Magnetic stiffness reduction for audio transducers

Abstract

The invention relates to magnetic stiffness reduction for audio transducers. Aspects of the subject technology relate to stiffness reduction of an audio transducer, such as a speaker. The stiffness reduction can be provided using one or more magnetic structures configured to move with a voice coil and / or diaphragm of a speaker and to assist movement of the voice coil and / or diaphragm via magnetic interaction with one or more magnets of the speaker. In one or more implementations, the one or more magnetic structures can form a tri-stable system with the one or more magnets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification generally relates to audio transducers, including, for example, magnetic stiffness reduction for audio transducers. Background Art

[0002] Audio transducers such as loudspeakers typically include a front volume and a rear cavity separated by a membrane, which is movably suspended by a surround. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for illustrative purposes, several aspects of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures.

[0004] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example electronic device with a speaker in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example electronic device having a speaker in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology is shown.

[0006] Figure 3 A top view of a portion of a speaker in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology is shown.

[0007] Figure 4 A perspective bottom view of a speaker in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology is shown.

[0008] Figure 5A A cross-sectional side view of a loudspeaker in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology is shown.

[0009] Figure 5B Another cross-sectional side view of a speaker in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology is shown.

[0010] Figure 6 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a loudspeaker in one implementation according to various aspects of the subject technology is shown, the loudspeaker including a voice coil and a magnetic structure forming a bi-stable system.

[0011] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a loudspeaker including a voice coil and a magnetic structure forming a tri-stable system in one implementation according to various aspects of the subject technology is shown.

[0012] Figure 8 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a loudspeaker in another implementation according to various aspects of the subject technology is shown, the loudspeaker including a voice coil and a magnetic structure forming a tri-stable system.

[0013] Fig. 9A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a loudspeaker including a magnetic structure formed as part of a voice coil in one implementation in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology is shown.

[0014] Fig. 10A A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a loudspeaker in one implementation according to various aspects of the subject technology is shown, the loudspeaker including a voice coil and a magnet coupled to the voice coil for reducing stiffness.

[0015] Fig. 10B A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a speaker including a magnet for reducing stiffness in another implementation according to various aspects of the subject technology is shown.

[0016] Fig.11 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a loudspeaker in one implementation according to various aspects of the subject technology is shown, the loudspeaker including a voice coil, a magnetic structure, and a magnet with a gap.

[0017] Fig.12 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a loudspeaker in one implementation according to various aspects of the subject technology is shown, the loudspeaker including a voice coil and various types of magnetic structures.

[0018] Fig.13 A flow chart illustrating illustrative operations that may be performed to operate an audio transducer in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology is shown.

[0019] Fig.14 An electronic system is shown that can be used to implement one or more implementations of the subject technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The specific embodiments shown below are intended to be descriptions of various configurations of the subject technology and are not intended to represent the only configuration that the subject technology can be put into practice. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details intended to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and obvious to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details shown herein and can be put into practice without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring the concept of the subject technology.

[0021] Electronic devices (such as mobile phones, smart phones, portable music players, tablet computers, laptop computers), wearable devices (such as smart watches, headphones, earbuds, other wearable devices), desktop computers, smart speakers, wireless speakers, etc. typically include one or more audio transducers, such as microphones for receiving sound input and / or speakers for producing sound. However, challenges arise when implementing audio transducers, including, for example, implementing audio transducers in compact electronic devices where space may be limited.

[0022] For example, a rear cavity of a loudspeaker having a movable membrane or diaphragm mounted to a voice coil is typically a substantially sealed volume. The air within the sealed volume may act as an additional spring (e.g., an air spring) that resists movement of the membrane or diaphragm. The air spring may effectively increase the stiffness of the membrane by which it is movably suspended. Reducing the size of the rear cavity may also result in an increase in the stiffness of the membrane by which it is movably suspended. In some cases, the increased stiffness may reduce the ability of the loudspeaker to produce relatively low-frequency sounds.

[0023] Aspects of the subject technology can help reduce the stiffness by which a speaker membrane is movably suspended even in implementations in compact devices having small back cavities.

[0024] According to aspects of the subject disclosure, a stiffness reduction for an audio transducer such as a speaker is provided. For example, the stiffness reduction can be achieved using one or more magnetic structures on, near, or within the voice coil of a speaker. The one or more magnetic structures can interact with a permanent (e.g., fixed) magnet of the speaker to effectively reduce the stiffness by which the membrane is movably suspended. For example, the magnetic structure can be configured to provide negative stiffness that effectively offsets the portion of the stiffness that is generated by the trapped air in the back cavity. As discussed in further detail below, in various specific implementations, the magnetic structure and membrane of the speaker can be arranged to form a bistable system or a tristable system that provides negative stiffness.

[0025] Figure 1 An exemplary electronic device including an audio transducer such as a speaker is shown in FIG. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 100 has been implemented using a housing 106. In one or more specific implementations, the housing 106 can be configured to rest on a table, shelf, desk, counter, or floor (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 100 may be a smart speaker, a desktop computer, a television, a wireless speaker, a game console, etc.). In one or more other implementations, the housing 106 may be small enough to be portable and carried or worn by a user (e.g., Figure 1The electronic device 100 may be a handheld electronic device such as a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a portable wireless speaker, a cellular phone or a smart phone, or may be a wearable device such as a smart watch, a hanging device, a head-mounted device, etc.).

[0026] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the housing 106 includes an opening 112. For example, the opening 112 may form a port for an audio component. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the opening 112 forms a speaker port for a speaker 114 disposed within the housing 106. In this example, the speaker 114 is mounted directly adjacent to the opening 112. In one or more other implementations, the speaker 114 can be offset from the opening 112, and sound from the speaker can be routed to and through the opening 112 by one or more internal device structures.

[0027] In various implementations, housing 106 may also include other openings, such as openings for one or more microphones, one or more pressure sensors, other sensors, one or more light sources, or other components that receive signals from or provide signals to the environment outside of housing 106. Openings such as opening 112 may be open ports or may be fully or partially covered with a permeable membrane or mesh structure that allows air and / or sound to pass through. Although Figure 1 106, but this is merely illustrative. One opening 112, two openings 112, or more than two openings 112 can be provided in the housing 106, and / or two or more speakers 114 can be provided in the housing 106. In some implementations, one or more groups of openings in the housing 106 can be aligned with a single port of an audio component in the housing 106. The housing 106, sometimes referred to as a shell, can be formed of plastic, glass, ceramic, fiber composite materials, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), other suitable materials, or a combination of any two or more of these materials.

[0028] Figure 1 The configuration of the electronic device 100 is merely illustrative. In various implementations, the electronic device 100 may be a computer, such as a computer integrated into a display (such as a computer monitor), a laptop computer, a media player, a gaming device, a navigation device, a computer monitor, a television, headphones, earbuds, or other electronic equipment. As discussed herein, in some implementations, the electronic device 100 may be provided in the form of a laptop computer or a smart speaker. In one or more implementations, the housing 106 may include one or more interfaces for mechanically coupling the housing 106 to a strap or other structure for securing the housing 106 to the wearer.

[0029] In one or more specific implementations, the electronic device 100 may also include a display (not shown) mounted to or within the housing 106. The electronic device 100 may include one or more input / output devices such as a touch screen incorporated into the display, buttons, switches, dials, crowns, and / or other input / output components disposed on or behind the housing, display. The housing 106 and / or the display may include one or more openings to accommodate buttons, speakers, light sources, or cameras (as examples).

[0030] Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of an electronic device 100 including a speaker 114 is shown. In this example, the speaker 114 may include a front volume 209 and a rear cavity 211. The front volume 209 and the rear cavity 211 may be separated by a sound generating component 215 (e.g., a diaphragm, membrane, or actuatable component of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) speaker). The front volume 209 may be fluidly and acoustically coupled to the opening 112 in the housing 106. The front volume 209 and / or the rear cavity 211 may be formed in whole or in part by the speaker housing 200. Figure 2 In the example of the embodiment, the speaker housing 200 is disposed within the housing 106 of the electronic device 100. In one or more other implementations, the housing 106 may form part or all of a speaker housing of the speaker 114. In one or more implementations, the rear cavity 211 may be a sealed rear cavity partially defined by the speaker housing 200 and / or the sound generating component 215.

