PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10469940-B2
Application Number: US-201715499775-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Valve for acoustic port

Abstract:
A portable electronic device including an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber. A speaker module is positioned within the interior chamber and includes a speaker and a module wall forming a back volume chamber of the speaker. The back volume chamber includes an acoustic vent port formed through the module wall to acoustically couple the back volume chamber to the interior chamber. The device further including an electromechanical valve for regulating the acoustic coupling of the back volume chamber to the interior chamber. The electromechanical valve is operable to transition between an open configuration in which the acoustic vent port is open to the interior chamber and a closed configuration in which the acoustic vent port is closed off from the interior chamber.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber and an acoustic port to an ambient environment; 
 a speaker module positioned within the interior chamber, the speaker module having a speaker and a module wall forming a front volume chamber acoustically coupling a sound output side of the speaker to the acoustic port and forming a back volume chamber around a back side of the speaker, wherein the back volume chamber comprises an acoustic vent port formed through the module wall to acoustically couple the back volume chamber to the interior chamber; and 
 an electromechanical valve for regulating the acoustic coupling of the back volume chamber to the interior chamber, wherein the electromechanical valve is in an open configuration when the speaker is closer to a user&#39;s ear, in the open configuration the acoustic vent port is open to the interior chamber, and the electromechanical valve is in a closed configuration when the speaker is farther from a user&#39;s ear, in the closed configuration the acoustic vent port is closed off from the interior chamber. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the speaker is in a receiver mode when the speaker is closer to the user&#39;s ear and a speaker mode when the speaker is farther from the user&#39;s ear, and the electromechanical valve automatically transitions between the open configuration and the closed configuration based on whether the speaker is in the receiver mode or the speaker mode. 
     
     
       3. The portable electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the device further comprises a proximity sensor for detecting a proximity of the speaker to a user&#39;s ear, and the electromechanical valve automatically transitions between the open configuration and the closed configuration based on the proximity of the speaker to the user&#39;s ear. 
     
     
       4. The portable electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the device further comprises a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure input on the enclosure, and the electromechanical valve is operable to transition between the open configuration and the closed configuration based on the detecting of the pressure input. 
     
     
       5. The portable electronic device of  claim 4  wherein the electromechanical valve is in the open configuration when the pressure input is below a predetermined pressure input threshold value and transitions to the closed configuration when the pressure input is above the predetermined pressure input threshold value. 
     
     
       6. The portable electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the electromechanical valve is a piezoelectric valve. 
     
     
       7. The portable electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the electromechanical valve is an electroactive polymer actuated valve. 
     
     
       8. The portable electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the enclosure is a mobile communications device enclosure or a portable time piece enclosure. 
     
     
       9. A portable electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber, and the interior chamber is sealed from a surrounding environment outside of the enclosure wall; 
 a speaker module positioned within the interior chamber, the speaker module having a speaker and a module wall forming a back volume chamber of the speaker, wherein the back volume chamber comprises an acoustic vent port formed through the module wall to acoustically couple the back volume chamber to the interior chamber; and 
 a valve for regulating the acoustic coupling of the back volume chamber to the interior chamber depending on whether the speaker is in a receiver mode or a speaker mode, wherein in the receiver mode, the speaker is closer to a user&#39;s ear, the valve is in an open configuration and the acoustic vent port is open to the interior chamber, and in the speaker mode, the speaker is farther from a user&#39;s ear, the valve is in a closed configuration and the acoustic vent port is closed to the interior chamber. 
 
     
     
       10. The portable electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the valve is electromechanically actuated. 
     
     
       11. The portable electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the valve is a piezoelectric valve. 
     
     
       12. The portable electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the valve comprises a piezoelectric member coupled to a valve flap by a flexure linkage, and the valve flap is aligned with the acoustic vent port. 
     
     
       13. The portable electronic device of  claim 12  wherein application of a voltage to the piezoelectric member drives movement of the valve flap between the open configuration and the closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration. 
     
     
       14. The portable electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the valve comprises an electroactive polymer operable to actuate the valve to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. 
     
     
       15. The portable electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the valve is bistable. 
     
     
       16. The portable electronic device of  claim 9  wherein in the receiver mode, the speaker is closer to a user&#39;s ear than in the speaker mode. 
     
     
       17. The portable electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the device further comprises a proximity sensor to detect whether the speaker is in the receiver mode or the speaker mode based on a proximity of the speaker to a user&#39;s ear, and the valve transitions between the open configuration and the closed configuration based on the detection of the receiver mode or the speaker mode by the proximity sensor. 
     
     
       18. A portable electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber; 
 a speaker module positioned within the interior chamber, the speaker module having a speaker and a module wall forming a back volume chamber of the speaker, wherein the back volume chamber comprises an acoustic vent port formed through the module wall to acoustically couple the back volume chamber to the interior chamber; 
 a valve for regulating the acoustic coupling of the back volume chamber to the interior chamber based on a pressure input to a surface of the enclosure wall, wherein the valve is operable to transition between an open configuration in which the interior chamber is open to the back volume chamber and a closed configuration in which the interior chamber is closed to the back volume chamber; and 
 a pressure sensor operable to detect a pressure change within the interior chamber that is caused by the pressure input to the enclosure wall, and wherein the valve transitions to the closed configuration when the pressure change is detected and the open configuration when the pressure change is not detected. 
 
