Rigidity reducing hinge for audio speaker

Abstract

The invention relates to a stiffness reducing hinge for an audio speaker. In one embodiment, an audio speaker includes one or more hinges designed to provide stiffness cancellation and counteract air trapped in a back volume of the audio speaker. The hinge is connected to a rear suspension of the audio speaker including a voice coil while allowing the voice coil to acoustically drive a diaphragm. The hinge is manufactured to simulate a rest position in the audio speaker when the hinge is connected and mounted in the audio speaker. Therefore, the hinge bears small stress. Alternatively, the hinge may be connected to a front suspension of the audio speaker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to audio transducers, and more specifically to providing a stiffer hinge for an audio transducer. Background Technology

[0002] Audio transducers, such as audio loudspeakers, typically include a front volume and a rear volume separated by a diaphragm, which is movably suspended by a surrounding element. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Specific features of this subject matter are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of this subject matter are illustrated in the following figures.

[0004] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating an example of an electronic device having an audio speaker according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an example electronic device having an audio speaker according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0006] Figure 3 A top view of an audio speaker according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0007] Figure 4 A bottom perspective view of an audio speaker according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of an audio loudspeaker according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 5B Additional cross-sectional side views of an audio loudspeaker according to one or more aspects of this disclosure are illustrated, showing alternative embodiments of the audio loudspeaker.

[0010] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an audio loudspeaker with several hinges according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A partial cross-sectional view of an audio loudspeaker according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is illustrated, showing exemplary movement of several components.

[0012] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A perspective view illustrating an alternative example of an audio speaker according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 10 A perspective view of an audio speaker assembly according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 11C A partial cross-sectional view of an alternative example of an audio loudspeaker according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown, in which hinges are shown in different positions.

[0015] Figure 12 A side view illustrating an example of a hinge according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 13 A side view illustrating an example of a hinge according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown, illustrating the position of the hinge when assembled in an audio speaker.

[0017] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating an example of a process for manufacturing a hinge according to one or more specific embodiments of this disclosure is provided.

[0018] Figure 15 Examples of electronic systems that can be used to implement one or more specific embodiments of the subject matter are illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The detailed description shown below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject matter and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the subject matter can be practiced. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and form part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details intended to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter is not limited to the specific details shown herein and can be practiced without such specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject matter.

[0020] This disclosure relates to hinges for providing stiffness elimination or stiffness reduction in an audio loudspeaker (e.g., an audio transducer). Several hinges are connected to a voice coil and partially form a rear or front suspension in the audio transducer. Additionally, the audio loudspeaker described herein may include a stopping mechanism, such as a physical structure designed to contact and restrict the travel of the hinge, thereby restricting the travel of the voice coil. Additionally, the hinge provides a force for centering the audio transducer by, for example, holding the voice coil in a desired relationship relative to the magnet of the audio loudspeaker. To facilitate movement and reduce stress, the dimensions of the hinge may be varied. For example, the ends of the hinge may be thinner than the center of the hinge. Additionally, the hinge may be molded (e.g., injection molded), and specifically molded into a shape that closely matches its rest position when connected to the audio loudspeaker. Due to the molded shape, the stress applied to the hinge is reduced in its rest position.

[0021] The following text is for reference only. Figures 1 to 15 These and other implementation schemes will be discussed here. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as restrictive.

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating an example of an electronic device 100 having an audio speaker 114 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The illustration shows an exemplary electronic device including an audio transducer such as an audio speaker. Electronic device 100 may include a housing 106. In one or more embodiments, housing 106 may be configured to rest on a table, shelf, desk, counter, or floor. In one or more other embodiments, housing 106 may be small enough for easy portability and carrying or wearing by a user. In this regard, electronic device 100 may take the form of a handheld electronic device, such as a tablet computer, laptop computer, audio speaker such as a portable wireless audio speaker or smart audio speaker, cellular phone or smartphone, or wearable device such as a smartwatch, pendant device, head-mounted device, etc. Figure 1 The configuration of the electronic device 100 is merely illustrative. In various specific embodiments, the electronic device 100 may take the form of 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, earphones, or other electronic equipment.

[0023] Housing 106 may include an opening 112. The opening 112 may form a port for an audio component. In one or more embodiments, the opening 112 forms an audio speaker port for an audio speaker 114 disposed within housing 106. As shown, the audio speaker 114 may be mounted directly adjacent to the opening 112. Alternatively, in one or more other embodiments, the audio speaker 114 may be offset from the opening 112, and sound from the audio speaker 114 may be routed to and through the opening 112 by one or more internal device structures. The audio speaker 114 may take the form of an audio speaker or audio transducer designed to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy (e.g., audible sound).

