FR3074001A1 - EXTENDED SOUND TRANSMISSION DEVICE FOR EARPHONE - Google Patents

Abstract

A sound transmission device (4) for an earpiece, having an inlet opening (41), said inlet opening (41) being adapted to receive a source of sound emission, an outlet opening (42) adapted to be presented in an ear and a diffusion chamber (40) capable of conducting the upstream sound downstream from said inlet opening (41) to said outlet opening (42), the diffusion chamber (40) comprising an upstream portion (40A) configured to process sound, a downstream portion (40C) configured to be placed in a user's ear and an intermediate portion (40B) configured to conduct sound from the upstream portion (40A) to the downstream part (40C), the diffusion enclosure (40) having a length (DB) greater than 130 mm.

Description

EXTENDED SOUND TRANSMISSION DEVICE FOR EARPHONE

GENERAL TECHNICAL AREA AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates to the field of devices for transmitting sound, in particular music.

A headset is known in the prior art, adapted to be worn on the head, comprising two earphones connected by a hoop which are intended to cover the ears of the wearer of the helmet. These headphones are commonly referred to as closed headphones. Likewise, headphones without a connecting hoop are known which are intended to be positioned directly in one ear. These headphones are commonly referred to as in-ear headphones.

The sound performance of such headphones is not optimal. The sound performance can be determined according to several parameters, in particular, the quality of the treble, the quality of the midrange, the quality of the bass and the spatiality of the sounds emitted. As a reminder, spatiality corresponds to the faculty of sound to be interpreted by the listener's brain as coming from various sources and different locations. For example, when an earpiece is capable of restoring spatiality, the listener hears sound coming from various sources and positioned more or less distant from it. In particular, wood instruments may seem closer to it than copper instruments, which improves the listener's immersion.

In practice, conventional headphones do not have sufficient spatiality since the loudspeaker of the earpiece is very close to the ear of the listener. Some headphones try to reproduce stereo spatiality electronically, but it remains imperfect. Such close positioning can also cause hearing problems.

With reference to FIG. 1, in order to resolve this drawback, it has been proposed by patent application FR3020737A1 a sound transmission device 104 for headphones, comprising an inlet opening 141 extending along an inlet axis, said inlet opening 141 being able to receive a source of sound emission such as a loudspeaker, an outlet opening 142 able to be presented in an ear 1 and a diffusion enclosure 140 able to conduct the upstream sound in downstream from said inlet opening 141 to said outlet opening 142. In known manner, the diffusion enclosure comprises an upstream part 140A configured to process sound, an intermediate part 140B configured to conduct sound and a downstream part 140C configured to route the sound to the exit opening 142. Such a transmission device increases the spatiality of the sound and improves the listening experience.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to propose characteristics of improved spatiality which offer natural listening by reinforcing the impression of immersion of the users.

GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the invention relates to a sound transmission device for a headset, comprising an inlet opening, said inlet opening being able to receive a source of sound emission, an outlet opening able to be presented in a ear and a diffusion enclosure able to conduct the sound from upstream to downstream from said inlet opening towards said outlet opening, the diffusion enclosure comprising:

- an upstream part configured to process the sound,

- a downstream part configured to be placed in a user's ear and

- an intermediate part configured to conduct the sound from the upstream part to the downstream part.

In this regard, the device is remarkable in that the diffusion enclosure has a length greater than 130 mm, preferably greater than 170 mm.

An elongated sound transmission device allows said device to exploit the laws of pipes applied for example to organ pipes. The sound transmission device provides a fundamentally more intense and more stable sound. The result is increased spatiality of sound, which improves listening. In other words, the intermediate part makes it possible to conduct the sound from the upstream part to the downstream part but also to contribute to processing it. We can thus form a high-end earphone that can be used by professionals and music enthusiasts. Advantageously, the optimal length is determined according to the desired acoustic characteristics and the characteristics of the sound source.

Preferably, the intermediate part has a constant section and a length greater than 80 mm, preferably greater than 120 mm. More preferably, the intermediate part has a length of less than 180 mm.

According to a preferred aspect, the diffusion enclosure has a length greater than 210 mm and, more preferably, greater than 250 mm so as to obtain an increased intensity and stability due to the significant elongation.

Preferably, the diffusion enclosure has a length of less than 350 mm in order to limit the bulk while retaining the desired acoustic performance.

Preferably, the intermediate part has a constant section in order to guide the sound in the manner of an organ pipe.

According to a preferred aspect, the intermediate part is curved so as to limit the size of the sound transmission device, in particular, when it is integrated into an audio headset. Preferably, the intermediate part comprises at least one loop in order to significantly limit the size. This advantageously makes it possible to limit the vertical dimension of the sound transmission device to allow integration into a headset.

