Audio generating device and electronic device comprising such a device

Abstract

An audio generating apparatus (1) for an electronic device (10), the apparatus (1) comprising at least one loudspeaker (2), a first body (3) and a second body (4) at least partially enclosing the loudspeaker (2). At least one of the first body (3) and the second body (4) is movable relative to the other body (3, 4). The loudspeaker (2) forms an acoustic cavity (5) with at least one of the first body (3) and the second body (4). The volume of the acoustic cavity (5) is adapted to increase or decrease in response to movement of the first body (3) or the second body (4). Implementing the apparatus in an electronic device enables the volume of the acoustic cavity to be increased without increasing the external dimensions of the device. The increase in the volume of the acoustic cavity can improve audio quality, increase sound pressure level and reduce frequency.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio generating apparatus, and more particularly, to an audio generating apparatus for an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of mobile electronic device technology, the size of internal components such as a loudspeaker is becoming smaller. Although the configuration of the loudspeaker can vary, the loudspeaker cannot produce high audio quality or high sound pressure level without being connected to a sound cavity having a volume large enough. As the sound cavity becomes smaller, the loudness and clarity of the sound produced are reduced.

[0003] The size of the sound cavity is limited by the internal and external dimensions of the electronic device, which are generally not increased. Therefore, in such mobile electronic devices, the size of the sound cavity must be a compromise size between the available space and the necessary space. Therefore, the sound quality in the prior art electronic devices depends on both the external dimension of the device and the internal dimension of the sound cavity. SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved audio generating apparatus. The above and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided an audio generating apparatus for an electronic device, the apparatus comprising at least one loudspeaker, a first body and a second body at least partially enclosing the loudspeaker; at least one of the first body and the second body being movable relative to the other body; the loudspeaker forming a sound cavity with at least one of the first body and the second body; the volume of the sound cavity being for increasing or decreasing in response to movement of the first body or the second body.

[0006] This solution provides a device that can be used in multiple different electronic devices without affecting the size of the devices. The volume changes inside the device when the first and / or second body moves (i.e., rolls, folds, slides, or bends to different positions). If this volume inside the device might be related to the speaker, it can be used as the acoustic cavity of the speaker. Therefore, the volume of the acoustic cavity changes simultaneously with the movement of the first and / or second body. This allows for the use of larger speakers, providing a better audio experience for the user. Implementing this device in an electronic device increases the volume of the acoustic cavity without increasing the external size of the device. The increased acoustic cavity volume improves audio quality, increases sound pressure level, and lowers frequency. The device has a simple configuration and structure and can be manufactured at low cost because it functions correctly without requiring any additional components to be implemented in the device.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the device further includes at least one functional element surrounded by the first body and the second body, wherein the speaker, at least one of the first body and the second body, and at least one of the functional element form the acoustic cavity. This facilitates the design of the arrangement according to the specific structure of the individual device, for example, arranging the acoustic cavity next to the battery.

[0008] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first or second body may be movable relative to the other body along a sliding axis, thereby enabling the device to be used in a rollable, slideable, bendable, or foldable electronic device.

[0009] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first body includes a foldable display module comprising a first portion and a second portion; wherein movement of the first body causes the first portion of the foldable display module to slide along a first direction of the sliding axis; simultaneously, the second portion of the foldable display module slides along a second direction of the sliding axis, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; the second portion is at least partially housed within the second body, and the volume of the acoustic cavity increases or decreases in response to movement of the second portion within the second body. This facilitates the implementation of the arrangement in devices with foldable or rollable displays and allows the speaker's advantages to be realized using any sliding of the display module, thereby improving sound quality.

[0010] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the apparatus further comprises a third body interconnected with the first body by a foldable hinge enabling simultaneous pivoting of the first and second bodies relative to the third body about a pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the sliding axis, the second body sliding along the sliding axis in response to the pivoting movement. This facilitates achieving more sound cavity size at different stages of the pivoting movement, thereby improving audio quality at multiple stages. Moreover, this implementation form enables using the apparatus in combination with other types of electronic devices.

[0011] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the audio generating apparatus is in an unfolded position when the first, second and third bodies are aligned in a common plane comprising the sliding axis and the pivot axis, the audio generating apparatus is in a first folded end position or, optionally, in a second folded end position when the first and second bodies are at least partially superimposed on the third body. This facilitates implementing the arrangement in foldable or bendable devices and enables increasing the sound cavity at multiple positions.

[0012] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second body slides in a first direction along the sliding axis when the audio generating apparatus moves from the unfolded position towards the first folded end position, the first direction being towards the first body along the sliding axis, the volume of the sound cavity decreasing in response to the movement.

