CN113940093A

CN113940093A - Earphone with ventilation device

Info

Publication number: CN113940093A
Application number: CN201980097134.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吉里·帕卡里宁
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-12
Filing date: 2019-06-12
Publication date: 2022-01-14
Also published as: JP7332092B2; JP2022535677A; EP3957079A1; WO2020249200A1

Abstract

A headset (1) comprising: a body (2) comprising a first side (2a), a second side (2b) and a peripheral surface (2c) extending between the first side (2a) and the second side (2b), a central axis (A1) of the body (2) extending from the first side (2a) to the second side (2 b); -an air duct (3) extending through the main body (2) at least partially in the direction of the central axis (a1) of the main body (2). The vent conduit (3) comprises a first opening (3a), a second opening (3b) and a vent path (3c) extending between the first opening (3a) and the second opening (3 b). The first opening (3a) and the second opening (3b) allow air to flow through the ventilation path (3 c). The vent path (3c) is closed and opened during use of the headset (1) by manually moving at least a part of the headset (1) between a closed position (P1) and an open position (P2). This allows the user to choose when to isolate well from ambient sound and when to ventilate without using the electronic device.

Description

Earphone with ventilation device

Technical Field

The invention relates to an earphone comprising a main body and a vent tube extending at least partially through the main body.

Background

In noisy environments, such as during commutes, it is often found that conventional earphones do not adequately isolate the ambient sound, resulting in a poor listening experience, or are overly acoustically isolated, resulting in a feeling of pressure and isolation, and possibly ear canal discomfort due to perspiration and the like.

Conventional headsets attempt to address these problems through electronic solutions. For example, the earpiece may comprise an electronic ear bud earpiece, i.e. a microphone and a loudspeaker, for feeding ambient sound into the ear canal. This allows natural ambient sound to enter, but does address mechanical discomfort, for example due to lack of ventilation. In another example, the headset includes electronically controlled venting using a vent that is electronically opened and closed. This allows free flow of air at least periodically, but the solution is complex and expensive and difficult to implement reliably. Furthermore, both solutions require additional components, such as hardware like a microphone and a digital signal processor, and they require power to operate, which is not possible in a true wireless stereo headset.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved earphone that can be vented. The above and other objects are achieved by the features claimed in the independent claims. Other implementations are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

In a first aspect, a headset is provided, comprising: a body comprising a first side, a second side, and a peripheral surface extending between the first side and the second side, a central axis of the body extending from the first side to the second side; a vent conduit extending through the body at least partially in the direction of the central axis of the body, the vent conduit including a first opening, a second opening, and a vent path extending between the first opening and the second opening. The first and second openings allow air to flow through the vent path, which is closed and opened during use of the headset by manually moving at least a portion of the headset between a closed position and an open position.

This solution allows the user to choose when to isolate well from ambient sound and when to ventilate without using the electronic device. This provides a device with lower power consumption, which may also have a smaller footprint due to the fewer components required to operate the device. Furthermore, the device is more reliable than the prior art, which operates electronically, due to the mechanical simplicity of the apparatus.

In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first opening is located at a first side of the main body, and the second opening is located at a second side of the main body.

In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first opening is located on a peripheral surface of the main body, and the second opening is located on a second side of the main body.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the vent conduit extends through an interior of the body such that the vent path forms a closed channel extending through the body, thereby providing the earphone with excellent insulation against ambient sound.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the vent channel extends along a peripheral surface of the body such that the vent path forms an open slot in the body, which not only makes the manufacturing process simple, but also makes the earphone reliable and easy to operate.

In another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the earphone further comprises a movable member adapted to close and open the first opening of the vent tube, the movable member being connected to the body near the first opening, providing an earphone wherein the movable part is not in direct contact with the ear canal and therefore may be more comfortable for the user during operation.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the movable member may be pivotable or rotatable between the closed position and the open position, or axially movable in the direction of the central axis between the closed position and the open position, in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of the body, which facilitates an easy-to-access and easy-to-operate opening and closing mechanism.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the movable member comprises a through opening at least partially overlapping the first opening in the open position, providing a reliable connection between the vent duct and the outside.