Preferably, the sound transmission device has a length greater than 180 mm, preferably greater than 220 mm. Such a sound transmission device goes against current devices which aim to keep the loudspeaker close to the ear for direct sound transmission. Thanks to the invention, the sound must travel at least 18 cm, which makes it more intense and more stable. Listening to sound becomes more accessible due to its increased spatiality.

Preferably, the sound transmission device comprises a lower chamber extending in the extension of the upstream part of the diffusion enclosure, inférieureα lower chamber comprising an open chimney. Like a drone organ, the transmission device allows sounds to breathe and avoids any feeling of pressure on the ears when listening.

More generally, the invention also relates to a sound transmission device for a headset, comprising an inlet opening, said inlet opening being able to receive a source of sound emission, an outlet opening able to be presented. in one ear, a diffusion enclosure capable of conducting sound from upstream to downstream from said inlet opening towards said outlet opening and a lower chamber extending in the extension of the upstream part of the diffusion enclosure, the lower bedroom with an open fireplace. The lower chamber defines a closed enclosure and an open chimney extending from said closed enclosure. Thus, the sound is reflected in the rear speaker while the open chimney lowers the acoustic pressure felt by the user. Such an open chimney is advantageous for any sound transmission device whether it is elongated or not.

The invention also relates to a headset comprising a sound transmission device and a source of sound emission mounted in the entrance opening of the sound transmission device.

The invention also relates to a helmet comprising at least one earpiece comprising a sound transmission device as presented above and a support member intended to cooperate with a skull of a user, the support member comprising an upper part configured for extend to the top of the skull and two lower parts configured to extend laterally to the skull, the sound transmission device being connected to said support member, the inlet opening extending near the upper part of the head support member.

Such a headset has a structure different from a conventional headset which includes a loudspeaker located in the immediate vicinity of the user's ear. According to the invention, in order to take advantage of the length of the intermediate part, the helmet has been completely redesigned in order to limit its bulk. Thus, with an entrance opening at the top, the loudspeaker extends away from the user's ear while retaining an ergonomically shaped headset. Thanks to the invention, there is a high-end helmet which is ergonomic and whose spatiality is improved.

Preferably, the sound transmission device extends behind the support member at a distance at least equal to 3 cm, preferably at least equal to 6 cm.

More preferably, the sound transmission device is connected to the support member at two connection points, in particular, an upper connection point and a lower connection point. Preferably, at least one connection point is adjustable in order to adapt to the morphology of the skull of each user.

PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and referring to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a sound transmission device according to the prior art in the position of use, Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a sound transmission device according to a first embodiment of the invention associated with an earphone, FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation in section of the sound transmission device of FIG. 2 associated with an earphone, FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective representation of a headset comprising a sound transmission device according to a first embodiment of the invention, Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the helmet of Figure 4 in the position worn by a user, Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a helmet comprising a device sound transmission according to a second embodiment of the invention and FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of side of the helmet of Figure 6 in a position worn by a user.

It should be noted that the figures show the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR MORE MODES OF IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown schematically a first embodiment of a sound transmission device 4 according to the invention.

The sound transmission device 4 is adapted to receive a sound emission source 3 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Preferably, the sound emission source 3 is in the form of a speaker, of diameter included between 12 and 15 mm, connected to a portable audio player, a telephone or the like. However, it goes without saying that a wireless link, especially Bluetooth, may be suitable.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sound transmission device 4 comprises an entry opening 41, extending along an entry axis X, which is capable of receiving a source of sound emission 3, in particular, a speaker. Also, preferably, the inlet opening 41 has an annular shape so as to cooperate by complementarity of shapes with a speaker of annular shape. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sound transmission device 4 further comprises an outlet opening 42 capable of being inserted into the conch at the entrance to the ear canal. For this purpose, the outlet opening 42 has a diameter of the order of 3 to 5 mm so as to create a significant final compression in order to obtain a significant decompression in the ear of the listener so as to increase the dynamic sound behavior.

Preferably, the sound transmission device 4 only has a single inlet opening 41 and only a single outlet opening 42 in order to avoid any reduction in the sound power between the inlet opening 41 and the outlet opening 42. Preferably, the inlet opening 41 comprises a damper (glue, elastomeric seal, etc.) to dampen the vibrations generated by the sound emission source 3.

