Balanced armature receiver diaphragm

Abstract

A balanced armature receiver diaphragm is disclosed. A surround is fastened to multiple surfaces of the diaphragm and may be a silicone-based material. In one implementation, the diaphragm includes a blade that is flexibly coupled to a frame, and the surround covers a gap between the frame and the blade.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to balanced armature receivers and, more particularly, to a diaphragm with an elastomer surround for a balanced armature receiver. Background Art

[0002] Balanced armature receivers (also referred to herein as "acoustic receivers" and "receivers") that convert an electrical input signal into an acoustic output signal are generally known. Such receivers typically include a diaphragm disposed in a receiver housing and dividing its interior into a front volume and a rear volume. A motor including a coil disposed around an armature having a portion movably located between magnets held by a yoke is located in the rear volume. An electrical input signal applied to the coil excites a movable portion of the armature, which is connected to a movable portion of the diaphragm. Movement of the diaphragm causes an acoustic output signal to be emitted from a sound port of the receiver housing.

[0003] The receiver diaphragm typically includes blades flexibly connected to the frame and a suspension element (also referred to herein as a "surround") that covers the gap between the blades and the frame to provide acoustic shielding between the front and rear volumes of the housing. The surround is typically made of polyurethane or other materials that cannot withstand harsh chemical environments or high temperatures (such as reflow soldering temperatures) without degradation. For example, the polyurethane material may absorb water, debris, or chemicals, causing the surround to deteriorate (e.g., separate from the diaphragm, have large holes), while high temperatures may cause the surround to deform or melt. Therefore, there is a need for a more robust receiver diaphragm, and particularly a surround structure for such a diaphragm. Summary of the invention

[0004] One aspect of the present invention relates to clause 1. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm, which comprises: a diaphragm body, which includes a blade; and a surround portion, which is made of an elastomeric material, and is fastened to the blade and to at least two non-parallel surfaces of the diaphragm body, wherein the surround portion extends around a peripheral portion of the blade.

[0005] Clause 2. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of clause 1, wherein the surround is partially secured to the first side surface of the vane and to an outer edge of the vane.

[0006] Clause 3. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 2, wherein the surround portion is secured to a second side surface of the vane opposite the first side surface.

[0007] Item 4. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm according to Item 2, wherein the diaphragm body further comprises a frame arranged around the peripheral portion of the blade and a hinge flexibly connecting the blade to the frame, and the surround portion is fastened to two non-parallel surfaces of the frame and covers the gap between the peripheral portion of the blade and the frame.

[0008] Clause 5. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm as recited in Clause 4, wherein the hinge comprises a portion of the surround portion interconnecting the blade and the frame, and wherein the surround portion provides a majority of the stiffness of the hinge.

[0009] Clause 6. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm according to clause 1, wherein the diaphragm body further comprises a frame arranged around the peripheral portion of the blade and a hinge flexibly connecting the blade to the frame, and the surround portion is fastened to two non-parallel surfaces of the frame and only one surface of the blade.

[0010] Clause 7. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 1, wherein the surround portion comprises a silicone material.

[0011] Clause 8. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 2, wherein the surround portion includes a thick peripheral portion forming a frame disposed about the perimeter portion of the blade.

[0012] Item 9. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the balanced armature receiver diaphragm is combined with the following items: a shell, the shell having an interior and a sound port, wherein the balanced armature receiver diaphragm is arranged in the shell and divides the interior into a back cavity volume and a front cavity volume acoustically connected to the sound port; a motor, the motor is arranged in the back cavity volume, the motor includes a coil, an armature and a magnet adjacent to the armature, wherein a portion of the armature is free to move relative to the magnet in response to an excitation signal applied to the coil; and a drive rod, the drive rod interconnecting the armature and the blade, wherein when the armature is deflected, the blade moves relative to the frame.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention relates to clause 10. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm, comprising: a diaphragm body, the diaphragm body comprising a blade, a frame arranged around a peripheral portion of the blade, and a hinge that flexibly connects the blade to the frame; and a surround portion, the surround portion being made of an elastomeric material, the surround portion being fastened to the blade and to the frame, the surround portion covering a gap between the frame and the peripheral portion of the blade, wherein a portion of the surround portion forms the hinge.

[0014] Clause 11. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm as recited in Clause 10, wherein the portion of the surround portion forming the hinge is sized to have a greater stiffness than other portions of the surround portion.