[0024] In various specific embodiments, 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 housing 106. Openings such as opening 112 may be open ports, or may be completely or partially covered by a permeable membrane or mesh structure that allows air and / or sound to pass through. Although in Figure 1 The central opening 112 and audio speaker 114 represent a single opening and a single audio speaker, respectively; however, this is merely illustrative, and multiple openings and / or multiple audio speakers may be provided within the housing 106. In some embodiments, one or more sets of openings in the housing 106 may be aligned with a single port of an audio component within the housing 106. The housing 106, sometimes referred to as a shell, may be formed of plastic, glass, ceramic, fiber composite material, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), other suitable materials, or any combination of two or more of these materials. In one or more embodiments, 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 a user / wearer.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, electronic device 100 may also include a display (not shown) mounted to or within housing 106. Electronic device 100 may include one or more input / output devices, such as a touchscreen incorporated into the display, buttons, switches, dials, crowns, and / or other input / output components disposed on or behind the housing and / or display. Housing 106 and / or display may include one or more openings to accommodate buttons, audio speakers, light sources, or cameras (as examples).

[0026] Figure 2A partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device 100 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In this example, an audio speaker 114 may include a front volume 116 and a rear volume 118. The front volume 116 and the rear volume 118 may be separated by a sound generating component 120 (e.g., a diaphragm, membrane, or actuable component of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) audio speaker). The front volume 116 may be fluidly and acoustically coupled to an opening 112 in a housing 106. The front volume 116 and / or the rear volume 118 may be wholly or partially formed by an audio speaker housing 122. As shown, the audio speaker housing 122 is disposed within the housing 106 of the electronic device 100. In one or more other embodiments, the housing 106 may form part or all of the audio speaker housing 122 of the audio speaker 114. In one or more embodiments, the rear volume 118 may be a sealed rear volume partially defined by the audio speaker housing 122 and / or the sound generating component 120.

[0027] Audio speaker 114 may include audio speaker circuitry 124. Audio speaker circuitry 124 may include, for example, voice coil 126, magnet 128, and / or other audio speaker circuitry. As a non-limiting example, magnet 128 may be in the form of a permanent magnet formed of neodymium or another rare-earth magnet. In one or more embodiments, magnet 128 may be in the form of a fixed magnet (e.g., a fixed magnet within audio speaker 114). Alternatively (as discussed below), magnet 128 may be in the form of a movable magnet. In one or more embodiments, electronic device 100 may also include other circuitry, such as device circuitry 130, which may include one or more processors, memories, acoustic components, tactile components, mechanical components, electronic components, or any other suitable components of electronic device. Additionally, device circuitry 130 may also include one or more sensors, such as inertial sensors (e.g., one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, and / or magnetometers), heart rate sensors, blood oxygen sensors, positioning sensors, microphones, etc. In one or more embodiments, device circuitry 130 may generate a current (e.g., electrical current) through voice coil 126 based on audio content to be output by audio speaker 114. The current through voice coil 126 may generate a variable magnetic field that interacts with magnet 128 to move voice coil 126 and thus sound generating component 120 to produce audible sound corresponding to the audio content.

[0028] Figure 3A top view of an audio loudspeaker 114 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown, the audio loudspeaker 114 may include a diaphragm 132 (e.g., an embodiment of sound generating component 120). The audio loudspeaker 114 may also include a surround 134 extending around the periphery of the diaphragm 132 and movably suspending the diaphragm 132. In one or more embodiments, the diaphragm 132 may include a dome portion 136 and a neck portion 138 extending around the periphery of the dome portion 136. Based on the dome portion 136, the diaphragm 132 may include a dome shape. In one or more embodiments, the surround 134 may extend from the diaphragm 132 (e.g., from the neck portion 138) to a support structure 140. The support structure 140 may be a fixed support structure (e.g., fixed to and / or relative to other parts of the audio loudspeaker assembly, such as an audio loudspeaker frame or audio loudspeaker housing, and / or fixed to and / or relative to other parts or components of the device in which the audio loudspeaker 114 is implemented). The surround 134 may be formed of a flexible elastic material relative to other components of the audio speaker, such as the neck portion 138 and / or one or more fixed magnets (e.g., Figure 2 The magnet 128 shown movably suspends the vibrating diaphragm 132.

[0029] Figure 4 A bottom perspective view of an audio speaker 114 according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 4 As shown, the audio speaker 114 may include magnets 142a and 142b, each of which may be magnet 128. Figure 2 The specific implementation is shown in the figure. As shown, magnets 142a and 142b are separated by a gap 144, and the voice coil 126 is disposed within this gap. Figure 4 In this configuration, when a current is supplied through the voice coil 126, the magnetic field generated by the alternating magnetic field form, which changes based on the current through the voice coil 126, interacts with magnets 142a and 142b to move the voice coil 126 along two different directions (e.g., along the positive and negative directions of the Z-axis in Cartesian coordinates), and thus move the diaphragm 132 coupled to the voice coil 126. Magnets 142a and 142b may be in the form of two separate magnets, or they may be in the form of two parts of a single (e.g., a continuous, monolithic magnet), with a gap 144 between the two parts (represented by magnets 142a and 142b).

