JP2023138419A - Venting device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a venting device capable of inhibiting an occlusion effect.SOLUTION: A venting device 100 is disposed within a wearable sound device or to be disposed within the wearable sound device. The venting device includes an anchor structure 140, a film structure 110, and an actuator 120 disposed on the film structure. The film structure includes an anchor end AE anchored on the anchor structure and a free end FE, is configured to form a vent or close the vent, and partitions a space into a first volume VL1 and a second volume VL2. The first volume and the second volume are connected via the vent when the vent is formed. The venting device is controlled by the controller to seal the vent when the controller determines to close the vent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to venting devices, and more particularly to venting devices capable of eliminating occlusion effects.

Today, wearable sound devices such as in-ear (inserted into the ear canal), on-ear or over-ear earphones are commonly used to generate or receive sound. Magnet and moving coil (MMC)-based microspeakers have been developed for several decades and are widely used in many such devices. Recently, Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) acoustic transducers, which utilize semiconductor manufacturing processes, can be sound generating/receiving components within wearable sound devices.

Occlusion effects result from the enclosed volume of the ear canal causing a large sound pressure that is perceived by the listener. For example, occlusion effects can occur when a listener performs a specific action(s) that produces bone-conducted sound (e.g., walking, jogging, talking, eating, touching an acoustic transducer, etc.) and using a wearable sound device ( For example, during a wearable sound device being inserted into a listener's ear canal). In particular, due to the difference between acceleration-based SPL (sound pressure level) generation (SPL ∝ a = dD ² /dt ² ) and compression-based SPL generation (SPL ∝ D), the occlusion effect becomes stronger toward bass sounds. For example, a displacement of only 1 μm at 20 Hz results in an SPL = 1 μm/25 mm atm = 106 dB in an occluded ear canal (25 mm is the average ear canal length for adults). Therefore, if an occlusion effect occurs, the listener will hear occlusion noise and the quality of the listener experience will be degraded.

In conventional technology, wearable sound devices have an airflow channel that exists between the ear canal and the external surroundings of the device, and the pressure caused by the occlusion effect can be vented from this airflow channel to suppress the occlusion effect. It is now possible to do so. However, since the airflow channel is always present, the SPL at lower frequencies (eg, below 500 Hz) is significantly reduced in frequency response. For example, if a conventional wearable sound device uses a typical 115 dB speaker driver, the SPL at 20 Hz is much lower than 110 dB. Additionally, the larger the size of the fixed vent configured to form the airflow channel, the greater the SPL drop and the more difficult water and dust protection.

In some cases, conventional wearable sound devices may use speaker drivers that are stronger than the typical 115 dB speaker driver to compensate for the loss of SPL at lower frequencies due to the presence of airflow channels. For example, assuming the SPL loss is 20 dB, the speaker driver required to maintain the same 115 dB SPL in the presence of an airflow channel will produce 135 dB SPL when used in a sealed ear canal. becomes. However, a 10 times stronger bass output also requires 10 times more speaker membrane movement, which means that both the coil and flux gap heights of the speaker driver need to be 10 times higher. Therefore, it is difficult to make conventional wearable sound devices with powerful speaker drivers small and lightweight.

Therefore, there is a need to improve the prior art to suppress occlusion effects.

Incidentally, an invention related to the present invention is described in an earlier application, US Patent Application No. 17/344,983, which was unpublished at the time of filing of this case.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0211521 US Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0098390 US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0121509 US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0176704 US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0021391 US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0325030 US Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0213770 US Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0178000 US Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0100033 US Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0039880 US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0053393 US Patent No. 8,724,200 US Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0349665 US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0164115 US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0217761 US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0007858 US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0201192 US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0260044 US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0223023 US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0163599 Korean Published Patent No. 10-2015-0030691 China Patent Application Publication No. 111063790 JP2020-31444A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-512375 Korean Published Patent No. 10-2010-0002351 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-307441 US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0131163 US Patent No. 11399228 US Patent No. 11323797

HYONSE KIM ET AL, A slim type microvalve driven by PZT films, Sensors and Actuators A: PHYSICAL, 18 January, 2005, pages 162-171, Vol. 121, Elsevier B. V., XP027806904

Therefore, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a ventilation device capable of suppressing occlusion effects.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a ventilation device disposed or to be disposed within a wearable sound device. The venting device includes an anchor structure, a film structure, and an actuator. The film structure includes an anchor end fixed on the anchor structure and a free end, and the film structure is configured to form or close a vent. The actuator is placed on the film structure. The film structure partitions the space into a first volume and a second volume, and the first volume and second volume are connected via the vent when the vent is formed. The venting device is controlled by the controller to seal the vent when the controller determines to close the vent.

These and other objects of the invention will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated in the various figures and drawings.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a ventilation device and housing structure according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a top view schematic illustration of a ventilation device according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of cross-sectional views showing the film structure of a ventilation device in different positions according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of cross-sectional views showing the film structure of a ventilation device in different positions according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of cross-sectional views showing the film structure of a ventilation device in different positions according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the frequency response of a ventilation device with film structures placed in different positions according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wearable sound device with a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wearable sound device with a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device in different modes according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device in different modes according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a portion of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view showing a film structure of a ventilation device in different modes according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view showing a film structure of a ventilation device in different modes according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram in top view showing a ventilation device according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view showing a film structure of a ventilation device in different modes according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view showing a film structure of a ventilation device in different modes according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view showing a film structure of a ventilation device in different modes according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a tenth embodiment of the invention;

In order to give those skilled in the art a better understanding of the invention, preferred embodiments and typical materials or range parameters for important components are detailed in the following description. These preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings with numbered elements in order to detail the content and effects to be achieved. The drawings are simplified illustrations and the materials and parameter ranges of important components are exemplary based on modern technology and thus provide greater clarity as to the basic structure, implementation or method of operation of the invention. It should be noted that in order to provide a thorough explanation, only those components and combinations associated with the present invention are shown. The components are more complex in practice, and the range of parameters or materials used may evolve as technology advances in the future. Additionally, for ease of explanation, the components shown in the drawings may not represent their actual number, shape, and dimensions, and details may be adjusted according to design requirements.

In the following description and claims, the terms "include," "comprise," and "have" are used in an open-ended manner, thus meaning "including, but... shall be construed to mean, but not limited to. Accordingly, when the terms "include," "comprise," and/or "have" are used in the description of the invention, corresponding features, areas, steps, acts, and/or or components are noted to be present, but are not limited to the presence of one or more corresponding features, areas, steps, acts, and/or components.

In the following description and claims, when "the A1 component is formed by B1", B1 is present in the formation of the A1 component, or B1 is used in the formation of the A1 component, and 1 The presence and use of one or more other features, areas, steps, actions and/or components in the formation of the A1 component is not excluded.

In the following description and claims, the term "substantially" generally means that minor deviations may or may not be present. For example, the terms "substantially parallel" and "substantially along" mean that the angle between two components is less than or equal to a certain degree threshold, e.g., 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, or 1 degree. It means that it can be. For example, the term "substantially aligned" means that the deviation between the two components may be less than or equal to a certain difference threshold, such as 2 μm or 1 μm. For example, the term "substantially the same" means that the deviation is, for example, within 10% of a given value or range, or 5%, 3%, 2% of a given value or range. %, 1%, or within 0.5%.

In this specification and the claims that follow, the term "horizontal direction" generally means a direction parallel to a horizontal plane, and the term "horizontal plane" generally refers to a direction parallel to direction X and direction Y in the figures. (i.e. direction Direction X, direction Y, and direction Z are perpendicular to each other. As used herein and in the claims that follow, the term "top view" generally refers to a display viewed along a vertical direction. As used herein and in the claims that follow, the term "cross-sectional view" generally refers to a horizontal view of a structure cut along a vertical direction.

Although terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various components, such components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used herein only to distinguish one component from another and have no bearing on order of manufacture unless otherwise specified herein. The claims may not use the same terminology, but instead may use terms first, second, third, etc. with respect to the order in which the elements are claimed. Therefore, in the following description, the first component may be the second component in the claims.

It should be noted that technical features in different embodiments described below can be substituted, recombined, or mixed with each other to constitute another embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the present invention, a ventilation device (or MEMS ventilation device) capable of suppressing occlusion effects may be associated with and/or placed within an acoustic device (such as a wearable sound device). For example, without limitation, a ventilation device may be placed within a wearable sound device (eg, an in-ear device).

In the present invention, the acoustic device may include an acoustic transducer configured to perform an acoustic conversion, the acoustic conversion may convert a signal (e.g. an electrical signal or other suitable type of signal) into a sound wave; or may convert the sound waves into other suitable types of signals (eg, electrical signals). In some embodiments, the acoustic transducer may be, but is not limited to, a sound producing device, a speaker, a microspeaker, or other suitable device to convert electrical signals into sound waves. In some embodiments, the acoustic transducer may be, but is not limited to, a sound measurement device, a microphone, or other suitable device to convert sound waves into electrical signals. Due to the presence of the ventilation device of the invention, occlusion effects are suppressed and the user can better experience the acoustic conversion provided by the acoustic device.

In the following, the ventilation device of the present invention will be related to and may be placed within a wearable sound device configured to generate sound waves, and the following description will be provided so as to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention. configured.