[0031] exist Figure 2 In the example of , the speaker 114 includes a speaker circuit 222. The speaker circuit may include, for example, a voice coil 203, a fixed magnet 205, and / or other speaker circuits. In one or more specific implementations, the electronic device 100 may also include other circuits such as a device circuit 224. The device circuit 224 may include one or more processors, memories, acoustic components, tactile components, mechanical components, electronic components, or any other suitable components of an electronic device. In one or more specific implementations, the device circuit 224 may also include one or more sensors, such as an inertial sensor (e.g., one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, and / or magnetometers), a heart rate sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, a positioning sensor, a microphone, and the like. In one or more specific implementations, the device circuit 224 may generate a current through the voice coil 203 based on the audio content to be output by the speaker 114. The current through the voice coil 203 may generate a variable magnetic field that interacts with the fixed magnet 205 to cause the voice coil 203 and thus the sound generating component 215 to move to produce a sound corresponding to the audio content.

[0032] Figure 3 1 shows a top view of a speaker assembly of the speaker 114 according to one or more implementations. Figure 3 As shown, the speaker 114 may include a diaphragm 301 (e.g., a specific implementation of the sound generating component 215). The speaker 114 may also include a surround 302 that extends around the perimeter of the diaphragm 301 and movably suspends the diaphragm 301. In one or more specific implementations, the diaphragm 301 may include a dome portion 300 and a neck portion 304 that extends around the perimeter of the dome portion 300. In one or more specific implementations, the surround 302 may extend from the diaphragm 301 (e.g., from the neck portion 304) to a support structure such as a support structure 306. The support structure 306 may be a fixed support structure (e.g., fixed to and / or relative to other parts of the speaker assembly, such as a speaker frame or speaker housing, and / or fixed to and / or relative to other parts or components of the device in which the speaker is implemented). The surround 302 may be formed of a flexible elastic material that movably suspends the diaphragm 301 relative to other components of the speaker (such as the support structure 306 and / or one or more fixed magnets).

[0033] Figure 4 A bottom perspective view of the speaker 114 is shown, wherein it can be seen Figure 3 The lower side of the surrounding member 302. Figure 4 As shown, the speaker 114 may include a magnet 400 (eg, a first magnet) and a magnet 401, which may be Figure 2 The fixed magnet 205 is implemented as a specific embodiment and is separated by a gap 404, a voice coil 402 (eg, Figure 2 The voice coil 203 of the embodiment of the present invention is arranged in the gap. Figure 4 In the configuration of , when current is provided through the voice coil 402, the generated magnetic field interacts with the magnets 400 and 401 to move the voice coil 402, and thus moves the diaphragm 301 attached to the voice coil 402. The magnets 400 and 401 may be two separate magnets, or may be two parts of a single structure (e.g., a continuous magnet) with a gap 404 between the two parts.

[0034] Figure 5A Shows Figure 4 4 is a cross-sectional view of the speaker 114, wherein additional details of the voice coil 402 can be seen. As shown, the voice coil 402 can be formed on (e.g., mounted to) a voice coil former 500 and can be disposed within a gap 404 in the magnet 400. As shown, the voice coil 402 can be formed by a plurality of windings 502 wound around a magnet 401, which is centered within a hole formed by the voice coil 402. As shown, the voice coil 402 can extend from a first end 504 to a second end 506.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the magnet 400 may have a first magnetic pole outside the voice coil 402, facing the voice coil and separated from the voice coil and having a first magnetic polarity P1 (e.g., a north pole), and the magnet 401 may have a second magnetic pole inside the voice coil 402, facing the voice coil and separated from the voice coil and having a second magnetic polarity P2 (e.g., a south pole) opposite to the first magnetic polarity P1.

[0036] like Figure 5A As shown, the rear cavity 211 (e.g., as defined by the speaker housing 200 and the diaphragm 301 (e.g., and the surround 302)) can be a sealed volume that traps air therein. The trapped air can create an air spring that creates an increased stiffness by which the diaphragm 301 is movably mounted by the surround 302. Figure 4 and Figure 5A As shown, speaker 114 can be substantially symmetrical about axis 505.

[0037] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5A In the example of , voice coil 402 is movably suspended relative to magnet 400 and magnet 401, which are implemented as fixed magnets (e.g., magnets fixed in place relative to speaker housing 200 and / or housing 106 of electronic device 100). However, in one or more other specific implementations, magnet 400 and magnet 401 can be movable magnets, and voice coil 402 can be a fixed voice coil (e.g., a voice coil fixed in place relative to speaker housing 200 and / or housing 106 of electronic device 100). For example, Figure 5B Another specific implementation of the speaker 114 is shown, in which the magnets 400 and 401 are implemented as movable magnets and the voice coil 402 is implemented as a fixed voice coil. Figure 5B As shown, the voice coil 402 can be fixed (e.g., fixed to the speaker housing 200 or fixed to another fixed structure of the speaker 114 and / or the electronic device 100), and the magnets 400 and 401 can be movably suspended relative to the fixed voice coil. In this example, the diaphragm 301 is mechanically coupled to the magnets 400 and 401. Figure 5B In this configuration, when current is provided through the voice coil 402, the resulting magnetic field interacts with the magnets 400 and 401 to move the magnets 400 and 401 (e.g., in a direction parallel to the axis 505), and thus moves the diaphragm 301 attached to the magnets 400 and 401. Figure 5B In the example, as in Figure 4 and Figure 5A As in the example of , speaker 114 can be substantially symmetrical about axis 505.

[0038] According to aspects of the subject disclosure, a speaker such as speaker 114 may be provided with one or more magnetic structures that reduce the stiffness of the diaphragm 301 through which it is movably mounted by the surround 302 (e.g., by creating an effective negative stiffness that offsets some or all of the stiffness created by trapped air in the rear cavity 211). Figures 6 to 12 Various examples of such magnetic structures are shown in FIG. 1 , and in various exemplary implementations, each of these figures depicts Figure 5A or Figure 5B The portion of the speaker 114 of any one of the speakers within the dotted box 599. For simplicity and clarity, Figure 4 and Figure 5A The specific implementation is described Figures 6 to 12 , wherein magnets 400 and 401 are first and second fixed magnets, and voice coil 402 is movably suspended and configured to move relative to magnets 400 and 401 (and thereby move diaphragm 301) when current passes through the voice coil. However, it should be understood that Figures 6 to 12 Any of the features in the examples of Figure 5B The invention is implemented in a configuration in which magnet 400 and magnet 401 are a first movable magnet and a second movable magnet, the voice coil 402 and the voice coil former 500 are fixed, and magnet 400 and magnet 401 are movably suspended and configured to move relative to the voice coil 402 (and thereby move the diaphragm 301) when current passes through the voice coil.

[0039] For example, Figure 6 An example implementation is shown Figure 5A or Figure 5B 599 of the speaker 114, wherein the first magnetic structure 600 is disposed adjacent to the first end 504 of the voice coil 402, and the second magnetic structure 602 is disposed adjacent to the second end 506 of the voice coil 402. As shown, the first magnetic structure 600 and the second magnetic structure 602 can be formed on (e.g., mounted to or attached to) the voice coil former 500, away from the two ends of the voice coil 402 that are also formed on the voice coil former 500. In this manner, the first magnetic structure 600 and the second magnetic structure 602 can be configured to move with the voice coil 402 and the diaphragm 301 in response to providing an electric current through the winding 502 of the voice coil 402 (or remain fixed with the diaphragm 301 as the diaphragm 301, the magnet 400, and the magnet 401 move relative to the voice coil 402, the first magnetic structure 600, and the second magnetic structure 602).

[0040] exist Figure 6In the example of FIG. 4 , the cross-sectional view only shows one side of the gap 404 and the voice coil 402, the voice coil former 500, the first magnetic structure 600 and the second magnetic structure 602 disposed therein. However, it should be understood that, as shown in combination with FIG. Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As discussed, the voice coil 402, the voice coil former 500, the first magnetic structure 600, and the second magnetic structure 602 may be related to Figure 5A or Figure 5B 401. For example, the first magnetic structure 600 may be formed by a first ring of magnetic material (e.g., ferromagnetic material such as steel) attached to the voice coil former 500 at a first location adjacent to the first end 504 of the voice coil 402, and the second magnetic structure 602 may be formed by a second ring of magnetic material (e.g., ferromagnetic material such as steel) attached to the voice coil former at a second location adjacent to the second end 506 of the voice coil 402. In various implementations, the first magnetic structure 600 and / or the second magnetic structure 602 may be formed by a continuous magnetic ring extending three hundred and sixty degrees around the magnet 401, or may be formed by two, three, four, or more than three non-continuous annular segments or c-shaped ferromagnetic structures extending partially around the magnet 401 and including one or more gaps between the segments.

