Two-part speaker system

Abstract

The electronic device can include a housing defining an opening and a speaker pod disposed within the housing, the speaker pod defining a port configured to align with the opening. The speaker pod can include a first speaker in fluid communication with the first channel and a second speaker in fluid communication with the second channel. The first channel and the second channel merge into the port.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 267,370, filed January 31, 2022, and entitled "TWO-PART SPEAKER SYSTEM," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices and, more particularly, to speaker assemblies for electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Over the past few decades, electronic devices have advanced dramatically in their capabilities. Computer components have become smaller while also increasing the amount of performance they can deliver. Electronic devices typically include a housing that encloses internal system components such as audio speaker assemblies, circuitry, processing units, display elements, and other electronic components. The reduced dimensions of these various components can provide more efficient use of space, greater flexibility in the placement of components within the housing, reduced housing size and material usage, smaller device size, greater ease of transportation and use, and other options for device design.

[0004] Designing an integrated speaker assembly that maintains a wide frequency range and desirable acoustic performance levels can be challenging given the ever-increasing demands for compactness and high performance in limited spaces. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device can include a housing defining an opening, a first speaker in fluid communication with a first channel, and a second speaker in fluid communication with a second channel, the first channel and the second channel merging into a shared channel in fluid communication with the opening.

[0006] In some examples, the first speaker comprises a woofer and the second speaker comprises a tweeter. The electronic device can further comprise a first mesh positioned at the opening and a second mesh positioned at an interface between the woofer and the tweeter. The second mesh can have a higher density than the first mesh. The electronic device can comprise a barrier covering the opening. The barrier can comprise a woven mesh and a metal screen defining an exterior of the electronic device.

[0007] In some examples, the first speaker can include a first diaphragm that vibrates along a first axis and the second speaker can include a second diaphragm that oscillates along a second axis parallel to the first axis. The electronic device can include a wall for shielding the second speaker from sound waves generated by the first speaker, the wall at least partially defining a second channel. The electronic device can include a speaker pod disposed within the housing. The speaker pod can define a port aligned with the opening, the first channel, and the second channel.

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a speaker unit can include a housing defining an interior volume and an outlet, the outlet being in fluid communication with the interior volume and an external environment. The speaker unit can include a woofer positioned within the interior volume, the woofer capable of transmitting a first sound wave having a frequency between 20 Hz and 2 kHz through a woofer channel in fluid communication with the outlet, and a tweeter positioned within the interior volume and at least partially overlapping the woofer, the tweeter capable of transmitting a second sound wave having a frequency between 200 Hz and 20 kHz through a tweeter channel in fluid communication with the outlet.

[0009] In some examples, the woofer channel comprises a serpentine path. The serpentine path can extend through a non-vertical interface of the woofer and the tweeter. In some examples, an overlap between the tweeter and the woofer defines the non-vertical interface. The woofer channel can define an outlet located at the non-vertical interface. The woofer can generate a first sound wave in a first direction. The woofer channel can guide the first sound wave in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] In some examples, the speaker unit can include a woofer mesh positioned between the woofer channel and the tweeter channel. The speaker unit can further include a tweeter mesh positioned at the outlet, the woofer mesh comprising a fabric having a higher density than the tweeter mesh. The woofer channel can be at least partially defined by an inner surface of the housing.

[0011] According to some aspects, a speaker assembly can include a housing defining an interior volume and a port, the port can be in fluid communication with the interior volume and an external environment, a woofer positioned within the interior volume, a tweeter positioned within the interior volume, an outlet defined by the woofer, the outlet can be disposed at an interface between the woofer and the tweeter, a first mesh covering the outlet, and a second mesh covering the port, the first mesh can be denser than the second mesh.

[0012] In some examples, a first distance between the port and the tweeter can be less than a second distance between the port and the woofer. The speaker assembly can be contained within the personal electronic device. The port can be directed toward a user's ear during operation. The speaker assembly can include a deformable foam positioned between the tweeter and the housing. The speaker assembly can include a deformable foam positioned between the channel wall and the housing.

[0013] The disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers designate like structural elements and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a side view of an electronic device.

[0015] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic device.

[0016] [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic device.

[0017] [Figure 1D] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic device.

[0018] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the speaker assembly.

[0019] [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a speaker assembly.

[0020] [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the speaker assembly.

[0021] [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a speaker assembly.

[0022] [Figure 3D] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the speaker assembly.

[0023] [Figure 3E] FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the speaker assembly.

[0024] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a port barrier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Detailed representative embodiments are described below with reference to examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment, but rather to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0026] The following disclosure relates to a speaker assembly for an electronic device. More specifically, the following disclosure describes a two-part speaker assembly with a single outlet port. An electronic device typically comprises a housing that encloses internal system components such as an audio speaker assembly, circuitry, a processing unit, a display element, and other electronic components. However, as electronic devices become smaller and smaller, the space available for such components decreases. Furthermore, it may be desirable to reduce the number of openings or ports visible on an electronic device. The speaker assembly described herein uniquely addresses the challenges resulting from the reduction in available space, as well as aesthetic and performance requirements.

[0027] In certain embodiments, an electronic device, such as a head mounted device ("HMD"), can include a housing that defines an interior volume. The housing can also define an opening that is in fluid communication with the interior volume of the housing and the surrounding environment. A speaker assembly or unit can be positioned within the interior volume of the electronic device. In some examples, the speaker assembly is positioned within a support for the HMD, such as within a support arm or band positioned along the user's head. The speaker assembly can be positioned proximate to the user's ears and oriented to direct sound toward the user's ears.