[0013] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second body slides in a second, opposite direction along the sliding axis when the audio generating apparatus moves from the unfolded position towards the second folded end position, the second direction being away from the first body along the sliding axis, the volume of the sound cavity increasing in response to the movement. The increase of the sound cavity can improve audio quality and sound pressure level.

[0014] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, a sound barrier is arranged between the first and third bodies such that the sound cavity and the third body are acoustically sealed from each other. This can improve audio quality by avoiding echo.

[0015] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, one of the second and third bodies comprises a microphone, the loudspeaker and the microphone being separated by at least the sound cavity. This can prevent the microphone from recording the sound emitted by the loudspeaker.

[0016] According to a second aspect, there is provided an electronic device comprising a foldable display and an audio generating arrangement as described above, the electronic device being configured to change between at least two display positions. This solution provides a device in which the audio generating arrangement can be used regardless of the position of the display, thereby increasing the volume of the acoustic cavity and thus the audio quality at at least some of these positions.

[0017] In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the first body of the audio generating arrangement carries the foldable display, the first body being slidably connected to the second body of the audio generating arrangement; the first body and the foldable display are movable between a retracted display position and an extended display position; the volume of the acoustic cavity of the audio generating arrangement is smallest at the retracted display position; the volume of the acoustic cavity of the audio generating arrangement is largest at the extended display position. Thus, the device can significantly improve the audio quality at the extended display position.

[0018] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the foldable display is fixedly connected to the second body and the third body of the audio generating arrangement, the foldable display and the audio generating arrangement being movable between an unfolded position, a first folded end position and (optionally) a second folded end position; the volume of the acoustic cavity of the audio generating arrangement is smallest at the first folded end position; the volume of the acoustic cavity of the audio generating arrangement is largest at the second folded end position. This enables the acoustic cavity to have a plurality of different sizes, the loudspeaker functioning properly at all positions. The device provides an audio quality at the unfolded position superior to that at the first folded end position, and at the second folded end position superior to that at the unfolded position. Thus, the audio quality and the sound pressure level can be improved in stages.

[0019] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the device further comprises an audio processing arrangement comprising a processor and a position detection element, the processor being configured to adjust at least one audio processing parameter in response to the display position detected by the position detection element. This enables the display position to be identified, and thus the acoustic cavity size, thereby facilitating subsequent digital signal processing control and audio processing parameter adjustment in dependence of the position. Furthermore, accessing such position information does not increase manufacturing costs, as suitable sensors are already built into the electronic device for other reasons.

[0020] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the audio processing parameters comprise at least one of audio, gain level, quality and dynamic range. This enables setting the necessary parameters for each position and each sound cavity size, thereby achieving the best possible audio quality.

[0021] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the processor increases bass frequency and decreases gain level as the volume of the sound cavity decreases, and the processor decreases the bass frequency and increases the gain level as the volume of the sound cavity increases. This likewise enables achieving the best audio quality for each position. Furthermore, when the sound cavity is small, this facilitates increasing the bass frequency to compensate for the smaller volume.

[0022] This and other aspects are apparent from the embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] In the following detailed portion of the application, aspects, embodiments and implementation forms will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0024] Figure 1a A schematic view of an audio generating device is shown, the device being in an extended position;

[0025] Figure 1b A schematic view of an audio generating device is shown, the device being in a first folded end position; Figure 1a

[0026] A schematic view of an audio generating device is shown, the device being in a second folded end position; Figure 1c Figure 1a Figure 1b A schematic view of an audio generating device is shown, the device being in a second folded end position;

[0027] Figure 2a A schematic perspective view of an audio generating device is shown, the device being in a retracted display position;

[0028] Figure 2b A schematic perspective view of an audio generating device is shown, the device being in a retracted display position; Figure 2a

[0029] A schematic perspective view of an audio generating device is shown, the device being in a retracted display position; Figure 3

[0030] A schematic perspective view of an audio generating device is shown, the device being in a retracted display position; Figure 4a

[0031] A schematic perspective view of an audio generating device is shown, the device being in a retracted display position;​​Figure 4b a side view of the audio generating device is shown; Figure 4a a side view of the audio generating device is shown;

[0032] Figure 5a a top view of the audio generating device is shown, the device being in a first folded end position;

[0033] Figure 5b a side view of the audio generating device is shown; Figure 5a a side view of the audio generating device is shown;

[0034] Figure 6a a top view of the audio generating device is shown, the device being in a second folded end position;

[0035] Figure 6b a side view of the audio generating device is shown. Figure 6a a side view of the audio generating device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figures 1a to 1c An electronic device 10 comprising a foldable display 11 and an audio generating device 1 is shown. The electronic device 10 can be any type of portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, a speaker or other type of audio device. The electronic device 10 can change between at least two display positions (P1, P2, P2a, P2b).

