WO2009068927A1

WO2009068927A1 - Electronic device acoustic chamber

Info

Publication number: WO2009068927A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/003633
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jurgen Kobelin
Original assignee: Nokia Corporation; Nokia, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-11-26
Filing date: 2007-11-26
Publication date: 2009-06-04
Also published as: CN101809975A; CN101809975B; DE112007003701T5; DE112007003701B4

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing section, electronic circuitry, a display module, and an acoustic chamber. The housing section includes a window. The electronic circuitry is mounted within the housing section. The display module is mounted within the housing section. The display module is proximate the window. The acoustic chamber is between the window and the display module.

Description

Electronic Device Acoustic Chamber

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic device and, more particularly, to an acoustic chamber for an electronic device.

Brief Description of Prior Developments

[0002] Conventional mobile phone designs and concepts include acoustic systems to provide audible sounds and indications on the device. The acoustic systems generally include an acoustic module (or speaker) connected to a separate acoustic chamber. In order to get good performance from the acoustic system (meaning good acoustic sound) , the size and volume of the acoustic chamber should be as big as possible to provide deep bass and high tones. Due to the demand for continuous size miniaturization, smaller and thinner phone designs (having smaller acoustic chambers) result in lost or degraded acoustical performance. With previous conventional mobile phones having bigger and wider configurations, the problem of reduced space for an acoustic chamber was not critical, and the sound performance was adjusted with a separate acoustic chamber within the device. As the available space within mobile devices continues to decrease, acoustic chambers within these devices become smaller and smaller resulting in reduced acoustic quality and performance.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a desire to provide an improved acoustic chamber within an electronic device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing section, electronic circuitry, a display module, and an acoustic chamber. The housing section includes a window. The electronic circuitry is mounted within the housing section. The display module is mounted within the housing section. The display module is proximate the window. The acoustic chamber is between the window and the display module.

[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing section, electronic circuitry, a display module, and an acoustic module. The housing section includes an opening, a first end portion, and a middle portion. The opening is proximate the first end portion. The electronic circuitry is mounted within the housing section. The display module is mounted within the housing section. An end of the display module is proximate the first end portion of the housing section. An opposite end of the display module is proximate the middle portion of the housing section. The acoustic module is proximate the opposite end of the display module. The acoustic module is in communication with the opening .

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed. A housing section is provided. The housing section includes a window. Electronic circuitry is installed within the housing section. A display module is attached within the housing section. The display module is spaced from the window. An acoustic chamber is provided between the window and the display module.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed. A housing section is provided. The housing section includes an opening, a first end portion, and a middle portion. The opening is proximate the first end portion. Electronic circuitry is installed within the housing section. An end of a display module is attached proximate the first end portion of the housing section. An opposite end of the display module is attached proximate the middle portion of the housing section. An acoustic module is attached proximate the opposite end of the display module. The acoustic module is in communication with the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein :

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device comprising features of the invention;

[0010] Fig. 2 is a partial cross section view taken at line 2-2 of the device shown in Fig. 1;

[0011] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a display module used in the electronic device shown in Fig. 1; and

[0012] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an internal portion of the electronic device shown in Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an electronic device 10 incorporating features of the invention. Although the invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

[0014] In this embodiment the device 10 comprises a mobile telephone. However, in alternate embodiments the device could comprise any suitable type of electronic device. For example, the device 10 could comprise a digital camera, a music player, a hand-held gaming device, a PDA, or a notebook computer. The telephone 10 generally comprises a housing 12, a transceiver 14 connected to an antenna 16, electronic circuitry 18, such as a controller for example, within the housing 12, a user input region (which may comprise a keypad for example) 20 and a display 22. In alternate embodiments, the telephone 10 can have any suitable type of features as known in the art .

[0015] Referring now also to Fig. 2, a partial cross- section view of the electronic device 10 is illustrated. It should be noted that Fig. 1 illustrates a top side view of the device 10. The partial cross-section view shown in Fig. 2 is rotated to have the top side facing down for the purposes of clarity. The electronic device 10 further comprises a display module 24, an acoustic chamber 26, and an acoustic module 28. The housing (or housing section) 12 comprises a window 30. The window 30 comprises a display lens frame (or window lens frame) 32 and a display lens (or window lens) 34. The window 30 is suitably located on the housing 12 for viewing (and protecting) the display module 24.

