresponding holes on the intermediate housing 700 to attach the two housing components together. In some embodiments, a thin flexible seal ( Fig. 10C 1060) can be placed in the channel 1020 between the channel and the rim on the intermediate housing 500 to acoustically seal the connection between the two components. In yet other embodiments, a thicker seal slightly thicker than the depth of the channel can be provided in the channel 1020. The intermediate housing 500 can then include a substantially planar mating surface that is aligned with the outer perimeter of the upper surface 1002 and covers the peripheral channel 1020 including the relatively thicker seal. When the intermediate housing is clamped to the lower housing (e.g., by screws attaching the two components together), the seal is compressed into the channel under a compressive force and remains in contact with the mating surface of the intermediate housing.

[0116] Because the middle housing can be mechanically secured to the upper housing 500 and the lower housing 1000, the three separate upper housing components, the middle housing component, and the lower housing component can be combined to form an overall device housing for the smart speaker, which includes a continuous internal cavity extending through all three housing components. Although the continuous cavity may be interrupted by various structural members of the different housing components (e.g., the structural members shown in the figures of the present disclosure), the internal cavity provides space for other components such as audio drivers (e.g., speakers), control circuits and other electronic devices, passive radiator arrays, heat sinks, and user interfaces. In some embodiments, the audio driver can be mechanically secured to an upper surface of the lower housing 1000, such as the inner edge 1016, and positioned so that the audio driver diaphragm faces directly downward (see Fig. 10C ). For example, the lower housing 1000 may include screw holes 1024 that are recessed from the channel 1020 and radially spaced along the inner periphery of the housing. In some embodiments, the screw holes 1024 may be located at the same radial position as the opening 1022 and are therefore aligned with the opening. The audio driver may include a fastener feature (e.g., a hole or a U-shaped hook) that aligns with the screw hole 1024 and enables the audio driver to be secured to the lower housing 1000.

[0117] The bottom portion of the lower housing 1000 may include a tapered portion 1030 extending upwardly into the cavity 1010, such as Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The tapered portion 1030 is centered within the lower housing and projects upward to a tip 1032 directly toward the diaphragm of the audio driver. In this way, the tapered portion 1030 receives the air pressure generated by the diaphragm of the audio driver 234 and redirects it radially outward and toward the underside portion of the lower housing 1000. In some embodiments, the surface of the tapered portion 1030 within the cavity 1010 is inclined at an angle of between 5 and 45 degrees, and in other cases between 10 and 30 degrees, as it extends from the tip 1032 to the bottom of the tapered section.

[0118] The redirected sound waves may exit the housing 1000 through an annular opening 1040 formed around a lower portion of the sidewall 1004. The annular opening 1040 may extend around the entire perimeter of the lower housing 1000 to provide a large acoustic area for sound from the acoustic driver 234 to exit the housing. A large number of evenly spaced ribs 1042 may extend completely across the annular opening 1040 from a top edge 1044 of the opening to a bottom edge 1046 of the opening, thereby providing beneficial structure to the lower housing and maintaining a physical connection between the sidewall 1004 and the bottom surface 1006 across the opening 1040. The ribs 1042 also provide support for an acoustic fabric (e.g., acoustic fabric 250) that may be wrapped around the housing. To provide additional support for the acoustic fabric, a set of additional ribs 1048 may be positioned between the ribs 1042, extending partially from the top edge 1044 of the sidewall 1004 into the annular opening 1040, terminating at a location spaced apart from the bottom surface 1006, such as Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B In some embodiments, ribs 1042 and ribs 1048 are spaced apart from each other by a spacing S of 1 mm to 5 mm, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10D As shown, and in some embodiments, the rib spacing S is between 2 mm and 3 mm. The spacing of the ribs, the position and shape of the tapered portion 1030, and the position of the audio driver 234 can provide omnidirectional sound from the speaker with increased high frequency output. In some embodiments, the rib 1042 may include an angled portion 1050, where the rib is attached to the outer periphery of the tapered portion 1030. Fig. 10D As shown, the various ribs 1042, 1048 may include an alternating pattern of long ribs 1042 disposed adjacent short ribs 1048. In some embodiments, the long ribs 1042 curve inwardly as they extend downward toward the bottom surface 810 to form angled portions 1050, while the short ribs 1048 do not include similar curved sections.

