Microphone device attached to an exterior portion of a vehicle

Abstract

In at least one embodiment, a microphone device for attachment to an exterior portion of a vehicle is provided. The device includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a microphone element, a cover, and a grille cover. The microphone element is located on the PCB. The cover extends over the printed circuit board and defines a first opening to enable ambient sound outside the vehicle to be transmitted to the microphone element. The grille cover is located on the exterior portion of the vehicle, the grille cover defining a plurality of openings for directly receiving the ambient sound and for transmitting the ambient sound to the first opening of the cover and to the microphone element.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 812,096, filed February 28, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The aspects disclosed herein generally relate to external microphone devices, and more specifically, to waterproof and dustproof external microphone devices. In one example, the external microphone device is arranged to withstand the environmental conditions present outside the vehicle. These and other aspects will be discussed in more detail below. Background Technology

[0004] Microphones may need to be mounted on the exterior of the vehicle to support any number of vehicle applications for detecting sounds outside the vehicle. Such microphones may need to be unaffected by various environmental conditions such as wind, rain, and snow. Furthermore, such microphones may be located on "Class A" surfaces on the vehicle's exterior and should provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to vehicle occupants to complement the vehicle's exterior styling. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In at least one embodiment, a microphone device is provided for attachment to an external portion of a vehicle. The device includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a microphone element, a cover, and a grille. The microphone element is located on the PCB. The cover extends above the printed circuit board and defines a first opening to allow ambient sound from outside the vehicle to be transmitted to the microphone element. The grille is located on the external portion of the vehicle and defines a plurality of openings for directly receiving the ambient sound and for transmitting the ambient sound to the first opening of the cover and to the microphone element.

[0006] In at least another embodiment, a microphone device is provided for attachment to an external portion of a vehicle. The device includes a microphone element, a cover, and a grille. The cover extends above the microphone element and defines a first opening to allow ambient sound from outside the vehicle to be transmitted to the microphone element. The grille is located on the external portion of the vehicle and defines a plurality of openings for directly receiving the ambient sound and for transmitting the ambient sound to the first opening of the cover and to the microphone element.

[0007] In at least another embodiment, a microphone device is provided. The device includes a microphone element, a cover, and a grille. The cover extends above the microphone element and defines a first opening to allow ambient sound from outside the vehicle to be transmitted to the microphone element. The grille is located on the bumper of the vehicle and defines a plurality of openings for directly receiving the ambient sound and for transmitting the ambient sound to the first opening of the cover and to the microphone element. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure are specifically pointed out in the appended claims. However, other features of the various embodiments will become more apparent and will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a first external microphone device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 An elevation view of a second external microphone device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0011] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a third external microphone device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0012] Figure 4 An exploded view of a second external microphone device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0013] Figure 5 A top view of the exterior portion of a vehicle, including a second external microphone device located thereon, is shown according to one embodiment; and

[0014] Figure 6 A bottom view of the exterior portion of a vehicle, including a second external microphone device located thereon, is shown according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the invention in different ways.

[0016] It should be understood that directional terms that may be used herein (e.g., “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “top,” “bottom,” etc.) refer only to the orientation of the individual components of the busbar assembly as shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are provided for context and understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0017] Due to the development of autonomous driving in the automotive industry, it has become necessary to detect sounds from outside the vehicle (or the external environment) (i.e., traffic, pedestrians, emergency sirens, etc.). This may require the installation of any number of microphones on the exterior of the vehicle. For proper functioning, microphones must withstand environmental conditions such as wind, water, dust, mud, and ice. External microphone devices disclosed herein are typically arranged to withstand such conditions. Furthermore, the disclosed external microphone devices specifically provide the ability to allow water ingress for the removal or cleaning of debris collected inside or around the device, enabling debris removal to maintain sound signal quality (i.e., proper sound signal detection). These and other aspects will be discussed in more detail below.