[0028] In some examples, the speaker assembly may comprise a speaker pod or housing positioned within the electronic device. The speaker pod may house various components of the speaker assembly. The speaker pod may further define a port or outlet aligned with an opening in the electronic device. Thus, the port may be in fluid communication with an interior volume of the speaker pod and an external environment. The speaker assembly may comprise multiple audio transducers or speakers.

[0029] The speaker may include a diaphragm coupled to a magnetic component. The magnetic component may include a gap or groove into which a wound coil, such as a copper coil or any conductive coil that can be influenced by an electromagnetic field, is placed. In some examples, the coil can generate a desired electromagnetic field or be influenced by a desired electromagnetic field. The diaphragm may be attached to the coil. When a pulse of electricity passes through the coil, the direction of its magnetic field changes rapidly, resulting in alternating forces of attraction and repulsion on the magnetic component, causing it to vibrate back and forth. The coil may be attached to the diaphragm that amplifies these vibrations, pumping sound waves into the surrounding air. Notably, despite having multiple audio transducers, the speaker assembly may include only one outlet or port.

[0030] In one example, the speaker assembly includes a first speaker, such as a woofer, positioned within the pod and in fluid communication with a first channel. The woofer channel can have a tortuous, serpentine path to the outlet port. A second speaker, such as a tweeter, can also be positioned within the pod and in fluid communication with the second or tweeter channel. As described in more detail below, the woofer and tweeter channels can be merged, joined, or combined into a shared channel leading to a port.

[0031] In some examples, the tweeter can at least partially overlap the woofer, thereby reducing the footprint of the assembly along at least one major dimension. This can allow the speaker pod to better fit within an electronic device having space constraints. In some examples, the speaker assembly can include a port barrier positioned at the port. The port barrier can cover the port. The port barrier can include a woven mesh, a metal screen defining an exterior of the electronic device, and a support frame for reinforcing the woven mesh. Similarly, the speaker assembly can include a woofer mesh positioned within a channel leading to the woofer. The woofer mesh can have a higher density than the mesh of the port barrier. In some examples, the woofer mesh can have a lower density than the port barrier mesh. Thus, the speaker assembly can include multiple meshes.

[0032] A challenge arising from a shared port system as described herein is potential interference of the tweeter from sound waves or sounds generated by the woofer. The woofer diaphragm is larger than the tweeter diaphragm and therefore may adversely affect the operation of the tweeter. Thus, in some examples, the speaker assembly may include a wall positioned between the tweeter and the woofer channel. The wall may shield the tweeter from sound waves generated by the woofer. In some examples, the shielding wall may at least partially define one or more of the channels of the speaker assembly and may be shaped to direct the sound flow.

[0033] These and other embodiments are described below with reference to Figures 1-4. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description provided herein with reference to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that includes at least one of a first selection range, a second selection range, or a third selection range should be understood to refer to a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that can include one of each enumerated selection range (e.g., only one of the first selection range, only one of the second selection range, or only one of the third selection range), multiple of a single enumerated selection range (e.g., two or more of the first selection range), two selection ranges at the same time (e.g., one of the first selection range and one of the second selection range), or a combination thereof (e.g., two of the first selection ranges and one of the second selection range).

[0034] It will be further understood that the various directional indicators used herein (e.g., up, down, sideways, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upward, downward, etc.) are done so with reference to the orientation of the figure. For example, the vertical axis should be understood as the axis extending from the top of the page to the bottom of the page.

[0035] 1A-1D illustrate various electronic devices that may be used with the speaker assemblies described herein. The electronic devices may correspond to any form of wearable electronic device, portable media player, media storage device, portable digital assistant ("PDA"), tablet computer, computer, mobile communication device, GPS unit, remote control device, or any other electronic device. Specific examples of such devices are described below.

[0036] 1A shows an electronic device such as a head-mounted device 100a positioned on a user's head 120. The head-mounted device may comprise a display device used for virtual or augmented reality simulation. The head-mounted device 100a may further relate to any form of computer glasses or smart glasses. The head-mounted device 100a may comprise a display 104 and a support 108, such as a headband or a support arm. In some examples, the display 104 comprises an opaque, semi-transparent, transparent, or semi-transparent screen including any number of lenses for presenting visual data.

[0037] The head mounted device 100a can be worn on the user's head 120 such that the display 104 is positioned on the user's face and disposed over one or both of the user's eyes. The display 104 can be connected to the support 108. In some examples, the support 108 can be positioned against and in contact with a side of the user's head 120. In some examples, the support 108 can be positioned at least partially over the user's ear or ears 124. In some examples, the support 108 can be positioned adjacent to the user's ear or ears 124. The support 108 can extend around the user's head 120. In this manner, the display 104 and the support 108 can hold the head mounted device 100a on the user's head 120. However, it should be understood that this configuration is merely one example of how the components of the modular head mounted device 100a can be configured and that in some examples, a different number of connector straps and / or retention bands can be provided.

[0038] The head mounted device 100a may include a frame or housing that houses various electrical components. Various components of the display 104 may be housed within the housing. For example, the hardware and electronics that enable the functionality of the HMD may be housed within the housing. The housing may be defined by the support 108 and / or any portion of the display 104.

