WO2021223831A1

WO2021223831A1 - True wireless earphone

Info

Publication number: WO2021223831A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/062232
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laura Laaksonen; Tommi Raussi; Jyri PAKARINEN; Sami Tapani LEHTOVAARA
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-05-04
Filing date: 2020-05-04
Publication date: 2021-11-11
Also published as: CN115462093A

Abstract

An earphone (1) comprising an outer body (2) configured to be arranged at least partially on a first side of a tragus of a user, an inner body (3) configured to be arranged at least partially on a second side of the tragus, and a connecting arrangement (4) configured to pivotally interconnect the outer body (2) and the inner body (3) across the tragus. The connecting arrangement (4) connects a first end (2a) of the outer body (2) and a first end (3a) of the inner body (3), allowing one of the outer body (2) and the inner body (3) to be pivoted with respect to the other of the outer body (2) and the inner body (3) between a closed position (P1) and at least one open position (P2). The connecting arrangement (4) is pre-loaded with internal force (I) such that the outer body (2) and the inner body (3) are held in the closed position (P1) when unaffected by external force (E). The outer body (2) and the inner body (3) are configured to move from the closed position (P1) to the open position (P2) by application of the external force (E), the external force (E) being oppositely directed to and larger than the internal force (I). The earphone 1 is both comfortable and has a secure fit, as it adapts to the specific shapes of the user's tragus, concha, and/or ear canal.

Description

TRUE WIRELESS EARPHONE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an earphone comprising an outer body, an inner, and a connecting arrangement connecting the outer body and the inner body.

BACKGROUND

Two important objectives to meet when designing true wireless (TWS) earphones are good comfort and secure fit. Achieving this combination is challenging, since dimensions and shapes of ears vary from person to person. Furthermore, in order to achieve a secure fit, the earphone requires support from some part of the ear, but at the same time too much support, i.e. pressure, causes the user pain. Most current earphones are supported by a silicon ear tip inserted into the ear canal, and/or supported against the device main body in the concha area of the ear. However, the ear canal is very sensitive, and the dimensions of both the ear canal and the concha, as well as the relative angle between the ear canal and the concha, can vary a lot between individuals.

Other earphone solutions comprise members which extend over or under the auricle of the ear. Such solutions increase the number of pressure points on the ear, do not work well with e.g. jewelry, eyewear, or protective equipment, and are highly visible. Furthermore, they take up more space and are more complex to manufacture as they comprise at least partially moveable parts. SUMMARY

It is an object to provide an earphone with improved comfort and a more secure fit. 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 an outer body configured to be arranged at least partially on a first side of a tragus of a user, an inner body configured to be arranged at least partially on a second side of the tragus, and a connecting arrangement configured to pivotally interconnect the outer body and the inner body across the tragus, the connecting arrangement connecting a first end of the outer body and a first end of the inner body, allowing one of the outer body and the inner body to be pivoted with respect to the other of the outer body and the inner body between a closed position and at least one open position, the connecting arrangement being pre-loaded by internal force such that the outer body and the inner body are held in the closed position when unaffected by external force, and the outer body and the inner body being configured to move from the closed position to the open position by application of the external force, the external force being oppositely directed to and larger than the internal force.