1-5, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a venting device and housing structure according to a first embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 3-5 are schematic diagrams in top view showing a ventilation device according to the invention, and FIGS. 3 to 5 are schematic diagrams in cross-section showing the film structure in different positions of the ventilation device according to the first embodiment of the invention; FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ventilation device 100 is placed on the substrate BS. The substrate BS may be rigid or flexible, and the substrate BS may be made of silicon, germanium, glass, plastic, quartz, sapphire, metal, polymer (e.g. polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), or any other material. or a combination thereof. By way of example, the substrate BS may be a circuit board comprising a laminate (copper clad laminate (CCL)), a land grid array (LGA) board, or any other suitable substrate comprising conductive material. may be, but is not limited to this. In one embodiment, the substrate BS may be a substrate.

In FIG. 1, the base body BS has a top surface SH that is parallel to the direction X and the direction Y (that is, the top surface SH of the base body BS is a horizontal surface). In FIG. 1, the normal direction of the upper surface SH of the base body BS is parallel to the direction Z.

Ventilation device 100 includes at least one anchor structure 140 and a film structure 110 secured by anchor structure 140 , with anchor structure 140 disposed on the outside of film structure 110 . Film structure 110 and anchor structure 140 may include any suitable material(s). In some embodiments, film structure 110 and anchor structure 140 are individually made of silicon (e.g., monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon), silicon compounds (e.g., silicon carbide, silicon oxide), germanium, germanium compounds. (eg, gallium nitride or gallium arsenide), gallium, gallium compounds, stainless steel, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, film structure 110 and anchor structure 140 may have the same material.

In operation of ventilation device 100, film structure 110 may be actuated to have movement and anchor structure 140 may be immobilized. That is, anchor structure 140 may be a fixed end (or fixed edge) relative to film structure 110 during operation of ventilation device 100. In some embodiments, the film structure 110 may be actuated to move upwardly and downwardly, but is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the terms "moving upward" and "moving downward" refer to moving the film structure 110 substantially along direction Z.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the film structure 110 of the ventilation device 100 has at least one anchor end AE secured to the anchor structure 140 and any structure within the ventilation device 100. It includes at least one slit 130 so that it can also have at least one free end FE that is not permanently fixed to the element. In some embodiments, film structure 110 may be divided into multiple flaps by slit(s) 130. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the film structure 110 may be divided by a slit 130 into a first flap 112 and a second flap 114, where the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 are Separated from each other, the first flap 112 includes a first anchor end AE1 (or first anchor edge) secured to the anchor structure 140 and a first free end opposite the first anchor end AE1. FE1 (or a first free edge), and the second flap 114 has a second anchor end AE2 (or a second anchor edge) fixed to the anchor structure 140 and a second and a second free end FE2 (or second free edge) opposite the anchor end AE2, and the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 have a first free end FE1 and a second free end FE2. FE2 (ie one side wall belongs to the first free end FE1 and another side wall belongs to the second free end FE2). For example, without limitation, slit 130 may be a boundary of film structure 110 and/or a boundary of a flap.

In the present invention, the number of slit(s) 130 included in the film structure 110 may be adjusted based on the requirement(s), and the slit(s) 130 may be provided in any suitable manner in the film structure 110. and may have any suitable top view pattern. For example, slit 130 can be a straight slit, a curved slit, a combination of straight slits, a combination of curved slits, or a combination of straight slit(s) and curved slit(s).

Venting device 100 includes an actuator 120 disposed on film structure 110 and configured to actuate film structure 110. For example, in FIG. 1, actuator 120 may be in contact with film structure 110, but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 120 may not completely overlap the film structure 110 in the Z direction, but is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, actuator 120 may include multiple actuating portions disposed on multiple flaps of film structure 110. As shown in FIGS. For example (as shown in FIG. 1), the film structure 110 has a first flap 112 and a second flap 114, so that the actuator 120 has a first actuating portion 122 disposed on the first flap 112. and a second actuating portion 124 disposed on the second flap 114.

Actuator 120 has a monotonic electromechanical conversion function with respect to movement of film structure 110 along direction Z. In some embodiments, actuator 120 may include, but is not limited to, a piezoelectric actuator, an electrostatic actuator, a nanoscopic electrostatic actuator (NED) actuator, an electromagnetic actuator, or any other suitable actuator. For example, in one embodiment, the actuator 120 may include a piezoelectric actuator that includes, for example, two electrodes and a layer of piezoelectric material (e.g., lead zirconate titanate, PZT) disposed between the electrodes. A piezoelectric material layer may include, but is not limited to, actuating the film structure 110 based on a drive signal received by the electrodes (eg, a drive voltage and/or a drive voltage difference between two electrodes). For example, in another embodiment, actuator 120 may include an electromagnetic actuator (such as a planar coil) that may actuate film structure 110 based on a received drive signal (e.g., drive current) and a magnetic field. (ie, the film structure 110 may be actuated by electromagnetic force), but is not limited thereto. For example, in yet another embodiment, the actuator 120 may include an electrostatic actuator (such as a conductive plate) or a NED actuator, where the electrostatic actuator or NED actuator is responsive to a received drive signal (e.g., a drive voltage) and an electrostatic field. (i.e., the film structure 110 can be actuated by electrostatic force), but is not limited thereto. In the following, the actuator 120 may be a piezoelectric actuator, for example.

In this embodiment, the ventilation device 100 may optionally include a chip CP disposed on the top surface SH of the substrate BS, and the chip CP may include at least a film structure 110, an anchor structure 140, and an actuator 120. . The method for manufacturing the chip CP is not limited. For example, in this embodiment, the chip CP may be formed as a MEMS chip by at least one semiconductor process, but is not limited thereto.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, a chamber CB may be present between the substrate BS and the film structure 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the base body BS further includes a rear opening BVT, and the chamber CB is connected to the rear exterior of the ventilation device 100 (ie, the rear space of the base body BS) through the rear opening BVT.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation device 100 and the substrate BS are arranged in a housing structure HSS inside the wearable sound device WSD. In FIG. 1, the housing structure HSS may have a first housing opening HO1 and a second housing opening HO2, the first housing opening HO1 may be connected to an ear canal of a wearable sound device user; A second housing opening HO2 may be connected around the wearable sound device WSD, and the film structure 110 is between the first housing opening HO1 and the second housing opening HO2. Note that the ambient of the wearable sound device WSD may not be inside the ear canal (eg, the ambient of the wearable sound device WSD may be connected directly to the space outside the ear). Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the chamber CB can be present between the substrate BS and the film structure 110, so that the chamber CB can be inserted through the back opening BVT of the substrate BS and the second housing opening HO2 of the housing structure HSS. The wearable sound device may be connected to the ambient of WSD.

As shown in FIG. 1, the film structure 110 of the ventilation device 100 divides the space formed within the housing structure HSS into a first volume VL1 connected to the ear canal of the wearable sound device user and a wearable sound device WSD. and a second volume VL2 connected to the ambient air. In FIG. 1, the first volume VL1 is connected to the first housing opening HO1 of the housing structure HSS, and the second volume VL2 is connected to the second housing opening HO2 of the housing structure HSS. has been done. Accordingly, the first volume VL1 is connected to the ear canal of the wearable sound device user through the first housing opening HO1, and the second volume VL2 is connected to the ambient of the wearable sound device WSD through the second housing opening HO2. It should be. As shown in FIG. 1, chamber CB is part of second volume VL2.

Film structure 110 can be actuated to move upwardly and downwardly by actuator 120. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 may be configured to perform a first up-and-down movement, and the second free end FE1 of the second flap 114 FE2 may be configured to perform a second up-and-down movement. Based on the requirement(s), the movement direction of the first vertical movement of the first free end FE1 may be the same as the movement direction of the second vertical movement of the second free end FE2; The opposite may be true.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the film structure 110 may be actuated to move upwardly and downwardly (i.e., , the film structure 110 is configured to form or close a vent 130T), and the vent 130T is formed between two opposing sidewalls of the slit 130 (i.e., because the slit 130 is vent 130T is formed). When the ventilation device 100 is in a first mode in which the vent 130T is temporarily closed (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 3), the first volume VL1 is substantially disconnected from the second volume VL2 and the wearable The ambient sound device WSD and the wearable sound device user's ear canal are substantially separated (isolated) from each other. Conversely, when the ventilation device 100 is in a second mode that causes the vent 130T to temporarily form (e.g., FIG. 4), the first volume VL1 is connected to the second volume VL2 through the vent 130T and the wearable The ambient sound device WSD and the wearable sound device user's ear canal are connected to each other. In the present invention, the vent 130T is temporarily closed in the first mode, and the vent 130T is temporarily formed in the second mode, so that the first volume VL1 and the second volume VL2 are The airflow flowing between the first volume VL1 and the second volume VL2 is much less than the airflow flowing between the first volume VL1 and the second volume VL2 in the second mode.

When the vent 130T is closed, it is difficult for air to flow between the first volume VL1 and the second volume VL2 through the space between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130. . In the state where "the vent 130T is formed/opened", air does not flow between the first volume VL1 and the second volume VL2 through the space between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130. It's easy. In some embodiments, the opening size between the two opposing sidewalls of the slit 130 in the first mode (i.e., the vent 130T is closed) is greater than the opening size between the two opposing sidewalls of the slit 130 in the first mode (i.e., the vent 130T is formed/opened). The size of the opening between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 is much smaller than the size of the opening between the two opposing side walls. For example, when the vent 130T is closed, the film structure 110 is parallel or substantially parallel to the upper surface SH of the substrate BS, and the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 are partially or partially connected to each other in the horizontal direction. Fully overlapped, but not limited to this. For example, when the vent 130T is formed/opened, the film structure 110 is not parallel or substantially not parallel to the top surface SH of the substrate BS.