In another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the headset further comprises a fixed member fixedly connected with the main body, the movable member being arranged between the main body and the fixed member, the fixed member comprising at least one recess at least partially overlapping the through opening of the movable member in the open position, which provides the movable member with a high stability during movement.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the movable member is connected to the body by a pivot, the longitudinal axis of which extends parallel to and offset from the central axis of the body, so that the movable member can pivot eccentrically with respect to the body, which makes the headset very easy to operate and compact, which is particularly important for a truly wireless headset.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the movable member is connected to the body by a rotation axis, wherein a longitudinal axis of the rotation axis coincides with a central axis of the body, which gives the earphone the same appearance and dimensions, whether in the open or closed position.

In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the movable member is solid and connected to the body by spring means, the movable member being movable between the closed position and the open position in the direction of the central axis, which makes the headset simple and inexpensive.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a headset comprising at least one earpiece as described above, wherein the second opening of the earpiece is adapted to be placed near or within the ear canal of a user and the first opening of the earpiece is adapted to be placed outside the ear canal such that at least a portion of the earpiece is manually movable by the user between a closed position and an open position. This allows the user to choose when to isolate well from ambient sound and when to ventilate without using the electronic device. The headset is less power consuming and more reliable than prior art that operate electronically.

In a third aspect, there is provided a method of manually opening and closing a vent conduit of the above-described earpiece when placed in an ear of a user, the method comprising: manually applying pressure to the earpiece to move at least a portion of the earpiece between a closed position and an open position. The method allows a user to select when to isolate well from ambient sound, and when to ventilate, by simple manual movements without using the electronic device.

In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the manually applying pressure comprises the user rotating at least one of the body and the movable member of the headset, which facilitates an easy-to-reach and easy-to-operate opening and closing mechanism.

In another possible implementation of the third aspect, the manually applying pressure comprises the user momentarily pushing a movable member of the headset in the direction of the central axis of the headset body, which makes the headset simple and inexpensive.

This and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described below.

Drawings

In the following detailed section of the present invention, various aspects, embodiments and implementations will be explained in detail with reference to example embodiments shown in the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a headset according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the headset is in a closed position.

Fig. 2a shows an exploded view of the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 2b shows a perspective view of the embodiment of fig. 1 and 2a, with the headset in an open position.

Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of a headset according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the headset is in a closed position.

Fig. 3b shows the embodiment of fig. 3a, with the earpiece in an open position.

Fig. 4a shows an exploded view of a headset according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4b shows the embodiment of fig. 4a, with the earpiece in a closed position.

Fig. 4c shows the embodiment of fig. 4a and 4b with the earpiece in an open position.

Fig. 5a shows a perspective view of a headset according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the headset is in an open position.

Fig. 5b shows the embodiment of fig. 5a, with the earpiece in a closed position.

Fig. 6a shows a perspective view of a headset according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the headset is in an open position.

Fig. 6b shows the embodiment of fig. 6a, with the earpiece in a closed position.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 6b show an embodiment of an earpiece 1 adapted for placement near or in the ear canal of a user.

The headset 1 comprises a body 2, the body 2 comprising a first side 2a, a second side 2b and a peripheral surface 2c extending between the first side 2a and the second side 2 b. The body 2 may be cylindrical but may be of any suitable shape adapted to the shape of the ear and ear canal of the user. The central axis a1 of the body 2 extends from the first side 2a to the second side 2 b. The headset 1 further comprises a vent tube 3 extending at least partially through the body 2 in the direction of the central axis a 1. The ventilation tube 3 allows air and sound waves to flow from the outside into the ear canal of the user. The vent conduit 3 comprises a first opening 3a, a second opening 3b and a vent path 3c extending between the first opening 3a and the second opening 3 b. Air flows into the ventilation path 3c from the first opening 3a and/or the second opening 3 b.

As shown in fig. 2a and 2b and fig. 4a to 4c, the first opening 3a may be located at a first side 2a of the body 2 and the second opening 3b may be located at an opposite second side 2b of the body 2. Furthermore, as shown in fig. 3a, the first opening 3a may be located at a peripheral surface 2c of the body and the second opening 3b may be located at an opposite second side 2b of the body 2.

The first opening 3a of the earpiece 1 may be adapted for placement inside the ear canal, but is preferably adapted for placement outside the ear canal. The second opening 3b of the earpiece 1 may be adapted for placement outside the ear canal, but is preferably adapted for placement inside the ear canal.

