EP2002685B1 - Phone - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a handset, in particular an earphone, and is based on a handset, as he EP 1 250 025 is known.

Handset or earphones are well known in many different embodiments. However, such headphones are often perceived as too heavy and often do not have the necessary comfort, especially during physical activities.

Furthermore, so-called in-ear earphones are known, which can be plugged into an outer ear and then sit there more or less firmly on the outer ear. However, such in-ear headphones are perceived by some people as unpleasant, for example, because there may be pressure points in the outer ear or because they may fall out in some people.

EP 1 250 025 A1 shows a neckband earphone whose neckband is at least partially rolled up when not worn. In the fitted state, the neckband presses against the back of a head of the earphone. The neck band extends from the transducer housing over the upper ear root and is in the worn state at the back of the head. However, such a design of a neckband earphone is not suitable in particular for spectacle wearers.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a handset, which can be worn comfortably and safely.

This object is achieved by a receiver according to claim 1.

Thus, according to the invention, a handset, in particular an earphone, is provided, which has two transducer housings and a flexible headband. The headband is preformed so that it is wound in its relaxed and un-worn condition and has at least one turn. The handset can be stowed so space-saving, if it is not worn.

According to the present invention, the headband has two first sections which respectively adjoin the converter housing and a second section connecting the two first sections. In the attached state of the handset, the two first portions extend substantially upwards and parallel to the lateral head portions of a wearer. In the transition areas between the first sections and the second section, the headband has a bend towards the back of the head. The second portion is adapted in the mounted state substantially at the transition between the head and the back of the head and also has a bend which substantially conforms to the head of the wearer.

The invention also relates to an ear fitting ring for an earphone. The Ohranpassring is attached to a transducer housing a listener. The fitting ring has substantially a first circular recess, which is arranged in the center of the ring. In addition, the ear fitting ring has recesses or grooves which extend radially from the outer edge partially toward the first recess.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Fig. 1 bis 1k

zeigen Ansichten eines Hörers gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 1l bis 1n

zeigen Ansichten eines Ohranpassringes von Fig. 1b,

The embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 to 1k

show views of a listener according to an embodiment,

Fig. 1l to 1n

show views of an ear fitting ring from Fig. 1b .

Fig. 1a to 1c each show a perspective view of a headphone according to an embodiment. The headphone has a first and second transducers 41, 42, which are connected to one another by an elastic (twisted) and prestressed stirrup (substantially with a circular diameter), preferably in the form of a spring wire. The transducers 41, 42 are preferably designed as in-ear receivers. One of the transducers 41 is connected to an audio port 46 via a cable 44. Along the cable 44, a bracket 45 may be provided to secure the cable during use.

Fig. 1b shows another view of the headphones from Fig. 1a , A flexible ring 41a or 41b corresponding to the actual size of the outer ear-also exchangeable by the user-can be arranged via the transducer or the converter housing 41. Within the headband 43, a cable 43a may be provided to provide electrical delivery from the cable 44 to the other handset.

Fig. 1c shows another view of the headset according to Fig. 1a , The headband 43 or the headband is biased or preformed so that it is rolled in a relaxed state to 1 to about 1 ¾ turns, ie to about 630 degrees (loop angle), the diameter of the bracket then about 80 -. 100 mm, preferably 90 mm. To put on the headphone, the headband needs to be unfolded so that there is some bias, leaving the in-ear listener 41, 42 are pressed against the respective outer ear, so that a secure hold can be ensured.

Fig. 1d shows a plan view of the headphone according to the embodiment. Here, the headphone is shown in a non-worn state, so that due to the preforming of the headband or headband 43, the earpiece is rolled up into a loop. The loop has a Schlingungswinkel between 360 and 720 degrees, and preferably between 550 and 630 degrees. In Fig. 1d is a state shown where the headset automatically sets up due to the shape of the spring wire to a wrap angle of about 560 degrees.