1 and 3 illustrate an example of a ventilation device 100 in a first mode. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the film structure 110 is actuated and maintained in a first position parallel or substantially parallel to the upper surface SH of the substrate BS to close the vent 130T. . For example, in FIGS. 1 and 3, the two opposing side walls of slit 130 partially or completely overlap each other in the horizontal direction to close vent 130T. 1 and 3, since the film structure 110 has a first flap 112 and a second flap 114, the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 are used to close the vent 130T. 1 position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, as the film structure 110 is actuated and maintained in the first position, a gap 130P exists between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130. For example, the gap 130P may exist between two opposing side walls of the slit 130 in a plane parallel to the upper surface SH of the base body BS, and the gap 130P refers to a space in the width direction along the slit 130, The width of the gap 130P may be equal or substantially equal to the width of the slit 130, but is not limited thereto. The width of the slit 130 (width of the gap 130P) may be designed based on requirement(s). For example, the width of the slit 130 may be 5 μm or less, 3 μm or less, or 2 μm or less, or may be in the range of 1 μm to 2 μm, but is not limited thereto.

The width of gap 130P should be small enough so that airflow through gap 130P (i.e., a narrow channel) has a viscous flow along the walls of the airflow path, known as the boundary layer effect within the field of fluid mechanics. Can be highly attenuated by force/resistance. Therefore, the airflow flowing between the first volume VL1 and the second volume VL2 through the gap 130P in the first mode is extremely small or negligible. In other words, when the ventilation device 100 is in the first mode, the vent 130T is closed and even sealed.

In the first mode, the airflow flowing between the first volume VL1 and the second volume VL2 through the gap 130P in the first mode is significantly small or negligible, so that the wearable sound device user will experience high-performance acoustic conversion (eg, high-performance sound) across the audio frequency range, the acoustic conversion provided by the acoustic transducer of the wearable sound device WSD.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the ventilation device 100 in a second mode. As shown in FIG. 4, a first flap 112 (e.g., first free end FE1) may be actuated to move toward a first direction, and a second flap 114 (e.g., second free end FE1) may be actuated to move toward a first direction. The free end FE2) may be actuated to move towards a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the vent 130T is temporarily disposed between two opposite side walls of the slit 130 in the direction Z. is formed. That is, the movement direction of the first vertical movement of the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 is opposite to the movement direction of the second vertical movement of the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114. . For example, the first direction and the second direction may be substantially parallel to direction Z. For example (as shown in FIG. 4), one of the first free end FE1 and the second free end FE2 is in a first position and in a flat position (the flat position being parallel to the upper surface SH of the base body BS). The other of the first free end FE1 and the second free end FE2 moves below the first position and the flat position, but is not limited thereto.

When the vent 130T is temporarily opened, the pressure difference between the two sides of the film structure 110 may create an air flow between the first volume VL1 and the second volume VL2, causing an occlusion effect. (i.e., the pressure difference between the ear canal and the ambient of the wearable sound device WSD may be released through the airflow flowing through the vent 130T) and the occlusion effect may be suppressed.

In the present invention, the size of the vent 130T may be determined by the distance between the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114. The effectiveness of suppressing occlusion effects can be enhanced by increasing the size of vent 130T.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a gap 130P exists between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 in the first mode, and a gap 130P exists between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 in the second mode. A vent 130T is present. The airflow through the gap 130P in the first mode may be much smaller compared to the airflow through the vent 130T in the second mode (e.g., the airflow through the gap 130P in the first mode is , which may be negligible or 10 times lower than the airflow through the second mode vent 130T). In other words, the width of the gap 130P is such that the airflow/leakage through the gap 130P in the first mode is negligible compared to the airflow through the vent 130T in the second mode (e.g., less than 10% of it). Small enough.

In the transition from a first mode as shown in FIG. 3 to a second mode as shown in FIG. The second free end FE2 of 114 may be moved downwardly. Conversely, in the transition from the second mode shown in FIG. 4 back to the first mode shown in FIG. The second free end FE2 of can be moved upwardly.

In addition, in the transition from the first mode shown in FIG. 3 to the second mode shown in FIG. 4, or from the second mode shown in FIG. 4 back to the first mode shown in FIG. The first free end FE1 of the flap 112 may be actuated to have a first displacement Uz_a towards a first direction, and the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114 may be actuated to have a first displacement Uz_a towards a second direction. It can be operated to have a second displacement Uz_b. In the transition from the first mode to the second mode, the sum of the first displacement Uz_a and the second displacement Uz_b may be greater than the thickness of the film structure 110.

In one embodiment, the first displacement Uz_a and the second displacement Uz_b may be substantially equal in distance but opposite in direction. The first displacement Uz_a of the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second displacement Uz_b of the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114 may be (temporarily) symmetrical. . The movements of the first free end FE1 and the second free end FE2 are substantially equal in length but opposite in direction over any period of time. That is, when the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 are maintained in the first position to enter the first mode (as shown in FIG. 3), the film structure 110 changes to the second mode. or in a transition between a first mode and a second mode (e.g., from a first mode to a second mode), the first The distance of movement of the flap 112 may be equal to the distance of movement of the second flap 114 relative to its first position (as shown in FIG. 4).

If the movements of the first free end FE1 and the second free end FE2 are temporarily symmetrical, the first flap 112 is actuated to move towards the first direction with respect to one slit 130. so that a first air movement is generated, the direction of the first air movement is related to the first direction, and the second flap 114 moves toward a second direction opposite to the first direction. actuated to produce a second air movement, and the direction of the second air movement is related to the second direction. The first air movement and the second air movement may each be associated in opposite directions such that when the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 are actuated simultaneously to open and close the vent 130T, the first air movement and at least a portion of the second air movement may cancel each other out.

In some embodiments, the first air movement and the second air movement may substantially cancel when the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 are actuated simultaneously to open and close the vent 130T ( For example, a first displacement Uz_a toward a first direction and a second displacement Uz_b toward a second direction may be equal in distance but opposite in direction). That is, the net air movement including the first air movement and the second air movement caused by opening and closing of the vent 130T is substantially zero. As a result, since the net air movement during the opening and closing operations of the vent 130T is substantially zero, the operation of the vent 130T produces no perceivable acoustic disturbance to the user of the ventilation device 100; , is considered "hidden".

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the ventilation device 100 may further include a third mode, in which the film structure 110 is bent downward and below the first and flat positions. In FIG. 5, the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114 may move/bend towards the substrate BS in the third mode (i.e., the film structure 110 hangs downward).

In the third mode shown in FIG. 5, the vent 130T is substantially closed, but the width of the space existing between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 in the third mode (shown in FIG. (such as) is larger than the width of the gap 130P existing between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 in the first mode. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the air flow through the space existing between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 in the third mode is compared to the air flow through the vent 130T in the second mode. The airflow through the space existing between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 in the third mode is compared to the airflow through the gap 130P in the first mode, although it may be much smaller. It can be large.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in the first mode, the second mode, the third mode, and the transition between the two modes, the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 is When the first free end FE1 performs a first up-and-down movement, without making physical contact with other components within the ventilation device 100, the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114 When the free end FE2 of performs the second up-and-down movement, it does not physically contact any other components within the ventilation device 100.

FIG. 6 shows the frequency response of the ventilation device 100 with the film structure 110 placed in different positions, FIG. 5 shows the frequency response of the ventilation device 100 in a third mode (as shown in FIG. 5), and a third mode (as shown in FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 6, in the first mode and the third mode, since the vent 130T is closed, the low frequency roll-off (LFRO) corner frequency of the first mode and the third mode is low, and the low frequency roll-off (LFRO) corner frequency of the first mode and the third mode is low. The low frequency SPL reduction in the first mode and the low frequency SPL reduction in the third mode are not noticeable. As shown in FIG. 6, in the second mode, the LFRO corner frequency in the second mode is significantly higher than the LFRO corner frequency in the first and third modes because the vent 130T is open. , and the decrease in the low frequency SPL of the second mode is obvious. For example, in the first mode (as shown in FIG. 3), the width of the gap 130P must be small enough so that the LFRO corner frequency of the SPL in the first mode is below 35 Hz, as shown in FIG. may be lower than the LFRO corner frequency of the SPL in the third mode, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the vent 130T is formed/opened in the second mode (as shown in FIG. 4), the LFRO corner frequency in the second mode will depend on the opening size of the vent 130T, as shown in FIG. The frequency may be between 80 and 400 Hz, but is not limited thereto.

