PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8831261-B2
Application Number: US-201213492715-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Speaker features of a portable computing device

Abstract:
A portable computing device can include one or more speakers integrated with internal components. In one embodiment, the speakers can be configured to produce audio output signals and direct at least a portion of the audio signals through vents disposed on a base portion of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the vents can also direct cooling air into the base portion. In one embodiment, the speakers can also be configured to direct a portion of the audio signal through a speaker grille disposed on the base portion. One embodiment of a speaker enclosure can include a resonant cavity for a first audio transducer formed by the speaker enclosure in cooperation with the base portion of the portable computing device and a second audio transducer configured to direct an audio signal beneath a keyboard.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A speaker assembly for a portable computing device, comprising:
 a speaker enclosure; 
 a first transducer affixed to the speaker enclosure, comprising: a speaker cone, and a speaker coil; 
 a speaker coil port disposed through the speaker enclosure that allows the speaker coil to extend outside of the speaker enclosure, the speaker coil port comprising: a seal that cooperates with the speaker coil to prevent contaminates from entering the speaker enclosure through the speaker coil port; and 
 an audio output port formed in the speaker enclosure configured to integrate with a vent disposed on a case of the portable computing device. 
 
     
     
       2. The speaker assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the speaker cone is configured to produce an audio signal that is coupled to the audio output port. 
     
     
       3. The speaker assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second transducer, separate from the first transducer, configured to output a second audio signal through speaker grilles of the portable computing device. 
 
     
     
       4. The speaker assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the speaker enclosure comprises a plurality of walls defining an air channel configured to guide cooling air around the first transducer as it flows through the portable computing device. 
     
     
       5. The speaker assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the speaker enclosure further comprises a seal to couple at least one portion of the speaker enclosure to a base portion of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       6. The speaker assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the base portion forms at least a portion of the speaker enclosure. 
     
     
       7. The speaker assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a protruding end of the speaker coil includes a cosmetic cover. 
     
     
       8. The speaker assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the cosmetic cover is configured to conform to at least a portion of a base portion of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       9. The speaker assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a support zone configured to protect internal components of the portable computing device from excessive pressure. 
     
     
       10. A speaker assembly for a portable computing device, comprising:
 a speaker enclosure; 
 an audio transducer coupled to an interior surface of the speaker enclosure, the audio transducer comprising a speaker coil, wherein a portion of the speaker coil extends out of the speaker enclosure through a coil opening in the speaker enclosure; and 
 an acoustic seal disposed around an edge of the speaker enclosure that defines the coil opening, wherein the acoustic seal cooperates with the speaker coil to close the coil opening. 
 
     
     
       11. The speaker assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the audio transducer is a first audio transducer that generates a first audio signal and wherein the speaker assembly further comprises a second audio transducer configured to direct a second audio signal to a keyboard region of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       12. The speaker assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising a support zone configured to add strength to at least one region of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       13. The speaker assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the first audio signal is a lower frequency audio signal. 
     
     
       14. The speaker assembly of  claim 13  wherein the second audio signal is a higher frequency audio signal. 
     
     
       15. The speaker assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the speaker enclosure further comprises a plurality of exterior surfaces that define an air channel configured to guide cooling air in the portable computing device. 
     
     
       16. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a housing; and 
 an audio module disposed within the housing, the audio module comprising:
 an enclosure, 
 a speaker coil port defining an opening extending into the enclosure, the speaker coil port comprising a seal disposed about a periphery of the opening, and 
 a first transducer disposed at least partially within the enclosure, the first transducer comprising a speaker coil, at least a portion of the speaker coil extending outside of the enclosure through the speaker coil port, wherein the speaker coil and the seal cooperate to close the opening defined by the speaker coil port. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The portable computing device of  claim 16 , wherein the audio module further comprises an audio output port disposed on the enclosure that directs a portion of an audio signal produced by the first transducer through a side vent of a housing of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       18. The portable computing device of  claim 16 , wherein the first transducer is configured to produce a first audio signal, and wherein the audio module further comprises a second transducer disposed within the enclosure that is configured to produce a second audio signal. 
     