Such a solution facilitates a comfortable earphone which has a secure fit as it adapts to the specific shapes of the user’s tragus, concha, and/or ear canal. The solution provides a very easy-to-operate earphone which is both reliably secured to the ear and has a small form factor, which is particularly important for true wireless earphones. Furthermore, the solution allows unlimited use of eyewear, jewelry etc., as it does not extend in any direction affecting such equipment.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the internal force forces a second end of the outer body towards a second end of the inner body, such that a closing angle between the outer body and the inner body is al>0° when the outer body and the inner body are in the closed position, and the external force forces the second end of the outer body away from the second end of the inner body, such that an opening angle between the outer body and the inner body is the same as, or larger than, the closing angle, when the outer body and the inner body are in the open position, allowing the tragus to be arranged between the outer body and the inner body. This connection arrangement allows the angle between the outer body and the inner body to be adjusted upon insertion of the inner body into the ear, such that the angle corresponds to the size of the tragus of the specific user, allowing the earphone to fit securely onto, and into, the ear.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the connection arrangement allows the opening angle between the outer body and the inner body to be adjusted upon arrangement of the inner body at the second side of the tragus.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the outer body comprises a recess configured to, at least partially, receive the inner body when the outer body and the inner body are in the closed position, protecting the inner body and the connecting arrangement from the exterior of the earphone.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the connecting arrangement is invisible at least when the outer body and the inner body are in the closed position, not only keeping the connecting arrangement protected from the exterior but also giving the earphone a very clean look.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the connecting arrangement comprises a torsion spring or a flexible material extending between the first end of the outer body and the first end of the inner body.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the outer body comprises at least one microphone, preferably a bone conducting microphone, allowing the audio quality of the earphone to be enhanced as the outer body of the earphone is supported by the cheekbone of the user. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the inner body comprises at least one speaker and/or at least one microphone.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the outer body and/or the inner body comprises at least one sensor, allowing the earphone to change configuration automatically in response to specific sensor data.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the sensor is configured to non-invasively detect user specific data, e.g. facilitating detection and monitoring of specific of health data.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the sensor is configured to detect when the outer body and the inner body are in at least one of the closed position and the open position, reducing the power consumption of the earphone as it may be automatically turned off when the earphone changes configuration to the closed position.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the outer body and/or the inner body is in the closed position and/or in the open position, is detected by measuring stress generated in the connecting arrangement by the internal force.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the outer body and the inner body are at least partially rigid, and the connection arrangement is at least partially flexible, providing a durable earphone with has a softer, more comfortable connection arrangement extending across the tragus of the user.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the outer body and the inner body are of materials having a higher Shore value than a material of the connection arrangement.

These and other aspects will be apparent from 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:

Figs la to Id illustrate the ear areas where prior art solutions find support;

Fig. 2 illustrates an earphone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, when in use;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of an earphone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention when in use;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic, perspective view of an earphone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; when out of use;

Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of Fig. 4, when in use;

Fig. 6a shows a schematic side view of a connecting arrangement of an earphone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6b shows a schematic side view of a connecting arrangement of an earphone in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs la to Id indicate the areas where prior art earphones are arranged, in the ear of a user, more particularly in the concha and ear canal, and optionally also around the auricle, of the user. The solutions are difficult to place both comfortably and securely into/onto the ear. Fig. la illustrates an in-ear design where support is found in the concha and in the ear canal, areas which both are very sensitive to pressure such that the device is easily found uncomfortable. Fig. lb illustrates an in-ear design where support is found in the concha only, for example comprising a hanging support stem which balances the concha part of the device. Such solutions do not fit everyone, only approximately 60 % of individuals. Fig. lc illustrates a device where support is found in the concha and over the auricle, making the device highly visible and very unsuitable for use with e.g. eyewear. Fig. Id illustrates a device where support is found in the concha and under the auricle, making the device highly visible and unsuitable for use with e.g. jewelry.

Figs. 4 and 5 show an earphone 1 comprising an outer body 2 configured to be arranged at least partially on a first side of a tragus of a user, an inner body 3 configured to be arranged at least partially on a second side of the tragus, and a connecting arrangement 4 configured to pivotally interconnect the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 across the tragus. Figs. 2 and 3 show the earphone 1 in use, arranged such that it extends across the tragus, essentially pinching or clasping the tragus, and getting its support from the tragus as well as the cheekbone of the user. By having solid contact with the upper jaw/cheekbone of the user, the accuracy of tactile input detection, from the user (cheek tap), may be improved, or such use of tactile feedback from the user may simply be allowed.

The earphone 1 may also get some support from the ear canal, if the inner body 3 is inserted into the ear canal. At least an ear bud of the inner body 3 may be inserted into the ear canal. However, the earphone 1 may be both an in-ear device and an intra concha device.

