Combined speaker and vibration motor assembly

Abstract

Actuator assemblies, and electronic devices and wearable devices including actuator assemblies, are disclosed. A combined speaker and vibration motor assembly comprises: a housing; a diaphragm that is movable relative to the housing; a speaker coil that is coupled to the diaphragm and movable with the diaphragm; a vibration motor movable mass that is movable relative to the housing; a vibration motor coil that is coupled to the vibration motor movable mass and movable with the vibration motor movable mass; and a magnetic circuit that is shared between the speaker coil and the vibration motor coil, such that a magnetic field line that extends in a loop through the magnetic circuit passes through the speaker coil and the vibration motor coil at different portions of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit includes a permanent magnet; and the diaphragm is coupled to the housing via a speaker surround.

Description

COMBINED SPEAKER AND VIBRATION MOTOR ASSEMBLYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This specification relates generally to actuators, and in particular to actuators for audio and / or haptic applications.BACKGROUND

[0002] This specification relates to speaker and vibration actuators. Many electronic devices are capable of presenting multimedia content by including speakers which provide tonal, voice-generated, and / or recorded output. Dynamic speakers typically require a substantial back volume to achieve the optimum frequency response. Some audio speakers are designed to have a smaller physical size for integration into electronic devices having a range of different sizes (e.g., mobile phones, smart home devices). Due to their small size, these speakers tend to have limited space available for a back volume. The back volume is an open volume of air behind the diaphragm of the speaker. Given that acoustic performance in the low frequency audio range usually correlates directly with the back volume size, small speakers tend to have limited performance in the bass range.

[0003] Haptic feedback mechanisms can be used to provide tactile feedback to a user of a device to enhance user experience. Vibration is an example of a haptic feedback mechanism. Vibration can be produced by an acceleration or deceleration of a moving mass, such as through an eccentric rotating mass that is attached to a motor. Vibration can also be produced using piezoelectric materials by applying a time varying voltage to a piezoelectric material. Devices capable of generating haptic responses can be referred to as vibration motors or haptic feedback modules. Various consumer electronic devices such as smartphones and gaming controllers contain haptic feedback modules to provide tactile feedback in response to a user input. A haptic feedback module is typically attached to a housing of the device and transfers the generated vibration through the housing to the user.SUMMARY

[0004] Disclosed are actuator assemblies with combined engines for both speaker and vibration actuators. Portable consumer electronics devices, such as mobile phones, are becoming more and more compact. As the form factor of such devices shrinks, system enclosures become smaller and the space available for speaker integration is reduced. The space available for a speaker back volume decreases, and along with it, low frequencyacoustic performance diminishes. The effective back volume can be increased by combining a back volume for a vibration motor with a back volume for a speaker, so that both actuators share the same back volume. The disclosed techniques can be implemented to increase the effective back volume of the speaker, thereby improving volume efficiency.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the disclosed actuator assemblies integrate both haptic actuators and audio actuators into a unified engine system. Multiple electrical-mechanical engines can be merged such that they share a single magnetic circuit and a housing. Vibration of the multiple actuators can be in orthogonal directions relative to each other, reducing interference between the actuators.

[0006] Among other advantages, embodiments feature improved audio speaker performance due to the larger effective air volume, and increased battery life due to improved efficiency. The space occupied by an actuator assembly can be reduced, freeing space for other components of electronic devices, such as battery components. The disclosed techniques can simplify manufacturing processes by producing a single actuator assembly that performs two or more different functions. The disclosed techniques can improve low frequency audio performance by generating low frequency sound waves with haptic components.

[0007] As additional description to the embodiments described below, the present disclosure describes the following embodiments.

[0008] Embodiment 1 is a combined speaker and vibration motor assembly, comprising: a housing; a diaphragm that is movable relative to the housing; a speaker coil that is coupled to the diaphragm and movable with the diaphragm; a vibration motor movable mass that is movable relative to the housing; a vibration motor coil that is coupled to the vibration motor movable mass and movable with the vibration motor movable mass; and a magnetic circuit that is shared between the speaker coil and the vibration motor coil, such that a magnetic field line that extends in a loop through the magnetic circuit passes through the speaker coil and the vibration motor coil at different portions of the magnetic circuit.

[0009] Embodiment 2 is the assembly of embodiment 1, wherein: the magnetic circuit includes a permanent magnet; and the diaphragm is coupled to the housing via a speaker surround.

[0010] Embodiment 3 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the housing defines an enclosure, within which the speaker coil, the vibration motor movable mass, and the vibration motor coil are located; and the enclosure defines a diaphragm aperture at which the diaphragm is located, such a first side of the diaphragmfaces away from the enclosure and a second side of the diaphragm that opposes the first side of the diaphragm faces into the enclosure.

[0011] Embodiment 4 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the enclosure defines a shared port adapted to permit air movement into and out of an air space of the enclosure that is shared by the diaphragm and the vibration motor movable mass, such that the air movement through the shared port occurs during operation of the assembly that generates movement of the diaphragm and during operation of the assembly that generates movement of the vibration motor movable mass.

[0012] Embodiment 5 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the magnetic circuit defines: a speaker air gap in which the speaker coil is located; and a vibration motor air gap in which the vibration motor coil is located.

[0013] Embodiment 6 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the magnetic circuit includes a permanent magnet between the speaker air gap and the vibration motor air gap at a first portion of the magnetic circuit through which the magnetic field line extends.

[0014] Embodiment 7 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the magnetic circuit includes a second permanent magnet between the speaker air gap and the vibration motor air gap at second portion of the magnetic circuit through which the magnetic field line extends, the first portion of the magnetic circuit and the second portion of the magnetic circuit being at an opposite side of the speaker air gap and a same side of the vibration motor air gap as compared to the first permanent magnet.

[0015] Embodiment 8 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the assembly is configured to generate simultaneous oscillation of the diaphragm and oscillation of the vibration motor movable mass, by application of a first alternating current electrical signal to the speaker coil simultaneous with application of a second alternating current electric signal to the vibration motor coil.