     
       19. The portable computing device of  claim 18 , wherein the housing further comprises a speaker grill disposed along a top surface of the housing, and wherein the second audio signal is directed through the speaker grill. 
     
     
       20. The portable computing device of  claim 16 , wherein the enclosure of the audio module further comprises a plurality of exterior surfaces that cooperate to define a channel that directs air around the first transducer and towards heat emitting operational components of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       21. The portable computing device of  claim 16 , wherein the first transducer utilizes air trapped between a surface of the enclosure and an interior surface of the housing as a back volume of air to enhance audio produced by the first transducer.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to portable computing devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to microphone arrays for portable computing devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable computing devices have grown in popularity and capability. Early uses for portable computing devices were often limited to simple computing tasks such as number manipulation and word processing. Present applications can include advanced graphical rendering, musical composition, movie and music presentation and more. 
     In order to support the ever expanding list of applications desired by users, portable computing devices are including more sophisticated components into the space defined by the enclosure of the device. While users expect more performance and features from their portable computing devices, users also want a compact unit; that is, users want the enclosure to be as compact as feasible. 
     Including high performance speakers in a portable computing device can be difficult, especially as the computing devices becomes more compact and increased audio quality and capability is desired. As the portable computing device becomes smaller, internal component density increases, which can result in a speaker implementation that can yield poor audio performance. 
     Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a portable computing device that can support speaker capabilities within design constraints of the enclosure space. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for producing audio output through speakers for applicable to a portable computing device. In one embodiment, a speaker assembly can include a speaker enclosure, a first transducer affixed to the speaker enclosure including a speaker cone and a speaker coil. The speaker enclosure can include a speaker coil port that can be configured to allow the speaker coil to extend outside the speaker enclosure and an audio output port formed in the speaker enclosure configured to integrate with a vent included in a case for the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the speaker assembly can include a second transducer configured to produce a second audio signal. 
     In another embodiment, a speaker assembly for a portable computing device can include a speaker enclosure, a first audio transducer coupled to the speaker enclosure configured to produce a first audio signal, a first output port formed by the speaker enclosure configured to guide the first output signal to a vent in a base portion of the portable computing device and a seal configured to seal a first portion of the speaker enclosure to the base portion and form a resonant cavity. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed inventive apparatuses and methods for providing portable computing devices. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device in an open (lid) state. 
         FIG. 2  shows portable computing device in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover and logo. 
         FIG. 3  shows another embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device also in the open state. 
         FIG. 4  shows an external view of bottom case. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating internal components of portable computing device. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating internal components of another embodiment of the portable computing device. 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  are simplified views of embodiments of speaker assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the specification. 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  are simplified views of other embodiments of a speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 9  shows one embodiment of a speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is an air flow diagram for one embodiment of portable computing device. 
         FIG. 11  shows another embodiment of a speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 12  shows another view of a speaker more clearly illustrating a low frequency audio port. 
