WO2020249200A1

WO2020249200A1 - Earphone with ventilation arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2020249200A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/065303
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jyri PAKARINEN
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2019-06-12
Filing date: 2019-06-12
Publication date: 2020-12-17
Also published as: JP7332092B2; CN113940093A; EP3957079A1; JP2022535677A

Abstract

An earphone (1) comprising a body (2) comprising a first side (2a), a second side (2b), and a peripheral surface (2c) extending between the first side (2a) and the second side (2b), a center axis (A1) of the body (2) extending from the first side (2a) to the second side (2b), and a ventilation duct (3) extending at least partially through the body (2) in a direction of the center axis (Al) of the body (2). The ventilation duct (3) comprises a first opening (3a), second opening (3b), and a ventilation path (3c) extending between the first opening (3a) and the second opening (3b). The first opening (3 a) and the second opening (3b) allow air flow through the ventilation path (3c). The ventilation path (3c) is closeable and openable, during use of the earphone (1), by means of manual movement of at least a part of the earphone (1) between a closed position (P1) and an open position (P2). This allows the user to choose when to be well isolated from ambient sounds, and when to ventilate, without using electronics.

Description

EARPHONE WITH VENTILATION ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an earphone comprising a body and a ventilation duct extending at least partially through the body.

BACKGROUND

In a noisy environment, such as when commuting, conventional earphones are oftentimes found to not isolate ambient sounds enough, which leads to a sub-optimal listening experience, or to isolate too much, which leads to a pressurized or isolated feeling with potential ear canal discomfort due to sweating, etc.

Conventional earphones attempt to overcome these problems by means of electronic solutions. For example, the earphone may comprise electronic hear-through, i.e. microphones and loudspeakers being used to feed ambient sounds into the ear canal. This allows natural ambient sounds, but does address the mechanical discomfort which is, e.g., due to lack of ventilation. In a further example, the earphone comprises electronically- controlled ventilation using an air vent which is opened and closed electronically. This allows air to flow freely, at least periodically, but the solution is complex and expensive to implement with reliability. Furthermore, both of these solutions require additional components, e.g. hardware such as microphones and digital signal processors, and they require electric power in order to operate, which may not be possible in true wireless stereo headsets. SUMMARY

It is an object to provide an improved earphone with ventilation possibilities. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claim. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an earphone comprising a body comprising a first side, a second side, and a peripheral surface extending between the first side and the second side, a center axis of the body extending from the first side to the second side, and a ventilation duct extending at least partially through the body in a direction of the center axis of the body, the ventilation duct comprising a first opening, second opening, and a ventilation path extending between the first opening and the second opening, the first opening and the second opening allowing air flow through the ventilation path, the ventilation path being closeable and openable, during use of the earphone, by means of manual movement of at least a part of the earphone between a closed position and an open position.

Such a solution allows the user to choose when to be well isolated from ambient sounds, and when to ventilate, without using electronics. This provides a less power consuming device which also can have a smaller footprint since fewer components are necessary for operating it. Furthermore, due to its simple mechanical configuration, the device is more reliable than electronically operated prior art.