[0041] exist Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , the first magnetic structure 600 and the second magnetic structure 602 may interact with the magnet 400 and / or the magnet 401 to form a magnetic field generated for the vibrating membrane 301 (eg, which may be as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 5A In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the voice coil former 500 is coupled to the voice coil former 500, or as Figure 5B In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the bistable system is coupled to the negative stiffness of the magnet 400 or the magnet 401. This negative stiffness can offset some or all of the stiffness generated by the trapped air in the back cavity 211, which resists the movement of the diaphragm 301.

[0042] For example, Figure 6 The bistable magnetic system in Figure 6 The center position shown (e.g., the position where the center 604 of the voice coil 402 is centered between the P1 pole of the magnet 400 and the P2 pole of the magnet 401) may be unstable and may have two preferred, stable configurations at the far end of the motion allowed by the surround 302 (e.g., parallel to the axis 505). For example, at Figure 6In the configuration shown, both the first magnetic structure 600 and the second magnetic structure 602 may experience substantially equal and opposite attractive forces toward a magnet (e.g., magnet 400 and magnet 401). For this reason, the magnetic attraction on one of the first magnetic structure 600 and the second magnetic structure 602 increases as the distance from magnet 400 and / or 401 decreases, while the magnetic attraction on the other of the first magnetic structure 600 and the second magnetic structure 602 decreases as the distance from magnet 400 and / or 401 increases. Therefore, the magnetic interaction between magnet 400 and / or 401 and the first magnetic structure 600 and the second magnetic structure 602 may assist any displacement in one direction (e.g., along a direction parallel to axis 505) (e.g., caused by current passing through voice coil 402) until the end of the allowed range of motion. For this reason, Figure 6 The bistable configuration of can at least partially offset any resistance to the movement of the diaphragm 301 caused by trapped air in the back cavity 211 and thereby reduce the stiffness of the speaker system.

[0043] In one or more specific implementations, the operation Figure 6 The bistable system may include performing a centering operation (e.g., by controlling the current through the voice coil 402 and / or via another centering system or component) to maintain the voice coil 402 in both a direction parallel to the axis 505 and a direction perpendicular to the axis 505. Figure 6 However, because these centering operations may consume power and / or utilize additional speaker components, it may also be desirable to provide a speaker with a tri-stable magnetic configuration.

[0044] For example, Figure 7 An example is shown in which the speaker 114 is implemented with a tri-stable magnetic system. Figure 7 As shown, the speaker 114 may include a first magnetic structure 600 and a second magnetic structure 602, and may also include a third magnetic structure 700 disposed between the first magnetic structure 600 and the second magnetic structure 602. As shown, the third magnetic structure 700 may also be disposed between the first portion 702 and the second portion 704 of the voice coil 402. For example, the third magnetic structure 700 may be formed on (e.g., mounted to or attached to) the voice coil former 500 at the center 604 of the voice coil 402 (e.g., having an equal number of windings 502 on each of two opposing sides of the third magnetic structure 700). The first portion 702 and the second portion 704 of the voice coil 402 may be a first set of windings and a second set of windings of a single wire, and may form a single continuous conductive path for current used to control sound generation of the speaker 114.

[0045] Provide as Figure 7The third magnetic structure shown in FIG. 1 can be formed to have three natural resting positions (for example, including Figure 7 The center position shown in and the above combination Figure 6 The tristable magnetic system can provide natural centering of the voice coil 402 relative to the magnet (e.g., at Figure 7 ) (eg, due to the additional attraction of the third magnetic structure 700 to the magnets 400 and / or 401). In this manner, the speaker 114 may be operated without performing a displacement centering operation that may be performed with a bistable system.

[0046] Figure 8 Another example of a tri-stable system for speaker 114 is shown. Figure 8 In an example of a tristable system, a tristable system is provided without including a third magnetic structure at the center of the voice coil (e.g., as Figure 7 in). Figure 8 In the example of , the first magnetic structure 800 is disposed at or near the first end of the voice coil former 500 (e.g., beyond the first end 504 of the voice coil 402), and the second magnetic structure 802 is disposed at or near the second end of the voice coil former 500 (e.g., beyond the second end 506 of the voice coil 402). As shown, the first magnetic structure 800 and the second magnetic structure 802 can be formed on (e.g., mounted to or attached to) the voice coil former 500, away from two corresponding ends of the voice coil 402 also formed on the voice coil former 500. In this example, the first magnetic structure 800 and the second magnetic structure 802 can be relatively Figure 6 The first magnetic structure 600 and the second magnetic structure 602 of the bistable system are smaller and / or less magnetic.

[0047] By providing Figure 6 Compared to the smaller, less magnetic, and / or more remote magnetic structures shown in , the effects of the first and second magnetic structures 800, 802 (on the motion of the voice coil 402, voice coil former 500, and diaphragm 301) may be negligible for small displacements from the center of the voice coil 402 (e.g., relative to magnets 400 and / or 401), voice coil former 500, and diaphragm 301. Thus, Figure 8 In the specific implementation of the speaker 114, the speaker 114 can be stabilized at Figure 8. In this configuration, the effects of the first magnetic structure 800 and the second magnetic structure 802 and their interaction with the magnets 400 and 401 may only begin to significantly assist the movement of the voice coil 402, the voice coil former 500, and the diaphragm 301 for larger displacements from the center of the voice coil 402, the voice coil former 500, and the diaphragm 301 (e.g., once one of the first magnetic structure 800 and the second magnetic structure 802 moves within a threshold distance of the magnet 400 and / or the magnet 401). In this way, Figure 8 The system may include a first stable position at the center of motion parallel to axis 505, a second stable position at a first distal end of the motion allowed by surround 302 (e.g., when first magnetic structure 800 is at its closest position to magnets 400 and / or 401 and second magnetic structure 802 is at its farthest position from magnets 400 and / or 401, regardless of whether due to Figure 5A The movement of the voice coil 402 and the voice coil former 500 in the configuration of Figure 5B configuration), and a third stable position at a second relatively distal end of the movement allowed by the surround 302 (for example, when the first magnetic structure 800 is at its farthest position from the magnets 400 and / or 401, and the second magnetic structure 802 is at its closest position to the magnets 400 and / or 401).

[0048] exist Figures 6 to 8 In the example of FIG. 1 , the magnetic structure that reduces the stiffness of the speaker 114 is formed of a magnetic (e.g., ferromagnetic) material attached to the voice coil former 500. In one or more other specific implementations, some or all of the magnetic structures (e.g., some or all of the first magnetic structure 600, the second magnetic structure 602, the third magnetic structure 700, the first magnetic structure 800, and / or the second magnetic structure 802) can be formed as an integral part of the voice coil former 500 (e.g., at a location in conjunction with the voice coil former 500). Figures 6 to 8 Some portions at or near the location described by the magnetic structure may be formed of a magnetic material such as steel).

[0049] In one or more specific implementations, one or more segments of the voice coil 402 itself can be formed of magnetic material. Figures 6 to 8 Some portions of the first magnetic structure 600, the second magnetic structure 602, the third magnetic structure 700, the first magnetic structure 800, and / or the second magnetic structure 802 at or near the described locations may be formed of a magnetic material such as steel. Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a loudspeaker 114 is shown in one implementation in which some of the windings 502 of the voice coil 402 are formed of a magnetic material, such as steel.