Preferably, the earphone 1 is mainly supported against the cheekbone, which is not as sensitive as the ear canal. The outer body 2 and the inner body 3 may one or both be substantially oblong, forming two legs having one longitudinal axis each. The longitudinal axes are indicated in Figs. 4 and 5, with a solid line for the outer body 2 and a dashed line for the inner body 3. The connecting arrangement 4 functions as a hinge, i.e. connects a first end 2a of the outer body 2 and a first end 3 a of the inner body 3, while allowing one of the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 to be pivoted with respect to the other of the outer body 2 and the inner body 3, between a closed position PI and at least one open position P2. A closed position PI is shown in Fig. 4, and open positions P2 are shown in Figs. 3 and 5. Pivoting is preferably allowed only around one pivot axis, the pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the main extent, i.e. the longitudinal axes, of the outer body 2 and the inner body 3.

The connecting arrangement 4 is pre-loaded by internal force I such that the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 are held in the closed position PI when unaffected by external force E. This internal force I pulls the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 towards each other at all times, such that, when in use, the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 of the electronic device 1 together pinch or clasp the tragus of the user, without causing pain or discomfort. The relatively fixed position between the outer body 2 and the inner body 3, facilitated by pivoting around only one axis, ensures that the outer body 2 is directed towards the user’s mouth, as shown in Fig. 2, the sound port and speaker being aligned with the user’s ear canal, and that sensors can be placed adjacent the cheekbone. Directing the outer body 2 (and associated microphones) towards user’s mouth is important to achieve good uplink speech quality.

The outer body 2 and the inner body 3 are configured to move from the closed position PI to the open position P2 by application of external force E, the external force E being oppositely directed to and larger than the internal force I. External force is applied either by means of the fingers of the user, when placing the earphone 1 onto/into the ear, by the tragus itself, when in use, or by any automatically and/or manually operated actuating means.

The internal force I forces a second end 2b of the outer body 2 towards a second end 3b of the inner body 3, such that a closing angle al between the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 is al>0° when the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 are in the closed position PI. Preferably, the closing angle al is 0°, or substantially 0°, such that the earphone 1 has an as small form factor as possible when not in use.

By means of the external force E, the second end 2b of the outer body 2 is forced away from the second end 3 b of the inner body 3 , the second end 3 b of the inner body comprising the ear bud. The opening angle a2 between the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 is the same as, or preferably larger than, the closing angle al. When the earphone 1 is configured with an opening angle a2, i.e. the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 are in the open position P2, the tragus can be arranged between the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 as shown in Fig. 3.

The connection arrangement 4 allows the opening angle a2 between the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 to be adjusted upon arrangement of the inner body 3 at the second side of the tragus, such that any size tragus can be accommodated between the outer body 2 and the inner body 3. Furthermore, when pushing the inner body 3 into the ear canal, the opening angle a2 will self-adjust. The user doesn’t need to actively select a correct angle.

The outer body 2 may comprise a recess configured to, at least partially, receive the inner body 3 when the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 are in the closed position PI . The recess may accommodate only a section of the inner body 3, as shown in Fig. 4, or the entire inner body 3 such that the inner body 3 is enclosed by the outer body 2 (not shown).

The connecting arrangement 4 may be invisible at least when the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 are in the closed position PI, as shown in Fig. 4, but preferably also when the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 are in an open position P2, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5. At least, the connecting arrangement 4 may be invisible when the tragus is arranged between the outer body 2 and the inner body 3.

The connecting arrangement 4 may comprise a flexible material extending between the first end 2a of the outer body 2 and the first end 3a of the inner body 3, as shown in Fig. 6a. The connecting arrangement 4 may also comprise a torsion spring, e.g. arranged around a connecting pin connecting the first end 2a of the outer body 2 and the first end 3a of the inner body 3, as shown in Fig. 6b. The internal force I may, in other words, be generated by forces within the material of the connecting arrangement 4 or by means of e.g. a spring.

The outer body 2 may comprise at least one microphone, preferably a bone conducting microphone. As shown in Fig. 2, the electronic device 1 gets its support from user’s tragus and the cheekbone. By using a bone conducting microphone, the quality of audio can be significantly improved as the cheekbone is the optimal placement for such a microphone.

The inner body 3 may comprise at least one speaker and/or at least one microphone.