[0016] Embodiment 9 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the speaker coil surrounds a speaker coil axis and is configured to oscillate back and forth along the speaker coil axis: the diaphragm is configured to oscillate back and forth along the speaker coil axis; the vibration motor coil surrounds a vibration motor coil axis; and the vibration motor coil axis is parallel to the speaker coil axis.

[0017] Embodiment 10 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the vibration motor movable mass is configured to oscillate back and forth along avibration motor axis of movement; and the axis of movement of the vibration motor movable mass is orthogonal to the vibration motor coil axis.

[0018] Embodiment 11 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the diaphragm is configured to oscillate back and forth along a speaker axis of movement; the vibration motor movable mass is configured to oscillate back and forth along a vibration motor axis of movement: and the speaker axis of movement is orthogonal to the vibration motor axis of movement.

[0019] Embodiment 12 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the magnetic circuit includes a first magnet located within an inner periphery of the speaker coil and a second magnet located outside an outer periphery of the speaker coil; and the speaker coil is located within an air gap between the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0020] Embodiment 13 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the first magnet and the second magnet are fixed relative to the housing; and a north pole of the first magnet is oriented in a same direction as a south pole of the second magnet.

[0021] Embodiment 14 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the speaker coil is located to a first side of the vibration motor coil; the magnetic circuit includes a first magnet that is located to the first side of the vibration motor coil; the magnetic circuit includes a second magnet that is located to a second side of the vibration motor coil that opposes the first side of the vibration motor coil; and the vibration motor coil is located within an air gap between the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0022] Embodiment 15 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the first magnet is located outside a periphery of the speaker coil; the first magnet is oriented with its north pole facing in a particular direction; and the second magnet is oriented with its north pole facing in the particular direction.

[0023] Embodiment 16 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the vibration motor coil surrounds a vibration motor coil axis; and the vibration motor coil axis extends through a portion of the speaker coil when the vibration motor movable mass is in a resting state.

[0024] Embodiment 17 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the magnetic field line that extends in the loop through the magnetic circuit extends through: (i) the portion of the speaker coil; (ii) a first portion of the vibration motor coil; and (iii) a second portion of the vibration motor coil that opposes the first portion of the vibration motor coil.

[0025] Embodiment 18 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the magnetic field line passes through the speaker coil only at the portion of the speaker coil, such that the magnetic field line does not pass through the speaker coil at an opposing portion of the speaker coil.

[0026] Embodiment 19 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the vibration motor coil comprises a first vibration motor coil; the assembly comprises a second vibration motor coil; and a second magnetic field line that extends in a second loop through the magnetic circuit passes through the speaker coil and the second vibration motor coil at different portions of the magnetic circuit, without passing through the first vibration motor coil.

[0027] Embodiment 20 is the assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the assembly includes a center portion that is fixed relative to the housing; the diaphragm has an annular shape that surrounds the center portion of the assembly; the diaphragm is coupled to the housing via a first surround that surrounds the diaphragm; and the diaphragm is coupled to the center portion via a second speaker surround that is located within the diaphragm.

[0028] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of a mobile device including an actuator assembly.

[0030] FIG. IB show s an embodiment of a wearable device including an actuator assembly.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mobile device of FIG. 1A.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example actuator assembly including a combined speaker and vibration motor.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an example actuator assembly.

[0034] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional diagram of an example combined speaker and vibration motor assembly.

[0035] FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing internal components of a portion of an example combined speaker and vibration motor assembly.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example combined speaker and vibration motor assembly including vibration motor diaphragms.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an example simplified combined speaker and vibration motor assembly.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic control module for a mobile device.

[0039] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In general, the disclosed actuator assemblies can be used in a variety of applications. For example, in some embodiments, actuator assembly 100 is integrated into a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or a handheld game console. Referring to FIG. 1A, a mobile device 150 includes a device chassis 102 and a display 104 including a flat panel display (e.g., an OLED or LCD display panel). Mobile device 150 interfaces with a user in a variety of ways, including by displaying images and receiving touch input via display 104, which may be a touch panel display. Typically, a mobile device has a depth (in the z- direction) of approximately 10mm or less, a width (in the x-direction) of 60mm to 80mm (e.g.. 68mm to 72mm), and a height (in the y-direction) of 100mm to 160mm (e.g.. 138mm to 144mm).

[0041] Mobile device 150 produces speaker and vibration output. During operation, the mobile device 150 uses a speaker, such as a speaker of actuator assembly 100, to generate audible sound for a user. Such sound can include sound from voice telephone calls, may include recorded sound (e.g., voice messages, music files) and can also include sound generated by applications operating on mobile device 150. Audio output from the actuator assembly can exit the chassis 102 through an aperture 106. The aperture 106 can be an opening in the chassis 102 or display 104.

[0042] In some embodiments, the disclosed actuator assemblies can be integrated into wearable devices, such as watches. Referring to FIG. IB, a wearable device 160 includes a device chassis 112 and a display 114. The wearable device 160 includes an actuator assembly 110. The wearable device 160 can be, for example, a smart watch with a watchband 118 that includes two portions connectable with a clasp. The display 114 is mounted in the chassis 112 of the wearable device 160. Audio output from the actuator assembly 110 can exit the chassis 112 through an aperture 116. The aperture 116 can be an opening in the chassis 112 or display 114.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-section of mobile device 150 illustrates device chassis 102 and display 104. Device chassis 102 has a depth measured along the z-direction and awidth measured along the x-direction. Device chassis 102 also has a back panel, which is formed by the portion of device chassis 102 that extends primarily in the x-y plane. Mobile device 150 includes actuator assembly 100, which is housed in chassis 102 and positioned adjacent to the aperture 106. Generally, actuator assembly 100 is sized to fit within a volume constrained by other components housed in the chassis, including an electronic control module 220 and a battery 230.

[0044] In general, the disclosed speakers are controlled by an electronic control module (e.g., electronic control module 220). In general, electronic control modules are composed of one or more electronic components that receive input from one or more sensors and / or signal receivers of the mobile phone, process the input, and generate and deliver signal waveforms that cause actuator assembly 100 to provide audio output.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example actuator assembly 100 including a combined speaker and vibration motor. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the example actuator assembly 100 of FIG. 3. Cartesian coordinate systems are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 for reference.