[0030] Figure 5AA cross-sectional view of an audio loudspeaker 114 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated, showing additional details of the voice coil 126. As shown, the voice coil 126 may be formed on (e.g., mounted to) a voice coil holder 146. The voice coil 126 may be formed from a plurality of windings wound in a circular or substantially circular manner around a magnet 142b. Furthermore, the magnet 142b may be centered within a hole formed by the voice coil 126. Additionally, the voice coil 126 is disposed within a gap 144 between magnets 142a and 142b. In one or more embodiments, the audio loudspeaker 114 may be substantially symmetrical about an axis 148 (e.g., a vertical axis). The voice coil 126 is movably suspended relative to magnets 142a and 142b. Furthermore, each of magnets 142a and 142b is implemented as a fixed magnet (e.g., relative to the audio loudspeaker housing 122 and / or relative to...). Figure 1 The housing 106 of the electronic device 100 shown is fixed to a magnet in a suitable position.

[0031] Magnet 142a may include a magnetic pole P1 located outside the voice coil 126, facing the voice coil, and separate from the voice coil. Magnetic pole P1 may be in the form of a magnetic pole (e.g., an N pole). Magnet 142b may include a magnetic pole P2 located inside the voice coil 126, facing the voice coil, and separate from the voice coil. Magnetic pole P2 may be in the form of having a different magnetic polarity (e.g., a S pole). Therefore, magnetic poles P1 and P2 may include opposite or opposing magnetic polarities.

[0032] Figure 5B Additional cross-sectional side views of an audio loudspeaker 114 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure are illustrated, showing alternative embodiments of the audio loudspeaker 114. Figure 5B In the specific embodiment shown, magnets 142a and 142b are implemented as movable magnets, and voice coil 126 is implemented as a fixed voice coil. Voice coil 126 can be fixed (e.g., fixed to the audio speaker housing 122 or fixed to...). Figure 1 (Another fixed structure of the audio loudspeaker 114 and / or electronic device 100 shown), and magnets 142a and 142b are movably suspended relative to voice coil 126. In this example, diaphragm 132 is mechanically coupled to magnets 142a and 142b. When a current is supplied through voice coil 126, the resulting magnetic field interacts with magnets 142a and 142b to move magnets 142a and 142b (e.g., along a direction parallel to axis 148), and thus move diaphragm 132 attached to magnets 140a and 140b.

[0033] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5BIn any of the specific embodiments shown, the rear volume 118 (e.g., defined by the audio speaker housing 122), the diaphragm 132, and the surround 134 may collectively form a sealed volume in which air is trapped. The trapped air can create an air "spring" that generates increased stiffness, by which the diaphragm 132 is movably mounted by the surround 134.

[0034] According to various aspects of this disclosure, the audio loudspeaker may be provided with one or more hinges designed to reduce stiffness by which the diaphragm is movably mounted by the surround. The hinges can effectively eliminate or at least counteract or minimize stiffness caused by air trapped in the rear volume of the audio loudspeaker. Figures 6 to 13 Various examples of such hinges as shown and / or described herein are illustrated. For simplicity, Figures 6 to 3 The aspects of the examples shown and / or described are relative to at least Figure 4 and Figure 5A The specific implementation is described, in which the voice coil is movably suspended and configured to move relative to one or more fixed magnets when an electric current passes through it. However, it should be understood that... Figures 6 to 9 Any feature in the example can be Figure 5B This is implemented in a configuration in which magnets (e.g., magnets 142a and 142b) take the form of movable magnets that are movably suspended and configured to move relative to the voice coil when current passes through it.

[0035] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an audio loudspeaker 214 having multiple hinges according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The audio loudspeaker 214 may include components such as a housing 206, a diaphragm 232, and a surround 234 coupled to the housing 206 and the diaphragm 232. The audio loudspeaker 214 may also include a voice coil 226 and a magnet 228. The voice coil 226 may be in the form of wound metal wire. The magnet 228 may be in the form of one or more permanent magnets. As shown, the magnet 228 includes a gap 244, and the voice coil 226 is located or at least partially located within the gap 244 of the magnet 228. The audio loudspeaker 214 may also include a carrier assembly 250 coupled to the voice coil 226 and the diaphragm 232. The carrier assembly 250 may include one or more components and may partially define the rear suspension of the audio loudspeaker 214.

[0036] The audio speaker 214 may also include hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c. Although not shown, additional (e.g., a fourth) hinges may be included. The characteristics and features described for hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c are applicable to... Figure 6Any hinge not shown. Hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c can (collectively) center the voice coil 226 within the housing 206 along a plurality of axes including the X, Y, and Z axes. As shown, hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c can be located in the rear volume of the audio loudspeaker 214. In some instances, air trapped within the housing 206 can create stiffness. Hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c can limit or prevent problems such as wobbling or shearing of the voice coil 226 during movement. Advantageously, each of hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c can cancel (e.g., eliminate or partially eliminate) the stiffness caused by air. Thus, each of hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c can function as a spring. In one or more embodiments, each of hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c (and other hinges shown and / or described herein) takes the form of a movable hinge. Therefore, each of hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c may be formed from a single piece of material that allows each of hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c to bend or flex. Furthermore, each of hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c may be formed by a molding operation (including injection molding as a non-limiting example). Additionally, in one or more embodiments, hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c (and other hinges shown and / or described herein) are formed from a plurality of parts, which may include a plurality of molded parts. In this respect, each of hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c may be mechanically coupled together.