[0119] Re-reference Fig. 10BIn some embodiments, the air pressure mesh 1045 may cover a port formed through the lower housing 1000 that helps equalize the internal pressure of the smart speaker. In addition, a second port 1047 may be formed through the lower housing, wherein the flexible circuit (in Fig. 10C The flex circuit 1052 (shown in FIG. 1050 ) can exit the internal volume and provide sensor values ​​from the environment (e.g., from a reference microphone and temperature and humidity sensors) to internal components of the smart speaker (such as components on a control board). Fig. 10C At the end of the flexible circuit 1052 may be an acoustic seal or plug 1054, which may be made, for example, of rubber or a similar compliant material including a slit in the middle to allow the flexure to extend through the seal. A temperature and humidity sensor and a reference microphone (neither shown) may be positioned adjacent to the seal near port 1047. In some embodiments, the reference microphone may be a digital microphone placed in the front volume of the smart speaker. An additional port 1049 may be positioned adjacent to port 1047 to allow a power cable (e.g., Fig.13 Cable 1300 is shown. Positioning the reference microphone near the power cable can help isolate the microphone from the user's voice because in a typical use case scenario, the smart speaker is likely to be positioned with the power cable facing away from a wall or at least away from an area where users gather.

[0120] Leg structure

[0121] Fig.11A A partially exploded perspective view of a foot assembly 1100 that can be coupled to a compact smart speaker 100 according to some embodiments is shown. The foot assembly 1100 can be the same as described above with respect to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The specific implementation of the foot assembly 240 discussed. The foot assembly 1100 is configured to support the weight of the compact smart speaker 100 above a support surface, such as a countertop or tabletop. The foot assembly 1100 is also configured to isolate vibrations that propagate through the smart speaker 100 and prevent the speaker from lateral movement or jumping on the support surface when the speaker is in operation. Fig. 11B , which is a simplified side view of a foot assembly 1100, the foot assembly includes a neck 1102, a planar foot 1106 that enables the foot assembly to be attached to the housing of the smart speaker 100, and an outer sidewall 1104 that angles upward from the foot 1106 toward the neck 1102. In some embodiments, the profile of the sidewall 1104 enables most of the foot assembly 1100 to be hidden from the user when the foot is attached to the speaker 100 because the sidewall 1104 can fit within an angled recess 1034 formed by the tapered portion 1030 at the bottom surface 1006 of the lower housing 1000.

[0122] The foot 1106 may be a planar foot that is designed and intended to be a single, discrete point of contact with a support surface on which the speaker 100 is placed. As discussed above, some compact speaker designs include a plurality of small feet spaced along the bottom surface of the speaker (e.g., at the corners of a rectangular speaker or along the inner radius of the bottom portion of a circular speaker) to allow the compact speaker to be elevated off its support surface. Each of the plurality of small feet presents a concentrated point of contact with the support surface that, over time, can damage the support surface by causing indentations, scratches, or other disfiguring marks on the surface. Instead of having multiple smaller concentrated points of contact with a support surface created by multiple small feet, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a single, wide area foot with a planar bottom surface that can be positioned on a support surface of a table, desk, or other structure so that the entire planar surface of the single foot is in physical contact with the support surface.