[0018] The external microphone device described herein can be attached to the bumper or any other external part of the vehicle. A through-hole for receiving the external microphone can be provided in the vehicle body. The microphone device includes an external grille cover mounted on the vehicle. In one example, the grille cover includes a plurality of holes to minimize the amount of wind noise seen by the microphone at higher vehicle speeds, while the cover has a generally large opening to allow sound to pass through without any acoustic alteration. The microphone element can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) located inside the microphone housing. The openings in the cover allow external sound signals to be transmitted to the microphone element. A diaphragm is mounted on the opposite side of the printed circuit board.

[0019] The diaphragm is mounted on the opposite side of the printed circuit board. The diaphragm protects the microphone from water and dust. The diaphragm can be arranged to protect the microphone element from direct water spray. A grille design protects the microphone element from direct water spray. External microphone equipment can provide vents to allow liquid to pass through to maintain acoustic function. This can be achieved by providing a gap between the grille and the microphone housing. Water and debris can flow through the grille and then be flushed away through the gap. A vent on the microphone element side of the housing allows for pressure release due to climate changes.

[0020] Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a first external microphone device 100 according to one embodiment is shown. Device 100 generally includes a housing 102, a cover 104, and at least one microphone element 106 (hereinafter referred to as "microphone element 106"). Device 100 is generally configured to be mounted to any external part of vehicle 105. For example, device 100 may be located on a front or rear bumper, any door of the vehicle, a side panel or quarter panel of vehicle 105, the roof of vehicle 105, the hood / tailgate / trunk of vehicle 105, etc. It should be appreciated that the portion of vehicle 105 that houses device 100 defines a cavity (not shown) suitable for receiving device 100. Microphone element 106 is generally configured to detect ambient noise outside vehicle 105 and provide the detected ambient noise to any controller (or processor) (not shown) located in or around vehicle 105.

[0021] Housing 102 and cover 104 cooperate to surround microphone element 106. Cover 104 is generally oriented outward from and away from vehicle 105 and into the environment surrounding vehicle 105. In one example, microphone element 106 may be implemented as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone. Cover 104 defines a first opening 108 to allow microphone element 106 to detect audio outside vehicle 105. The first opening 108 allows sound to enter without being distorted before being received by microphone element 106. Grille cover 110 is generally located in front of cover 104. In one example, grille cover 110 may be formed of sheet metal. Grille cover 110 may be axially spaced (or offset) from cover 104. Grille cover 110 and cover 104 generally define a gap 111 between them. The implications of gap 111 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0022] The grille 110 may extend parallel or non-parallel to the cover 104. For example, the grille 110 may be straight. Alternatively, the grille 110 may define at least one plane extending with a certain radius relative to the cover 104. The grille 110 defines a plurality of audio holes 112a-112n to allow audio to enter the first opening 108 for reception by the microphone element 106. The diameter of each audio hole 112 may be, for example, 0.5 mm or less. The grille 110 may include mounting portions 114a and 114b to attach the grille 110 to the cover 104. It should be appreciated that the cover 104 and the mounting portions 114a and 114b may be integrally formed with each other.

[0023] A printed circuit board (PCB) 116 supports a microphone element 106 and includes traces and adhesive for electrical connection to the microphone element 106. The PCB 116 defines a second opening 118 to allow ambient sound passing through a plurality of audio holes 112a-112n and through the first opening 108 to be received by the microphone element 106. A diaphragm 120 is located between the PCB 116 and the cover 104. The diaphragm 120 is generally configured to allow audio to pass through it and enter the second opening 118 for reception by the microphone element 106. In one example, the diaphragm 120 may be constructed from... Or made of any other suitable material.

[0024] The diaphragm 120 is configured to act as a barrier to prevent debris from entering the internal volume of the housing 102 from outside the vehicle 105. For example, the diaphragm 120 protects the microphone element 106 from water and / or dust or other debris. As shown, the microphone element 106 is located on one side of the PCB 116, while the diaphragm 120 is located on the opposite side of the PCB 116. It should be recognized that the diaphragm 120 may need protection against direct water spray (e.g., water exceeding a predetermined pressure is delivered to the diaphragm). Therefore, the grille shroud 110 is generally configured to prevent or reduce the pressure level of fluids exposed to the diaphragm 120.

