Electronic devices and valve assemblies for electronic devices

Abstract

This disclosure relates to electronic devices and valve assemblies for electronic devices. A portable electronic device includes: a housing having a housing wall forming an internal chamber and an opening to an environment surrounding the housing wall; and a valve including a plurality of sliding actuators operable to open and close the opening to the environment surrounding the housing wall.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 245,570, filed September 17, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 247,435, filed September 23, 2021, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a dynamic valve assembly for electronic devices, including a slide valve or shutter valve for electronic devices. Other aspects are also described and protection thereof is claimed. Background Technology

[0004] Portable communication or monitoring devices (e.g., smartphones, headsets, etc.) have one or more transducers located therein that convert an input electro-audio signal into a sound pressure level (SPL) wave output audible to a user, or convert an SPL input into an electro-audio signal. The transducer (e.g., a speaker) can be used to output SPL waves corresponding to the voice of a distant user (such as during a phone call), or to output SPL waves corresponding to sounds associated with a game the user wants to play or music they want to play. Because portable devices are relatively thin, the transducers are also relatively thin, which can make it difficult to maintain optimal sound quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a dynamic valve that can be used to control the amount of leakage between the inner cavity and the environment. Typically, in the case of headphones, in some cases a perfect seal (high impedance) is desired, while in others a very open path (low impedance) is desired. Typically, in some cases where the headphones are relatively tightly fitted into the ear and form a seal or at least a partial seal with the ear canal, the user may experience an undesirable blocking effect. For example, during active noise control (ANC) or noise cancellation, a user may want to isolate the in-ear device by passive isolation and ANC (valve closed), but when outdoors, transparency (valve open) may be desired, resulting in a more natural and less blocking effect when speaking. Therefore, the valve allows for dynamic control of the amount of leakage during system operation based on the desired leakage level and with low power consumption.

[0006] Typically, in some aspects, this disclosure relates to a portable electronic device (e.g., a wearable device, such as headphones) including a housing having a housing wall forming an internal chamber and an opening to an environment surrounding the housing wall; and a valve including a plurality of sliding actuators operable to open and close the opening to the environment surrounding the housing wall. In some aspects, each of the sliding actuators is arranged around the opening and operable to slide along a direction parallel to a plane of the housing wall to open and close the opening. In other aspects, each of the sliding actuators includes a sliding portion and a stationary portion fixed to the housing wall, wherein the sliding portion slides across the opening to a closed configuration in which the opening is covered, and slides away from the opening to an open configuration in which the opening is exposed. In some aspects, the sliding portion is biased toward the closed configuration by a spring coupled to each of the sliding actuators. In some aspects, each of the sliding actuators includes a comb-shaped drive section operable to change from a closed configuration where the opening is covered to an open configuration where the opening is exposed when a voltage is applied. In some aspects, each of the plurality of sliding actuators is operable independently to open and close the opening.

[0007] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a portable electronic device comprising: a housing having a housing wall forming an internal cavity and an acoustic output port to the surrounding environment; a transducer positioned within the internal cavity and dividing the internal cavity into a front volume chamber including a first side of the transducer and the acoustic output port and a rear volume chamber including a second side of the transducer; and an electromechanical valve comprising a plurality of rotary actuators operable to open and close a vent to the internal cavity, the front volume chamber, or the rear volume chamber. In some aspects, the plurality of rotary actuators are operable to rotate about an axis extending parallel to the axis of the vent. In some aspects, each of the plurality of rotary actuators includes a triangular member having a base portion connected to the housing at a pivot point. In some aspects, the plurality of rotary actuators are interconnected such that all of the plurality of rotary actuators rotate together to open or close the vent. In some respects, the rotation of these multiple rotary actuators is mechanically driven by levers.