         FIGS. 13A ,  13 B and  13 C show one embodiment of a speaker in relation with top case. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of apparatuses and methods according to the presently described embodiments are provided in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the presently described embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presently described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     The following relates to a portable computing device such as a laptop computer, net book computer, tablet computer, etc. The portable computing device can include a multi-part housing having a top case and a bottom case joining at a reveal to form a base portion. The portable computing device can have an upper portion (or lid) that can house a display screen and other related components whereas the base portion can house various processors, drives, ports, battery, keyboard, touchpad and the like. The base portion can be formed of a multipart housing that can include top and bottom outer housing components each of which can be formed in a particular manner at an interface region such that the gap and offset between these outer housing components are not only reduced, but are also more consistent from device to device during the mass production of devices. These general subjects are set forth in greater detail below. 
     In a particular embodiment, the lid and base portion can be pivotally connected with each other by way of what can be referred to as a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly can be arranged to pivotally couple the base portion to the lid. The clutch assembly can include at least a cylindrical portion that in turn includes an annular outer region, and a central bore region surrounded by the annular outer region, the central bore suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base portion and electrical components in the lid. The clutch assembly can also include a plurality of fastening regions that couple the clutch to the base portion and the lid of the portable computing device with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized. 
     Due at least to the strong and resilient nature of the material used to form the multipart housing; the multipart housing can include a number of openings having wide spans that do not require additional support structures. Such openings can take the form of ports that can be used to provide access to internal circuits. The ports can include, for example, data ports suitable for accommodating data cables configured for connecting external circuits. The openings can also provide access to an audio circuit, video display circuit, power input, etc. 
     The top case can also include multi-function features that can provide more than one function. For example, vents can be provided on selected sides of the top case. The vents can be shaped to provide a conduit for air flow that can be used to cool internal components such as a CPU or GPU. The vents can also be sized to further limit the transmission of RF energy in the form of EMI from internal components. The vents can also be used to provide additional structural support as well as optionally porting audio from nearby audio components. 
     The integrated structural features can also provide mounting structures for those internal components mounted to the multi-part housing. Such internal components include a mass storage device (that can take the form of a hard disk drive, HDD, or solid state drive, SSD), audio components (audio jack, microphone, speakers, etc.) as well as input/output devices such as a keyboard and touchpad. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-13 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIGS. 1-13  show various views of the portable computing device in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device  100  in an open (lid) state. Portable computing device  100  can include base portion  102  formed of bottom case  104  fastened to top case  106 . Base portion  102  can be pivotally connected to lid portion  108  by way of clutch assembly  110  hidden from view by a cosmetic wall. Base portion  102  can have an overall uniform shape sized to accommodate clutch assembly  110  and inset portion  112  suitable for assisting a user in lifting lid portion  108  by, for example, a finger. Top case  106  can be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as keyboard  114  and touchpad  116 . Keyboard  114  can include a plurality of low profile keycap assemblies each having an associated key pad  118 . In one embodiment, an audio transducer (not shown) can use selected portions of keyboard  114  to output audio signals such as music. In the described embodiment, a microphone can be located at a side portion of top case  106  that can be spaced apart to improve frequency response of an associated audio circuit. 
     Each of the plurality of key pads  118  can have a symbol imprinted thereon for identifying the key input associated with the particular key pad. Keyboard  114  can be arranged to receive a discrete input at each keypad using a finger motion referred to as a keystroke. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each key pad can be laser etched thereby creating an extremely clean and durable imprint that will not fade under the constant application of keystrokes over the life of portable computing device  100 . In order to reduce component count, a keycap assembly can be re-provisioned as a power button. For example, key pad  118 - 1  can be used as power button  118 - 1 . In this way, the overall number of components in portable computing device  100  can be commensurably reduced. 