     
     
       19. The portable electronic device of  claim 18  wherein the speaker is a micro-speaker.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/399,160, filed Sep. 23, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     An embodiment of the invention is directed to an acoustic transducer having a valve, more specifically a speaker with a valve for regulating an acoustic coupling of the speaker back volume chamber to a chamber surrounding the speaker. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable communications devices (e.g., smart phones) have within them one or more speakers that convert an input electrical audio signal into a sound pressure wave output that can be heard by the user. The speakers can be used to, for example, output sound pressure waves corresponding to the voice of a far end user, such as during a telephone call, or to output sound pressure waves corresponding to sounds associated with a game or music the user wishes to play. Due to the relatively low profile of cellular devices, the speakers also have a relatively low profile, which in turn, can make it difficult to maintain a speaker back volume chamber which allows for maximum sound output in the low frequency ranges. For example, a change in the size of the internal volume of the device housing (such as when a user presses on the device), can have an impact on the speaker within the housing (e.g., increase a surrounding pressure on the speaker), and in some cases, the associated sound output. 
     SUMMARY 
     An embodiment of the invention is directed to a piezo actuated valve for isolating a back volume of a speaker module. The actuated valve allows for the device to be used in two discrete modes. The first mode allows the device to take advantage of an unused volume inside the device enclosure within which it is positioned (e.g., a portable communications device enclosure) for improved bass-frequency response when taking a call (e.g., the speaker is in the receiver mode). The second mode isolates the speaker in a smaller back volume which protects it from changes in pressure due to, for example, a pressure on the device enclosure (e.g., the speaker is in a speaker mode for game play). 
     Representatively, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to a portable electronic device including an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber. A speaker module is positioned within the interior chamber and includes a speaker and a module wall forming a back volume chamber of the speaker. The back volume chamber may include an acoustic vent port formed through the module wall to acoustically couple the back volume chamber to the interior chamber. The device may further include an electromechanical valve for regulating the acoustic coupling of the back volume chamber to the interior chamber. The electromechanical valve may be operable to transition between an open configuration in which the acoustic vent port is open to the interior chamber and a closed configuration in which the acoustic vent port is closed off from the interior chamber. The speaker may be in a receiver mode or a speaker mode, and the electromechanical valve transitions between the open configuration and the closed configuration based on whether the speaker is in the receiver mode or the speaker mode. For example, the electromechanical valve may be in the open configuration when the speaker is in the receiver mode and in the closed configuration when the speaker is in the speaker mode. In the receiver mode, the speaker may be closer to a user&#39;s ear than in the speaker mode. The device may further include a proximity sensor for detecting a proximity of the speaker to a user&#39;s ear, and the electromechanical valve may transition between the open configuration and the closed configuration based on the proximity of the speaker to the user&#39;s ear. The device may also include a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure input on the enclosure. The electromechanical valve may transition between the open configuration and the closed configuration based on the detection of the pressure input. The electromechanical valve may be in the open configuration when the pressure input is below a predetermined pressure input threshold value and transition to the closed configuration when the pressure input is above the predetermined pressure input threshold value. The electromechanical valve may be a piezoelectric valve. The electromechanical valve may be an electroactive polymer actuated valve. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a portable electronic device including an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber, and the interior chamber is sealed from a surrounding environment outside of the enclosure wall. A speaker module may be positioned within the interior chamber. The speaker module may include a speaker and a module wall forming a back volume chamber of the speaker. The back volume chamber may include an acoustic vent port formed through the module wall to acoustically couple the back volume chamber to the interior chamber. The device may further include a valve for regulating the acoustic coupling of the back volume chamber to the interior chamber depending on whether the speaker is in a receiver mode or a speaker mode. In the receiver mode, the valve may be in an open configuration in which the acoustic vent port is open to the interior chamber and in the speaker mode the valve may be in a closed configuration in which the acoustic vent port is closed to the interior chamber. In some embodiments, the valve may be electromechanically actuated. For example, the valve may be a piezoelectric valve. Still further, the valve may include a piezoelectric member coupled to a valve flap by a flexure linkage, and the valve flap is aligned with the acoustic vent port. The application of a voltage to the piezoelectric member drives movement of the valve flap between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and in the open configuration, the valve flap does not cover the acoustic vent port, and in the closed position, the valve flap covers the acoustic vent port. In other embodiments, the valve may include an electroactive polymer that actuates the valve to move between the open configuration and the closed configuration. In still further embodiments, the valve may be bistable. In the receiver mode, the speaker is closer to a user&#39;s ear than in the speaker mode. The device may also include a proximity sensor to detect whether the speaker is in a receiver mode or a speaker mode based on a proximity of the speaker to a user&#39;s ear, and the valve transitions between an open configuration and a closed configuration based on the detection of the receiver mode or the speaker mode by the proximity sensor. 