[0008] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a valve assembly for a portable electronic device, the valve assembly including a plurality of sliding actuators operable to open and close an opening formed through a housing wall. Each of the plurality of sliding actuators includes: a stationary portion fixedly coupled to the housing wall; and a sliding portion slidably coupled to the stationary portion, wherein the sliding portion is operable to slide along a direction parallel to a plane of the housing wall, the opening being formed through the housing wall between a closed configuration in which the opening is covered by the sliding portion and an open configuration in which the opening is exposed by the sliding portion. In some aspects, the sliding portion is biased toward the closed configuration by a spring coupled to each of the sliding actuators. In some aspects, the sliding portion is operable to slide from the closed configuration to the open configuration upon application of a voltage. In some aspects, the stationary portion includes a first conductive finger structure, and the sliding portion includes a second conductive finger structure complementary to the first conductive finger structure, wherein the second conductive finger structure is driven toward the first conductive finger structure when a voltage is applied in the open configuration. In some aspects, each of the plurality of actuators includes a comb-shaped drive portion. In some aspects, each of the plurality of sliding actuators includes at least four sliding actuators arranged around the opening. In some aspects, the sliding portion of each of the plurality of sliding actuators slides toward the center of the opening. In other aspects, each of the plurality of sliding actuators is independently operable to slide between the open configuration and the closed configuration. In some aspects, the opening passes through a portion of the housing wall separating the front or rear volume chamber of the transducer from the surrounding environment, and wherein the plurality of sliding actuators are used to open and close the opening to open and close the front or rear volume chamber leading to the surrounding environment.

[0009] The above overview does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of this disclosure. It is contemplated that the invention encompasses all systems and methods that can be implemented by all suitable combinations of the aspects outlined above and the various aspects disclosed in the detailed embodiments below and specifically pointed out in the claims filed with this patent application. Such combinations have specific advantages not specifically described in the above overview. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Several aspects are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example rather than limitation, and similar reference numerals in the drawings indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “a” or “an” aspect in this disclosure do not necessarily refer to the same aspect, and that they mean at least one.

[0011] Figure 1A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly with a valve is shown.

[0012] Figure 2A It shows the open configuration. Figure 1 A top plan view of one aspect of the valve of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly.

[0013] Figure 2B The closed configuration is shown. Figure 1 A top plan view of one aspect of the valve of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly.

[0014] Figure 3A It shows the open configuration. Figure 1 A top plan view of one aspect of the valve of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly.

[0015] Figure 3B The closed configuration is shown. Figure 1 A top plan view of one aspect of the valve of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly.

[0016] Figure 4 It shows including Figures 1 to 3B A block diagram of one aspect of an electronic device in which the transducer of the valve assembly can be implemented. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In this section, we will explain several preferred aspects of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Where the shape, relative position, and other aspects of the described components are not clearly defined, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the components shown, which are for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, while many details are set forth, it should be understood that some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

[0018] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Spatially related terms, such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “above,” etc., may be used herein for the convenience of describing the relationship of one element or feature to one or more other elements or features, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatially related terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation other than those shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features may then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both the orientations of above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially related descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context otherwise indicates. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” or “including” define the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or collections thereof.

[0020] The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein should be interpreted as including or referring to any one or any combination thereof. Therefore, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps, or actions is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0021] Figure 1A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of a valve assembly for positioning a transducer within a portable electronic device is shown. The electronic device 100 may include a housing, enclosure, or outer housing 102 that defines or encloses a chamber therein housing the constituent electronic components of the electronic device 100. In some aspects, the device 100 may be a portable or mobile communication device, an in-ear device, a portable timing device, or any other device in which a transducer may be implemented. The housing 102 may include a housing wall 104 that separates the surrounding environment from the enclosed space or internal chamber 106 formed within the housing 102. In some cases, the housing wall 104 completely isolates or seals the entire internal chamber 106 or a portion thereof from the surrounding environment. For example, the housing wall 104 may form a waterproof and / or airtight waterproof or soundproof portion of 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. The housing wall 104 may also include one or more acoustic ports 108. Acoustic port 108 can be, for example, a sound output port through which sound from a speaker located within the internal chamber 106 can be output. Alternatively, where a microphone is located near the housing acoustic interface 108, it can be a sound input port to allow sound input to the microphone.