[0037] Each of hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c may be coupled to the housing 206 and the carrier assembly 250. In this respect, since an electrical current flows through the voice coil 226, causing it to form an electromagnet, movement of the voice coil 226 (e.g., in any direction along the Z-axis) may cause a corresponding movement of the carrier assembly 250 and each of hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c. However, it is generally desirable that the voice coil 226 be at least partially retained within the gap 244 of the magnet 228. Each of hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c may restrict or constrain the movement of the voice coil 226, thereby holding the voice coil 226 in a desired position (e.g., at least partially retained within the gap 244).

[0038] In one or more specific embodiments, operating the voice coil 226 may include performing a centering operation (e.g., by controlling the current through the voice coil 226 and / or via another centering system or component) to hold the voice coil 226 both in a direction parallel to the Z-axis and in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis. Figure 6The centering position is shown in the diagram. For example, the audio loudspeaker 214 can provide the motor strength or BL (where B refers to the magnetic field strength and L refers to the length of the voice coil 226) to center the voice coil 226. Furthermore, the required BL can be a function of the distance from the centering position of the voice coil 226. Therefore, these centering operations can consume power and / or utilize additional loudspeaker components, especially for greater distances.

[0039] In some instances, the travel of the voice coil 226 (e.g., Z-axis travel) may still be displaced, making BL insufficient to center the voice coil 226. Furthermore, hinges 252a, 252c, and 252c may not provide the mechanical force required to center the voice coil 226. In this regard, the audio loudspeaker 214 may include a pin 254a (representing one or more additional pins) and a stop mechanism 256a (representing one or more stop mechanisms). As a non-limiting example, the pin 254a may include an added structure or extension, and the stop mechanism 256a may include a hook, an L-shaped structure, etc. The pin 254a may be coupled to the carrier assembly 250, and the stop mechanism 256a may be coupled to the housing 206. Thus, the pin 254a may move relative to the stop mechanism 256a together with the voice coil 226, the carrier assembly 250, and the hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c. In this respect, movement of pin 254a in the positive direction of the Z-axis may cause pin 254a to contact stop mechanism 256a, thereby limiting further movement of voice coil 226, carrier assembly 250, and hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c in the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0040] Additionally, the voice coil 226, carrier assembly 250, and hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c are movable in opposite directions (e.g., along the negative Z-axis). The audio loudspeaker 214 may also include a stop mechanism 258 coupled to (e.g., located on) the magnet 228. As a non-limiting example, the stop mechanism 258 may include a pad, plate, damper, etc. During movement, the carrier assembly 250 may contact the stop mechanism, thereby preventing further movement of the carrier assembly 250 together with the voice coil 226 and hinges 252a, 252b, and 252c.

[0041] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A partial cross-sectional view of an audio speaker 214 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is illustrated, showing exemplary movement of several components. The characteristic movement of hinges 252a and 252b can be applied to other hinges of the audio speaker 214. Reference Figure 7AAn electrical current flowing through the voice coil 226 in one direction causes the voice coil 226 to form an electromagnet, thereby generating a magnetic repulsion force with the magnet 228. This, in turn, causes the voice coil 226 to move a distance 251a along the positive direction of the Z-axis, and further causes the carrier assembly 250 and the diaphragm 232 to move in the same direction. Based on the coupling between the carrier assembly 250 and hinges 252a and 252b, the hinges 252a and 252b can move in the same direction (e.g., by bending or flexing). Additionally, pins 254a and 254b, each coupled to the carrier assembly 250 and the voice coil 226, move in the same direction until pins 254a and 254b contact the stop mechanisms 256a and 256b, respectively, as shown. Figure 7A As shown in the diagram, the contact between pins 254a and 254b and stop mechanisms 256a and 256b restricts additional travel.

[0042] refer to Figure 7B An electrical current flowing through the voice coil 226 in opposite directions causes the voice coil 226 to form an electromagnet with different polarities, thereby generating a magnetic attraction force on the magnet 228. This, in turn, causes the voice coil 226, the diaphragm 232, and the carrier assembly 250 to move a distance 251b in opposite directions (e.g., the negative Z direction). Based on the coupling between the carrier assembly 250 and hinges 252a and 252b, the hinges 252a and 252b can move in the same direction (e.g., by bending or flexing). This movement can continue until the carrier assembly 250 contacts the stop mechanism 258.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, each of hinges 252a and 252b (representing additional hinges of the audio speaker 214) may be in the form of a bistable hinge. In this respect, hinges 252a and 252b are designed to remain in two fixed positions. Each fixed position may require hinges 252a and 252b to travel to a threshold distance. However, based on the positions of stop mechanisms 256a and 258, each of hinges 252a and 252b may remain between each of its respective stable positions such that hinges 252a and 252b do not reach their respective threshold distances. In other words, each of hinges 252a and 252b may be unable to reach its respective stable position in part based on the positions of stop mechanisms 256a and 258. However, by engaging any of the aforementioned stop mechanisms, hinges 252a and 252b will not travel far enough to allow voice coil 226 to travel beyond the distance that the applied centering current (forming BL) cannot return / recenter voice coil 226.