[0037] Figures 3 to 6b The audio generating device 1 is shown in more detail. Preferably, the audio generating device 1 comprises at least one loudspeaker 2, a first body 3 and a second body 4. The second body 4 can at least partly enclose the loudspeaker 2. Preferably, at least one of the first body 3 and the second body 4 is movable relative to the other body (3, 4). The loudspeaker 2 forms an acoustic cavity 5 with at least one of the first body 3 and the second body 4. The volume of the acoustic cavity 5 increases or decreases with the movement of one of the first body 3 or the second body 4. The audio generating device 1 will be described in more detail below.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first body 3 of the audio generating device 1 carries the foldable display 11. The foldable display 11 has a flexible structure such that it can be rolled and / or bent. Preferably, the first body 3 is slidably connected to the second body 4 of the audio generating device 1. As Figure 2a and Figure 2b The first body 3 and the foldable display 11 are shown movable between a retracted display position P1 and an extended display position P2. Figure 2aIt is shown that the volume of the acoustic cavity 5 of the audio generating device 1 is minimum at the retracted display position PI. Figure 2b It is shown that the volume of the acoustic cavity 5 of the audio generating device 1 is maximum at the extended display position P2. Thus, when the electronic device 10 is in the extended display position P2, the sound quality can be improved and the user experience can be enhanced.

[0039] In Figures 1a to 1c and Figures 3 to 6b the shown embodiment, the foldable display 11 is fixedly connected to the second body 4 and the third body 7 of the audio generating device 1. Like the second body 4, the third body 7 can also be movable. If any of the second body 4 and the third body 7 moves, the flexible display 11 follows the movement and adjusts its position and shape accordingly, i.e. slides, folds, rolls or bends. At the same time these changes occur outside the electronic device 10, the volume of the acoustic cavity 5 inside the electronic device 10 also changes.

[0040] The first body 3, the second body 4 and the third body 7 can be frame parts forming a support and protection structure of internal functional elements 6 such as batteries, printed circuit boards, optical devices, etc. The bodies 3, 4, 7, especially the second body 4 and the third body 7, can also form peripheral side edges of the electronic device 10, which extend between the display 11 and the back cover of the device 10.

[0041] The foldable display 11 and the audio generating device 1 can move between an unfolded position PI, a first folded end position P2a and (optionally) a second folded end position P2b. The unfolded position PI is shown in Figure 1a , Figure 4a and Figure 4b The first folded end position P2a is shown in Figure 1b , Figure 5a and Figure 5b The second folded end position P2b is shown in Figure 1c , Figure 6a and Figure 6b .

[0042] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in the first folded end position P2a, the volume of the acoustic cavity 5 of the audio generating device 1 is minimum; when the electronic device 10 is in the second folded end position P2b, the volume of the acoustic cavity 5 of the audio generating device 1 is maximum. The greater the volume of the acoustic cavity 5, the higher the sound pressure level that the loudspeaker 2 can produce.

[0043] The electronic device 10 can also comprise audio processing means. The audio processing means can be equipped with a processor and a position detection element to identify the position of the device 10, i.e. whether the device is in the retracted display position PI, the extended display position P2, the unfolded position PI, the first folded end position P2a or the second folded end position P2b. The position detection element can be a Hall sensor. However, one or more position detection elements of any type can be used, for example elements already present in the device, for example for adjusting the display ratio.

[0044] After identifying a particular position, the audio processing means can control the digital signal processing and adjust the audio processing parameters accordingly. The processor can be used to adjust at least one audio processing parameter in response to the display position (PI, P2, P2a, P2b) detected by the position detection element. Preferably, these audio processing parameters include at least one of the audio, the gain level, the quality and the dynamic range.

[0045] In making such adjustments, the processor can increase the bass frequency and decrease the gain level as the volume of the acoustic cavity 5 decreases. One of the reasons for this is that a small acoustic cavity 5 can require compensation to improve the bass frequencies; furthermore, since the loudspeaker 2 can only handle a certain maximum voltage, the total gain cannot be set to its maximum value. When the size of the acoustic cavity 5 increases, there is no need to boost the bass frequencies, and the total gain can be set to a higher level, thus maximizing the sound pressure level. Therefore, the processor is able to decrease the bass frequency and increase the gain level as the volume of the acoustic cavity 5 increases.