[0046] The actuator assembly 100 integrates a speaker and a vibration motor having oscillation directions orthogonal to each other. The orthogonal oscillating directions reduce mutual interference betw een the speaker and the vibrational motor. The speaker and the vibrational motor are integrated into an electromechanical engine that share an air volume and magnetic flux.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, the actuator assembly 100 includes a housing 302. The housing 302 defines an enclosure. A multi-transducer assembly 300 is located in the enclosure. The multi-transducer assembly 300 includes multiple transducers. A first transducer of the multi-transducer assembly 300 is a speaker that includes a diaphragm and a voice coil ('‘speaker coil”). A second transducer of the multi-transducer assembly 300 is a vibration motor that includes a vibration motor movable mass and a vibration motor coil. The vibration motor is operable to cause vibration of the actuator assembly 100 that is capable of being felt by a user touching the actuator assembly 100 or a device containing the actuator assembly 100.

[0048] In some examples, the diaphragm of the speaker is located at an aperture defined by the enclosure. In some examples, a first side of the diaphragm faces away from the enclosure and a second, opposite side of the diaphragm faces into the enclosure. In some examples, the diaphragm is enclosed within the housing 302, such that a first side of thediaphragm faces an inside wall of the housing 302 and a second, opposite side of the diaphragm is faces away from the inside wall of the housing 302.

[0049] In some examples, the actuator assembly 100 includes a shared port adapted to permit air movement into and out of an air space of the enclosure that is shared by the diaphragm and the movable mass. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the actuator assembly 100 includes a tunnel 308. Air movement through the tunnel 308 occurs during operation of the actuator assembly 100 that generates movement of the diaphragm. Air movement through the tunnel 308 occurs during operation of the actuator assembly 100 that generates movement of the movable mass, either alone or with movement of the diaphragm.

[0050] The actuator assembly includes an air box 312. The air box 312 provides an expansion space that is fluidly coupled to the housing 302. The air box 312 enhances acoustic performance of the multi-transducer assembly 300 at low frequencies.

[0051] The multi-transducer assembly 300 can be relatively compact. For example, the multi-transducer assembly 300, which has a substantially rectangular profde in the x-y plane, can have an edge length (i.e., in the x- and / or y-directions) of about 25 millimeters (mm) or less. For example, the edge length can be 22mm, 20mm, 18mm, or 16mm. The multitransducer assembly’s depth (i.e., its dimension in the z-direction) can be about 5.5mm or less. For example, the multi-transducer assembly’s depth can be about 5.0mm, 4.0mm, or 3.0mm. In some examples, a ratio of the length to the width is 1.5 or more (e g., 1.7 or more). In some examples, a ratio of the length to the width is 2.0 or less (e.g., 1.7 or less).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, the multi-transducer assembly 300 includes a speaker 410 and a vibration motor 420. The speaker 410 and the vibration motor 420 are within the same housing 302 and share at least one magnet.

[0053] The speaker 410 converts an electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound. The speaker 410 is operable to generate human-audible sound waves, in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The speaker 410 includes a speaker coil 330. The speaker coil 330 surrounds a speaker coil axis 332. The speaker coil 330 is coupled to a diaphragm 315. The diaphragm 315 has an annular shape. The speaker coil 330 is movable with a diaphragm 315. During operation, the speaker coil 330 is energized to drive oscillation of the diaphragm 315 along the speaker coil axis 332. Vibrations of the diaphragm 315 generate the audio output.

[0054] The speaker 410 includes a diaphragm assembly 314. The diaphragm assembly314 includes an inner diaphragm frame 313 and an outer diaphragm frame 317. A diaphragm315 is suspended from the inner diaphragm frame 313 and the outer diaphragm frame 317 by membranes 316, 318. The membranes 316, 318 can be referred to as speaker surrounds.

[0055] The membrane 316 is atached to the inner diaphragm frame 313 and to an inner perimeter of the diaphragm 315. The membrane 316 is located within the annulus of the diaphragm 315.

[0056] The membrane 318 is atached to the outer diaphragm frame 317 and to an outer perimeter of the diaphragm 315. The diaphragm 315 is coupled to the housing 302 via the membrane 318.

[0057] The diaphragm 315 is movable relative to the inner diaphragm frame 313 and to the outer diaphragm frame 317. During operation, the membranes 316, 318 of the diaphragm assembly 314 flex and / or stretch to permit the diaphragm 315 to oscillate vertically up and down, along the z-axis, relative to the housing 302. Thus, the diaphragm 315 is movable relative to the housing 302.

[0058] The speaker 410 includes an upper plate 322, an upper magnet 324, and a middle plate 326. The middle plate 326 is coupled to the upper magnet 324. In some examples, the upper magnet 324 is sandwiched between the middle plate 326 and the inner diaphragm frame 313. The upper magnet 324 guides magnetic field vectors and improves magnetic flux density for the speaker 410. The upper plate 322 and the middle plate 326 can be made from a material that improves magnetoconductivity of the speaker 410.

[0059] The upper plate 322, the upper magnet 324, and the middle plate 326 form a center portion of the multi-transducer assembly 300. The center portion of the multitransducer assembly 300 is fixed relative to the housing 302. The speaker coil 330 surrounds the middle plate 326 in the x-y plane.

[0060] Located beneath the speaker 410 in FIG. 4 is the vibration motor 420. The vibration motor 420 is operable to generate haptic vibration within a range of 0.5 Hz to 1000 Hz. The resonance frequency can be in a range of, for example. 50 Hz to 200 Hz. In the example shown, the vibration motor 420 is a linear resonant actuator. A linear resonant actuator is a vibration motor that produces an oscillating force across a single axis.

[0061] The vibration motor 420 includes a mass block 418. The mass block 418 includes a plate 428 and masses 412a, 412b. The plate 428 is mechanically coupled to the masses 412a. 412b. The mass block 418 is a moving mass that is movable relative to the housing 302.