[0022] Representatively, in Figure 1In one aspect, the housing acoustic port 108 is an acoustic port acoustically open to a transducer 110 positioned within the internal chamber 106. In some aspects, the transducer 110 can be any type of electroacoustic transducer capable of converting an electro-audio signal into sound or vice versa. Typically, the transducer 110 can be a loudspeaker or a miniature loudspeaker, for example, a miniaturized version of a loudspeaker that uses a moving-coil motor to drive the sound output. Therefore, in some aspects, the transducer 110 may be referred to herein as a miniature loudspeaker. In other aspects, where the transducer 110 converts sound into an electro-audio signal, it may be further referred to herein as a microphone. In some aspects, the transducer 110 may be coupled to the inner wall 112 and is considered to divide the internal chamber 106 into a front volume chamber 106A and a rear volume chamber 106B surrounding the transducer 110. When the transducer 110 is a loudspeaker, the front volume chamber 106A can be formed as a chamber having a first volume (V1) surrounding the sound output surface or surface 110A of the transducer 110. The front volume chamber 106A (and the first volume V1) can be considered acoustically coupled to or otherwise acoustically open to the acoustic port 108. In this respect, sound pressure waves output from the surface 110A of the transducer 110 can pass through the front volume chamber 106A and propagate through the acoustic port 108 to the surrounding environment 112. The rear volume chamber 106B can have a second volume (V2) and surround the rear side of the transducer 110 (e.g., the side of the transducer 110 opposite to the surface 110A).

[0023] It should be recognized that, for example, the size, volume, pressure, or other aspects of the front volume chamber 106A or the rear volume chamber 106B may affect the acoustic performance of the transducer 110. Therefore, modifying the size, volume, and / or pressure of the front volume chamber 106A and / or the rear volume chamber 106B can be used to tune the acoustic performance of the transducer 110. For example, in some cases, it may be desirable for the front volume chamber 106A and / or the rear volume chamber 106B to be isolated from or sealed (e.g., with high impedance) from the surrounding environment 112 to achieve the desired acoustic performance. In other cases, it may be desirable for the front volume chamber 106A and / or the rear volume chamber 106B to have a very open path (e.g., with low impedance) and a certain amount of leakage to the surrounding environment 112. In yet another aspect, it may be desirable for the front volume chamber 106A to have leakage or otherwise be open to the rear volume chamber 106B.

[0024] With this in mind, valve assemblies or valves 114, 116, and / or 118 may be further provided to vent the associated chambers. Valves 114, 116, and / or 118 may open and / or close vents or openings 120 from the front volume chamber 106A and / or the rear volume chamber 106B to the surrounding environment 112, or vents or openings 120 between the front volume chamber 106A and the rear volume chamber 106B. For example, valve 114 may open and / or close the opening 120 formed through the wall 104 between the front volume chamber 106A and the surrounding environment 112. In other words, when valve 114 is open, the front volume chamber 106A may leak or vent to the surrounding environment 112, and when valve 114 is closed, leakage or venting is prevented. Leakage or venting from the front volume chamber 106A may be desirable in cases where, for example, device 100 is an in-ear headphone sealed within the user's ear but requiring a more open feel. Valve 116 can open and / or close the opening 120 through the wall 104 between the rear volume chamber 106B and the surrounding environment 112. In other words, when valve 116 is open, the front volume chamber 106A can leak or vent to the rear volume chamber 106B, and when valve 116 is closed, leakage or venting is prevented. Valve 118 can open and / or close the opening 120 through the wall 112 between the front volume chamber 106A and the rear volume chamber 106B. In this respect, when valve 118 is open, the rear volume chamber 106B can leak or vent to itself, and when valve 118 is closed, leakage or venting is prevented. In another aspect, it is conceivable that one or more of valves 114, 116, 118 may be used to open and / or close openings (e.g., opening 120) to another type of acoustic chamber, such as openings to one or more acoustic resonators or attenuators coupled to one or more of the previously discussed chambers or ports of the transducer.