[0015] Clause 12. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 11, wherein the surround portion is secured to the first side surface of the vane and to an outer edge of the vane.

[0016] Clause 13. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 12, wherein the surround portion is secured to a second side surface of the vane opposite the first side surface.

[0017] Clause 14. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 12, wherein the surround portion is secured to two non-parallel surfaces of the frame.

[0018] Clause 15. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 11, wherein the surround portion is secured to two non-parallel surfaces of the frame and only one surface of the vane.

[0019] Clause 16. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 10, wherein the surround portion has a non-flat cross-sectional profile having a non-uniform thickness.

[0020] Clause 17. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 11, wherein the surround portion forms the frame disposed about the perimeter portion of the blade.

[0021] Clause 18. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 11, wherein the surround portion comprises a silicone material.

[0022] Clause 19. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of Clause 11, wherein the surround portion is adapted to function as an extension of the vane.

[0023] Clause 20. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm according to any one of clauses 10 to 19, the balanced armature receiver diaphragm being combined with: a shell having an interior and a sound port, wherein the balanced armature receiver diaphragm is disposed in the shell and divides the interior into a rear cavity volume and a front cavity volume acoustically connected to the sound port; a motor disposed in the rear cavity volume, the motor comprising a coil, an armature and a magnet adjacent to the armature, wherein a portion of the armature is free to move relative to the magnet in response to an excitation signal applied to the coil; and a drive rod interconnecting the armature and the blade, wherein the blade moves relative to the frame when the armature is deflected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure is described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like components:

[0025] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of an acoustic receiver;

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a one-piece diaphragm body without an elastomeric surround covering a gap between the blades and the frame;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a diaphragm including an elastomeric surround having a configuration;

[0028] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the diaphragm along line AA;

[0029] Figures 5 to 12 are partial cross-sectional views of elastomeric surrounds having different configurations;

[0030] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a diaphragm including an elastomeric surround having another configuration;

[0031] Fig.14 is along Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the diaphragm along line BB;

[0032] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a diaphragm including an elastomeric surround having yet another configuration;

[0033] Fig.16 is a perspective view of a diaphragm including an elastomeric surround having yet another configuration;

[0034] Fig.17 is along Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the diaphragm along line CC;

[0035] Fig.18 is along Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the diaphragm along line DD;

[0036] Fig.19 is a top view of a diaphragm including an elastomeric surround having another configuration;

[0037] Fig. 20 is along Fig.19 A cross-sectional view of the diaphragm along line EE;

[0038] Fig.21 is a perspective view of a diaphragm including an elastomeric surround having yet another configuration;

[0039] Fig. 22 is along Fig.21 A cross-sectional view of the diaphragm along line FF;

[0040] Fig.23 is along Fig.21 A cross-sectional view of the diaphragm along line GG;

[0041] Fig.24 is a perspective view of a diaphragm including an elastomeric surround having yet another configuration;

[0042] Fig.25 is along Fig.24 A cross-sectional view of the diaphragm along line HH in FIG.

[0043] Fig.26 is along Fig.24 A cross-sectional view of the diaphragm along line II in FIG.

[0044] Figure 27 to Figure 28 is a partial cross-sectional view of an elastomeric surround having a different configuration secured to a portion of a diaphragm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a diaphragm for a balanced armature receiver includes a diaphragm body having a blade. A surround portion made of an elastomeric material is fastened to the blade and extends around a peripheral portion of the blade. The surround portion is also fastened to at least two non-parallel surfaces of the diaphragm body. In one example, the surround portion is fastened to a first side surface of the blade and to an outer edge of the blade. In another example, the surround portion is fastened to a second side surface of the blade opposite to the first side surface. In another example, the surround portion is fastened to the first side surface adjacent to the outer edge, and a central portion of the first side surface is free of surround material.

[0046] In some embodiments, the diaphragm body includes a frame arranged around a peripheral portion of the blade and a hinge that flexibly connects the blade to the frame. In one example, the surround portion is fastened to two non-parallel surfaces of the frame and covers the gap between the frame and the peripheral portion of the blade. In another example, the surround portion is fastened to two non-parallel surfaces of the frame and only one surface of the blade. In some embodiments, a portion of the surround portion forms a hinge that interconnects the blade and the frame. In certain embodiments, the surround portion forms a frame arranged around a peripheral portion of the blade.