[0025] It should be recognized that debris may collect within any one or more of the multiple audio holes 112a-112n and / or further within the first opening 108. The user can spray water over the multiple audio holes 112a-112n to remove any debris collected therein. Additionally, the user can spray water over the multiple audio holes 112a-112n to remove any debris collected within the first opening 108. Water (or fluid) and / or debris can drain through the underside of the first opening 108 (e.g., fluid or debris can drain along the inlet where the gap 111 is located). Figure 1 The page flows in the direction of exiting from device 100.

[0026] The housing 102 defines a third opening 122 on its external portion. The third opening 122 is located on one side of the housing 102, which is generally located near the microphone element 106. A ventilation diaphragm 124 is located within a volume defined from the interior of the housing 102 and is also located directly above or on the third opening 122. The ventilation diaphragm 124 provides pressure relief due to climate or atmospheric changes applied to the vehicle 105.

[0027] Figure 2An elevation view of a second external microphone device 100' according to one embodiment is shown. An interface ring 130 may be provided and positioned above at least a portion of a grille cover 110. The interface ring 130 may be flush with an external portion 132 of a vehicle 105. The interface ring 130 may be formed of plastic or other suitable material. As shown, a cover 104 is generally fastened to a housing 102. A fastening retaining member 134 is located on the underside of the vehicle 105 to attach the device 100' to the vehicle 105 (i.e., to a sheet of metal attached to the vehicle 105). A fastening mechanism 136 is provided to attach the device 100' to the fastening retaining member 134. In one example, the fastening mechanism 136 may include a plurality of angled portions and receiving portions that abut against each other to attach the device 100' to the fastening retaining member 134. It should be recognized that the specific arrangement of the fastening mechanism 136 for connecting the device 100' to the fastening retaining member 134 can employ any number of different docking elements other than the angled portion and receiving portion described herein.

[0028] Optionally, a sealing layer 138 may be provided and positioned between the cover 104 and the grille cover 110. In one example, the sealing layer 138 may be formed of foam and shaped as a pad. The sealing layer 138 can prevent vibration between the device 100 and the vehicle 105. The sealing layer 138 generally defines a fourth opening 142 located above the first opening 108, the acoustic diaphragm 120, and the second opening 118. The fourth opening 142 allows external sound to pass through the first opening 108, the acoustic diaphragm 120, the second opening 118, and reach the microphone element 106. The cover 104 defines a fifth opening 143 located above the fourth opening 142. The fifth opening 143 may be shaped as a cone to flatten the frequency response of audio captured by the microphone element 106. An audio processor (or audio controller) (not shown) can process the captured audio from the microphone element 106. The audio processor can process the captured audio without additional computational overhead because the frequency response of the captured audio is flat. Similarly, because the cone provides a flat frequency response, this condition allows the audio processor to receive captured external audio from device 100' at a frequency similar to that of such audio before it was captured by device 100'. The audio processor can reproduce the external audio and provide an output without having to enhance certain aspects of the captured audio. In one example, a gap may be formed between the grille 110 and the sealing layer 138 to allow the user to flush away debris collected within the plurality of audio holes 112a-112n from device 100'.

[0029] Connector assembly 140 is typically located on housing 102 to provide signals indicating detected ambient sounds outside vehicle 105 to audio controller. Audio controller can be configured to perform any number of functions, such as, but not limited to, engine sound generation (e.g., for hybrid or electric vehicles), pedestrian warning, emergency vehicle notification, etc.

[0030] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a third external microphone device 200 according to one embodiment is shown. The third external microphone device 200 includes an external mounting ring 202 surrounding a grille shroud 110. As shown, the external mounting ring 202 can be used instead of a combination... Figure 1 The interface ring 130 is shown. The outer mounting ring 202 includes an extending periphery 204 and a raised wall portion 206. The extending periphery 204 is generally parallel to and below the outer portion 132 of the vehicle 105. The extending periphery 204 contacts a horizontal extension 210 of the outer portion 132, while the raised wall portion 206 contacts a vertical extension 212 of the outer portion 132. Thus, the extending portion 204 and the raised wall portion 206 form an interface between the device 200 and the outer portion 132 of the vehicle 105.

