Surge pressure suppression valves for electronic equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a surge pressure suppression valve for an electronic device. The present disclosure provides a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device comprising: a housing having a housing wall, the housing wall forming an internal chamber and a sound output port leading to a surrounding environment; a speaker positioned in the internal chamber, the speaker having a front volume chamber and a rear volume chamber, the front volume chamber coupling a sound output surface of the speaker to the sound output port, the rear volume chamber acoustically coupled to the internal chamber through a non-periodic vent hole; and a valve operable to open and close the non-periodic vent hole in response to pressure changes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a surge pressure suppression valve that protects a speaker from excessive diaphragm excursion when a user interacts with the system housing. Other aspects are also described and claimed. Background Art

[0002] A portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone) has one or more speakers located therein that convert an input electrical audio signal into a sound pressure wave output that can be heard by a user. The speakers can be used, for example, to output sound pressure waves corresponding to the voice of a far-end user (such as during a phone call), or to output sound pressure waves corresponding to sounds associated with a game the user wants to play or music the user wants to play. Due to the relative thinness of cellular devices, the speakers also have a relatively thin profile, which in turn can make it difficult to maintain a speaker rear volume chamber that allows for maximum sound output in the low frequency range. For example, a change in the size of the internal volume of the device housing (such as when a user presses on the device) can have an effect on the speakers within the housing (e.g., increasing the ambient pressure on the speakers), and in some cases, have an effect on the associated sound output. Summary of the invention

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a surge pressure suppression valve that allows a speaker rear volume chamber to be coupled to a system volume while also preventing pressure input on a system or device housing from changing the offset of the speaker or otherwise distorting the sound output from the speaker. For example, the present disclosure provides a valve between a speaker rear volume chamber and an unused system volume of a housing. The valve may include a valve membrane or a valve diaphragm positioned above an opening between the rear volume chamber and the unused system volume. A non-periodic vent including a flow resistance mesh may be formed in the valve membrane or the valve diaphragm to allow communication between the two volumes. By allowing communication between the two volumes and controlling the flow resistance using the flow resistance mesh, the rear volume chamber may be acoustically larger than it is physically. This in turn may increase the low-frequency output of the speaker and simultaneously reduce the volume required by the housing. However, since the volumes are connected, when a pressure increase or decrease event of sufficient magnitude occurs in the system volume chamber, it may cause the speaker diaphragm to move in an undesirable manner. Therefore, the valve is configured to close the opening in the rear volume chamber and the non-periodic vent to prevent the increase / decrease of the system volume pressure from reaching the speaker diaphragm. The pressure event can be, for example, a user pressing (e.g., increasing or positive impact pressure) or terminating a pressing event (e.g., decreasing or negative impact pressure) on the device display and / or housing. For example, when a user interacts with a display, a pressure event is a transient event of relatively short duration but relatively high magnitude. When the event generates pressure, the operation of the speaker may be disturbed by moving the speaker higher / lower than indicated by the audio signal (e.g., audio distortion) in response to the pressure event. Therefore, the valve is pressure-sensitive and closed in response to a pressure event caused by user interaction to prevent the pressure event from impacting the speaker. Once the pressure event disappears and / or the pressure balances (e.g., via the non-periodic vent and / or air pressure vent in the system volume), the valve opens to allow communication between the rear volume chamber and the system volume. This allows the system to use the vent to achieve more continuous low-frequency boost operation and / or improved low-frequency output performance.

[0004] Representatively, in one aspect, a portable electronic device includes: a housing having a housing wall, the housing wall forming an internal chamber and a sound output port leading to the surrounding environment; a speaker, the speaker is positioned in the internal chamber, the speaker having a front volume chamber and a rear volume chamber, the front volume chamber coupling the sound output surface of the speaker to the sound output port, the rear volume chamber acoustically coupled to the internal chamber through a non-periodic vent; and a valve, the valve is operable to open and close the non-periodic vent in response to a pressure change. The pressure change can be an increase in pressure in the internal chamber to a pressure higher than the pressure in the rear volume chamber, or a decrease in pressure in the internal chamber to a pressure lower than the pressure in the rear volume chamber. The pressure increase or pressure decrease can cause the valve to close the non-periodic vent to prevent the pressure increase or pressure decrease from causing vibration of the sound output surface of the speaker. The pressure increase or pressure decrease can be caused by an external force applied to or removed from the housing wall. On the other hand, this pressure change can be the pressure balance between this rear volume chamber and this inner chamber, and this pressure balance makes this valve open this non-periodic vent to allow fluid to flow between this rear volume chamber and this inner chamber.This pressure balance can be carried out by non-periodic vent.This non-periodic vent may include flow resistance mesh, and when this non-periodic vent opens, this flow resistance mesh allows fluid to leak between this rear volume chamber and this inner chamber.This valve may include the compliant membrane between this rear volume chamber and this inner chamber, and this non-periodic vent is formed in this compliant membrane.In some respects, in order to close the non-periodic vent, this compliant membrane is sealed to the first sealing surface between this compliant membrane and this rear volume chamber or the second sealing surface between this compliant membrane and this inner chamber.