[0025] In one aspect, one or more of valves 114, 116, and 118 may be electromechanical valves that open and / or close in response to an applied voltage. In this aspect, valves 114, 116, and 118 may be dynamically actuated to control leakage. In some aspects, one or more of valves 114, 116, and 118 may be microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) actuators or valves. Valves 114, 116, and 118 may be the same or different. In some aspects, one or more valves may provide the advantages of: bi-stability, low power consumption during switching from open / closed states, digitalization of the percentage or amount of open area for controlling exhaust, and / or silent operation. Reference will now be made to... Figures 2A to 3B Describe several representative configurations used for valves 114, 116, and 118.

[0026] Representatively, Figures 2A to 2B Showing from Figure 1 A top view of a representative valve. In this regard, Figure 2A A method for opening / closing formed in the housing wall (e.g., Figure 1 The valve 114 in the open position, which is located in the opening 210 of the housing wall 104, and Figure 2B Valve 114 is shown in the closed position. However, it should be understood that although valve 114 is specifically discussed, one or more of valves 116 and / or 118 may be identical to valve 114, making the description provided herein also applicable. Figure 1 This is not any other valve disclosed herein. As can be seen from this view, valve 114 comprises a plurality of actuators 202, 204, 206, 208 that operate together to open / close opening 210. Typically, actuators 202, 204, 206, 208 can be electromechanical sliding actuators controlled by applied voltage. It should be further understood that although four actuators 202, 204, 206, 208 are shown, any number of actuators required to open / close opening 210 can be used. Furthermore, actuators 202, 204, 206, 208 can be adapted to open / close opening 210 of any size, such as small to medium-sized openings or slits.

[0027] Referring now in more detail to actuators 202, 204, 206, and 208, each actuator may be a sliding actuator comprising an anchoring finger portion and a sliding bias portion that moves to open (expose) / close (cover) opening 210. Typically, actuator 202 includes a stationary or anchoring portion 202A and a moving or sliding portion 202B. In some aspects, actuator 202 may be a comb driver or actuator comprising conductive comb portions that can be driven toward and / or away from each other when a voltage is applied. Typically, anchoring portion 202A may be fixedly attached, for example, through a housing wall or outer shell formed by opening 202, and includes a conductive comb portion or finger portion 202A-1 facing opening 210. The finger portion 202A-1 may be sized to receive sliding portion 202B. Typically, the sliding portion 202B may include conductive comb-like portions or finger-like portions 202B-1, which are complementary to the finger-like portions 202A-1, such that the finger-like portions 202B-1 slide between the finger-like portions 202A-1 (and vice versa). The sliding portion 202B can slide in the direction of the arrow, which is parallel to the plane of the housing wall in which the opening 210 is formed. In other words, the sliding portion 202B can slide in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the opening 210. In this respect, when the sliding portion 202B slides past the opening 210 (closed position), it covers a portion of the opening 210. On the other hand, when the sliding portion 202B slides away from the opening 210, a portion of the opening 210 is exposed (open position), such as... Figure 2B As shown. In some aspects, the sliding portion 202B includes a spring or other biasing mechanism that moves the sliding portion 202B away from the anchoring portion 202A and thus toward... Figure 2B The sliding portion 202B is biased in the closed position as shown. Typically, in its natural or stationary portion (e.g., without applied voltage), the sliding portion 202B covers the opening 210, as... Figure 2B As shown. When a voltage is applied, the bias force is overcome by the electrostatic force between the comb-like portions, causing the sliding portion 202B to slide toward the anchoring portion 202A, as... Figure 2A As shown. Then the opening 210 is exposed or opened, such that the volumes or chambers on opposite sides of the opening 210 are now connected or otherwise opened to each other, thereby allowing exhaust.