     In another embodiment, a portable electronic device is disclosed and includes an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber and a speaker module is positioned within the interior chamber. The speaker module may have a speaker and a module wall forming a back volume chamber of the speaker, and the back volume chamber includes an acoustic vent port formed through the module wall to acoustically couple the back volume chamber to the interior chamber. A valve for regulating the acoustic coupling of the back volume chamber to the interior chamber based on a pressure input to a portion of the enclosure wall may further be included. For example, the valve may transition between an open configuration in which it does not cover the acoustic vent port and a closed configuration in which it covers the acoustic vent port, and in the absence of the pressure input the valve is in the open configuration and the valve transitions to the closed configuration when the pressure input is detected. In some embodiments, the speaker is a micro-speaker. 
     The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present invention. It is contemplated that the invention includes all systems and methods that can be practiced from all suitable combinations of the various aspects summarized above, as well as those disclosed in the Detailed Description below and particularly pointed out in the claims filed with the application. Such combinations have particular advantages not specifically recited in the above summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a speaker positioned within a portable electronic device. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a schematic diagram of the speaker of  FIG. 1  and a valve in an open position. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a schematic diagram of the speaker of  FIG. 1  and a valve in a closed position. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a valve associated with the speaker of  FIG. 1  in an open position. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a valve associated with the speaker of  FIG. 1  in an closed position. 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified logic flow chart of an illustrative mode of operation for transitioning a valve between an open position and a closed position. 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified logic flow chart of another illustrative mode of operation for transitioning a valve between an open position and a closed position. 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified logic flow chart of another illustrative mode of operation for transitioning a valve between an open position and a closed position. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates one embodiment of a simplified schematic view of embodiments of electronic devices in which the speaker of  FIG. 1  may be implemented 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of an electronic device within which the speaker of  FIG. 1  may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In this section we shall explain several preferred embodiments of this invention with reference to the appended drawings. Whenever the shapes, relative positions and other aspects of the parts described in the embodiments are not clearly defined, the scope of the invention is not limited only to the parts shown, which are meant merely for the purpose of illustration. Also, while numerous details are set forth, it is understood that some embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element&#39;s or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a transducer positioned within a portable electronic device. The electronic device  100  may include a housing, casing or outer enclosure  102  that defines or closes off a chamber in which the constituent electronic components of electronic device  100 , for example a portable or mobile communications device or portable time piece, are contained. Enclosure  102  may include an enclosure wall  104  that separates a surrounding environment from an encased space or interior chamber  106  formed within enclosure  102 . In some cases, the enclosure wall  104  completely isolates or seals the interior chamber  106  from the surrounding environment. For example, the enclosure wall  104  may form a water-proof or acoustically isolated interior chamber  106  which is impermeable to water and /or air. The interior chamber  106  may be of a sufficient volume and/or size to accommodate the constituent components of electronic device  100 . In addition, the interior chamber  106  may contain an unused volume of space that can be shared with other components (e.g., a speaker) within interior chamber  106 , as will be described in the discussion that follows. The enclosure wall  104  may also include one or more of an enclosure acoustic port  108 . The enclosure acoustic port  108  may be, for example, a sound output port through which sound from a speaker positioned within interior chamber  106  may be output. In other embodiments, where a microphone is positioned near enclosure acoustic port  108 , it could be a sound input port to allow for input of sound to the microphone. 
     In this case, enclosure acoustic port  108  is a sound output port that is acoustically open to a speaker module  110  positioned within interior chamber  106 . Representatively, speaker module  110  includes a module wall  114  that forms a chamber, casing, housing or inner enclosure within which speaker  112  is positioned. Speaker  112  may be any type of electroacoustic transducer capable of converting an electrical audio signal into a sound. In some embodiments, speaker  112  may be a micro-speaker, for example, a miniaturized version of a loudspeaker that uses a moving coil motor to drive sound output. Thus, in some embodiments, speaker  112  may be referred to herein as a micro-speaker. Speaker  112  may further be referred to herein as a speaker or receiver, depending on how it is being used. For example, in embodiments where device  100  is positioned near the ear of a user such that speaker  112  is used to output sound from a far-end user to the near-end user holding device  100  (e.g., during a telephone call), speaker  112  may be referred to as a receiver or as being used in receiver mode. In other embodiments where device  100  is positioned farther away from the user&#39;s ear and is, for example, being held in the user&#39;s hand for speaker phone usage, game play or listening to music, speaker  112  may be referred to as a speaker phone speaker or as being used in speaker mode. A proximity of device  100  to a user&#39;s ear, and in turn, the mode in which speaker  112  is being used, may be determined or otherwise detected using a proximity sensor  126  mounted within interior chamber  106 . Proximity sensor  126  may be any type of sensor capable of detecting a distance of a target object (e.g., the user&#39;s ear or head) from device  100 , and connected to corresponding circuitry within device  100  so that this information can be used to determine a proximity of device  100  to a user, and in turn, whether speaker  112  is in receiver mode (near the user&#39;s ear or head) or speaker mode (farther away from the user&#39;s ear or head than in receiver mode). Representatively, proximity sensor  126  may be a capacitive sensor, capacitive displacement sensor, optical sensor, or an inductive proximity sensor. 