[0123] While this design provides benefits in reducing the likelihood that a compact speaker may mark or otherwise damage a supporting surface, having a single wide area contact foot presents other challenges. For example, when the speaker 100 is playing music or otherwise in an operating condition, an electromagnetic force is generated between the speaker coil and the permanent magnet as an electrical signal passing through the speaker's coil. The moving parts of the speaker (e.g., the coil and the diaphragm) vibrate in response to the electromagnetic force. Due to the large contact area between the foot and the supporting surface, any such vibration generated by the speaker that is transmitted to the foot may cause an undesirable humming noise or cause the entire speaker to vibrate sufficiently so that the speaker may shift position and move or jump on the supporting surface. Obviously, such humming noise or movement may be undesirable. In some embodiments, the planar foot may be made of a glass-filled polycarbonate material. In addition, and as described below, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an internal suspension system within the foot 1100 that suppresses vibrations from the speaker, thereby improving the stability of the speaker and preventing or greatly reducing the likelihood that any such vibration will be sufficient to move the speaker.

[0124] Common reference FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D ,in Fig. 12A is a simplified exploded perspective view of a foot assembly 1200 that may be a specific implementation of the foot assembly 1100, Fig. 12C and Fig.12D is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a foot assembly 1200 according to a slightly different embodiment, and Fig. 12B 1 is a perspective view of an isolator ring that may be included in the leg assembly 1200 in some embodiments. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12DAs shown, the foot assembly 1200 includes an anchor 1210 and a planar foot 1220. The anchor 1210 may include a central neck 1212 having an aperture 1213 formed through an upper surface of the neck, a sidewall 1214 surrounding the neck and extending radially away from the neck to an annular edge, and a plurality of fastener openings 1216 formed along the sidewall 1214. In some embodiments, the anchor 1210 may provide for clamping an acoustic fabric (e.g., acoustic fabric 250) in place and may also provide a mounting surface for a foot suspension system, as discussed below.

[0125] The anchor 1210 can be mechanically secured to the lower housing 1000 by a fastener, such as an anchor screw 1260, which can extend through the neck 1212 and the aperture 1213 and cooperate with a corresponding threaded hole (e.g., formed by the structure of the tapered portion 1030) centrally disposed at the bottom surface of the lower housing 1000. Once attached, the anchor fits within the hollow exterior space 1034 of the lower housing 1000 through the tapered portion 1030. In this way, the foot assembly can be largely hidden within the lower housing. In a fully assembled state, the planar foot 1220 can be spaced apart from the anchor 1210 in a relative relationship. The planar foot 1220 can have an outer periphery 1222 proximate to the annular edge 1224 of the anchor 1210. The planar foot 1220 can also include an annular channel 1226 recessed from the outer periphery 1222 and located within the circumference of the annular edge 1224 of the anchor sidewall.

[0126] The upper surface of the planar foot 1220 can cooperate with the inner surface of the anchor 1210 to form an internal cavity 1215 within the foot assembly 1200. The suspension system 1230 can fit within the foot assembly cavity 1215 between the planar foot and the anchor fastener and couple the anchor 1210 to the planar foot 1220. The suspension system 1230 can operate to dampen vibrations generated by an audio driver disposed within the speaker housing and allow the planar foot 1220 and the anchor 1210 to move relative to each other. For example, when a compact speaker including the suspension system 1230 is picked up and placed on a supporting surface, the weight of the compact speaker can force the suspension system to compress, causing the anchor 1210 (and therefore the speaker) to move toward the foot 1220.

[0127] The suspension system 1230 may include an isolator plate 1232, a plurality of isolator fasteners 1234, a plurality of isolator stops 1236, and an annular isolator ring 1238. The isolator plate 1232 may be mechanically attached to the planar foot (e.g., by one or more fasteners 1235 extending through holes 1243), and may include a lower planar surface 1231 facing the planar foot and a plurality of channels 1233 protruding vertically away from the planar surface 1231 toward the equipment housing 1000. Each of the plurality of channels 1233 may include an inner peripheral surface 1225 extending from the planar surface 1231 to a termination surface 1237. Each channel 1233 may also include an orifice 1239 formed through a central location on the termination surface 1237. Each of the isolator stops 1236 may fit within one of the channels 1233, and may include an orifice 1241 bisecting a segment of the isolator stop 1236.