[0046] As Figures 3 to 6b indicated, the audio generating device 1 can comprise at least one functional element 6, for example a battery. The functional element 6 can be enclosed by the first body 3 and the second body 4. At least one of the loudspeaker 3, the first body 3 and the second body 4 and at least one of the functional element 6 form the acoustic cavity 5.

[0047] The first body 3 or the second body 4 can be moved relative to the other body (4, 3) along a sliding axis Al, as Figure 2a and Figure 2b indicated.

[0048] The first body 3 can comprise a foldable display module comprising a first portion 3a and a second portion 3b. When the first body 3 is moved, it causes the first portion 3a to slide in a first direction dl, while causing the second portion 3b to slide in a second direction d2. Both of these slides occur along the sliding axis Al. The second direction d2 is opposite to the first direction dl, as Figure 2aand Figure 2b The second part 3b can be at least partially accommodated within the second body 4. The volume of the acoustic cavity 5 increases or decreases in response to the movement of the second part 3b within the second body 4.

[0049] As mentioned above, the audio generating apparatus 1 can further comprise a third body 7. The third body 7 can be interconnected with the first body 3 by a foldable hinge 8, which enables the first body 3 and the second body 4 to be simultaneously pivoted relative to the third body 7. The pivoting movement occurs around a pivot axis A2, as Figures 3 to 6b illustrated. The pivot axis A2 extends substantially perpendicular to the sliding axis Al. The second body 4 can slide along the sliding axis Al in response to the pivoting movement. The sliding of the second body 4 can be assisted and supported by some additional elements, such as wheels, gears and / or rails, installed in the electronic device 10. The volume of the acoustic cavity 5 increases or decreases with the sliding of the second body 4.

[0050] As mentioned before, the audio generating apparatus 1 and / or the electronic device 10 can be in an unfolded position PI. This position can be used, for example, when the device is in a tablet mode. At the unfolded position PI, the first body 3, the second body 4 and the third body 7 are aligned in a common plane. This common plane also comprises the sliding axis Al and the pivot axis A2. In addition, the audio generating apparatus 1 can also be in a first folded end position P2a or, optionally, in a second folded end position P2b. At these positions, the first body 3 and the second body 4 are at least partially superimposed on the third body 7, thereby bending the foldable display 11.

[0051] When the audio generating apparatus 1 moves from the unfolded position PI towards the first folded end position P2a, the second body 4 slides along the sliding axis Al in a first direction dl. The first direction dl is along the sliding axis Al towards the first body 3. The volume of the acoustic cavity 5 decreases in response to the sliding of the second body 4 in the first direction dl, as Figure 1b illustrated. When the volume of the acoustic cavity 5 decreases, the loudspeaker 2 can also function normally. In addition, when the volume of the acoustic cavity 5 decreases further, some compensation steps can be taken to improve the sound quality. One compensation can be to increase the bass frequency.

[0052] As Figure 1cAs shown, when the audio generating device 1 moves from the unfolded position Pi towards the second folded end position P2b, the second body 4 slides along the sliding axis Ai in a second, opposite direction d2. The second direction d2 is along the sliding axis Ai away from the first body 3. The volume of the acoustic cavity 5 increases in response to the second body 4 sliding in the second direction d2. This position provides an improved loudspeaker 2 for the electronic device 10, as a loudspeaker connected to a larger acoustic cavity can produce a higher sound pressure level and thus provide a better user experience.

[0053] To avoid or reduce echo between the first body 3 and the third body 7, an acoustic barrier 9 can be provided such that the acoustic cavity 5 and the third body 7 are acoustically sealed from each other.

[0054] One of the second body 4 and the third body 7 can comprise a microphone, preferably the microphone and the loudspeaker 2 are at least separated by the acoustic cavity 5. Separating the microphone and the loudspeaker 2 from each other prevents the microphone from recording audio produced by the loudspeaker.

[0055] Various aspects and implementations have been described herein with regard to various embodiments. However, other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art upon study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can fulfill the functions of several items described in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state storage medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0056] The reference signs used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. The drawings are to be regarded as being a part of the written description, and the drawings and description should be interpreted mutually and two-dimensionally, unless otherwise specified (e.g. crosswise lines, arrangement of components, scale, degrees, etc.), and the drawings should be considered as part of the complete written description of the application. The terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "upper" and "lower" and their adjective and adverbial derivatives (e.g. "horizontally", "to the right", "upwards", etc.) used in the description merely refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as shown when the particular figure is facing the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the direction of a surface relative to its elongate, or rotational, axis.