     Returning now to the structure of speaker module  110 , the enclosure formed around speaker  112  by module wall  114  may be divided into a front volume chamber  118  and a back volume chamber  116  around speaker  112 . The front volume chamber  118  may form a chamber around the sound output face of speaker  112  and allow for sound from speaker  112  to pass to speaker acoustic port  122  (as illustrated by the arrow). Speaker acoustic port  122  is formed in module wall  114  and aligned with enclosure acoustic port  108  so that sound output from speaker  112  can pass through front volume chamber  118 , to speaker acoustic port  122  and out of enclosure  102  via enclosure acoustic port  108 , to the surrounding environment (e.g., to the user). Back volume chamber  116  surrounds the back side of speaker  112  and is acoustically sealed, or otherwise isolated from, front volume chamber  118 . It is noted that any changes in size, volume and/or pressure of back volume chamber  116  may have an impact on the acoustic performance of speaker  112 . For example, an increase in the size or volume of back volume chamber  116  could improve a low frequency response of speaker  112 , while a decrease in the size or change in pressure of back volume chamber  116  could reduce or otherwise distort speaker performance. 
     With this in mind, speaker module  110  may further include an acoustic vent port  120  and associated valve  124  which can be used to regulate, or otherwise control, the characteristics (e.g., sizes, volume or pressure) of back volume chamber  116 . Representatively, acoustic vent port  120  may be formed through a portion of module wall  114  defining back volume chamber  116  and be acoustically open to interior chamber  106  of enclosure  102 . In other words, when acoustic vent port  120  is open as shown in  FIG. 1 , back volume chamber  116  shares a volume with interior chamber  106 , and is therefore significantly increased. For example, in one embodiment, back volume chamber  116  may have a volume of 5 cc, and interior chamber  106  may have approximately 10 cc of interior volume or space. Thus, when acoustic vent port  120  is open to interior chamber  106 , the volume of back volume chamber is effectively tripled, or around 15 cc. This in turn, will increase a frequency response of speaker  112  at low frequency. It is generally desirable for acoustic vent port  120  to remain open, thus is most cases, valve  124  will remain open and not cover or otherwise close back volume chamber  116  off from interior chamber  106 . In some situations, however, it may be desirable to close acoustic vent port  120  using valve  124 , and in turn, isolate back volume chamber  116  from interior chamber  106 . For example, it may be desirable to isolate back volume chamber  116  from interior chamber  106  when a pressure within interior chamber  106  is unexpectedly increased, for example, due to a user pressing on a surface of enclosure  102  near speaker module  110 . For example, when the user is holding device  100  in their hand away from the ear (e.g., using speaker  112  in speaker mode) and pressing on the cover glass. If back volume chamber  116  is not isolated from interior chamber  106 , the pressure increase within interior chamber  106  could potentially increase a pressure within back volume chamber  116  (or otherwise change a size/volume of the back volume chamber), and, in turn, unintentionally distort the acoustic output of speaker  112 . Thus, in such cases, valve  124  may be used to close acoustic vent port  120  and prevent the pressure change within interior chamber  106  from impacting speaker output. In some embodiments, this increase, or otherwise change in pressure, may be detected using any type of pressure sensor  128  (e.g., piezoelectric, capacitive, electromagnetic, optical, or the like) connected to associate processing circuitry, also positioned within interior chamber  106 . In addition, it should be understood that acoustic vent port  120  is considered to be relatively large, for example, larger than a barometric relief port, such that in the open position, the two chambers are relatively open to one another (e.g., more open than in the case of a barometric relief port). 
     Valve  124  may be any type of valve capable of transitioning between an open position in which valve  124  does not cover acoustic vent port  120  (e.g., vent port  120  is open to interior chamber  106 ) and a closed position in which valve  124  covers acoustic vent port  120  (e.g., acoustic vent port  120  is closed to interior chamber  106 ). Representatively, in one embodiment, valve  124  may be an electromechanical valve  124  that uses an electrical signal (e.g., electric current) to drive or otherwise actuate valve  124  to move between the open and closed positions. Representatively, valve  124  may be a piezoelectric valve having a piezoelectric material (e.g., a piezoelectric ceramic) coupled to a valve flap as will be discussed in more detail in reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . In other embodiments, valve  124  may include an electroactive polymer that changes in size or shape when an electrical input is applied. For example, the electroactive polymer may be a dielectric electroactive polymer, a ferroelectric polymer, an electrostrictive graft polymer, an ionic electroactive polymer, an electrorheological fluid, an ionic polymer-metal composite or a stimuli-responsive gel. Regardless of the particular electroactive or electrically actuatable material, however, it should be understood that because valve  124  is positioned between two substantially sealed, high pressure chambers (e.g., back volume chamber  116  and interior chamber  106 ), valve  124  is intended to be an “active” valve that can be automatically actuated by an electrical input, as opposed to, for example, a “passive” valve that is actuated by a direct pressure input or force on the valve itself. In addition, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, valve  124  may be a bistable valve that is stable in the open position and the closed position. For example, an initial short current or voltage input can transition valve  124  to an open position, and valve  124  remains in the open position until a second short current or voltage input is applied to transition valve  124  to the closed position. In other words, a constant electrical input is not required to keep valve  124  in either the open and closed position therefore an overall power consumption of device  100  is not significantly impacted by the operation of valve  124 . In other embodiments, the application of a voltage may be used to open valve  124 , and the removal of the voltage may cause valve  124  to close. In such embodiments, a capacitor may be integrated within the device to provide a continuous electrical input when necessary to keep valve  124  in the open position for extended periods of time. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B ,  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  are schematic diagrams showing valve  124  associated with a current for transitioning valve  124  between the open position (e.g.,  FIG. 2A ) and closed position (e.g.,  FIG. 2B ). Representatively,  FIG. 2A  shows valve  124  in the open position  202  in which it does not cover acoustic vent port  120  and therefore acoustic vent port  120 , and in turn back volume chamber  116 , are open to the interior chamber  106  of the device enclosure. In the case of a bistable valve  124 , valve  124  may be actuated, or otherwise caused to transition to the open position, by inputting a relatively short trigger or pulse electrical input  206  (e.g., a voltage) to valve  124 , which causes valve  124  to move to the open position and remain in the open position indefinitely.  FIG. 2B  shows valve  124  upon application of a second pulse electrical input  208  that actuates, or otherwise causes valve  124 , to move to the closed position  204  and cover acoustic vent port  120 . In the closed position as shown in  FIG. 2B , the back volume chamber  116  and interior chamber  106  of the enclosure are acoustically isolated from one another and therefore do not share a same enclosure volume. 
       FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  illustrate schematic diagrams of one embodiment of the valve of  FIG. 1  in an open position and a closed position, respectively. Representatively,  FIG. 3A  shows valve  124  in an open position  302  and  FIG. 3B  shows valve  124  in a closed position  304 . It is noted that the various components of speaker module  110  previously discussed in reference to  FIG. 1  are the same in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B , and therefore are not repeated here. Specific details of one particular valve configuration, however, are shown in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B . Representatively, in this embodiment, valve  124  includes a valve flap  306 , a flexure linkage  308  and an electrically actuatable material  310 . Valve flap  306  may be an elongated piece of material (e.g., metal) that is aligned with, and extends across, acoustic vent port  120 . Valve flap  306  has one end that is considered a free end  312  that is not connected to any other structure, and another end  314  that is connected to a flexure linkage  308 . The flexure linkage  308  is designed to cause valve flap  306  to move toward or away from acoustic vent port  120  upon actuation by actuatable material  310 , depending on whether valve flap  306  is transitioning to the open or closed position. Actuatable material  310  may be an electroactive material such as a piezoelectric material. For example, actuatable material  310  may be a strip of a piezoelectric ceramic and/or aluminum based piezoelectric material which changes in size (e.g., expands/contracts) or shape (e.g., straightens/bends) upon input of an electric current as previously discussed. In other embodiments, actuatable material  310  may be an electroactive polymer, for example, a dielectric electroactive polymer, a ferroelectric polymer, an electrostrictive graft polymer, an ionic electroactive polymer, an electrorheological fluid, an ionic polymer-metal composite or a stimuli-responsive gel. 
     During operation, an electric current may be input to the actuatable material  310  (by circuitry integrated within device  100 ), which causes actuatable material  310  to change in size or shape. The change in size or shape of actuatable material  310  pulls valve flap  306  away from acoustic vent port  120  with the assistance of flexure linkage  308  so that there is a space between acoustic vent port  120  and valve flap  306 . Acoustic vent port  120  is therefore open to interior chamber  106  as shown in  FIG. 3A . When it is desired to close acoustic vent port  120 , a further electric current can be input to actuatable material  310  to change actuatable material  310  back to a size or shape which causes valve flap  306  to move toward acoustic vent port  120  via flexure linkage  308  and cover acoustic vent port  120  as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     As previously discussed, in some embodiments, it is desirable to automatically transition valve  124  between the open and closed positions depending upon how the device  100  is being used. For example, if device  100  is in a receiver mode (e.g., near the user&#39;s ear), it may be desirable for valve  124  to be in an open position so that an acoustic output of speaker  112  in the low frequency range is maximized. Alternatively, if device  100  is being used in a speaker mode (e.g., farther away from the user&#39;s ear) and/or if the enclosure is being pressed by a user such that an unexpected pressure change is occurring within the interior chamber  106  that could distort speaker output, it may be desirable for valve  124  to be in a closed position. These exemplary modes of operation will now be discussed in reference to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . 
     Representatively,  FIG. 4  is a simplified logic flow chart of an illustrative mode of operation for transitioning a valve between an open position and a closed position based on a proximity of the device to a user&#39;s ear. In this embodiment, operation of the valve (e.g., valve  124 ) may include process  400  that represents one embodiment for a processing unit which determines when to open and close the valve. It should be understood that the processes discussed here and in the processes to follow are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Persons skilled in the art can appreciate that steps of the processes discussed herein can be omitted, modified, combined, and/or rearranged, and any additional steps can be performed without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     Process  400  can start at step  402  and proceed to step  404 . In step  404 , a proximity of the device (e.g., device  100 ) to a user&#39;s ear is detected. The device proximity may be detected using a proximity sensor (e.g., proximity sensor  126 ) integrated within the device. The detected information can be received, for example, by a processor within the device which then uses the information to determine the location of the device with respect to the user. For example, in step  406 , the processor can compare the information to predetermined proximity threshold data (or proximity threshold data determined by a user), and if based on the information, it is determined that the device is below the threshold (e.g., within a distance considered close to the user), the system can proceed to step  408 . In step  408 , process  400  can wait for a pre-determined time delay. After the pre-determined time delay, process  400  can return to step  404  and once again detect the proximity of the device to the user. Thus, process  400  can repeatedly loop through steps  404 ,  406  and  408  until it is detected that the device is above or outside of the predetermined proximity threshold and therefore considered far away from the user&#39;s ear (or head in general). 