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

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first opening is located at the peripheral surface of the body and the second opening is located at the second side of the body. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the ventilation duct extends through an interior of the body, such that the ventilation path forms a closed channel extending through the body, providing an earphone with excellent insulating properties against ambient sound.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the ventilation duct extends along the peripheral surface of the body, such that the ventilation path forms an open groove in the body, which facilitates a simple manufacturing process as well as a reliable and easy-to-operate earphone.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the earphone further comprises a moveable member adapted for closing and opening the first opening of the ventilation duct, the moveable member being connected to the body adjacent the first opening, providing an earphone in which the moveable part is not in direct contact with the ear canal and which therefore may be more comfortable for the user during operation.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the moveable member is one of pivotable or rotatable, between the closed position and the open position, in a plane extending perpendicular to the center axis of the body, or the moveable member is axially displaceable, between the closed position and the open position, in the direction of the center axis, facilitating an easy-to-reach and easy-to-operate opening and closing mechanism.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the moveable member comprises a throughgoing opening at least partially overlapping the first opening in the open position, providing a reliable connection between the ventilation duct and the exterior.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the earphone further comprises a fixed member, fixedly connected to the body, the moveable member being arranged between the body and the fixed member, the fixed member comprising at least one recess at least partially overlapping the throughgoing opening of the moveable member in the open position, facilitating high stability of the moveable member also during movement.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the moveable member is connected to the body by means of a pivot, a longitudinal axis of the pivot extending parallel with, and offset from, the center axis of the body, such that the moveable member is eccentrically pivotable in relation to the body, facilitating a very easy-to-operate earphone as well as a small form factor, which is particularly important for true wireless earphones.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the moveable member is connected to the body by means of a rotation shaft, wherein a longitudinal axis of the rotation shaft coincides with the center axis of the body, facilitating an earphone which has the same outer appearance and dimensions regardless of if it is in the open position or the closed position.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the moveable member is solid and connected to the body by means of a spring arrangement, the moveable member being moveable between the closed position and the open position in the direction of the center axis, facilitating a simple and inexpensive earphone.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a headset comprising at least one earphone according to the above, wherein the second opening of the earphone is adapted for placement adjacent or within an ear canal of a user, and the first opening of the earphone is adapted for placement outside of the ear canal such that at least a part of the earphone can be moved manually between a closed position and an open position by the user. This allows the user to choose when to be well isolated from ambient sounds, and when to ventilate, without using electronics. The headset is less power consuming and more reliable than electronically operated prior art. According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of manually opening and closing a ventilation duct of an earphone according to the above when placed in an ear of a user, the method comprising: manually applying pressure to the earphone such that at least a part of the earphone is moved between a closed position and an open position. The method allows the user to choose when to be well isolated from ambient sounds, and when to ventilate, by means of a simple manual move and without using electronics.

In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, manually applying pressure comprises the user rotating at least one of the body and the moveable member of the earphone, facilitating an easy-to-reach and easy-to -operate opening and closing mechanism.

In a further possible implementation form of the third aspect, manually applying pressure comprises the user pushing the moveable member of the earphone momentarily in the direction of the center axis of the body of the earphone, facilitating a simple and inexpensive earphone.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an earphone in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the earphone is in a closed position;

Fig. 2a shows an exploded view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2b shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2a, wherein the earphone is in an open position;

Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of an earphone in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the earphone is in a closed position;

Fig. 3b shows the embodiment of Fig. 3a, wherein the earphone is in an open position;

Fig. 4a shows an exploded view of an earphone in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4b shows the embodiment of Fig. 4a, wherein the earphone is in a closed position;

Fig. 4c shows the embodiment of Figs. 4a and 4b, wherein the earphone is in an open position.

Fig. 5a shows a perspective view of an earphone in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the earphone is in an open position;

Fig. 5b shows the embodiment of Fig. 5a, wherein the earphone is in a closed position;

Fig. 6a shows a perspective view of an earphone in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the earphone is in an open position;

Fig. 6b shows the embodiment of Fig. 6a, wherein the earphone is in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs. 1 to 6b show embodiments of an earphone 1 adapted forplacement adjacent orwithin an ear canal of a user. The earphone 1 comprises a body 2 comprising a first side 2a, a second side 2b, and a peripheral surface 2c extending between the first side 2a and the second side 2b. The body

2 may be cylindrical, but may also have any suitable shape which fits the shape of the ear and ear canal of the user. The center axis A1 of the body 2 extends from the first side 2a to the second side 2b. The earphone 1 also comprises a ventilation duct 3 which extends at least partially through the body 2 in the direction of the center axis A1. The ventilation duct

3 allows air, and sound waves, to flow from an exterior into the ear canal of the user. The ventilation duct 3 comprises a first opening 3 a, second opening 3b, and a ventilation path 3c extending between the first opening 3a and the second opening 3b, air flowing into the ventilation path 3c from the first opening 3a and/or the second opening 3b.

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

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

At least a part of the earphone 1 can be moved manually between a closed position P 1 and an open position P2 by the user, such that the ventilation path 3c is closed and opened during use. The ventilation duct 3 is closed when the flow of air, and sound waves, is completely or partially sealed off, i.e. cannot pass from the first opening 3a to the second opening 3b, or from the second opening 3b to the first opening 3a, through the ventilation path 3c. The ventilation duct 3 may be sealed off at the first opening 3a when the earphone 1 is in the closed position PI as shown in Figs. 1, 3b, 4c, and 5a, at the second opening 3b, or within the ventilation path 3c as shown in Fig. 6b. Correspondingly, the ventilation duct 3 is open when air, and soundwaves, can pass freely from the first opening 3 a to the second opening 3b, or from the second opening 3b to the first opening 3a, through the ventilation path 3c.