[0128] The isolator stop 1236 can provide a soft limit to the distance that the planar foot 1220 can travel away from the housing when it is not loaded. In some embodiments, the isolator stop limits travel when the planar foot is unloaded so that the isolator ring 1238 is still loaded. In doing so, the planar foot 1220 does not feel loose to a user holding the speaker. Then, when the planar foot 1220 is loaded (for example, when the speaker is placed on a tabletop), the isolator stop 1236 can disengage in the axial direction and only provide a central alignment of the isolator fastener 1234. By disengaging in the axial direction, the stiffness of the suspension system 1230 can be limited by the stiffness of the isolator ring 1238.

[0129] Each of the isolator fasteners 1234 can be disposed in one of the plurality of channels 1233, extending through the isolator stopper aperture 1241 and the channel aperture 1239 of its corresponding channel 1233 into one of the fastener openings 1212 formed in the sidewall (e.g., sidewall 1104) of the anchor 1210 to mechanically attach the isolator fastener to the sidewall, and wherein each isolator fastener is operable to translate within its corresponding channel. In some embodiments, the fasteners 1234 can be screws or bolts. An end 1242 of each isolator fastener opposite the end of the fastener coupled to the anchor 1210 can be slightly wider than the aperture in the isolator stopper 1241 and can be slidably moved within the aperture stopper. This combined with the small air gap between the end of each isolator fastener 1234 and the planar foot 1220 allows each isolator fastener to translate within its respective channel under the weight of the speaker, pushing the end 1242 toward the planar foot 1220. Opposing this movement is the annular isolator ring 1238.

[0130] The annular isolator ring 1238 may be made of a low durometer compressible material such as a silicone material. The isolator ring 1238 may be disposed between the planar foot and the outer peripheral portion 1224 of the anchor 1210 through an annular channel 1226 at the upper surface of the planar foot 1220. The edge or lip of the peripheral portion 1224 may extend into a portion of the channel 1226 to hide the isolator ring 1238 from view. The annular isolator ring 1238 may be compressed under the weight of the speaker, thereby allowing the isolator fasteners 1234 to move downward toward the foot 1220 in their respective channels 1233. The isolator ring 1238 is selected to have a thickness and compressibility that supports the weight of the speaker, thereby keeping the speaker suspended above the support plate 1220 by the isolator ring. Thus, the isolator ring 1238 prevents the rigid surface of the anchor 1210 from contacting the rigid surface of the planar foot 1220 under normal operating conditions, thereby isolating vibrations within the speaker before they reach the planar foot 1220. In some embodiments, the isolator ring 1238 may include a plurality of teeth 1244 distributed along its perimeter. Each tooth 1244 may have a consistent shape and thickness. In some embodiments, the isolator ring 1238 may be positioned in the annular channel 1226 with the teeth 1244 facing downward into the channel toward the planar foot 1220. In other embodiments, the teeth 1244 may face upward toward the top of the smart speaker.

[0131] Power outlet

[0132] Fig.13 A power outlet 1300 is shown that can extend into the space between the passive radiators 910a, 910b in some embodiments to route power from an external power source to various components within the compact smart speaker. The power outlet 1300 can be electrically coupled to a power supply unit (not shown) of a main logic board (e.g., board 124) via a conductive cable 1302. Fig.14 is a simplified illustration of a smart speaker 1400 with a power outlet 1300 connected to a lower portion of the speaker.