[0028] Actuators 204, 206, and 208 are substantially similar to the sliding actuator 202 and operate in a manner similar to opening / closing the opening 210. Typically, actuator 204 includes an anchoring portion 204A having a conductive comb-like or finger-like portion 204A-1 and a sliding portion 204B having a conductive comb-like or finger-like portion 204B-1 that slides relative to the finger-like portion 204A-1 in the direction of an arrow, as previously discussed. Actuator 206 includes an anchoring portion 206A having a conductive comb-like or finger-like portion 206A-1 and a sliding portion 206B having a conductive comb-like or finger-like portion 206B-1 that slides relative to the finger-like portion 206A-1 in the direction of an arrow, as previously discussed. Actuator 208 includes an anchoring portion 208A having a conductive comb-like or finger-like portion 208A-1 and a sliding portion 208B having a conductive comb-like or finger-like portion 208B-1 that slides relative to the finger-like portion 208A-1 in the direction of an arrow, as previously discussed. Similar to sliding actuator 202, when a voltage is applied, sliding actuators 204, 206, and 208 switch to... Figure 2A The open position is shown. Once the voltage is removed, the bias force of the sliding parts 204B, 206B, and 208B causes them to move (slide) back to their original positions. Figure 2B The indicated closed position. When all actuators 202, 204, 206, and 208 are in... Figure 2BIn the closed position shown, opening 210 is completely covered and thus closed. However, it should be understood that each of the actuators 202, 204, 206, 208 can be controlled in parallel (e.g., all open or all closed), while in other respects they can be controlled independently or individually. For example, voltage can be applied to one or more of the actuators 202, 204, 206, 208 to open that one or more actuators, while no voltage is applied to the other actuators, causing the other actuators to remain closed. This allows opening 210 to be partially opened / closed depending on the desired level of venting. For example, in cases where less venting is required, only one of the actuators 202, 204, 206, 208 can be opened, while the other actuators remain closed, such that only a small portion of opening 210 is open to allow venting between the associated chambers. On the other hand, if more exhaust is desired, more than one of actuators 202, 204, 206, and 208 can be opened, such that a larger portion of opening 210 is opened to allow exhaust between the associated chambers. In some aspects, the device may have an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 222 connected to each of actuators 202, 204, 206, and 208 and used to apply the voltage required for dynamically controlling each of actuators 202, 204, 206, and 208. It can be further understood that, as disclosed herein, the advantage of using sliding actuators 202, 204, 206, and 208 to open / close opening 210 is that they avoid the high sound pressure level (SPL) that would have occurred if a rotary valve disc were used instead. Specifically, actuators 202, 204, 206, and 208 have very low SPL when transitioning between open and closed positions because they operate in a direction perpendicular to (or across) opening 210 rather than parallel to (or into) opening 210. Therefore, they do not push air into opening 210, or connect to associated chambers or channels of opening 210, or otherwise cause large volume displacements that could lead to higher SPL.

[0029] Now for reference Figures 3A to 3B , Figures 3A to 3B Showing from Figure 1 A top view of a representative valve. In this regard, Figures 3A to 3B A method for opening / closing formed in the housing wall (e.g., Figure 1 The valve 114 is an opening 210 in the housing wall 104. However, as previously discussed, the description of valve 114 applies to... Figure 1Any one or more of the valves 116 and / or 118 disclosed herein. In some aspects, the valve may be a shutter-type valve, similar to a shutter-type valve that may be present in a camera, and will allow the user to control the size of the opening 210, and thus control the amount of air vented between the associated chambers. Typically, valve 114 may consist of a plurality of actuators 302 that rotate about a pivot point or hinge 304 and operate together to open / close the opening 310. In some aspects, actuators 302 may be mechanical actuators that are mechanically or manually controlled without electrical input. In other aspects, actuators 302 may be electromechanical actuators controlled by the application of voltage. It should be further understood that any number of actuators 302 required to open / close the opening 310 may be used. Furthermore, actuators 302 may be suitable for opening / closing openings 310 of any size, such as small to medium-sized openings, slits, circular openings, etc.