     Touch pad  116  can be configured to receive finger gesturing. A finger gesture can include touch events from more than one finger applied in unison. The gesture can also include a single finger touch event such as a swipe or a tap. The gesture can be sensed by a sensing circuit in touch pad  116  and converted to electrical signals that are passed to a processing unit for evaluation. In this way, portable computing device  100  can be at least partially controlled by touch. 
     Lid portion  108  can be moved with the aid of clutch assembly  110  from the closed position to remain in the open position and back again. Lid portion  108  can include display  120  and rear cover  122  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 2 ) that can add a cosmetic finish to lid portion  108  and also provide structural support to at least display  120 . In the described embodiment, lid portion  108  can include mask (also referred to as display trim)  124  that surrounds display  120 . Display trim  124  can be formed of an opaque material such as ink deposited on top of or within a protective layer of display  120 . Display trim  124  can enhance the overall appearance of display  120  by hiding operational and structural components as well as focusing attention onto the active area of display  120 . 
     Display  120  can display visual content such as a graphical user interface, still images such as photos as well as video media items such as movies. Display  120  can display images using any appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), OLED, etc. Portable computing device  100  can also include image capture device  126  located on a transparent portion of display trim  124 . Image capture device  126  can be configured to capture both still and video images. Lid portion  108  can be formed to have uni-body construction that can provide additional strength and resiliency to lid portion  108  which is particularly important due to the stresses caused by repeated opening and closing. In addition to the increase in strength and resiliency, the uni-body construction of lid portion  108  can reduce overall part count by eliminating separate support features. 
     Data ports  128 - 132  can be used to transfer data and/or power between an external circuit(s) and portable computing device  100 . Data ports  128 - 132  can include, for example, input slot  128  that can be used to accept a memory card (such as a FLASH memory card), data ports  130  and  132  can take be used to accommodate data connections such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, and so on. In some embodiments, speaker grille  134  can be used to port audio from an associated audio component enclosed within base portion  102 . 
       FIG. 2  shows portable computing device  100  in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover  122  and logo  202 . In one embodiment, logo  202  can be illuminated by light from display  120 . It should be noted that in the closed configuration, lid portion  108  and base portion  102  form what appears to be a uniform structure having a continuously varying and coherent shape that enhances both the look and feel of portable computing device  100 . 
       FIG. 3  shows another embodiment in the form of portable computing device  300  that is smaller than portable computing device  100 . Since portable computing device  300  is smaller in size than portable computing device  100 , certain features shown in  FIG. 1  are modified, or in some cases lacking, in portable computing device  300 . For example, base portion  302  can be reduced in size such that separate speakers (such as speaker grid  134 ) are replaced with an audio port embodied as part of keyboard  114 . However, bottom case  304  and top case  306  can retain many of the features described with regards to portable computing device  100  (such as display  120  though reduced to an appropriate size). 
       FIG. 4  shows an external view of bottom case  104  showing relative positioning of support feet  402 , insert  112 , cosmetic wall  404  that can be used to conceal clutch assembly  110  and fasteners  406  used to secure bottom case  104  and top case  106  together. Support feet  402  can be formed of wear resistant and resilient material such as plastic. Also in view are multi-purpose front side sequentially placed vents  408  and  410  that can be used to provide a flow of outside air that can be used to cool internal components. In the described embodiment, vents  408  and  410  can be placed on an underside of top cover  106  in order to hide the vents from view as well as obscure the view of an interior of portable computing device  100  from the outside. Vents  408  and  410  can act as a secondary air intake subordinate to primary air intake vents located at a rear portion of portable computing device  100  (described below). In this way, vents  408  and  410  can help to maintain an adequate supply of cool air in those situations where portions of the rear vents are blocked or otherwise have their air intake restricted. 