[0005] On the other hand, a portable electronic device includes: a housing having a housing wall forming an internal chamber; a driver module positioned in the internal chamber, the driver module having a driver and a module wall forming a rear volume chamber of the driver, wherein the rear volume chamber includes an opening in the module wall leading to the internal chamber; and a surge pressure suppression valve coupled to the opening, the surge pressure suppression valve having a flow resistance mesh coupled to a valve diaphragm, the valve diaphragm transitioning to a closed position in response to a surge pressure, and transitioning to an open position in the absence of a surge pressure. In one aspect, the driver is a speaker, and the surge pressure is different from the sound pressure output by the speaker. The surge pressure may be caused by a user applying a force to the housing wall or removing a force from the housing wall. In one aspect, in the closed position, the valve diaphragm prevents fluid from flowing between the rear volume chamber and the internal chamber through the flow resistance mesh. In the open position, the valve diaphragm allows fluid to flow between the rear volume chamber and the internal chamber through the flow resistance mesh. In some aspects, the flow resistance mesh includes an impedance sufficient to allow the pressure balance of the impact pressure over time to cause the valve diaphragm to transition to the open position. The flow resistance mesh can be part of a non-periodic vent formed through the valve diaphragm. In some aspects, the valve diaphragm includes a central portion aligned with the opening in the module wall and a surrounding portion coupling the central portion to the module wall, and wherein the flow resistance mesh is coupled to the surrounding portion. In one aspect, in the closed position, the surrounding portion is sealed to a first sealing surface between the valve diaphragm and the rear volume chamber or a second sealing surface between the valve diaphragm and the internal chamber. In some aspects, a positive impact pressure seals the valve diaphragm to the first sealing surface. On the other hand, a negative impact pressure seals the valve diaphragm to the second sealing surface.

[0006] On the other hand, a speaker module includes: a module wall, the module wall forming a front volume chamber with a sound output port and a rear volume chamber with a non-periodic vent; a speaker, the speaker having a sound output side coupled to the front volume chamber and a rear side coupled to the rear volume chamber; and a pressure-sensitive valve, the pressure-sensitive valve is coupled to the rear volume chamber and can be operated to open and close the non-periodic vent. In one aspect, the non-periodic vent vents the rear volume chamber to the closed chamber where the speaker module is located. In some aspects, closing the non-periodic vent prevents pressure changes in the closed chamber from distorting the sound output from the sound output side of the speaker. On the other hand, opening the non-periodic vent acoustically couples the rear volume chamber to the closed chamber to increase the size of the rear volume chamber. In some aspects, the pressure-sensitive valve includes a valve diaphragm coupled to the module wall by a surround, and the movement of the valve diaphragm in response to pressure changes opens or closes the non-periodic vent. The non-periodic vent may include a flow resistance mesh coupled to an opening in the valve diaphragm.In one aspect, the pressure change may include a pressure increase or a pressure decrease in a closed chamber surrounding the back volume chamber.

[0007] The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that the present disclosure includes all systems and methods that can be practiced from all appropriate combinations of the various aspects summarized above and disclosed in the following detailed description and specifically pointed out in the claims filed with this patent application. Such combinations have specific advantages not specifically recited in the above summary. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Several aspects are shown by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements. It should be noted that reference to "one" or "an" aspect in the present disclosure is not necessarily the same aspect, and it means at least one.

[0009] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of a speaker and surge pressure suppression valve positioned within a portable electronic device is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of a surge pressure suppression valve is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 Shown in open position Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional side view of a surge pressure suppression valve.

[0012] Figure 4 Shown in closed position Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional side view of a surge pressure suppression valve.