[0062] The vibration motor 420 includes botom magnets 416a, 416b. The bottom magnets 416a, 416b are non-movable relative to the housing 302. The botom magnets 416a. 416b guide magnetic field vectors and improve magnetic flux density for the vibration motor420. The botom magnets 416a, 416b are supported by a back plate 522. The botom magnets 416a. 416b are aligned with each other in the x-direction.

[0063] The vibration motor 420 includes vibration motor coils 415a, 415b, which are vibration motor coils. The vibration motor coil 415a surrounds a vibration motor coil axis 432a. The vibration motor coil 415b surrounds a vibration motor coil axis 432b. The vibration motor coil axes 432a, 432b are parallel to the speaker coil axis 332. For example, the vibration motor coil axes 432a, 432b and the speaker coil axis 332 extend in the z- direction. In some examples, the vibration motor coil axes 432a, 432b each extend through a portion of the speaker coil 330 when the mass block 418 is in a resting state. A resting state results from the vibration motor coil 415a being not energized.

[0064] The vibration motor coils 415a, 415b are coupled to the mass block 418. The vibration motor coils 415a, 415b are movable with the mass block 418. In some examples, the plate 428 is mechanically coupled to vibration motor coils 415a, 415b. In some examples, the plate 428 supports the masses 412a, 412b and the vibration motor coils 415a, 415b.

[0065] During operation, the mass block 418 oscillates back and forth along a vibration motor axis of movement. The axis of movement of the mass block 418 is orthogonal to the vibration motor coil axis 432b.

[0066] The axis of movement of the mass block 418 of the vibration motor 420 is orthogonal to the oscillation direction of the diaphragm 415 of the speaker 410. For example, the moving mass of the vibration motor 420 oscillates side-to-side along the x-axis, while the diaphragm 415 oscillates up and down along the z-axis. The orthogonal vibration directions of the vibration motor 420 and the speaker 410 relative to each other enable simultaneous operation of the vibration motor 420 and of the speaker 410, while reducing interference. For example, orthogonal oscillation of the diaphragm 415 relative to the oscillation direction of the mass block 418 reduces interference of the vibration of the mass block 418 compared to a diaphragm with a non-orthogonal oscillation direction. Similarly, orthogonal oscillation of the mass block 418 relative to the oscillation direction of the diaphragm 415 reduces interference of the audio generated by the diaphragm 415 compared to a mass block with a non-orthogonal oscillation direction. Regardless, other implementations of the actuator assembly 100 are structured to produce non-orthogonal oscillation of the mass block 418 and the diaphragm 415.

[0067] The vibration motor 420 includes a first flexure 414a, and a second flexure 414b. In the example of FIG. 4, the first flexure 414a and the second flexure 414b are springs that suspend the mass block 418 within the housing 302. In some examples, the first flexure 414aand the second flexure 414b can include dampers in addition to, or instead of, springs. For example, the example vibration motor includes dampers 404a, 404b. The damper 404a attaches the flexure 414a to the plate 428. The damper 404b attaches the flexure 414b to the plate 428.

[0068] The vibration motor 420 includes the vibration motor coils 415a, 415b. During operation, the vibration motor coils 415a, 415b are energized to drive oscillation of the mass block 418. During operation, the first flexure 414a and the second flexure 414b expand and compress to permit oscillation of the mass block 418 horizontally along the x-axis.

[0069] Although shown as including two vibration motor coils 415a, 415b, the vibration motor 420 can include a greater or lesser number of vibration motor coils. For example, a vibration motor can include one vibration motor coil, three vibration motor coils, four vibration motor coils.

[0070] The multi -transducer assembly 300 includes a center magnet assembly 350. The center magnet assembly 350 includes a center magnet 352 and side magnets 354. In some examples, the center magnet assembly 350 includes a single side magnet 354 (e.g., a ring magnet) that wraps around the center magnet 352. In some examples, the center magnet assembly 350 includes multiple magnets positioned around the center magnet 352. In the example of FIG. 4, the center magnet assembly 350 includes four side magnets, including side magnets 354a. 354b, 354c, 354d.

[0071] The center magnet assembly 350 is fixed relative to the housing 302. The center magnet 352 is attached on one side to a pillar 518 and on an opposite side to the middle plate 326. The side magnets 354 of the center magnet assembly 350 are attached to the upper plate 322, which may be attached to the diaphragm assembly 314. The center magnet 352 of the center magnet assembly 350 is attached to the middle plate 326. A north pole of the center magnet 352 is oriented in a same direction as a south pole of the side magnet 354.

[0072] The center magnet assembly 350 includes a speaker air gap 362 betw een the center magnet 352 and the side magnets 354. The speaker coil 330 is located in the air gap 362. The center magnet 352 is located at least partially within an inner periphery of the speaker coil 330. The side magnets 354 are located outside an outer periphery of the speaker coil 330.

[0073] The multi-transducer assembly 300 includes a vibration motor air gap 462 between the center magnet assembly 350 and the bottom magnets 416a, 416b. For example, the vibration motor air gap 462 extends between the side magnet 354a and the bottom magnet 416a-l, between the center magnet 352 and the bottom magnets 416a-2, 416b-2, and betweenthe side magnet 354b and the bottom magnet 416b-l. The vibration motor coils 415a, 415b are located in the air gap 462.

[0074] The side magnet 354a and the speaker coil 330 are positioned above the vibration motor coil 415a in the z-direction. The bottom magnets 416 are positioned below the vibration motor coil 415a in the z-direction. A north pole of the side magnet 354a faces in a particular direction (e.g.. upward in the z-direction). A north pole of the bottom magnet 416a- 1 faces in the same particular direction as the north pole of the side magnet 354a.

[0075] The multi-transducer assembly 300 includes a permanent magnet (e.g., side magnet 354a) between the speaker air gap 362 and the vibration motor air gap 462. The multi-transducer assembly 300 includes a permanent magnet (e.g., center magnet 352) between the speaker air gap 362 and the vibration motor air gap 462. The center magnet 352 is on an opposite side of the speaker air gap 362 than the side magnet 354a.