Actuator 120 may receive at least one suitable drive signal to actuate film structure 110 to cause film structure 110 to maintain or change its position, thereby maintaining or changing the mode of ventilation device 100. . As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the ventilation device 100 may be switched to a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode based on the drive signal(s) received by the actuator 120. . When film structure 110 is divided into multiple flaps (eg, FIGS. 3-5), the actuating portions of actuator 120 may receive the same drive signal or different drive signals. For example, if the actuator 120 is a piezoelectric actuator, the drive signal(s) may be drive voltage(s) and/or drive voltage difference(s) between the two electrodes, causing a displacement of the film structure 110. (Displacement of the free end FE) and the drive signal may have a linear relationship.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the first mode, the first actuating part 122 placed on the first flap 112 receives the drive signal DV1_1, and the second actuating part 122 placed on the second flap 114 receives the driving signal DV1_1. The actuator 124 receives the drive signal DV2_1. The first flap 112 and the second flap 114 are moved to the first position or maintained in the first position according to the drive signal DV1_1 and the drive signal DV2_1 to close the vent 130T. Drive signal DV1_1 and drive signal DV2_1 may be designed based on requirement(s). In some embodiments, drive signal DV1_1 may be a constant voltage with a first threshold, drive signal DV2_1 may be a constant voltage with a second threshold, and drive signal DV1_1 and drive signal DV2_1 are: They may be the same or substantially the same (ie, the first threshold may be the same or substantially the same as the second threshold), but are not limited to this. For example, the drive signal DV1_1 and the drive signal DV2_1 may be 15V, but are not limited thereto. For example, the power consumed by the ventilation device 100 in the first mode may be, but is not limited to, 0.16 mW.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the second mode, the first actuating part 122 placed on the first flap 112 receives the drive signal DV1_2, and the second actuating part 122 placed on the second flap 114 receives the driving signal DV1_2. The actuator 124 receives the drive signal DV2_2. According to the drive signal DV1_2 and the drive signal DV2_2, one of the first free end FE1 and the second free end FE2 (e.g., the first free end FE1 in FIG. 4) is positioned above the first position and the flat position. the other of the first free end FE1 and the second free end FE2 (e.g., the second free end FE2 in FIG. 4) moves below the first position and the flat position, A vent 130T is formed. Drive signal DV1_2 and drive signal DV2_2 may be designed based on requirement(s). In some embodiments, drive signal DV1_2 may be a constant voltage that is higher (or lower) than a first threshold, and drive signal DV2_2 may be a constant voltage that is lower (or higher) than a second threshold. , the drive signal DV1_2 and the drive signal DV2_2 may be different. For example, the drive signal DV1_2 may be 30V, and the drive signal DV2_2 may be 0V, but is not limited thereto. For example, the power consumed by the ventilation device 100 in the second mode may be, but is not limited to, 0.2 mW.

In the present invention, the size of the vent 130T can be determined by the distance between the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114, so that the size of the vent 130T is can be modified and controlled by drive signal(s) based on requirement(s).

Furthermore, due to the design of the drive signal DV1_2 and the drive signal DV2_2, the movement of the first free end FE1 and the second free end FE2 is temporally symmetrical with respect to the first position and the flat position. For example, the difference between the drive signal DV1_2 and the first threshold may be the same as the difference between the drive signal DV2_2 and the second threshold, but is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the third mode, the first actuating part 122 placed on the first flap 112 receives the drive signal DV1_3, and the second actuating part 122 placed on the second flap 114 receives the driving signal DV1_3. The actuator 124 receives the drive signal DV2_3. According to the drive signal DV1_3 and the drive signal DV2_3, the first free end FE1 and the second free end FE2 move below the first position and the flat position (i.e., the film structure 110 hangs downward). , close the vent 130T. Drive signal DV1_3 and drive signal DV2_3 may be designed based on requirement(s). In some embodiments, the drive signal DV1_3 can be a constant voltage that is lower than the first threshold, and the drive signal DV2_3 can be a constant voltage that is lower than the second threshold, and the drive signal DV1_3 and the drive signal DV2_3 may be the same or substantially the same, but is not limited thereto. For example, the drive signal DV1_3 and the drive signal DV2_3 may be 0V or a ground voltage, but are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first actuating portion 122 and the second actuating portion 124 may be floating, but are not limited thereto. For example, the power consumed by the ventilation device 100 in the third mode may be, but is not limited to, 0.3 μW.

According to the drive signals in these modes, the ventilation device 100 has the lowest power consumption in the third mode. In some embodiments, in the third mode, no voltage is applied to actuator 120 (i.e., the drive signal applied to actuator 120 is 0V or ground voltage, or actuator 120 is floating). Accordingly, to reduce the power consumption of the venting device 100, the venting device 100 may normally be in a third mode (i.e., the vent 130T is closed), and the venting device 100 may be in a third mode as needed. (e.g., the ventilation device 100 can be changed to a first mode for high performance acoustic transduction, the ventilation device 100 can be changed to a first mode to suppress occlusion effects, 2), but is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the drive signal applied to the first actuator 122 and the drive signal applied to the second actuator 124 may be unipolar with respect to ground voltage. For example, according to the drive signals DV1_1, DV1_2, DV1_3, DV2_1, DV2_2, and DV2_3 described above, the drive signal applied to the first actuation section 122 and the drive signal applied to the second actuation section 124 range from 0V to It can be in the range of 30V, but is not limited thereto.

In the present invention, the drive signal applied to the actuator 120 does not exceed the breakdown voltage of the actuator 120 in order to stabilize the operation of the ventilation device 100 or to reduce distortion of the ventilation device 100, but is not limited to this. Not done. For example, but not limited to, if the drive signal applied to the actuator 120 is greater than 0V, the drive signal may be less than the maximum voltage output from the controller (eg, drive circuit).

According to the above, the slit 130 of the present invention can be driven to function as a dynamic front vent of the ventilation device 100, and the first volume VL1 and the second volume VL2 in the housing structure HSS are dynamically When the front vent is opened/formed, the first volume VL1 and the second volume VL2 in the housing structure HSS are connected and separated from each other when the dynamic front vent is closed.

Furthermore, the ventilation device 100 of the present invention may have better waterproofing and better dustproofing due to the dynamic front vent.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wearable sound device with a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the wearable sound device WSD includes a sensing device 150 and a controller 160 electrically connected to the sensing device 150, the acoustic transducer, and the ventilation device 100 (e.g., the actuator 120 of the ventilation device 100). It may further include. In FIG. 7, the component SED includes an acoustic transducer and a ventilation device 100 for simplicity and clarity of FIG.

Sensing device 150 may be configured to sense any necessary factors external to wearable sound device WSD and correspondingly generate sensing results. For example, sensing device 150 may sense any desired factors using infrared (IR) sensing methods, optical sensing methods, acoustic sensing methods, ultrasound sensing methods, capacitive sensing methods, or other suitable sensing methods. However, it is not limited to this.

In some embodiments, whether vent 130T is formed is determined according to sensing results. The vent 130T is opened (or formed) when the sensed quantity indicated by the sensing result exceeds a certain threshold with a first polarity, and the vent 130T is opened (or formed) when the sensed quantity indicated by the sensing result exceeds a certain threshold with a first polarity. Closed when the polarity exceeds a certain threshold. For example, the first polarity may be from low to high and the second polarity may be from high to low, such that the sensed amount changes from below a certain threshold to above a certain threshold. The vent 130T is opened when the detected amount changes from a state higher than a specific threshold value to a state lower than the specific threshold value, but the vent 130T is closed, but is not limited thereto.

Further, in some embodiments, the degree of opening of the vent 130T may be monotonically related to the sensed amount indicated by the sensing result. That is, the opening degree of the vent 130T increases or decreases in accordance with the increase or decrease in the sensing amount.

In some embodiments, sensing device 150 may optionally include a motion sensor configured to detect bodily motion of the user and/or motion of wearable sound device WSD. For example, sensing device 150 may detect bodily movements that cause occlusion effects, such as walking, jogging, talking, eating, etc. In some embodiments, the sensed amount indicated by the sensing result represents a bodily movement of the user and/or a movement of the wearable sound device WSD, and the degree of opening of the vent 130T is correlated to the sensed movement. For example, the degree of opening of the vent 130T increases as the operation increases.

In some embodiments, sensing device 150 may optionally include a proximity sensor configured to sense a distance between the object and the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the sensed quantity indicated by the sensing result represents the distance between the object and the proximity sensor, and the opening of the vent 130T is correlated to the sensed distance. For example, if this distance is smaller than a predetermined distance, the vent 130T is opened (formed), and as this distance becomes smaller, the degree of opening of the vent 130T becomes larger. For example, if the user desires to open (or form) the vent 130T, the user may approach the wearable sound device WSD using any suitable object (e.g., a hand) and cause the proximity sensor to sense this object. and correspondingly generate a sensing result, thereby opening/forming the vent 130T.

In addition, the proximity sensor may further have the functionality to detect that a user has (predictably) tapped or touched the wearable sound device WSD with the ventilation device 100. This is because these actions can also cause occlusion effects.

In some embodiments, sensing device 150 may optionally include a force sensor configured to sense a force applied to a force sensor of wearable sound device WSD, and the sensed amount indicated by the sensing result is: It represents the force pushing the wearable sound device WSD, and the opening degree of the vent 130T correlates with the sensed force.

In some embodiments, sensing device 150 may optionally include a light sensor configured to sense ambient light of wearable sound device WSD, and the sensing amount indicated by the sensing result is the amount of light sensed by the light sensor. The degree of opening of the vent 130T is correlated to the sensed ambient light intensity.

In some embodiments, sensing device 150 may optionally include an acoustic sensor, such as a microphone, configured to sense sound outside wearable sound device WSD to detect an occlusion event. For example, the sensing amount indicated by the sensing result represents the SPL of the sound sensed by the acoustic sensor, and the opening degree of the vent 130T correlates with the sound sensed by the acoustic sensor, but is not limited thereto. For example, but not limited to, venting device 100 is activated to open vent 130T when an acoustic sensor detects that an occlusion event has occurred.