[0013] Figure 5 Shown in closed position Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional side view of a surge pressure suppression valve.

[0014] Figure 6 Shown include Figures 1 to 5 A block diagram of one aspect of an electronic device in which a shock pressure suppression valve speaker may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In this section, we will explain several preferred aspects of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever the shapes, relative positions, and other aspects of the described components are not clearly defined, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the components shown, which are only used for illustrative purposes. In addition, although many details are set forth, it should be understood that some aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and technologies are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.

[0016] The terms used herein are only for describing specific aspects and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Spatially related terms, such as "under ... ", "below ... ", "below", "above ... ", "on ", etc. can be used for convenience of description in this article to describe the relationship between an element or feature and another one or more elements or one or more feature parts, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations during the use or operation of the device other than the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the element described as "below" or "below" other elements or features can then be oriented to "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below ... " can cover these two orientations above ... and below .... The device can be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially related descriptors used in this article are interpreted accordingly.

[0017] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "include", "comprise", and "comprising" define the presence of the features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0018] The terms "or" and "and / or" as used herein should be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Thus, "A, B or C" or "A, B and / or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C." An exception to this definition will only occur if a combination of elements, functions, steps or actions are inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0019] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of a transducer positioned within a portable electronic device is shown. The electronic device 100 may include a housing, shell, or outer shell 102 that defines or encloses a chamber in which the constituent electronic components of the electronic device 100 (e.g., a portable or mobile communication device or a portable timer) are contained. The housing 102 may include a housing wall 104 that separates the surrounding environment from an enclosed space or internal chamber 106 formed within the housing 102. In some cases, the housing wall 104 completely isolates or seals the internal chamber 106 from the surrounding environment. For example, the housing wall 104 may form a waterproof or soundproof internal chamber 106 that is impermeable and / or airtight. In other aspects, the housing wall 104 may also include an air pressure vent ("b-vent") or other types of vents 128 that connect the internal chamber 106 to the surrounding environment to help mitigate and / or balance the pressure changes within the internal chamber 106. The internal chamber 106 may have sufficient volume and / or size to accommodate the constituent components of the electronic device 100. In addition, the interior chamber 106 may include unused volume or space that may be shared with other components (e.g., speakers) within the interior chamber 106, as will be described in the discussion below. The housing wall 104 may also include one or more of the housing acoustic ports 108. The housing acoustic port 108 may be, for example, a sound output port through which sound from a speaker positioned within the interior chamber 106 may be output. In other aspects, where a microphone is positioned near the housing acoustic interface 108, it may be a sound input port to allow sound to be input to the microphone.

[0020] In this case, the housing acoustic port 108 is a sound output port that is acoustically open to the speaker module 110 positioned in the internal chamber 106. Representatively, the speaker module 110 includes a module wall 114 that forms a chamber, a housing, an outer shell, or an inner shell, and the speaker 112 is positioned in the chamber, the housing, the outer shell, or the inner shell. The speaker 112 can be any type of electroacoustic transducer that can convert an electrical audio signal into sound. In some aspects, the speaker 112 can be a micro speaker, for example, a miniaturized version of a speaker that uses a moving coil motor to drive the sound output. Therefore, in some aspects, the speaker 112 can be referred to as a micro speaker in this article. The speaker 112 can also be referred to as a speaker or a receiver in this article according to its use mode. For example, in the aspect that the device 100 is positioned near the user's ear so that the speaker 112 is used to output sound from a far-end user to a near-end user holding the device 100 (for example, during a phone call), the speaker 112 can be referred to as a receiver or referred to as being used in a receiver mode. In other aspects where device 100 is positioned further away from the user's ear and held in the user's hand, for example, for speakerphone use, playing games, or listening to music, speaker 112 may be referred to as a speakerphone speaker or as being used in speakerphone mode.