     Vents  408  and  410  can also be used to output audio signals in the form of sound generated by an audio module (not shown). In one embodiment, a selected portion (such as portions  412  and  414 ) can be used to output sound at a selected frequency range in order to improve quality of an audio presentation by portable computing device  100 . Vents  408  and  410  can be part of an integrated support system in that vents  408  and  410  can be machined from the outside and cut from the inside during fabrication of top case  106 . As part of the machining of vents  408  and  410 , stiffener ribs  416  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) can be placed within vent openings  408  and  410  to provide additional structural support for portable computing device  100 . Stiffener ribs  416  can be formed using what is referred to as a T cutter that removes material subsequent to the formation of the vent openings during the fabrication of top case  106 . 
     Moreover, trusses  418  can be formed between vents  408  and  410  in combination with ribs  416  can add both structural support as well as assist in defining both the cadence and size of vents  408  and  410 . The cadence and size of vents  408  and  410  can be used to control air flow into portable computing device  100  as well as emission of RF energy in the form of EMI from portable computing device  100 . Accordingly, stiffener ribs  416  can separate an area within vents  408  and  410  to produce an aperture sized to prevent passage of RF energy. As well known in the art, the size of an aperture can restrict the emission of RF energy having a wavelength that can be “trapped” by the aperture. In this case, the size of vents  408  and  410  is such that a substantial portion of RF energy emitted by internal components can be trapped within portable computing device  100 . Furthermore, by placing vents  408  and  410  at a downward facing surface of top case  106 , the aesthetics of portable computing device  100  can be enhanced since views of internal components from an external observer are eliminated. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram  500  illustrating internal components of portable computing device  100  when bottom case  104  is detached from top case  106 . The internal components are shown in relationship to each other. In other embodiments, the physical relationship of the internal components can be different.  FIG. 5  is an internal view of the portable computing device  100 , looking into the top case  106 , with the bottom case  104  removed. The top case  106  can include a main logic board (MLB)  502 . MLB  502  can include a processor, memory, wireless communication devices such as devices for IEEE 802.11 compliant signals and Bluetooth® signals. MLB  502  can also include other communication interfaces such as Ethernet and/or Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors. MLB  502  can also include user input and output interfaces, such as interfaces for keyboard  114 , touchpad  116 , display  120  and the like. 
     MLB  502  can include a processor (CPU) to execute program instructions. The CPU can be cooled, at least in part, with CPU heat sink  504 . In one embodiment, MLB  502  can include graphics processing unit (GPU) to render and display graphical information on display  120 . The GPU can be cooled, at least in part, with GPU heat sink  506 . To enhance cooling, CPU heat sink  504  and GPU heat sink  506  can be coupled to heat pipe  508 . Heat pipe  508  can convey heat from the CPU and GPU to fan outlets  510 . Fans  518  can draw cooling air in vents  408 ,  410  and exhaust air across heat pipe  508  to rear vents  532 . 
     Portable computing device  100  can include speakers  512  for producing audio signals for the user. In one embodiment, speakers  512  can include at least two transducers: a first transducer for relatively high frequency signals and a second transducer for relatively low frequency signals. Speakers  512  can also include air channels  514  to help direct air intake flow from vents  408 ,  410  to fans  518 . Combining air channels  514  with speakers  512  can advantageously conserve space within the portable computing device  100 . A portion of vents  408 ,  410  can be used to output audio signals from speakers  512 . In one embodiment, portion  412  and portion  414  can be coupled to speakers  512  and couple lower frequency audio signals from speakers  512  to outside of top case  106 . 
     Portable computing device  100  can include one or more batteries  522 . In one embodiment, six batteries  522  can be combined to provide battery charge capacity to power portable computing device  100  and any connected peripherals. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram  600  illustrating internal components of another embodiment of portable computing device  100  when bottom case  104  is detached from top case  106 , in accordance with one embodiment of the specification. This embodiment can be a size reduced version of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . Personal computing device  100  can include MLB  502  affixed to top case  106 . Fans  518  can draw cooling air through vents  408 ,  410  and can exhaust air though rear vents  532 . A CPU can be cooled with CPU heat sink  504  and heat sink  504  can be coupled to heat pipe  508 . Heat pipe  508  can convey heat from CPU heat sink  504  to fan outlets  510 . In some embodiments, the GPU can be omitted from the portable computing device thereby eliminating the need for GPU heat sink  506 . Air from fans  518  is exhausted through fan outlets  510  to rear vents  532 . 