     In response to the device not being near the user&#39;s ear (e.g., the device is far away from the user&#39;s ear), process  400  can proceed to step  410  and send instructions to close the valve, and isolate the speaker back volume chamber (e.g., back volume chamber  116 ) from the enclosure interior chamber (e.g., interior chamber  106 ). In such situations it may be desirable to close the valve and isolate the chambers because it suggests the device is being held in a position which may make it susceptible to conditions where speaker operations could be compromised. For example, the user may be holding the device in their hand for game play, which may expose the device to pressure changes due to the user pressing on the cover glass, which in turn can cause speaker distortion if the speaker back volume chamber is open to the interior chamber of the device. The instructions may, for example, be sent to a valve control unit located within the device. 
     After the valve is closed, process  400  can proceed to step  412  and can once again detect a proximity of the device to a user&#39;s ear. Steps  414 ,  416 , and  418  can operate in the same manner as steps  404 ,  406  and  408  and can continue to loop and repeat, except since the valve is already closed, in step  418 , instructions to open the valve are sent when it is determined that the device is near the user&#39;s ear in step  416 . For example, in step  412  a proximity of the device to a user&#39;s ear (or head) can be detected. In step  414 , process  400  can determine if the device is determined to be near the user&#39;s ear (or head). In response to the device not being near the user&#39;s ear or head, process  400  can proceed to step  416  and wait for a pre-determined time delay, and can then return to step  412 . Thus, as long as it is determined that the device is far away from the user&#39;s ear, steps  412 ,  414  and  416  can continue to loop and the valve can remain closed. In response to it being determined that the device is near the user&#39;s ear in step  414 , process  400  can proceed to step  418  and send instructions to open the valve. It is noted that when the device is near the user&#39;s ear, such as in a receiver mode during a telephone call, the speaker is less susceptible to events that could compromise speaker operation (e.g., the user pressing on the device), and therefore can remain open to the interior chamber of the device and benefit from a larger back volume and therefore enhanced performance at low frequency. 
     Process  400  can then return to step  404  and once again repeat steps  404 ,  406 , and  408 , until the device is determined to not be near a user&#39;s ear (e.g., be farther away from the user&#39;s ear). In this manner, process  400  can continuously monitor the proximity of the device to the user, and in turn, provide data for automatically transitioning valve between the open and closed positions. Process  400  can continue to operate as long as the system is on. For example, process  400  can continue to operate until the device is turned off. 
       FIG. 5  is a simplified logic flow chart of an illustrative mode of operation for transitioning a valve between an open position and a closed position based on whether a speaker within the device is being used in a receiver mode or a speaker mode. In this embodiment, operation of the valve (e.g., valve  124 ) may include process  500  that represents one embodiment for a processing unit which determines when to open and close the valve. 
     Process  500  can start at step  502  and proceed to step  504 . In step  504 , a determination is made as to whether the speaker (e.g., speaker  112 ) within device (e.g., device  100 ) is in a receiver mode or a speaker mode. The speaker may be considered in a receiver mode when it is being held close to the user&#39;s ear, such as when the user is receiving a call, and may be considered in a receiver mode when the speaker is being held farther away from the ear, such as in the user&#39;s hand during game play or while listening to music. In this aspect, similar to process  400  previously discussed, whether the speaker is in receiver mode or speaker mode can be determined using a proximity sensor (e.g., proximity sensor  126 ) integrated within the device. The detected information can be received, for example, by a processor within the device which then uses the information to determine the location of the device with respect to the user, and in turn whether the speaker is being used in speaker mode or receiver mode. For example, in step  506 , the processor can compare the information to predetermined proximity threshold data, and if based on the information, it is determined that the device, and in turn the speaker, is below the threshold (e.g., within a range considered close to the user), it determines that the speaker is in receiver mode, and the system can proceed to step  508 . In step  508 , process  500  can wait for a pre-determined time delay. After the pre-determined time delay, process  500  can return to step  504  and once again detect whether the speaker is in receiver mode or speaker mode. Thus, process  500  can repeatedly loop through steps  504 ,  506  and  508  until it is detected that the device is outside of the predetermined proximity threshold and therefore considered far away from the user&#39;s ear (or head in general), and therefore the speaker is being used in speaker mode. It should be noted that while in this embodiment, a proximity of the device is used to determine whether the speaker is in receiver mode or speaker mode, other data, for example speaker audio signals which may be different depending on whether the speaker is in receiver mode or speaker mode, may be used to determine whether to open or close the valve. 
     In response to the speaker being in speaker mode (e.g., not in the receiver mode), process  500  can proceed to step  510  and send instructions to close the valve, and isolate the speaker back volume chamber (e.g., back volume chamber  116 ) from the enclosure interior chamber (e.g., interior chamber  106 ). For example the instructions can be sent to a valve control unit located within the device. 
     After the valve is closed, process  500  can proceed to step  512  and can once again detect whether the speaker is in receiver mode or speaker mode. Steps  514 ,  516 , and  518  can operate in the same manner as steps  504 ,  506  and  508  and can continue to loop and repeat, except since the valve is already closed, in step  518 , instructions to open the valve are sent when it is determined that the speaker is in receiver mode step. For example, in step  512  whether the speaker is in receiver mode or speaker mode can be detected. In step  514 , process  500  can determine if the speaker is in receiver mode (e.g., not in speaker mode). In response to the speaker not being in receiver mode, process  500  can proceed to step  516  and wait for a pre-determined time delay, and can then return to step  512 . Thus, as long as it is determined that the speaker is not in receiver mode (e.g., is in speaker mode), steps  412 ,  414  and  416  can continue to loop and the valve can remain closed. In response to it being determined that the speaker is in receiver mode, process  500  can proceed to step  518  and send instructions to open the valve. 