The sound transmission device 4 comprises a diffusion enclosure 40 able to conduct the sound from upstream to downstream from said inlet opening 41 to said outlet opening 42. In this embodiment, the sound transmission device 4 comprises a lower chamber 8 which extends from the inlet opening 41 upstream which makes it possible to reflect the sounds coming from the inlet opening 41 before returning them to the outlet opening 42.

In known manner, the diffusion enclosure 40 allows sound transmission from the inlet opening 41 to the outlet opening 42 and mechanical processing of the sound. With reference to FIG. 2, the diffusion enclosure 40 successively comprises an upstream part 40A, an intermediate part 40B and a downstream part 40C for conducting sound between the inlet opening 41 and the outlet opening 42. In this example, the parts 40A-40C are connected together by interlocking but it goes without saying that certain parts could form a monobloc assembly, in particular, the upstream parts 40A and intermediate 40B so that the downstream part 40C remains orientable by the user to facilitate the installation on his ear.

The upstream part 40A advantageously makes it possible to process the sound coming from the inlet opening 41, in particular by resonance, in order to mechanically shift the sound frequencies to create a spatiality of the sound. The intermediate part 40B is configured to conduct the sound and the downstream part 40C is configured to convey the sound in a practical manner to the outlet opening 42, that is to say, to the ear of an user.

In other words, the diffusion enclosure 40 has an upstream part 40A whose function is to process the sound, a downstream part 40C whose function is ergonomic and an intermediate part 40B whose function is to provide the interface between the upstream part 40A and the downstream part 40C.

In order to increase the spatiality of the sound, the Applicant wished to optimize the parameters of the diffusion enclosure 40, in particular, the intermediate part 40B as will be presented below so that the intermediate part 40B can process the sound in a manner natural and mechanical due to its length.

The parts 40A-40C of the diffusion enclosure 40 will now be presented independently.

In this example, with reference to FIG. 3, the upstream part 40A comprises a portion which extends in a plane orthogonal to the entry axis X at the entry opening 41. As illustrated, the part upstream 40A comprises a first vibration wall 51 facing the inlet opening 41 and which extends orthogonally to the inlet axis X. Likewise, the upstream portion 40A comprises a second vibration wall 52 which is substantially parallel to the first vibration wall 51. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the inlet opening 41 is formed in the second vibration wall 52 so that the sound waves coming from the sound emission source enter in contact with the first vibration wall 51 so as to be then guided from upstream to downstream between the vibration walls 51, 52. The vibration walls 51, 52 can be curved while remaining parallel to each other in order to conform to the shape of the auditor's skull r without altering the optimal quality of vibration that may exist.

With reference to FIG. 2, the upstream part 40A of the diffusion enclosure 40 has a decreasing cross section from upstream to downstream so as to allow compression of the sound.

Preferably, the upstream part 40A is formed from a rigid material of the PVC type in order to allow optimal vibration of the vibration walls 51, 52 but it goes without saying that other materials could also be suitable.

Preferably, with reference to FIG. 2, the upstream part 40A has a length Da of between 5 and 11 cm and an upstream width of between 10 and 15 mm and a downstream width of between 3 and 5 mm. Advantageously, the upstream width is adapted to the width of the source of sound emission, that is to say, of the loudspeaker. However, it goes without saying that other dimensions could also be suitable. More preferably, the thickness of the upstream part 40A is of the order of 4-10 m.

According to one aspect of the invention, the upstream part 40A of the diffusion enclosure 40 can comprise a longitudinal partition wall defining a main diffusion channel and an auxiliary diffusion channel of different lengths in the diffusion enclosure 40 to increase the spatiality of the sound broadcast as taught by patent application FR3020737A1.

The downstream part 40C advantageously makes it possible to guide the compressed sound towards the outlet opening 42 up to the ear. Preferably, the downstream part 40C is bent so as to facilitate its presentation in the conch of the ear. Referring to Figure 2, the downstream part 40C of the diffusion enclosure 40 has a substantially constant cross section from upstream to downstream. Optionally, the downstream end of the downstream part 40C can be provided with a tip in order to improve the interaction between the sound transmission device 4 and the listener's ear. Referring to Figure 2, the downstream part 40C has a length De of between 20 mm and 50 mm.

The intermediate part 40B advantageously makes it possible to guide the compressed sound between the upstream part 40A and the downstream part 40C.

After studying the transmission of sound in a pipe, in particular in an organ pipe, an analogy appeared between the diffusion enclosure and an organ pipe with a flute mouthpiece.

As a reminder, a sound pipe works in several vibratory modes which correspond to a certain distribution of the nodes and pressure bellies inside the pipe. For each vibratory mode, there is a natural frequency called "partial of the pipe", the first of them being the fundamental sound. Each partial can have a certain number of harmonics.