[0030] Referring now in more detail to actuator 302, each actuator in actuator 302 may be coupled at pivot point 304 to a housing wall or surface through which it forms opening 310. Actuator 302 is operable to be in an open position where opening 310 is not covered ( Figure 3A ) and the closed position covered by opening 310 ( Figure 3B The actuator 302 can rotate about a pivot point 304 (as indicated by the arrow). The actuator 302 can rotate in a plane parallel to the plane of the housing wall in which the opening 310 is formed. In other words, the actuator 302 can rotate about an axis extending parallel to the axis of the opening 310 (or the pivot point 304). In some aspects, the actuator 302 can have a triangular shape as shown. In this aspect, the pivot point 304 can be located at the base or the corner of the widest end of the triangular actuator 302, while the body and vertices of the triangle extend into and cover the opening 310. In this aspect, as the actuator 302 rotates about the pivot point 304 in one direction (e.g., clockwise), the tip of each actuator in the actuator 302 extends further into the opening 310 until they ultimately cover the opening 310, as shown by the arrow. Figure 3B As shown, when actuator 302 rotates about pivot point 304 in another direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the tip of each actuator in actuator 302 moves away from opening 310 until they eventually expose opening 310, as... Figure 3A As shown. In some respects, the actuators 302 can be interconnected, such that rotation of one actuator 302 can drive rotation of all actuators 302. Depending on the desired diameter (D) of the opening 310, the actuators 302 can rotate to Figures 3A to 3B The diagram shows multiple positions between the fully open and fully closed positions. Typically, actuator 302 can rotate to the fully open position (…). Figure 3A ), fully closed position ( Figure 3B (or between the open / closed positions, such that the opening is smaller than the diameter D.)

[0031] As previously described, actuator 302 can be a mechanical actuator that is mechanically or manually controlled without electrical input. Typically, in some aspects, actuator arm or lever 306 can be coupled to one or more actuators in actuator 302, or coupled to other mechanisms that can transmit force from actuator arm or lever 306 to actuator 302. Actuator arm or lever 306 can be advanced in a direction parallel to the arrow shown in the figure to rotate actuator 302 to the open or closed position as previously described. Typically, in one aspect, actuator arm or lever 306 can be advanced to the left to turn actuator 302 to... Figure 3B The actuator 302 is shown in the closed position. To return the actuator 302 to the open position, the actuator arm or lever 306 can be advanced to the right. In some aspects, the actuator arm or lever 306 must remain positioned to the right (or in the open position) to keep the actuator 302 in the open position. In some aspects, zero open-circuit power can be used by incorporating a bias spring or bistable component into the actuator 302 and / or lever 306. For example, the actuator 302 can be a bistable actuator that can maintain both the open and closed positions in the absence of power. In another aspect, it is conceivable that a magnetic element can be incorporated into the actuator arm or lever 306, and a magnet can be used to lock the lever and hold it in the open or closed position with zero power. In yet another aspect, it is conceivable that the actuator 302 can include a shape / memory that allows the mechanical position to be memorized based on temperature (e.g., hot / cold) and helps hold the position of the lever 306.

[0032] It should be understood that although the valves disclosed herein are primarily described in the context of acoustic applications, they can be used with any type of electronic equipment in which dynamic control of the dimensions of vents, ports, slits, channels, or other openings is desired. For example, valves can be used to control camera aperture size.