[0021] Returning now to the structure of the speaker module 110, the housing formed by the module wall 114 around the speaker 112 can be divided into a front volume chamber 118 and a rear volume chamber 116 surrounding the speaker 112. The front volume chamber 118 can form a chamber around the sound output face or surface 126 of the speaker 112, and allow sound pressure waves output from the surface 126 of the speaker 112 to pass to the speaker acoustic port 122 (as shown by the arrow). The speaker acoustic port 122 is formed in the module wall 114 and aligned with the housing acoustic port 108, so that the sound output from the speaker 112 can pass through the front volume chamber 118, reach the speaker acoustic port 122 and leave the housing 102 via the housing acoustic port 108 to reach the surrounding environment (e.g., to the user). The rear volume chamber 116 surrounds the rear side of the speaker 112 and is acoustically coupled to the side of the speaker 112 opposite to the sound output surface 126 and the front volume chamber 118. It is noted that any changes in the size, volume, and / or pressure of the back volume chamber 116 may have an effect on the acoustic performance of the speaker 112. For example, an increase in the size or volume of the back volume chamber 116 may improve the low frequency response of the speaker 112, while a decrease in the size or a change in the pressure of the back volume chamber 116 may reduce or otherwise distort the speaker performance.

[0022] Accordingly, an acoustic opening, vent, or port 120 may be formed through a portion of the module wall 114 that forms the rear volume chamber 116, such that the rear volume chamber 116 is open to the interior chamber 106. In other words, when the port 120 is formed as shown in FIG. Figure 1 When open as shown, the rear volume chamber 116 shares volume with the interior chamber 106 and is therefore significantly increased. For example, in one aspect, the rear volume chamber 116 may have a volume of 5cc, and the interior chamber 106 may have an interior volume or space of approximately 10cc. Thus, when the acoustic vent port 120 is opened to the interior chamber 106, the volume of the rear volume chamber is effectively tripled, or approximately 15cc. This, in turn, will improve the frequency response of the speaker 112 at low frequencies.

[0023] In addition, a valve 124 may be coupled to the port 120 to regulate or otherwise control the coupling of the rear volume chamber 116 to the interior chamber 106. It is generally desirable that the acoustic vent port 120 remain open, so in most cases, the valve 124 will remain open and not impede the communication between the rear volume chamber 116 and the interior chamber 106. However, in some cases, it may be desirable to close the acoustic vent port 120 using the valve 124, and then isolate the rear volume chamber 116 from the interior chamber 106. For example, when the pressure within the interior chamber 106 increases or decreases, for example due to a user interacting with the housing 102, it may be desirable to isolate the rear volume chamber 116 from the interior chamber 106. For example, the pressure change may be caused by a user pressing their finger onto the housing 102 (e.g., a cover glass forming a user interface portion of the housing) or when the user stops pressing the housing 102. These types of pressure events or actions of the user may result in an increase in pressure (e.g., positive pressure or positive pressure change) and / or a decrease in pressure (e.g., negative pressure or negative pressure change) within the internal chamber 106. These types of pressure changes may be referred to herein as "impact pressure" or "pressure shocks" because they may be relatively impulsive in nature, short in duration, and / or greater than / less than the pressure changes caused by the atmosphere. In addition, the pressure shock may have characteristics different from, for example, the sound pressure output by the speaker 112 during operation. If the rear volume chamber 116 is not isolated from the internal chamber 106, an increase or decrease in pressure within the internal chamber 106 may potentially increase or decrease the pressure within the rear volume chamber 116. This in turn may result in an undesired or unintentional movement or vibration of the speaker sound output surface 126, and distort the acoustic output of the speaker 112. Therefore, in such cases, the valve 124 may be used to close the acoustic vent port 120 and prevent the pressure changes within the internal chamber 106 from affecting the speaker output. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the acoustic vent port 120 is considered to be relatively large, eg, larger than the pneumatic vent 128, such that in the open position, the two chambers are open relative to one another (eg, more open than is the case with a pneumatic relief port).

[0024] The valve 124 may be any type of pressure-sensitive valve that is capable of transitioning between an open position and a closed position in response to a pressure change that is impulsive in nature (e.g., an impulsive pressure or an impulsive pressure change). In the open position, the valve 124 does not close the acoustic vent port 120 (e.g., the vent port 120 is open to the internal chamber 106), and in the closed position, the valve 124 closes the acoustic vent port 120 (e.g., the acoustic vent port 120 is closed to the internal chamber 106). In one aspect, the valve 124 may be referred to as an impulsive pressure suppression valve because it closes in response to an impulsive pressure within the internal chamber 106. In this regard, the valve 124 prevents the impulsive pressure from being transmitted to the rear volume chamber 116 and causing an undesirable movement of the speaker sound output surface 126, which may distort the acoustic output of the speaker 112. However, in the absence of an impulsive pressure or an impulsive pressure change, the valve 124 may remain open (e.g., the vent port 120 is open to the internal chamber 106). For example, the valve 124 does not close in response to the sound pressure output by the speaker 112 , but instead remains open such that the rear cavity 116 is open to the interior chamber 106 .