[0039] In some examples, the head mounted device 100a can include a speaker assembly 112. The speaker assembly 112 can be positioned within a housing of the head mounted device 100a. For example, the speaker assembly 112 can be positioned in or on the support 108. The support 108 can define an opening 116 positioned proximate the speaker assembly 112 to allow sound waves generated by the speaker assembly 112 to pass through and be emitted to the external environment. In some examples, when the head mounted device 100a is worn on a user's head 120, the speaker assembly 112 and the opening 116 are positioned proximate the user's ear 124. The support 108 and / or the opening 116 can be oriented to direct sound to the user's ear 124 when the user 120 is wearing the head mounted device 100a. Further details regarding electronic devices that can implement a single port speaker system are described below with reference to FIG. 1B.

[0040] 1B illustrates an example in which the electronic device is a wearable device 100b. The wearable device 100b may be a watch, such as a smart watch. The wearable device 100b of FIG. 1B is merely a representative example of a device that may be used in conjunction with the components and methods disclosed herein. In other words, the wearable device 100b is a non-limiting example of a device that may include a single port speaker assembly as described herein.

[0041] The wearable device 100b may include an enclosure or housing 103. The housing 103 may connect to a front display 105 and may have a strap 109 designed to attach the wearable device 100b to a user or to provide a wearable function. The housing 103 may define a port 116 in fluid communication with a speaker assembly disposed within the housing 103. Several input elements, such as a rotatable crown and / or buttons 107, may be attached to and protrude from the housing 103. The housing 103 may define a single speaker port 116, which may be integrally formed within and defined by the housing 103.

[0042] In some examples, the wearable device 100b can include a speaker assembly (not shown in FIG. 1B). The speaker assembly can be positioned within a housing 103 of the wearable device 100b. The housing 103 can define a port 116 positioned relative to the speaker assembly 112 to allow sound waves generated by the speaker assembly to pass and be emitted to the external environment. In some examples, when the wearable device 100b is worn by a user, the port 116 is positioned or oriented to face toward the user's ear 124. The port 116 can be positioned to allow sound to be directed toward the user's ear when the user is wearing the wearable device 100b. Further details regarding electronic devices that can implement a single port speaker system are described below with reference to FIG. 1C.

[0043] Figure 1C illustrates an example where the electronic device is a computer 100c, such as a laptop or desktop. The computer 100c of Figure 1C is merely one representative example of a device that may be used in conjunction with the components and methods disclosed herein. In particular, the computer 100c is one representative example of a device that may include the single port speaker assembly described herein.

[0044] The computer 100c may include an enclosure or housing 111. The housing 111 may be connected to a display 113. The housing 111 may define a port 116 in fluid communication with a speaker assembly contained within the housing 111. A number of input members 115, such as a keyboard, may be attached to and protrude from the housing 111.

[0045] The housing 111 can substantially define an interior volume and at least a portion of an exterior surface of the computer 100c. The display 113 can include a touch-sensitive surface, such as a touch screen. The display 113 can define an exterior surface of the computer 100c.

[0046] The housing 111 may also include features such as a button opening or a charging port opening. In some examples, the housing 111 defines only a single speaker port 116 by the processes described herein. The speaker port 116 may be integrally formed within and defined by the housing 111.

[0047] In some examples, the computer 100c can include a speaker assembly (not shown in FIG. 1C). The speaker assembly can be positioned within an interior volume of a housing 111 of the computer 100c. The housing 111 can define a port 116 positioned relative to the speaker assembly such that sound waves generated by the speaker assembly can pass through and be emitted to the external environment. The port 116 can be positioned such that sound can be directed to a user's ear when the user is using the computer 100c. Further details regarding electronic devices that can implement a single port speaker system are described below with reference to FIG. 1D.

[0048] 1D illustrates an example where the electronic device is a mobile device 100d, such as a smartphone or tablet computer. The mobile device 100d of FIG. 1D is merely a representative example of a device that may be used in conjunction with the components and methods disclosed herein. In particular, the mobile device 100d is merely a representative example of a device that may be equipped with a single port speaker assembly as described herein.

[0049] The mobile device 100d may include an enclosure or housing 117. The housing 117 may be connected to a display 119. The housing 117 may define a port 116 in fluid communication with a speaker assembly disposed within the housing 117.

[0050] The housing 117 can substantially define at least a portion of an exterior surface of the mobile device 100d. The display 119 can include a touch-sensitive surface, such as a touch screen. The display 119 can define an exterior surface of the mobile device 100d.

[0051] The housing 117 may also include features such as a button opening or a charging port opening. In some examples, the housing 117 defines only a single speaker port 116 by the processes described herein. The speaker port 116 may be integrally formed from the housing 117.

[0052] In some examples, the mobile device 100d may include a speaker assembly (not shown in FIG. 1C). The speaker assembly may be positioned within a housing 117 of the mobile device 100d. The housing 117 may define a port 116 positioned relative to the speaker assembly 112 to allow sound waves generated by the speaker assembly to pass and be emitted to the external environment. The port 116 may be positioned to direct sound to a user's ear when the user is using the mobile device 100d. Further details regarding the speaker assembly are described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0053] 2 shows a schematic diagram of an electronic device 200 including a speaker assembly 212. The electronic device 200 can be substantially similar to and can include some or all of the features of the electronic devices described herein, such as the head-mounted device 100a, the wearable device 100b, the computer 100c, and the mobile device 100d.