[0016] The display module 24 is mounted within the housing section 12 such that it is spaced from the window lens 34. The space or gap between the display module 24 and the window lens 34 provides an empty volume forming the acoustic chamber 26. The acoustic chamber 26 is a substantially sealed volume which may be formed by a double sided adhesive cushion 36 between an inner surface 38 of the window lens 34 and display surface 40 of the display module 24. The acoustic chamber (or acoustic channel) 26 comprises a first open end at an opening 42 within the window lens 34. The acoustic chamber 26 comprises a second open end 44 proximate the acoustic module 28. It should be noted that although the figures illustrate the acoustic chamber 26 comprising two open ends, any suitable number of open ends may be provided. The acoustic chamber 26 between the acoustic module 28 and the opening 42 allows for fluid communication between the acoustic module 28 and the opening 42.

[0017] In this embodiment, the length and shape of the acoustic chamber 26 is fixed. However, in alternate embodiments the length and/or shape of the acoustic chamber may be varied to correspond with tuned frequencies. Additionally, the length and/or shape of the acoustic chamber 26 could be tuned to one or more predetermined frequencies to enhance those frequencies and/or filter other frequencies. [0018] Referring now also to Pigs. 3 and 4, the display module 24, which may be an LCD for example, comprises an active area 46 and a passive area 48. In this embodiment, the passive area 48 is proximate a first end 50 of the display module 24. The active area 46 is proximate a second end 52 of the display module 24. The active area 46 comprises the viewable portion of the display module 24 and extends across a majority of the display module 24. However, alternate embodiments may comprise any suitable proportions between the active and passive areas of the display module 24. The first end 50 of the display module 24 is proximate a first end portion 54 of the housing 12. The second end 52 of the display module 24 is proximate a middle portion 56 of the housing 12. The acoustic module 24, which may comprise a speaker for example, is located proximate the second end 52 of the display module 24 (at the middle portion 56 of the housing 24) .

[0019] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the display module 24 may be electrically coupled to the electronic device 10 by an LCD connector 58 for example. However, any suitable electrical connection for the display module may be provided. The LCD connector 58 may also be fixed and positioned to the window frame 32 or window lens 34.

[0020] The disclosed device 10 provides for the space behind display lens 34 to be used as an active acoustic chamber. In particular, the space between the front window 30 and the display module 24 is used as an acoustic cavity 26 for the sound coming from the loudspeaker 28 to communicate (acoustically) with the opening 42. The disclosed device arrangement provides the opening or acoustic hole 42 in the window lens portion 34. However, alternate embodiments may comprise one or various holes in the window side or any possible side, including areas away from the display.

[0021] Furthermore, the disclosed acoustic chamber 26 may be used in any electronic device or equipment that has a display module and a front window for its protection. The sound outlet (opening 42) provided in the disclosed device is in the window 30, however there could be another sound outlet in other parts of the phone, that are connected acoustically in the front or back of the loudspeaker or loudspeakers.

[0022] The disclosed device 10 provides for the use of the space between the display lens 34 and the display module 24 to create a new acoustic area. This space can be made available in conventional design concepts which comprise an IMD or IML window (or window lens) on top of (or over) the display module, or any other suitable device comprising a front window lens above a display module. Accordingly, as viewing areas of the display module increase in size, this allows for more acoustic volume to be available.

[0023] The disclosed acoustic chamber 26 may also be implemented in conventional designs having a space between the display lens and the display module. The disclosed chamber 26 may be provided by sealing of the volume between the display lens 34 and the display module 24. This sealed volume would form the acoustic chamber (space between display module and display window) . The display module 24 may be bonded or glued with the double sided adhesive cushion 36 to the display lens 34 (or any other suitable portion of the window 30 or housing 12) . The. sealed volume between the display lens 34 and the display module 24 would then comprise the disclosed acoustic channel (or acoustic chamber) 26. The tone of the acoustics would then come out thru the slot 42 on the front side of the window lens 34 or any other suitable location.

[0024] It should be noted that although the figures illustrate the adhesive cushion 36 between the window lens 34 and the display module 24, the adhesive cushion 36 may be provided in any location suitable for sealing the disclosed volume 26. For example, the adhesive cushion may be provided between the lens frame 32 (or any other portion of the window 30) and the display module 24.