[0025] See now Figures 2 to 5 , Figures 2 to 5 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a representative valve. Representatively, now see Figure 2 , Figure 2A valve 124 is shown coupled to an acoustic vent port 120 between the rear volume chamber 116 and the interior chamber 106. In this view, the valve 124 is in a natural resting or open position, in which the valve 124 does not close the acoustic vent port 120 and allows fluid (e.g., air) to flow between the rear volume chamber 116 and the interior chamber 106. Specifically, the valve 124 includes a valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202 that can be mounted (e.g., mechanically or chemically attached) to the module wall 114. For example, the valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202 can be mounted to a portion of the module wall 114 that forms the port 120 and / or the rear volume chamber 116. The valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202 can extend completely across the port 120 and have a size and / or shape similar to the port 120. For example, where the port 120 has a circular or square shape, the valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202 can have a similar shape. In this regard, the valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202 can be considered to define a portion of the back volume chamber 116 and / or otherwise be considered to be positioned between the back volume chamber 116 and the internal chamber 106. The valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202 can include a center portion 204 aligned with the center of the port 120 and a suspension member or surround 206 connecting the center portion 204 to the wall 114. The valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202 can be relatively compliant so that it can move in the direction of the arrow in response to an impact pressure or pressure change in the internal chamber 106. For example, the valve diaphragm 202 can be a silicone membrane that will move in response to the impact pressure.

[0026] A non-periodic vent hole 208 may be formed through the surround 206 to allow fluid communication between the rear volume chamber 116 and the interior chamber 106, as shown by the arrow. Figure 2 When shown open, the rear volume chamber 116 is acoustically open to the internal chamber 106 via the non-periodic vent 208, so that the size of the rear volume chamber 116 is effectively increased. The non-periodic vent 208 can be formed by an opening in the surround 206 and a flow resistance mesh in the opening to regulate the fluid flow through the opening. Although only the leftmost portion of the non-periodic vent 208 is shown, it should be understood that the vent 208 can be a discrete vent, a plurality of vents, or formed by a continuous opening / mesh structure that extends completely around the surround 206 and / or the center portion 204 of the valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202. In one aspect, the flow resistance mesh can be generally resistant to fluid flow caused by the impact pressure in the internal chamber 106, however, in the absence of impact pressure, it is generally not resistant to fluid flow between the internal chamber 106 and the rear volume chamber 116. Representatively, in one aspect, the flow resistance mesh can have a resistivity of about 65 Rayls to about 160 Rayls.

[0027] In this regard, when the valve 124 is open, the non-periodic vent 208 allows for continuous "leakage" between the back volume chamber 116 and the internal chamber 106. Therefore, when the valve 124 is open, the non-periodic vent 208 is also considered to be open. However, when the valve 124 is closed, it also closes the non-periodic vent 208 because it prevents fluid communication between the back volume chamber 116 and the internal chamber 106 via the non-periodic vent 208. Representatively, the valve 124 may include a first sealing surface 208 and a second sealing surface 210 positioned on opposite sides of the valve diaphragm 202. For example, as shown from Figure 2 It can be seen that the first sealing surface 208 is between the valve diaphragm 202 and the rear volume chamber. The second sealing surface 210 is between the valve diaphragm 202 and the internal chamber 106. The first sealing surface 208 and the second sealing surface 210 can be arm-like members or hard stops that can be formed or composed of the module wall 114. In this regard, when the valve diaphragm 202 moves in the direction of the arrow in response to the impact pressure, the surround 206 contacts and seals to one of the first sealing surface 208 or the second sealing surface 210 to close the valve 124. Since the non-periodic vent 208 is positioned between the portion of the surround 206 that seals to the surface 208 or the surface 210 and the module wall 114, the closing of the valve also closes the non-periodic vent 208 because the fluid can no longer flow between the internal chamber 106 and the rear volume chamber 116 via the non-periodic vent 208. However, the non-periodic vent 208 allows the impact pressure to slowly balance on the valve diaphragm 202. The housing may also have a pressure vent (e.g., b vent 128) to assist in pressure equalization, as previously described. Once pressure is equalized, valve 124 will transition back to the open position. Reference will now be made to Figures 3 to 5 Transitioning of the valve 124 between the open position and the closed position in response to the surge pressure is described in greater detail.