[0044] Figures 8 to 11C An audio speaker with hinges is shown and described. Although not explicitly shown, Figures 8 to 11CThe audio speakers in the system may include audio speaker 114 (e.g., Figure 5A (as shown in the image) and / or audio speaker 214 (e.g., Figure 6 (as shown in) any features shown and / or described.

[0045] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A perspective view illustrating an alternative example of an audio loudspeaker according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. References Figure 8 The audio speaker 314 includes hinges 352a, 352b, 352c, and 352d. Each of hinges 352a, 352b, 352c, and 352d is equidistant from each other. For example, hinges 352a and 352b are separated by an angle of 362 (indicating...) Figure 8 (Other angles between the hinges in the figure). In this respect, hinges 352a and 352b are separated by a gap defined by angle 362. Based on the number of hinges (e.g., four), angle 362, representing the corresponding angle between the remaining hinges, is 90 degrees.

[0046] refer to Figure 9 The audio speaker 414 includes hinges 452a, 452b, and 452c. Each of hinges 452a, 452b, and 452c is equidistant from each other. For example, hinges 452a and 452b are separated by an angle of 462 (indicating...). Figure 9 (Other angles between the hinges in the figure). In this respect, hinges 452a and 452b are separated by a gap defined by angle 462. Based on the number of hinges (e.g., three), angle 462, representing the corresponding angle between the remaining hinges, is 120 degrees.

[0047] Figure 10 An audio speaker assembly 570 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is illustrated in perspective view. As shown, the audio speaker assembly 570 includes audio speakers 514a and 514b. The audio speaker assembly 570 may also include a housing ( Figure 10 (Not shown in the image), the housing surrounds or at least partially surrounds audio speakers 514a and 514b. Each of the audio speakers 514a and 514b may include a plurality of hinges. For example, audio speaker 514a may include hinges 552a, 552b, and 552c. Each of hinges 552a, 552b, and 552c may be equidistantly spaced. Based on the number of hinges (e.g., three), each of hinges 552a, 552b, and 552c may be equidistantly spaced by 120 degrees. Similarly, audio speaker 514b may include hinges 552d, 552e, and 552f, each of which is spaced by 120 degrees.

[0048] The separation of hinges may create gaps. For example, the separation of hinges 552a and 552b (of audio speaker 514a) creates gap 564a (representing an additional gap). Similarly, the separation of hinges 552a and 552b (of audio speaker 514b) creates gap 564b (representing an additional gap). Gap 564a and 564b provide space for the hinges to enter. For example, gap 564a provides space for hinge 552d (previously shown and described for hinges) to enter during movement. Similarly, gap 564b provides space for hinge 552b (previously shown and described for hinges) to enter during movement. To allow the hinges of one speaker assembly to enter the gap of another speaker assembly, the respective hinges may be offset. For example, hinges 552a, 552b, and 552c of audio speaker 514a (each spaced 120 degrees apart) may be offset (e.g., rotated) by 60 degrees relative to hinges 552d, 552e, and 552f of audio speaker 514b (each spaced 120 degrees apart). The hinge entry gap may be based on the respective voice coil and diaphragm of audio speakers 514a and 514b. Figure 10 The movement (not shown) occurs. Advantageously, the audio speakers 514a and 514b can be positioned closer together, and the audio speaker assembly 570 can provide a relatively small footprint.

[0049] Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 11C A partial cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative example of an audio loudspeaker 614 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown, illustrating hinges in different locations. The audio loudspeaker 614 may include a housing 606 and a platform 666 coupled to the housing 606. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the housing 606 defines a platform (e.g., platform 666) such that the housing is an integral housing structure having features corresponding to the platform 666. The audio loudspeaker 614 may also include a diaphragm 632 and a surround 634 coupled to the diaphragm 632. Additionally, the audio loudspeaker 614 may also include a hinge 652 (representing...). Figures 11A to 11C (One or more additional hinges not shown). As shown, the system including the diaphragm 632 and hinge 652 is in the position of... Figure 11A The "resting position" can refer to the steady-state position when the hinge (e.g., hinge 652) is mounted in the audio speaker (e.g., audio speaker 614), which positions the voice coil without any magnetostrictive forces (e.g., magnetic attraction and repulsion) acting on it and indirectly on the hinge 652.

[0050] refer to Figure 11BThe diaphragm 632 and the surround 634 move along the positive Z-axis. To facilitate movement of the diaphragm 632, the surround 634 may include reduced stiffness. As shown, the platform 666 includes a stop mechanism 656a. In this respect, movement of the hinge 652 is limited based on contact with the stop mechanism 656a, thereby preventing additional movement of the hinge 652 along the positive Z-axis. This further prevents the diaphragm 632 and the voice coil ( Figure 11B (Not shown in the image) Perform the corresponding movement.