[0047] In various embodiments, the surround portion comprises a non-flat cross-sectional profile having a non-uniform thickness.In other embodiments, the surround portion is adapted to serve as an attachment point for a drive rod and / or as an extension of a blade.

[0048] Acoustic receivers are used in various hearing devices such as hearing aids, headphones, hearables, earplugs, etc. Figure 1 , a cross section of an acoustic receiver 100 includes a housing 102 having an interior 104 and a sound port 106. A diaphragm 108 is disposed in the housing and divides the interior into a rear volume 110 and a front volume 112 that are acoustically coupled to the sound port. A motor 114 is disposed in the rear volume and includes a coil 116, an armature 118, and a magnet 120 adjacent to the armature. A drive rod 122 interconnects the armature and the diaphragm. A portion of the armature is free to move relative to the magnet in response to an excitation signal applied to the coil. The movable portion of the armature moves the drive rod, which in turn moves the diaphragm, thereby emitting sound from the front volume.

[0049] The diaphragm body may include a single unassembled component or an assembly formed as separate parts. The diaphragm may be constructed using any suitable technique, such as stamping, wiring, etching, 3D printing, etc. The diaphragm is mounted in the acoustic receiver (e.g., mounted on a shelf of the housing) by gluing, friction fit, vertical clamping, or any other suitable mechanism. The diaphragm body or at least the blades are made of a material that provides sufficient rigidity to perform as intended (e.g., aluminum, copper, carbon fiber, etc.).

[0050] According to various embodiments, the diaphragm includes a diaphragm body having movable blades. Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 13 to 28 , a diaphragm body 202 including a blade 204 is shown. Ribs 206 may be provided on the blade to strengthen the blade and reduce resonance in the audible range. The ribs may be provided in an upward direction, such as Figures 2 to 4 , Figures 13 to 15 and Figures 19 to 26 As shown, or the ribs may be provided in a downward direction, as Figures 16 to 18 The ribs are typically rectangular in shape, but other shapes (e.g., trapezoidal) are also contemplated (see Fig.19 ). In some embodiments, the blades are flat and do not include any ribs.

[0051] like Figures 2 to 3 , Fig.13 , Figure 15 to Figure 16 , Figures 19 to 21 and Fig.24 As shown, the blade includes an attachment point 208 (e.g., a hole) located near the end of the blade where the blade will be coupled to the drive rod by glue deposited in the hole. In other implementations, the attachment point can be located anywhere on the blade. Figure 21 to Figure 23 In the embodiment, the attachment point is located on the rib. In addition, the attachment point does not need to protrude through the blade. For example, in Fig.15 In the embodiment, the attachment point only extends partially into the blade, but the hole is deep enough to allow the drive rod to be fastened to the blade by glue.

[0052] In some embodiments, the diaphragm body includes a frame flexibly coupled to the blades, wherein the gap is located between the blades and the frame. Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 13 to 20 In the embodiment, the frame 210 is disposed around the perimeter portion of the blade. A generally U-shaped gap 212 separates the perimeter portion of the blade from the frame. After being coupled to the drive rod, the blade moves relative to the frame when the armature is deflected. In some embodiments, the diaphragm body does not include Figures 21 to 28 The framework shown.

[0053] In embodiments where a frame is present, the blades are flexibly coupled to the frame by hinges. Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 13 to 20 In the embodiment, hinges 214 connect the blades to the frame. Figure 2 As shown, the hinge may include hinge members 215, 216 that are cantilever hinge members disposed along a single side of the blade. In other embodiments, the hinge members are torsion hinge members that form torsion hinges disposed on opposite sides of the blade. In some examples, the frame, blades, and hinges are formed from a single piece of material, such as metal, carbon fiber composites, or other materials having suitable stiffness.

[0054] The diaphragm also includes a surround disposed around the perimeter of the blade. In an implementation including a frame, the surround covers a gap between the blade and the frame. In an implementation without a frame, the surround covers a gap between the blade and a side wall of the receiver housing. The surround forms an acoustic seal between the front and rear volumes of the housing.

[0055] The surround is formed of a material selected to meet desired performance specifications, including mechanical compliance, thermal properties, resistance to chemicals (e.g., solvents), etc. The surround is made of an elastomeric material, which may include silicone, siloxane, siloxane copolymers, grafted siloxanes, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), natural and synthetic rubbers, polyurethanes, ethylene vinyl copolymers (EVAL), n-butyl acrylate / PMMA copolymers, ethylene propylene diene copolymers (EPDM), styrene-butadiene copolymers, and other suitable materials.