[0028] Figure 3 1 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the left side of the valve 124 in the open position. From this view, it can be seen that in the open position, a space is formed between the surround 206 and both the first sealing surface 208 and the second sealing surface 210. Therefore, a fluid (e.g., air) can flow between the rear volume chamber 116 and the front volume chamber 106 through the non-periodic vent 208, as shown by the arrows. Figure 3 208 is also considered to be open. The valve 124 may also be considered to be in a normal or resting position when open. The valve 124 may be in a normal resting or open position when, for example, there is no pressure change or surge pressure in the internal chamber 106 or the pressure in the back volume chamber 116 and the pressure in the internal chamber are substantially equal or at least more equal than when a surge pressure occurs.

[0029] Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the left side of the valve 124 in the first closed position is shown. Representatively, as shown by arrow 406, when a positive impact pressure occurs in the internal chamber 106, the positive impact pressure causes the valve diaphragm 202 to move toward the first sealing surface 208. The surround 206 then contacts and seals the first sealing surface 208. As shown by the arrow, the positive impact pressure can cause the fluid to flow through the space 404 below the surround 206 and upward to the space 402 above the surround 206, but it cannot pass through the first sealing surface 208. As long as there is a positive impact pressure, the surround 206 remains sealed, thereby preventing fluid communication between the internal chamber 106 and the rear volume chamber 116. A positive impact pressure or a positive pressure change can be caused by an event that increases the pressure in the internal chamber 106 so that it is greater than the pressure in the rear volume chamber 116. In other aspects, a positive impact pressure or a positive pressure change can also be defined as a pressure event that increases the pressure to above atmospheric pressure and has a relatively short duration and a relatively high magnitude. For example, a user pressing on the housing of the device may cause a positive impact pressure as previously described.

[0030] Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the left side of the valve 124 in the second closed position is shown. Representatively, as shown by arrow 506, when a negative impact pressure occurs in the internal chamber 106, the negative impact pressure causes the valve diaphragm 202 to move toward the second sealing surface 210. The surround 206 then contacts and seals the second sealing surface 210. As shown by the arrow, the negative impact pressure can cause the fluid to flow through the space 402 above the surround 206 and down to the space 404 below the surround 206, but it cannot pass through the second sealing surface 210. As long as the negative impact pressure exists, the surround 206 remains sealed, thereby preventing fluid communication between the internal chamber 106 and the rear volume chamber 116. The negative impact pressure or negative pressure change can be caused by an event that reduces the pressure in the internal chamber 106 so that it is less than the pressure in the rear volume chamber 116. In other aspects, the negative impact pressure or negative pressure change can also be defined as a pressure event that reduces the pressure to below atmospheric pressure and has a relatively short duration and a relatively high magnitude. For example, a negative impact pressure may occur when a user stops pressing on the housing.

[0031] However, it should be understood that over time, the non-periodic vents 208 (in addition to the b-vents 128) will allow pressure to balance on the valve 124, thereby allowing the valve to open. Specifically, as previously described, the non-periodic vents 208 include a flow resistance mesh. The mesh may have a specific time constant that allows pressure to pass through it. This time constant depends on the impedance of the mesh (in units of Rayleigh = Ps / m). During this period, the pressure on both sides of the mesh slowly reaches an equilibrium point and allows the valve to open. It can also be understood that the opening and closing of the valve utilizes the time it takes for the two sides of the mesh to balance to deflect the valve diaphragm 202, which has a specific mass and stiffness coefficient. The deflection of the valve diaphragm 202 can be tuned in such a way that it reaches the first sealing surface 208 or the second sealing surface 210 (in a positive pressure event or a negative pressure event) within the duration of the time constant of the mesh. Once such Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, once this mechanical maximum of the valve diaphragm 202 is reached, the valve closes and prevents a surge pressure event from reaching the rear volume chamber and causing excessive movement of the speaker.

[0032] For example, in one aspect, the operating frequency of the valve can be set to the frequency that is found to cause the least irregularity in the frequency response of the speaker, for example, set to 2000 Hz. The valve diaphragm 202 can be tuned to operate at the desired operating frequency by reducing the mass of the center portion 204 rather than increasing the stiffness of the surround 206. Such tuning allows the valve 124 to be operated by the impact pressure change originating from the screen press event. In addition, the valve diaphragm 202 can be tuned so that the pressure change caused by music or content playback does not close the valve 124. For example, the valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202 can be tuned so that the deflection of the valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202 during the screen press event is large enough to allow the surround 206 to seal to the sealing surface, while the deflection of the valve membrane or valve diaphragm 202 during normal speaker operation is not so large.