When a sound, known as the buccal regime, arrives, as the air pressure increases, the frequency of the sound (called the bevel sound) reaches the frequency of one of the partials of the pipe, which acts like a resonator. The sounds are then stable, more intense and correspond to the partials of the pipe. In normal regime, following the increase in pressure, we hear very stable and very intense sounds for a very wide pressure range which correspond to the fundamental sound. The pipe reacts to the mouth sound by imposing a frequency on it.

According to the invention, it has been proposed to extend the sound transmission device 4 in order to approach the spatiality obtained by an organ pipe. After numerous tests, it appeared that relevant results are obtained if the intermediate part 40B of the enclosure 40 has a length Db greater than 80 mm and, preferably, greater than 120 mm. An elongated intermediate portion 40B advantageously makes it possible to give color to the sound by increasing the number of partial pipes (bellies) of the sound during its circulation between the inlet opening 41 and the outlet opening 42, which provides sound benefits.

For the sake of compactness and limitation of space, the intermediate part 40B preferably has a length of less than 180 mm. Thus, one can form a headset that can be easily worn by a user. Preferably, the intermediate part 40B has a constant section so as not to weaken the sound.

The diffusion enclosure 40 allows natural and mechanical processing of sound and in no way electronic processing.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a sound transmission device 4, the intermediate portion 40B is curved substantially V-shaped so as to limit the vertical size of the sound transmission device 4 when worn. The intermediate part 40B is in the form of a non-planar curve comprising two spaced apart branches. In this example, the diffusion enclosure 40 has a length greater than 250 mm, preferably 280 mm. The sound transmission device 4 has an S shape and extends in a curved plane.

The intermediate part 40B is rigid or flexible, in particular, made of flexible PVC.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, there is shown a helmet 1 having a support member 2 intended to cooperate with a skull C of a user on which are mounted two transmission devices 4 according to the first embodiment. Each sound transmission device is fitted with a loudspeaker.

In this example, the support member 2 comprises an inverted U-shaped arch which comprises an upper part 20 configured to extend at the top of the skull C and two lower parts 21 configured to extend laterally to the skull C. De optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the support member 2 further comprises two lateral branches 22, connected respectively to the two lower parts 21 of the hoop in order to improve the stability of the wearing of the helmet 1. Preferably, the lateral branches 22 extend substantially horizontally towards the rear in the position of use in order to allow the user to hold the back of the skull C.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, each sound transmission device 4 is connected to said support member 2 at two connection points: an upper connection point PI connecting the upstream part 40A of the diffusion enclosure 40 to the upper part 20 of the arch and a lower connection point P2 connecting the intermediate part 40B, in particular its downstream end, to a lower part 21 of the arch. Thus, each sound transmission device 4 is perfectly positioned so as to use all the vertical height available to transmit the sound and reduce the overall size of the headphones

1. Preferably, the lower connection point P2 is adjustable in order to allow the user to balance the helmet 1 on his skull C as he wishes, in particular, both vertically and horizontally. It goes without saying that a single connection point could be sufficient, in particular, a higher connection point.

Preferably, the inlet opening 41 extends near the upper part 20 of the arch. Thus, the speakers 3 are connected in the upper part of the skull C to allow the sound to circulate over a great length to the ears of the user. In this example, in order to allow the length of the intermediate portion 40B to be developed, the sound transmission device 4 extends behind the support member 2 at a distance D4 at least equal to 3 cm. In this embodiment, the upstream part 40A of the diffusion enclosure 40 advantageously extends horizontally, which makes it possible to optimize the positioning of the intermediate part 40B which is long.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown a second embodiment of a headset 1 having a support member 2 similar to the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a sound transmission device 4 is shown, the intermediate part 40B of which comprises a loop 9 so as to limit the vertical size of the sound transmission device 4 when it is worn. In this example, the loop 9 has a diameter between 30 and 50 mm.

Such a sound transmission device 4 makes it possible to use all the vertical height available to transmit the sound and reduce the overall size of the headphones 1, in particular, the rear dimensions compared to the headphones according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the upstream part 40A of the diffusion enclosure 40 advantageously extends vertically, which reduces the overall size.

With reference to FIG. 2, in addition to the diffusion enclosure 40, the sound transmission device 4 may include a lower chamber 8 which extends in the extension of the upstream part 40A of the diffusion enclosure 40. In other words , the lower chamber 8 is diametrically opposite the diffusion enclosure 40 relative to the inlet opening axis 41 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Preferably, the diffusion enclosure 40 and the lower chamber 8 are produced in the same material, in particular PVC.