[0076] The Lorentz force plays a fundamental role in the behavior of coils when they are excited by alternating current within a magnetic field. When an audio signal passes through the coil, an alternating cunent flows through the coil, creating a varying magnetic field around the coil. The varying magnetic field interacts with the permanent magnets in a transducer, resulting in a force that causes the coil to vibrate. These vibrations generate sound waves and / or vibrational force, allowing the transducer to produce sound and / or haptic output.

[0077] The multi-transducer assembly 300 includes at least one magnetic circuit. A magnetic circuit includes at least one magnet and can include one or more magnetic cores. A magnetic core is a material with a high magnetic permeability. A magnetic core can confine and guide magnetic fields in an electromagnetic device.

[0078] FIG. 5 A is a cross-sectional diagram of the example actuator assembly 100. FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing internal components of a portion 550 of the example actuator assembly 100.

[0079] The multi -transducer assembly 300 includes a magnetic circuit that is shared between the speaker coil 330 and the vibration motor coils 415a, 415b. For example, referring to FIG. 5 A. a magnetic circuit 500 includes the center magnet assembly 350 including center magnet 352 and side magnets 354, and bottom magnets 416.

[0080] The magnetic circuit 500 generates magnetic lines of force, or magnetic field lines, including example magnetic field line 510. By convention, magnetic field lines are considered to flow from a south pole toward a north pole within a magnetic material, and to flow from a north pole toward a south pole outside of a magnetic material (e.g., in air). InFIG. 5A, south poles of magnets are depicted with a downward diagonal pattern, and north poles of magnets are depicted with an upward diagonal pattern. Magnetic field lines exist in three dimensions, but are depicted herein in two dimensions.

[0081] The magnetic circuit 500 generates magnetic field lines that pass through the speaker coil 330 and at least one of the vibration motor coils 415a, 415b. In some examples, the magnetic field lines extend in a loop through the magnetic circuit, and the magnetic field lines pass through the speaker coil and the vibration motor coil at different portions of the magnetic circuit.

[0082] In general, energization of the speaker coil 330 in the presence of the magnetic field lines causes oscillation of the speaker coil 330 and the diaphragm 315 along the z- direction. Energization of the vibration motor coils 415a, 415b in the presence of the magnetic field lines cause oscillation of the vibration motor coils 415a, 415b and the mass block 418 in the x-direction.

[0083] The magnetic field line 510 passes through the center magnet 352, through the speaker coil 330 in the air gap 362, through the side magnet 354a, through the vibration motor coil 415a in the air gap 462. through the bottom magnets 416a-l. 416a-2, through the vibration motor coil 415a in the air gap 462, to the center magnet 352. Although shown in FIG. 5 A as having a counter-clockwise direction, the magnetic field line 510 can have a clockwise direction (e.g., by reversing orientations of the magnets). Directions of the magnetic field lines depend on the pole orientations of the magnets in the magnetic circuit.

[0084] The magnetic field line 510 interacts with the speaker coil 330 of the speaker 410 to cause movement of the speaker coil 330 when the speaker coil 330 is energized. The magnetic field line 510 passes through the speaker coil 330 in the air gap 362 in an approximately horizontal direction (e.g.. the x-direction). When the speaker coil 330 is energized, electrical current 333 flows through wires of the speaker coil 330 in the x-y plane. The current 333 flowing through the speaker coil 330 is represented by an “x” label, showing that the direction of electrical current flow is "into the page.” In contrast, alabel shows that electrical current is flowing “out of the page.”

[0085] In the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5A. the current 333 flows through the speaker coil 330 into the page in the y-direction at the location where the magnetic field line 510 passes through the speaker coil 330. The current 333 flowing through the speaker coil 330 in the y-direction, in the presence of the magnetic field line 510 passing through the speaker coil 330 in the x-direction, results in a Lorentz force that causes the speaker coil 330 to move orthogonally to both the current 333 and the magnetic field line 510. In this example,the Lorentz force causes displacement of the speaker coil 330 vertically upward in the z- direction.

[0086] The upward movement of the speaker coil 330 exerts a pushing force on the diaphragm 315. The membranes 316, 318 permit movement of the diaphragm 315 in the z- direction due to the force exerted by the speaker coil 330.

[0087] The current flowing through the speaker coil 330 can be alternating current. Thus, in the example of FIG. 5 A, the current alternates between flowing in the y-direction into the page and out of the page. When the current reverses directions from into the page to out of the page, the Lorentz force also reverses directions from upward in the z-direction to downward in the z-direction. The Lorentz force causes displacement of the speaker coil 330 downward in the z-direction.

[0088] The downward movement of the speaker coil 330 exerts a pulling force on the diaphragm 315. The membranes 316, 318 permit movement of the diaphragm 315 in the z- direction due to the force exerted by the speaker coil 330. Alternating current through the speaker coil 330 thus causes oscillation of the diaphragm 315 in the z-direction, generating sound waves.

[0089] The magnetic field line 510 passes through the speaker coil 330 only at the portion of the speaker coil 330 that is within the air gap 362 between the center magnet 352 and the side magnet 354a. The magnetic field line 510 does not pass through the speaker coil 330 at an opposing portion of the speaker coil 330. For example, the magnetic field line 510 does not pass through the speaker coil 330 at the portion of the speaker coil 330 that is positioned between the center magnet 352 and the side magnet 354b.

[0090] The magnetic field line 510 interacts with the vibration motor coil 415a of the vibration motor 420. The magnetic field line 510 passes through the vibration motor coil 415a in the air gap 462 in an approximately vertical direction (e.g., the z-direction). When the vibration motor coil 415a is energized, electrical current 433 flows through wires of the vibration motor coil 415a in the x-y plane.