[0054] The electronic device 200 can define an interior volume 201 for housing electronic components. A speaker assembly 212 can be positioned within the interior volume 201. In some examples, the entirety of the speaker assembly 212 is positioned within the interior volume 201. The electronic device 200 can define an opening or aperture 216a in fluid communication with the surrounding environment and the speaker assembly 212.

[0055] The speaker assembly 212 may include a pod 213, which may also be referred to as a speaker assembly housing or enclosure, that defines an interior volume 215 of the speaker assembly. The pod 213 may house various electrical and acoustic components. The speaker assembly 212 may include various acoustic components, such as audio transducers, woofers, tweeters, midrange drivers, and any other types of driver or speaker components.

[0056] In some examples, speaker pod 213 includes a woofer 230 and a tweeter 234. The woofer 230 (also known as a bass speaker or loudspeaker driver) can be designed to produce low frequency sound. The woofer 230 can be an electro-dynamic driver. In some examples, the woofer 230 can produce sound from about 50 Hz to about 2000 Hz.

[0057] The speaker assembly 212 can include a tweeter 234. The tweeter 234 may also be referred to as a treble speaker or loudspeaker. The tweeter 234 can be a speaker driver that produces an acoustic output in a high frequency range, or a frequency range higher than that output by a woofer. In some examples, the tweeter 234 produces a sound from about 2 kHz to about 20 kHz. In some examples, the tweeter 234 can produce a sound up to about 100 kHz. The tweeter 234 can be positioned proximate to an opening, outlet, or port 216b in the speaker pod 213 that leads to the surrounding environment. The port 216b can be aligned with or in fluid communication with an opening 216a defined by the housing of the electronic device 200.

[0058] In particular, in some examples, the speaker assembly 212 includes only one port 216b that emits sound to the surrounding environment. The tweeter 234 and the woofer 230 can be stacked vertically. For example, the tweeter 234 can be positioned above or on top of the woofer 230 (with respect to the view of FIG. 2). In some examples, the tweeter 234 overlaps the woofer 230 along a horizontal axis such that the woofer 230 and the tweeter are stacked along the vertical axis. Stacking the woofer 230 and the tweeter 234 can reduce the dimensions of the speaker pod 213 (e.g., along the horizontal axis). As shown, the tweeter 234 can be positioned closer to the port 216b than the woofer 230. In other words, the distance between the port 216b and the woofer 230 is greater than the distance between the port 216b and the tweeter 234.

[0059] The speaker assembly 212 can include interior walls or barrier components that define one or more channels, passages, or tunnels designed to guide sound within the speaker assembly 212. In some examples, the woofer channel 250 can be in fluid communication with the interior of the woofer 230 to receive sound generated by the woofer 230 and at least partially guide the sound to the port 216b. Similarly, the tweeter channel 251 can be in fluid communication with the tweeter 234 to receive sound generated by the tweeter 234 and guide the sound to the port 216b.

[0060] As described herein, the pod 213 can define a single outlet port 216b. Thus, in some configurations, the woofer channel 250 and the tweeter channel 251 merge into a shared channel 252 leading to the port 216b. In at least one example, the woofer channel 250, the tweeter channel 251, and the shared channel 252 can be formed as a single channel leading to the single port 216b. In other words, the woofer channel 250 can direct primarily low frequency sounds generated by the woofer 230, and the tweeter channel 251 can direct primarily high frequency sounds generated by the tweeter 234. Thus, the shared channel 252 can include both high and low frequency sound waves generated by both the woofer 230 and the tweeter 234. In some examples, the woofer channel 250 and the tweeter channel 251 terminate at the port 216b.

[0061] In at least one example, the shared channel 252 can be removed or reduced in size, with the woofer channel 250 and the tweeter channel 252 extending to the port 216b. In such an example, the woofer channel 250 can terminate at the tweeter channel 251, and the tweeter channel can terminate at the port 216. Thus, in at least one example, the woofer channel 250 and the tweeter channel 251 can be joined to form a single channel that terminates at a single port 216b. As shown in FIG. 2, the port 216b and the opening 216 can be aligned to form a single opening or port that is defined at least in part by the outer housing 200 of the device 200 and is visible from the outside environment.

[0062] In some examples, mesh 258 can be positioned within or across the woofer channel 250. Mesh 258 can include a cloth or fabric (also called grill cloth, acoustic cloth, or speaker mesh) designed to allow sound transmission through the material. Mesh 258 can assist with acoustic attenuation, distortion control, and flow noise control.

[0063] The speaker mesh 258 may have a predetermined sound transmission rate suitable for the sound generated by the woofer 230. The woofer 230 may have a frequency range of about 20 Hz to about 2 kHz. The tweeter 234 may have a frequency range of about 200 Hz to about 20 kHz. In some examples, the woofer 230 may have a low frequency range of about 20 Hz to about 50 Hz and a high frequency range of about 200 Hz to about 2 kHz. The tweeter 234 may have a low frequency range of about 200 Hz to about 2 kHz and a high frequency range up to about 20 kHz. In some examples, the mesh 258 may allow the passage of frequencies lower than those generated by the tweeter 234. For example, the mesh 258 may substantially allow sounds below 2000 Hz generated by the woofer 230 to pass through, but may substantially prevent or reduce transmission of frequencies generated by the tweeter 234 from being transmitted through. For example, the mesh 258 may substantially block or prevent sound frequencies above about 2000 Hz from transmitting from the tweeter channel 252 back to the woofer channel 250. The mesh 258 may at least partially block or prevent sound from the tweeter 234 from transmitting to the woofer channel 250. The mesh 258 may be made from a synthetic material or yarn in a woven pattern, or may comprise foam. The mesh 258 may be a breathable component.