Claims

1. An audio generation apparatus (1) for an electronic device (10), characterized in that, The audio generation device (1) includes: At least one loudspeaker (2); One battery; First subject (3); A second body (4) that at least partially surrounds the speaker (2) and the battery; At least one of the first body (3) and the second body (4) may be movable relative to the other; The loudspeaker (2) forms a acoustic cavity (5) with at least one of the first body (3) and the second body (4); The volume of the acoustic cavity (5) is increased or decreased in response to the movement of the first body (3) or the second body (4); The first body (3) includes a foldable display module, which includes a first part (3a) and a second part (3b). The movement of the first body (3) causes the first part (3a) of the foldable display module to slide along a first direction (d1) of the sliding axis (A1). At the same time, the second part (3b) of the foldable display module slides along a second direction (d2) of the sliding axis (A1), which is opposite to the first direction. The second part (3b) is at least partially housed within the second body (4), and the volume of the acoustic cavity (5) increases or decreases in response to the movement of the second part (3b) within the second body (4).

2. The audio generation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one functional element (6) surrounded by the first body (3) and the second body (4), wherein at least one of the loudspeaker (2), the first body (3) and the second body (4) and at least one of the functional element (6) form the acoustic cavity (5).

3. The audio generation apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first body (3) can move relative to the second body (4) along the sliding axis (A1), or the second body (4) can move relative to the first body (3) along the sliding axis (A1).

4. The audio generation apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a third body (7) which is interconnected with the first body (3) via a foldable hinge (8) that allows the first body (3) and the second body (4) to pivot simultaneously about a pivot axis (A2) relative to the third body (7), the pivot axis (A2) extending substantially perpendicular to a sliding axis (A1), the second body (4) sliding along the sliding axis (A1) in response to the pivot.

5. The audio generation apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the first body (3), the second body (4) and the third body (7) are aligned in a common plane including the sliding axis (A1) and the pivot axis (A2), the audio generating device (1) is in the unfolded position (P1). When the first body (3) and the second body (4) are at least partially superimposed on the third body (7), the audio generating device (1) is in the first folded end position (P2a) or in the second folded end position (P2b).

6. The audio generation apparatus (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the audio generating device (1) moves from the unfolded position (P1) toward the first folded end position (P2a), the second body (4) slides along the first direction (d1) of the sliding axis (A1) toward the first body (3), and the volume of the acoustic cavity (5) decreases in response to the movement.

7. The audio generation apparatus (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, When the audio generating device (1) moves from the unfolded position (P1) toward the second folded end position (P2b), the second body (4) slides along the second direction (d2) of the sliding axis (A1), the second direction (d2) moves away from the first body (3) along the sliding axis (A1), and the volume of the acoustic cavity (5) increases in response to the movement.

8. The audio generation apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, A sound barrier (9) is arranged between the first body (3) and the third body (7) so that the acoustic cavity (5) and the third body (7) are acoustically sealed to each other.

9. The audio generation apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, One of the second body (4) and the third body (7) includes a microphone, and the speaker (2) and the microphone are separated by at least the acoustic cavity (5).

10. An electronic device (10), characterized in that, The electronic device (10) includes a foldable display (11) and an audio generation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and is used to change between at least two display positions, the at least two display positions including: a retracted display position and an extended display position, or a first folded end position (P2a) and a second folded end position (P2b).

11. The electronic device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first body (3) of the audio generating device (1) carries the foldable display (11), and the first body (3) is slidably connected to the second body (4) of the audio generating device (1). The first main body (3) and the foldable display (11) can move between a retracted display position and an extended display position; The volume of the acoustic cavity (5) of the audio generation device (1) is minimum at the retracted display position; The volume of the acoustic cavity (5) of the audio generation device (1) is at its maximum at the extended display position.

12. The electronic device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The foldable display (11) is fixedly connected to the second body (4) and the third body (7) of the audio generating device (1), and the foldable display (11) and the audio generating device (1) can move between the unfolded position (P1), the first folded end position (P2a) and the second folded end position (P2b); The volume of the acoustic cavity (5) of the audio generation device (1) is minimum at the first folded end position (P2a); The volume of the acoustic cavity (5) of the audio generation device (1) is at its maximum at the second folded end position (P2b).

13. The electronic device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, It also includes an audio processing device, which includes a processor and a position detection element, the processor being configured to adjust at least one audio processing parameter in response to the display position detected by the position detection element.

14. The electronic device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The audio processing parameters include gain level.

15. The electronic device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The processor increases the low frequency and decreases the gain level as the volume of the acoustic cavity (5) decreases, and the processor decreases the low frequency and increases the gain level as the volume of the acoustic cavity (5) increases.

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