The outer body 2 and/or the inner body 3 may comprise at least one sensor. Sensors may be used to detect accurate sensor data from one or both contact points, i.e. from both sides of the tragus. The sensor(s) may also detect user specific data such as changes in skin conductivity, signaling sweating, or may be optical sensors, detecting blood flow data. As an example, the blood glucose level of the user can be non-invasively measured using a measurement setup where a part of the ear is pinched between two sensing points.

The sensor may be configured to detect when the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 are in at least one of the closed position PI and the open position P2, such that there is no need for additional sensors such as proximity sensors for activation and deactivation of the earphone 1. Detecting/sensing whether the outer body 2 and/or the inner body 3 is/are in the closed position PI, and/or in the open position P2, may be done by measuring stress generated in the connecting arrangement 4 by the internal force I.

The outer body 2 and the inner body 3 may be at least partially rigid, and the connection arrangement 4 may be at least partially flexible. In one embodiment, the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 are of materials having a higher Shore value than a material of the connection arrangement 4, i.e. the connection arrangement 4 may comprise of a soft, bendable material while the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 may comprise harder materials forming housings for other components such as the above-mentioned microphones and speakers. The connection arrangement 4 may adjust at least partially to the shape of the tragus of the user.

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. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Claims

1. An earphone (1) comprising an outer body (2) configured to be arranged at least partially on a first side of a tragus of a user, an inner body (3) configured to be arranged at least partially on a second side of said tragus, and a connecting arrangement (4) configured to pivotally interconnect said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) across said tragus, said connecting arrangement (4) connecting a first end (2a) of said outer body (2) and a first end (3a) of said inner body (3), allowing one of said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) to be pivoted with respect to the other of said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) between a closed position (PI) and at least one open position (P2), said connecting arrangement (4) being pre-loaded by internal force (I) such that said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) are held in said closed position (PI) when unaffected by external force (E), said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) being configured to move from said closed position (PI) to said open position (P2) by application of said external force (E), said external force (E) being oppositely directed to and larger than said internal force (I).

2. The earphone (1) according to claim 1, wherein said internal force (I) forces a second end (2b) of said outer body (2) towards a second end (3b) of said inner body (3), such that a closing angle (al) between said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) is al>0° when said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) are in said closed position (PI), and said external force (E) forces said second end (2b) of said outer body (2) away from said second end (3 b) of said inner body (3), such that an opening angle (a2) between said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) is the same as, or larger than, said closing angle (al), when said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) are in said open position (P2), allowing said tragus to be arranged between said outer body (2) and said inner body (3).

3. The earphone (1) according to claim 2, wherein said connection arrangement (4) allows said opening angle (a2) between said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) to be adjusted upon arrangement of said inner body (3) at said second side of said tragus.

4. The earphone (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said outer body (2) comprises a recess configured to, at least partially, receive said inner body (3) when said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) are in said closed position (PI).

5. The earphone (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said connecting arrangement (4) is invisible at least when said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) are in said closed position (PI).

6. The earphone (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said connecting arrangement (4) comprises a torsion spring or a flexible material extending between said first end (2a) of said outer body (2) and said first end (3a) of said inner body (3).

7. The earphone (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said outer body

(2) comprises at least one microphone, preferably a bone conducting microphone.

8. The earphone (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said inner body

(3) comprises at least one speaker and/or at least one microphone.

9. The earphone (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said outer body (2) and/or said inner body (3) comprises at least one sensor.

10. The earphone (1) according to claim 9, wherein said sensor is configured to non- invasively detect user specific data.

11. The earphone (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said sensor is configured to detect when said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) are in at least one of said closed position (PI) and said open position (P2).

12. The earphone (1) according to claim 11 wherein, whether said outer body (2) and/or said inner body (3) is in said closed position (PI) and/or in said open position (P2), is detected by measuring stress generated in said connecting arrangement (4) by said internal force (I).

13. The earphone (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said outer body

(2) and said inner body (3) are at least partially rigid, and said connection arrangement (4) is at least partially flexible.

14. The earphone (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said outer body (2) and said inner body (3) are of materials having a higher Shore value than a material of said connection arrangement (4).