[0050] like Fig. 9 As shown, in one or more specific implementations, the windings 502 of the voice coil 402 may include a first group 900 of windings 904 formed of a conductive magnetic material (e.g., steel) and a second group 902 of windings 906 formed of a conductive non-magnetic material (e.g., copper). In one or more specific implementations, the first group 900 of windings 906 may form a continuous conductive path with the second group 902 of windings 904. For example, each of the two ends of the non-magnetic wire (e.g., copper wire) forming the winding 906 may be spliced ​​together or otherwise connected to the end of the magnetic (e.g., steel) wire forming the winding 904. In this way, the voice coil 402 may be a continuous coil including magnetic segments and non-magnetic segments, both of which carry current provided to drive the movement of the voice coil 402 and, therefore, the movement of the diaphragm 301. In one or more other specific implementations, the magnetic winding 904 may be a passive winding of a magnetic wire that does not receive any current passing through it. In one or more other implementations, the magnetic winding 904 can be an active winding of magnetic wire that is separate from the non-magnetic winding 906 and receives a different current than that provided through the non-magnetic winding.

[0051] exist Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 4 , the magnetic winding 904 is located at the first corresponding end and the second corresponding end of the voice coil 402. In this way, the size and position of the magnetic winding can be set to form a bistable magnetic system (e.g., as Figure 6 In one or more other implementations, the position of the magnetic winding 904 may cause the magnetic winding 904 to form a tri-stable magnetic system (e.g., Figure 7 or Figure 8 For example, in one or more implementations, one or more additional magnetic windings 904 may be provided at one or more additional locations within the voice coil 402 (e.g., at or near the center of the voice coil to provide a tri-stable system, such as Figure 7 ).

[0052] exist Figures 6 to 9 In the example of , an audio transducer such as a speaker is provided with a magnetic structure on, near or within a voice coil, which is formed of a magnetically sensitive material (e.g., a ferromagnetic material) attached to one or more magnets (e.g., magnets 400 and / or 401, which are also formed of a magnetic material and have been magnetized to have north and south poles and generate a magnetic field in the space around the magnets). Figures 6 to 9In the example of , the magnetic structures are not magnetized and may not generate their own magnetic fields. However, in one or more specific implementations, an audio transducer such as a speaker may include one or more fixed magnets and one or more movable magnets that interact with the fixed magnets to reduce the effective stiffness of the diaphragm of the speaker by which it is movably mounted. For example, Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B An example implementation of a speaker 114 is shown in which one or more fixed magnets and one or more movable magnets interact to reduce the effective stiffness by which a diaphragm of the speaker is movably mounted.

[0053] For example, Fig. 10A The speaker 114 is shown in Figure 5A or Figure 5B 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion depicted within a dotted line frame, wherein the speaker 114 includes a magnet 1000 (e.g., a second magnet in addition to the first magnet, such as magnet 400 or magnet 401). As shown, magnet 400 may include a first pole P1 facing a first side of a voice coil 402, and magnet 401 (e.g., a separate magnet or a portion of magnet 400) may include a second pole P2 facing an opposite second side of the voice coil 402 opposite to the first pole P1. (e.g., as Figures 6 to 9 in). Fig. 10A In the example of FIG. 1 , the speaker 114 includes a magnet 1000 disposed between two portions 1004 and 1006 of the voice coil 402 (eg, between two sets of windings 502 of the voice coil 402). Fig. 10A As shown, the voice coil 402 and the magnet 1000 can be mounted to the voice coil former 500. For example, the magnet 1000 can be disposed at the center of the voice coil former 500, between two substantially equal portions 1004 and 1006 of the voice coil 402. Figure 5A In one or more embodiments (e.g., as in Figure 5B In a specific implementation of the present invention, magnet 1000 may be a fixed magnet fixed in an appropriate position with voice coil 402 and configured to repel magnet 400 and magnet 401 with varying degrees of force when magnet 400 and magnet 401 move relative to the fixed voice coil and magnet 1000.

[0054] For example, Fig. 10AAs shown, magnet 1000 may include a first magnetic pole P1 and a second magnetic pole P2, the first magnetic pole P1 facing the first magnetic pole P1 of magnet 400, and the second magnetic pole P2 facing the second magnetic pole P2 of magnet 401. For example, in one or more specific implementations, magnetic pole P1 may be a north pole and magnetic pole P2 may be a south pole. As another example, in one or more other specific implementations, magnetic pole P1 may be a south pole and magnetic pole P2 may be a north pole.

[0055] For example, Fig. 10A As shown, in one or more specific implementations, the voice coil 402 and the magnet 1000 are capable of moving along a first dimension (e.g., a dimension parallel to the axis 505 of the speaker 114) within a gap 404 between a north pole (e.g., P1) and a south pole (e.g., P2) of the magnet 400 and / or 401, and the magnet 1000 has a south pole (e.g., P2) and a north pole (e.g., P1) aligned along a second dimension 1002 substantially perpendicular to the first dimension. As shown, the north pole (e.g., P1) of the magnet 1000 can be arranged to be opposite (e.g., facing) to the north pole (e.g., P1) of the magnet 400, and the south pole (e.g., P2) of the magnet 1000 can be arranged to be opposite (e.g., facing) to the south pole (e.g., P2) of the magnet 401 to provide a repulsive force between the magnet 1000 and the magnets 400 and / or 401. In this manner, for example, when the current flowing through the voice coil 402 causes the voice coil 402 and the magnet 1000 to move away from each other in any direction along a dimension parallel to the axis 505, Fig. 10A As the center position shown in FIG. 1 is moved, the repulsive force between magnet 1000 and magnets 400 and / or 401 can assist the movement of voice coil 402 (and thus diaphragm 301 coupled thereto) and in this way reduce the stiffness of the loudspeaker.

[0056] Fig. 10A The configuration in which the speaker 114 includes a magnet 1000 that repels magnets 400 and / or 401 may also be beneficial in providing a centering force for the voice coil 402 and / or magnets 400 and / or 401 along dimension 1002. By repelling both magnets 400 on one side of the voice coil and (e.g., equally) repelling magnets 401 on the other side of the voice coil, the magnet 1000 may center the voice coil 402 within the gap 404 and help prevent contact between the voice coil 402 and magnets 400 and / or 401.

[0057] exist Fig. 10A In the example, the magnet 1000 that repels magnets 400 and 401 can be implemented as a movable magnet that is disposed in a gap 404 in the magnet, the voice coil 402 is disposed in the gap (e.g., a main voice coil gap), and the movable magnet is mounted to the voice coil former 500 for movement parallel to the axis 505 with the voice coil 402. Fig. 10BAnother example implementation is shown in which magnets are provided to reduce the stiffness of speaker 114 by repelling one or more of magnets 400 and / or 401 .

[0058] exist Fig. 10B In an example of , magnets 400 and 401 may be movable magnets disposed on opposite sides of a gap 404 therebetween (e.g., as indicated by the double-headed arrows in the figure). For example, voice coil 402 may be implemented as a fixed voice coil (e.g., a fixed stator of a reluctance motor implementation that serves as a speaker circuit such as speaker 114), and magnets 400 and 401 may be movably suspended relative to the fixed voice coil. In this configuration, magnet 400 is disposed on a first side of voice coil 402, and magnet 401 is disposed on a second side of voice coil 402. In this configuration, as in Figure 5B In the example of , the sound generating component 215 such as the diaphragm 301 can be mechanically coupled to the magnet 400 and / or the magnet 401. Fig. 10B In the example of , the speaker 114 also includes an additional fixed voice coil 1052 (e.g., formed on the additional fixed voice coil bobbin 1054) between the magnet 400 and the magnet 401. In one or more specific implementations, a third movable magnet 1050 (e.g., mechanically coupled to the diaphragm 301 and configured to move with the magnets 400 and / or 401) may be disposed between the fixed voice coil (e.g., the voice coil 402 in this specific implementation) and the additional fixed voice coil 1052.

[0059] exist Fig. 10B In an example of , the speaker 114 also includes a fixed magnet 1056. For example, the fixed magnet 1056 can be disposed in an additional gap 1058 in the movable magnet of the speaker 114. As shown, the magnet 401 (e.g., a second movable magnet on the second side of the voice coil) can be disposed between the fixed magnet 1056 and the additional fixed voice coil 1052 (and / or between the fixed magnet 1056 and the voice coil 402). As shown, the fixed magnet 1056 can have a first magnetic pole (e.g., P2 such as a south pole) that faces a corresponding magnetic pole of the magnet 401 (e.g., the same magnetic pole P2, such as a south pole). In this way, the fixed magnet 1056 can be configured to repel at least the magnet 401 with increasing and decreasing force as the magnet 401 moves toward and away from the fixed magnet 1056 (e.g., parallel to the axis 505). In this manner, the repulsive forces of fixed magnet 1056 and magnet 401 (eg, the moving magnet in this implementation) may assist in the movement of magnets 400 , 401 , and / or 1050 and thereby effectively reduce the stiffness of speaker 114 .