The lower chamber 8 is preferably hollow, that is to say, provided with a cavity. Also, the lower chamber 8 makes it possible to receive the sound in its cavity before returning it to the diffusion enclosure 40 up to the outlet opening 42. The guiding of the sound in the lower chamber 8 makes it possible to increase the separation of sound frequencies (treble, mid and low) and thus reinforce the spatiality of the sound perceived by the user. Preferably, the length Ds of the lower chamber 8 is between 1 and 5 cm, preferably of the order of 3 cm. Such a lower chamber 8 is thus particularly advantageous. Preferably, the lower chamber 8 is blind and has a completely closed enclosure. Such a blind chamber 8 is known from patent application FR3020737A1 and will not be presented in more detail. Preferably, the lower chamber 8 is removable and interchangeable in order to be able to obtain different effects on the sound produced.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, with reference to FIG. 2, the lower chamber 8 comprises a closed enclosure and an open chimney 81 extending from the closed enclosure in order to allow the laws of the pipes to be exploited and to allow a breathing sounds. The open fireplace 81 thus advantageously resembles a drone of an organ pipe. The sound guidance in the closed enclosure increases the spacing of the sound frequencies (treble, mid and low) and thus reinforces the spatiality of the sound perceived by the user, the open chimney making it possible to improve the comfort of listening by limiting the acoustic pressure perceived by the user. Preferably, the open chimney 81 has a diameter between 1 mm and 2 mm and, preferably, a length between 5 mm and 11 mm.

According to one aspect of the invention, the sound transmission device 4 comprises an upper core housed in the upstream part 40A. The upper core is arranged to exert a mechanical tension between the vibration walls 51, 52 in order to improve their vibratory characteristics in the manner of a violin core. According to one aspect of the invention not shown, the transmission device 4 comprises a harmony piece mounted in a lateral edge of the upstream part 40A of the diffusion enclosure 40 and extending in the cavity of the enclosure diffusion 40. Such a harmony piece is known from patent application FR3020737A1 and will not be presented in more detail.

For example, a user equips himself with a headset 1 according to the invention and places the outlet openings 42 of the sound transmission devices 4 in his ears. Loudspeakers 3 are mounted in the input openings 41 of the sound transmission devices 4.

The user activates his music player which emits sounds via the speakers 3 via the inlet opening 41. The sound is led to the outlet opening 42 by the upstream part 40A, the intermediate part 40B and the downstream part 40C. After processing the sound in the upstream part 40A, the sound becomes colored, becomes more intense and gains in spatiality by crossing the intermediate part 40B which is long like an organ pipe. Then, the sound is guided in the downstream part 40C to be led directly to the ear. The spatiality of the sound is increased for a further enhanced listening quality.

Claims (10)

1. Sound transmission device (4) for a headset, comprising an inlet opening (41), said inlet opening (41) being capable of receiving a source of sound emission (3), an outlet opening ( 42) capable of being presented in an ear and a diffusion enclosure (40) capable of conducting the sound from upstream to downstream from said inlet opening (41) towards said outlet opening (42), the diffusion enclosure (40) comprising: - an upstream part (40A) configured to process the sound, - a downstream part (40C) configured to be placed in a user's ear and - an intermediate part (40B) configured to conduct the sound from the upstream part (40A) to the downstream part (40C) device characterized in that the diffusion enclosure has a length (Db) greater than 130 mm, preferably , greater than 170 mm. 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate part (40B) has a constant section and a length (Db) greater than 80mm, preferably greater than 120mm. 3. Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the diffusion enclosure (40) has a length less than 350 mm. 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate part (40B) is curved. 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intermediate part (40B) comprises at least one loop (9). 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5 comprising a length greater than 180 mmm, preferably, greater than 220 mm. 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a lower chamber (8) extending in the extension of the upstream part (40A) of the diffusion enclosure (40), the lower chamber (8) comprising an open fireplace (81). 8. Headphones (1) comprising at least one earpiece comprising a sound transmission device (4) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a support member (2) intended to cooperate with a skull (C) of a user, the support member (2) comprising an upper part (20) configured to extend at the top of the skull (C) and two lower parts (21) configured to extend laterally to the skull (C), the device sound transmission (4) being connected to said support member (2), the inlet opening (41) extending near the upper part (20) of the support member (2). 9. Headphones according to claim 8 wherein the sound transmission device (4) extends behind the support member (2) at a distance at least equal to 3 cm, preferably at least equal to 6 cm . 10. Headphones according to one of claims 8 to 9 wherein the sound transmission device (4) is connected to the support member (2) at two connection points (PI, P2).