[0031] The grille cover 110 includes an inner diameter 220 surrounded by a raised wall portion 206 of the outer mounting ring 202. The grille cover 110 also includes an extended outer lip 222 located below an extended periphery 204 of the outer mounting ring 202. The grille cover 110 also includes a lower flange portion 224. The lower flange portion 224 generally includes a plurality of flexible locking tongues 226 (see...). Figure 4 The device 200 is used to lock into the locking portion 228 of the fastening retaining member 134. The fastening retaining member 134 can be substantially fixed to the underside of the outer portion 132 of the vehicle 105 and retains the device 200 to the vehicle 105 when the corresponding locking tongue 226 is received and engages with the locking portion 228 of the fastening retaining member 134.

[0032] The inner cover 250 is located below the audio ports 112a-112n of the grille cover 110. The inner cover 250 defines another opening 252 formed in a conical shape. The opening 254 of the inner cover 250 is located above the fifth opening 143 of the cover 104, such that opening 254 and the fifth opening 143 form a single cone to flatten the frequency response of the audio captured by the microphone element 106. Typically, the total length and final outer diameter of the single cone formed by the fourth opening 142 of the cover 104 and the opening 252 of the inner cover 250 are greater than the total length and final outer diameter of the fourth opening 142 of the cover 104 of the device 100. Therefore, the device 200 can provide an additionally flat frequency response compared to the frequency response provided by the device 100'. As described above, because the cone provides a flat frequency response, this condition allows the audio processor to receive captured external audio from the device 200 at frequencies that represent the true frequencies of external sounds, which are actually captured by the device 100'. An audio processor can reproduce external audio and provide output without necessarily enhancing certain aspects of the captured audio. It should be recognized that when device 200 is attached to the underside of the bumper, device 200 is essentially attached to only one side of the bumper. This improves the overall assembly of device 200 to the external portion 132 of vehicle 105.

[0033] Figure 5 A top view is shown of the exterior portion 132 of a vehicle 105, which includes a second external microphone device 200 located thereon, according to one embodiment. Figure 6 A bottom view of the exterior portion 132 of a vehicle 105, including a second external microphone device 200 located thereon, is shown according to one embodiment. As shown, a fastening retaining member 134 is attached to the underside of the exterior portion 132 of the vehicle 105. The fastening retaining member 134 may be secured to the underside of the exterior portion 132 of the vehicle 105 by welding, adhesive, or other suitable fastening mechanism. Figure 6 The locking portion 228 of the fastening retaining member 134 is also shown in a manner that retains the corresponding locking tongue 226 of the grille cover 110. Also shown, the grille cover 110 includes locking portions 260 radially spaced around the lower periphery of the grille cover 110 (see also...). Figure 5 The locking portion 260 engages and retains the lower lip 252 of the connector assembly 140. To assemble the device 200 to the external portion 132 of the vehicle 105, the grille cover 110 is inserted over the connector assembly 140 such that the locking portion 260 engages the lower lip 252 of the connector assembly 140 to retain the grille cover 110 attached to the connector assembly 140. After the locking portion 260 of the grille cover 110 engages the lower lip 252, the locking tongue 226 of the grille cover 110 engages the corresponding locking portion 228 of the fastening retaining member 134, thereby attaching the device 200 to the external portion 132 of the vehicle 105.