[0091] In the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5 A, the current 433 flows through the vibration motor coil 415a out of the page in the y-direction at the location where the magnetic field line 510 passes through the vibration motor coil 415a between the side magnet 354a and the bottom magnet 416a-l. The current 433 flows through the vibration motor coil 415a into the page in the y-direction at the location where the magnetic field line 510 passes through the vibration motor coil 415a between the bottom magnet 416a-2 and the center magnet 352. The location where the magnetic field line 510 passes through the vibration motor coil 415abetween the bottom magnet 416a-2 and the center magnet 352 is a portion of the vibration motor coil 415a that opposes the portion of the vibration motor coil 415a where the magnetic field line 510 passes through the vibration motor coil 415a between the side magnet 354a and the bottom magnet 416a- 1.

[0092] The current 433 flowing through the vibration motor coil 415a in the y-direction, in the presence of the magnetic field line 510 passing through the vibration motor coil 415a in the z-direction. results in a Lorentz force that causes the vibration motor coil 415a to move orthogonally to both the current 433 and the magnetic field line 510. In this example, the Lorentz force causes displacement of the vibration motor coil 415a toward the right side in the x-direction.

[0093] The rightward movement of the vibration motor coil 415a causes rightward movement of the mass block 418. For example, the vibration motor coil 415a can be attached to the plate 428, which is attached to the masses 412a, 412b, such that side-to-side movement of the vibration motor coil 415a in the x-direction causes side-to-side movement of the plate 428 and the masses 412a, 412b. The flexures 414a, 414b permit movement of the mass block 418 in the x-direction due to the force exerted by the vibration motor coil 415a.

[0094] The current flowing through the vibration motor coil 415a can be alternating current. Thus, in the example of FIG. 5 A, the current alternates between flowing clockwise and counter- clockwise through the vibration motor coil 415a, as viewed from an overhead perspective (e.g.. from the z-direction). When the current reverses directions from clockwise to counter-clockwise, the Lorentz force also reverses directions from rightward in the x- direction to leftward in the x-direction. The Lorentz force causes displacement of the vibration motor coil 415a leftward in the x-direction.

[0095] The leftward flexures 414a, 414b permit movement of the mass block 418 in the x-direction due to the force exerted by the vibration motor coil 415a. Alternating current through the vibration motor coil 415a thus causes oscillation of the mass block 418 in the x- direction, causing mechanical vibration.

[0096] The multi-transducer assembly 300 is configured to generate simultaneous or overlapping oscillation of the diaphragm 315 and oscillation of the mass block 418. For example, a first alternating current electrical signal can be applied to the speaker coil 330, and a second alternating current electrical signal can be applied to the vibration motor coil 415a such that the multi-transducer assembly 300 outputs both sound waves and vibrational output.

[0097] In some examples, the first alternating current electrical signal is applied to the speaker coil 330. and no electrical signal is applied to the vibration motor coil 415a, such that the speaker 410 produces sound and the vibration motor 420 does not produce vibrational output. In some examples, the second alternating current electrical signal is applied to the vibration motor coil 415a, and no electrical signal is applied to the speaker coil 330, such that the vibration motor 420 produces vibrational output and the speaker 410 does not produce sound.

[0098] The upper magnet 324, center magnet 352, side magnets 354, and bottom magnets 416 include permanent magnets. The speaker coil 330 and the vibration motor coils 415a, 415b, when energized, form electromagnets.

[0099] In some examples, the multi-transducer assembly 300 includes more than one magnetic circuit that is shared by the speaker 410 and by the vibration motor 420. For example, the multi -transducer assembly 300 can include magnetic circuit 501 in addition to the magnetic circuit 500. The magnetic circuit 501 includes the center magnet 352, the side magnet 354b, vibration motor coil 415b, and bottom magnets 416b. The magnetic circuit 501 generates magnetic field line 520. The magnetic field line 520 passes through the center magnet 352, through the speaker coil 330 in the air gap 362, through the side magnet 354b, through the vibration motor coil 415b in the air gap 462, through the bottom magnets 416b-l, 416b-2, through the vibration motor coil 415b in the air gap 462, to the center magnet 352.

[0100] The magnetic circuit 500 and the magnetic circuit 501 each form a portion of the entire magnetic circuit produced by the multi-transducer assembly 300. An additional portion of the overall magnetic circuit includes a magnetic field line (not show n) that extends from the center magnet 352 looping through the side magnet 354 and back to the center magnet 352 without passing through the bottom magnets 416. For example, referring to FIG. 3, bottom magnet 416a- 1 is substantially aligned with the side magnet 354a in the z-direction. However, there is no bottom magnet aligned with the side magnet 354c or 354d in the z- direction. Therefore, an additional portion of the entire magnetic circuit includes a magnetic field line that extends from center magnet 354 looping through the side magnet 354c and back to the center magnet 352 without passing through any bottom magnets 416. This magnetic field line loops into or out of the page in FIG. 5A.

[0101] The entire magnetic circuit of the multi-transducer assembly 300 may be in the shape of a torus having an axis of rotation extending the z-direction. The toroidal axis of rotation may be aligned with a center of the diaphragm 315 in the x-y plane. The speaker portion of the assembly accesses the entire toroidal magnetic circuit (e.g., the magnetic circuitthroughout the entire circumference of the torus). A transducer can be considered to access a portion of a magnetic circuit when the portion of the magnetic circuit contributes to the driving force of the transducer. The vibration motor portion of the assembly accesses a portion of the magnetic circuit that is less than the entire magnetic circuit (e.g., a portion of the magnetic circuit throughout part of the circumference of the torus). For example, a vibration motor can access a portion of the entire magnetic circuit that passes through the bottom magnets 416. which may be a portion of the magnetic circuit that occupies a side section of the toms. As such, an entirety of each vibration motor's magnetic circuit forms a portion of the overall toroidal magnetic circuit.

[0102] Transducers can include more or fewer magnets than shown in FIG. 5A. In some examples, a transducer can include additional bottom magnets that are supported by the back plate 522. For example, additional magnet(s) can be positioned between the bottom magnets 416a-l and 416a-2, between the bottom magnets 416b-l and 416b-2, and / or between the bottom magnets 416a-2 and 416b-2. Additional magnets can strengthen the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic circuits of the multi-transducer assembly.