[0025] The disclosed device 10 may be assembled by adhesively bonding or gluing the display module 24 to the housing 12 or window 30 of the housing. However any suitable method for attaching the display module may be provided. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the display module may be mechanically fastened to the housing with a sealing agent or compound therebetween.

[0026] One advantage of providing the disclosed adhesive cushion 36 between the window lens 34 and the display module 34 is that any tolerance mismatches may be absorbed by the cushion 36. Therefore, the disclosed adhesive cushion 36 avoids misalignment problems between the active area 46 of the display module 24 (area of the display module which is illuminated) and the window lens decoration 34. This in turn minimizes assembly problems and increase production rates. [0027] The disclosed device 10 provides increased acoustical performance by increasing the usable space (or back and front volume) available in electronic devices. Conventional configurations can be modified and improved by using the additional created acoustic volume.

[0028] The disclosed device also provides an improved location for the acoustic module (or speaker) 28. As illustrated in the internal view (Fig. 4) of the device 10, the acoustic module 28 is adjacent to the second end 52 of the display module 24. This allows the acoustic module 28 (which may be and internal hands free (IHF) speaker for example) to be positioned at a middle portion 56 of the housing section 12 between the key pad (or keymat) 20 and the display module 24. This speaker location provides a more efficient use of space over conventional speaker locations (generally at end portions of the housing/device) by using a previously unutilized space between the key pad and the display module.

[0029] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims .

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is :

1 . An apparatus comprising :

a housing section comprising a window;

electronic circuitry mounted within the housing section;

a display module mounted within the housing section, wherein the display module is proximate the window; and

an acoustic chamber between the window and the display module.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an acoustic module in communication with the acoustic chamber .

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the acoustic module comprises a speaker.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the acoustic module is disposed between the display module and a user input region of the apparatus .

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the display module comprises an active area and a passive area, and wherein the acoustic module is proximate the active area.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the window further comprises an opening, and wherein the opening is in communication with the acoustic chamber.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive cushion between the display module and the window, wherein the adhesive cushion is configured to provide a seal between the display module and the window.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the window of the housing section comprises a window lens.

9. An apparatus comprising:

a housing section comprising an opening, a first end portion, and a middle portion, wherein the opening is proximate the first end portion;

electronic circuitry mounted within the housing section;

a display module mounted within the housing section, wherein an end of the display module is proximate the first end portion of the housing section, and wherein an opposite end of the display module is proximate the middle portion of the housing section; and

an acoustic module proximate the opposite end of the display module, wherein the acoustic module is in communication with the opening.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an acoustic chamber between the acoustic module and the opening .

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the acoustic chamber is between the display module and the housing section.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the display module comprises an active area and a passive area, and wherein the acoustic chamber is adjacent the active area and the passive area.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the acoustic module comprises a speaker.

14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the housing section further comprises a key pad proximate the middle portion, wherein the acoustic module is between the display module and the key pad.

15. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an adhesive cushion, wherein the adhesive cushion is between the display module and a window of the housing section.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the window of the housing section comprises the opening.

17. A method comprising:

providing a housing section comprising a window;

installing electronic circuitry within the housing section;

attaching a display module within the housing section, wherein the display module is spaced from the window; and

providing an acoustic chamber between the window and the display module.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the attaching of the display module within the housing section further comprises adhering the display module to the window of the housing section.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the attaching of the display module within the housing section further comprises providing an adhesive cushion between the display module and the window of the housing section.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising attaching an acoustic module proximate the display ^■ module, wherein the acoustic module is in communication with the acoustic chamber .

21. A method comprising:

providing a housing section comprising an opening, a first end portion, and a middle portion, wherein the opening is proximate the first end portion;

installing electronic circuitry within the housing section;

attaching an end of a display module proximate the first end portion of the housing section;

attaching an opposite end of the display module proximate the middle portion of the housing section; and

attaching an acoustic module proximate the opposite end of the display module, wherein the acoustic module is in communication with the opening.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the attaching of the display module further comprises adhering the display module to the housing section.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the attaching of the display module further comprises providing an adhesive cushion between the display module and the housing section.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising attaching a window lens at the first end portion, and providing the adhesive cushion between the window lens and the display module .

25. The method of claim 21 further comprising providing an acoustic chamber between the display module and the housing section.