Fig. 1e shows the headphone according to the embodiment in a worn state. In this case, the housing 42 of an in-ear earpiece engages in the outer ear of a wearer. From the housing 42, the headband 43 extends upward toward the head apex. Here, the headband 43 is substantially divided into a first portion 43c and a second portion 43d. When worn, housing 42 of the in-ear earphone extends upwardly and first portion 43c of the headband engages housing 42. The first portion 43c is bent backwards (to the back of the head). The second section 43d is also configured curved and extends approximately on a circular path (partial section) with respect to the center of the head. While the first portion 43c extends substantially parallel to the lateral portion of the skull, the second portion 43d extends on top of the skull or at the junction between the top of the skull and the back of the head. Where the second portion 43d actually abuts the head of a wearer depends on the size of the head. If the head of a wearer is a large head, then the second portion 43d will be on the top of the skull. However, if the wearer has only a small head, the second portion 43d will be at the junction between the top of the skull and the back of the head, and the curvature of the portion 43d will be larger when worn on a small head than when worn on a large one Head.

Fig. 1f shows a detailed view of a first portion of the headphone according to the embodiment. The housing 42 of the headset is inserted into the outer ear O. The supply cable 44 is attached to the housing 42 such that it hangs down in front of the outer ear O when the handset is worn.

Fig. 1g shows a further view of the handset according to the embodiment in a worn state. A housing 42 of the in-ear earphone is in the outer ear O. arranged. The first portion 43c of the headband 43 initially runs substantially parallel to the lateral skull portion and has a bend to the back of the skull. The second portion 43d also has a bend and rests here at the transition between the back of the head and the top of the skull. This bend causes a bias on the listener.

Fig. 1h shows a side perspective view of a handset according to an embodiment. On the housing 240 of the in-ear earphone, the first portion 43c of the temple is substantially straight. In Fig. 5h, the in-ear earphone is shown according to the embodiment in an unused state, ie, the bracket 43 is wound up accordingly.

Fig. 1i shows a schematic plan view of the in-ear earphone according to the embodiment. The handset is also shown in an unused condition, ie the bracket 43 is wound up accordingly due to its bias.

Fig. 1j shows a further schematic view of the handset according to the embodiment. In Fig. 1j For example, the handset is shown in an unassembled, ie rolled-up condition with the handset placed on a smooth surface. It can be seen in particular that the housing 41, 52 of the in-ear earphone has an angle to the surface of α . This angle α is approximately between 35 ° and 55 °, preferably about 40 °. In the region of the transition from the first to the second section 43c, 43e of the bracket 43 kinks 43e are provided in each case.

Fig. 1k shows a further perspective view of the handset according to the embodiment. Again, the listener is shown in a rolled up state. Between the first and second sections 43c, 43d of the bracket, a kink 43e is likewise provided in each case.

The bracket 43 is made of a spring steel and has two kinks at the transition between the first and second sections 43c, 43d. Either the spring steel may be used to transmit the audio signals from one housing to the other, or alternatively, another cable may be integrated into the bracket 43. The spring steel has a spring constant of about 800-1300 N / mm, preferably about 1100 N / mm. Due to the design of the handset, a pressure of less than 1 N is reached.

Alternatively, a plastic instead of a spring steel for implementing the bracket 43 may be used. In such a case, however, another line must be provided for transmitting the audio signals from one to the other in-ear listener. However, this alternative is not within the scope of the claims.