[0033] Figure 4 A block diagram of one aspect of the electronic equipment in which the previously described transducer and / or valve assembly may be implemented is shown. Figure 4As shown, device 400 can be any type of portable device that may require the transducers and / or valve assemblies disclosed herein, such as a handset (e.g., an in-ear handset, a hearing aid, etc.), a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a portable timing device, a camera, or other portable device. Device 400 may include storage device 402. Storage device 402 may include one or more different types of storage devices, such as hard disk drive storage devices, 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 404 can be used to control the operation of device 400. Processing circuitry 404 may be based on a processor, such as a microprocessor and other suitable integrated circuits. Using a suitable arrangement, processing circuitry 404 and storage device 402 can be used to run software on device 400, such as internet browsing applications, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone calling applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, etc. Processing circuitry 404 and storage device 402 can be used to implement suitable communication protocols. Communication protocols that can be implemented using processing circuitry 404 and storage device 402 include Internet Protocol, wireless LAN protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocol – sometimes called Wi-Fi). ® Protocols used for other short-range wireless communication links, such as Bluetooth. ® Protocols, protocols used to process 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 404 may include power management circuitry to implement power management functions. For example, processing circuitry 404 may be used to adjust the gain settings of amplifiers (e.g., RF power amplifier circuitry) on device 400. Processing circuitry 404 may also be used to regulate the power supply voltage supplied to portions of the circuitry on device 400. For example, a higher DC power supply voltage may be supplied to active circuitry, and a lower DC power supply voltage may be supplied to less active or inactive circuitry. If desired, processing circuitry 404 may be used to implement control schemes in which the power amplifier circuitry is adjusted to accommodate transmission power level requests received from the wireless network.

[0036] Input / output device 406 can be used to allow data to be supplied to device 400 and to allow data to be supplied from device 400 to external devices. Display screens, microphone acoustic ports, speaker acoustic ports, and docking ports are examples of input / output device 406. For example, input / output device 406 may include user input / output device 608, such as buttons, touchscreens, joysticks, click wheels, scroll wheels, touchpads, keypads, keyboards, microphones, cameras, etc. Users can provide commands through user input device 408 to control the operation of device 400. Display and audio device 410 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or other screen, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and other components that present visual information and status data. Display and audio device 410 may also include audio equipment, such as speakers, and other devices for creating sound. Display and audio device 410 may include audio-visual interface equipment, such as jacks, and other connectors for external headphones and monitors.

[0037] Wireless communication device 412 may include communication circuitry, such as radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry formed by one or more integrated circuits, power amplifier circuitry, passive RF components, an antenna, and other circuitry for processing RF wireless signals. Light (e.g., infrared communication) may also be used to transmit wireless signals. Typically, in the case of a speaker acoustic port, the 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 4 Device 400 can communicate with external devices such as accessory 414, computing equipment 416, and wireless network 418, as shown in paths 420 and 422. Path 420 may include wired and wireless paths. Path 422 may be a wireless path. Accessory 414 may include headphones (e.g., wireless cellular headphones or audio headsets) and audio-visual equipment (e.g., wireless speakers, game controllers, or other equipment for receiving and playing audio and video content), peripheral devices such as wireless printers or cameras, etc.

[0039] Computing device 416 can be any suitable computer. Using a suitable arrangement, computing device 416 can be a computer with an associated wireless access point (router) or an internal or external wireless network card establishing a wireless connection with device 400. The computer can 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-to-peer device (e.g., another portable electronic device), or any other suitable computing device.

[0040] Wireless network 418 may include any suitable network equipment, such as cellular phone base stations, cellular towers, wireless data networks, computers associated with the wireless network, etc. For example, wireless network 418 may include network management equipment that monitors the wireless signal strength of wireless mobile phones (cellular phones, handheld computing devices, etc.) communicating with network 418.

[0041] While certain aspects have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that such aspects are merely illustrative of a broad disclosure and not limiting, and that this disclosure is not limited to the specific structures and arrangements shown and described, as various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the description should be considered exemplary rather than restrictive. For example, although a loudspeaker is specifically disclosed herein, the valves disclosed herein can be used with other types of transducers (e.g., microphones). Furthermore, in some aspects, the valves can be used to open / close openings to acoustic resonators or attenuators coupled to the transducers. Moreover, although portable electronic devices such as mobile communication devices are described herein, any of the valve and transducer configurations previously described can be implemented in tablet computers, personal computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, headphones, etc. Furthermore, in some aspects, the valve assemblies disclosed herein can be used with other types of electronic devices (e.g., cameras). Furthermore, in order to assist the Patent Office and any reader of any patent granted under this application in interpreting the appended claims, the applicant wishes to indicate that they do not intend any appended claims or claim elements to reference 35 U.SC112(f) unless “means for…” or “steps for…” is expressly used in a particular claim.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device, comprising: A housing having a housing wall that forms an internal chamber and openings to the environment surrounding the housing wall; and A valve comprising a plurality of sliding actuators operable to open and close the opening to the environment surrounding the housing wall, and at least one of the plurality of sliding actuators operable independently of the other to switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

2. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the sliding actuators is arranged around the opening and operable to slide along a plane parallel to the housing wall to open and close the opening, thereby modifying the acoustic performance of the portable electronic device.

3. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the sliding actuators comprises a sliding portion and a stationary portion fixed to the housing wall, wherein the sliding portion slides through the opening to the closed configuration in which the opening is covered, and slides away from the opening to the open configuration in which the opening is exposed.

4. The portable electronic device of claim 3, wherein the sliding portion is biased toward the closed configuration by a spring coupled to each of the sliding actuators in the sliding actuators.

5. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the sliding actuators includes a comb-shaped drive portion operable upon voltage application to transition from the closed configuration where the opening is covered to the open configuration where the opening is exposed.

6. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sliding actuators is independently operable to open and close the opening.

7. A portable electronic device, comprising: A housing having a housing wall that forms an internal cavity and a sound output port to the surrounding environment; A transducer, wherein the transducer is positioned within the internal cavity and the internal cavity is divided into a front volume chamber including a first side of the transducer and the sound output port, and a rear volume chamber including a second side of the transducer; and An electromechanical valve comprising a plurality of rotary actuators operable to open and close through-holes leading to the internal chamber, the front volume chamber, or the rear volume chamber, and wherein the electromechanical valve includes a spring member operable to bias the electromechanical valve to an open or closed configuration in the absence of power.

8. The portable electronic device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of rotary actuators are operable to rotate about an axis extending parallel to the axis of the through-hole.

9. The portable electronic device of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of rotary actuators comprises a triangular member having a base portion connected to the housing at a pivot point.

10. The portable electronic device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of rotary actuators are interconnected such that all of the plurality of rotary actuators rotate together to open or close the through-hole.

11. The portable electronic device of claim 7, wherein the rotation of the plurality of rotary actuators is mechanically driven by a lever.

12. A valve assembly for a portable electronic device, the valve assembly comprising: A plurality of sliding actuators, operable to open and close an opening formed through the housing wall, each of the plurality of sliding actuators comprising: The stationary portion, which is fixedly coupled to the housing wall; and A sliding portion, the sliding portion being slidably coupled to the stationary portion, wherein the sliding portion is operable to slide along a direction parallel to a plane passing through the housing wall through which it forms an opening, between a closed configuration in which the opening is covered by the sliding portion and an open configuration in which the opening is exposed by the sliding portion, and wherein at least one of the plurality of sliding actuators is operable independently to slide between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

13. The valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the sliding portion is biased toward the closed configuration by a spring coupled to each of the sliding actuators in the sliding actuators.

14. The valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the sliding portion is operable to slide from the closed configuration to the open configuration when a voltage is applied.

15. The valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the stationary portion includes a first conductive finger structure, and the sliding portion includes a second conductive finger structure complementary to the first conductive finger structure, and wherein the second conductive finger structure is driven toward the first conductive finger structure when a voltage is applied in the open configuration.

16. The valve assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of sliding actuators includes a comb-shaped drive portion.

17. The valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the plurality of sliding actuators comprises at least four sliding actuators arranged around the opening.

18. The valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the sliding portion of each of the plurality of sliding actuators slides toward the center of the opening.

19. The valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the opening extends through a portion of the housing wall separating the front or rear volume chamber of the transducer from the surrounding environment, and wherein opening and closing the opening using the plurality of sliding actuators opens the front or rear volume chamber to the surrounding environment and closes the front or rear volume chamber.

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