At least a portion of the headset 1 may be manually moved by a user between the closed position P1 and the open position P2 such that the vent path 3c is closed and opened during use. The vent tube 3 is closed when the flow of air and the sound waves are completely or partially sealed, i.e. cannot pass from the first opening 3a to the second opening 3b, or from the second opening 3b to the first opening 3a, through the vent path 3 c. When the earpiece 1 is in the closed position P1 as shown in fig. 1, 3b, 4c and 5a, the vent tube 3 may be sealed at the first opening 3a, at the second opening 3b, or within the vent path 3c as shown in fig. 6 b. Accordingly, the vent tube 3 is open when air and sound waves can pass freely through the vent path 3c from the first opening 3a to the second opening 3b, or from the second opening 3b to the first opening 3 a.

As shown in fig. 4a to 4c and 6a to 6b, the vent tube 3 may extend along the peripheral surface 2c of the main body 2 such that the vent path 3c forms an open slot in the main body 2 along the outside of the main body 2. The open slot may extend parallel to the central axis or may have any suitable path that conforms to the ear canal of the user.

In other embodiments, as shown in fig. 1-3 b and 5 a-5 b, the vent tube 3 extends through the interior of the body 2 such that the vent path 3c forms a closed channel extending through the body 2.

As shown in fig. 5a to 6b, the airway tube 3 may be extended such that by rotating the body 2 to a position in which the airway tube 3 is closed by ear tissue, such as the eardrum, the airway tube 3 is sealed by the ear of the user at the first opening 3a or within the airway path 3 c. When in the open position, the first opening 3a is unobstructed by ear tissue, as shown in fig. 5 a. As shown in fig. 6a, when in the open position, the first opening 3a and a portion of the vent path 3c are unobstructed by ear tissue. Accordingly, as shown in fig. 5b and 6b, when in the closed position, the ear tissue blocks the first opening 3a and the vent path 3 c.

The headset 1 may comprise a movable member 4 adapted to close and open the vent tube 3 by sealing the first opening 3 a. The movable member 4 may be connected to the main body 2 near the first opening 3a of the vent duct 3. As shown in fig. 1, 2a, 2b and 4a to 4c, the movable member 4 may have a peripheral shape corresponding to the peripheral shape of the body 2 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis a 1. However, any suitable shape is conceivable, and the movable member 4 may have a peripheral edge that is larger or smaller than the peripheral edge of the body 2, as shown in fig. 3a and 3 b.

As shown in fig. 2a and 2b, the movable member 4 is pivotable between a closed position P1 and an open position P2 in a plane extending perpendicular to a central axis a1 of the main body 2. The movable member 4 may be connected to the body 2 by a pivot 6 as shown in figure 2 a. The longitudinal axis a2 of the pivot 6 extends parallel to the central axis a1 of the body 2 and is offset from the central axis a1 so that the movable member 4 can pivot eccentrically relative to the body 2.

As shown in fig. 4a to 4c, the movable member 4 is rotatable between the closed position P1 and the open position P2 in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis a1 of the main body 2. The movable member 4 may be connected to the main body 2 by a rotation shaft 7, the longitudinal axis A3 of the rotation shaft 7 coinciding with the central axis a1 of the main body 2.

As shown in fig. 3a to 4c, the movable member 4 may comprise at least one through opening 4 a. The shape of the through opening 4a may at least partly correspond to the shape of the first opening 3a of the vent tube 3. As shown in fig. 3a and 4c, in the open position, the through opening 4a may be aligned with the first opening 3a, but at least partially overlapping.

The headset 1 may further comprise a fixing member 5, the fixing member 5 being fixedly connected with the main body 2. As shown in fig. 4a to 4c, the movable member 4 may be disposed between the main body 2 and the fixed member 5. As shown in fig. 4c, the fixed member 5 may comprise at least one recess 5a, which recess 5a may be aligned with and at least partially overlap the through opening 4a of the movable piece 4 in the open position.

As shown in fig. 3a and 3b, the movable member 4 is axially movable in the direction of the central axis a1 between a closed position P1 and an open position P2. The movable member 4 may be solid (i.e. not comprise any openings or recesses) and may be connected to the body 2 by spring means 9, e.g. comprising a compression spring. The movable member 4 is movable in the direction of the central axis a1 between a closed position P1 and an open position P2.

The invention also relates to a headset comprising at least one headset 1, preferably two headsets 1, i.e. one headset 1 per ear. The second opening 3b of each earphone 1 is adapted to be placed near or inside one ear canal of a user and the first opening 3a of the earphone 1 is adapted to be placed outside the same ear canal. At least a portion of each headset 1 is manually movable by a user between a closed position P1 and an open position P2.

The invention also relates to a method of manually opening and closing vent conduit 3 of headset 1 by manually applying pressure to headset 1 such that at least a portion of headset 1 moves between closed position P1 and open position P2.