     Power for portable computing device  100  can be supplied by batteries  622 . In one embodiment, batteries  622  can be disposed within different locations within top case  106 , when compared to batteries  522  in  FIG. 5 . Portable computing device  100  can include speakers  612  to producing audio signals for the user. In one embodiment, speakers  612  can be relatively smaller than speakers  512  to accommodate a smaller overall size of a portable computing device. In one embodiment, at least a first portion of an audio signal produced by speakers  612  can be directed through keyboard  114  (not shown). At least a second portion of the audio signal produced by speakers  612  can be directed out vents  408 ,  410 . 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  are simplified views of embodiments of speaker assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the specification. Speaker assembly  700  shown in  FIG. 7A  includes a speaker enclosure  702  defining a volume that can function as an acoustic cavity  706  for speaker  704 . Speaker assembly  702  can be coupled to case  708 . For example, case  708  can be an enclosure for portable computing device  100 .  FIG. 7B  shows another embodiment of a speaker assembly  750  where acoustic cavity  706  for speaker  704  can be defined by a volume created by speaker enclosure  712  in cooperation with case  708 . An overall reduction in height can be realized with speaker assembly  750  since case  708  is used to form at least a portion of a complete speaker enclosure. In some embodiments seal  710  can be used at an interface between speaker enclosure  712  and case  708  to better define acoustic cavity  706 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8B  are simplified views of other embodiments of a speaker assembly. These views are meant to convey concepts and principles related to speaker assemblies in accordance with embodiments described in the specification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that figures may not be drawn to scale and the drawings may not be accurate representations of optimal shapes. 
     Speaker assembly  800  in  FIG. 8A  can include enclosure  802 , speaker cone  804  and speaker coil  806 . Speaker enclosure  802  can provide a mounting region  808  for speaker cone  804 . Speaker coil  806  can receive electrical signals that can cause the speaker cone  804  to translate and create an audible audio signal. Enclosure  802  can include a speaker coil port  810  that can allow speaker coil  806  to extend, at least in part, outside of speaker enclosure  802 . Arranging the speaker coil  806  in this manner can enable a relatively larger speaker cone to be supported when compared to a similarly sized enclosure with a speaker coil fully contained. Also, extending speaker coil  806  outside speaker enclosure  802  can reduce heat build-up that can be otherwise captured within a speaker enclosure  802 . 
     Speaker assembly  800  can include seal  812  that can seal speaker coil  806  to speaker enclosure  802 . Seal  812  can prevent foreign objects or debris from entering speaker enclosure  802 . Additionally, seal  812  can help form an acoustic seal to improve performance of speaker assembly  800 . Speaker assembly  800  can also include cosmetic cover  814  coupled to speaker coil  806 . Cosmetic cover  814  can enhance visual aspects of speaker assembly  800 . 
       FIG. 8B  is another embodiment of a speaker assembly  850 . Speaker assembly  850  can be similar to many aspects of speaker enclosure  800  and include speaker enclosure  802 , speaker cone  804  and speaker coil port  810  arranged to allow speaker coil  806  to extend outside speaker enclosure  802 . In this environment, protruding surface of speaker coil  806  can be shaped to enable deployment in some limited space embodiments. For example, if speaker assembly  850  is mounted in such an area that a surface of speaker coil  806  can be near an object, such as a base portion  102  of portable computing device  100 , then the surface of speaker coil  806  can be shaped to provide a clearance region near base portion  102 . In one embodiment, speaker coil  806  can be combined with cosmetic cover  814  to form shaped speaker coil  806 . 
       FIG. 9  shows one embodiment of a speaker assembly realized as speaker  512  from  FIG. 5 . Speaker  512  can be configured to cooperatively fit with internal components in computing device  100 , particularly a larger embodiment, such as the one shown in  FIG. 5 . Speaker  512  can include two transducers for producing audible audio signals. A first transducer can be a larger transducer configured to produce generally lower frequency sounds. The first transducer can be located in first transducer region  902  and speaker coil  908  can be associated with the first transducer and can extend into speaker coil port  906 . Speaker  512  can also include low frequency audio port  910  that can integrate with vents  408  and  410  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) such that lower frequency audio signals can exit low frequency audio port  910 , and through portions  412  and  414  within vents  408  and  410 . 