[0103] In some examples, the arrangement of the bottom magnets can form a half Halbach array or a full Halbach array. The magnets in a Halbach array have their magnetic moments oriented in a way that on one side of the array, the magnetic moments reinforce each other, leading to an intensified magnetic field. On the other side of the array, the magnetic moments are arranged to cancel each other out, resulting in a weakened or nearzero magnetic field. By arranging the bottom magnets of a multi-transducer assembly to form a Halbach array, the magnetic field can be strengthened in the vibration motor air gap 462.

[0104] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example combined speaker and vibration motor assembly including vibration motor diaphragms 610. The combined speaker and vibration motor assembly includes a multi-transducer assembly 600. The multi -transducer assembly 600 is similar to the multi-transducer assembly 300, except that the multi -transducer assembly 600 includes dampers 614a, 614b and vibration motor diaphragms 610a-l, 610a-2, 610b-l, 610b-2.

[0105] The multi -transducer assembly 600 includes a vibration motor including a mass block 618. The dampers 614a, 614b suspend the mass block 618 within a housing 602. During operation, the dampers 614a, 614b expand and compress to permit oscillation of the mass block 618 horizontally along the x-axis to generate vibration.

[0106] The vibration motor diaphragms 610a- 1. 61 Oa-2, 610b- 1, 610b-2 each include an integrated membrane that generates sound pressure during vibration. The vibration motor ofthe multi-transducer assembly 600 can therefore generate sound waves in addition to vibration. The sound waves generated by the vibration motor supplement the sound waves generated by the speaker of the multi-transducer assembly 600. For example, the vibration motor can generate low frequency sound waves, improving audio performance of the multitransducer assembly 600 in bass ranges.

[0107] As described above, the disclosed combined speaker and vibration motor assemblies can include more or fewer magnets than shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. For example. FIG. 7 is a diagram of an example simplified transducer 700 including only a single magnet 750.

[0108] The multi -transducer assembly 700 includes a magnetic circuit 705. The magnetic circuit 705 includes the magnet 750 and a magnetic core 722. The magnetic circuit 705 generates magnetic lines of force, including example magnetic field line 710.

[0109] The magnetic field lines 710 passes through a speaker coil 730 and a vibration motor coil 715 at different portions of the magnetic circuit 705. Energization of the speaker coil 730 in the presence of the magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic circuit 705 causes oscillation of the speaker coil 730 and an attached diaphragm 716 along the z- direction. Energization of the vibration motor coil 715 in the presence of the magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic circuit 705 causes oscillation of the vibration motor coils 715 and an attached mass block 718 in the x-direction.

[0110] The magnetic field line 710 passes through the core 722, through the speaker coil 730 in an air gap 762, through the magnet 750, through the vibration motor coil 715 in an air gap 772, to the core 722. Although shown in FIG. 7 as having a counter-clockwise direction, the magnetic field line 710 can have a clockwise direction. Directions of the magnetic field lines depend on the pole orientation of the magnet 750.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary electronic control module 220 of a mobile device, such as mobile device 150, includes a processor 810, memory 820, a display driver 830, a signal generator 840, an input / output (I / O) module 850, and a network / communications module 860. These components are in electrical communication with one another (e.g.. via a signal bus 802) and with actuator assembly 100.

[0112] Processor 810 may be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, processor 810 can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices.

[0113] Memory' 820 has various instructions, computer programs or other data stored thereon. The instructions or computer programs may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the mobile device. For example, the instructions may be configured to control or coordinate the operation of the device’s display via display driver 830, signal generator 840, one or more components of I / O module 850, one or more communication channels accessible via network / communications module 860, one or more sensors (e.g.. biometric sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, optical sensors, barometric sensors, moisture sensors and so on), and / or actuator assembly 100.

[0114] Signal generator 840 is configured to produce AC waveforms of vary ing amplitudes, frequency, and / or pulse profiles suitable for actuator assembly 100 and producing acoustic and / or haptic responses via the actuator. Although depicted as a separate component, in some embodiments, signal generator 840 can be part of processor 810. In some embodiments, signal generator 840 can include an amplifier, e.g., as an integral or separate component thereof.

[0115] The electronic control module 220 is electrically coupled to the actuator assembly- 100. The electronic control module 220 is configured to generate a haptic signal for generating haptic response from the vibration motor 420. The haptic signal is an electrical signal, such as a voltage or current waveform. The electronic control module 220 may be programmed to receive a touch input from the display 104 and generate the haptic signal based on the received touch input to provide the haptic response to the user.

[0011] Memory 820 can store electronic data that can be used by the mobile device. For example, memory 820 can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data for the various modules, data structures or databases, and so on. Memory 820 may also store instructions for recreating the various types of waveforms that may be used by signal generator 840 to generate signals for actuator assembly 100. Memory^ 820 may be any type of memory such as, for example, random access memory, read-only- memory, Flash memory, removable memory-, or other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices.

[0117] As briefly discussed above, electronic control module 220 may include various input and output components represented in FIG. 8 as I / O module 850. Although the components of I / O module 850 are represented as a single item in FIG. 8, the mobile device may include a number of different input components, including buttons, microphones, switches, and dials for accepting user input. In some embodiments, the components of I / Omodule 850 may include one or more touch sensors and / or force sensors. For example, the mobile device’s display may include one or more touch sensors and / or one or more force sensors that enable a user to provide input to the mobile device.

[0118] Each of the components of I / O module 850 may include specialized circuitry for generating signals or data. In some cases, the components may produce or provide feedback for application-specific input that corresponds to a prompt or user interface object presented on the display.

[0119] As noted above, network / communications module 860 includes one or more communication channels. These communication channels can include one or more wireless interfaces that provide communications between processor 810 and an external device or other electronic device. In general, the communication channels may be configured to transmit and receive data and / or signals that may be interpreted by instructions executed on processor 810. In some cases, the external device is part of an external communication network that is configured to exchange data with other devices. Generally, the wireless interface may include, without limitation, radio frequency, optical, acoustic, and / or magnetic signals and may be configured to operate over a wireless interface or protocol. Example wireless interfaces include radio frequency cellular interfaces, fiber optic interfaces, acoustic interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, Near Field Communication interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP / IP interfaces, network communications interfaces, or any conventional communication interfaces.