[0033] Figure 6 A block diagram of one aspect of an electronic device in which the previously described speaker may be implemented is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the device 600 may include a storage device 602. The storage device 602 may include one or more different types of storage devices, such as hard drive storage, non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically programmable read-only memory), volatile memory (e.g., battery-based static or dynamic random access memory), etc.

[0034] Processing circuitry 604 may be used to control the operation of device 600. Processing circuitry 604 may be based on a processor, such as a microprocessor or other suitable integrated circuit. Using one suitable arrangement, processing circuitry 604 and storage device 602 may be used to run software on device 600, such as an Internet browsing application, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) telephone calling application, an email application, a media playback application, operating system functions, etc. Processing circuitry 604 and storage device 602 may be used to implement a suitable communication protocol. Communication protocols that may be implemented using processing circuitry 604 and storage device 602 include Internet protocols, wireless local area network protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocols - sometimes referred to as WLAN protocols), wireless communications protocols, and the like. ), protocols for other short-range wireless communication links such as protocols, protocols for handling 3G or 4G communication services (e.g., using Wideband Code Division Multiple Access technology), 2G cellular telephone communication protocols, etc.

[0035] To minimize power consumption, processing circuitry 604 may include power management circuitry to implement power management functions. For example, processing circuitry 604 may be used to adjust the gain setting of an amplifier (e.g., a radio frequency power amplifier circuit) on device 600. Processing circuitry 604 may also be used to adjust the power supply voltage provided to portions of the circuitry on device 600. For example, a higher direct current (DC) supply voltage may be provided to active circuits, and a lower DC supply voltage may be provided to less active or inactive circuits. If desired, processing circuitry 604 may be used to implement a control scheme in which a power amplifier circuit is adjusted to accommodate a transmit power level request received from a wireless network.

[0036] Input-output devices 606 can be used to allow data to be supplied to device 600 and to allow data to be provided to external devices from device 600. Display screens, microphone acoustic ports, speaker acoustic ports, and docking ports are examples of input-output devices 606. For example, input-output devices 606 may include user input-output devices 608, such as buttons, touch screens, joysticks, click wheels, rollers, touch pads, keypads, keyboards, microphones, cameras, etc. A user may provide commands to control the operation of device 600 through user input devices 608. Display and audio devices 610 may include liquid crystal display (LCD) screens or other screens, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and other components that present visual information and status data. Display and audio devices 610 may also include audio equipment, such as speakers and other devices for creating sound. Display and audio devices 610 may include audio-video interface equipment, such as jacks and other connectors for external headphones and monitors.

[0037] The wireless communication device 612 may include communication circuitry, such as radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry formed by one or more integrated circuits, power amplifier circuitry, passive RF components, antennas, and other circuitry for processing RF wireless signals. The wireless signals may also be transmitted using light (e.g., using infrared communications). Typically, in the case of a speaker acoustic port, a speaker may be associated with the port and communicate with an RF antenna for transmitting signals from a remote user to the speaker.

[0038] return Figure 6 , device 600 can communicate with external devices such as accessories 614, computing equipment 616, and wireless network 618, as shown by paths 620 and 622. Path 620 may include a wired path and a wireless path. Path 622 may be a wireless path. Accessories 614 may include headphones (e.g., wireless cellular headphones or audio headphones) and audio-video equipment (e.g., wireless speakers, game controllers, or other equipment that receives and plays audio and video content), peripherals such as wireless printers or cameras, etc.

[0039] Computing equipment 616 may be any suitable computer. With one suitable arrangement, computing equipment 616 is a computer with an associated wireless access point (router) or an internal or external wireless network card that establishes a wireless connection with device 600. The computer may be a server (e.g., an Internet server), a local area network computer with or without Internet access, a user's own personal computer, a peer device (e.g., another portable electronic device), or any other suitable computing equipment.

[0040] Wireless network 618 may include any suitable network equipment, such as a cellular telephone base station, a cellular tower, a wireless data network, a computer associated with the wireless network, etc. For example, wireless network 618 may include network management equipment that monitors the wireless signal strength of a wireless handset (cellular phone, handheld computing device, etc.) communicating with network 618.