[0133] Processor and control circuits

[0134] Fig.15A diagram is shown indicating different types of connected electronic devices that can communicate and / or interact with a speaker disclosed herein (such as speaker 100). In some embodiments, the disclosed speaker (hereinafter collectively referred to as speaker 100 for convenience) can act as a central hub to facilitate home automation. Memory on the speaker 100 or memory accessible through a network accessible to the speaker 100 can be used to store rules for managing the interaction of various depicted device types. The speaker 100 can then send instructions to different devices according to the stored rules. A microphone disposed within the speaker 100 can be configured to receive voice commands to perform specific actions related to connected electronic devices in the user's home. In some embodiments, a convex user interface can receive commands for adjusting various settings on a specific connected electronic device. For example, the speaker 100 can be configured to receive commands to adjust the smart lock device 1502. In some embodiments, the speaker 100 may include instructions that allow it to lock and unlock the smart lock device 1502 in response to a voice command. In addition, the speaker 100 can be configured to alert the occupants of the house that the smart lock device 1502 has been unlocked. In some embodiments, the speaker 100 may announce the identity of the user who unlocked the smart lock device 1502. In this case, the smart lock device 1502 may be configured to open in response to a command received from an electronic device (such as a mobile phone). The speaker 100 may then identify the user when the user is associated with the mobile phone. In some embodiments, the speaker 100 may be configured to interact with other devices in response to actuation of the smart lock device 1502. For example, the speaker 100 may direct the illumination of one or more of the lights 1504 and adjust the temperature of the HVAC system associated with the smart thermometer 1506 in response to the unlocking event.

[0135] Fig.15 Also shown is communication between the speaker 100 and the smart garage opener 1508. In response to detecting an opening event of the smart garage opener 1508, the speaker 100 can be configured to perform similar actions described above with respect to the operation of the smart lock device 1502. In some embodiments, different ones of the lights 1504 can be illuminated in anticipation of users entering the room from different directions.

[0136] The speaker 100 may also be configured to operate different smart devices according to various calendar events associated with the electronic calendar. For example, the speaker may be configured to disable the surveillance camera 1510 during an event located in the same room as the surveillance camera 1510 (when the event is marked as private). The speaker 100 may also be configured to notify one or more users if the window sensor 1512 indicates that the window remains open after a specific time of day or night. In some embodiments, the speaker 100 may act as a media hub that collaborates with other components such as a television / monitor 1514 to present both video content and audio content in response to various user inputs and / or smart device activities. For example, the television / monitor 1514 may present a status screen and / or a progress monitor that indicates the status and / or activity performed by other components that may or may not have the ability to present a graphical interface to the user of the speaker 100. In some embodiments, the speaker 100 may be configured to remotely guide the refrigerator 1516 to send an image of the interior area of ​​the refrigerator 1516 to the user shortly before the user arranges a grocery shopping trip. While these various operations may be stored in the internal memory of the speaker 100, the speaker 100 may also communicate with a cloud service provider to help coordinate various activities with respect to users who may or may not be connected via a local area network to the speaker 100. For example, a user may remotely connect to the speaker 100 using a device such as a smart phone to activate certain tasks of the smart components that communicate with the speaker 100.

[0137] In some embodiments, the speaker 100 may be configured to interact with a wearable display 1518. The wearable display 1518 may take the form of augmented reality or virtual reality goggles that present digital content to the user. When the wearable display 1518 is an augmented reality display, the wearable display 1518 may overlay various control interfaces around the speaker 100. For example, virtual content may overlay a convex user interface on top of the speaker 100 to make the user interface larger. In some embodiments, the enlarged user interface may include an extended display and an enlarged control manipulation area that allows the user to control the speaker 100 more efficiently and / or with a greater degree of options.

[0138] In some embodiments, the wearable display device may be configured to receive optical commands from the speaker 100. For example, a display associated with the user interface may be configured to output a particular light pattern. An optical sensor of the wearable display device 1518 may recognize the light pattern and, in response, change the display in some manner. For example, the type, size, and orientation of the virtual controls displayed by the wearable display 1518 may vary according to the output of the display associated with the user interface.