Controller 160 is configured to generate drive signals that are applied to the acoustic transducer and ventilation device 100 to control the acoustic transducer to perform acoustic transduction and control modes of ventilation device 100.

Controller 160 may be designed based on requirement(s), and controller 160 may include any suitable components. For example, in FIG. 7, controller 160 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 162, a digital signal processing (DSP) unit 164, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 166, or any other suitable components thereof. may include combinations. For example, controller 160 may be an integrated circuit, but is not limited thereto.

Controller 160 generates drive signals that are applied to actuators 120 of venting device 100 to control modes of venting device 100 . Accordingly, the controller 160 may control the vents 130T to form the vents 130T to suppress occlusion effects or close the vents 130T to allow wearable sound device users to experience high-performance acoustic conversion across the entire audio frequency range. Control the device 100.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the venting device 100 is controlled by the controller 160 to close/seal the vent 130T when the controller 160 determines to close the vent 130T (the venting device 100 is in the first mode). or in a third mode). Therefore, in FIG. 3, the drive signal DV1_1 and the drive signal DV2_1 are applied to the first actuating part 122 and the second actuating part 124, respectively, to move the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 to the first position. or remain in the first position, thereby closing/sealing the vent 130T. In FIG. 5, the drive signal DV1_3 and the drive signal DV2_3 are applied to the first actuation part 122 and the second actuation part 124, respectively, to move the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 from the first position and the flat position. Move (or maintain) the down position, thereby closing vent 130T.

In particular, in the third mode shown in FIG. 5, the drive signal DV1_3 and the drive signal DV2_3 may be 0V or ground voltage, and the first actuation section 122 and the second actuation section 124 may be floating. . Accordingly, in some embodiments, when the controller 160 determines to close the vent 130T and place the venting device 100 in the third mode, no voltage is applied to the actuator 120 (i.e., the first actuating portion 122 (and no voltage is applied to the second actuating section 124), and the vent 130T is closed.

As shown in FIG. 4, venting device 100 is controlled by controller 160 to form vent 130T unless controller 160 determines to close vent 130T (e.g., controller 160 determines to form vent 130T). (ventilation device 100 is in second mode). Accordingly, in FIG. 3, the drive signal DV1_2 and the drive signal DV2_2 are applied to the first actuation part 122 and the second actuation part 124, respectively, and the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 are applied to the first actuation part 122 and the second actuation part 124, respectively, to form the vent 130T. control. For example, the first flap 112 (e.g., first free end FE1) is actuated to move in a first direction to reach a position above the first position, and the second flap 114 (e.g., second free end FE2) may be actuated to move toward a second direction opposite the first direction to reach a position below the first position.

In some embodiments, the drive signal applied to the actuator 120 of the ventilation device 100 may be generated according to the sensing results, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the degree of opening of the vent 130T may be monotonically related to the sensed quantity indicated by the sensing result, so that the drive signal applied to the actuator 120 may be monotonically related to the sensed quantity indicated by the sensed result. may have.

If sensing device 150 includes a motion sensor, the magnitude of the drive signal applied to actuator 120 may increase (or decrease) as motion increases, but is not limited to this. Similarly, if the sensing device 150 includes a proximity sensor, the magnitude of the drive signal applied to the actuator 120 may increase (or decrease) as the distance decreases or below a threshold, but is not limited to this. Similarly, if sensing device 150 includes a force sensor, the magnitude of the drive signal applied to actuator 120 may increase (or decrease) as the force increases, but is not limited to this. Similarly, if the sensing device 150 includes a light sensor, the magnitude of the drive signal applied to the actuator 120 may increase (or decrease) as the brightness of the ambient ambient light decreases, but is not limited to this.

Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wearable sound device with a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Wearable sound device WSD shown in FIG. 8 may include multiple acoustic transducers (eg, acoustic transducers SPK1 and SPK2) configured to perform acoustic conversion. That is, sound waves are generated by acoustic transducers SPK1 and SPK2, and ventilation device 100 is configured to be actuated to open and close vent 130T to suppress occlusion effects. As shown in FIG. 8, the sound waves generated by acoustic transducers SPK1 and SPK2 may propagate from the front chamber FBC of the wearable sound device WSD to the ear canal of the wearable sound device user.

The frequency range of the sound waves produced by each acoustic transducer may be designed based on the requirement(s). For example, one embodiment of an acoustic transducer may generate sound waves having a frequency range that covers the human audible frequency range (eg, 20 Hz to 20 kHz), but is not limited thereto. For example, another embodiment of an acoustic transducer may generate sound waves having a frequency higher than a particular frequency, and the acoustic transducer may be, but is not limited to, a high frequency sound unit (tweeter). For example, another embodiment of an acoustic transducer may generate sound waves having a frequency lower than a certain frequency, and the acoustic transducer may be, but is not limited to, a low frequency sound unit (woofer). Note that the specific frequency may be a value in the range of 800 Hz to 4 kHz (eg, 1.44 kHz), but is not limited thereto. Details of the high frequency sound unit and the low frequency sound unit may be found in commonly assigned US application Ser. No. 17/153,849, but are not described here for brevity.

Acoustic transducers SPK1 and SPK2 may be the same or different. For example, the acoustic transducer SPK1 may be a high frequency sound unit (tweeter), and the acoustic transducer SPK2 may be a low frequency sound unit (woofer), but is not limited thereto.

The front chamber FBC of the wearable sound device WSD shown in FIG. 8 may be connected to a first volume VL1 in the housing structure HSS in which the ventilation device 100 (shown in FIG. 1) is arranged. For example, the front chamber FBC of the wearable sound device WSD may be directly connected to the first volume VL1 in the housing structure HSS or through the ear canal of the wearable sound device user to the first volume VL1 in the housing structure HSS. can be connected to. Also, the rear chamber BBC of the wearable sound device WSD shown in FIG. 8 may be connected to a second volume VL2 in the housing structure HSS in which the ventilation device 100 (shown in FIG. 1) is arranged. For example, the rear chamber BBC of the wearable sound device WSD may be directly connected to the second volume VL2 in the housing structure HSS or through the ambient of the wearable sound device WSD to the second volume VL2 in the housing structure HSS. can be connected.

A sensing device 150, which may include acoustic sensor(s) (e.g., microphone(s)), may be located in the front chamber FBC and/or the back chamber BBC of the wearable sound device WSD, and the sensing device 150 may detect an occlusion event. configured to detect.

Ventilation device 100, acoustic transducers SPK1 and SPK2 and sensing device 150 may be electrically connected to controller 160. Controller 160 may apply acoustic drive signals to acoustic transducers SPK1 and SPK2 such that the sound waves generated by acoustic transducers SPK1 and SPK2 may correspond to the acoustic drive signals. Controller 160 may apply drive signals to venting device 100 based on sensing results of sensing device 150 to open and close vent 130T to suppress occlusion effects. For example, controller 160 may include, but is not limited to, device controller 168a and device driver 168b. For example, without limitation, device controller 168a may determine the voltage that is or will be applied to the actuation portion of actuator 120 according to sensing results generated by sensing device 150.

The ventilation device of the present invention is not limited by the embodiment(s) described above. Other embodiments of the invention are described below. To facilitate comparison, the same components are labeled with the same symbols below. In the following description, differences between each of the embodiments will be explained, and explanations of overlapping parts will be omitted.

In the embodiments below, the venting device is designed such that the vent 130T is formed/opened under conditions of low power consumption. It should be noted that the ventilation device is not limited to the embodiments below.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic illustrations of cross-sectional views showing the film structure of a ventilation device in different modes according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and the ventilation device shown in FIG. 200 is in a first mode and the ventilation device 200 shown in FIG. 10 is in a second mode. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the venting device 200 further includes a fixing structure 210 disposed on the substrate BS and adjacent to the film structure 110 (e.g., the chamber CB also includes a fixing structure 210 and a substrate BS). between). 9 and 10, the securing structure 210 may be disposed between the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 in a horizontal direction (eg, direction X). 9 and 10, the fixed structure 210 may be immobilized during operation of the ventilation device 200 such that the fixed structure 210 cannot be actuated to move.

Fixation structure 210 may be designed based on requirement(s). For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the fixing structure 210 may be parallel to the base BS (eg, the upper surface SH of the base BS), but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, between the first flap 112 and the second flap 114, between the first flap 112 and the fixed structure 210, and/or between the second flap 114 and the fixed structure. A slit 130 may be formed between the body 210 and the body 210 .

In some embodiments, in a top view, the fixation structure 210 extends across the first free end FE1 (i.e., the first free edge) of the first flap 112 in the horizontal direction (e.g., direction X). and the entire second free end FE2 (ie, the second free edge) of the second flap 114. One of the slits 130 is formed between the first flap 112 and the fixation structure 210 (i.e., two opposing side walls of the slit 130 are formed between the first flap 112 and the fixation structure 210, respectively). ), another one of the slits 130 is formed between the second flap 114 and the fixing structure 210 (i.e., the two opposite side walls of this slit 130 each belong to the second belonging to the flap 114 and the fixation structure 210). Thus, in the horizontal direction (e.g. direction FE2 is the distance between the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114 in the ventilation device 100 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-5). greater than the distance between. As shown in FIG. 9, when the ventilation device 200 is in the first mode, one of the gaps 130P exists between the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the fixed structure 210. However, another one of the gaps 130P exists between the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114 and the fixed structure 210 (i.e., the gap 130P is formed due to the presence of the slit 130). ). As shown in FIG. 10, when the ventilation device 200 is in the second mode, one of the vents 130T is formed between the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the fixed structure 210. and another one of the vents 130T is formed between the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114 and the fixed structure 210 (i.e., the vent 130T is It is formed).