[0034] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the terminology used in this specification is descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of various embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A microphone device for attachment to an external part of a vehicle, the device comprising: A printed circuit board, the printed circuit board defining a through-circuit opening; A microphone element, the microphone element being supported by the printed circuit board and extending on a first side of the printed circuit board above an opening in the circuit board; A cover that extends beneath the printed circuit board and defines a first opening to allow ambient sound from outside the vehicle to be transmitted to the microphone element; A diaphragm is located between the first opening of the cover and the printed circuit board, and the diaphragm covers the second side of the printed circuit board, covering the circuit board opening, so that ambient sound can pass through the circuit board opening to reach the microphone element; A grille cover, located on the external portion of the vehicle, defines a plurality of openings for directly receiving ambient sound and for transmitting the ambient sound to a first opening of the cover and to the microphone element. A fastening and retaining member, the fastening and retaining member including at least one locking portion configured to be attached to the underside of an external portion of the vehicle; The at least one locking portion is further configured to engage at least one locking tongue of the grille cover to attach the grille cover to the external portion of the vehicle; and A connector assembly electrically connects the microphone element to an audio controller located in the vehicle; and The grille cover includes a plurality of locking portions that are radially spaced around the lower side of the grille cover for engaging the lower lip of the connector assembly.

2. The microphone device of claim 1, wherein the first opening of the shroud is a cone, the cone being shaped to reduce the frequency response of the ambient sound.

3. The microphone device of claim 2, further comprising an inner cover located between the grille and the cover.

4. The microphone device of claim 3, wherein the inner cover defines a second opening such that ambient sound from outside the vehicle can pass through the second opening and reach the first opening of the cover.

5. The microphone device of claim 4, wherein the second opening is conical and is shaped to work in conjunction with the first opening of the shroud to flatten the frequency response of the ambient sound.

6. The microphone device of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm and the cover are separate from each other.

7. A microphone device for attachment to a vehicle, the device comprising: A microphone element supported by a printed circuit board defining a through-circuit opening, the microphone element extending on a first side of the printed circuit board above the circuit board opening; A cover that extends below the microphone element and defines a first opening to allow ambient sound from outside the vehicle to be transmitted to the microphone element. as well as A diaphragm is located between the first opening of the cover and the printed circuit board, and the diaphragm covers the second side of the printed circuit board, covering the circuit board opening, so that the ambient sound can pass through the circuit board opening to reach the microphone element; A grille cover, located on the vehicle, defines a plurality of openings for directly receiving ambient sound and for transmitting the ambient sound to a first opening of the cover and to the microphone element. A fastening and retaining member, the fastening and retaining member including at least one locking portion configured to be attached to the underside of an external portion of the vehicle; The at least one locking portion is further configured to engage at least one locking tongue of the grille cover to attach the grille cover to the external portion of the vehicle; and A connector assembly that electrically connects the microphone element to an audio controller located in the vehicle; and The grille cover includes a plurality of locking portions that are radially spaced around the lower side of the grille cover for engaging the lower lip of the connector assembly.

8. The microphone device of claim 7, wherein the first opening of the hood is a cone, the cone being shaped to reduce the frequency response of the ambient sound.

9. The microphone device of claim 8, further comprising an inner cover located between the grille and the cover.

10. The microphone device of claim 9, wherein the inner cover defines a second opening such that ambient sound from outside the vehicle can pass through the second opening and reach the first opening of the cover.

11. The microphone device of claim 10, wherein the second opening is conical and is shaped to interact with the first opening of the shroud to flatten the frequency response of the ambient sound.

12. A microphone device, the microphone device comprising: A microphone element located on a printed circuit board defining a through-circuit opening, the microphone element extending on a first side of the printed circuit board above the circuit board opening; A cover that extends below the microphone element and defines a first opening to allow ambient sound from outside the vehicle to be transmitted to the microphone element; A diaphragm is located between the first opening of the cover and the printed circuit board, and the diaphragm covers the second side of the printed circuit board, covering the circuit board opening, so that ambient sound can pass through the circuit board opening to reach the microphone element; A grille cover, located on the bumper of the vehicle, defines a plurality of openings for directly receiving ambient sound and for transmitting the ambient sound to the first opening of the cover and to the microphone element. A fastening and retaining member, the fastening and retaining member including at least one locking portion configured to be attached to the underside of the vehicle; The at least one locking portion is further configured to engage at least one locking tongue of the grille cover to attach the grille cover to the vehicle; and A connector assembly that electrically connects the microphone element to an audio controller located in the vehicle; and The grille cover includes a plurality of locking portions that are radially spaced around the lower side of the grille cover for engaging the connector assembly.

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