[0139] Fig.16A block diagram of the communication and interoperability between the various electronic components of the exemplary speaker 100 is shown. The processor 1602 can communicate with the depicted electronic components. The user interface 1604 can receive user input, which is then received by the processor 1602. In response to the user input, the processor 1602 can interpret and relay signals corresponding to the received user input to other electronic components. For example, the user interface can receive a user input indicating an increase in the output of both the subwoofer 1606 and the audio driver assembly 1608. In some embodiments, the electronic components can all be linked together by conductive pathways established by components such as a flexible connector 1820 that can route electrical signals to various electronic components distributed throughout the device housing of the speaker 100. The speaker 100 can also include a display system 1612. The display system 1612 can be configured to provide visual feedback to a user of the speaker 100. For example, the display system 1612 can be configured to provide visual feedback to a user of the speaker 100. For example, the display system 1612 can be configured to provide visual feedback to a user of the speaker 100 in response to interaction with a voice assistant such as the one produced by Apple Inc. (Cupertino, California). The speaker may also include a computer-readable medium 1614. The computer-readable medium 1614 may be configured to store or at least cache a certain amount of media files for playback by the subwoofer 1606 and the audio driver assembly 1608. In some embodiments, the media files stored on the computer-readable medium 1614 may include, for example, movies, television programs, pictures, audio recordings, and music videos. In some embodiments, the video portion of the media file may be transmitted to another device for display via a wireless communication system 1616. Even when the display system 1612 is showing the video portion, this may also be desirable because another device may have a larger or more easily visible display for a particular user. For example, another display device may be selected based on the user's position in the room.

[0140] Fig.16 Also shown is a RAM / ROM component 1618. The RAM / ROM component 1618 may include RAM (random access memory) for short-term caching of frequently used information and / or information prompted just before playback. ROM (read only memory) may be used to store computer code, such as device drivers and low-level code used in the basic operation of the speaker 100. In some embodiments, the RAM / ROM component 1618 may take the form of two separate components.

[0141] Fig.16Also shown is how the speaker 100 may also include a sensor array 1620 that includes microphones, proximity sensors, touch sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and the like. The microphones of the sensor array 1620 may be configured to monitor for voice commands. In some embodiments, the microphones may be configured to process voice commands only after recognizing a command phrase that indicates the user's intent to issue a voice command. The microphones may be radially distributed along the exterior of the device housing so that the housing does not mask or obscure voice commands. Multiple microphones may also be used to triangulate the user's position within the room. In some cases, it may be desirable to optimize audio output or prompt additional smart devices based on the determined user location (see Fig.15 ).

[0142] In addition to identifying the location of a user by triangulating with spatially dispersed microphones, proximity sensors may be distributed along the outer surface of the speaker 100 to help identify the presence of a user and / or obstacles around the speaker 100. In some embodiments, the proximity sensors may be configured to emit infrared pulses that help characterize objects around the speaker 100. The pulses reflected back to the sensor may be processed by the processor 1602, which may then characterize any objects around the speaker 100. The reflected pulses and the audio triangulation data may be combined to further refine the location of the user delivering instructions to the speaker 100. The sensor array 1620 may also include touch sensors that allow the user to input commands along the outer surface of the speaker 100. For example, Fig.15 The touch PCB 1514 of the convex user interface depicted in FIG. 1 is configured to detect user gestures made along the top cover 1542 and interpret the gestures as various instructions to be executed by one or more components of the speaker 100 .

[0143] The sensor array 1620 may also include one or more accelerometers. The accelerometer may be configured to measure any tilt of the speaker 100 relative to the gravity reference system. Since the speaker 100 is optimized to evenly distribute the audio content in the room when positioned on a flat surface, placing the speaker 100 on a tilted or descending surface may adversely affect the acoustic output of the speaker 100. In response to the accelerometer determining that the speaker 100 is tilted at an angle greater than 2 degrees, the speaker 100 may be configured to prompt the user to find a flatter surface to place the speaker 100 thereon. Alternatively, the speaker may be configured to change the sound output to compensate for the tilt angle. In some embodiments, the accelerometer may also be configured to monitor any resonant vibrations within the speaker 100. Then, the processor 1602 may be configured to adjust the audio output to help the subwoofer 2306 and / or the audio driver assembly 1608 avoid or reduce the generation of frequencies that cause the speaker 100 to vibrate at one or more resonant frequencies.