[0064] The mesh 258 can be positioned at or near the end or outlet 249 of the woofer channel 250. The mesh 258 can occupy substantially the entire volume defined by the woofer channel 250. However, in some other examples, the mesh 258 may occupy only a portion of the woofer channel 250. In use, the mesh 258 can function to reduce the velocity of air flowing through the woofer channel 250, thereby reducing undesirable flow noise and providing a clearer acoustic signal heard by a user. In some examples, the mesh 258 can block or prevent the ingress of particles through the woofer channel 250.

[0065] The speaker assembly 212 can include a port mesh 260 positioned within or across the opening 216a, the port 216b, and / or the shared channel 252. In some examples, the port mesh 260 is positioned across the tweeter channel 251. The port mesh can be substantially similar to the mesh 258. However, in at least one example, the port mesh 260 can have a lower density than the mesh 258. The port mesh 260 can include a cloth or fabric designed to allow easy sound transmission through the material. The port mesh 260 can include a predetermined sound transmission rate suitable for the sound generated by the tweeter 234. The port mesh 260 can supplement the mesh 258 in further attenuating sound. In some examples, the port mesh 260 can allow frequencies as high as 20 kHz to pass. The port mesh 260 can be made of a synthetic material or yarn in a woven pattern. 4, a cosmetic steel screen may be combined with the port mesh 260 to define the exterior of the electronic device 200. Additionally, a frame defined by a series of support ribs may support the port mesh 260 to prevent damage to the port mesh 260.

[0066] The port mesh 260 can be a breathable component. In some examples, the port mesh 260 can occupy substantially the entire volume defined by at least one of the shared channel 252, the port 216b, and the opening 216a. However, in some other examples, the port mesh 260 may occupy only a portion of at least one of the shared channel 252, the port 216b, and the opening 216a. In use, the port mesh 260 can function to reduce the velocity of air flowing through the shared channel 252, thereby reducing undesirable flow noise and providing a clearer acoustic signal heard by the user. In some examples, the port mesh 260 can block or prevent the ingress of particles through the shared channel 252.

[0067] As discussed above and shown in FIG. 2, the mesh 258 can be positioned between the woofer channel 250 and the tweeter channel 252, whereby the mesh 258 aids in acoustic attenuation, distortion control, and flow noise control for the particular frequencies output by the woofer 230 without attenuating or otherwise interfering with the passage of the sound frequencies that pass through the tweeter channel 252 and out the port mesh 260. In this manner, the denser mesh 258 provides the benefit of being tuned for the sound output by the woofer 230, with the port mesh being configured to optimally provide attenuation, distortion control, and flow noise control for the higher frequencies output by the tweeter 234, without those same higher frequencies having to first pass through the mesh 258. As discussed above, the port mesh 260 is also configured to allow the passage of lower frequencies from the woofer 230 through the port 216b and opening 216a without substantially or significantly attenuating or interfering with the woofer sound. In this manner, with both mesh 258 and port mesh 260 positioned as shown in Figure 2, both the lower woofer and higher tweeter frequencies produced by speaker assembly 212 can be optimally controlled for quality as sound passes through a single shared outlet or opening, such as opening 216a. Further details regarding speaker assemblies are described below with reference to Figures 3A-3E.

[0068] FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of an example of a speaker assembly 312. The speaker assembly 312 may be substantially similar to and include some or all of the features of the speaker assemblies described herein, such as speaker assemblies 112 and 212. FIG. 3A is merely an illustrative example of how the speaker assembly 312 may be designed and is not limited to the illustrated design or components. As illustrated, the speaker assembly 312 may include a housing or pod 313 that houses various components of the speaker assembly 312, such as an audio transducer. The pod 313 may include stainless steel. In some examples, the pod 313 may include a bottom (shown in FIG. 3A) and a top (not shown). The top and bottom of the pod 313 may substantially surround or enclose the components of the speaker assembly 312. The bottom of the pod 313 may include a curved or non-flat surface that defines an interior volume, such as the interior volume 215 of FIG. 2. The speaker assembly 312 can include an elastomeric gasket (not shown in FIG. 3A ) positioned around the periphery of the pod 313. The elastomeric gasket can provide a seal between the top and bottom of the pod 313. In some examples, the pod 313 does not include a top, but instead is sealed directly to the inner surface of the housing of the electronic device.

[0069] 3A , the pod 313 can house a woofer 330 and a tweeter 334. The tweeter 334 can be positioned at least partially adjacent to the woofer 330. As described herein, the tweeter 334 can at least partially stack or overlap the woofer 330 to accommodate the reduced dimensions of the pod 313.