[0060] exist Fig. 10B In one or more variations of the specific implementation, in combination Figures 6 to 10AAny, none, or all of the described magnetic structures may also be included in a speaker 114 having a fixed magnet 1056 (eg, where one or more of the magnetic structures are fixed in place along with a fixed voice coil).

[0061] In Figures 5 to Fig. 10B In the example of FIG. 4 , magnets 400 and 401 are separated by a gap 404 that extends between magnets 400 and 401 in a direction substantially parallel to an axis 505 of speaker 114. In one or more implementations, other configurations of magnets may be used. Figure 6 to Figure 1 0 is used together with the voice coil 402 and the magnetic structure.

[0062] For example, Fig.11 As shown, the magnets of the speaker 114 may include a pair of magnet portions on each side of the voice coil. As shown, the speaker 114 may include: magnets 400 and 1100, magnets 400 and 1100 having the same magnetic polarity (e.g., P1) and separated by a gap 1104 on a first side of the voice coil 402 (e.g., on the outside of the voice coil 402); and magnets 401 and 1101, magnets 401 and 1101 having the same magnetic polarity (e.g., P2), which may be separated by a gap 1106 on a second side of the voice coil 402 (e.g., on the inside of the voice coil 402, such as within a cylindrical hole formed by the windings of the voice coil). As shown, magnets 1100 and 1101 may be separated by a gap 404, and the voice coil 402 is disposed in the gap and actuated in the gap.

[0063] In various implementations, magnet 1100 and magnet 1101 may be separate magnets or may be portions of a single magnet (e.g., opposite poles) having an opening corresponding to gap 404. In various implementations, magnet 400 and magnet 1100 may be separate magnets or may be portions of a single magnet having an opening corresponding to gap 1104. In various implementations, magnet 401 and magnet 1101 may be separate magnets or may be portions of a single magnet having an opening corresponding to gap 1106.

[0064] exist Fig.11 In the example of the speaker 114, the magnetic structure of the speaker 114 that provides the speaker 114 with reduced stiffness is Figure 8 The first magnetic structure 800 and the second magnetic structure 802. However, this is merely illustrative, and in various other specific implementations, Figure 1 The magnets 400, 401, 1100 and 1101 can be used with Figure 6 to Figure 10 (for example, any or all of the first magnetic structure 600, the second magnetic structure 602, the third magnetic structure 700, the first magnetic structure 800, the second magnetic structure 802, the magnetic winding 904 and / or the magnet 1000).

[0065] exist Figure 6 to Figure 1 0, the magnetic structure of the speaker 114 that provides the speaker 114 with reduced stiffness is depicted and described as being formed on (e.g., attached to) the voice coil former 500 within the gap 404 between the magnets 400 and 401. However, it should also be understood that in one or more other specific implementations, the voice coil 402 and / or the voice coil former 500 may not have a magnetic structure, and / or Figure 6 to Figure 1 0 (e.g., any or all of the first magnetic structure 600, the second magnetic structure 602, the third magnetic structure 700, the first magnetic structure 800, the second magnetic structure 802, the magnetic winding 904 and / or the magnet 1000) and / or one or more additional magnetic structures may be formed on one or more separate coil formers (e.g., and mechanically connected to the voice coil 402 and / or the diaphragm 301) in one or more additional gaps (e.g., one or more additional gaps aligned with the axis 505) disposed in the fixed magnet.

[0066] It should also be understood that Figure 6 to Figure 1 0, the first magnetic structure 600, the second magnetic structure 602, and the third magnetic structure 700 are provided without the first magnetic structure 800, the second magnetic structure 802, or the magnetic winding 904. However, in one or more other specific implementations, Figure 6 to Figure 1 0 (for example, two or more or all of the first magnetic structure 600, the second magnetic structure 602, the third magnetic structure 700, the first magnetic structure 800, the second magnetic structure 802, the magnetic winding 904 and / or the magnet 1000) can be used together in an audio transducer such as a speaker 114.

[0067] For example, Fig.12An example implementation is shown in which a speaker 114 includes a first magnetic structure 800 and a second magnetic structure 802 at opposite ends of a voice coil 402, and includes a first set 900 of windings 904 formed of a conductive magnetic material (e.g., steel) and a second set 902 of windings 906 formed of a conductive non-magnetic material (e.g., copper). In this example, the speaker 114 also includes a voice coil former 500 that includes a non-magnetic portion 1200 and one or more magnetic portions 1202. As shown, the one or more magnetic portions 1202 may include a first magnetic portion 1202 and a second magnetic portion 1202, and the non-magnetic portion 1200 may be disposed between the first magnetic portion 1202 and the second magnetic portion 1202. For example, the non-magnetic portion 1200 may be formed of a non-magnetic insulating material, and the magnetic portion 1202 may be formed of a ferromagnetic material such as steel, iron, cobalt, nickel, other magnetic materials, and / or combinations and / or alloys thereof. As shown, portions of the voice coil 402 may be formed on (eg, mounted to) both the magnetic portion 1202 and the non-magnetic portion 1200 of the voice coil former 500 .

[0068] In one or more specific implementations, the first set 900 of windings 904 formed of non-magnetic material can form a continuous conductive path with the second set 902 of windings 906 formed of magnetic material. For example, the continuous conductive path can be used to provide current through the windings 904 and the windings 906 to actuate the voice coil 402 (or actuate the magnets 400 and 401 relative to the voice coil 402), and thus actuate the diaphragm 301 to produce sound. In one or more other specific implementations, the first set 900 of windings 904 formed of non-magnetic material can form a separate conductive path with the second set 902 of windings 906 formed of magnetic material. In these specific implementations, the windings 904 can carry a different current than the windings 906, or the windings 904 may not be used to carry current.

[0069] exist Fig.12 In the example of FIG. 1 , an audio transducer (eg, speaker 114) is shown, which includes: a first magnet (eg, magnet 400 and / or magnet 401); a voice coil 402; and a sound generating component (eg, Figure 5A Attached to the voice coil former 500 as shown in Figure 5B The sound generating component is mechanically coupled to one of the voice coil 402 and the first magnet and is movably suspended relative to the other of the voice coil or the first magnet, wherein the voice coil 402 includes a first plurality of windings 906 formed of a non-magnetic material and a second plurality of windings 904 formed of a magnetic material. As described herein in conjunction with, for example Figure 2As discussed in relation to FIG. 5 , the audio transducer may also include a sealed rear cavity 211 filled with air that creates stiffness against movement of the sound generating components (eg, and the voice coil). Fig.12 In the example of , the second plurality of windings 904 formed of a magnetic material is configured to magnetically interact with the first magnet (e.g., magnet 400 and / or magnet 401) to provide a negative stiffness that effectively offsets at least some of the stiffness generated by the air in the sealed rear cavity 211. Fig.12 In the example of , the audio transducer further includes a first magnetic ring (e.g., a first magnetic structure 800) at the first end 504 of the voice coil 402 and a second magnetic ring (e.g., a second magnetic structure 802) at the opposite second end 506 of the voice coil 402. In one or more other specific implementations, as Fig.12 The first magnetic structure 800 and / or the second magnetic structure 802 shown in FIG. 8 may be implemented as a plurality of (eg, non-continuous) annular segments and / or c-shaped magnetic structures (eg, to counteract hysteresis effects).

[0070] Fig.12 Also shown is how one or more or all of the magnetic structures that provide reduced stiffness for speaker 114 may be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or positioned) to provide a gradually changing magnetic interaction with a gradually changing distance from the center position of voice coil 402 and / or from magnets 400 and / or 401. For example, in Fig.12 In the example of FIG. 4 , the first magnetic structure 800 and the second magnetic structure 802 have a triangular cross-section with a radial width that increases with increasing distance from the center 604 of the voice coil 402 . Fig.12 In the example of , voice coil 402 also includes different numbers of windings 904 of magnetic material at different distances from center 604 of voice coil 402. Providing magnetic structures of different widths from center 604 and / or different numbers of windings at specific distances from center 604 can cause the magnetic structures and / or windings to experience gradually changing forces with gradually changing distances from magnets 400 and / or 401 as voice coil 402 moves in gap 404 or as the magnet moves in gap 404 relative to voice coil 402.