In some embodiments, in a top view, the fixing structure 210 corresponds to a corresponding portion of the first free end FE1 (i.e., the first free edge) in the horizontal direction (e.g., direction X); The fixing structure 210 may not correspond to the non-corresponding portion of the first free end FE1 (i.e. the first free edge), and the fixing structure 210 is (i.e., the second free edge) and may not correspond to the non-corresponding portion of the second free end FE2 (i.e., the second free edge). A slit 130 may be formed between the first flap 112 and the second flap 114, between the first flap 112 and the securing structure 210, and between the second flap 114 and the securing structure 210. (That is, part of the side wall of slit 130 belongs to fixed structure 210). Thus, in the horizontal direction (e.g. direction X), the corresponding part of the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second The distance between the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the corresponding part of the free end FE2 of the first flap 114 in the ventilation device 100 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-5) is It is larger than the distance between the second free end FE2 and the second free end FE2. In this case, the distance between the corresponding part of the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the corresponding part of the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114 in the horizontal direction (for example, direction , is greater than the distance between the non-corresponding portions of the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the non-corresponding portions of the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114. In this case, between the corresponding part of the first free end FE1 and the fixed structure 210 and between the corresponding part of the second free end FE2 and the fixed structure 210 when the ventilation device 200 is in the first mode. , and a gap 130P may exist between the non-corresponding portion of the first free end FE1 and the non-corresponding portion of the second free end FE2 (i.e., the gap 130P is formed due to the presence of the slit 130). . In this case, between the corresponding part of the first free end FE1 and the fixed structure 210 and between the corresponding part of the second free end FE2 and the fixed structure 210 when the ventilation device 200 is in the second mode. , and a vent 130T may be formed between the non-corresponding portion of the first free end FE1 and the non-corresponding portion of the second free end FE2 (i.e., the vent 130T is formed due to the presence of the slit 130). .

As shown in FIG. 9, the venting device 200 is controlled by the controller 160 to close/seal the vent 130T when the controller 160 determines to close the vent 130T (i.e., the venting device 200 is placed in the first mode). be). Therefore, in FIG. 9, the drive signal DV1_1 and the drive signal DV2_1 are applied to the first actuation part 122 and the second actuation part 124, respectively, to move the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 to the first position. or remain in the first position, thereby closing/sealing the vent 130T. For example, the drive signal DV1_1 and the drive signal DV2_1 may be 15V, but are not limited thereto. For example, the power consumed by the ventilation device 200 in the first mode may be, but is not limited to, 0.16 mW.

As shown in FIG. 10, venting device 200 is controlled by controller 160 to form vent 130T unless controller 160 determines to close vent 130T (e.g., controller 160 determines to form vent 130T). (i.e., venting device 200 is in the second mode). Accordingly, in FIG. 10, the drive signal DV1_2 and the drive signal DV2_2 are applied to the first actuating part 122 and the second actuating part 124, respectively, and the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 are applied to form the vent 130T. control.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the controller 160 does not decide to close the vent 130T (e.g., the controller 160 decides to form the vent 130T), the venting device 200 is in the second mode, with the first flap 112 and The second flap 114 (i.e., the film structure 110) is bent and hangs downwardly into a flat position so that a vent 130T is formed. In some embodiments, in the second mode, the drive signal DV1_2 and the drive signal DV2_2 may be 0V or a ground voltage, but are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, in the second mode, the first actuating portion 122 and the second actuating portion 124 (ie, actuator 120) may be floating, but are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, no voltage may be applied to the first actuating portion 122 and the second actuating portion 124 (ie, actuator 120), but is not limited thereto. For example, the power consumed by the ventilation device 200 in the second mode may be, but is not limited to, 0.3 μW.

In the second mode, the fixed structure 210 is present between the first flap 112 and the second flap 114, so that the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second free end FE1 of the second flap 114 are 2 and the free end FE2, so that a vent 130T is formed when the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 hang downwardly below the flat position. .

According to the drive signals in these modes, the ventilation device 200 has the lowest power consumption in the second mode. In some embodiments, in the second mode, no voltage is applied to actuator 120 (i.e., the drive signal applied to actuator 120 is 0V or ground voltage, or actuator 120 is floating). Accordingly, to reduce power consumption of the venting device 200, the venting device 200 may normally be in the second mode (i.e., the vent 130T is formed), and the venting device 200 may optionally be in the first mode. mode (eg, the ventilation device 200 may be changed to a first mode for high performance acoustic transduction), but is not limited thereto.

11 and 12, FIG. 11 is a top view schematic illustration of a portion of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a film structure of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the invention, with the ventilation device 300 shown in FIG. 12 in a second mode. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the film structure 110 is bent and hangs downwardly below the flat position to form the vent(s) 130T (i.e., the venting device 300 is in the second mode). ), the film structure 110 is in a state where the film structure 110 is in the It may further include a clamping structure 310 configured to constrain deformation. For example, in FIG. 12, under the condition that the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 are bent downward and below the flat position, the clamping structure 310 112 (e.g., first free end FE1) and the second flap 114 (e.g., second free end FE2) along direction Z are greater than a distance threshold, the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 may be locked.

In this embodiment, the clamping structure 310 and the securing structure 210 may be included in the ventilation device 300, and the clamping structure 310 and the securing structure 210 are arranged at a first free end in a horizontal direction (e.g., direction X). They may correspond to different portions of the second free end FE2 (for example, the above-mentioned corresponding portions and non-corresponding portions), respectively, and may respectively correspond to different portions of the second free end FE2 (for example, the above-mentioned corresponding portions and non-corresponding portions). Accordingly, when the cross-sectional line of the cross-sectional view extends along direction X, the clamping structure 310 and the fixing structure 210 are shown in different cross-sectional views. For example, FIG. 10 shows a first portion of ventilation device 300 in a second mode, FIG. 12 shows a second portion of ventilation device 300 in a second mode, and FIG. The section includes a securing structure 210, a first flap 112 and a second flap 114, and the second section shown in FIG. include.

Clamp structure 310 may have any suitable design based on requirement(s). As shown in FIG. 11, the clamping structure 310 may be formed with slit(s) 130. For example, in FIG. 11, the slits 130 include a first slit segment 130a, a second slit segment 130b, a third slit segment 130c, a fourth slit segment 130d, and a fifth slit segment 130e, which are connected to each other in order. , the first slit segment 130a, the third slit segment 130c, and the fifth slit segment 130e may be parallel to one horizontal direction (e.g., direction Y), and the second slit segment 130b and Fourth slit segment 130d may be parallel to another horizontal direction (eg, direction X).

In FIG. 11, the clamp structure 310 can include a first clamp component 312 and a second clamp component 314, and the first clamp component 312 can be part of the first flap 112 ( Equivalently, the first clamp component 312 may belong to the first flap 112), and the second clamp component 314 may be part of the second flap 114 (equivalently, the first clamp component 312 may belong to the first flap 112). component 314 may belong to second flap 114). In FIG. 11, a first clamp component 312 may be disposed between the second clamp component 314 of the second flap 114 and another portion of the second flap 114, and the first clamp component 312 314 may be disposed between the first clamp component 312 of the first flap 112 and another portion of the first flap 112. For example, in FIG. 11, the length of the first clamp component 312 and the length of the second clamp component 314 can be substantially parallel to direction Y, but are not limited thereto. For example, clamp structure 310 may be a latch structure, but is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first flap 112 (e.g., the first free end FE1) and the second flap 114 (e.g., the second free end FE2) are aligned in the direction with a displacement greater than the distance threshold. Moving along Z, the first clamp component 312 and the second clamp component 314 buckle together to lock the first flap 112 and the second flap 114 and restrain their deformation. be done. Note that the width of the slit 130 and the size of the clamping components are related to the buckling effect of the clamping structure 310.

In this embodiment, even if the film structure 110 is restrained by the clamp structure 310, the vent 130T is still formed when the ventilation device 300 is in the second mode (e.g., as shown in FIG. , a vent 130T is formed between the flap and the fixation structure 210). Note that the design of the clamp structure 310 is related to the size of the vent 130T.

Due to the presence of the clamping structure 310, the opening size of the vent 130T of different ventilation devices 300 can be substantially the same.

Referring to FIG. 13, FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the ventilation device 400 shown in FIG. 13 in a first mode. In comparison to the venting device 200 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the venting device 400 shown in FIG. determining) and a clamp 470 configured to hold the film structure 110 in the first position. Thus, the clamp 470 may prevent the free end FE of the film structure 110 (flap) from moving downwards or upwards.

Clamp 470 may have any suitable design based on the requirement(s), and clamp 470 may be actuated to move by any suitable method. In some embodiments, actuation of clamp 470 may be controlled by an electrical signal. For example, movement of clamp 470 may be caused by thermal actuation, electrostatic actuation, magnetic actuation, piezoelectric actuation, or other suitable actuation. In some embodiments, the clamp 470 may receive an electrical signal to move the clamp 470, or may not receive an electrical signal and stop moving the clamp 470, but is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIG. 13, the clamp 470 can be placed next to the film structure 110 when viewed from above, and the clamp 470 can be moved to hold the film structure 110 or can be activated to release. For example, in FIG. 13, clamp 470 may be placed on fixed structure 210, and clamp 470 may move horizontally when clamp 470 is actuated, but is not limited thereto. For example, in FIG. 13, clamp 470 may move in a horizontal direction (e.g., direction , opposite direction X) away from the free end FE of the film structure 110 to release the film structure 110, but is not limited thereto. In FIG. 13, when clamp 470 holds film structure 110, clamp 470 prevents film structure 110 from moving downward.