[0056] Silicone-based surrounds can be used in applications that require resistance to high temperatures or harsh chemicals. Additives can be added to improve these properties. For example, silicones can withstand temperatures up to 255°C or higher without significant degradation, allowing reflow soldering of the acoustic receiver to a host device (e.g., a printed circuit board). Surface treatments can be used to enhance the bond of the silicone material to the diaphragm body. For example, the diaphragm body or a bonding agent (e.g., a metal oxide such as silicon oxide, a primer, or an adhesive) can be exposed to an accelerator, plasma, or other treatment that will enhance the bond between the silicone and the diaphragm body.

[0057] In various diaphragm embodiments described herein, the surround can be fastened to the diaphragm or a portion thereof (e.g., a blade) by insert molding, overmolding, or other packaging or assembly processes. In the case where the diaphragm is made of metal, insert molding of an elastomeric material onto the metal diaphragm can produce a high temperature resistant mechanical elastic joint. Textures or specific surface finishes can be used in the diaphragm body to further facilitate the mechanical fastening of the surround. In some embodiments, the surround is adapted to serve as an attachment point for a drive rod.

[0058] exist Figure 3 to Figure 4 and Figures 13 to 28 In the embodiment, the surround portion 302 is directly fastened to the diaphragm. Thus, the surround portion is fastened to at least two non-parallel surfaces of the diaphragm body. Thus, the surround portion is fastened to at least two non-parallel surfaces of the frame and at least two non-parallel surfaces of the blade. The surround portion extends around the peripheral portion of the blade and covers the gap between the peripheral portion of the blade and the frame. The surround portion also covers the hinge, such as Fig.18 and Fig. 20 In some embodiments, a portion of the surround portion may form a hinge having a greater stiffness than other portions of the surround portion.

[0059] Figure 4 , Fig.14 , Fig.25 and Fig.26A surround portion configured to be attached to a blade, a frame, or both on three sides is shown. Specifically, the surround portion is fastened to three surfaces of the blade to form a U-shaped interface 402 with the blade, such as a groove configured to receive the edge of the blade. The U-shaped interface 402 includes a top 404 fastened to an upper (or first side) surface 406 of the blade, a bottom 408 fastened to a lower (or second side) surface 410 of the blade, and a side 412 fastened to a side wall (or outer edge) 414 of the blade. The surround portion is also fastened to three surfaces of the frame to form a U-shaped interface 422 with the frame, such as a groove portion configured to receive the edge of the frame. The U-shaped interface 422 includes a top 424 fastened to an upper surface 426 of the frame, a bottom 428 fastened to a lower surface 430 of the frame, and a side 432 fastened to a side wall 434 of the frame.

[0060] exist Figure 3 to Figure 4 In the embodiment, the central portion of the upper surface of the blade is free of surround material. That is, the surround portion has no extended covering ribs. This can help to reduce the mass of the blade and improve the high frequency response of the acoustic receiver. Figures 13 to 15 In some of the embodiments shown, the surround portion extends to cover the entire rib. In other embodiments, the surround portion covers the entire surface of the diaphragm body.

[0061] Figures 5 to 12 Variations of the cross-sectional profile of the surround portion are shown. The cross-sectional profile is non-flat and has various shapes, such as tubular ( Figures 5 to 7 and Figures 10 to 12 ), round( Figure 8 ) or triangle ( Fig. 9 ). Other shapes or geometries are also contemplated. Figures 5 to 11 The cross-sectional profile in shows a surround portion configured for attachment on both sides to form an interface 502 with the blade and an interface 512 with the frame. Figure 5 and Figures 7 to 10 In the illustrated embodiment, interface 502 has a top 504 secured to blade upper surface 406 and a top overhang 506 secured to blade sidewall 414. Similarly, interface 512 has a top 514 secured to frame upper surface 426 and a top overhang 516 secured to frame sidewall 434.

[0062] exist Figure 6 , interface 502 has a bottom 602 secured to lower surface 410 of the blade and a bottom overhang 604 secured to side wall 414 of the blade. Similarly, interface 512 has a bottom 606 secured to lower surface 430 of the frame and a bottom overhang 608 secured to side wall 434 of the frame.