[0071] This progressive force can help reduce or prevent distortion in the sound from the speaker 114 that might otherwise be caused by magnetic interactions of the magnetic structure and / or windings. Fig.12 Examples of (and / or Figures 6 to 11The speaker 114 in any of the examples of ) can be operated using additional linearization operation (e.g., controlled by current through the voice coil 402 and / or one or more additional linearization components). In one or more specific implementations, the magnetic portion 1202 of the voice coil former 500, the winding 904, and / or the first magnetic structure 800 and / or the second magnetic structure 802 can be advantageously configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or positioned to) focus flux from the magnet system to offset reception in the winding 906 (e.g., copper and / or other non-ferromagnetic wire turns) for a given magnet geometry.

[0072] like Fig.12 As shown in , in one or more specific implementations, the first magnetic structure 800 and / or the second magnetic structure 802 may be radially tapered structures. In one or more specific implementations, some portions of the first magnetic structure 800 and / or the second magnetic structure 802 may be axially tapered. Fig.12 In the example of , first magnetic structure 800 and / or second magnetic structure 802 each have a shape configured to gradually interact with first magnet (e.g., magnet 400 and / or magnet 401) in response to a gradually changing distance from first magnet (e.g., magnet 400 and / or magnet 401). Fig.12 As shown, the voice coil 402 extends from the first end 504 through the center 604 to the second end 506, and the group 900 of windings 904 formed of magnetic material includes a first number of windings (e.g., one) at a first distance (e.g., D1) from the center 604 of the voice coil and a second number of windings (e.g., two, three, or more than three) different from the first number of windings at a second distance (e.g., D2) from the center 604 of the voice coil. In this manner, the first number of windings and the second number of windings can be configured to gradually interact with the magnet in response to a gradually changing distance from the magnet (e.g., in some implementations, as the voice coil 402 and, therefore, the magnetic windings move due to current passing through the voice coil).

[0073] like Fig.12As shown in the example of , each of the first magnetic structure 800 and the second magnetic structure 802 is tapered such that the magnetic structure has a first width (e.g., a first radial width) at a first distance (e.g., D3) from the center 604 of the voice coil 402 in a direction orthogonal to a line extending from the first end of the voice coil to the opposite second end of the voice coil (e.g., a radial direction), and has a second width at a second distance (e.g., D4) from the center 604 of the voice coil 402 in a direction orthogonal to a line extending from the first end 504 of the voice coil 402 to the opposite second end 506 of the voice coil 402. As shown, the first width can be different from (e.g., greater than) the second width. In this manner, the first width and the second width of each of the first magnetic structure 800 and / or the second magnetic structure 802 can be configured to gradually interact with the first magnet in response to a gradually changing distance from the first magnet (e.g., magnet 400 and / or magnet 401) (e.g., in some implementations, as the voice coil 402, and thus the magnetic structure, moves due to current passing therethrough).

[0074] Fig.13 A flowchart of an example process for operating an audio transducer such as a speaker according to one or more specific implementations is shown. For the purpose of explanation, this document mainly refers to Figures 1 to 12 The process 1300 is described with reference to the speaker 114. However, the process 1300 is not limited to Figures 1 to 12 The speaker 114 of the process 1300, and one or more blocks (or operations) of the process 1300 can be performed by one or more other components and other suitable audio transducers. Further for the purpose of explanation, the blocks of the process 1300 are described herein as occurring sequentially or linearly. However, multiple blocks of the process 1300 can occur in parallel. In addition, the blocks of the process 11300 do not have to be performed in the order shown, and / or one or more blocks of the process 1300 do not have to be performed and / or can be replaced by other operations.

[0075] exist Fig.13 In an example of the present invention, at block 1302, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100) may provide a current through a voice coil (e.g., voice coil 402) including a first plurality (e.g., group 902) of windings (e.g., winding 906) formed of a non-magnetic material and a second plurality (e.g., group 900) of windings (e.g., winding 904) formed of a magnetic material. For example, the current may be generated by a speaker circuit (e.g., speaker circuit 222) of a speaker (e.g., speaker 114) and / or by a device circuit (e.g., device circuit 224) of a device (e.g., electronic device 100) in which the speaker is disposed.

[0076] At block 1304, the current may generate a magnetic field that interacts with the magnet (e.g., magnet 400 and / or magnet 401) to induce motion between the voice coil 402 and the magnet, thereby moving a sound generating component (e.g., sound generating component 215 such as diaphragm 301) coupled to the voice coil 402 or the magnet to generate sound. In one or more implementations, a second plurality of windings formed of a magnetic material magnetically interacts with the magnet to facilitate motion of the voice coil and the sound generating component coupled to the voice coil. In one or more implementations, one or more additional magnetic structures of the audio transducer (e.g., any or all of the first magnetic structure 600, the second magnetic structure 602, the third magnetic structure 700, the first magnetic structure 800, the second magnetic structure 802, the magnetic windings 904, and / or the magnet 1000) may also magnetically interact with the magnet to facilitate motion of the voice coil and the sound generating component coupled to the voice coil. In one or more implementations, the second plurality of windings formed of a magnetic material magnetically interacts with the magnet to facilitate movement of the magnet relative to the voice coil and thereby facilitate movement of a sound producing component coupled to the magnet.

[0077] Fig.14 An electronic system 1400 is shown that can be used to implement one or more implementations of the subject technology. The electronic system 1400 can be Figure 1 One or more of the electronic devices 100 shown, and / or may be a part thereof. The electronic system 1400 may include various types of computer-readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer-readable media. The electronic system 1400 includes a bus 1408, one or more processing units 1412, a system memory 1404 (and / or buffer), a ROM 1410, a permanent storage device 1402, an input device interface 1414, an output device interface 1406, and one or more network interfaces 1416, or a subset and variant thereof.

[0078] The bus 1408 generally represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the many internal devices of the electronic system 1400. In one or more implementations, the bus 1408 communicatively connects the one or more processing units 1412 with the ROM 1410, the system memory 1404, and the permanent storage device 1402. The one or more processing units 1412 retrieve instructions to be executed and data to be processed from these various memory units in order to perform the processes disclosed in the present subject matter. In different implementations, the one or more processing units 1412 can be a single processor or a multi-core processor.

[0079] ROM 1410 stores static data and instructions needed by one or more processing units 1412 and other modules of electronic system 1400. In other aspects, permanent storage device 1402 can be a read-write memory device. Permanent storage device 1402 can be a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when electronic system 1400 is turned off. In one or more specific implementations, a mass storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) can be used as permanent storage device 1402.

[0080] In one or more implementations, a removable storage device (such as a floppy disk, a flash drive, and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as the permanent storage device 1402. Like the permanent storage device 1402, the system memory 1404 may be a read-write memory device. However, unlike the permanent storage device 1402, the system memory 1404 may be a volatile read-write memory, such as a random access memory. The system memory 1404 may store any of the instructions and data that may be required by one or more processing units 1412 at runtime. In one or more implementations, the processes disclosed in the subject matter are stored in the system memory 1404, the permanent storage device 1402, and / or the ROM 1410. The one or more processing units 1412 retrieve instructions to be executed and data to be processed from these various memory units in order to perform the processes of one or more implementations.

[0081] The bus 1408 is also connected to an input device interface 1414 and an output device interface 1406. The input device interface 1414 enables a user to transmit information and select commands to the electronic system 1400. Input devices that can be used with the input device interface 1414 may include, for example, a microphone, an alphanumeric keyboard, and a pointing device (also referred to as a "cursor control device"). The output device interface 1406 may enable, for example, the display of images generated by the electronic system 1400. Output devices that can be used with the output device interface 1406 may include, for example, printers and display devices, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diode (LED) displays, organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, flexible displays, flat panel displays, solid-state displays, projectors, speakers or speaker modules, or any other device for outputting information. One or more specific implementations may include devices that act as both input devices and output devices, such as touch screens. In these specific implementations, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including acoustic, voice, or tactile input.