In transitioning from the first mode to the second mode, the film structure 110 is freed by applying a mode change drive signal to the actuator 120 (e.g., the first actuating portion 122 and the second actuating portion 124). The ends FE (e.g., the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114) may be moved upwardly above the first position, and then Clamp 470 may move away from free end FE of film structure 110 and finally apply a second mode drive signal ( For example, by applying the drive signal DV1_2 and the drive signal DV2_2), the free end FE of the film structure 110 (e.g., the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second free end FE1 of the second flap 114) The end FE2) may hang downwardly below the first and flat position.

Conversely, in transitioning from the second mode back to the first mode, the film structure is changed by applying a mode change drive signal to actuator 120 (e.g., first actuating portion 122 and second actuating portion 124). The free ends FE of 110 (e.g., the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114) may be moved upwardly to be above the first position. , then the clamp 470 may move toward the free end FE of the film structure 110 and finally cause the actuator 120 (e.g., the first actuating portion 122 and the second actuating portion 124) to operate in a first mode. By applying signals (e.g., drive signal DV1_1 and drive signal DV2_1), the free ends FE of the film structure 110 (e.g., the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second free end FE1 of the second flap 114) The free end FE2) of may be moved downwardly to a first position so that the clamp 470 may hold the film structure 110 in the first position.

In some embodiments, the clamp 470 holds the film structure 110 in the first position so that the first mode drive signals (e.g., drive signal DV1_1 and drive signal DV2_1) correspond to the first position. It may be less than or equal to the drive signal. For example, to reduce the power consumption of the ventilation device 400 in the first mode (e.g., the power consumed by the ventilation device 400 in the first mode may be 0.3 μW), the first mode drive signal (eg, drive signal DV1_1 and drive signal DV2_1) may be 0V or a ground voltage, and actuator 120 is floating in the first mode, but is not limited thereto. That is, after clamp 470 holds film structure 110 in the first position, no voltage is applied to actuator 120 and vent 130T is closed (venting device 400 is in the first mode).

In this case, in order to reduce the power consumption of the ventilation device 400, the first mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV1_1 and drive signal DV2_1) and the second mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV1_2 and drive signal DV2_2) are used. may be 0V or ground voltage, and the actuator 120 is floating in the first mode and the second mode.

Additionally, in some embodiments, after clamp 470 holds film structure 110 in the first position, no voltage is applied to clamp 470 and vent 130T is turned off to reduce power consumption of venting device 400. Closed. In some embodiments, no voltage is applied to clamp 470 after clamp 470 releases film structure 110 to reduce power consumption of venting device 400.

Referring to FIG. 14, FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of a film structure of a ventilation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with the ventilation device 500 shown in FIG. 14 in a first mode. Compared to the ventilation device 400 shown in FIG. 13, the design of the clamp 470 is different. In FIG. 14, when the clamp 470 holds the film structure 110, the clamp 470 allows the film structure 110 to move above the first position in the first mode to control the size of the gap 130P. (for example, this movement can be caused by residual stresses).

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, FIGS. 15-17 are schematic diagrams of cross-sectional views showing the film structure of a ventilation device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 and 17 illustrate a second mode of ventilation device 600. In comparison to the ventilation device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5, the film structure 110 of the ventilation device 600 shown in FIGS. 15-17 has only one flap (i.e., the first flap 112) 130 is the boundary of the film structure 110. That is, the two opposite side walls of the slit 130 belong to the first flap 112 and other components (e.g., the right anchor structure 140 shown in FIGS. 15-17), respectively, so that the two opposite side walls of the slit 130 One sidewall is stationary/fixed during operation of the ventilation device 600.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the first mode, the first actuator 122 disposed on the first flap 112 receives the drive signal DV3_1. The first flap 112 moves to or remains in the first position according to the drive signal DV3_1 to close the vent 130T. Drive signal DV3_1 may be designed based on requirement(s). In some embodiments, the drive signal DV3_1 may be a constant voltage with a third threshold, but is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the second mode, the first actuator 122 located on the first flap 112 receives the drive signal DV3_2. According to the drive signal DV3_2, the first free end FE1 moves below the first position and the flat position to form the vent 130T. Drive signal DV3_2 may be designed based on requirement(s). In some embodiments, drive signal DV3_2 may be a constant voltage that is lower than the third threshold. For example, when the drive signal DV3_2 is 0V, the displacement of the first free end FE1 in direction Z may be −18 μm compared to the first position (or flat position). Assuming that the thickness of the film structure 110 is 5 μm, as an example, when the drive signal DV3_2 is 0V, the vent 130T is “opened” with an opening size of 13 μm (18 μm-5 μm).

As shown in FIG. 17, in another type of second mode, the first actuating part 122 arranged on the first flap 112 receives the drive signal DV3_3. According to the drive signal DV3_3, the first free end FE1 moves above the first position and the flat position to form the vent 130T. Drive signal DV3_3 may be designed based on requirement(s). In some embodiments, drive signal DV3_3 may be a constant voltage higher than the third threshold.

18 and 19, FIGS. 18 and 19 are schematic illustrations of cross-sectional views showing the film structure of a ventilation device in different modes according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 700 and FIG. 19 shows a second mode of ventilation device 700. In comparison to the ventilation device 600 shown in FIGS. 15-17, the ventilation device 700 shown in FIGS. It further includes a fixing structure 210 disposed on the side and adjacent to the film structure 110. 18 and 19, the fixed structure 210 may be immobilized during operation of the ventilation device 700 such that the fixed structure 210 cannot be actuated to move.

Fixation structure 210 may be designed based on requirement(s). For example, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the fixing structure 210 may be parallel to the base BS (eg, the upper surface SH of the base BS), but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a slit 130 may be formed between the first flap 112 and the fixation structure 210.

In some embodiments, in a top view, the fixation structure 210 extends horizontally (e.g., direction X) to the first free end FE1 (i.e., the first free edge) of the first flap 112. It may correspond to the whole or a part of the first free end FE1. As shown in FIG. 18, when the ventilation device 700 is in the first mode, a gap 130P exists between the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the fixed structure 210 (i.e., the gap 130P is formed for the slit 130). As shown in FIG. 19, when the ventilation device 700 is in the second mode, a vent 130T is formed between the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the fixed structure 210 (i.e., the vent 130T is formed for the slit 130).

In the second mode (as shown in FIG. 19), the presence of the fixation structure 210 increases the distance between the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the left anchor structure 140. . Therefore, the effect of the vent 130T can be enhanced, and the effect of suppressing the occlusion effect can be enhanced.

Referring to FIG. 20, FIG. 20 is a top view schematic illustration of a venting device according to an eighth embodiment of the invention, FIG. 20 showing a first mode of the venting device 800. In comparison to the venting device 700 shown in FIGS. 18-19, the venting device 800 shown in FIG. determining) and a clamp 470 configured to hold the film structure 110 in the first position. Thus, as shown in FIG. 20, the clamp 470 may prevent the free end FE of the film structure 110 (the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112) from moving downward or upward. The detailed design of the clamp 470 can be referred to above, and the description of overlapping parts will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 20, the clamp 470 can be placed next to the film structure 110 when viewed from above, and the clamp 470 can be moved to hold the film structure 110 or can be activated to release. For example, in FIG. 20, the clamp 470 may be disposed on the substrate BS adjacent the side edge 110S of the first flap 112 (i.e., the side edge of the film structure 110), the side edge 110S being , may be directly connected to the first free end FE1 (ie, the first free edge), but is not limited thereto. For example, in FIG. 20, clamp 470 may move horizontally when clamp 470 is actuated, but is not limited thereto. For example, in FIG. 20, the clamp 470 may move horizontally (e.g., direction Y) toward the side edge 110S of the first flap 112 to hold the first flap 112; The first flap 112 may be moved away from the side edge 110S of the first flap 112 in a direction (eg, opposite direction Y) to release the first flap 112, but is not limited thereto. In FIG. 20, the ventilation device 800 includes two clamps 470 to capture the first flap 112 at two opposing side edges 110S to prevent the first flap 112 from moving downward and upward. may have.

In transitioning from the first mode to the second mode, the clamp 470 moves away from the side edge 110S of the film structure 110 (i.e., the first flap 112) to release the film structure 110. (In FIG. 20, the venting device 800 changes from state TU1 to state TU2), and then applies a second mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV3_2) to the actuator 120 (e.g., first actuating portion 122). By doing so, the free end FE of the film structure 110 (eg, the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112) is moved and hangs downwardly below the first and flat positions.

Conversely, in transitioning from the second mode back to the first mode, the free end FE of the film structure 110 (e.g. , the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112 and the second free end FE2 of the second flap 114) are moved upwardly to the first position, after which the clamp 470 is attached to the side edge of the film structure 110. 110S to hold the film structure 110 in the first position (in FIG. 20, the ventilation device 800 changes from state TU2 to state TU1).