     Speaker  512  can include a second transducer that can be configured to produce generally higher frequency sounds. The second transducer (hidden from view) can be located within second transducer region  904 . Higher frequency sounds can be produced in high frequency sound area  912 . In one embodiment, high frequency sound area  912  can generally align with speaker grille  134  on top case  106  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Thus, in one embodiment, speaker  512  can be configured to produce both higher frequency and lower frequency audible sounds and can route those sounds to the user in cooperation with the base portion  102  of the portable computing device  100 . 
     Speaker  512  can also include support zone  914 . Support zone  914  can add support between top case  106  and bottom case  104  when speaker  512  is affixed to top case  106 . Referring back to  FIG. 5 , speaker  512  can be configured to provide additional support with support zone  914  near batteries  522 . In one embodiment, support zone  914  can help prevent undue or excessive force from being applied to batteries  522 . 
     Speaker  512  can also include air channels  514  that can be configured to guide cooling air within top case  106 . Cosmetic cover  918  can be coupled to speaker coil  908  to enhance visual aspects of speaker  512 . 
       FIG. 10  is an air flow diagram  1000  for one embodiment of portable computing device  100 . Top case  106  is shown with vents  408  and  410  disposed on opposing sides. Air can be drawn through vents  408  and  410  by fans  518 . Air channels  514  provided by speakers  512  can advantageously direct air flow (shown by arrows) within portable computing device  100 . Dashed line areas  1010  and  1020  can represent areas that can support other electrical or electronic subsystems. Air flow over subsystems in these areas can enable better performance for these subsystems. 
     In other embodiments, space may be limited in top case  106 , reducing or eliminating speaker openings that can allow audio to be conveyed from internal speakers. For example, the portable computing device  100  shown in  FIG. 3  lacks speaker grills  140  shown in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, regions of top case  106  can be configured to allow audio from internal speakers to propagate from underneath a region near keyboard  114 . 
       FIG. 11  shows another embodiment of a speaker assembly realized as speaker  612  from  FIG. 6 . Speaker  612  can include two transducers for producing audible audio signals. First transducer  1102  can be a larger transducer configured to produce generally lower sounds. Audio from first transducer  1102  can be directed toward a vent by low frequency audio port  1106 . Low frequency audio port  1106  can integrate with vents  408  and  410  and portions  412  and  414  to direct audio toward the user. Speaker  612  can include seal  1108  that can couple speaker  612  to top case  106  increasing, at least in part, speaker efficiency. 
     Speaker  612  can include a second transducer that can be configured to produce generally higher frequency sounds. The second transducer (hidden from view) can be located within second transducer region  1110 . Audio form the second transducer can be directed through high frequency audio port  1104 . In one embodiment, high frequency audio port  1104  can be positioned in an opening in top case  106  near keyboard  114  region so that audio from audio port  1104  can be directed upward though keyboard  114 . Directing lower frequencies through low frequency audio port  1106  instead of through high frequency output port  1104  can improve audio performance, at least in part, since lower frequencies can induce unwanted vibrations or rattles through keyboard  114 . 
       FIG. 12  shows another view of speaker  612  more clearly illustrating low frequency audio port  1106 . First transducer  1102  can be configured to produce lower frequency sound that can be directed through low frequency audio port  1106  and through vents  408  and  410 . Seal  1108  can cooperate with low frequency audio port  1106  to direct audio sounds. 
       FIGS. 13A ,  13 B and  13 C show speaker  612  in relation with top case  106 . Although the figures show only one corner of top case  106 , another corner can be configured to be substantially similar.  FIG. 13A  is a top view of top case  106  and shows approximately how speaker  612  can integrate with top case  106 .  FIG. 13B  is an internal view of top case  106  and more clearly shows the integration between speaker  612  and top case  106 . In particular,  FIG. 13B  shows the relationship of low frequency audio port  1106  with vents  408 .  FIG. 13C  shows speaker  612  positioned within top case  106 . Hidden from view is low frequency audio port  1108  positioned to direct audio through portion  412  of vents  408 . Connector  1108  can couple speaker  612  to an audio amplifier on MLB  502  (not shown). 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120608
Publication Date: 20140909
Grant Date: 20140909
Priority Date: 20120608
Inventors: CASEBOLT MATTHEW P.
HOPKINSON RON A.
LIGTENBERG CHRISTIAAN A.
SCHWALBACH CHARLES A.
YAP DEREK J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1688", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1688", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 49715343