[0082] Finally, if Fig.14As shown, bus 1408 also couples electronic system 1400 to one or more networks and / or to one or more network nodes via one or more network interfaces 1416. In this manner, electronic system 1400 may be part of a computer network, such as a LAN, a wide area network ("WAN"), or an intranet, or may be part of a network of networks, such as the Internet. Any or all components of electronic system 1400 may be used with the subject disclosure.

[0083] According to some aspects of the subject disclosure, there is provided an electronic device comprising an audio transducer, the audio transducer comprising: a fixed magnet; a voice coil movably suspended relative to the fixed magnet; a sound generating component mechanically coupled to the voice coil; and one or more magnetic structures configured to move with the voice coil and magnetically interact with the fixed magnet to provide tri-stable positioning of the sound generating component.

[0084] According to other aspects of the subject disclosure, an audio transducer is provided that includes: a fixed magnet; a voice coil that is movably suspended relative to the fixed magnet; a sound generating component that is mechanically coupled to the voice coil; and one or more magnetic structures that are configured to move with the voice coil and magnetically interact with the fixed magnet to provide tri-stable positioning of the sound generating component.

[0085] According to other aspects of the subject disclosure, an audio transducer is provided that includes: a fixed magnet; a voice coil that is movably suspended relative to the fixed magnet; a sound generating component that is mechanically coupled to the voice coil; and a movable magnet that is disposed between two portions of the voice coil, the movable magnet being configured to move with the voice coil and being configured to repel the fixed magnet.

[0086] According to other aspects of the subject disclosure, an audio transducer is provided that includes: a fixed magnet; a voice coil that is movably suspended relative to the fixed magnet; and a sound generating component that is mechanically coupled to the voice coil, wherein the voice coil includes a first plurality of windings formed of a non-magnetic material and a second plurality of windings formed of a magnetic material.

[0087] According to other aspects of the subject disclosure, a method is provided that includes providing an electric current through a voice coil including a first plurality of windings formed of a non-magnetic material and a second plurality of windings formed of a magnetic material; wherein the electric current generates a magnetic field that interacts with a stationary magnet to induce movement of the voice coil and a sound producing component coupled to the voice coil to produce sound, and wherein the second plurality of windings formed of the magnetic material magnetically interacts with the stationary magnet to facilitate movement of the voice coil and the sound producing component coupled to the voice coil.

[0088] According to other aspects of the subject disclosure, there is provided an electronic device comprising an audio transducer, the audio transducer comprising: a first magnet; a voice coil; a sound producing component mechanically coupled to one of the voice coil or the first magnet and movably suspended relative to the other of the voice coil or the first magnet; and one or more magnetic structures mechanically coupled to the voice coil and configured to magnetically interact with the first magnet to provide tri-stable positioning of the sound producing component.

[0089] According to other aspects of the subject disclosure, an audio transducer is provided that includes: a first magnet; a voice coil; a sound generating component that is mechanically coupled to one of the voice coil or the first magnet and is movably suspended relative to the other of the voice coil or the first magnet; and a second magnet that is disposed between two portions of the voice coil, wherein the second magnet is configured to repel the first magnet.

[0090] According to other aspects of the subject disclosure, an audio transducer is provided, the audio transducer comprising: a first magnet; a voice coil; and a sound generating component mechanically coupled to one of the voice coil or the first magnet and movably suspended relative to the other of the voice coil or the first magnet, wherein the voice coil comprises a first plurality of windings formed of a non-magnetic material and a second plurality of windings formed of a magnetic material.

[0091] Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure may be implemented in part or in whole using a tangible computer-readable storage medium (or multiple tangible computer-readable storage media of one or more types) programmed with one or more instructions. Tangible computer-readable storage media may also be non-transitory in nature.

[0092] Computer-readable storage media can be any storage media that can be read, written, or otherwise accessed by a general or special computing device, including any processing electronics and / or processing circuitry capable of executing instructions. For example, without limitation, computer-readable media can include any volatile semiconductor memory, such as RAM, DRAM, SRAM, T-RAM, Z-RAM, and TTRAM. Computer-readable media can also include any non-volatile semiconductor memory, such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, NVRAM, flash memory, nvSRAM, FeRAM, FeTRAM, MRAM, PRAM, CBRAM, SONOS, RRAM, NRAM, racetrack memory, FJG, and Millipede memory.

[0093] In addition, the computer-readable storage medium may include any non-semiconductor memory, such as optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, magnetic tape, other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing one or more instructions. In one or more specific implementations, the tangible computer-readable storage medium may be directly coupled to the computing device, while in other specific implementations, the tangible computer-readable storage medium may be indirectly coupled to the computing device, for example, via one or more wired connections, one or more wireless connections, or any combination thereof.

[0094] Instructions can be directly executable, or can be used to develop executable instructions. For example, instructions can be implemented as executable or non-executable machine code, or can be implemented as high-level language instructions that can be compiled to produce executable or non-executable machine code. In addition, instructions can also be implemented as data, or can include data. Computer executable instructions can also be organized in any format, including routines, subroutines, programs, data structures, objects, modules, applications, applets, functions, etc. As recognized by those skilled in the art, the details including but not limited to the number, structure, sequence and organization of instructions can be significantly different without changing the underlying logic, function, processing and output.

[0095] Although the above discussion mainly relates to a microprocessor or multi-core processor that executes software, one or more specific implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. In one or more specific implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions stored on the circuit itself.

[0096] The various functions described above may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, computer software, firmware or hardware. The technology may be implemented using one or more computer program products. A programmable processor and a computer may be included in a mobile device or packaged as a mobile device. The process and logic flow may be performed by one or more programmable processors and one or more programmable logic circuits. General and special computing devices and storage devices may be interconnected via a communication network.

[0097] Some specific implementations include electronic components such as microprocessors, storage devices, and memories that store computer program instructions in machine-readable or computer-readable media (or computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, digital versatile disk (e.g., DVD-ROM, double-layer DVD-ROM), various recordable / rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD card, mini-SD card, micro-SD card, etc.), magnetic and / or solid-state hard drives, ultra-density optical disks, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. Computer-readable media can store computer programs that can be executed by at least one processing unit and include instruction sets for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer codes include machine code, such as machine code generated by a compiler, and files including higher-level code that can be executed by a computer, electronic component, or microprocessor using an interpreter.

[0098] Although the above discussion mainly involves microprocessors or multi-core processors that execute software, some implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions stored on the circuits themselves.

[0099] As used in this specification and any claims of this patent application, the terms "computer", "processor" and "memory" refer to electronic or other technical devices. These terms exclude people or groups of people. For the purposes of this specification, the terms "display" or "displaying" mean displaying on an electronic device. As used in this specification and any claims of this patent application, the terms "computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable media" are entirely limited to tangible, tangible objects that store information in a form that can be read by a computer. These terms do not include any wireless signals, wired download signals, and any other transient signals.

[0100] Many of the features and applications described above can be implemented as a software process specified as a set of instructions recorded on a computer-readable storage medium (also referred to as a computer-readable medium). When these instructions are executed by one or more processing units (e.g., one or more processors, cores of a processor, or other processing units), these instructions cause the one or more processing units to perform the actions indicated in the instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, CD-ROMs, flash drives, RAM chips, hard drives, EPROMs, etc. Computer-readable media do not include carrier waves and electrical signals transmitted wirelessly or through wired connections.

[0101] In this specification, the term "software" is intended to include firmware residing in a read-only memory or applications stored in a magnetic storage device, which can be read into a memory for processing by a processor. Similarly, in some specific implementations, while retaining the different software aspects disclosed in this subject, multiple software aspects disclosed in this subject can be implemented as sub-parts of a larger program. In some specific implementations, multiple software aspects can also be implemented as independent programs. Finally, any combination of independent programs that jointly implement the software aspects described herein is within the scope of this subject disclosure. In some specific implementations, when installed to run on one or more electronic systems, the software program defines one or more specific machine implementations that execute and enforce the operations of the software program.

[0102] A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files storing one or more modules, subroutines, or code portions). A computer program may be deployed to execute on one computer or on multiple computers located at the same site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0103] It should be understood that the specific order or the hierarchical structure of the frame in the process disclosed by the present invention are the illustration of the example method. Based on the design preferred requirements, it should be understood that the specific order or the hierarchical structure of the frame in the process can be rearranged or all the illustrated frames are executed. Some frames in these frames can be executed simultaneously. For example, in some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the division of each system component in the above-mentioned embodiment should not be understood as requiring such division in all embodiments, and it should be understood that program components and systems can be generally integrated together in a single software product or encapsulated in multiple software products.