The bracket 43 of the handset according to the embodiment is on the one hand flexible and on the other biased or preformed that it has a diameter of about 80 to 100 mm, preferably 90 mm, in a non-attached state. To attach the bracket, the bracket must be stretched, and first one of the headphones must be rotated by about 180 ° (relative to the longitudinal axis of the headband) and the two receivers must be pulled outwards. In the unfolded state, the listener then points in the FIGS. 1e . 1f and 1g shown shape. Due to this rotation or torsion, the listeners tend to turn inwards. By the configuration of the angle α (about 35 - 55 °, preferably about 40 °) according to Fig. 1j is achieved that the listener, when the handset is attached, adapt to the outer ear accordingly. Due to the torsion, the listeners experience a force to nestle against the outer ear. The torsion is preferably adjusted so that in the mounted state, the front of the transducer press slightly outward, so that the listener turns in the ear towards the ear canal. Thus, the listener turns slightly against the suppository of the outer ear, so that the listener locks in the outer ear or ear canal and turns easily to the ear canal. Thus, a certain torque is generated on the outer ear. This leads to an improved seal of the outer ear through the transducer housing. In the transition region between the first and second portions 43c, 43d of the bracket, edges 43e are preferably inserted into the spring steel. This edge is either pressed in or punched in. The two arranged in the transition region edges cause on the one hand close listening ears of the head, and also the spring steel is stabilized only in the direction as it should be configured in the mounted state. By selecting edges 43e, it is determined which side should be right and which side should be left.

The torsion described above has a preferred direction, so that only a turning of a listener in one direction causes the listener or the bracket reaches the intended shape for placement. Thus, a Aufklappvorzugsrichtung is designed.

Although in the Fig. 1a to 1k the headphone is shown with in-ear headphones, the headphone according to the embodiment can be realized with other listeners.

Fig. 1l shows a view of an in-ear earphone, which is arranged in an outer ear O.

Fig. 1m shows another view of an in-ear listener in an outer ear. In Fig. 1i the in-ear listener has an ear fitting ring 41b.

In the Fig. 1b shown Ohranpassringe 41 a, 41 b are designed to be removable, so that by means of these sealing rings an acoustic seal between a listener and the ear canal can be ensured even for different ear sizes.

Fig. 1n shows a plan view of an Ohranpassring according to Fig. 1m , This fitting ring is concavely curved or mushroom-shaped in cross-section, wherein in the middle of a circular recess or a hole 41b is present, so that the Ohranpassstück on a handset, in particular an in-ear handset, can be placed. In the outer region or at the outer edge of Ohranpassstückes 41 bd recesses 41 ba may be arranged, which extend axially partially to the inner edge. It should be noted, however, that these recesses do not extend completely to hole 44bb.

The Ohranpassring 41b is designed substantially mushroom-shaped and serves as stated above to seal the listener in the outer ear. Sealing between the earpiece and the ear canal can lead to bass loss. This can occur in particular in a rigid listener's form.

If a listener is at least partially inserted into the ear canal and seals it, it may cause damage to the membrane due to the overpressure in the ear canal. This can be prevented by using the ear cushion ring 41b by at least partially providing grooves or depressions in the ring. Thus, it is achieved that until shortly before the complete insertion of the listener into an auditory canal, the thus compressed air is dissipated or can escape.

So far, the acoustic properties of a listener during the development phase have been determined by the geometry of the listener and the materials used and can not be changed easily thereafter. For example, to adjust an acoustic short, damping materials such as silk, cushioning papers, foams and the like are used. By choosing the materials, these properties can be influenced. However, it would be desirable for the user to be able to influence the acoustic properties of the listener himself, and thus to be able to tune them individually.

Alternatively, the exchangeable acoustic elements can also be designed so that they are hidden and are not visible from the outside. Such acoustic elements can be configured, for example, as cartridge-like damping elements, which can be screwed on as well as on both sides. These damping elements or acoustic elements may, for example, have sponges or may change or contain defined acoustically effective volumes.

Thus, different acoustic elements or damping elements can be provided, which adapt the acoustic properties of a listener to the individual taste of a user. Furthermore, the acoustic elements or the damping elements can be tuned to different music directions, so that by replacing the damping elements or the acoustic elements, an adjustment of the listener is made possible to a particular music direction. What was previously provided by a design of an electronic equalizer, for example in a playback device, can thus be configured directly on a handset.

Thus, replaceable damping elements are provided, which also have an acoustic function. Such attenuation elements can be used both in headphones and earphones to influence the acoustic properties of the listener. Preferably, the replaceable damping elements or acoustic elements are designed such that the end user can exchange them themselves. The damping elements are thus preferably inserted, plugged or screwed configured.