[0144] The various aspects, embodiments, specific implementations or features of the embodiments may be used individually or in any combination. Various aspects of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments may also be embodied as computer-readable code on a computer-readable medium for controlling the operation of the compact smart speaker 100. In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include code for interacting with other connected devices within the user's home. For example, the compact smart speaker 100 may be configured to use its ambient light sensor to identify human activity and learn when to activate and deactivate specific devices within the user's home. Computer-readable media is any data storage device that can store data that can be read by a computer system afterwards. Examples of computer-readable media include read-only memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, HDD, DVD, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. Computer-readable media may also be distributed in network-coupled computer systems so that computer-readable codes are stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0145] For purposes of explanation, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the planar foot structures and suspension systems described herein may be used to support a support having a support structure relative to a support structure. Figure 3 The single audio driver system described herein may be used in conjunction with an electronic speaker having a very different internal configuration, and in some embodiments, the disclosed planar foot and / or suspension system may be used in conjunction with an electronic speaker including multiple audio drivers (such as an array speaker).

[0146] In addition, it is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

Claims

1. An electronic speaker, comprising: a device housing defining an interior cavity and including an exterior sidewall extending around the interior cavity between an upper portion and a lower portion of the device housing; a first sound channel and a second sound channel, the first sound channel and the second sound channel being formed at opposite positions along the outer side wall, each of the first sound channel and the second sound channel comprising a plurality of openings formed through the outer side wall; A passive radiator array, the passive radiator array comprising a first passive radiator and a second passive radiator, the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator being disposed within the internal cavity, spaced apart from each other in an opposing relationship and aligned to project sound through the first sound channel and the second sound channel, wherein each of the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator comprises: a frame having an annular outer rim extending completely around an outer periphery of the frame and first and second connecting members protruding from opposite ends of the outer rim; a rigid diaphragm disposed within a central portion of its respective frame; a primary annular suspension coupling the diaphragm to the annular outer rim of the frame in a manner that permits movement of the diaphragm within the frame; a radiator mass element having opposing first and second ends and a central section extending along a length of the radiator mass element between the first and second opposing ends, wherein each of the first and second opposing ends has a width greater than a width of the central section; and an auxiliary suspension coupling the radiator mass element to the frame in a manner that allows the radiator mass element to move within the frame, the auxiliary suspension comprising a first centering bracket element coupled between the first connecting member of the frame and a first end of its corresponding radiator mass element, and a second centering bracket element coupled between the second connecting member of the frame and a second end of its corresponding radiator mass element; an active driver disposed in the device housing and configured to generate sound in response to an electrical signal, the active driver comprising a driver housing disposed at least partially between the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator, a magnet disposed within the driver housing, a voice coil, and a diaphragm facing downward toward a lower surface of the device housing; and An annular sound passage is disposed along the lower portion of the device housing adjacent the diaphragm of the active driver.

2. An electronic speaker according to claim 1, wherein the device housing further comprises a tapered inner side wall which protrudes away from a bottom portion of the device housing toward the active driver, and wherein the outer side wall and the annular sound channel surround the tapered inner side wall.

3. An electronic speaker according to claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the device housing includes a plurality of ribs, which are radially arranged around the device housing and extend from the outer side wall toward the bottom surface of the device housing, thereby defining a plurality of slits that form the annular sound channel.

4. An electronic speaker according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of ribs radially arranged around the device housing include a first group of ribs extending from the outer side wall to the bottom surface of the device housing and a second group of ribs extending partially between the outer side wall and the bottom surface of the device housing.

5. An electronic speaker as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of ribs radially arranged around the device housing includes one or more ribs from an alternating pattern of the second set of ribs arranged between each pair of adjacent ribs in the first set of ribs.

6. The electronic speaker of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of ribs is equally spaced from its adjacent rib by a distance of 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

7. The electronic speaker of claim 1, further comprising a touch responsive input device disposed at an upper surface of the device housing.