[0104] The previous description is provided so that any person skilled in the art can practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications of these aspects are obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are intended to make the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein the reference to the elements in the singular value is not intended to mean "one and only one", but refers to "one or more", unless specifically indicated. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. Male pronouns (e.g., his) include female and neutral (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Titles and subtitles (if any) are used only for convenience and do not limit the subject disclosure.

[0105] The predicate words "configured to," "operable to," and "programmed to" do not imply any specific tangible or intangible modification of a subject matter but are intended to be used interchangeably. For example, a component or a processor configured to monitor and control an operation may also mean that the processor is programmed to monitor and control the operation or that the processor is operable to monitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured to execute code may be interpreted as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code.

[0106] Phrases such as "aspects" do not mean that the aspect is essential to the subject technology or that the aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure related to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. Phrases such as aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. Phrases such as "configurations" do not mean that the configuration is essential to the subject technology or that the configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure related to a configuration may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Phrases such as configurations may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

[0107] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

[0108] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to a direct coupling. On the other hand, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to an indirect coupling.

[0109] Terms such as top, bottom, front, back, side, horizontal, vertical, etc. refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, not the usual gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such terms may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

[0110] All structural and functional equivalents of the elements throughout the various aspects described in this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be provided to the public, regardless of whether the disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. No claim element should be interpreted under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "means for..." or, in the case of a method claim, the element is stated using the phrase "step for..." In addition, the terms "including", "having", etc. are used in the specification or claims to the extent that such terms are intended to be included in a manner similar to how the term "including" is interpreted when used as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: An audio transducer, the audio transducer comprising: a first magnet; Voice coil; a sound generating component mechanically coupled to one of the voice coil or the first magnet and movably suspended relative to the other of the voice coil or the first magnet; and One or more magnetic structures are mechanically coupled to the voice coil and configured to magnetically interact with the first magnet to provide tri-stable positioning of the sound generating component.

2. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the audio transducer further comprises a sealed rear cavity, the sealed rear cavity comprising air, the air generating a stiffness that resists the movement of the sound generating component, and wherein the tri-stable positioning of the sound generating component provides a negative stiffness that effectively offsets at least some of the stiffness generated by the air in the sealed rear cavity. 3 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more magnetic structures include a first magnetic structure adjacent to a first end of the voice coil and a second magnetic structure adjacent to a second end of the voice coil.

4. An electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first magnetic structure includes a first ring of magnetic material attached to the voice coil former at a first position adjacent to the first end of the voice coil, and wherein the second magnetic structure includes a second ring of magnetic material attached to the voice coil former at a second position adjacent to the second end of the voice coil. 5 . The electronic device of claim 3 , wherein the one or more magnetic structures further comprises a third magnetic structure disposed between the first magnetic structure and the second magnetic structure and between the first portion and the second portion of the voice coil.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the third magnetic structure comprises a ring of magnetic material attached to a voice coil former between the first and second portions of the voice coil. 7 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more magnetic structures comprise one or more segments of the voice coil formed of a magnetic material. 8 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more magnetic structures comprises a shape configured to gradually interact with the first magnet in response to a gradually changing distance from the first magnet.

9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more magnetic structures comprises a magnetic portion of a voice coil former, the voice coil being formed on the magnetic portion.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first magnet comprises a pair of magnet portions separated by a gap.

11. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the first magnet comprises a fixed magnet, wherein the voice coil is movably suspended relative to the fixed magnet, wherein the sound generating component is mechanically coupled to the voice coil, and wherein the one or more magnetic structures are configured to move with the voice coil.

12. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the first magnet comprises a first movable magnet, wherein the voice coil is a fixed voice coil, wherein the first movable magnet is movably suspended relative to the fixed voice coil, wherein the sound generating component is mechanically coupled to the first movable magnet, and wherein the one or more magnetic structures are secured in place with the fixed voice coil.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the first movable magnet is disposed on a first side of the voice coil, and wherein the audio transducer further comprises a second movable magnet on a second side of the voice coil.

14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the audio transducer further comprises: an additional fixed voice coil, the additional fixed voice coil being located between the first movable magnet and the second movable magnet; and A third movable magnet is located between the fixed voice coil and the additional fixed voice coil. 15 . The electronic device of claim 14 , further comprising a fixed magnet, wherein the second movable magnet is disposed between the fixed magnet and the additional fixed voice coil.

16. An audio transducer comprising: a first magnet; Voice coil; a sound generating component mechanically coupled to one of the voice coil or the first magnet and movably suspended relative to the other of the voice coil or the first magnet; and A second magnet is disposed between two portions of the voice coil, wherein the second magnet is configured to repel the first magnet.

17. The audio transducer of claim 16, further comprising a voice coil former, wherein the voice coil and the second magnet are mounted to the voice coil former.

18. The audio transducer of claim 17, wherein the second magnet is disposed at the center of the voice coil former, between two substantially equal portions of the voice coil.

19. An audio transducer according to claim 16, wherein the first magnet comprises a fixed magnet, wherein the voice coil and the second magnet are capable of moving along a first dimension within a gap between the north pole and the south pole of the fixed magnet, and wherein the second magnet has a south pole and a north pole aligned along a second dimension substantially perpendicular to the first dimension.

20. The audio transducer of claim 19, wherein the north pole of the second magnet is arranged opposite to the north pole of the fixed magnet, and the south pole of the second magnet is arranged opposite to the south pole of the fixed magnet to provide a repulsive force between the second magnet and the fixed magnet.

21. An audio transducer comprising: a first magnet; Voice coil; and a sound generating component mechanically coupled to one of the voice coil or the first magnet and movably suspended relative to the other of the voice coil or the first magnet, The voice coil includes a first plurality of windings formed of a non-magnetic material and a second plurality of windings formed of a magnetic material.

22. The audio transducer of claim 21 further comprising a sealed rear cavity, the sealed rear cavity comprising air, the air generating a stiffness that resists movement of the sound generating component, and wherein the second plurality of windings formed from a magnetic material are configured to magnetically interact with the first magnet to provide a negative stiffness that effectively offsets at least some of the stiffness generated by the air in the sealed rear cavity.

23. An audio transducer according to claim 21, wherein the voice coil extends from a first end through a center to a second end, and wherein the second plurality of windings formed by the magnetic material includes a first number of windings at a first distance from the center of the voice coil and a second number of windings different from the first number of windings at a second distance from the center of the voice coil.

24. The audio transducer of claim 23, wherein the first number of windings and the second number of windings are configured to gradually interact with the first magnet in response to a gradually changing distance from the first magnet.

25. The audio transducer of claim 21 further comprising a first magnetic ring at a first end of the voice coil and a second magnetic ring at an opposite second end of the voice coil.

26. The audio transducer of claim 25, wherein the voice coil extends from the first end through the center to the opposite second end, and wherein the first magnetic ring has a first width at a first distance from the center of the voice coil in a direction orthogonal to a line extending from the first end of the voice coil to the opposite second end of the voice coil, and wherein the first magnetic ring has a second width at a second distance from the center of the voice coil in the direction orthogonal to the line extending from the first end of the voice coil to the opposite second end of the voice coil, the first width being different from the second width.

27. The audio transducer of claim 26, wherein the first width and the second width of the first magnetic ring are configured to gradually interact with the first magnet in response to a gradually changing distance from the first magnet.

28. The audio transducer of claim 21 further comprising a voice coil former, wherein the voice coil is mounted to the voice coil former, and wherein the voice coil former includes a non-magnetic portion and one or more magnetic portions.

29. The audio transducer of claim 28, wherein the one or more magnetic portions include a first magnetic portion and a second magnetic portion, and wherein the non-magnetic portion is disposed between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion.

30. The audio transducer of claim 21, wherein the first plurality of windings formed of a non-magnetic material form a continuous conductive path with the second plurality of windings formed of a magnetic material.

31. The audio transducer of claim 21 , wherein the non-magnetic material comprises copper, and wherein the magnetic material comprises steel.

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