[0070] The pod 313 can define a port 316 through which sound from both the woofer 330 and the tweeter 334 is emitted to the surrounding environment. As discussed herein, the pod 313 can include or define a single outlet port 316. The single outlet port 316 can improve the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device. Additionally, the single outlet port 316 can provide the advantage of having fewer entry points for dust, particles, or debris, thereby reducing the possibility of foreign objects entering the electronic device. The pod 313 can define a groove 338 shaped to allow electrical wires to enter the interior volume of the pod 313 even when the top is secured to the bottom. The electrical wires can be in electrical communication with the woofer 330 and the tweeter 334. In some examples, a printed circuit board or PCB (not shown in FIG. 3A ) can be secured to the top of the woofer 330. The PCB can be secured at least in part by a protrusion 342 that secures the PCB in place above the woofer 330. The protrusion 342 may be a spiral coil. A heat sink may be located on or above the PCB. In some examples, the speaker assembly 312 may include an air vent 346. The air vent 346 may be an air pressure vent that allows for air equalization within the speaker assembly 312.

[0071] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the speaker assembly 312 according to some embodiments. Similarly, FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the speaker assembly 312 according to one embodiment. The woofer 330 can include a diaphragm 332 that oscillates along a vertical axis when the woofer 330 is supplied with current. Sound generated by the woofer diaphragm 332 can travel downward within the woofer volume 349 and then be guided laterally or horizontally through the woofer channel 350. In some examples, at least a portion of the woofer volume 349 and the woofer channel 350 can be defined by an inner surface of a bottom wall of the pod 313.

[0072] In some examples, the sound generated by the woofer 330 may take a tortuous or serpentine path as it travels to the port 316. For example, the sound from the woofer 330 may need to change direction several times to reach the port 316. A long tortuous path may affect the acoustic mode of that path, which in turn affects the output. As used herein, a tortuous path may refer to a tortuous or serpentine path (e.g., non-linear). The tortuous path described herein may be the result of a horizontal interface 357 between the woofer 330 and the tweeter 334, where the tweeter is stacked or overlapped on the woofer 330 as shown.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 3B, the pod 313 may include an overhang or lip 315. The perimeter or footprint of the lip 315 may be smaller than the outer perimeter or footprint of the combined audio components (e.g., woofer 330, tweeter 334, etc.) housed within the pod 313. Thus, the system may need to be assembled in a particular order and manner due to the lip 315. For example, the dimensions of the pod 313 may prevent the woofer 330 and tweeter 334 from simply being attached or assembled before being placed within the pod 313. Instead, it may be necessary to first position the tweeter 334 or the woofer 330 within the pod 313 and then place the remaining components in place. The components of the speaker assembly 312 may need to be angled or slid horizontally to be set in the correct position within the pod 313. The lip 315 may overlap or overhang a portion of the tweeter 334.

[0074] Furthermore, as described herein, modern electronic devices often require reduced dimensions that necessitate new solutions for fitting electronics within a housing or enclosure. For example, the electronic devices described herein can include integrated speaker assemblies that maintain a wide frequency range and desirable acoustic performance levels while remaining within a smaller, more compact housing. In some examples, this is accomplished by stacking or stacking the tweeter 334 and the woofer 330.

[0075] The overlapping configuration of the tweeter 334 and the woofer 330 increases the compactness of the speaker assembly 312 and allows for horizontal assembly tolerances when assembling the speaker assembly 312. Additionally, in at least one example, the overlapping configuration of the tweeter 334 and the woofer 330 may cause the woofer channel 350 and / or the tweeter channel 351 to change direction in a serpentine manner, for example, from horizontal to vertical and / or other channel angles. The stacked nature of the speaker assembly 312 in combination with the single port 316 may result in a serpentine, winding path for sound waves. For example, the horizontal interface 357 allows for horizontal assembly tolerances while forcing the woofer channel 350 to face upward to accommodate the horizontal interface 357. In some examples, the serpentine path may be defined by smooth or curved walls to reduce or eliminate turbulence.

[0076] 3B, the horizontal interface 357 may include contacting or at least overlapping portions of the tweeter 334 and the woofer 330, or contacting or overlapping certain walls or other components of the tweeter 334 and the woofer 330, due to the stacked nature of the tweeter 334 and the woofer 330. Also, as used herein and viewed in the orientation of FIG. 3B, the term "horizontal" may refer to a plane that is approximately parallel to the plane in which the tweeter diaphragm 335 and the woofer diaphragm 332 are disposed. In one or more other examples, the stacking / positioning of the tweeter 334 and the woofer 330 may form an interface at an angle from a nominal "horizontal" orientation of the diaphragms 335, 332, such as any angle between horizontal and vertical (where "vertical" refers to an angle, plane, or orientation perpendicular to the diaphragms 335, 332 shown in FIG. 3B). Thus, in at least one example, interface 357 comprised surfaces or components of tweeter 334 and woofer 330 that meet at an angle other than vertical, such as a 45 degree angle from horizontal or any other angle from the horizontal or vertical. As discussed above, this angled or horizontal interface 357 can cause the path of the sound generated by woofer 330 and / or tweeter 334 to meander or bend, as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0077] The angled or curved ramp 354 can be positioned and shaped to direct sound from the woofer volume 349 into the shared volume 352. For example, the curved ramp 354 guides the sound upward as the sound travels laterally. The curved ramp 354 can include a smooth transition surface to reduce turbulence. The curved ramp 354 can include a radius of curvature of approximately 0.2 cm to 0.3 cm. It will be appreciated that the ramp 354 is optional and that in some examples, sound generated by the woofer 330 travels primarily laterally or horizontally to the port 316.