[0051] refer to Figure 11C The diaphragm 632 and the surround 634 move along the negative Z-axis. As shown, the housing 606 includes a surface defining a stop mechanism 656b. In this respect, the movement of the hinge 652 is limited based on contact with the stop mechanism 656b, thereby preventing additional movement of the hinge 652 along the negative Z-axis. This further prevents the diaphragm 632 and the voice coil ( Figure 11C (Not shown in the image) Perform the corresponding movement.

[0052] Figures 11A to 11C The exemplary embodiment shown illustrates a hinge 652 that contacts existing features (e.g., housing 606 of audio speaker 614, platform 666), rather than an added component, such as a pin (e.g., Figure 7A (Pin 254a and 254b shown). Furthermore, unlike previous embodiments where the hinge is located in the rear section or rear suspension, Figures 11A to 11C The exemplary embodiment shown illustrates a hinge located at the front portion of the audio speaker 614 or at the front suspension.

[0053] Figure 12 and Figure 13 An example of hinge 752 is illustrated. The hinges shown and / or described herein may include any features shown and / or described for hinge 752.

[0054] Figure 12A side view illustrating an example of a hinge 752 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. The hinge 752 can be formed by a molding operation (e.g., injection molding). Therefore, the hinge 752 may include one or more amorphous regions to resist fatigue during use, and one or more semi-crystalline regions to increase the modulus of the hinge 752. As shown, the hinge 752 includes portions 766a, 766b, and a portion 766c located between portions 766a and 766b. Each of portions 766a and 766b is designed to bend or flex relative to each other. The hinge 752 may include different dimensions (e.g., different thicknesses) in different regions. For example, each of portions 766a and 766b may include dimension 768a (e.g., thickness). Therefore, portions 766a and 766b may include the same thickness. Furthermore, portion 766c may include a dimension 768b (e.g., thickness) greater than dimension 768a. Therefore, portion 766c is thicker than each of portions 766a and 766b, or conversely, each of portions 766a and 766b is thinner than portion 766c. In one or more embodiments, the dimension 768a of each of portions 766a and 766b may gradually increase (e.g., become thicker) toward portion 766c. Portions 766a, 766b, and 766c generally represent the hinge body defining hinge 752. As shown, portions 766a and 766b define the initial bending configuration of hinge 752.

[0055] Additionally, hinge 752 may include connectors 770a and 770b (e.g., extensions). Connectors 770a and 770b are designed to secure hinge 752 to an audio speaker (e.g., Figure 6 The component of the audio speaker 214 shown. As shown, connector 770a is formed at an angle 772 relative to portion 766a. Angle 772 may be in the range of approximately 90 degrees to 160 degrees. Additionally, for an audio speaker having multiple hinges similar to hinge 752, each of these hinges may be connected to a carrier assembly (e.g., Figure 6 The carrier assembly 250 shown is molded together. In this respect, the audio speaker may include an integral structure having the carrier assembly and multiple hinges.

[0056] Figure 13A side view illustrating an example of a hinge 752 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown, illustrating the position of the hinge 752 when assembled in an audio loudspeaker. As shown, portions 766a and 766b are bent, and the hinge 752 defines different bending configurations. Furthermore, the hinge 752 can be in its rest position, and magnetic forces do not act on the voice coil and do not indirectly act on the hinge 752. Instead of forming the connector 770a in a plane (e.g., at 180 degrees) relative to portion 766a, the connector 770a is pre-formed at an angle 772 to occupy that position (e.g., between the connector 770a and portion 766a) when the hinge 752 is in its rest position. In other words, based on the pre-formation of the connector 770a at an angle 772 relative to portion 766a, the connector 770a may require little or no bending (and associated stress) when the hinge 752 is in its rest position. Advantageously, in the rest position, less unwanted force is applied to the hinge 752.

[0057] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating an example of a process 800 for manufacturing a hinge for an audio loudspeaker according to one or more specific embodiments of this disclosure is provided. For purposes of explanation, this document primarily refers to... Figures 1 to 12 The audio speakers shown and / or described are used to describe process 800. However, process 800 is not limited to... Figures 1 to 12 The audio speakers shown and / or described herein, and one or more blocks (or operations) of process 800 may be performed by one or more other components and other suitable audio transducers. Further, for illustrative purposes, the blocks of process 800 are described herein as occurring sequentially or linearly. However, multiple blocks of process 800 may occur in parallel. Moreover, the blocks of process 800 need not be performed in the order shown, and / or one or more blocks of process 800 need not be performed and / or may be replaced by other operations.

[0058] At frame 802, a hinge body is formed in a first curved configuration. The hinge body may include: a first portion including a first thickness; a second portion including a second thickness greater than the first thickness; and a third portion including the first thickness.

[0059] At frame 804, a connector is formed from the hinge body at an angle relative to the first portion. In one or more embodiments, in response to the audio speaker being in a steady position, the hinge body is in a second bent configuration, and the connector is positioned at that angle relative to the first portion.