The ventilation duct 3 may extend along the peripheral surface 2c of the body 2, as shown in Figs. 4a to 4c and 6a to 6b, such that the ventilation path 3c forms an open groove in the body 2, along its outside. The open groove may extend in parallel with the center axis, or may have any suitable path which conforms to the ear canal of the user.

In further embodiments, shown in Figs. 1 to 3b and 5a to 5b, the ventilation duct 3 extends through an interior of the body 2, such that the ventilation path 3c forms a closed channel extending through the body 2.

The ventilation duct 3 may extend such that it is sealed at the first opening 3 a or within the ventilation path 3c by means of the user’s ear, by rotating the body 2 to a position in which the ventilation duct 3 is closed by means of the ear tissue such as the antitragus, as shown in Figs. 5a to 6b. As shown in Fig. 5a, the first opening 3a is unobstructed by ear tissue when in the open position. As shown in Fig. 6a, the first opening 3a and a part of the ventilation path 3c are unobstructed by ear tissue when in the open position. Correspondingly, ear tissue obstructs the first opening 3a and the ventilation path 3c when in the closed position, as shown in Figs. 5b and 6b.

The earphone 1 may comprise a moveable member 4 adapted for closing and opening the ventilation duct 3 my means of sealing the first opening 3a. The moveable member 4 may be connected to the body 2 adjacent the first opening 3a of the ventilation duct 3. The moveable member 4 may have a peripheral shape which corresponds to the peripheral shape of the body 2 in a plane perpendicular to the center axis A1 , as shown in Figs. 1 , 2a, 2b, and 4a to 4c. However, any suitable shape is conceivable, and the moveable member 4 may have a peripheral border which is larger, or smaller as shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, than the peripheral border of the body 2. As shown in Figs. 2a and 2b, the moveable member 4 may be pivotable between the closed position PI and the open position P2, in the plane extending perpendicular to the center axis A1 of the body 2. The moveable member 4 may be connected to the body 2 by means of a pivot 6, shown in Fig. 2a. The longitudinal axis A2 of the pivot 6 extends parallel with, and offset from, the center axis A1 of the body 2, such that the moveable member 4 is eccentrically pivotable in relation to the body 2.

As shown in Figs. 4a to 4c, the moveable member 4 may be rotatable, between the closed position PI and the open position P2, in the plane extending perpendicular to the center axis A1 of the body 2. The moveable member 4 may be connected to the body 2 by means of a rotation shaft 7, the longitudinal axis A3 of the rotation shaft 7 coinciding with the center axis A1 of the body 2.

The moveable member 4 may comprise at least one throughgoing opening 4a, as shown in Figs. 3a to 4c. The throughgoing opening 4a may have a shape which corresponds at least partially to the shape of the first opening 3 a of the ventilation duct 3. The throughgoing opening 4a may align with, but at least partially overlap, the first opening 3a in the open position, as shown in Figs. 3a and 4c.

The earphone 1 may further comprise a fixed member 5 which is fixedly connected to the body 2. The moveable member 4 may be arranged between the body 2 and the fixed member 5, as shown in Figs. 4a to 4c. The fixed member 5 may comprise at least one recess 5a which may align with, and at least partially overlap, the throughgoing opening 4a of the moveable member 4 in the open position, as shown in Fig. 4c.

As shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, the moveable member 4 may be axially displaceable, between the closed position PI and the open position P2, in the direction of the center axis Al . The moveable member 4 may be solid, i.e. not comprise any openings or recesses, and may be connected to the body 2 by means of a spring arrangement 9, e.g. comprising a compression spring. The moveable member 4 is moveable between the closed position PI and the open position P2 in the direction of the center axis Al . The present invention furthermore relates to a headset comprising at least one earphone 1 , preferably two earphones 1 , i.e. one for each ear. The second opening 3b of each earphone 1 is adapted for placement adjacent or within one of the user’s ear canals, and the first opening 3 a of the earphone 1 is adapted for placement outside of the same ear canal. At least a part of each earphone 1 can be moved manually between a closed position PI and an open position P2 by the user.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method of manually opening and closing the ventilation duct 3 of the earphone 1 , by manually applying pressure to the earphone 1 such that at least a part of the earphone 1 is moved between a closed position PI and an open position P2.