[0078] In some examples, mesh 358 (similar to mesh 258) can be positioned at the end of the woofer channel 350. Mesh 358 can be positioned at the interface between the woofer 330 and the tweeter 334.

[0079] The speaker assembly 312 can include a wall 353. The wall 353 can be made of plastic and can be positioned below the tweeter 334 (e.g., between the tweeter 334 and the woofer channel 350). The wall 353 can be positioned to shield the tweeter 334 from sound generated by the woofer 330. In some examples, the wall 353 can be curved to provide a smooth transition surface to direct upwardly directed sound laterally toward the port 316. In some examples, the wall 353 is positioned and / or shaped to direct sound from the tweeter 334 toward the port 316. The wall 353 can at least partially prevent sound from the tweeter 334 from entering the woofer channel 350. The wall 353 can at least partially define the tweeter channel 351 and / or the woofer channel 350. In some examples, the wall 353 can extend substantially across the tweeter 334. The wall 353 may extend to the port mesh 360. Thus, the shared channel 352 may be omitted because the wall 353 maintains separation between the woofer channel 350 and the tweeter channel 351.

[0080] Tweeter 334 may include a diaphragm 335. Diaphragm 335 may oscillate or vibrate along a vertical axis. Diaphragm 335 may oscillate in the same direction(s) as diaphragm 332. Woofer diaphragm 332 may include a surface area that is approximately 10 times larger than the surface area of ​​tweeter diaphragm 335.

[0081] In some examples, the tweeter 334 can be positioned closer to the port 316 than the woofer 330. The path taken by the sound generated by the tweeter 334 can be substantially linear, or at least substantially less tortuous than the path taken by the sound from the woofer 330. In some examples, the sound generated by the tweeter 334 is initially directed downward, but is guided substantially laterally towards the port 316.

[0082] The speaker assembly 312 may include several interfaces (e.g., horizontal interface 357) between the woofer 330 and the tweeter 334, or between the speaker components and the pod 313. Foam may be positioned between the component interfaces and the speaker housing 313. Specifically, FIG. 3B shows foam 363a positioned between the side wall 364 of the pod 313 and the tweeter 334. Additionally, foam 363b may be positioned between the inner surface of the pod 313 and the channel wall 366.

[0083] The foam 363a, 363b may include reworkable properties such as flexibility and malleability to allow free play within the speaker assembly 312. The foam 363a, 363b may be used in addition to or instead of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The foam 363a, 363b may advantageously not be permanently fixed, allowing adjustment and repositioning of the components of the assembly. In some examples, the foam 363a, 363b may be used in conjunction with an adhesive. Advantageously, the foam between the various interfaces of the components and the pod 313 may account for tolerances within the system. For example, the minimum sealing tolerance may be approximately 300 microns. The positions of the foam 363a, 363b are merely exemplary locations where the foam may be present. It will be understood that the foam may be located in various positions or interfaces not shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C.

[0084] In some examples, the port 316 is approximately 30 mm across its cross section. 2 3. The size of the port 316 may depend on the capacity of the woofer 330. The size of the port 316 may be determined by the desired particle velocity. For example, the particle velocity may be the volume velocity (i.e., the volume of sound waves or air passing through an area per unit time) divided by the cross-sectional area of ​​the port, with the volume velocity being determined by the maximum power output of the system at low frequencies. The particle velocity may be up to 50 meters per second. In some examples, the particle velocity is 10 meters per second. The port 316 may include a sleeve 319 positioned within and extending around the port 316. The sleeve 319 may be made of plastic. The sleeve 319 may extend through the port opening 316 of the pod 313 and may also extend through an opening in the housing of the electronic device (e.g., opening 216a of FIG. 2).

[0085] FIG. 3D shows a top perspective view of the speaker module 317. The speaker module 317 may represent certain electronics removed from the pod 313 described above. The speaker module 317 may include a woofer 330 and a tweeter 334. In some examples, the speaker module 317 may include a frame 347. The frame 347 may be secured to an inner surface of the pod 313. FIG. 3E shows a bottom perspective view of the speaker module 317. The lower surface of the frame 347 may be sealed to the bottom of the pod 313. In some examples, the speaker module 317 is sealed to the pod using an adhesive and / or a foam such as foam 363 described above with respect to FIG. 3B. The woofer diaphragm 332, the woofer channel 350, and the mesh 358 are also visible from the underside of the speaker module 317 shown in FIG. 3E. In some examples, the air pressure vent 346 can be positioned between the mesh 358 and the woofer diaphragm 332 as shown.

[0086] 4 shows a perspective view of a port barrier 460. The port barrier 460 may be substantially similar to the meshes described herein, such as meshes 260 and 360, including some or all of the features. The port barrier 460 may be positioned within or across an opening of an electronic device, a port of a speaker assembly, and / or a shared channel (e.g., shared channel 252). The port barrier 460 may comprise an exterior screen 460a, a woven mesh 460b, and a frame 460c.

[0087] The exterior screen 460a can be a metal structure that defines at least a portion of the exterior surface of the electronic device. In other words, the exterior screen 460a can be a cosmetic feature that is visible to the user. In some examples, the exterior screen 460a can provide structural support to the woven mesh 460b. The exterior screen 460a can function as a particle or debris barrier to prevent ingress of particles into the speaker assembly.