[0060] Figure 15 An electronic system 900 is illustrated, which can be used to implement one or more specific embodiments of the subject matter. The electronic system 900 can be, for example... Figure 1The illustrated electronic device 100, and / or may be part of it. The electronic system 900 may include various types of computer-readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer-readable media. The electronic system 900 includes a bus 910, one or more processing units 914, system memory 904 (and / or cache), ROM 912, persistent storage device 902, input device interface 906, output device interface 908, and one or more network interfaces 916, or subsets and variations thereof.

[0061] Bus 910 generally represents all system buses, peripheral bus, and chipset bus that communicatively connect multiple internal devices of electronic system 900. In one or more embodiments, bus 910 communicatively connects one or more processing units 914 to ROM 912, system memory 904, and permanent storage device 902. One or more processing units 914 retrieve instructions to be executed and data to be processed from these various memory units in order to perform the processes disclosed in this subject matter. In different embodiments, one or more processing units 914 may be a single processor or a multi-core processor.

[0062] ROM 912 stores static data and instructions required by one or more processing units 914 and other modules of the electronic system 900. On the other hand, persistent storage device 902 can be a read-write memory device. Persistent storage device 902 can be a non-volatile memory cell that stores instructions and data even when the electronic system 900 is powered off. In one or more embodiments, mass storage devices (such as magnetic disks or optical disks and their corresponding disk drives) can be used as persistent storage device 902.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, a removable storage device (such as a flash drive and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as persistent storage device 902. Like persistent storage device 902, system memory 904 may be a read-write memory device. However, unlike persistent storage device 902, system memory 904 may be volatile read-write memory, such as random access memory. System memory 904 may store any instructions and data that one or more processing units 914 may need during operation. In one or more embodiments, the processes disclosed in this subject matter are stored in system memory 904, persistent storage device 902, and / or ROM 912 (each implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable medium). One or more processing units 914 retrieve instructions to be executed and data to be processed from these various memory units to execute the processes of one or more embodiments.

[0064] Bus 910 is also connected to input device interface 906 and output device interface 908. Input device interface 906 enables a user to communicate information to electronic system 900 and select commands. Input devices that can be used with input device interface 906 may include, for example, an alphanumeric keypad and pointing devices (also referred to as "cursor control devices"). Input device interface 906 may, for example, enable the display of images generated by electronic system 900. Output devices that can be used with input device interface 906 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, or any other device for outputting information. One or more embodiments may include a device that functions as both an input device and an output device, such as a touchscreen. In these embodiments, the feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, verbal, or tactile input.

[0065] The bus 910 can also couple the electronic system 900 to one or more networks and / or to one or more network nodes, such as via one or more network interfaces 916. Figure 1 The electronic device 100 is shown. In this way, the electronic system 900 may be part of a computer network (such as a LAN, a wide area network (“WAN”), or an intranet), or may be part of one of the networks (such as the Internet). Any or all components of the electronic system 900 may be used in conjunction with the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0066] These functions can be implemented in computer software, firmware, or hardware. The technology can be implemented using one or more computer program products. Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged as mobile devices. These processes and logic flows can be executed by one or more programmable processors and one or more programmable logic circuits. General-purpose and special-purpose computing devices, as well as storage devices, can be interconnected via communication networks.

[0067] 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 (also referred to as computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, read-only optical discs (CD-ROM), recordable optical discs (CD-R), rewritable optical discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile optical discs (e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), various recordable / rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic and / or solid-state hard disk drives, read-only and recordable... Disks, ultra-high-density optical discs, and / or any other optical or magnetic media. Computer-readable media may store computer programs that can be executed by at least one processing unit and include a set of instructions for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code, such as machine code generated by a compiler, and files that include higher-level code that can be executed by a computer, electronic components, or microprocessor using an interpreter.

[0068] While the above discussion primarily concerns 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 circuit itself.

[0069] As used in this specification and any claim of this application, the terms "computer," "server," "processor," and "memory" refer to electronic or other technical devices. These terms exclude persons or groups of persons. For the purposes of this specification, the terms "displayed" or "being displayed" mean displayed on an electronic device. As used in this specification and any claim of this application, the terms "computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" are strictly limited to tangible, touchable objects that store information in a form readable by a computer. These terms do not include any wireless signals, wired download signals, or any other transient signals.

[0070] To provide interaction with the user, specific embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) that the user can use to provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, verbal, or tactile input. Furthermore, the computer can interact with the user by transmitting documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by transmitting a webpage to a web browser in response to a request received from a web browser on the user's client device.

[0071] For convenience, various examples of aspects of this disclosure are described below as terms. These examples are provided by way of illustration and do not limit the technical aspects of this subject matter.