     Process  500  can then return to step  504  and once again repeat steps  504 ,  506 , and  508 , until the speaker is determined to not be in receiver mode (e.g., in speaker mode). In this manner, process  500  can continuously monitor the speaker mode, and in turn, provide data for automatically transitioning the valve between the open and closed positions. Process  500  can continue to operate as long as the system is on. For example, process  500  can continue to operate until the device is turned off. 
     It should further be understood that while processes  400  and  500  discuss operations in which the valve is closed and closes the acoustic vent port (e.g., vent port  120 ) when the device is far away from the user&#39;s ear or the speaker is in a speaker mode, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, even when one or both of these conditions are met, the valve may remain open until a pressure input is detected. In other words, the valve could be in a default open position, even when the device is considered far from the user&#39;s ear or in a speaker mode, and then closed when a pressure input on the device, which could potentially compromise the speaker performance (e.g., distort the acoustic output), is detected, as will now be discussed in reference to  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 6  is a simplified logic flow chart of an illustrative mode of operation for transitioning a valve between an open position and a closed position based on whether a pressure input to the device is detected. In this embodiment, operation of the valve (e.g., valve  124 ) may include process  600 , which represents one embodiment for a processing unit that determines when to open and close the valve. 
     Process  600  can start at step  602  and proceed to step  604 . In step  604 , a determination is made as to whether a pressure input on the device (e.g., an enclosure  102  of device  100 ) is detected. The pressure input may be detected by, for example, a pressure sensor within the device (e.g., pressure sensor  128 ). The pressure sensor may be designed to detect, for example, a user pressing on the cover of the device enclosure in such a manner that it increases a pressure within an interior chamber or volume of the device enclosure. The detected information can be received, for example, by a processor within the device that then uses the information to determine the degree of pressure input. For example, in step  606 , the processor can compare the information to predetermined pressure threshold data, and if based on the information, it is determined that the pressure input on the device is below the predetermined pressure level (e.g., a level which could potentially effect the speaker performance), the system can proceed to step  608 . In step  608 , process  600  can wait for a pre-determined time delay. After the pre-determined time delay, process  600  can return to step  604  and once again detect the pressure input. Thus, process  600  can repeatedly loop through steps  604 ,  606  and  608  until it is detected that the device is above the predetermined pressure threshold. 
     In response to a pressure input above the predetermined threshold level, process  600  can proceed to step  610  and send instructions to close the valve, and isolate the speaker back volume chamber (e.g., back volume chamber  116 ) from the enclosure interior chamber (e.g., interior chamber  106 ). This will in turn, isolate the speaker from the pressure change within the interior chamber of the enclosure, and therefore prevent any potential distortions in speaker output. For example, the instructions can be sent to a valve control unit located within the device. 
     After the valve is closed, process  600  can proceed to step  612  and can once again detect a pressure input. Steps  614 ,  616 , and  618  can operate in the same manner as steps  604 ,  606  and  608  and can continue to loop and repeat, except since the valve is already closed, in step  618 , instructions to open the valve are sent when it is determined that the pressure input is not greater than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., the pressure level will not effect the speaker if the valve is open). For example, in step  612  a pressure input is detected and in step  614 , process  600  can determine if the pressure level is above the predetermined threshold level. In response to the pressure input being above the threshold level, process  600  can proceed to step  616  and wait for a pre-determined time delay, and can then return to step  612 . Thus, as long as it is determined that the pressure input is greater than the predetermined threshold level, steps  612 ,  614  and  616  can continue to loop and the valve can remain closed. In response to it being determined that the detected pressure input is below the threshold, process  600  can proceed to step  618  and send instructions to open the valve. 
     Process  600  can then return to step  604  and once again repeat steps  604 ,  606 , and  608 , until a pressure input on the device is determined to be above a threshold level. In this manner, process  600  can continuously monitor the pressure input, and, in turn, provide data for automatically transitioning the valve between the open and closed positions. Process  600  can continue to operate as long as the system is on. For example, process  600  can continue to operate until the device is turned off. In addition, it should be understood that although a pressure input above or below a predetermined threshold pressure value is disclosed in process  600  as being used to determine whether to open or close the valve, in other embodiments, the presence or absence of the pressure input may be used to determine whether to open or close the valve. For example, if in step  604  a pressure input is detected, process  600  can proceed directly to step  610  and send instructions to close the valve. If, however, in step  604  a pressure input is not detected, process  600  can proceed directly to step  618  and send instructions to open the valve, or if the valve is already open, the valve can remain open. 
     It should further be understood that in addition to, or instead of, a device position (e.g., near or far from a user), mode of the speaker (e.g., speaker mode or receiver mode) or pressure input, audio signal processing may be used to determine whether to open or close the valve. Moreover, audio signal conditioning may further take place depending on whether valve is in an open position or closed position (e.g., a different EQ applied when valve is open than when closed, audio tuning, etc.) 
       FIG. 7  illustrates one embodiment of a simplified schematic view of embodiments of electronic devices in which a speaker and valve, such as that described herein, may be implemented. As seen in  FIG. 7 , the speaker may be integrated within a consumer electronic device  702  such as a smart phone with which a user can conduct a call with a far-end user of a communications device  704  over a wireless communications network; in another example, the speaker may be integrated within the housing of a portable timepiece  706 . These are just two examples of where the transducer described herein may be used, it is contemplated, however, that the speaker may be used with any type of electronic device in which a speaker is desired, for example, a tablet computer, a computing device or other display device. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of an electronic device within which the previously discussed speaker may be implemented. As shown in  FIG. 8 , device  800  may include storage  802 . Storage  802  may include one or more different types of storage such as hard disk drive storage, nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically-programmable-read-only memory), volatile memory (e.g., battery-based static or dynamic random-access-memory), etc. 