In a housing of a listener, for example, a recess may be present, in which a cartridge-like damping element or acoustic element can be inserted or screwed, whereby the acoustic properties of the listener can be changed.

The interchangeable damping elements can be used, for example, to influence the frequency response, bass reproduction, treble reproduction and center reproduction.

If the replaceable damping elements or acoustic elements are designed as covers of a listener, then the listener can be converted by the replacement of the cover, for example, from a closed listener to an open listener, so that the tuning behavior of the listener is changed. Conversion of a closed earphone to an open earphone, for example, by replacing the replaceable damping elements, may have the advantage of better perceiving the environment. This can be advantageous in particular when cycling. However, if it is preferred to perceive the ambient noise less, for example, by replacing the attenuation elements, an open listener can be converted to a closed listener.

If the replaceable damping elements are designed, for example, as a cover of a receiver, then the volume behind a ventilation opening can be influenced by the differently designed lids, so that the acoustic properties of the receiver are changed on account of the volume of the ventilation opening. For example, to manipulate the reproduction of the listener, the covers described above may provide a different volume between the cover and the listener. Alternatively or additionally, a hole or an opening may likewise be provided in the cover, which likewise leads to a change in the acoustic properties of the listener. Replaceable acoustic elements can be implemented not only in a hooked earphone but also in other earphones such as a headphone, earphone, or in-ear earphone.

Claims (13)

1. A phone, especially an earphone, comprising
   a first and second transducer housing (41, 42) and a flexible headband (43) made of spring steel connecting the first and second transducer housing (41, 42),
   wherein the headband (43) is preformed in such a way that, in its relaxed, unworn state, it is coiled up and has at least one coil,
   wherein the headband (43) has two first portions (43c) which adjoin the respective transducer housing (41, 42), and a second portion (43d) connecting the two first portions (43c),
   wherein the two first portions (43c) extend substantially parallel to the lateral head portions of a wearer in the worn state and at the two transition regions (43d) between the first and second portion (43c, 43d) makes a bend towards the back of the head,
   wherein the second portion (43d) substantially adapts itself to the transition between the head and the back of the head in the worn state and likewise has a bend,
   wherein two bending points are provided in the spring steel in the transition regions between the first portions and the second portion.
2. A phone according to claim 1, wherein the headband (43) is coiled up substantially in one plane in the unworn state.
3. A phone according to claim 2,
   wherein the radius of the bend of the second portion (43d) and the radius of the bend of the transition regions each depend on the size of the wearer's head.
4. A phone according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the headband has a diameter of approximately from 80 to 100 mm, especially 90 mm, in the relaxed, unworn state.
5. A phone according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the headband (43) exhibits spring steel with a spring constant of approximately from 800 to 1300 N/mm, especially approximately 1100 N/mm.
6. A phone according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the first and second transducer housing (41, 42) are inclined by an angle (α) of approximately 35 - 55°, especially 40°.
7. A phone according to claim 1,
   wherein the bending points (43e) are made in the spring steel in such a way that a preferential bending direction is provided.
8. A phone according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the coil of the headband (43) in its relaxed state has a wrapping angle of between approximately 360° and 720°, especially between 550° and 630°.
9. A phone according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the headband (43) is twisted in a preferential direction by approximately 180°.
10. A phone according to any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the headband (43) is bent to the rear in its first portions (43c) in the tensioned, worn state and the second portion (43d) connecting the two first portions (43c) forms a portion of a circular path.
11. A phone according to any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the spring steel is twisted in such a way and the bending points (43e) are formed in such a way that the headband (43) is stabilised only in the worn state.
12. A phone according to any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein exchangeable ear connector rings (41 a, 41 b) can be fastened to the transducer housing (41, 42).
13. A phone according to claim 11, wherein recesses and/or grooves are disposed in the ear adapter rings.

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