Manually applying pressure may comprise the user rotating at least one of the body 2 and the moveable member 4 of the earphone 1 , as shown in Figs. 1 to 2b, and Figs. 4a to 4c.

Manually applying pressure may also comprise the user pushing the moveable member 4 of the earphone 1 momentarily in the direction of the center axis A1 of the body 2 of the earphone 1 , as shown in Figs.3a and 3b. A first momentary push opens the ventilation path 3c, while a second momentary push closes the ventilation path 3c.

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

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

Claims

1. An earphone (1) comprising a body (2) comprising a first side (2a), a second side (2b), and a peripheral surface (2c) extending between said first side (2a) and said second side (2b), a center axis (At) of said body (2) extending from said first side (2a) to said second side (2b), and a ventilation duct (3) extending at least partially through said body (2) in a direction of said center axis (Al) of said body (2),

said ventilation duct (3) comprising a first opening (3a), second opening (3b), and a ventilation path (3c) extending between said first opening (3a) and said second opening (3b), said first opening (3a) and said second opening (3b) allowing air flow through said ventilation path (3c), said ventilation path (3c) being closeable and openable, during use of said earphone (1), by means of manual movement of at least a part of said earphone (1 ) between a closed position (PI) and an open position (P2).

2. The earphone (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first opening (3a) is located at said first side (2a) of said body (2) and said second opening (3b) is located at said second side (2b) of said body (2).

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

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

5. The earphone (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said ventilation duct (3) extends along said peripheral surface (2c) of said body (2), such that said ventilation path (3c) forms an open groove in said body (2).

6. The earphone (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said earphone (1) further comprises a moveable member (4) adapted for closing and opening said first opening (3a) of said ventilation duct (3), said moveable member (4) being connected to said body (2) adjacent said first opening (3a).

7. The earphone (1) according to claim 6, wherein said moveable member (4) is one of pivotable or rotatable, between said closed position (PI) and said open position (P2), in a plane extending perpendicular to said center axis (Al) of said body (2), or

said moveable member (4) is axially displaceable, between said closed position (PI) and said open position (P2), in said direction of said center axis (Al).

8. The earphone (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said moveable member (4) comprises a throughgoing opening (4a) at least partially overlapping said first opening (3a) in said open position.

9. The earphone (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said earphone (1) further comprises a fixed member (5), fixedly connected to said body (2), said moveable member (4) being arranged between said body (2) and said fixed member (5),

said fixed member (5) comprising at least one recess (5a) at least partially overlapping said throughgoing opening (4a) of said moveable member (4) in said open position.

10. The earphone (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein said moveable member (4) is connected to said body (2) by means of a pivot (6), a longitudinal axis (A2) of said pivot (6) extending parallel with, and offset from, said center axis (Al) of said body (2), such that said moveable member (4) is eccentrically pivotable in relation to said body (2).

11. The earphone (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein said moveable member (4) is connected to said body (2) by means of a rotation shaft (7), wherein a longitudinal axis (A3) of said rotation shaft (7) coincides with said center axis (Al) of said body (2).

12. The earphone (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein said moveable member (4) is solid and connected to said body (2) by means of a spring arrangement (8), said moveable member (4) being moveable between said closed position (PI) and said open position (P2) in said direction of said center axis (Al).

13. A headset comprising at least one earphone (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second opening (3b) of said earphone (1) is adapted for placement adjacent or within an ear canal of a user, and

the first opening (3a) of said earphone (1 ) is adapted for placement outside of said ear canal such that at least a part of said earphone (1) can be moved manually between a closed position (PI) and an open position (P2) by said user.

14. A method of manually opening and closing a ventilation duct (3) of an earphone (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 when placed in an ear of a user, said method comprising:

manually applying pressure to said earphone (1) such that at least a part of said earphone (1) is moved between a closed position (PI) and an open position (P2).

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

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein manually applying pressure comprises said user pushing the moveable member (4) of said earphone (1) momentarily in the direction of the center axis (Al) of the body (2) of said earphone (1).