In some embodiments, the clamp 470 holds the film structure 110 in the first position such that the first mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV3_1) is less than or equal to the drive signal corresponding to the first position. could be. For example, to reduce the power consumption of the ventilation device 800 in the first mode (e.g., the power consumed by the ventilation device 800 in the first mode may be 0.3 μW), the first mode drive signal (For example, the drive signal DV3_1) may be 0V or a ground voltage, and the actuator 120 is floating in the first mode, but is not limited thereto. That is, after clamp 470 holds film structure 110 in the first position, no voltage is applied to actuator 120 and vent 130T is closed (venting device 800 is in the first mode).

In this case, to reduce power consumption of the ventilation device 800, the first mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV3_1) and the second mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV3_2) are at 0V or ground voltage. Alternatively, the actuator 120 is floating in the first mode and the second mode.

Further, in some embodiments, after clamp 470 holds film structure 110 in the first position, no voltage is applied to clamp 470 and vent 130T is turned off to reduce power consumption of venting device 800. Closed. In some embodiments, no voltage is applied to clamp 470 after clamp 470 releases film structure 110 to reduce power consumption of venting device 800.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, FIGS. 21-23 are cross-sectional schematic diagrams showing a film structure 110 of a ventilation device in different modes according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; 23 shows the first mode of the ventilation device 900, and FIG. 22 shows the transition between the first mode and the second mode. In comparison to the venting device 700 shown in FIGS. 18-19, the venting device 900 shown in FIGS. 21-23 has a venting device 900 shown in FIGS. mode) and a clamp 470 configured to hold the film structure 110 in the first position. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 23, the clamp 470 may prevent the free end FE of the film structure 110 (the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112) from moving downward or upward. The detailed design of the clamp 470 can be referred to above, and overlapping parts will not be described.

As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the clamp 470 can be placed next to the film structure 110 when viewed from above, and the clamp 470 can be moved to hold the film structure 110 or May be actuated to release body 110. For example, in FIGS. 21-23, the clamp 470 is positioned on the fixed structure 210 adjacent the free end FE of the film structure 110 (i.e., the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112). obtain. For example, in FIGS. 21-23, clamp 470 may move horizontally when clamp 470 is actuated, but is not limited thereto. For example, in FIG. 20, clamp 470 moves toward the free end FE of film structure 110 in a horizontal direction (e.g., direction X) to hold film structure 110; The film structure 110 may, but is not limited to, be moved away from the free end FE of the film structure 110 in a direction opposite to the direction In FIG. 23, when clamp 470 is holding film structure 110, clamp 470 prevents film structure 110 from moving downward.

In the transition from the second mode (FIG. 21) to the first mode (FIG. 23), as shown in FIG. Thereby, the free end FE of the film structure 110 (eg, the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112) may be moved upwardly to be above the first position. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 23, by applying a first mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV3_1) to the actuator 120, the clamp 470 moves toward the free end FE of the film structure 110, and the Free end FE of structure 110 may move downwardly to a first position such that clamp 470 may hold film structure 110 in the first position.

Conversely, in the transition from the first mode (FIG. 23) to the second mode (FIG. 21), the film is The free end FE of the structure 110 (eg, the first free end FE1 of the first flap 112) may be moved upwardly to be above the first position. Thereafter, by applying a second mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV3_2) to the actuator 120, the clamp 470 may be moved away from the free end FE of the film structure 110 and The end FE may hang downwardly below the first and flat positions.

For example, clamp 470 holds film structure 110 in a first position, thereby reducing power consumption of venting device 900 in the first mode (e.g., the power consumed by venting device 900 in the first mode is 0.3 μW), the first mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV3_1) may be 0V or ground voltage, and the actuator 120 is floating in the first mode, but this but not limited to. That is, after clamp 470 holds film structure 110 in the first position, no voltage is applied to actuator 120 and vent 130T is closed (venting device 900 is in the first mode).

In this case, in order to reduce the power consumption of the ventilation device 900, the first mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV3_1) and the second mode drive signal (e.g., drive signal DV3_2) are at 0V or ground voltage. Alternatively, the actuator 120 is floating in the first mode and the second mode.

Additionally, in some embodiments, after clamp 470 holds film structure 110 in the first position, no voltage is applied to clamp 470 and vent 130T is turned off to reduce power consumption of venting device 900. Closed. In some embodiments, no voltage is applied to clamp 470 after clamp 470 releases film structure 110 to reduce power consumption of venting device 900.

Referring to FIG. 24, FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a film structure of a venting device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 shows a second mode of venting device 1000. Compared to the ventilation device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5, the ventilation device 1000 shown in FIG. 24 has multiple film structures 110 secured by the same or different anchor structures 140. In the first mode, the film structure 110 may be moved to and maintained in a first position. In the second mode, the film structure 110 may be bent downward and below the first and flat positions. The multiple film structures 110 may be integrated into the same chip CP or may belong to different chips CP (for example, in FIG. 24, the multiple film structures 110 belong to different chips CP). Please note.

In a second mode, shown in FIG. 24, a plurality of small vents 130TS may be formed by the film structure 110. The width of the small vent 130TS formed between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 in the second mode is greater than the width of the gap 130P existing between the two opposing side walls of the slit 130 in the first mode. big. Because the ventilation device 1000 has multiple film structures 110 forming multiple small vents 130TS, the effect of the multiple small vents 130TS shown in FIG. 24 is similar to the effect of a single vent 130T in other embodiments. are equivalent. Therefore, occlusion effects will be suppressed by the ventilation device 1000 in the second mode shown in FIG. 24.

Further, since the film structure 110 can be bent downward, the drive signal DV1_2 and the drive signal DV2_2 may be 0V or ground voltage, and the first actuation part 122 and the second actuation part 124 are free from floating. may be used, but is not limited to this. Therefore, the power consumption of the ventilation device 1000 in the second mode is reduced.

In summary, the presence of the slit allows the ventilation device to form a vent to suppress occlusion effects or close the vent to allow the acoustic transducer to perform acoustic conversion with high performance. That is, the slit functions as a dynamic front vent of the ventilation device.

Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and variations of the devices and methods may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the boundaries of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (20)

A ventilation device disposed within or to be disposed within a wearable sound device, the ventilation device comprising:
An anchor structure;
a film structure having an anchor end fixed on the anchor structure and a free end configured to form a vent or close the vent;
an actuator disposed on the film structure;
The film structure partitions a space into a first volume and a second volume, and the first volume and the second volume are connected via the vent when the vent is formed. ,
the venting device is controlled by the controller to seal the vent when the controller determines to close the vent;
ventilation device. When the controller decides to close the vent, the film structure is actuated and maintained in a first position according to a voltage generated by the controller;
the first position is parallel to the substrate on which the ventilation device is placed;
A ventilation device according to claim 1. The venting device of claim 1, further comprising: a clamp configured to hold the film structure in a first position when the controller determines to close the vent. 4. The venting device of claim 3, wherein after the clamp holds the film structure in the first position, no voltage is applied to the actuator and the vent is closed. 4. The ventilation device of claim 3, wherein the clamp prevents the free end of the film structure from moving downwardly or upwardly. 4. A venting device according to claim 3, wherein the clamp is arranged lateral to the film structure when viewed from above. 4. A ventilation device according to claim 3, wherein the clamp moves horizontally when the clamp is actuated. 4. The venting device of claim 3, wherein after the clamp holds the film structure in the first position, no voltage is applied to the clamp and the vent is closed. If the controller does not decide to close the vent, the film structure bends downwardly below a flat position, forming the vent;
the flat position is parallel to the substrate on which the ventilation device is placed;
A ventilation device according to claim 1. If the controller does not decide to close the vent, no voltage is applied to the actuator and the film structure hangs downwardly below a flat position, forming the vent;
the flat position is parallel to the substrate on which the ventilation device is placed;
A ventilation device according to claim 1. The film structure includes a first flap and a second flap,
The actuator includes a first actuating part disposed on the first flap and a second actuating part disposed on the second flap.
A ventilation device according to claim 1. 12. The venting device of claim 11, wherein when the controller determines to close the vent, the first flap and the second flap are actuated and maintained in a first position to close the vent. . a fixing structure disposed between the first flap and the second flap;
If the controller does not decide to close the vent, the first flap and the second flap are bent downwardly below a flat position to form the vent;
the flat position is parallel to the substrate on which the ventilation device is placed;
A ventilation device according to claim 11. 14. A ventilation device according to claim 13, wherein the fixed structure is parallel to the substrate. 12. The venting device of claim 11, wherein no voltage is applied to the first actuator unless the controller decides to close the vent. When the controller determines to form the vent, the first flap is actuated by a first voltage to move toward the first direction, and the second flap is moved toward the first direction. is actuated by a second voltage to move toward an opposite second direction;
the first voltage and the second voltage are generated by the controller;
A ventilation device according to claim 11. a slit is formed in the film structure to form a clamp structure;
the clamp structure formed on the film structure is configured to suppress deformation of the film structure when the controller determines to form the vent;
A ventilation device according to claim 1. 18. The vent of claim 17, wherein the clamping structure has two clamping components that are buckled together when the clamping structure restrains the deformation of the film structure. device. a fixing structure disposed on a substrate and adjacent to the film structure;
A venting device according to claim 1, comprising: a clamp disposed on the fixed structure. The ventilation device of claim 1, wherein the wearable sound device comprises the controller and an acoustic transducer configured to perform acoustic conversion.