[0072] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0073] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" following a series of items separated by the terms "and" or "or" modifies the list as a whole, not each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one of each of the listed items; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any one of the items and / or at least one of any combination of items and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" respectively refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0074] The predicates “configured to,” “operable to,” and “programmed to” do not imply any specific tangible or intangible modification to a particular subject matter but are intended to be used interchangeably. In one or more embodiments, a processor configured to monitor and control operations or components may also mean that the processor is programmed to monitor and control operations or that the processor is operable to monitor and control operations. Similarly, a processor configured to execute code may be interpreted as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code.

[0075] When a component is referred to herein as “connected” or “coupled” to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component or have an intermediate component present between the components. Conversely, when a component is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another component, it should be understood that there is no intermediate component in a “direct” connection between the components. However, the presence of a direct connection does not preclude the possibility of other connections having intermediate components.

[0076] Phrases such as aspect, that aspect, on the other hand, some aspects, one or more aspects, implementation, that implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, implementation scheme, that implementation scheme, another implementation scheme, some implementation schemes, one or more implementation schemes, configuration, that configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject matter, disclosure, this disclosure, other variations, etc., are for convenience only and do not imply that disclosures involving one or more such phrases are essential to the subject matter, or that such disclosures apply to all configurations of the subject matter. Disclosures involving one or more such phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosures involving one or more such phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases.

[0077] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “having,” etc., as used in the specification or claims, are intended to be inclusive, similar to how “comprising” is interpreted when used as a transitional word in the claims.

[0078] All structural and functional equivalents of elements throughout the various aspects described herein that are known or later become apparent to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims. Pursuant to paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.SC § 112, no claim element needs to be interpreted unless it is expressly stated using the phrase “component for…” or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “step for…”.

[0079] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, this claim is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be consistent with the language of the claim, wherein references to singular elements are not intended to mean “only one” but rather “one or more” unless specifically indicated. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term “some” means one or more. Male pronouns (e.g., his) include female and neutral pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Titles and subtitles (if any) are used for convenience only and do not limit the disclosure of this subject matter.

Claims

1. An audio speaker, the audio speaker comprising: a voice coil; a first hinge coupled with the voice coil, the first hinge configured to limit the voice coil from traveling a first distance; a pin coupled with the voice coil; and a first stop mechanism, wherein the first stop mechanism is configured to contact the pin and limit the voice coil from traveling a second distance that is less than the first distance.

2. The audio speaker of claim 1, wherein: the first stop mechanism is further configured to limit the first hinge to the second distance, and the second distance is less than a threshold travel distance of the first stop mechanism.

3. The audio speaker of claim 1, further comprising: a housing; and a second hinge coupled with the voice coil, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to center the voice coil within the housing along a first axis.

4. The audio speaker of claim 3, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to center the voice coil within the housing along a second axis that is different than the first axis.

5. The audio speaker of claim 3, further comprising a magnet, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to center the voice coil relative to the magnet.

6. The audio speaker of claim 3, wherein the first hinge comprises: a first portion coupled with the voice coil and having a first thickness; and a second portion having a second thickness that is different than the first thickness.

7. The audio speaker of claim 6, further comprising a third portion coupled with the housing and having the first thickness.

8. The audio speaker of claim 6, wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness.

9. An audio speaker, the audio speaker comprising: a voice coil; a first hinge coupled with the voice coil, the first hinge configured to travel a first distance; and a first stop mechanism coupled with a magnet, the first stop mechanism configured to limit the travel of the first hinge to a second distance that is less than the first distance.

10. The audio speaker of claim 9, further comprising a second stop mechanism coupled with the magnet, wherein: the first stop mechanism is configured to limit the travel of the first hinge along a first direction, and the second stop mechanism is configured to limit the travel of the first hinge along a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

11. The audio speaker of claim 9, further comprising: a housing; and a second hinge coupled with the voice coil, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to center the voice coil within the housing along a first axis. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12. The audio speaker of claim 11, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to center the voice coil within the enclosure along a second axis different from the first axis.

13. The audio speaker of claim 11, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to center the voice coil relative to the magnet.

14. The audio speaker of claim 11, wherein the first hinge comprises: a first portion coupled with the voice coil and having a first thickness; and a second portion having a second thickness different from the first thickness.

15. The audio speaker of claim 14, further comprising a third portion coupled with the enclosure and having the first thickness.

16. The audio speaker of claim 15, wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness.

17. An electronic device, comprising: an audio speaker, the audio speaker comprising: a voice coil; a first hinge coupled with the voice coil; and a second hinge coupled with the voice coil, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to center the voice coil along a first axis and a second axis different from the first axis.

18. The electronic device of claim 17, further comprising: a first stop mechanism configured to limit travel of the first hinge and the second hinge along a first direction; and a second stop mechanism configured to limit the travel of the first hinge and the second hinge along a second direction opposite the first direction.

19. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the first hinge comprises: a first portion comprising a first thickness; a second portion comprising a second thickness greater than the first thickness; and a third portion comprising the first thickness, wherein the second portion is between the first portion and the second portion.

20. The electronic device of claim 17, further comprising an enclosure, wherein: the enclosure defines a back volume, and the first hinge and the second hinge are disposed in the back volume. ​ ​ ​

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