[0063] exist Fig.11, the surround portion is secured to form an L-shaped interface 1102 with the blade, the L-shaped interface 1102 including a bottom portion 1104 secured to the lower surface 410 of the blade and a side portion 1106 secured to the side wall 414 of the blade. In some embodiments, the L-shaped interface 1102 may be inverted to have a top portion secured to the upper surface of the blade (see Fig.18 ). Fig.12 The surround portion is shown fastened to only one surface of the blade and only one surface of the frame. For example, the surround portion has a portion 1202 fastened to the upper surface 406 of the blade and a portion 1204 fastened to the upper surface 426 of the frame. In other embodiments, the surround portion can be fastened to adhere to two non-parallel surfaces of the frame and only one surface of the blade.

[0064] In various surround embodiments described herein, the surround portion may have a variable cross-sectional thickness. For example, the cross-sectional profile of the surround portion may have a non-uniform thickness, such as Figure 5 As shown, the side sections 520, 522 are thicker than the top section 524. As an example, the cross-sectional profile of the surround portion may have a Figure 7 The uniform thickness shown, wherein the thickness of the side sections 720, 722 is equal to the thickness of the top section 724. Figure 8 In FIG. 8 , there is a notch 802. The notch is an example of a localized thickness reduction, which helps to compensate for stiffness caused by bending or stretching of the surround portion during movement of the blade.

[0065] exist Figure 6 In other embodiments, the interfaces 502, 512 have relatively thick portions that are relatively stiff due to their thickness, so that the interfaces 502, 512 expand the effective surface area of ​​the blade.

[0066] In some embodiments (examples of which are in Fig.19 and Fig. 20 ), the surround portion has a tapered profile, wherein the width and / or height of the surround portion narrows / decreases at the hinge. The portion of the surround near the hinge may have a smaller height dimension than the portion of the surround away from the hinge, because the blade moves less near the hinge than away from the hinge. In general, the width and / or height of the surround portion may be increased or decreased near the hinge as desired.

[0067] exist Figures 21 to 28 In the illustrated embodiment, the diaphragm body does not include a frame and the surround portion is secured to the blade along at least two non-parallel surfaces of the blade. The surround portion forms a hinge 214 and is configured to provide the primary stiffness to the hinge, wherein the hinge has a greater stiffness than other portions of the surround portion. Figure 21 to Figure 23In the embodiment, the surround part forms a frame arranged around the perimeter of the blade. Figure 24 to Figure 26 In the embodiment, a ring structure 2402 made of metal or plastic material is used as a frame, wherein the surround is partially connected to the ring structure.

[0068] like Figure 21 to Figure 23 As shown, the surround part includes a blade segment 2202 connected to the blade interface and a relatively hard outer segment 2204 used as a frame and hinge. The blade segment 2202 is U-shaped, and the U-shape has a top 2206 fastened to the upper surface of the blade, a bottom 2208 fastened to the lower surface of the blade, and a side 2210 fastened to the side wall of the blade. In these and other embodiments described herein, the top and bottom of the blade segment can be molded to have a radius. The thickness of the top, bottom and side of the blade segment can be increased to increase rigidity and be suitable for use as an extension of the blade. Optionally, the outer segment of the surround part has an angled wall 2212 to allow a larger mounting surface area to be engaged in the receiver housing in an implementation method that is advantageous in the additional mounting area. When the diaphragm is assembled and installed with the receiver housing (e.g., via adhesive, friction fit, etc.), a small perforation 2214 can be made in the surround part to form an atmospheric pressure equalization vent between the front cavity volume and the rear cavity volume.

[0069] exist Figure 24 to Figure 26 In the embodiment of the present invention, the surround part is connected to the ring structure used as a frame. The surround part is arranged below the blade. In this way, the surround part is shaped to conform to the contour of the blade by having a rib section 2502 that is fastened to the rib on the blade. The surround part can be connected to the ring structure via a U-shaped interface 2504, such as Fig.25 and Fig.26 shown.

[0070] Figure 27 to Figure 28 Variations of the cross-sectional profile of the surround portion when the surround portion forms a frame are shown. As shown, the surround portion includes a thicker peripheral portion that forms a frame arranged around the perimeter of the blade. The thicker peripheral portion can interface with and be fastened to a portion of the shell, wherein the contoured portion of the surround couples the blade and the peripheral portion forming the frame. The blade segment of the surround portion is fastened to at least two surfaces of the blade. Other attachment schemes are also contemplated. As desired, the outer segment forming the frame can have a non-uniform thickness ( Fig. 27 ) or uniform thickness ( Fig.28 ).