Manually applying pressure may include the user rotating at least one of the body 2 and the movable member 4 of the headset 1, as shown in fig. 1-2 b and 4 a-4 c.

Manually applying pressure may also comprise the user momentarily pushing the movable member 4 of the headset 1 in the direction of the central axis a1 of the body 2 of the headset 1, as shown in fig. 3a and 3 b. The first instantaneous push opens the vent path 3c and the second instantaneous push closes the vent path 3 c.

Various aspects and implementations are described herein in connection with various embodiments. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A headset (1), characterized in that it comprises:

a body (2) comprising a first side (2a), a second side (2b) and a peripheral surface (2c) extending between the first side (2a) and the second side (2b), a central axis (A1) of the body (2) extending from the first side (2a) to the second side (2b),

a vent tube (3) extending through the body (2) at least partially in the direction of the central axis (A1) of the body (2),

the vent duct (3) comprising a first opening (3a), a second opening (3b) and a vent path (3c) extending between the first opening (3a) and the second opening (3b), the first opening (3a) and the second opening (3b) allowing air to flow through the vent path (3c),

the vent path (3c) is closed and opened during use of the headset (1) by manually moving at least a part of the headset (1) between a closed position (P1) and an open position (P2).

2. The headset (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first opening (3a) is located at the first side (2a) of the body (2) and the second opening (3b) is located at the second side (2b) of the body (2).

3. The headset (1) of claim 1, wherein the first opening (3a) is located at the peripheral surface (2c) of the body (2) and the second opening (3b) is located at the second side (2b) of the body (2).

4. The earphone (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vent duct (3) extends through the interior of the body (2) such that the vent path (3c) forms a closed channel extending through the body (2).

5. The earphone (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the vent duct (3) extending along the peripheral surface (2c) of the body (2) so that the vent path (3c) forms an open slot in the body (2).

6. The earphone (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the earphone (1) further comprises a movable member (4) adapted to close and open the first opening (3a) of the vent duct (3), the movable member (4) being connected with the body (2) in the vicinity of the first opening (3 a).

7. The headset (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the movable member (4) is pivotable or rotatable between the closed position (P1) and the open position (P2) in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis (A1) of the body (2), or

The movable member (4) is axially movable in the direction of the central axis (A1) between the closed position (P1) and the open position (P2).

8. The headset (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the movable member (4) comprises a through opening (4a), the through opening (4a) at least partially overlapping the first opening (3a) in the open position.

9. The headset (1) according to any of the claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the headset (1) further comprises a stationary member (5), the stationary member (5) being fixedly connected with the body (2), the movable member (4) being arranged between the body (2) and the stationary member (5),

the fixed member (5) comprises at least one recess (5a), said at least one recess (5a) at least partially overlapping said through opening (4a) of the movable member (4) in the open position.

10. The headset (1) according to any of the claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the movable member (4) is connected with the body (2) by a pivot (6), the longitudinal axis (a2) of the pivot (6) extending parallel to the central axis (a1) of the body (2) and being offset from the central axis (a1) such that the movable member (4) is eccentrically pivotable with respect to the body (2).

11. The headset (1) according to any of the claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the movable member (4) is connected with the body (2) by a rotation axis (7), wherein a longitudinal axis (A3) of the rotation axis (7) coincides with the central axis (a1) of the body (2).

12. The headset (1) according to any of the claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the movable member (4) is solid and connected with the body (2) by spring means (8), the movable member (4) being movable in the direction of the central axis (a1) between the closed position (P1) and the open position (P2).

13. A headset, characterized in that it comprises at least one headset (1) according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the second opening (3b) of the headset (1) is adapted to be placed near or in the ear canal of a user;

the first opening (3a) of the earpiece (1) is adapted to be placed outside the ear canal such that at least a part of the earpiece (1) is manually movable by the user between a closed position (P1) and an open position (P2).

14. A method of manually opening and closing a vent tube (3) of a headset (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12 placed in an ear of a user, characterized in that the method comprises:

manually applying pressure to the headset (1) such that at least a portion of the headset (1) moves between a closed position (P1) and an open position (P2).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein manually applying pressure comprises the user rotating at least one of the body (2) and the movable member (4) of the headset (1).

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein manually applying pressure comprises the user momentarily pushing the movable member (4) of the headset (1) in the direction of the central axis (a1) of the body (2) of the headset (1).