8. The electronic speaker of claim 1, further comprising a planar foot coupled to the device housing.

9. The electronic speaker of claim 1 further comprising an acoustic fabric woven into a mesh configuration and wrapped around the device housing to provide a consistent outer surface for the electronic speaker.

10. The electronic speaker of claim 1, wherein the device housing comprises separate upper, middle and lower housing components attached to one another to form the interior cavity.

11. The electronic speaker of claim 1 , wherein the central section of the radiator mass element has a generally concave shape, and wherein the radiator mass element is coupled to the auxiliary suspension such that a concave portion of the radiator mass element faces away from the diaphragm.

12. The electronic speaker according to claim 1, wherein each of the first centering support element and the second centering support element is formed of a thin rubber sheet having a thickness of 1 mm to 2 mm.

13. The electronic speaker of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second centering support elements are thermoformed into a wavy pattern along a length of the centering support.

14. The electronic speaker of claim 1, wherein the frame has a generally oval shape.

15. An electronic speaker according to Claim 1, wherein the first centering support element connects the first end of the radiator mass element to the first connecting portion of the first connecting member, and wherein the second centering support element connects the second end of the radiator mass element to the second connecting portion of the second connecting member.

16. An electronic speaker, comprising: a device housing defining an interior cavity and including an exterior sidewall extending around the interior cavity between an upper portion and a lower portion of the device housing; a first sound channel and a second sound channel, the first sound channel and the second sound channel being formed at opposite positions along the outer side wall, each of the first sound channel and the second sound channel comprising a plurality of openings formed through the outer side wall; A passive radiator array, the passive radiator array comprising a first passive radiator and a second passive radiator, the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator being disposed within the internal cavity, spaced apart from each other in an opposing relationship and aligned to project sound through the first sound channel and the second sound channel, wherein each of the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator comprises: a frame having an annular outer rim extending completely around an outer periphery of the frame and first and second connecting members protruding from opposite ends of the outer rim; a rigid diaphragm disposed within a central portion of its respective frame; a primary annular suspension coupling the diaphragm to the annular outer rim of the frame in a manner that permits movement of the diaphragm within the frame; a radiator mass element having opposing first and second ends and a central section extending along a length of the radiator mass element between the first and second opposing ends, wherein each of the first and second opposing ends has a width greater than a width of the central section; and an auxiliary suspension coupling the radiator mass element to the frame in a manner that allows the radiator mass element to move within the frame, the auxiliary suspension comprising a first centering bracket element coupled between the first connecting member of the frame and a first end of its corresponding radiator mass element, and a second centering bracket element coupled between the second connecting member of the frame and a second end of its corresponding radiator mass element; an active driver disposed in the device housing and configured to generate sound in response to an electrical signal, the active driver comprising a driver housing disposed at least partially between the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator, a magnet disposed within the driver housing, a voice coil, and a diaphragm facing downward toward a lower surface of the device housing; and an annular sound passage disposed along the lower portion of the device housing adjacent the diaphragm of the active driver; wherein the lower portion of the device housing includes a plurality of ribs radially disposed about the device housing and extending from the outer side wall toward a bottom surface of the device housing to define a plurality of slots forming the annular sound passage; wherein the plurality of ribs includes a first set of ribs extending from the outer sidewall to the bottom surface of the device housing and a second set of ribs extending partially between the outer sidewall and the bottom surface of the device housing, and the second set of ribs are arranged in an alternating pattern with the first set of ribs such that one or more ribs from the second set of ribs are arranged between each pair of adjacent ribs in the first set of ribs; Wherein, the device housing also includes a conical inner wall protruding away from the bottom surface of the device housing toward the active driver, the annular sound channel surrounds the conical inner wall, and each rib in the first group of ribs includes an angled portion adjacent to the bottom surface, and the angled portion extends inward toward the conical inner wall.

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