[0120] In some implementations, one or more of the communication channels of network / communications module 860 may include a wireless communication channel between the mobile device and another device, such as another mobile phone, tablet, computer, or the like. In some cases, output, audio output, haptic output or visual display elements may be transmitted directly to the other device for output. For example, an audible alert or visual warning may be transmitted from the mobile device 150 to a mobile phone for output on that device and vice versa. Similarly, the network / communications module 860 may be configured to receive input provided on another device to control the mobile device. For example, an audible alert, visual notification, or haptic alert (or instructions therefor) may be transmitted from the external device to the mobile device for presentation.

[0121] The actuator technology disclosed herein can be used in a device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or wearable devices (e.g., smartwatch or head-mounted device, such as smart glasses).

[0122] Other embodiments are in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A combined speaker and vibration motor assembly, comprising: a housing; a diaphragm that is movable relative to the housing; a speaker coil that is coupled to the diaphragm and movable with the diaphragm; a vibration motor movable mass that is movable relative to the housing; a vibration motor coil that is coupled to the vibration motor movable mass and movable with the vibration motor movable mass; and a magnetic circuit that is shared between the speaker coil and the vibration motor coil, such that a magnetic field line that extends in a loop through the magnetic circuit passes through the speaker coil and the vibration motor coil at different portions of the magnetic circuit.

2. The assembly of claim 1. wherein: the magnetic circuit includes a permanent magnet; and the diaphragm is coupled to the housing via a speaker surround.

3. The assembly of claim 1. wherein: the housing defines an enclosure, within which the speaker coil, the vibration motor movable mass, and the vibration motor coil are located; and the enclosure defines a diaphragm aperture at which the diaphragm is located, such a first side of the diaphragm faces away from the enclosure and a second side of the diaphragm that opposes the first side of the diaphragm faces into the enclosure.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the enclosure defines a shared port adapted to permit air movement into and out of an air space of the enclosure that is shared by the diaphragm and the vibration motor movable mass, such that the air movement through the shared port occurs during operation of the assembly that generates movement of the diaphragm and during operation of the assembly that generates movement of the vibration motor movable mass.

5. The assembly of claim 1. wherein the magnetic circuit defines: a speaker air gap in which the speaker coil is located; anda vibration motor air gap in which the vibration motor coil is located.

6. The assembly of claim 5. wherein the magnetic circuit includes a permanent magnet between the speaker air gap and the vibration motor air gap at a first portion of the magnetic circuit through which the magnetic field line extends.

7. The assembly of claim 6. wherein the magnetic circuit includes a second permanent magnet between the speaker air gap and the vibration motor air gap at second portion of the magnetic circuit through which the magnetic field line extends, the first portion of the magnetic circuit and the second portion of the magnetic circuit being at an opposite side of the speaker air gap and a same side of the vibration motor air gap as compared to the first permanent magnet.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is configured to generate simultaneous oscillation of the diaphragm and oscillation of the vibration motor movable mass, by application of a first alternating current electrical signal to the speaker coil simultaneous with application of a second alternating current electric signal to the vibration motor coil.

9. The assembly of claim 1. wherein: the speaker coil surrounds a speaker coil axis and is configured to oscillate back and forth along the speaker coil axis; the diaphragm is configured to oscillate back and forth along the speaker coil axis; the vibration motor coil surrounds a vibration motor coil axis; and the vibration motor coil axis is parallel to the speaker coil axis.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein: the vibration motor movable mass is configured to oscillate back and forth along a vibration motor axis of movement; and the axis of movement of the vibration motor movable mass is orthogonal to the vibration motor coil axis.

11. The assembly of claim 1. wherein: the diaphragm is configured to oscillate back and forth along a speaker axis ofmovement; the vibration motor movable mass is configured to oscillate back and forth along a vibration motor axis of movement; and the speaker axis of movement is orthogonal to the vibration motor axis of movement.

12. The assembly of claim 1. wherein: the magnetic circuit includes a first magnet located within an inner periphery of the speaker coil and a second magnet located outside an outer periphery of the speaker coil; and the speaker coil is located within an air gap between the first magnet and the second magnet.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein: the first magnet and the second magnet are fixed relative to the housing; and a north pole of the first magnet is oriented in a same direction as a south pole of the second magnet.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the speaker coil is located to a first side of the vibration motor coil; the magnetic circuit includes a first magnet that is located to the first side of the vibration motor coil; the magnetic circuit includes a second magnet that is located to a second side of the vibration motor coil that opposes the first side of the vibration motor coil; and the vibration motor coil is located within an air gap between the first magnet and the second magnet.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein: the first magnet is located outside a periphery7of the speaker coil; the first magnet is oriented with its north pole facing in a particular direction; and the second magnet is oriented with its north pole facing in the particular direction.

16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the vibration motor coil surrounds a vibration motor coil axis; and the vibration motor coil axis extends through a portion of the speaker coil when thevibration motor movable mass is in a resting state.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the magnetic field line that extends in the loop through the magnetic circuit extends through:(i) the portion of the speaker coil;(ii) a first portion of the vibration motor coil; and(iii) a second portion of the vibration motor coil that opposes the first portion of the vibration motor coil.

18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the magnetic field line passes through the speaker coil only at the portion of the speaker coil, such that the magnetic field line does not pass through the speaker coil at an opposing portion of the speaker coil.

19. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the vibration motor coil comprises a first vibration motor coil; the assembly compnses a second vibration motor coil; and a second magnetic field line that extends in a second loop through the magnetic circuit passes through the speaker coil and the second vibration motor coil at different portions of the magnetic circuit, without passing through the first vibration motor coil.

20. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein: the assembly includes a center portion that is fixed relative to the housing; the diaphragm has an annular shape that surrounds the center portion of the assembly; the diaphragm is coupled to the housing via a first surround that surrounds the diaphragm; and the diaphragm is coupled to the center portion via a second speaker surround that is located within the diaphragm.

Images