[0041] Although certain aspects have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that these aspects are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and not limiting, and that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific structures and arrangements shown and described, as various other modifications may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the description is to be regarded as exemplary and not limiting. For example, although a speaker is specifically disclosed herein, the valve disclosed herein may be used with other types of transducers (e.g., microphones). In addition, although a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication device is described herein, any of the previously described valve and transducer configurations may be implemented in a tablet computer, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a headset, etc. In addition, in order to assist the Patent Office and any reader of any patent issued by this disclosure in interpreting the appended claims, the applicants wish to point out that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to refer to 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless "means for..." or "step for..." is expressly used in a particular claim.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device, comprising: a housing having a housing wall forming an interior chamber and a sound output port to an ambient environment; a speaker positioned within the interior chamber, the speaker having a front volume chamber coupling a sound output surface of the speaker to the sound output port and a rear volume chamber acoustically coupled to the interior chamber through a non-periodic vent; and A valve is operable to transition between an open position and a closed position in response to a change in pressure, wherein the non-periodic vent is formed in the valve.

2. The portable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the pressure change is an increase in pressure in the internal chamber to be higher than the pressure in the rear volume chamber, or a decrease in pressure in the internal chamber to be lower than the pressure in the rear volume chamber.

3. The portable electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the pressure increase or the pressure decrease causes the valve to transition to the closed position and close the non-periodic vent to prevent the pressure increase or the pressure decrease from causing vibration of the sound output surface of the speaker. 4 . The portable electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the pressure increase or the pressure decrease is caused by an external force applied to or removed from the housing wall.

5. A portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure change is a pressure balance between the rear volume chamber and the internal chamber, and the pressure balance causes the valve to transition to the open position and open the non-periodic vent to allow fluid to flow between the rear volume chamber and the internal chamber. The portable electronic device of claim 5 , wherein the pressure equalization is performed through the non-periodic vent.

7. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the non-periodic vent comprises a flow resistance mesh that allows fluid to leak between the rear volume chamber and the interior chamber when the non-periodic vent is open.

8. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a compliant membrane between the back volume chamber and the interior chamber, and the non-periodic vents are formed in the compliant membrane.

9. The portable electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: In the closed position, the compliant membrane seals to a first sealing surface between the compliant membrane and the rear volume chamber or a second sealing surface between the compliant membrane and the interior chamber to close the non-periodic vent.

10. A portable electronic device comprising: a housing having a housing wall defining an interior chamber; a driver module positioned within the interior chamber, the driver module having a driver and a module wall forming a rear volume chamber for the driver, wherein the rear volume chamber includes an opening in the module wall leading to the interior chamber; and A surge pressure suppression valve is coupled to the opening, the surge pressure suppression valve having a flow resistance mesh coupled to a valve diaphragm, the valve diaphragm transitioning to a closed position in response to a surge pressure and transitioning to an open position in the absence of the surge pressure. 11 . The portable electronic device of claim 10 , wherein the driver is a speaker, and the impact pressure is different from a sound pressure output by the speaker. 12 . The portable electronic device of claim 10 , wherein the impact pressure is caused by a user applying a force to or removing a force from the housing wall.

13. The portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein in the closed position, the valve diaphragm prevents fluid from flowing between the rear volume chamber and the interior chamber through the flow resistance mesh.

14. The portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein in the open position, the valve diaphragm allows fluid to flow between the rear volume chamber and the interior chamber through the flow resistance mesh.

15. The portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the flow resistance mesh comprises an impedance sufficient to allow pressure equilibrium of the impact pressure over time such that the valve diaphragm transitions to the open position.

16. The portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the flow resistance mesh is a portion of a non-periodic vent hole formed through the valve diaphragm.

17. The portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the valve diaphragm includes a central portion aligned with the opening in the module wall and a surrounding portion coupling the central portion to the module wall, and wherein the flow resistance mesh is coupled to the surrounding portion.

18. The portable electronic device of claim 17, wherein in the closed position the surrounding portion seals to a first sealing surface between the valve diaphragm and the rear volume chamber or a second sealing surface between the valve diaphragm and the interior chamber.

19. The portable electronic device of claim 18, wherein a positive surge pressure seals the valve diaphragm to the first sealing surface.

20. The portable electronic device of claim 18, wherein a negative surge pressure seals the valve diaphragm to the second sealing surface.

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