[0088] As described in more detail above with respect to FIG. 3B, the woven mesh 460b can include a cloth or fabric designed to allow easy sound transmission through the material. The speaker port barrier 460 can include a predetermined sound transmission rate suitable for the sound generated by the tweeter 234. The port barrier 460 can partially attenuate the sound. In some examples, the woven mesh 460b can allow frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz to pass. In some examples, the woven mesh 460b can allow frequencies between 2 kHz and 20 kHz to pass. The woven mesh 460b can be made from synthetic materials or yarns in a woven pattern.

[0089] The port barrier 460 may be breathable. The port barrier 460 may occupy substantially the entirety of the volume defined by at least one of the shared channel, the port (e.g., ports 216b, 316), and the opening (e.g., openings 116, 216a). However, in some other examples, the port barrier 460 may occupy only a portion of at least one of the shared channel 252, the port 216b, and the opening 216a. In use, the port barrier 460 may function to reduce the velocity of air flowing through the shared channel 252, thereby reducing undesirable flow noise and providing a clearer acoustic signal heard by the user. In some examples, the port barrier 460 may block or prevent the ingress of particles through the shared channel 252. The port barrier 460 may have a lower density than the mesh 258.

[0090] The frame 460c can be positioned inside the outer screen 460a and the woven mesh 460b. In some examples, the woven mesh 460b is positioned or sandwiched between the outer screen 460a and the frame 460c. The frame 460c can include a series of support ribs 461 to strengthen, shield, or support the woven mesh 460b. In some examples, the frame 460c is positioned outside the woven mesh 460b (i.e., between the outer screen 460a and the woven mesh 460b). The frame 460c can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal.

[0091] Personal information data may be used with the various embodiments described herein when collected using approved, well-established, secure privacy policies and practices, although the disclosed technology remains operable without such personal information data.

[0092] It will be understood that the details of the present system and method described above can be combined in various combinations and with alternative components. The scope of the present system and method will be further understood by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A speaker assembly comprising: a housing defining an interior volume and a port, the port being in fluid communication with the interior volume and an external environment; a woofer positioned within the interior volume; a tweeter positioned within the interior volume; and an outlet defined by the woofer and disposed at an interface between the woofer and the tweeter; a first mesh covering the outlet; a second mesh covering the port, the first mesh being denser than the second mesh.

2. 2. The speaker assembly of claim 1, wherein a first distance between the port and the tweeter is less than a second distance between the port and the woofer.

3. the speaker assembly is housed within a personal electronic device; 2. The speaker assembly of claim 1, wherein the port is directed towards a user's ear during operation.

4. 10. The speaker assembly of claim 1, further comprising a deformable foam positioned between the tweeter and the housing.

5. 10. The speaker assembly of claim 1, further comprising a deformable foam positioned between a channel wall and the housing.

6. A speaker unit, a housing defining an interior volume and an outlet, the outlet being in fluid communication with the interior volume and an external environment; a woofer positioned within the interior volume, the woofer configured to transmit first sound waves having a frequency between 20 Hz and 2 kHz through a woofer channel in fluid communication with the outlet; a tweeter positioned within the interior volume, the tweeter configured to transmit second sound waves having a frequency between 200 Hz and 20 kHz through a tweeter channel in fluid communication with the outlet.

7. 7. A speaker unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the woofer channel comprises a serpentine path.

8. 8. A speaker unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the serpentine path extends through a non-vertical interface of the woofer and the tweeter.

9. 9. A speaker unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tweeter at least partially overlaps the woofer, the overlap between the tweeter and the woofer defining the non-vertical interface.

10. 9. A speaker unit in accordance with claim 8, wherein the woofer channel defines an outlet positioned at the non-vertical interface.

11. 7. The speaker unit of claim 6, wherein the woofer is configured to generate the first sound waves in a first direction and the woofer channel is configured to guide the first sound waves in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

12. 7. The speaker unit of claim 6, further comprising a woofer mesh positioned between the woofer channel and the tweeter channel.

13. 123. A speaker unit as claimed in claim 122, further comprising a tweeter mesh positioned at said outlet, said woofer mesh comprising a woven fabric having a higher density than said tweeter mesh.

14. 7. A speaker unit in accordance with claim 6, wherein the woofer channel is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the housing.

15. 1. An electronic device comprising: a housing having an opening; a first speaker including a woofer in fluid communication with the first channel; a second speaker comprising a tweeter in fluid communication with the second channel; The first channel and the second channel merge into a shared channel in fluid communication with the opening.

16. The electronic device comprises: a first mesh positioned in the opening; 16. The electronic device of claim 15, further comprising: a second mesh positioned at an interface between the woofer and the tweeter, the second mesh having a higher density than the first mesh.

17. The device further includes a barrier covering the opening, the barrier comprising: A woven mesh; 16. The electronic device of claim 15, further comprising a metal screen defining an exterior of the electronic device.

18. the first speaker comprises a first diaphragm configured to oscillate along a first axis; the second speaker comprises a second diaphragm configured to oscillate along a second axis parallel to the first axis; 16. The electronic device of claim 15.

19. 16. The electronic device of claim 15, further comprising a wall configured to shield the second speaker from sound waves generated by the first speaker, the wall at least partially defining the second channel.

20. The speaker pod further comprises a speaker pod disposed within the housing, the speaker pod comprising: a port aligned with the opening; the first channel; The electronic device of claim 15 , further comprising:

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