     Processing circuitry  804  may be used to control the operation of device  800 . Processing circuitry  804  may be based on a processor such as a microprocessor and other suitable integrated circuits. With one suitable arrangement, processing circuitry  804  and storage  802  are used to run software on device  800 , such as internet browsing applications, voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) telephone call applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, etc. Processing circuitry  804  and storage  802  may be used in implementing suitable communications protocols. Communications protocols that may be implemented using processing circuitry  804  and storage  802  include internet protocols, wireless local area network protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocols—sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi®), protocols for other short-range wireless communications links such as the Bluetooth® protocol, protocols for handling 3G or 4G communications services (e.g., using wide band code division multiple access techniques), 2G cellular telephone communications protocols, etc. 
     To minimize power consumption, processing circuitry  804  may include power management circuitry to implement power management functions. For example, processing circuitry  804  may be used to adjust the gain settings of amplifiers (e.g., radio-frequency power amplifier circuitry) on device  800 . Processing circuitry  804  may also be used to adjust the power supply voltages that are provided to portions of the circuitry on device  800 . For example, higher direct-current (DC) power supply voltages may be supplied to active circuits and lower DC power supply voltages may be supplied to circuits that are less active or that are inactive. If desired, processing circuitry  804  may be used to implement a control scheme in which the power amplifier circuitry is adjusted to accommodate transmission power level requests received from a wireless network. 
     Input-output devices  806  may be used to allow data to be supplied to device  800  and to allow data to be provided from device  800  to external devices. Display screens, microphone acoustic ports, speaker acoustic ports, and docking ports are examples of input-output devices  806 . For example, input-output devices  806  can include user input-output devices  808  such as buttons, touch screens, joysticks, click wheels, scrolling wheels, touch pads, key pads, keyboards, microphones, cameras, etc. A user can control the operation of device  800  by supplying commands through user input devices  808 . Display and audio devices  810  may include liquid-crystal display (LCD) screens or other screens, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and other components that present visual information and status data. Display and audio devices  810  may also include audio equipment such as speakers and other devices for creating sound. Display and audio devices  810  may contain audio-video interface equipment such as jacks and other connectors for external headphones and monitors. 
     Wireless communications devices  812  may include communications circuitry such as radio-frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry formed from one or more integrated circuits, power amplifier circuitry, passive RF components, antennas, and other circuitry for handling RF wireless signals. Wireless signals can also be sent using light (e.g., using infrared communications). Representatively, in the case of a speaker acoustic port as shown in  FIG. 7 , the speaker may be associated with the port and be in communication with an RF antenna for transmission of signals from the far end user to the speaker. 
     Returning to  FIG. 8 , device  800  can communicate with external devices such as accessories  814 , computing equipment  816 , and wireless network  818  as shown by paths  820  and  822 . Paths  820  may include wired and wireless paths. Path  822  may be a wireless path. Accessories  814  may include headphones (e.g., a wireless cellular headset or audio headphones) and audio-video equipment (e.g., wireless speakers, a game controller, or other equipment that receives and plays audio and video content), a peripheral such as a wireless printer or camera, etc. 
     Computing equipment  816  may be any suitable computer. With one suitable arrangement, computing equipment  816  is a computer that has an associated wireless access point (router) or an internal or external wireless card that establishes a wireless connection with device  800 . The computer may be a server (e.g., an internet server), a local area network computer with or without internet access, a user&#39;s own personal computer, a peer device (e.g., another portable electronic device), or any other suitable computing equipment. 
     Wireless network  818  may include any suitable network equipment, such as cellular telephone base stations, cellular towers, wireless data networks, computers associated with wireless networks, etc. For example, wireless network  818  may include network management equipment that monitors the wireless signal strength of the wireless handsets (cellular telephones, handheld computing devices, etc.) that are in communication with network  818 . 
     While certain embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, although a speaker is specifically disclosed herein, the valve disclosed herein could be used with other types of transducers, for example, microphones. Still further, although a portable electronic device such as a mobile communications device is described herein, any of the previously discussed valve and transducer configurations may be implemented within a tablet computer, personal computer, laptop computer, notebook computer and the like. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170427
Publication Date: 20191105
Grant Date: 20191105
Priority Date: 20160923
Inventors: TAYLOR, MARTIN D.
TAO, HONGDAN
NOTARANGELO, Claudio
BROWN, SUZANNE C.
POPE, BENJAMIN J.
Porter, Scott P.
TAN, TANG Y.
WILK, CHRISTOPHER
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/2826", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2826", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/035", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R29/001", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R29/001", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2811", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2826", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2811", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2811", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2811", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 59649626