[0071] While the present disclosure and what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof has been described in a manner that establishes ownership by the inventors and enables one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use it, it will be understood and appreciated that there are many equivalents to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, and that various modifications and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, and that these modifications and variations are not limited to the exemplary embodiments, but rather are limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm, the balanced armature receiver diaphragm comprising: An unassembled one-piece diaphragm body comprising: a blade; a frame separated from the blade by a gap and disposed at least partially around a perimeter of the blade; and a hinge comprising at least two hinge portions separated by a portion of the gap, the hinge interconnecting the blade and the frame near an end of the blade; and a surround comprising an elastomeric material, the surround extending across the gap and flexibly interconnecting the blades and the frame, the surround being secured to at least two non-parallel surfaces of the unassembled one-piece diaphragm body, wherein a portion of the surround extending across the portion of the gap between the at least two hinge portions has a greater stiffness than other portions of the surround.

2. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm according to claim 1, wherein: The surround is fastened to the first side surface of the blade and to the outer edge of the blade.

3. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm according to claim 2, wherein: The surround is also fastened to a second side surface of the blade opposite the first side surface.

4. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 1, wherein: The hinge further includes a portion of the surround extending across the portion of the gap between the at least two hinge portions.

5. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 1, wherein: The surround is fastened to two non-parallel surfaces of the frame and to only one surface of the blade.

6. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 1, wherein: The surround comprises a silicone material.

7. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 6 in combination with: A housing having an interior and a sound port, wherein The balanced armature receiver diaphragm is disposed in the housing and divides the interior into a rear cavity volume and a front cavity volume acoustically coupled to the sound port; a motor disposed in the rear cavity volume, the motor comprising a coil, an armature, and a magnet adjacent the armature, wherein a portion of the armature is free to move relative to the magnet in response to an excitation signal applied to the coil; and A drive rod interconnects the armature and the blade, wherein the blade moves relative to the frame when the armature is deflected.

8. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 1, wherein: The blade includes a drive rod attachment hole, and a surface of the blade adjacent to the drive rod attachment hole is free of the elastomeric material.

9. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 1, wherein: The surround is a molded elastomeric material.

10. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm, the balanced armature receiver diaphragm comprising: A diaphragm body, wherein the diaphragm body includes blades; as well as A surround member, the surround member comprising an elastomeric material, the surround member being secured to the blade, the surround member comprising: a structural frame portion, the structural frame portion being arranged around the perimeter of the blade and being separated from the perimeter of the blade by a gap; a flexible surround, the flexible surround extending across the gap; and a hinge, the hinge flexibly connecting the blade to the structural frame portion at the end of the blade, wherein the structural frame portion, the flexible surround and the hinge are substantially composed of the elastomeric material.

11. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 10, wherein: The structural frame portion of the surround member is more rigid than the flexible surround extending across the gap.

12. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 10, wherein: A portion of the surround member forming the hinge has greater stiffness than other portions of the surround member.

13. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 10, wherein: The surround member is secured to the first side surface of the blade and to the outer edge of the blade.

14. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 13, wherein: The surround member is also secured to a second side surface of the blade opposite the first side surface.

15. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 10, wherein: The flexible surround extending across the gap has a non-flat cross-sectional profile.

16. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 10, wherein: The surround member includes a silicone material.

17. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 10, wherein: A portion of the surround member is adapted to function as an extension of the blade.

18. A balanced armature receiver diaphragm according to any one of claims 10 to 17, in combination with: A housing having an interior and a sound port, wherein The balanced armature receiver diaphragm is disposed in the housing and divides the interior into a rear cavity volume and a front cavity volume acoustically coupled to the sound port; a motor disposed in the rear cavity volume, the motor comprising a coil, an armature, and a magnet adjacent the armature, wherein a portion of the armature is free to move relative to the magnet in response to an excitation signal applied to the coil; and A drive rod interconnects the armature and the blade, wherein the blade moves relative to the frame when the armature is deflected.

19. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 10, wherein: The blade includes a drive rod attachment hole, and a surface of the blade adjacent to the drive rod attachment hole is free of the elastomeric material.

20. The balanced armature receiver diaphragm of claim 10, wherein: The surround member is a molded elastomeric material.

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